With the 2024 European Football Championship set to kick off in Germany on June 15 at 3 a.m. (Beijing time), fans are looking forward to not only the exciting matches, but also the possible new records. Although the absence of stars such as Frenkie de Jong due to injury has made this football feast a little less starry, this European Championship is still a football feast that fans should not miss.
The size of the tournament and the line-up of players
As summer approaches, football fans are turning their attention to the upcoming Euro 2024 in Germany. This European Championship will not only be the third tournament in history with 24 teams, but also a feast of 622 football stars.
Since its inception, the European Championship has grown in size and with more and more teams participating. Today, the addition of 24 teams not only makes the game more enjoyable, but also shows the prosperity and vitality of European football. At the same time, the registration system of 23 to 26 players per team provides an opportunity for countries to showcase their football talents.
In this huge squad, the English club is the winner with the most representation in the national league, with a total of 114 players playing in England. This is undoubtedly a testament to the global appeal and influence of English football.
It is worth mentioning that this European Championship stipulates that each team must register three goalkeepers. This is not only the importance of the goalkeeper position, but also the importance of the defensive end of the football game. After all, on the football field, an excellent goalkeeper can often become the team's "anchor" and bring the team's hope of victory.
Youngest player: Lamine Yamal, a rising star in football
At just 16 years and 337 days old, Lamin Yamal has already attracted a lot of attention in football with his outstanding performance in the Barcelona academy. The Spanish striker not only has incredible speed and dribbling skills, but also shows efficient scoring ability, which has been compared by many to football legend Lionel Messi.
If he can play at this tournament, Yamal will have the opportunity to break the record held by Polish midfielder Kasper Kozlowski for the youngest player to participate in the tournament's history. And his goal will also be expected to break the record for the youngest goalscorer.
Oldest player: Pepe, the legend of immortality reappears
Unlike Yamal's immaturity, Portuguese defender Pepe became the oldest player at the tournament at the age of 41 years and 109 days. The veteran's perseverance and dedication is not only a love for football, but also an inspiration and inheritance for young players.
If Pepe is able to play in the game, he will break the record held by Hungarian goalkeeper Gábor Kiraj for the oldest player to participate. His goal is expected to surpass Austrian striker Ivica Vastić and set a new record for the oldest goalscorer.
Captain's style: Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Dominic Szoboszlai as the leader
In addition to the age records of the players, the style of the captains is also worth paying attention to. The oldest captain of the national team is Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to lead the Portuguese team at the age of 39.
The youngest captain is 23-year-old Hungarian team leader Dominique Szoboszli. The huge age gap between the two captains also symbolizes the inevitable law of the replacement of the old and the new on the football field.
Coaches: Ralph Rangnick and Julian Nagelsmann
In the coach's seat, there will also be a "match between old and young" with a huge age gap. Austria's Ralf Rangnick, the oldest head coach, will bring consistency to the team with his coaching experience and tactical philosophy.
Germany's Julian Nagelsmann is the youngest head coach and his innovative thinking and youthful energy will breathe new life into the team. The comparison of the two coaches in terms of age and style will also be a highlight of this European Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo's glory and future
It is also worth mentioning that Ronaldo himself admitted not long ago that he understood the manager's decision to let him appear as a substitute, which on the one hand shows Ronaldo's open-mindedness as a top superstar, and on the other hand, it really responds to the old saying - time is not forgiving.
While his main position may be out of place, his influence is everywhere. The captain of the Portuguese national team has become a legend in the history of the European Championships, having not only played in six European Championships, but also held several tournament records. From minutes played, to the number of appearances as captain, to the number of wins he has been involved in, Ronaldo is unbeatable. He was also the top scorer in the European Championship final, scoring 14 goals.
Therefore, even if he can't drive in person, the legend of Ronaldo will continue to play out in the European Cup. If Portugal "sacrifices Ronaldo" again like in 2016, maybe Ronaldo will "lie down" to win a European Cup with a smile, wouldn't it be beautiful?
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