IT’S day three of Euro 2024 and so far, so entertaining. It can safely be said that fans tuning into the live broadcasts have been treated to quality football, not least from the big-hitters and pre-tournament favourites.
Host Germany kicked proceedings off with a thorough dismantling of Scotland in the opening fixture.
Steve Clarke’s team was made to look second rate by the home side even before a red card reduced the Scots to ten. The boisterous travelling Tartan Army were made to witness a 5-1 mauling that seriously undermines their chances of making it to the next round.
Another pre-tournament favourite is Spain who laid down the gauntlet with an emphatic 3-0 win over much-fancied Croatia.
This generation of Spanish players seem to eschew the tika taka football of yore in favour of a more direct brand of football. The scoreline indicates they may be on the right track to make the final.
Traditional powerhouse and reigning European champions Italy are looking to make up for the disappointment of missing out on the last World Cup.
Former Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti took over from Roberto Mancini and was made to sweat when minnows Albania took the lead inside the first minute.
But Italy’s collection of talented players came through with a 2-1 victory courtesy of goals from Allessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella.
Another side considered a traditional footballing powerhouse is Holland. The Dutch are led by Ronald Koeman who was a member of the Dutch team that won their sole Euro trophy, also in Germany, in 1988.
Oranje supporters will be hoping that history repeats itself and will be buoyed by the opening 2-1 victory against Poland. The Dutch were wasteful and will need to be more clinical if those hopes of winning another Euro trophy is to be realised.
All eyes are on England who are still looking for their maiden Euro trophy. They came agonisingly close at the last edition, losing to Italy on penalties, and will be hoping their collection of highly rated stars can produce on the big stage.
With Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Fodden in the squad, England boast an array of attacking talent that should theoretically blow opponents away.
Alas, they were lethargic and lacklustre as they squeaked past Serbia 1-0 in their opener this morning. “Must do better” is the general verdict from media observers.
FocusM wishes all football fans happy viewing of Euro 2024. – June 17, 2024
Upcoming fixtures:
9pm (17 June): Romania vs Ukraine
12am (18 June): Belgium vs Slovakia
3am (18 June): Austria vs France
Main pic credit: AFP
