Euro 2024: The Dramatic Rise and Fall of Football’s Giants ended with Spain triumphing over England in a heart-stopping final in Berlin, thanks to a late goal from Mikel Oyarzabal. The tournament was a rollercoaster of emotions, with new stars emerging and established names faltering. Here are the biggest winners and losers from this unforgettable championship.
A New Star in Spain: Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal turned 17 on Saturday, and by Sunday evening, he had helped Spain lift the European Championship trophy. Named the Young Player of the Tournament, Yamal dazzled with four assists, twice as many as any other player. His extraordinary talent has drawn comparisons to Pelé, marking the birth of football’s newest superstar.
Southgate’s Struggles Continue
Gareth Southgate’s tenure with England took another hit as his conservative tactics once again failed to deliver a major trophy. Despite having a squad brimming with talent, England’s lackluster performances and tactical conservatism under Southgate led to their downfall. His inability to adapt and maximize his team’s potential left fans and critics questioning his future.
Winner: The Harry Kane Curse
Harry Kane, one of football’s most prolific forwards, continued his quest for a major trophy in vain. Despite scoring three goals in the tournament, his dismal performance in the final against Spain, where he was substituted after just an hour, underscored his ongoing struggle. Kane’s career remains marred by a lack of team success.
Portugal's Managerial Missteps
Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign was hampered by unclear leadership between coach Roberto Martinez and captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo’s insistence on starting every game, despite his declining effectiveness, backfired. He failed to score a single goal, underscoring the ineffective management of the team.
Luis de la Fuente’s Triumph
Spain’s victory under Luis de la Fuente was no fluke. His team played an exciting brand of football, blending possession with direct attacking play. Despite losing key players to injury, Spain’s resilience and positive approach were rewarded, cementing De la Fuente’s reputation as a top coach.
Mbappe’s Disappointing Campaign
Kylian Mbappe’s Euro 2024 journey was fraught with challenges. A broken nose forced him to play with a mask, which he detested, and Didier Deschamps’ defensive tactics stifled his natural game. Mbappe missed crucial chances and faced criticism over his leadership, casting a shadow over his otherwise stellar reputation.
Austria’s Resilient Run
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria was a revelation, topping a group with France, Netherlands, and Poland before being narrowly defeated by Turkey. Despite their exit, Austria’s energetic and courageous play won them admirers. Rangnick’s tactical acumen and his team’s spirited performances were highlights of the tournament.
Italy’s Title Defense Flop
Italy’s title defense was a disaster. Despite recent successes in Serie A, the national team struggled, with coach Luciano Spalletti unable to find a consistent strategy. Italy’s early exit highlighted deep-rooted issues in Italian football, prompting calls for structural reforms.
Belgium’s Golden Generation Ends in Disappointment
Belgium’s much-vaunted ‘Golden Generation’ ended their campaign in disarray. Internal divisions and lack of ambition led to their downfall, culminating in an early exit. With key players like Kevin De Bruyne likely to retire from international duty, Belgium faces a challenging rebuild.
Toni Kroos: A Graceful Exit
Toni Kroos bid farewell to professional football in style. His masterful performances for Germany in the Euros capped off a stellar career. Kroos’ contribution to Real Madrid’s recent successes and his final international campaign showcased his enduring class and skill.
Scotland’s Tactical Failures
Scotland’s Euro 2024 was marked by overly defensive tactics and an inability to perform under pressure. Despite the passionate support of the Tartan Army, the team’s lackluster play and early exit were major disappointments. Manager Steve Clarke faced criticism for his negative approach and failure to inspire his squad.
Modric’s Heartbreaking Farewell
Luka Modric’s likely farewell to international football was a sorrowful sight. Croatia’s early exit left Modric, one of the game’s most beloved figures, holding the Player of the Match award in a haunting image. His departure marks the end of an era for Croatian football.
Georgia’s Inspiring Journey
Georgia defied expectations, emerging as one of the most exciting teams in the tournament. With standout performances from Giorgi Mamardashvili and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Georgia’s spirited play and unexpected success made them a joy to watch.
Ukraine’s Heroic Effort
Ukraine’s elimination was a heartbreaking moment. Despite their valiant efforts and strong performances against Belgium and Slovakia, one poor match against Romania sealed their fate. Manager Serhiy Rebrov’s young team showed promise and resilience, offering hope for the future despite their premature exit.
Euro 2024 was a tournament of high drama and intense emotions, where new stars were born, and established legends faced harsh realities. For more detailed coverage and analysis, visit BBC Sport, ESPN, or The Guardian. For more detailed coverage and analysis, visit Fantic Sports.
