Euro 2024 is over. The match in Germany ended with Spain beating England 2-1 to elevate the trophy and cement their place in historical past,
We requested ESPN FC’s writers what they manufactured from issues all through the month and what their highlights have been.
Sum up your Euro 2024 expertise
Marcotti: Lastly, soccer is again. We hadn’t had this since 2016: a match performed in a single nation that loves the sport, with loads of travelling followers. Danke, Deutschland! There was little or no off-the-pitch controversy, not a lot refereeing controversy, stuff usually labored effectively and the folks had been welcoming. Might the soccer have been higher? Sure, in case your benchmark is the Champions League. No, when you perceive that tournaments like these are all about video games that cling within the steadiness till the ultimate moments. You are right here for the drama, for the colour, for the followers … not for the flowery patterns of play or techniques gurus. In Spain, we additionally had a worthy winner, which is necessary. The truth that the opposite three semifinalists rode their luck and usually performed subpar soccer was barely annoying, however, hey, they did not win.
Ogden: It felt like Germany is the right host nation for a soccer match. Straightforward to get to — eight of the 24 competing groups share a border with Germany — and simple to get round. Sure, among the trains have been late, however they run just about all night time, so everybody can get virtually wherever in time for breakfast. Stadiums have been full, 99.9% of followers have been effectively behaved, groups like Georgia, Albania and Turkey have stunned us and proven why worldwide soccer issues. And the truth that some huge groups and star gamers have flopped is an efficient factor — not like the highest finish of the membership sport, the place the identical groups and gamers win on a regular basis, a little bit of vulnerability is nice for the sport as an entire.
Olley: I want I would travelled with Oggy. My practice expertise was not good: common delays, scheduled trains merely evaporating into skinny air. One video I posted on X from Gelsenkirchen — displaying England and Serbia followers desperately attempting to get away from the practice station three hours after full-time — triggered a debate within the feedback concerning the state of German politics over the past 18 years and what many see as a power lack of funding. Gelsenkirchen simply should not host a giant match sport once more, that a lot is obvious, however as the blokes have stated, full stadiums, vibrant atmospheres and a give attention to the soccer after all the off-field issues from Qatar, the final Euros (COVID-19) and 2018 in Russia (terrorism/political controversy) was a refreshing change.
Laurens: I cherished the predictability and unpredictability of the match. We knew Germany would do an incredible job organising it; we knew there could be some nice participant tales (Spain’s Lamine Yamal, Turkey’s Arda Güler, Germany‘s Jamal Musiala, Georgia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili); and workforce ones (Georgia, Turkey, Slovakia); we knew Italy had been poor; we knew Domenico Tedesco could be unhealthy as Belgium head coach; we knew France boss Didier Deschamps would play defensive soccer (albeit not that a lot.) But additionally we did not know that Spain and Luis de la Fuente could be that good; we did not know England would wish a 94th-minute equaliser to get previous the spherical of 16; and we did not know that most of the superstars — like Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku — wouldn’t shine.
Marsden: It has been superb to see the colour introduced by the followers of assorted nations: Croatia, Romania, Albania, Turkey, Georgia and Scotland, amongst others … all had unimaginable help within the nation all through the group stage. There was a celebration environment right here, after a number of tournaments with much less fan involvement, for varied causes, and comparatively little bother contemplating. Düsseldorf and the town’s Outdated City, filled with 260 bars in half a sq. kilometre, was particularly energetic. One (self-centered journalist) gripe: I want followers would cease throwing beer within the air because it drenched my laptop computer. On the pitch, I used to be lucky to observe Spain from begin to end and to witness Yamal proceed to develop has felt like a seminal second.
2:36
How ‘unimaginable’ Turkey shocked Austria at Euro 2024
Craig Burley reacts to Turkey’s 2-1 win over Austria within the spherical of 16 at Euro 2024.
Finest match
Olley: It’s in all probability solely proper to select a sport you had been at for this, is not it? Primarily based on that, I am going to go for Netherlands 1-2 England. Gareth Southgate’s aspect, lastly, got here alive within the first half and each groups tried to take the initiative. The second half was a stalemate prompted by Ronald Koeman‘s change of form however the sport nonetheless delivered a shocking denouement with Ollie Watkins‘ sensible late winner.
Marsden: Spain had been concerned in the perfect matches as a result of they performed the perfect soccer. The Germany, France and England video games had been all sensible for various causes. The quarterfinal win over hosts Germany was in all probability probably the most tense; Julian Nagelsmann’s aspect fought their approach again into the sport and had arguably been the higher aspect in additional time when Mikel Merino netted a last-minute winner. It was an incredible second.
