With the groups for Euro 2024 announced this month, the excitement for the Euros is growing by the day. Football fans worldwide are already making fans for their trip to Germany to take a glimpse of Europe’s biggest football celebration.
While official platforms and trusted ticketing platforms such as Seatsnet are getting filled with requests for match tickets, local law enforcement has brought out rules on alcohol ahead of the tournament.
Beer Ban for the First Game
The proposed restrictions for the fans at the Euros in Gelsenkirchen might have other implications for fans as the local law enforcement is considering stricter measures.
If these are implemented, alcohol consumption will be restricted within the stadium and public areas. It might be a step in the right direction for a controlled environment, but it could impact the event’s vibrant fan culture.
Fans from England, specifically those looking for tickets for the opener against Serbia on trusted platforms such as Seatsnet, already show dissent concerning this move.
But local authorities are adamant. As described by Peter Both, the head cop overseeing the England-Serbia match adds that there will be zero tolerance for troublemakers to ensure that the overall mood around the match remains in good spirits.
Using water cannons and a zero-tolerance policy for troublemakers could result in clashes between authorities and fans, potentially escalating tensions.
And the authorities want to avoid that.
Implementing such measures might have the intended effect of curbing disorderly behavior, but it could also affect the overall camaraderie and celebration of international tournaments.
However, a good case study for Euros would be the FIFA World Cup 2022. Held in Qatar, there was no alcohol in and around the venue. Yet the atmosphere remained ecstatic, and it was nothing short of entertainment. While there were negative sentiments in the build-up to the World Cup where fans were complaining, during the tournament, it felt seamless with no real complaints.
There are always two sides to this conversation. With the restrictions, there is an implication that it can impact the sale of alcohol by the official sponsors, who are key brands in world football.
The verdict can also impact the ticketless fans, who gather around public squares to watch the games in a fan zone.
While there has been more negative feedback on the move, Seatsnet’s fan boards also found some fans agreeing. One fan acknowledged that the restrictions are necessary to stop the excessive behavior and specialty to help improve the reputation of the English fans.
However, there’s also concern that these measures might limit the freedom and fun that fans associate with attending such events.
France to Play Warmup With Germany
France’s prep for the Euro 2024 finals will kick off with a friendly encounter with Germany in March, added the French Football Federation.
The match will occur in France’s Lyon Stadium, marking the start of France’s warmup games for the 2024 Euros.
The clash will bring back a rivalry to September, where Germany won 2-1 against France.
Rudi Voller served as Germany’s interim manager following Hansi Flick’s departure.
Since then, Germany has seen a change in leadership, with Julian Nagelsmann taking over, but there’s still work to do.
Germany was victorious in the United States but faced shock losses to Turkey and Austria.
France is a clear favorite for the title, with an unbeaten run in qualifying to seal the group topper position ahead of the Netherlands.
As for Germany, they are set to compete against Hungary, Scotland, and Switzerland in Group A during the Euro 2024 tournament.
2006 Word Cup to 2024 Euro: What Has Changed?
The last time Germany hosted an international football tournament was in 2006 when they were official hosts of the FIFA World Cup.
Nearly two decades ahead, nine out of the 12 venues of the FIFA World Cup of 2006 will be used at Euro 2024.
Yet, three stadiums that had World Cup games will not feature in the 2024 Euros. One is the Hanover’s stadium, known as Niedersachsenstadion in the World Cup era.
Regardless of the extensive renovation, in 2006, with a capacity 86,000, it missed the cut to be a Euro venue.
Fritz Walter Stadion, remembered for the infamous Paraguay vs Trinidad and Tobago game, didn’t make it for the 2024 tournament.
Similarly, the stadium in Nürnberg, which might soon undergo upgrades, was also left out of the EURO 2024 selection.
To reach the required tne stadiums for EURO, Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf joined the list. The stadium holds 54,600 fans and was notably absent from the 2006 FIFA World Cup owing to its lower capacity.
Curiously, it served as Portugal’s national team’s home ground twice. It stands out for its retractable roof, integrated hotel, and underground railway station, providing easy accessibility for game fans.
Underrated Odds for Portugal
Peritufal has been high-flying in the qualifiers, or Euros with their start playmaker Cristiano Ronaldo reunited with the side. But quite recently, the social boards of many ticket platforms, media platforms, and reliable ticket reseller platforms such as Seatsnet have shown dissent by the Portuguese fans with the official odds released.
Portugal is 8/1 behind England, France, Germany and Spain.
But their form has been top-notch.
Coach Martínez led them to a perfect qualifying run, scoring 36 goals while conceding just two, a record in Portugal’s history.
Unlike his time with Belgium, where expectations were sky-high, Martinez likes the underdog status. His flexible tactics and young talents like Toti Gomez, Pepe, and Ronaldo have proven effective.
Even without Ronaldo, they showed dominance, securing a 9-0 win against Luxembourg, their biggest win ever.
Ronaldo’s influence is undeniable on the side, but Martinez is shaping strategies without only depending on their iconic player.
Bruno Fernandes has stepped up as a playmaker and is a crucial player in defensive teams. For Portugal, the group-stage games look pretty easy. They will play Turkiye, the Czech Republic, and the play-off winner. The official draw for the Euro 2024 was announced at the start of December.
Despite bookies’ odds, Portugal’s building momentum and being underrated might fuel their fire. Martínez’s leadership could give them a solid shot at clinching their second European Championship.
