The UEFA European Championship, ranking as the third-largest global sporting spectacle after the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup, boasts a rich history dating back to 1958. It was at the 3rd UEFA Congress in Stockholm that the resolution to establish the European Nations’ Cup – initially named Coupe d’Europe des Nations – was adopted. In 1965, this tournament officially transformed into the prestigious continental championship we know today as the Euros.
The visionary behind this tournament was Henri Delaunay (1883-1955), the long-serving secretary of the French Football Federation (FFF). As early as 1927, Delaunay presented his proposal to FIFA, the world’s football governing body. Despite the existence of continental championships in South America since 1916, his idea was initially rejected. Though Delaunay didn’t live to see his dream realized, UEFA, founded in 1954, honored his legacy by naming the European championship trophy and the tournament itself after him, a fitting tribute from France, the nation that championed the cup’s creation.
Italy Defends, Germany and Spain Vie for Dominance
Sixteen editions of the European Championship have been contested so far. Germany and Spain share the title of most successful nations, each having clinched victory three times. The last tournament, Euro 2020, postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and uniquely hosted across 11 countries in 2021, saw Italy emerge as champions.
After eight years, the Euros return to a single host nation. Germany, previously the Euro host in 1988 and also the World Cup host in 1974 and 2006, officially bid for the Euro 2024 in 2017. Turkey also vied to host the tournament, marking their repeated attempts. However, in the final vote on September 27, 2018, 16 members of the UEFA Executive Committee, including Zbigniew Boniek, favored the German bid, resulting in a 12-4 victory.
Host Nation Ready: State-of-the-Art Stadiums Await
“We have fantastic stadiums and fans who adore football. Above all, we have people who love to celebrate with fellow Europeans. We will organize a great football festival in Germany,” declared Philipp Lahm, former German national team captain, 2014 World Cup winner, and head of the Euro 2024 Organizing Committee.
From a sporting perspective, the tournament is defined by numbers: 10 cities, 10 stadiums, 24 teams, 51 matches, and 19 main referees. The number of players remains somewhat flexible. Responding to pressure, primarily from national team coaches, UEFA permitted expanding squads to 26 players, similar to pandemic-era regulations. However, some coaches, like those of Belgium and France, intend to bring only 25 players. The Netherlands is also expected to field a smaller squad. The minimum remains at 23 registered players.
The teams are divided into six groups. The top two from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 16. From this stage onward, a knockout system applies – lose and you’re out. The final is set for July 14th at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.
The group stage will feature two, three, or twice, four matches per day, except for the opening Friday, which will have only the inaugural match. Kick-off times are scheduled for 3 PM, 6 PM, and 9 PM CET. On days with two matches, the earliest kick-off will be omitted. Following the group stage, there will be two rest days – June 27th and 28th – before the knockout rounds commence on June 29th.
The Euro 2024 host cities, besides Berlin, include Munich, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Cologne, Hamburg, Leipzig, Dortmund, Gelsenkirchen, and Frankfurt.
Ready for EURO 2024! 🤩#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/Fb7WEdgJff
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) March 26, 2024
Poland’s Euro Journey: Through the Play-off Backdoor
Poland’s national team endured one of the longest qualification paths to Euro 2024. Their campaign began in March 2023 under Fernando Santos, but a string of disappointing performances led the Polish Football Association (PZPN) to terminate his contract. Michał Probierz, the former U-21 coach, stepped in to fill the void. Despite improved performances under Probierz, the lost ground in their qualifying group – albeit against non-elite teams – proved too much to recover. However, Poland’s strong showing in the previous edition of the UEFA Nations League granted them a play-off lifeline. In March 2024, victories over Estonia (5-1 in Warsaw) and Wales (via penalty shootout in Cardiff) secured their place at Euro 2024.
This marks Poland’s fifth consecutive appearance and fifth overall in the European Championship. Their debut in 2008, co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland, under Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker, was underwhelming. Two defeats and a draw in the group stage resulted in a swift return home.
Expectations were significantly higher in 2012 when Poland co-hosted the tournament with Ukraine. Fortune seemed to favor coach Franciszek Smuda, with the group stage draw pairing Poland with Russia, Greece, and the Czech Republic – widely considered a “dream group.” Disappointment ensued. Two 1-1 draws and a 0-1 defeat to their southern neighbors in a crucial match dashed hopes of progression.