Marcotti: For the drama, Turkey 2-1 Austria; for the ability Spain 2-1 France. Turkey vs. Austria — with the early purpose, Austrians operating themselves into the bottom, Güler and Kenan Yildiz displaying us age was only a quantity and the loopy ending — goalkeeper Mert Günok‘s stoppage-time save — was one thing else. And whereas France weren’t nice within the match, there may be a lot sheer expertise within the squad that there’s at all times a lot to understand.
Ogden: Spain 2-1 Germany was a traditional encounter within the quarterfinals and it marked a shift in gear for the match as an entire. It felt just like the day when Euro 2024 bought critical as a result of one of many potential winners was out. It occurred to be Germany, the host nation, however they went down combating and confirmed some actual high quality.
Laurens: I might say Spain 1-0 Italy in Gelsenkirchen within the group stage. I noticed a lot that night time: how good Spain had been as a workforce; the perfect particular person efficiency of the competitors so removed from Nico Williams; affirmation of what I believed concerning the poor degree of Italy; and an incredible stadium. Not in particular person, I cherished Georgia’s 2-0 win over a much-changed Portugal aspect, that means they made historical past and certified for the spherical of 16. I used to be so blissful for Georgia coach Willy Sagnol, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was nice, whereas Ronaldo’s insistence on enjoying a lot confirmed his frustration and Roberto Martinez’s weak spot as a supervisor.
0:56
Is Euro 2024 Lamine Yamal’s breakout match?
Sam Marsden is impressed by the maturity proven from the Spanish starlet, who turns 17 the day earlier than the Euro 2024 closing.
Finest purpose
Laurens: In particular person, there is no such thing as a doubt that it’s Lamine Yamal‘s purpose for Spain in opposition to France. From the place I used to be standing, I could see it perfectly. The best way the 16-year-old dropped his shoulder to actually drop France midfielder Adrien Rabiot after which curl the ball dwelling. On TV, I favored Güler’s for Turkey in opposition to Georgia. It was a unique sort of roller than Yamal’s, as he was not one-on-one with an opponent earlier than his strike, but it surely was nonetheless nice.
Marsden: Contemplating high quality, significance and in-person expertise, it needs to be Yamal’s. What made it even higher was the actual fact he scored nearly the very same purpose, additionally in opposition to France, in final yr’s U17 Euros. Additionally, not essentially for high quality (though the Georgia counter-attack was a factor of ragged magnificence), however for sheer that means and an explosion of pleasure among the many supporters, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s opener in opposition to Portugal was particular. What a noise in Gelsenkirchen.
Marcotti: I am guessing everyone will decide Yamal’s … honest sufficient. However I wish to give honorable mentions to England’s Jude Bellingham for his overhead kick vs. Slovakia and Turkey’s Merih Demiral for leaping out of the stadium to attain a header vs. Austria.
Ogden: I am going for the Watkins’ purpose for England in opposition to Netherlands — for the build-up play from Cole Palmer, the medical end, and sheer magnitude of the purpose itself. A stoppage-time winner to take your nation in a significant closing? Wow! But additionally do not underestimate the standard of the end. Watkins acquired the ball, turned and despatched the ball into the far nook in a single transfer. It was a world-class end, a real striker’s purpose, in a match that has been brief on traditional striker motion.
Olley: Yamal’s was magnificent however I am going to go for one I noticed reside: Bellingham’s bicycle kick in opposition to Slovakia. Oggy mentions the magnitude of Watkins’ purpose but it surely would not occur with out Bellingham’s late intervention within the spherical of 16. England had been terrible, coach Gareth Southgate was in all probability excited about the exact phrases he would select to step down and the followers had been on the point of mutiny. Then, out of nowhere, Bellingham saves England, and so they recuperate to beat Slovakia, Switzerland and Netherlands to achieve the ultimate, whereas Southgate turns into the primary England supervisor to steer the workforce to an abroad closing. “Sliding doorways” moments do not come a lot greater.
2:15
Why ‘unimaginable’ Rodri deserves his spot as No. 1 midfielder on the FC 100
Gab & Juls talk about the highest three midfielders on the ESPN FC 100.
Most spectacular participant
Marcotti: It is extremely boring to say Rodri, however there … I stated it. The Spain midfielder is simply in a league of his personal. Does the actual fact Martín Zubimendi got here on for him at half-time within the closing and Spain didn’t miss a beat one way or the other undermine this? I do not assume so. Rodri produced even after a protracted season with Manchester City the place even he stated he was operating on fumes. A lot of Euro 2024’s different stars didn’t.
Ogden: Dani Olmo — Spain had been good earlier than Pedri was injured within the quarterfinal win in opposition to Germany, however they went up a degree when Olmo changed him. Spain modified the way in which they performed, grew to become extra attacking, and that was right down to Olmo’s presence. RB Leipzig will battle to maintain maintain of him this summer season.
