Football -- yes, the kind you actually play with your feet -- is the world's sport. Every country on this planet has a team, or has people who play the game. Soccer is universal -- you won't always find people playing baseball, or cricket, or hockey, but you will always be able to find soccer. It is a game filled with intense passion and athleticism. Did you know the average midfielder runs about 10 miles in a single soccer game? And that's mostly consisting of fast sprints up and down the field. It is also a simple game. It only requires a ball. It's what makes it so easily accessible to everyone. No expensive equipment required (though obviously you could buy very expensive cleats and other amenities if you have the money), goals can be made out of sticks, and it can be played on virtually any surface. It is a well-loved sport, and one of the places that loves this game the most is Europe.
What are the Euros?
The UEFA European Championship, or more commonly known as the Euros, is the second most-watched football tournament in the world, rivaled only by the FIFA World Cup (which is the most watched sporting event on the planet). The Euros is a monthlong soccer tournament in which European countries battle to be crowned king of the region’s beautiful game. Fifty-five countries are eligible to play, ranging from Russia and Turkey to Spain and Portugal, but only 24 countries qualify. The football tournament is held every four years in coordination with the FIFA World Cup (occurs two years before and after each World Cup event). Euros 2016 begins June 10 just North of Paris at the Stade de France, and ends on July 10 at the same location. The winner of the tournament is granted a spot in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia (basically a practice tournament for the 2018 World Cup in Russia).
Who is hosting this year?
This year France will be home to the massive soccer tournament. It will be their third time hosting this event, the first time was in 1960 (the very first Euro games) and again in 1984 when they won 2-0 against Spain. The only other countries that come close to hosting as many times are Belgium and Italy, each home to the Euros twice. Being the host country has it perks. For example, the country’s team is automatically guaranteed a place in the Euro tournament (no need to go through the qualifying matches). The major football event will be held in 10 cities across France, including Paris, Lille, Lens, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Saint-Denis, Saint-Etienne, and Toulouse. As much of the world knows, Paris suffered a terrorist attack in November of 2015. France has extended their state of emergency to provide extra safety for the players and fans coming to attend the tournament.
Who are the favorites?
For the Euros 2016, the big favorite is Germany. They have always been a powerhouse soccer country that delivers big, tall and fast players. They are the current reigning world champions, having won 1-0 against Argentina in Brazil back in 2014. They will be looking to extend their control over the soccer realm and add another trophy to their ever-growing collection. Germany has won the soccer tournament three times and tied with the Euros' two-time defending champs, Spain. Spain won the Euros in 2008, beating Germany 1-0 with a goal from Fernando Torres (also marking the moment in time I fell in love with Torres), and again in 2012. Spain also won the World Cup in 2010, creating an era of Spanish dominance. But since the last Euros, Spain's golden age of soccer players has grown older and hasn't been well-replaced by a younger generation, meaning they haven't been doing as well. This year's host country, France, is also a strong contender. They have won the tournament twice, the last time in 2000. I was in the country as a 4-year-old, so while I don't remember a lot, I do remember everyone absolutely losing it and waving French flags everywhere. They will have home-field advantage and be very eager to impress their country. England also has an interesting chance to win. Typically, the English squad is packed with very good players, but time and time again in big tournaments, the Lions often drop the ball and are eliminated before they can even reach the final match. The furthest they have ever been in the Euros is the semi-finals, but this year they have acquired quite a young, talented team that holds quite a lot of promise. We shall see what the future holds for them.
All in all, the Euros are like a mini-, more-condensed version of the World Cup, and you should watch them. ESPN has the broadcasting rights in the U.S. for this tournament, so the matches will be easily accessible for most people to watch, and you can avoid the sketchy streams that we frequently have to find to be able to watch European football. The games will be intense and action-packed. There will be upsets and there will be drama. What more could you really want? You'll get to watch massive European soccer giants battle each other for the ultimate victory of being named the king of Europe.
