Euro Cup: A World Cup without Argentina and Brazil?

Euro Cup: A World Cup without Argentina and Brazil?

It’s no secret that the best football in the world is played in the old continent. At the club level, there is no doubt, and at the national team level, probably not either, although Argentina (the current world champion) and Brazil will always have something to say about it.

While the phrase in the title of this column may not please many, the reality is that the final stages of the European tournament are almost a replica of what we see every four years in the World Cup.

In the quarterfinals of Qatar 2022, UEFA had 6 out of 8 teams still in contention. The same was true in Russia 2018, with Brazil and Uruguay as the only non-European survivors.

We have to go back to Brazil 2014 to find some parity; back then, 4 European teams reached the quarterfinals, while Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina stayed alive, and a surprising Costa Rica made it to that stage.

In South Africa 2010, Germany 2006, and beyond, European teams have always been the majority in the final stages, showcasing the significant footballing differences between Europe and the rest of the continents.

Out of the last 10 World Cups, European teams have won 6 championships, while South American teams have won 4—two by Brazil and two by Argentina.

The European dominance is evident, but the two giants from America have ensured that the gap doesn’t widen further.

Returning to the Euro Cup, it is true that discussing the level of the quarterfinals and their possible combinations is one thing, and discussing the tournament itself is another.

In the European championship, there are vast disparities between the participants, and many would agree that teams like Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Slovenia, Albania, Scotland, Georgia, and Austria (among others) do not generate much interest.

A Tournament of Four?

As the tournament is about to start, predictions are rampant. In my opinion, we are looking at a very balanced Euro Cup with no clear favorite for the 2024 edition.

As usual in these events, a select group of teams emerge as contenders. For me, there are four teams: France, Germany, England, and Spain, in that order.

France: Perhaps the best squad in terms of individual talent. They came close to achieving back-to-back World Cup victories, and I have no doubt that this time they have what it takes to lift the European title. Led by Mbappé and supported by players like Dembélé, Griezmann, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Koundé, Rabiot, Upamecano, and guided by Deschamps, ‘La France’ looks very solid.

Their generational change took longer than expected. Two consecutive group-stage eliminations after lifting the World Cup showed us that the path was more complicated than anticipated. However, 10 years later, they seem to be back.

To the great talents like Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and Havertz, we must add the presence of one of the best midfielders in history, who is making a comeback. Both in footballing terms and especially in morale, Kroos’s return in the context of his farewell undoubtedly represents a giant leap in quality.

Neuer, Rudiger, Kimmich, Gundogan, and Andrich complete part of the roster for the team now led by one of the top strategists of the moment, Julian Nagelsmann.

Finally, the home advantage is not a minor factor.

England:

Here we go again; English talent and the “almost there” syndrome. Constantly among the contenders due to their superstars, but something always goes wrong for the English in the final step. This time, perhaps more than ever, they are obliged to finally win a title, or another generation might pass without leaving a mark under Gareth Southgate’s guidance.

The runners-up of the last Euro Cup were a penalty away from lifting the trophy, and in Russia 2018, the surprising Croatian team stopped them in extra time. Could this be their moment?

Stones, Rice, Trippier, Walker, Bellingham, Saka, Foden, Kane—on what planet would these footballers not be considered top contenders?

But football has that “special” unpredictability.

Spain:

The back-to-back champions of 2008 and 2012 have moved past an extraordinary generation, undergoing a generational change that has been, to say the least, turbulent.

Management issues have been a constant, and conflicts at the federation level have caused continuous turbulence that the team on the field has been unable to avoid.

It’s clear that this squad does not have the talent of that World Cup-winning team, but they have the potential to go far. As they progress, they will gain confidence, which could make them a very dangerous team.

The midfield featuring Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams seems to strike the perfect balance for any coach. It will be Luis de la Fuente’s job to guide them.

Finally, let’s enjoy the great European tournament, and I must give a special mention to Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. Another team with players in their prime and a captain who, at 39 years old, will have more ambition than ever in his quest for more achievements.

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