Euro 2024 reflects a value that UEFA has pursued for many years: developing average football in Europe, bringing the level of teams participating in continental tournaments closer together.
Slovenia (left) played brilliantly in the first two matches even though few people paid attention - Photo: REUTERS
The performances were great
There are many reasons to make this assessment, from the value of the squad to past performance. Georgia is participating in the Euro for the first time, Slovenia is participating in the tournament for the second time - and 24 years after the first time. Romania - a former power of European football - has also declined a lot in the past 10 years. In 2016, they left the Euro with 1 point after 3 group matches. But after the first match, Romania was the team that created the biggest surprise when they defeated Ukraine - ranked in a fairly strong group at Euro 2024 - with a score of 3-0. Slovakia, Slovenia and Albania all got points. Although Georgia lost to Türkiye, they brought a match that was considered the most attractive in the first round. Don't be surprised if tonight, Georgia will get 1 point, or even defeat the Czech Republic. In terms of football tradition, Georgia may not be as good as its opponent. But in terms of stars, the Czechs are the underdogs at the moment. Along with that is the fiery fighting spirit of Georgia in their first time participating in Euro.
Romania team at Euro 2024 - Photo: REUTERS
The fruits of UEFA's continuous reform
There are many reasons behind the strong rise of average football teams at Euro 2024. First, the competition format was changed in 2016 and quickly became effective. When the Euro was 16 teams, the knockout round started from the quarter-finals and only 8 teams got tickets to the group stage (the rate of going on was 50%). But when it increased to 24 teams, the tournament added a round of 16, and the rate of going on was 67%. Even after losing the first 2 matches, an average team still dreams of getting through the group stage. And when the goal becomes clear, they play more comfortably and with more determination. Romania, Georgia and Slovenia not only play well but also play beautifully. They boldly attack strong opponents directly. Slovenia had 22 shots in 2 matches against Denmark and Serbia. If they were luckier, they would have had 4 points and secured a ticket to the next round. Luka Jovic's last-second goal (Serbia) only gave Slovenia 2 points. But with what is happening, why should Slovenia be afraid of England in the final round? The national team is considered the tip of a football foundation. And the change in the Euro format only created the final catalyst. Furthermore, football foundations in Europe have become closer in recent years thanks to a series of reforms by UEFA in the format of the Champions League, Europa League and the Conference League - a tournament that was born a few years ago. In the past 10 years, European fans have sometimes complained about the increasing number of unfamiliar clubs participating in the Champions League group stage. That is the result of UEFA making many changes in the play-off format. Representatives of strong football foundations get tickets directly to the group stage, creating conditions for the play-off to become a competition between average and good football foundations. It increases the chances for clubs from Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia... For example, Slovenia's Maribor won a ticket to the Champions League group stage for the first time in 2014. That was an important milestone for the development of Slovenian football. The birth of the Conference League (club level) or the UEFA Nations League (national team level) can make big football teams feel annoyed. But small football teams have more opportunities to compete. And above all, there is the financial issue. Qarabag, a team that mostly stopped in the Champions League play-off round of Azerbaijan, received 11 million euros for this season. They are ranked 50th in terms of money distributed by UEFA in the continental arena. 10 years ago, that was an unimaginable number for this small club. The Euro is starting quite attractively, not thanks to the expensive stars of England, France or Portugal, but from the strong runs of teams considered "underdogs".Early "final" of group F
The Türkiye-Portugal match will take place at 11pm on June 22 (Vietnam time). This is considered the "early final" of Group F, when both teams have superior strength and won all 3 points in the first round. If Turkey plays quite well, Portugal has many worries. Their main stars Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Leao, Bruno Fernandes all played poorly in the hard-fought victory over the Czech Republic. Coach Roberto Martinez will most likely keep the same starting lineup in this match, but his students need to perform differently.Tuoitre.vn
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/euro-2024-khong-con-doi-lot-duong-2024062208592137.htm
Comment (0)