Spain and England will face off for continental supremacy in the Euro 2024 final

As Euro 2024 reaches its climax, the football world braces for a thrilling final between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This highly anticipated match will determine the champions of Europe, with Spain looking to add to their illustrious history and England aiming to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy for the first time.

Spain, guided by Luis de la Fuente, entered the tournament somewhat under the radar but quickly established themselves as a formidable contender. They navigated the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with ease, securing nine points from three matches against Croatia, Italy, and Albania. Impressively, they emerged from the group stage without conceding a goal to an opposition player.

In the knockout stages, Spain demonstrated their resilience and quality. A stunning 4-1 comeback against Georgia in the last-16 and a tense extra-time victory over hosts Germany in the quarter-finals showcased their grit and talent. The semi-final against France was another test of their mettle, with young star Lamine Yamal lighting up the Allianz Arena and Dani Olmo sealing the win.

Spain’s journey to the final has not been without challenges, but their blend of experience and youthful exuberance has seen them through. They now stand on the brink of history, aiming to become the first European men’s team to win four major tournaments consecutively.

England’s Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster. Gareth Southgate’s men had a mixed group stage, winning only once against Serbia and drawing against Denmark and Slovenia. Their knockout phase has been a tale of resilience and drama, coming from behind in both the last-16 and quarter-finals.

A lacklustre win over Slovakia and a penalty shootout victory against Switzerland set the stage for a semi-final clash with the Netherlands. Despite early setbacks, including a goal from Dutch prodigy Xavi Simons, England produced their best performance of the tournament. A late winner from Ollie Watkins, following a perfect penalty from Harry Kane, propelled them to their second consecutive Euro final.

Southgate’s squad has shown incredible determination and character, setting new records along the way. Kane’s scoring feats and the team’s ability to perform under pressure have been pivotal to their success.

We take a look at how both sides could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.

Team News and Predicted XI

Spain

Spain’s bad-tempered quarter-final against Germany saw Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand fall foul of the referee, leading to their suspensions for the semi-final. Both players are now back at De la Fuente’s disposal, bringing much-needed fresh legs to the Roja XI. Carvajal will replace Jesus Navas, while Le Normand should push Nacho to the bench.

Spain are expected to maintain a 4-3-3 formation with Unai Simon in goal. Daniel Carvajal and Marc Cucurella should hold the flanks in defence, while Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte should form the centre-back pairing. Rodri should form the midfield pivot, with Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz pushing forward.

Skipper Alvaro Morata should lead the line with the electric duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams providing support. Morata was initially a concern given his freak injury after the win against France. Thankfully for Spain, he trained normally and should lead them out.

Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Morata, Williams

England

England arrive in Berlin with a fully fit squad, including Luke Shaw, who has recovered from injury. Shaw’s performance against Switzerland and his effective stint in the semi-final suggests he may start, replacing Kieran Trippier at left-back.

Southgate is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Jordan Pickford will guard the goal, with a back three of John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Marc Guehi.

Shaw and Kyle Walker will operate as wing-backs, while Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham form the midfield pivot. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka will support captain Harry Kane in attack. Southgate has enough game-changers on the bench and it remains to be seen if he will have the nerve to make bold calls or play the long game and roll the dice.

Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane

Key Stats

• A victory on the night will see Spain secure their fourth title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
• A win for England will see them triumph in the European Championships for the first time in their history.
• Spain and England have faced off 27 times in all competitions. La Roja have won 10 games while England have won 14. Three games ended in a draw.
• England have never lost to Spain in a UEFA European Championship clash before.

Match Deciding Duel

Lamine Yamal (Spain) vs Luke Shaw (Spain)

Lamal has been a critical difference-maker for Spain in this year’s tournament and will hope to end it on a high. Up against the recently returned Luke Shaw, he will aim to run rings against the English veteran.

Shaw’s ability to get caught out could provide Yamal the space he needs to run into and put the English backline into disarray. This should also subsequently free up Dani Olmo to make his trademarks into the box.

