EURO 2021: the Exciting and Thrilling European Championship

The highly anticipated EURO 2021 is finally underway, and football fans around the world are eagerly tuning in to watch the best teams in Europe battle it out for the coveted title. The European Championship, held every four years, brings together top-tier national teams from across the continent to engage in a month-long tournament filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments.

Getting to Know the Contenders

With 24 teams in the championship, there are plenty of contenders to keep an eye on. Portugal, led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, is looking to defend their title from the previous tournament. France, who won the World Cup in 2018, is widely considered to be one of the strongest teams in the competition, while England and Belgium are also highly ranked among the bookmakers. However, with so much individual talent on display and the unpredictable nature of knockout football, anything can happen.

Surprising Results and Memorable Matches

As with any major tournament, there have already been plenty of surprising results and unexpected twists and turns. Hungary, considered by many to be the underdogs of their group, managed an inspiring draw against France that saw them come from behind to earn a point. The Netherlands, who had been tipped as one of the possible dark horses, went unbeaten in the group stage and are looking like a formidable opponent. In perhaps the most stunning moment of the tournament so far, Switzerland defeated World Cup champions France in a penalty shootout to advance to the quarter-finals, proving that anything is possible in football.

Off the Pitch: Controversies and Themes

While the action on the pitch has been thrilling, there have also been a number of issues and themes that have emerged off the pitch. The tournament was initially marred by controversy over the decision to hold matches in Azerbaijan and Turkey, both of which have faced criticism for their human rights records. In addition, there have been concerns over the spread of COVID-19, with several players testing positive and some teams losing key members as a result. On a more positive note, Euro 2021 has also shone a light on important issues such as diversity and social equality, with teams taking a knee before matches to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

What's Ahead: Quarter-Finals and Beyond

As the tournament enters its knockout phase, the stakes are higher than ever and the tension is palpable. The quarter-finals will see some of the biggest teams facing off against each other, with England taking on Ukraine, Spain playing Switzerland, Belgium facing Italy, and the Czech Republic taking on Denmark. While it's impossible to predict who will come out on top, one thing is for certain: the final stages of EURO 2021 promise to deliver some of the most exciting football of the year.

Conclusion: A Championship to Remember

As EURO 2021 continues to thrill and entertain millions of fans around the world, it's clear that this year's championship will go down in history as one of the most exciting and memorable yet. From stunning goals and shocking upsets to controversial issues and inspiring themes, the tournament has had it all. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or a casual spectator, there's no denying the excitement and passion that EURO 2021 has brought to the pitch and beyond.