The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as Euro 2024 reaches its climax! A formidable Spain, boasting an unbeaten record, will lock horns with England, the valiant runner-up of the previous edition. The stakes are high, and the entire continent is holding its breath as these two European giants prepare to battle for the coveted title.
A Journey to the Final
The road to the final was paved with intense battles and heartbreak for some. Netherlands, a formidable force, was ultimately outmatched by England, leaving them to bid farewell to the tournament. France, the reigning world champions, fell short against Spain in a nail-biting semifinal, their hopes for a Euro triumph dashed.
No Bronze Medal Match in Euro 2024
While Copa America awards a bronze medal to the team that finishes third, Euro 2024 takes a different approach. There will be no consolation match for the vanquished semifinalists. The spotlight shines solely on the final match, a single contest that will crown the ultimate champion. This climactic encounter is scheduled for the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany, on the 14th of July.
A Different Format: The Evolution of Euro
The absence of a third-place match in Euro 2024 is a stark contrast to the format of the tournament in its early days. In 1980, when the tournament expanded to include eight teams, the top two teams from each group advanced to the final stages. The two teams that finished second in their groups then competed for the third place. However, the tournament underwent a change in format, and the third-place match was ultimately discarded. Since then, Euro has never had a third-place match, creating a single-minded focus on the grand finale.
