Euro 2024 is here and the excitement is palpable. As anticipation builds up, fans and experts alike are speculating on who will take home the prestigious trophy. France and Portugal emerge as the premier favorites, poised for another epic duel.
France vs Portugal: A Rematch of 2016?
Many experts opine this year's final could mirror the 2016 Euro decider, where Portugal triumphed over France. Harry Diamond predicts a fierce France vs Portugal showdown again, expecting France to enact revenge and clinch the title. This sentiment is echoed by Ste McGovern and Vishnu Anandraj, while Ryan Kelly stays loyal to Portugal, expecting Ronaldo's men to outshine Les Bleus once more.
"France's top-level talent is insane," Ste McGovern points out, underscoring their depth and experience.
Player of the Tournament: Mbappe or Fernandes?
Eyes are on Kylian Mbappe as many dub him the tournament's standout performer if France wins. However, Ryan Kelly argues that should Portugal prevail, Bruno Fernandes will garner the laurels for his exceptional assists and goals.
"The award by default goes to a player from the winning country," Kelly reasons.
Rising Stars: An Emerging Talent Pool
The Young Player of the Tournament is anyone's guess. Harry bets on Germany's Florian Wirtz, while Ste and Vishnu aim for Jamal Musiala and Joao Neves, respectively. Ryan Kelly highlights Lamine Yamal from Spain, touting him as the next big thing in world football.
Golden Boot Race: The Battle of the Strikers
The chase for the Golden Boot promises excitement. Harry sees Mbappe continuing his scoring spree, while Ste and Vishnu rely on England's Harry Kane. Ryan, on the other hand, backs Belgium's Romelu Lukaku to secure the top scorer spot with his immense international track record.
Dark Horses and Disappointments
Among potential surprises, Ukraine and Austria garner attention. Teams like Ukraine, known for blooding the noses of giants like England and Germany, could make deep runs. Conversely, Italy, the defending champions, are predicted to falter early, with Ste citing internal turmoil and squad quality concerns.
Ones to Watch: Potential Game Changers
Players like Artem Dovbyk for Ukraine and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for Georgia are exciting prospects. Tijjani Reijnders of the Netherlands might shine amid lineup changes, while Neves' sporadic appearances for Portugal should be thrilling cameos.
Euro 2024 promises to be a captivating tournament full of drama, stunning performances, and unexpected turns. As always, the beautiful game will keep us on the edge of our seats.
Editor: Emiliia Morozova
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