Olley: Spoiler alert however recognition for Yamal is on its approach so a opposite shout could be for Marc Guéhi — who proved to be not simply an ready substitute for Harry Maguire however an improve — however I can not go for an England participant when Spain gained the match. Whereas Rodri wasn’t capable of affect the ultimate in the way in which he would have favored after going off at half-time, Spain grew to become the primary workforce to win all seven matches at a Euros and a giant a part of that due to him.
Laurens: We all know all the massive gamers by coronary heart, proper? So sure, Rodri is superb … however we knew that. Sure, Olmo is so gifted technically … however we knew that. So my decide goes to Turkey full-back Ferdi Kadioglu. I cherished every little thing about him, his degree, his work fee, his means to play with two ft, his age (24), his resolution making, his story (former Netherlands youth worldwide, enjoying as a No. 10.) What a match he had.
Take your decide from champions Spain. Marc Cucurella delivered at left-back when nobody anticipated him to even begin the match (and he’ll now must ship on his promise to dye his hair purple); Aymeric Laporte handed a number of assessments at centre-back; wingers Yamal and Williams lit up so many matches and Olmo made a number of key contributions. The chief of this Spain aspect, although, was Rodri, even when they nonetheless beat England after he was taken off at half-time with an harm. He was a worthy winner of the Participant of the Match and additional awards could observe. “Give him the Ballon d’Or now, please,” De la Fuente begged on Sunday.
Most spectacular younger participant (U21)
Marsden: Typically you simply must play it straight and decide the plain selection: Yamal. What a match at 17 (though he was 16 for almost all of the finals). Moreover, not that many gamers beneath the age of 21 performed a load of minutes. As commented above, an honourable point out for Turkey’s Guler and Yildiz, who’re each 19.
Marcotti: It is Yamal, clearly. However since everyone goes to go for him, can I make a case for Turkey’s 19-year-old star Güler? A lot poise, a lot high quality, a lot management. I did not assume he had it in him after a season by which he performed sparingly (however scored six targets in 10 LaLiga video games) for Real Madrid. It is exhausting to inform what his greatest place is, however that simply makes his progress all of the extra attention-grabbing.
Laurens: Let’s determine that Yamal and Güler are out of the attainable contenders as a result of they’re cheat codes for his or her age and everybody will decide them anyway. So, who do we’ve got subsequent? Musiala is already 21 so he’s too previous, so I might give it to Kobbie Mainoo. I do know he has solely began three video games out of six for England however at solely 19, he made that workforce so a lot better along with his imaginative and prescient and decision-making. I nonetheless cannot consider that it took so lengthy for Southgate to see it and that he most well-liked Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher to him at first.
Ogden: Mainoo. OK the younger star of the match has been Yamal since you simply do not do the issues he has completed as a 16-year-old, however Mainoo is simply 19 and his introduction into the England workforce on the finish of the group stage made an important distinction to Southgate’s workforce. He’s so calm and composed on the ball, but in addition has aptitude and one eye on a cross. He appears as if he has been enjoying at this degree for years.
Olley: Given that everybody is avoiding Yamal as a result of he’s too apparent, I am going to go for Yamal. He is a kind of gamers who has garnered speedy respect throughout Europe, forcing folks to sit down up and take discover of a expertise unfazed by a stage which so many want time to acclimatise to.
1:08
Laurens: Ronaldo is now not ok for the worldwide stage
Gab Marcotti & Julien Laurens talk about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Portugal.
Least spectacular participant
Marcotti: Ronaldo’s difficulties are well-documented. Relative to expertise and pedigree, if you are going to grade on a curve, it is him. In any other case, we will simply decide on Turkey goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. Or many of the Italy workforce.
Laurens: I’ve to say Mbappé proper? Might I get away with saying Lukaku or Ronaldo or Phil Foden? No? OK, honest sufficient. So Mbappé it’s then. He was so disappointing and by no means actually turned up in what was imagined to be his match. The damaged nostril and the masks performed their half for certain, however he nonetheless ought to have completed higher.
Olley: I did not anticipate a lot from Ronaldo, purely due to his age, however I did from Mbappé. He had the plain excuse of the damaged nostril however there was no actual spark from him in any respect. France gave the impression to be ready for him to ignite and it simply by no means occurred. Foden deserves credit score for avoiding this class after upping his sport in England’s semifinal in opposition to Netherlands.
Marsden: So most of the huge names didn’t carry out. Extra was anticipated of Mbappé, Ronaldo, Griezmann and Lukaku, and whereas it might be harsh as a result of England reached the ultimate and he scored three targets, it felt like Harry Kane held his workforce again within the latter levels of the competitors, maybe as a result of he was carrying an harm. England seemed a lot better with out him within the semifinal and the ultimate, and so they go dwelling with followers questioning what would have occurred if Southgate had opted for a extra dynamic striker.