Euro 2016 in France witnessed Poland’s best performance to date. Under coach Adam Nawałka, the team excelled in qualifying, notably securing a historic 2-0 victory against Germany. The draw reunited them with the reigning world champions in the Euro group stage, resulting in a 0-0 draw in Saint-Denis. 1-0 victories against Northern Ireland and Ukraine propelled Poland to the knockout stages. They then defeated Switzerland in a penalty shootout in the round of 16, before succumbing in a quarter-final penalty shootout to Portugal, the eventual tournament winners.
Jerzy Brzęczek guided Poland to Euro 2020 qualification, but the tournament’s postponement due to the pandemic meant he wouldn’t lead the national team in the finals. In January 2021, then-PZPN president Zbigniew Boniek dismissed Brzęczek, appointing Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa. Across the Euro 2020 venues spread throughout Europe, Poland lost to Slovakia 1-2, drew with Spain 1-1, and in a decisive match, fell to Sweden 2-3, concluding their campaign in the group stage.
EURO 2024 SCHEDULE >>>
Cautious Optimism: Pre-Euro Friendlies Boost Morale
Currently, fan and expert expectations are at their lowest in years. A disastrous qualification campaign, salvaged at the last moment through play-offs, a less-than-ideal atmosphere surrounding the PZPN (only slightly improved by Euro 2024 qualification), a low assessment of the team’s potential, and an unfavorable group draw with powerhouses like France and the Netherlands, plus Ralf Rangnick’s Austria – all contributed to a lack of optimism.
However, friendly matches against Ukraine and Turkey have shifted the narrative. Two victories against fellow Euro 2024 participants have instilled hope in fans, boosted morale, and provided reasons for optimism. Team enthusiasm was palpable, though injuries to key players have tempered the positivity. Arkadiusz Milik was already ruled out of the tournament, and on Tuesday, news broke that captain and record-holder Robert Lewandowski would miss the crucial opening match against the Netherlands due to injury. The medical staff is working diligently to ensure the Barcelona striker, who has played every minute of Poland’s 18 major tournament matches since 2012, will be fit for the second group game.
🫵 @lewy_official 🫵@LaczyNasPilka | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/IE2e0blMy7
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 10, 2024
Poland Opens “Group of Death” Campaign Against the Netherlands
The Polish squad, based in Hanover since Tuesday, will commence their Euro 2024 journey on Sunday, June 16th, facing the Netherlands in Hamburg at the Volksparkstadion. Poland hasn’t defeated the “Oranje” in 45 years, making this opening Group D fixture a significant challenge. Five days later, they will clash with Austria in Berlin, and conclude the group stage against France on June 25th in Dortmund. This Group D, featuring Poland, Netherlands, Austria, and France, is widely considered the “group of death” due to the high caliber of each team. The Poland Netherlands Euro 2024 match is therefore pivotal for both teams’ aspirations in the tournament.
“For me, a satisfactory outcome would be advancing from the group. Because that would mean we emerged from a very strong group and are a very strong team. That’s why we want to do everything to advance to the knockout stage. And I ask the fans to support us. To believe in us. That belief is key. Because for me, the team is most important. I see joy in the players about coming to the training camp, being in this team. We want to show our class at the European Championship,” declared coach Michał Probierz. His words underscore the importance of the Poland Netherlands Euro 2024 game as a tone-setter for Poland’s campaign.
The core of the national team remains anchored by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, who has transformed from a tournament “unlucky charm” to a reliable and heroic figure. Piotr Zieliński, despite an inconsistent season with Napoli and a pending transfer to Inter Milan, remains a key midfielder, albeit divisive among fans. And then there’s Robert Lewandowski, approaching his 36th birthday, with 150 caps and 82 goals for Poland. For Szczęsny and Lewandowski, this marks their sixth major tournament, a testament to their enduring presence in Polish football.
Kamil Grosicki, a veteran from the Euro 2016 squad, also made the team. Despite being named Ekstraklasa’s best player for the past two seasons with Pogoń Szczecin, the winger, who turned 36 on Saturday, is a reserve under Probierz. He was the only outfield player who didn’t receive any playing time in the friendlies against Ukraine and Turkey. The Poland Netherlands Euro 2024 match could see Grosicki potentially make an appearance as a game-changer from the bench.
Germany vs Scotland Kick Off Euro 2024
The tournament opener on Friday in Munich will feature Germany against Scotland. The hosts, who haven’t consistently pleased their fans recently, are in a theoretically favorable group, also including Switzerland and Hungary.
Historically, host nations have won the Euros three times: Spain in 1964, Italy in 1968, and France in 1984. However, there have also been disappointments. Most recently, when France hosted in 2016, they reached the final but didn’t clinch the title.
