The Euro Cup or the UEFA European Championship 2016 to use the proper nomenclature starts today and fans of the beautiful game are in ecstasies at the prospect of watching some of football’s top players in action in days to come. Here is some essential info about UEFA Euro 2016 which starts today that may interest:
24 teams competing for the prize
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This is the pre-eminent test for the continent that adores the game and 24 teams will compete to see who becomes football’s continental champion. There are six groups of four teams each that vie for the ultimate prize.
Defending champions are Spain
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Spain was the winner of the last Euro Cup in 2012 and so far is the only team to have won the title two consecutive times (2008 and 20012 and once much earlier in 1964).
The hosts are France this year
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Known for their near fanatical love for football, the hosts France will be hoping for a repeat of 1984 and 2000, the two previous instances they won the tournament.
Hosts take on Romania today
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In the inaugural match of the tournament today, the hosts, France take on Romania and are favourites to win.
The Google Doodle
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Such is the buzz that this premier football event generates, that even Google changed its logo today and the Google Doodle looks like this today.
Players to watch out for
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Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale of England, Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden, Marcus Rashford again from England, Anthony Martial of France, Renato Sanches of Portugal are some of the stars that fans are going to be watching out for.
Top contenders for the Golden Boot
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Apart from superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, the top contenders for the Golden Boot are thought to be Thomas Muller, Germany, Antoine Griezmann, France, Robert Lewandowski, Poland, Olivier Giroud, France, Harry Kane, England.
There is also a Russian Ronaldo and new Messis
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According to the BBC, Ante Coric, Croatia is dubbed the Croatian Messi, Emre Mor, is the Tukish Messi, Aleksandr Golovin is the Russian Ronaldo, these are more non league names to look out for.
Who are favourties to win?
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While hosts France probably fancy their chances and in fact are thought of as favourites to win. Defenders Spain will hope to make a hat trick of wins, Germany (winners on three previous occasions) will certainly hope for another title, and dark horses England will probably hope to win their first ever title.
Author: Reena Daruwalla