Prediction

Spain 1-1 England (Spain to Win on Penalties)

England will be keen to end their trophy drought and also go one better than last time around. While they have a strong squad with plenty of depth, Southgate’s inability to take calculated risks should play right into Spain’s hands. It remains unlikely that the trophy will go ‘home’ anytime soon.

Argentina and Canada will face off in the first semifinal of Copa America 2024, a repeat of the competition opener from Group A

Canada have a golden opportunity to make history as they face defending champions Argentina in the first semi-final of Copa America 2024 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.

In a rematch of their tournament opener, Canada can become the second CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America final. Both sides advanced to the semi-finals via penalty shootouts, with Argentina defeating Ecuador and Canada overcoming Venezuela after 1-1 draws in regular time respectively.

Argentina’s path to the semi-finals has been fortified by their exceptional defence and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The victory over Ecuador secures their fifth consecutive appearance in the Copa America semi-finals. Historically, Argentina have been strong at this stage, progressing in seven of their last eight attempts, with the only setback being against Brazil in 2019.

A triumph on Tuesday would mark the first time Argentina reached the Copa America final as defending champions since 1959. Scaloni’s team has been defensively sound, conceding just once throughout the tournament. The Albiceleste are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, allowing only three goals during this period.

On the other hand, Canada has shown remarkable resilience since their initial loss to Argentina. Jesse Marsch’s squad has conceded just once in their last three games. They are the third CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America semi-finals in their debut appearance, following Honduras and Mexico. They are also the first from the region to advance this far since the USA in 2016.

This semi-final marks Canada’s fifth appearance in the final four of a continental tournament this century. They have progressed beyond this stage twice, in the 2023 Nations League and the 2000 Gold Cup. Canada aims to emulate Mexico’s 2001 Copa America run, where Mexico reached the final before losing to Colombia.

Argentina’s defensive stability and tactical discipline under Scaloni will be pivotal, also giving their world-class frontline a base to build upon. Canada, under Marsch, has transformed into a more disciplined and resilient team. Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies will be crucial in breaking down Argentina’s defence. SoccerSouls takes a closer look at this clash.

Team News and Predicted XI

Argentina

Lionel Messi was not at his best against Ecuador and will be keen to make amends for the penalty miss in the shootout. he missed the final group game with a hamstring injury but now appears to be back to full fitness.

Lionel Scaloni is likely to retain his flexible 4-3-3 formation with Emiliano Martínez in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Marcos Acuna.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes should perform the role of the pivot in the centre, giving Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister and the dynamic Rodrigo De Paul the freedom to push forward. Lionel Messi is expected to don the playmaker’s role with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez leading the line. Angel Di Maria will offer Argentina another option off the bench should they need to shift gears.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez

Canada

Inter Milan Tajon Buchanan remains a major doubt for Canada after he suffered a broken tibia during training just days before their match against Venezuela. This injury puts his participation in doubt not just for the semi-final clash against Argentina but also for the remainder of the tournament.

Jesse Marsch has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from for the clash and is expected to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Maxime Crépeau in goal. The shot-stopper should be protected by the back four of Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and  Alphonso Davies.

Stephen Eustáquio and Jonathan Osorio should form the double pivot, freeing up Jonathan David to act as the playmaker. Cyle Larin should start up front, with Richie Laryea and Jacob Shaffelburg providing support out wide.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Osorio, Eustaquio; Laryea, David, Shaffelburg; Larin

Key Stats

• Argentina have never conceded a goal against Canada.
• Argentina have not lost a major tournament match on U.S. soil since a 3-2 defeat to Romania in the 1994 World Cup’s round of 16.
• A win on the night will see Canmada make it to their first-ever Copa America final at the first time of asking.
• Argentina have not made it to the final of the competition as defending champions since 1959.

Match Deciding Duel

Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) vs Derek Cornelius (Canada)

Lautaro Martinez is the top scorer in the tournament this season and has made it a habit of scoring late goals for Argentina. This augurs well for a side that is defensively compact, giving them a second wind to settle the game as the opposition gets tired. Derek Cornelius will have his hands full all night but will know that he cannot slack off for even a second with Martinez on the prowl.