The theoretically toughest group, Group B, comprises defending champions Italy, Spain, Croatia, and Albania, with Albania considered the underdog. However, based on FIFA rankings, “Poland’s” Group D is arguably the most balanced. The Poland Netherlands Euro 2024 game highlights this group’s competitive nature.
Georgia is the sole debutant at Euro 2024, having qualified through the play-offs, mirroring Poland’s path. They are the 36th national team to participate in this prestigious event.
Andrzej Janisz and Filip Jastrzębski discuss the Germany vs Scotland opening match:
European Football’s Galaxy of Stars: Ronaldo’s Sixth, Mbappe and Kane Aim to Dethrone
Major tournaments always spotlight football’s biggest stars. Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 39, will be a central figure, making his record-breaking sixth Euro appearance. His Euro debut was 20 years ago on home soil, marked by tears after a final defeat to Greece. Since then, he’s achieved immense club success, and his greatest national team triumph was Euro 2016. He holds records for Euro final tournament appearances (25) and goals (14).
“There is no other player in the world who can bring to the dressing room what he can. He is ready to help the team and give his all,” said Portugal’s Spanish coach Roberto Martinez about the Al-Nassr player, who has scored 130 goals in 207 national team appearances.
Kylian Mbappe is a leading candidate to succeed Ronaldo as Europe’s dominant star. The Frenchman already boasts a 2018 World Cup gold and a 2022 silver, topping the scoring charts in Qatar. He’s already France’s third-highest scorer, though surpassing Ronaldo’s records will be a challenge as he’s not a typical out-and-out goalscorer. The Poland Netherlands Euro 2024 match will feature several stars, but Mbappe’s potential future clashes with the Dutch defense will be a key subplot if France progresses in the tournament.
Other stars to watch include England’s Harry Kane, Germany’s veterans Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos (in his international swansong), Croatia’s Luka Modric, and Denmark’s Christian Eriksen, who remarkably returned to football after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch at Euro 2020.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal, turning 17 the day before the final, will be the tournament’s youngest player. Portugal’s Pepe, who turned 41 in February, is the oldest.
Notable absentees include Erling Haaland, due to Norway’s non-qualification, and Sweden’s Alexander Isak. Thibaut Courtois is absent for Belgium due to a dispute with the coach. Germany’s Mats Hummels and England’s Marcus Rashford also missed out on selection.
However, eight players from the Polish Ekstraklasa will feature at Euro 2024, including three Poles (Grosicki, Bartosz Salamon, and Taras Romanczuk), two Georgians (Nika Kwekweskiri and Otar Kakabadze), two Slovenians (Miha Blazic and Erik Janza), and Romanian Bogdan Racovitan.
Marciniak Among Referees
Szymon Marciniak is among the 19 main referees selected for Euro 2024. The 43-year-old Pole will once again officiate on the big stage. In 2022, he refereed the World Cup final between Argentina and France, and six months later, the Champions League final. He returns to the Euros after his debut in France in 2016.
Marciniak’s Polish team includes Tomasz Listkiewicz and Adam Kupsik as linesmen, and Tomasz Kwiatkowski and Bartosz Frankowski as VAR referees.
Euro 2024 is a financial behemoth. UEFA anticipates revenues of €2.4 billion from the tournament, primarily from media rights sales. In Poland, matches will be broadcast on TVP. The Poland Netherlands Euro 2024 match, like all others, will contribute significantly to these revenues through viewership.
🚨 OFFICIEL ! Clement Turpin a été désigné pour arbitrer le match d’ouverture de l’Euro 2024 vendredi ! 👏🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/9PJ5Lf1ftM
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) June 12, 2024
Millions at Stake
UEFA will distribute €331 million in prize money, identical to Euro 2020. Each participant, including Poland, receives a €9.25 million participation fee.
The Euro 2024 winner can earn a maximum of €28.25 million, depending on group stage results. A group stage win is valued at €1 million, a draw at €500,000.
Reaching the round of 16 earns national federations €1.5 million, the quarter-finals €2.5 million, and the semi-finals €4 million. The runner-up receives €5 million, and the champion €8 million.
Germany vs Scotland: When and Where is the Euro 2024 Opener?
Germany faces Scotland in the opening match at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Friday, June 14th, at 9:00 PM CET.
When are Poland’s Euro 2024 Matches?
Poland starts their Euro 2024 campaign against the Netherlands on June 16th in Hamburg. >>> READ MORE
Then they play Austria on June 21st in Berlin. >>> READ MORE
Their final group match is against France on June 25th in Dortmund. >>> READ MORE
The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advance to the round of 16.
Read also:
Euro 2024 on Polish Radio and special service polskieradio.pl/Euro2024
JK/PAP/IAR/PR24
