Football in Europe, excitement in Goa

Football in Europe, excitement in Goa

Today, the 17th edition of the UEFA European Football Championship commences in Germany as the host country will take on Scotland in the opening match. Fans in Goa are excited and were very keen on voicing their opinion as to who would win the tournament

Ajit John

The Euro Cup is arguably the pinnacle of European club competitions, bringing together the continent’s elite football nations in a battle for supremacy. With Euro 2024 kicking off today, the football world awaits in anticipation. This year, Euro 2024 kicks off in Germany, with favourites like Portugal, Italy, Germany, France, and England. 

I think France will win the Euro. Given the depth of the team, players excelling at multiple positions and the cohesion when it comes to national games, all of these factors make France a winner.

 Sumit Biswas, scientist

 Germany will win the Euro. They are hosting the same enjoying the support of their home crowd.

Steve D’Souza, entrepreneur

France will win the Euro Championship. They have an incredibly talented and well-rounded squad with a mix of experienced players and young talents. Their depth in every position allows for flexibility and adaptability in their gameplay. Additionally, with players like Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann leading the attack, they have the firepower to break down any defence. The team’s recent performances have shown strong cohesion and tactical discipline, making them formidable opponents. Coupled with the strategic acumen of coach Didier Deschamps, France looks set to dominate the tournament.

 Rahul Haldankar, service

England will win as they have a very talented and young team. In form players like Foden, Palmer, Saka paired with Harry Kane in the attack side with Bellingham and Rice in the heart of the midfield make them a formidable side. If Gareth Southgate picks his starting 11 well and gets the players chemistry up, England should be the favourites to win the Euro 2024.

Julius Mesquita, service

 Portugal will win as they have a very well balanced team that can make it happen with Ronaldo spearheading the team.

 Dexter Pereira, General Manager

 Hosts Germany are the team who round out the top three in terms of projected champions. Julian Nagelsmann’s side have a bright chance of lifting the trophy.

Satish Valekar, businessman

 The Three Lions head into the tournament in Germany as the favourites to pick up a first major trophy since 1966. I would be backing England to make it to the final in Berlin on July 14 and lift the famous trophy.

Bhanu Sharma, service 

 France’s record of getting to major finals in recent years, has been almost unmatched. They’ve reached the final of the World Cup in 2018 and 2022 as well as the Euro 2016 showpiece. If you want to bet on Euro 2024, the odds on Les Bleus going to lift the Euro is at its best.

Avila Domingo, beautician

They might not be outright favourites for the competition but I am backing Spain to win the Euro 2024. A group containing Italy and Croatia will not be easy for La Roja but with world class midfielders and experience going forward, Spain could rekindle the magic of 2008 and 2012.

Darius Vales, businessman

Germany will win. They are a strong team, playing well. Their chances are high of winning the Euro Cup.

Wyn Coutinho, businessman

The UEFA European Championship is challenging due to the many variables involved, such as team performance, injuries, and match conditions. Portugal has a strong team and a history of success, including winning the Euro in 2016.

Rohit Rodrigues, businessman

France has a good chance and to have some amazing players like Mbappe, Griezmann, Kante. They are a bunch of good youngsters and experienced players with good skills and temperament and also they have quality in all three departments.

Sunny Naik, service

England are favourites to lift the Euro 2024. The England side looks quite strong with the star midfielder Jude Bellingham becoming one of the world’s best players, Harry Kane continuing to bag tons of goals for club and country, and Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden growing in stature for Arsenal and Man City respectively. I am rooting for England.

 Shreyash Devidas, accountant

Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo in possibly his last Euro, boasts a relatively young, dynamic squad under new coaching. Other teams, such as Italy, aim to defend their title, while host Germany seeks home advantage. France, featuring Kylian Mbappé, combines youth and experience, and England is eager for a major trophy after recent near misses. Personally, I’m rooting for Portugal, hoping for Ronaldo’s fairy-tale ending to his career. Portugal’s energetic team, featuring rising stars and seasoned veterans, along with Ronaldo’s drive to compensate for his World Cup disappointment, make them compelling contenders.

 Liam Vás, law student

While favorites emerge based on past glories and current form, my unwavering support lies with Spain. Led by a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, Spain’s squad exudes skill and passion, making them a formidable force on the field. As the tournament unfolds, I stand firmly behind La Roja, believing in their ability to shine and make history once again

 Joel Mascarenhas, entrepreneur

 International football for a month means that June is sorted for football fans across the globe. On paper, England seems the best but tactically I feel Portugal will go all the way. Ronaldo and Euros, name a better love story. The stage is set for his last Euros. Majority of Goans support Portugal and it will be the same case this year. Viva Portugal.

Vaughan D’Souza, dental student

The most likely winner is probably France. Player by player, England might be slightly better but they have their difficulties actually making use of it as a team. You cannot discount the hosts, Italy might bounce back or someone completely unexpected might get a good run. Spain has since long back at being chronic underachievers, Belgium has had their chances and the Netherlands and Portugal have a few good players but not enough.

 Ransley Rebello, student

The Euros will be very exciting this time around, interesting to see how the usual favourites do with new managers at the helm. I’m always a Portugal fan and will be backing them this time too. The last few friendlies that have happened in the recent days have indicated that Spain looks like a real force but you never know.

 Kayne Rebelo, student

When it comes to favorites, teams like France, Germany, Spain and Portugal are often considered the frontrunners due to their strong squads and successful histories in major tournaments. France boasts talented players like Mbappé and Pogba, while Germany is known for their tactical prowess. Spain, with their possession-based style and young talent, are always a threat. I am supporting Portugal because of Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates. I’m just excited to see some top-notch football action.

Anish Gaude, student

For Euro 2024, the favorites are undoubtedly defending champions, France, with their formidable squad and recent track record. However, don’t count out the likes of Spain, Germany, and Portugal, each with their own strengths and ambitions. I’ll be cheering on Portugal for their flair and Ronaldo’s brilliance. Vamos Portugal!

 Saiesh Gurav, grassroot football coach

England are the favourites to lift the Euros this time around considering their strong line-up and the options of quality players that they have, on and off the field available with them. 

The recent performances of some of their players such as Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Kobbie Mannie have been in great form recently. They had a great season with their respective teams. It is a perfect fusion of both young as well as experienced players which 

will help them boost their performance in the Euros. I’m supporting England considering its well balanced team as well as their recent friendly games have proven to go on the right path for them. Fabio Fernandes, student