Argentina’s ability to score late coupled with Canada’s vulnerabilities in the second half of the game makes for a thrilling finale in the final 30 minutes of the first semifinal. While Argentina do have several threats and matchwinners in their lineup, Martinez’s clinical touch has given them the edge this summer. He will certainly be aiming to make a difference once again on Tuesday.

Transfer Watch

Jonathan David

The LOSC Lille attacker is Canada’s trump card going forward and is expected to leave the Ligue 1 giants this summer. David is a pacy player whose ability to get into space and clinical ability in the box helps make a difference. While several clubs are keeping tabs on him, a solid showing against the defending FIFA World Cup holders will only help boost his profile among potential suitors.

David will be up against the meanest defence in the competition on the night. The duo of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez aren’t just formidable defenders but their ‘take no prisoners’ approach will certainly add a physical element to the duel. David is unlikely to come up against a meaner backline in the competition and how well he handles this challenge could determine his stock this summer.

Prediction

Argentina 2-0 Canada

Both teams will be familiar with each other having felt each other out on the opening day. The stakes are much higher this time round and Canada will be hoping for a monumental upset. Argentina were handed a late scare against Ecuador and that perhaps will ensure they don’t take Tuesday’s game for granted. The game should be a hard-fought one with Argentina’s match winners making the difference in the second half of the game.

Top 10 Best Football Players of All Time

Football is the most popular sport known to man, and today, we treat you to a list that reveals our top 10 best football players of all time. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Manuel Neuer, and Lionel Messi to Paolo Maldini, we will try our best to include players representing every era and position on the pitch.

Without further ado, here are our Top 10 Best Football Players of All Time.

10. Manuel Neuer (GERMANY)

For the past decade and a half, Manuel Neuer has constantly made himself known as the world’s best goalkeeper. There are greats such as Lev Yashin, Dino Zoff, Iker Casillas, and Gianluigi Bufffon. But Neuer is perhaps the most complete goalkeeper in that lot.

From distribution, to on-the-ball abilities and shot-stopping talent, Neuer barely has a single hole in his game. The two-time German player of the year also won the 2014 World Cup with Germany and took home the Golden Glove award. He is a living legend and should be remembered as the player who revolutionized the role of a goalkeeper.

9. Romario (BRAZIL)

In a career that spanned nearly 24 years, Romario scored 1,000+ goals in his career. The dynamic Brazilian striker was an absolute menace on his day – and nearly every day was Romario’s day during his heyday. Having played for numerous clubs in his career, he is best known for his spells at Vasco da Gama and Barcelona.

He is one of Brazil’s all-time great forwards and led them to the 1994 FIFA World Cup, having scored 5 goals and also taking home the Golden Ball award. He retired from professional football in 2009 as one of the greatest players the world will ever see. His longevity and lethality are what gives him the edge over the likes of Ronaldinho, Kaka, and Neymar on this list.

8. Luis Suarez (URUGUAY)

Perhaps a player that doesn’t get the credit he deserves, Luis Suarez has scored goals by the bucketload wherever he went. The Uruguayan striker started his career, much like many legends, at Ajax and scored 111 goals in 159 games. Liverpool took notice and brought him to England, and Suarez single-handedly led their unexpected Premier League title charge in the 2013/14 season.

A move to Barcelona followed and he really exploded onto the scene there. Suarez played a massive part in Barca’s treble in 2015. He was sold to Atletico Madrid in 2020 as he was nearing the end of his prime. But the legendary striker showed he still had it in him as he guided Los Colchoneros to a historic La Liga title. He also has a fearsome rate of a goal every two goals for the Uruguay national team.

7. Ronaldo (BRAZIL)

Ronaldo Nazario is a debatable inclusion in the top 10 football players of all time. His career was cut short by fitness issues and injury. But during his heyday, Ronaldo was basically a cheat code. He had immense pace and acceleration for a player of his height and physique. He dribbled like the ball was glued onto his boot, and he was simply unerring in front of goal.

