Euro 2024 has been a tournament of surprises, with young talents stealing the spotlight and big-name players failing to deliver. Lamine Yamal, at just 17 years old, made history by becoming the youngest-ever scorer at a men’s European Championship with his stunning goal against France in the semifinals. Alongside him, players like Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Xavi Simons have showcased their skills and potential on the grand stage.
On the other hand, established superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Kevin de Bruyne have struggled to make a significant impact. Ronaldo, at 39, failed to score any goals in five games, raising questions about his place in the Portuguese team. Mbappé, despite his talent, only managed to score a penalty goal and was overshadowed by his off-field controversies. Kane, although in the final, has been criticized for his lackluster performances, while de Bruyne couldn’t inspire Belgium to success.
The tournament has also been marred by controversy surrounding the VAR system. Refereeing decisions, including disallowed goals and contentious penalties, have sparked debates among fans and coaches. The inconsistent application of VAR has led to frustration and criticism, with some arguing that it disrupts the flow and integrity of the game.
Despite the challenges and controversies, Euro 2024 has shown that there are no easy games at this level. Smaller nations like Georgia, Albania, and Slovenia have proven their competitiveness by putting up strong performances against more established teams. The tournament has been a platform for these underdogs to showcase their talent and fearlessness on the international stage.
As the final between Spain and England approaches, football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the culmination of what has been a thrilling and unpredictable tournament. The emergence of young stars, the struggles of established players, and the controversies surrounding VAR have made Euro 2024 a memorable event that will be talked about for years to come.