An Open Letter To Everyone Who Wants to Enjoy The UEFA Euro 2024 Tournament
Technically, Football is back!
Unfortunately, I won’t be shading teams who didn’t win any trophies last season, but I will give a special virtual high five to fans of teams who put a smile on the faces of their fans in one way or another.
High five to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayern Leverkusen, Manchester City, and Inter Milan fans.
Let me start this letter by asking you a question…
Does it feel good that competitive football games are back on your TV screen?
If you answered yes, this is the most important letter you will ever read.
There is so much to look forward to at Euro 2024.
The location — Germany!
Top innovative technologies in this tournament include the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and the goal-line technology.
There is this tingly feeling that comes with every game, especially that opening game.
Yes…That one!
Julian Nagelsmann and his men sent these Scottish Highlanders back to where they came from with 20 shots, 10 shots on target, and 73% ball possession.
McSauce and his team had no shot on target in that game with 23% ball possession.
Rudiger had to score on their behalf.
What a way to spark the thrill. Everything that happened that opening night was electric.
This is one of many things the Euro 2024 tournament brings to us — that experience. The fires, the sweats, the finishes, the unexpected, the thrashing, the fights, the comebacks, the discipline within 90 minutes, that…one…moment!
Major Expectations for Euro 2024 Tournament.
I’m sure you’ve thought about this already. We all have expectations…I want my club players to shine well in this tournament, to say the least.
Guess what?
This letter is not about me. It’s about every single football lover out there watching the Euro 2024 tournament.
So here are a few expectations coming right up!
A Last Dance for Ronaldo — The GOAT
With 33 senior trophies throughout his career and 130 goals for Portugal, the 39-year-old is looking at taking another chance at Euro 2024 after winning the tournament in 2016.
Ronaldo produced significant goals, such as a game-winning goal against Wales in the semifinals and a brace against Hungary in the group stage. His efforts enabled Portugal to win their first significant international competition.
With a combined total of 895 goals across club and country, and having made over 1,200 appearances, this could potentially be his final international tournament as he competes alongside fellow football stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos, and Joao Felix.
But then…This is Ronaldo.
I guess we can’t predict anything with Ronaldo, apart from the truth that he will always score in a tournament.
Harry Kane Might Need Harry Potter to Break the Spell
Harry Kane is among the Premier League’s top goal scorers, yet despite this, he has never taken home a major award.
Not with Tottenham, Bayern Munich, or even the England team.
England had one of their greatest performances at Euro 2020, demonstrating great promise and possibility for future tournaments despite the painful loss in the final.
Making it to the final was a noteworthy accomplishment that showed growth and offered optimism for possible success in upcoming tournaments such as the World Cup and the European Championships that follow.
So maybe…just maybe…
The Euro 2024 might come home, and Harry Kane can finally have a major trophy to his name. He goes into this tournament with other English stars — Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka.
Rising from the Ruins of Qatar 2022— Kylian Mbappe
With his recent high-profile transfer to Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe has begun a new chapter in his remarkable career.
According to a study, he has 328 goals to his name for both club and country at age 25.
Pundits and supporters alike are optimistic that his extraordinary potential will be on display in Europe as he looks to lead France to a successful outcome at Euro 2024.
Following their heartbreaking 2022 World Cup defeat to Messi and Argentina at Lusail Stadium, Mbappe, and the French national team had a fantastic opportunity to recover and reestablish themselves as one of the best teams in international football at Euro 2024.
Other key stars of France — Eduardo Camavinga, Kolo Muani, Ousmane Dembele, Griezmann, and Giroud.
Emerging Talents to Look Out For in Euro 2024
While major conversations are around Ronaldo, Harry Kane, and Mbappe. We can’t overlook the break-out stars and emerging talents who might make a significant impact on the international stage.
Here is a list of a few of them.
Jude Bellingham
He is Jude, yet a Revelation.
The stellar performance of the 20-year-old with 23 goals for Real Madrid in the 2023/2024 season was one to look out for. He is already a key player for both club and country, and his performances at Euro 2024 could elevate him to superstar status.
He is a major contender for Balon D’or
This trophy might just cement it for him.
Jamal Musiala
10 goals for the 21-year-old in the Bundesliga this season.
Not the trophyless season he would have anticipated, but his creativity and dribbling skills make him a player to watch, especially with the home advantage.
Rasmus Højlund
The Manchester United starboy.
The 21-year-old had 10 goals and 2 assists in 30 appearances in the Premier League in 2023/2024.
A powerful and skillful forward, Højlund has the potential to be a standout striker in the tournament.
Pedri
An outstanding youngster with the movement and style of Andre Iniesta.
He is known for his vision and passing, Pedri is already a regular for Spain and could dominate in midfield.
UEFA Euro Fans Engagement
Strong and inclusive fan interaction is anticipated at UEFA Euro 2024, with several programs designed to link supporters with the competition.
Throughout the host cities, interactive fan zones will be built to provide spaces for supporters to congregate and celebrate as a group.
Digital channels will be essential, providing behind-the-scenes video, social media interactions, and live streaming to improve the fan experience for fans across the world.
The competition will also put a strong emphasis on sustainability, hoping to lessen its negative effects on the environment while giving spectators who watch live or participate virtually unforgettable experiences.
All things considered, Euro 2024 will be that festival of football culture that will strengthen global fan communities.
My Winner Prediction
Hard to decide, but I think it's between France, Portugal, and Spain.
These hopes for UEFA Euro 2024, which promise world-class football, fantastic fan experiences, and major cultural and economic contributions, set the setting for an exciting and unforgettable tournament.
We are here for the beginning, the end, and everything in between.
Thanks for Reading!