Ogden: Antoine Griezmann, as a result of France wanted any person to step up whereas Mbappé was sidelined. Griezmann is a good participant, however you are at all times left wanting extra from him on the most important events. No targets, no assists and dropped for the semifinal. Thanks for coming, Antoine.
Finest save
Olley: It is Günok from Christoph Baumgartner, is not it? Not so good as Gordon Banks’ diving cease for England on the 1970 World Cup vs. Brazil legend Pele, however that does not matter. Certainly that is the time to present a 35-year-old who has by no means performed his membership soccer exterior of Turkey a second to shine. He is gained two Tremendous Lig titles, two Turkish Cups, two Turkish Tremendous Cups, and was as soon as named Tremendous Lig Goalkeeper of the Season, however that is the save that can earn him an indelible spot in Turkish soccer historical past.
Marcotti: Günok. It saved Turkey; it saved the sport. If his story, as Olley described, and the truth that he missed out on the second sport vs. Portugal via harm, it made it all of the extra dramatic.
Ogden: It is a one-horse race gained by Günok, so for the sake of selection I’ll say Slovenia‘s Jan Oblak for his penalty save from Ronaldo within the spherical of 16 in opposition to Portugal. It’s more and more tough for goalkeepers to avoid wasting penalties as a result of the foundations now favour the taker, however he dived low to his left to cease a well-struck spot kick. It got here at an important stage of the sport too, on the finish of the primary interval of additional time, so Oblak delivered when it mattered.
Laurens: Günok’s effort was inferior to Banks, however was nonetheless nice. I’ll decide one other and go along with Bart Verbruggen for Netherlands in opposition to Turkey within the quarterfinals. I used to be on the sport and was standing simply behind the Dutch purpose. It was an incredible reflex save to make, after he had nearly nothing to do all sport, and it got here so late within the sport to maintain his workforce within the lead.
Marsden: For the second and the standard of the save, it was Gunok. To veer barely off monitor, Georgia’s Mamardashvili was sensational on the match. The issue is he made too many saves — 106 in 4 video games; 32 greater than England’s Jordan Pickford, who was second on 74 — to select only one. Additionally, what a job Portugal’s Diogo Costa did within the penalty shootout win over Slovenia, protecting out all three spot kicks.
0:48
Celebrations in Madrid, heartbreak in London as Spain rating late to win Euro 2024
Watch contrasting fan reactions from Madrid and London as Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal scores late to win Euro 2024.
What would you prefer to see at Euro 2028?
Ogden: I need UEFA and the Euro 2028 organisers to discover a method to be sure that Belfast levels the 5 video games it’s slated to host. It is a lengthy story involving politics and funding, however one factor that Germany has bought improper is having too many venues in a small space — Cologne, Dortmund, Düsseldorf and Gelsenkirchen had been too shut collectively — and it meant that just one venue (Leipzig) staged video games within the east of the nation exterior the capital, Berlin. Host cities get an actual bounce from staging video games, and Northern Eire mustn’t have to look at all of the enjoyable occurring elsewhere in 2028.
Laurens: I would love the identical factor, please. I do not need something completely different. I need the U.Ok. to ship an incredible match, I need high groups and high gamers to be unconvincing so we will hammer them (whose flip will or not it’s in 4 years?) I need among the smaller nations to do effectively and shock us. I additionally need some constructive power on and off the pitch and I need the subsequent era to point out what they’ll do. So extra of the identical.
Marcotti: Ideally, I would prefer to see probably the most gifted sides act like they’ve extra expertise and be extra attacking (sure, I am speaking to you, France and England.) General although, I believe this format works and those that moan concerning the 24 groups are simply sourpusses. These additional sides provide a ton of coloration. And the truth is that the hole between 16 and 24 is tiny.
Olley: I am a sourpuss, apparently. Return to 16 groups. Having 4 third-placed sides undergo is ludicrous for match integrity, given groups within the early teams are deprived by being denied the readability of realizing exactly what they should qualify. Clearly that will not occur, so I believe I am going to say I would like Wembley to do a better job of hosting the final than in 2021 when fans stormed the turnstiles.
Marsden: Like Gab says, it could be good to see extra groups benefit from the expertise they’ve and play in a extra ahead considering approach. If England’s method is predicated on France’s success beneath Deschamps, then perhaps just a few groups can take a leaf out of Spain’s e book this summer season after La Roja gained the competitors for a fourth time — and the third time within the final 5 editions. As for the match, I do not love the way in which the execution of entire third-placed groups qualifying, however the format has grown on me. Extra followers of Georgia, Romania and Albania taking on cities within the U.Ok. and Eire in 4 years, please.
