SPORTS fans should take note. Best plan for snooze time as there are a number of blockbuster events this weekend, spilling into Monday (July 15) morning.
First up is the much-anticipated showdown between England and Spain in the Euro 2024 finale (July 15, 3am). After a month of breathless action, the pool is whittled down to two, with pre-tournament favourites England somehow fortuitously spluttering their way into the final.
Facing the Three Lions are the Spanish under the astute guidance of Luis de la Fuente who have impressed greatly with their attacking brand of football.
La Roja are looking to emulate the great Spain teams that won back-to-back Euro championships in 2008 and 2012, with a World Cup sandwiched in between in 2010 for good measure. They have eschewed their tiki taka possession-based football of yore for a more direct approach, resulting in six wins out of six at Euro 2024.
Much attention will be on wonderkid Yamal Lemina, at the tender age of 16, scored one of the tournament’s best goals against France in the semis. Alongside 22-year-old Nico Williams and the slightly older Dani Olmo at 26, Lemina spearheads an exciting Spain attack that also includes Alvaro Morata and Ferran Torres as forwards.
Moreover, they are a finely balanced side with the likes of Manchester City’s Rodri providing a solid foundation for the more adventurous players to flourish.
England under the dour Gareth Southgate arrived with plenty of hype, given the sheer quality of talent in their ranks. These include Bundesliga top scorer and European Golden Boot winner Harry Kane, Champions League winner and La Liga Player of the Season Jude Bellingham, and English Premier League (EPL) winner and Player of the Season Phil Fodden.
The Three Lions have come under intense fire for poor performances, especially in the group stages but somehow they have clawed their way to the showcase final.
The players, despite not being at their best, have shown incredible resilience and character to come from behind in each of the knockout ties. They are seeking to end over five decades of hurt and disappointment by claiming the nation’s first major trophy since winning the Copa Mundial on home soil in 1966.
While the Spanish are the bookmaker’s favourites to lift the trophy, England seem to have momentum and belief flowing through their collective veins.
Having overcome difficult obstacles as well as having to weather the heavy criticism has created a siege ‘us-versus-them’ mentality, which seems to be motivating the players to prove the naysayers wrong.
Whatever the outcome FocusM wishes all readers a happy weekend enjoying the live broadcasts.
PS: Take note the Copa America 3rd place play-off is scheduled for Sunday (July 14, 8am) whilst the finale will kick off Monday (July 15, 8am)
PSS: Tennis fans will want to tune in for the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis finals, with the ladies’ event taking place on Saturday (July 13, 9pm) and the men taking centre court on Sunday (July 14, 9pm). – July 13, 2024
Main photo credit: The Guardian
