Saturday, May 29, 2021
EURO 2020 REBOOTS IN 2021 IN 11 CITIES
SANTA BARBARA, CA (smt)- After the pandemic postponed Euro 2020, UEFA's celebration across Europe kicks off June 11th in 2021 although the 24-team tournament will still be called Euro 2020. Eleven cities (down from original 13) in 11 countries will host with 9 teams getting to host at least two group matches. Thanks the UEFA Nations League, C4-North Macedonia (MKD) won a place in the tournament, its first (along with Finland). Hosts were paired (if both qualified) in each group then drawn for order (1,2,3,4) so you'll see, for example, #37 Hungary leading Group F as F1. Will playing at home, with fans mostly from their country (due to some inter-Europe travel restrictions), help elevate teams? There is no overwhelming favorite so is this England's year (with a potential to play 6 of 7 matches in Wembley Stadium)?
B3-Belgium is the #1 team in the world while F3-France (#2), D1-England (#4), F2-Portugal (#5) (defending champs), E1-Spain (#6), A2-Italy (#7), and B1-Denmark (#10) are also in the top 10. As you can infer, Group F is the group of death with France, Portugal, and Germany (have fallen to #12!). Since there are just six groups, four of the six 3rd place teams will advance to the Knockout Stage so all three could make it but maybe #37 Hungary can surprise someone in that group.
So what has changed in our pool?