His spells at PSV, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Barcelona cement his status as the greatest number 9 to ever live if we give a big weightage to individual ability over longevity. Ronaldo’s peak came in the 2002 FIFA World Cup where the masterful striker was the foundation on which Dunga’s Brazil built their trophy-winning campaign. It is a shame that injuries ruined a career that would have been laden with Ballon d’Or and Golden Boots.

6. Zinedine Zidane (FRANCE)

There have been midfielders like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Steven Gerrard that have mesmerized the world with their abilities in the centre of the park. But no one summed up the essence of being a central midfielder, a playmaker, and a captain as Zidane did for France, Juventus, Real Madrid, and Bordeaux.

A smooth operator, the tall midfielder had a feather touch and the passing range to envy. His vision was unmatched and his ability to read the game, sublime. Zidane was a pillar that the Real Madrid and Juventus team during the early 2000s and late 1990s respectively. His only regret would be to not win a FIFA World Cup because heaven knows Zidane deserved one. Perhaps, he has his own headbutt to blame for that.

5. Paolo Maldini (ITALY)

Paolo Maldini was the complete defender. The blue-eyed Italian was one of the most elegant footballers the world has ever seen. He could play as a left-back and a centre-back. The towering physique of Maldini was coupled with his surprisingly quick speed and sublime ability on the ball.

Franz Beckenbauer and Virgil van Dijk are both players that mimic a similar style, but Maldini’s longevity, versatility, and legacy trump the duo on this list. The AC Milan and Italy legend is the closest thing we have had to a perfect defender.

4. Pele (BRAZIL)

Pele scored 1279 goals during his senior career, including friendlies, and that is still a Guinness World Record. He guided Brazil to a World Cup as a 17-year-old in 1958, and then again in 1962. Pele was again instrumental in Selecao‘s 1970 World Cup win.

He spent his career playing for Santos and never really had the task of going up against Europe’s best clubs in the ’60s and ’70s, but it would criminal not to consider him at least one of the top 4 greatest football players the sport has ever seen.

3. Diego Maradona (ARGENTINA)

Diego Maradona was Lionel Messi before it was cool. The pocket-sized Maradona was simply unstoppable. Teams had to double, sometimes triple mark him. The Argentine’s ability was impeccable, his dribbling was mesmeric, and his eye in front of the goal made him a cold-blooded hitman.

His success with Argentina made him a legend. Maradona led them to an unforgettable 1986 World Cup win, a tournament that made him a God in his home country. That was also the time he led Napoli to an unthinkable Serie A title in 1987. If not for a troubled career off the pitch, Maradona could have had a few more years at the top. May the legend in rest in peace.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (PORTUGAL)

Cristiano Ronaldo is not a better footballer than Diego Maradona when it comes to individual abilities. But the Portuguese’s longevity, goal-scoring record, and an overflowing individual and team trophy cabinet make him our second-best football player to ever exist.

A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo has 5 UEFA Champions League titles to his name as well as the 2016 UEFA Euros. The World Cup is, perhaps, the only trophy that eludes him and he can cement his status as the ‘GOAT’ if he somehow manages to lead Portugal to the trophy in Qatar.

1. Lionel Messi (ARGENTINA)

There is no list in the world that should have Lionel Messi anywhere but as #1 when it comes to the greatest footballers ever. Messi’s lengthy career is not one that has had its up and downs. Ever since his debut for Barcelona as a teenager, Messi has kept up his standards that have never dropped.

A record 6-time Ballon d’Or winner, he is widely considering by the football world as the best to ever do it. Goals, assists, on-the-ball ability, longevity, and set-pieces, there is no weakness in Messi’s armour. Now at PSG, he will only add to his tally of trophies which saw a career-changing inclusion of a Copa America title in the summer of 2021.

Read More on Football:

• Who is Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke and what’s his net worth in 2021?
• Why NFTs Are Game Changers For Soccer Clubs
• Top 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History

Notable absentees from our list of the Top 10 Best Football Players of All Time

Johan Cruijff

Steven Gerrard

Franz Beckenbauer

Eusebio

Ronaldinho

What do you think of our list? Have your say in the comments below!