That's what they are planning, a celebration lasting 30 days in 12 different countries/cities. Tournament which was initially planned to conduct from 12June to 12 July 2020 was postponed to 11 June to 11 July 2021 due to Corona Pandemic. Even though, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) decided to retain the name as Euro 2020 itself. 24 qualified teams from 55 participants will compete in the finals. None of the teams will be getting host entry to participate. Inauguration will be at Stadio Olympico , Rome and Semi finals and Final at Wembley. Video Assistance Referee (VAR) will be used for the first time in tournament in Euro 2020.
So far 20 teams have qualified for the quadrennial tournament so far, Belgium being the first and Italy following them with 10/10 wins. Finland makes history by qualifying for the first time for the tournament. Former champions and most successful team Germany, England, Finland, Poland, Denmark, Holland, Spain, Portugal, Ukraine, Russia, France, Turkey, Czech Republic, Sweden, Croatia, Austria, Switzerland, Wales, Turkey are other teams qualified so far. Only former champion who didn't got qualified are Greece.
Holland will be playing a major tournament for the first time since 2014. Even with big nae, England is still trying to win their first European tittle. World number 1 ranked Belgium, current World Cup winners France, , defending champions Portugal, three time winners Germany and Spain, giants like Italy, Netherlands will be other tittle favorites of the tournament.
How it started....
History of the tournament goes back 1927, when Football Federation of France proposed a European championship. But, started only in 1958. But, the current Championship started from 1960, in France, and planned to conduct every 4 years. Major teams like England, West Germany, Italy and Netherlands didn't participate. It was won by Soviet Union beating Yougoslavia 2-1. Number of participants increased in following tournaments. Famous Panenka kick was from 1976 Final penalty shootout between Czeckoslovakia and West Germany and Czeckoslovakia won it.
First and only match decided in a coin toss was also in Euro, in 1968 semi final match between Italy and West Germany and final went onto replay after 1-1 draw and Italy won it 2-0 against Yougoslavia.
France's first major tittle was also Euro, when they won it in 1984 with current UEFA President Michel Platini scoring 9 goals from 5 matches. Their second tittle win was in 2000 , when their golden generation done it again after World Cup win under Zidane, Henry, Viera etc.
Mighty Germans
Germany played most finals - 6 times. 3 times they were Champions. They played final consecutively 3 times from 1972,76,80. They payed final again in 1992 and 96 consecutively again but couldn't defend tittle. Only team that could defend tittle successfully were Spain in 2008 and 2012 with their tikki takka.
Greek Saga
Greece won it in most dramatic way in 2004 beating Portugal. They reached second round with a win, draw and loss each. In the next 3 knockout matches including Final, they won for just 1-0. Thus won cup scoring just 7 goals.
Portugal Revolution
Portugal defeated France in 2016 final for 1-0. With a strong young line up, and experience of players like super star Christiano Ronaldo, Rui Patricio, Moutinho and Coach Fernando Santos.
Denmark and Netherlands won it in 1992 and 1988 respectively. Holland legend Marco Van Basten was top scorer in 88 with 5 goals.Ruud Gullit was their captain. 1988 tournament is special also because there was not a single sending off or goalless draw in the tournament.
English Dream
England have the best competitive league in the world, class players, and still they haven't been successful in big Championships. Comparing past, they have best chances this time. With players like Harry Kane, Sancho, Delle Ali, Rashford, Sterling, Mason Mount along with experienced Henderson, Danny Rose, Pickford are a team for any opponent. Their World cup performance gives more hope to fans and team. Coach Gareth Southgate has really lifted spirits and performance of the team.
Power-packed Belgians
Another team to watch is Belgium, who missed world cup just by luck. With De Bruyne ,Lukaku, Hazard all ready for any level , controlling their clubs at the moment, are really looking kings in international level. Courtois is tough to beat at post and Alderweirald, Vermaelen taking care of defending duties, they are strong at front and back. It's their golden generation time.
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