While hockey fans are buying tickets for the 2016 KHL All-Star Game to enjoy a spectacular match of their favorite players on ice, football fans are slowly packing their summer suitcases. After all, for the first time in the history of the European Championships, the 24 strongest national football teams on the continent will compete for victory.
Recall that in all past Euro tournaments, only 16 teams participated. Among the participants are both teams we are used to seeing in the final stage of the Euro, and teams that surprised the public with their play and rightfully deserved to go to France and compete with the great football powers. Of course, we are talking about teams like Iceland and Wales – few could have imagined that these teams had chances, but with their coordinated, professional play they achieved results.
If we talk about the chances of the teams to win, then despite the fact that the Belgian national team currently heads the world ranking, the undisputed favorite of the European Championship is the German national team. Joachim Löw's team is ready to win: the best goalkeeper in the world, an ironclad defense and masters of their craft in attack – all this creates a team that will be very difficult to overcome. It will also be interesting to watch the England national team, which did not lose a single match in the qualifying round. If they continue to show such confident play, then Roy Hodgson's team may well surprise everyone at the upcoming Euro.
Of course, we should not forget about the hosts of the Euro – the French national team. For them, this is a special European Championship, the French will perform in front of their fans, and this is always a great responsibility. On the other hand, they will have support that no other team will have, and this should play to their advantage.
If we talk about the Spaniards, then we should expect a high result from them at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. 'La Roja' is currently in a rebuilding phase and most likely not yet ready to fight for victory at the Euro. Although they will naturally have a chance to show themselves, and this cannot be discounted. Therefore, a serious battle for victory is expected in France.
If you believe the information on the internet, tickets for Euro 2016 will cost about 100 euros on average. Probably many will be able to afford to go to even a couple of matches. Therefore, if there is an opportunity to go to France next summer, it must be taken – despite all the concerns that people have due to the recent tragic events in Paris. People who spend the upcoming summer in France will leave themselves with many impressions and memories for a lifetime, it will be an unforgettable summer, because such major competitions are a holiday for everyone.