Squad selections – done. Pre-tournament friendlies – done. Tactical and physical preparations – done. Stadium aesthetics – done. Brace yourselves, football fans - the stage is all set for UEFA Euro 2016 to kick off amidst the history of Notre Dame and under the watchful eyes of the Eiffel Tower.
When the ball is kicked for the first time in the inaugural game between France and Romania on Friday night, it promises to set the tone for a series of events that could write themselves in Euro history.
This version of the Euros definitely possesses the potential to be remembered as the best edition yet. We look at 5 such reasons:
1) An increase in the number of teams gives small nations the opportunity to express themselves
In a major amendment to the qualification process, UEFA decided to give 24 teams the opportunity to compete in Euro 2016, rather than the 16 who were the green light for the last edition of the tournament in 2012.
This was massive news to countries that – for long periods - have been deprived of the chance to represent their nation and express their talent to the traditional ‘big boys’ of Europe.
While Wales hadn’t made it to the finals of a major tournament since 1958, countries like Albania and Iceland are making their debut appearance. Quality wise, they may not be upto the standard of their fellow competitors, but if they play with the right team-spirit and stick to their game-plan, they might just catch a couple of big fish. Which of these teams can leave an imprint on the tournament with a surprise result.
2) Many veterans still raring to go all out
This edition of the Euros sees 21 players aged 35 and over. From the never-waning reflexes of Gigi Buffon to the tirelessness of Patrice Evra at full-back to the goal-scoring exploits of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, these players may be on the wrong side of 30, but are just as excited as their juniors to make a mark at these Euro finals.
One may expect the footballers of this age-group to be selected based on reputation and past tournament performances, but not all of them fall into this category this time around.
Atletic Bilbao’s Aritz Aduriz has sprung out of nowhere this season, with a glut of goals and assists to lead his side to a strong finish in La Liga. His performances have impressed Vicente del Bosque so much that it has merited the 35-year old a place in his 23-man squad.
He has earned himself the pride of donning the Spanish colours at an age when most from his age-group usually hang up their boots, but can he replicate his league exploits in France?
3) Young sensations excited to fire on all cylinders
They may have caught the eyes of the footballing world with a dream start to their careers at club level. The future is undoubtedly bright for them, but with national duty calling, these youngsters now must shoulder the responsibility of inspiring their countries to success.
The likes of Anthony Martial (20) - with his lightning-quick dribbling skills - and Dele Alli (20) - with his intensity in attacking midfield – are amongst many in their age-group keen to wow their fans with performances suggesting that they have the potential to achieve legendary status in the latter stages of their careers.
Not to forget the Bayern duo of Renato Sanches (18) and Kingsley Coman (19). Who has the character to make it to the next level of an already promising career and whose bubble will burst under national pressure?
4) Multiple groups of death
When the draw was made last December, many fans wished the tournament started the next day. The post-qualifying seedings, the rapid rise in the technical ability of traditionally weaker teams and the unpredictability of the draw meant that there were multiple groups this time that could be dubbed as the ‘Group of Death’.
England will have to get past Russia and Wales, who have Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Ashley Williams amongst others lining up against them. Belgium, Italy and Sweden have been drawn together, while Spain, Turkey, Croatia and the Czech Republic – will have to fight it out for the top 2 knockout spots (and at least fourth-best of the third-placed teams).
It promises to be an unpredictable group stage, with a couple of favourites definitely going out before the Round of 16. An upset or two from the unheralded teams in the Groups of Death wouldn’t be unwelcome, would it?
5) No firm favourites to win the tournament
Fans need incentives to follow a tournament. The fact that even renowned football pundits across the globe are unwilling to point their finger towards a single nation to win this edition of the European Championships is the perfect reason for football lovers to keep themselves engaged in each and every ongoing of the tournament, rather than making just one or two nations the focal point.
The unpredictability of the team which will go on to lift the trophy on July 10 is what is required to make it a memorable tournament.
It could be France, with their vociferous home support. Or it could be Germany, with their ruthlessness in the attacking third. It might even be defending champions Spain, with the tactically superb players they possess.
Belgium’s golden generation of players could also have the ammunition to make it to the summit clash. Wales are definitely the dark horses, with a couple of world-class individuals in their ranks. The football can’t come soon enough.
