Eight teams are left in Euro 2024 but all 24 nations have contributed to the success of this tournament. They have done so to create the atmosphere in the country but also in sporting terms. Germany’s 5-1 win in the opening game against Scotland was the exception from the rule that most games have been tight with close scorelines.
I was sceptical when Uefa increased the number of teams but now I am pleased so many countries are represented. It is different for thea national team. The players compete for their home country and form a bond with the fans. The atmosphere in the stands has been joyful while some of the scenes on the pitch, with teams going out late, have been heart-breaking.
The smaller teams have had to adapt and they have done so because they have embraced their role as underdogs. They have been solid defensively while attempting to capitalise on the few chances they have created. When they have gone on a counterattack a murmur has spread around the stadium and sometime the fans have wanted to shout the ball all the way into the net. One for all, all for one. That’s what people want to see.
Georgia were the most impressive underdogs, the team extremely resilient. The way they defended against Portugal reminded me of the Europa League winners, Atalanta, in terms of the intensity of their tackles. Their approach annoyed Portugal to such an extent that they gave up in the end.
Georgia’s journey came to an end in the last 16 against the best team in the tournament . The way Spain have dominated every opponent, while playing with joy, has been outstanding. They continue to stand for excellence and a thread that goes back to Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola: technical and attacking combination football.
The training and football education are based on this idea and the Spanish football federation implement it from under-15 level and upwards. Everyone identifies with it. I have come into contact with it, as a defeated opponent and playing for Guardiola.
The Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente, has absorbed this culture. He was a professional player in the top division and has worked for the association for 11 years, where he has coached various youth teams. He knows the players and the environment. With him, the federation is focusing on continuity.
The basis of Spanish teams is always recognisable. That was also the case at the 2022 World Cup, when Spain, like Germany, were eliminated early. This squad, on the other hand, once again has top players who translate their dominance on the ball into results: Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Rodri. You don’t have to be a prophet to count them among the best in European football.
When ideas and talent come together, Spain can be expected to perform at the very highest level. This year, they are playing wonderful football and they could follow in the footsteps of the team that won everything from 2008 to 2012. If such an era were to repeat itself, it would not be by accident.
Their opponents in the quarter-finals are very different. Because of the size of the country, the population and a financially strong league, Germany are always among the favourites. No other nation has reached the finals of World Cups or European Championships so often. And the league structure and the deep network of youth development centres – Nachwuchsleistungszentren – are unique.
The resulting principles of selection and competition regularly produce strong competitive players. Eighteen Germans were in the starting line-up for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The quality of the individuals gives the whole team a framework. Every coach in the world would welcome Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gündogan, Kai Havertz, Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala or Florian Wirtz into their team.
It is probably fair to say that the team facing Spain on Friday was created in three months. It was as if we realised just in time that a home tournament was coming up. It has become a well-functioning unit in four friendlies and four Euro 2024 matches. The performance in the last 16 against Denmark was full of passion and energy. For the first time it is very clear just how valuable Kai Havertz’s skills can be. His talent was always there. It just needed to be honed, first at Chelsea, now at Arsenal and the Euros.
Spain are more stable and homogeneous, Germany rely on momentum and are unpredictable. The outcome is open. Despite all the strategy, football remains a game in which chance plays a part. The video assistant referee has increased this sense.
The tournament is entertaining. One of the big five is already out: the defending champions, Italy. Three countries who have never won a European Championship are in the last eight: Turkey, Switzerland and England. At least one of them will reach the semi-finals, maybe even the final. That’s the advantage of the draw. You just have to grab your chance when you get it.
The tension is what makes Euro 2024 such a big party – or a beer tent, Bierzelt, as we say in Germany. Right up until the last day.
Philipp Lahm is the tournament director for Euro 2024. His column was produced in partnership with Oliver Fritsch at Zeit Online, the German online magazine.
