UEFA Euro 2024: Guide to the European Men’s Championship
The UEFA Euro 2024, officially known as the ευρωπαϊκό πρωτάθλημα ανδρών UEFA 2024, was a landmark event in European football history. Hosted by Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024, the tournament brought together 24 of Europe’s top national teams in a month-long celebration of the sport. Spain emerged victorious, clinching their record fourth European Championship title after a thrilling 2–1 win over England in the final held at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
Table of Contents
Tournament Overview
The ευρωπαϊκό πρωτάθλημα ανδρών UEFA 2024 marked the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship. Germany, serving as the sole host for the first time since reunification, provided a fitting backdrop for the tournament’s return to a single-nation format. The competition featured 24 teams, including debutants Georgia, competing across 10 cities and venues.
Host Nation and Venues
Germany’s selection as the host nation was confirmed on September 27, 2018, after a vote by the UEFA Executive Committee. The country leveraged its rich football infrastructure, with matches played in the following cities and stadiums:
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Berlin: Olympiastadion (Capacity: 71,000)
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Munich: Allianz Arena (66,000)
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Dortmund: Westfalenstadion (62,000)
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Stuttgart: MHPArena (51,000)
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Gelsenkirchen: Arena AufSchalke (50,000)
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Hamburg: Volksparkstadion (49,000)
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Düsseldorf: Merkur Spiel-Arena (47,000)
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Frankfurt: Waldstadion (47,000)
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Cologne: RheinEnergieStadion (43,000)
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Leipzig: Red Bull Arena (40,000)
These venues not only met UEFA’s stringent requirements but also showcased Germany’s commitment to delivering a world-class tournament experience.
Participating Teams and Group Stage
The tournament’s group stage featured six groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advanced to the knockout stages. Notably, Georgia made their European Championship debut, adding a fresh dynamic to the competition.
While traditional powerhouses like France, England, and Spain performed strongly, some surprises emerged. Italy, the defending champions, were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Switzerland, highlighting the tournament’s unpredictability.
Knockout Stage Highlights
The knockout stages delivered high drama and memorable moments:
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Round of 16: Switzerland stunned Italy with a 2–0 victory, while England showcased resilience by coming from behind to win three consecutive knockout matches, a feat rarely seen in major tournaments.
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Quarter-finals: Spain eliminated host nation Germany, ending the latter’s hopes of a home-soil triumph.
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Semi-finals: Spain continued their dominant run, setting the stage for a compelling final against England.
Final Match Recap
The final, held at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, saw Spain and England vying for the coveted Henri Delaunay Trophy. In front of 65,600 spectators, Spain clinched a 2–1 victory, securing their fourth European Championship title and surpassing Germany as the most successful nation in the tournament’s history.
Spain’s triumph was marked by an impeccable record, winning all seven of their matches and setting a new benchmark for goals scored in a single European Championship with 15.
Individual Awards and Records
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Player of the Tournament: Rodri (Spain)
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Young Player of the Tournament: Lamine Yamal (Spain)
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Top Scorers: Harry Kane, Georges Mikautadze, Jamal Musiala, Cody Gakpo, Ivan Schranz, and Dani Olmo (3 goals each)
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Goal of the Tournament: Lamine Yamal’s semi-final strike against France
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Fans’ Goal of the Tournament: Mert Müldür’s volley for Turkey against Georgia The GuardianWikipedia
Spain’s dominance was further highlighted by having six players named in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament.
Prize Money and Financials
UEFA allocated a total prize fund of €331 million ($357 million) for Euro 2024, matching the amount from Euro 2020. Each participating team received a base fee of €9.25 million, with additional earnings based on performance. Spain, by winning all their matches, secured the maximum possible amount of €28.25 million.
Marketing, Mascot, and Branding
The tournament’s branding emphasized unity and diversity, encapsulated in the slogan “United by Football. Vereint im Herzen Europas” (United in the Heart of Europe). The official mascot, a teddy bear named “Albärt,” was unveiled in June 2023, symbolizing the tournament’s friendly and inclusive spirit.
The official song, “Fire,” performed by Meduza, OneRepublic, and Leony, was released on May 10, 2024, and featured prominently during the tournament’s closing ceremony.
FAQs
Q1: What is the ευρωπαϊκό πρωτάθλημα ανδρών UEFA 2024?
A: It’s the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship, a quadrennial football tournament featuring European national teams.
Q2: Who won the Euro 2024 final?
A: Spain defeated England 2–1 in the final, securing their fourth European Championship title.
Q3: Where was Euro 2024 held?
A: The tournament was hosted across 10 cities in Germany, with the final played at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
Q4: How many teams participated in Euro 2024?
A: A total of 24 teams competed in the tournament.
Q5: What was the total prize money for Euro 2024?
A: UEFA allocated €331 million ($357 million) in prize money for the tournament.
Conclusion
The ευρωπαϊκό πρωτάθλημα ανδρών UEFA 2024 was a testament to the enduring appeal of European football. With thrilling matches, record-breaking performances, and a celebration of unity through sport, the tournament left an indelible mark on fans worldwide. Spain’s historic victory and the emergence of new talents underscored the dynamic nature of the game, promising an exciting future for European football.
External Link:
For more detailed information, visit the UEFA Euro 2024 Wikipedia page.
Quick Wiki Data Table on ευρωπαϊκό πρωτάθλημα ανδρών UEFA 2024:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Name | UEFA Euro 2024 |
| Host Country | Germany |
| Dates | June 14 – July 14, 2024 |
| Number of Teams | 24 |
| Champion | Spain |
| Runner-up | England |
| Top Scorers | Multiple players with 3 goals each |
| Player of the Tournament | Rodri (Spain) |
| Young Player of the Tournament | Lamine Yamal (Spain) |
| Total Matches Played | 51 |
| Total Goals Scored |