The trigger for the controversy was Cucurella’s unsanctioned handball in the quarterfinal match against Germany, which provoked outrage from the home fans. The boos intensified in the match against France, which led to various criticisms from the German press.

Despite the boos, Cucurella has proven to be one of the revelations of the European Championship. The Spanish player has earned the trust of coach Luis de la Fuente and is emerging as a key player for the final of the tournament.

The German press apologizes to Spain and Cucurella

The newspaper “Kicker” led the apology, calling the fans’ attitude “shameful, silly and contrary to sportsmanship.” The media stressed that the whistles were unjustified, since Cucurella’s play was not punishable and that the Spanish player “leaves his heart on the field of play for 90 minutes”.

“Whoever behaves like this, who constantly whistles at a player who leaves his heart on the pitch for 90 minutes, has not understood fair play and is behaving in a way unworthy of a host,” said “Kicker”. The media called on the German fans to behave neutrally with Cucurella in the final of the tournament.

Criticism also came from the Spanish dressing room. Defender Dani Vivian described the attitude of the German fans as a “shame” and assured that “no player deserves that”. Coach Luis de la Fuente also spoke out on the matter, stating that he did not understand the reasons for the whistles and that they had only served to motivate Cucurella.

The last time a third-place match was played at the European Championship was in 1980, when the tournament was called the European Nations Championship. Since that edition of the European Championship, Italy’s. The Czech Republic, at that time recognized as Czechoslovakia, has the honor of being recognized as the last third-placed team in the European continental tournament after beating Italy on penalties (9-8)

Unlike other international tournaments such as the World Cup, Copa America or Africa Cup of Nations, Euro 2024 will not have a match for third and fourth place. This tradition dates back to 1980, when the competition was still known as the European Nations Championship.

Reasons why there is no match for third place at Euro 2024

This is due to the lack of interest generated in the teams defeated in the semifinals to continue participating in a tournament that does not have the motivation of the great trophy, instead of returning to the venue so that the players can return to their respective clubs or go on vacation.

The Euro 2024 final will be played this Sunday, July 14 at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, where the finalists will face each other for the coveted trophy of Europe.

France and Italy closely follow with two titles apiece. France celebrated their first triumph on home soil in 1984 and later clinched the trophy again in 2000, led by legendary figures such as Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane. Italy’s victories came in 1968 and most recently in 2021, marking their resurgence after a period of rebuilding and tactical evolution under coach Roberto Mancini. These nations have consistently demonstrated their ability to peak during the intense competition of the European Championship.

Several other countries have also left their mark on the tournament with a single triumph each. The Netherlands clinched their only Euro title in 1988, while Denmark surprised Europe by winning in 1992 after entering the tournament as late replacements. Greece’s historic victory in 2004 remains a testament to the unpredictability and magic of football, as they defied the odds to become champions. Portugal’s maiden triumph came in 2016, thanks to the leadership of Cristiano Ronaldo and a resilient squad. These victories have etched these nations into European football history, embodying the spirit of competition and glory in the UEFA European Championship.

Who has not won the Euros

Aside from the 10 national teams listed above, the rest of Europe has not won this coveted national team title. The list of non-winners includes some very important teams in all of soccer.

Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Hungary
Israel
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Moldova
Montenegro
Northern Ireland
North Macedonia
Norway
Poland
Romania
Russia
San Marino
Scotland
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
Wales

These countries have participated in various editions of the European Championship but have not yet won the tournament. Some have reached the knockout stages or even the final, but victory has eluded them so far.

During extra time against Slovenia, CR7 missed a last-minute penalty kick that could have secured victory for Portugal and has consequently faced scrutiny, despite his impressive record of 130 goals in 211 international matches for crying over the lost chance.

Pundit Sara Poraria, speaking on SportyTV, criticized Ronaldo on a panel show, suggesting that he is damaging the national team and should be benched moving forward.

Pundit wants Cristiano Ronaldo benched

Poraria stated, “I am getting to the point where Ronaldo is harming Portugal. (Ronaldo taking free kicks) was shooting them into the stands. He wasn’t able to do anything and I think it’s sad because we’ve seen, like you mentioned (her panel co-host), that glorious time when he was at Madrid and what he was capable of, but it’s just something that comes with age.”

She added, “If I were the coach and saw this attitude, I wouldn’t be saying ‘oh, passion, oh, it’s because he cares’. I think this is embarrassing.“

Ronaldo has played the full 90 minutes in all three of Portugal’s victories and was substituted in the 66th minute during their defeat to Georgia.

The Euro 2024 kicked off with a bang on Friday, June 14, as hosts Germany dominated Scotland with a 5-1 triumph. Meanwhile, just days later on Thursday, June 20, Lionel Messi‘s Argentina secured a 2-0 win over Canada in the opening match of the Copa America, setting the stage for a thrilling summer of international soccer.

Since the start of UEFA’s premier national team tournament on June 14, fans have been treated to a continuous stream of matches from both the Euro and Copa America. However, this Wednesday, July 3, marks the end of this non-stop soccer spectacle, leaving a temporary void in the action for eager fans.

July 3 without action in international competitions

After two thrilling weeks of nonstop action, the Euro and Copa America tournaments are hitting the pause button. Today, there’s a rare break in the schedule, leaving fans puzzled about this sudden lull. Contrary to wild speculations, the reason is neither a special date nor a quirky FIFA mandate.

The answer lies in the calendar. On Tuesday, July 2, the final two matches of the Euro’s Round of 16 wrapped up alongside the conclusion of the Copa America‘s group stage. This natural break in the schedule provides a much-needed breather before the next stage of high-stakes showdowns resumes.

When does activity return in both tournaments?

Good news for fans—both tournaments are set to resume soon, promising vibrant action on the field. The quarterfinals are underway in both championships (the Copa America does not have a round of 16 instance). Fans can look forward to eight thrilling matches.

In Copa America action, Lionel Messi’s Argentina will take on Ecuador on Thursday, July 4. Euro 2024 excitement kicks off the next day, Friday, July 5, with two blockbuster clashes: Spain vs. Germany and Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal facing off against Kylian Mbappe‘s France.

During his celebration after scoring the second goal, Demiral gestured with both hands, a symbol associated with Turkish nationalists and linked to the ultra-nationalist group Ulku Ocaklari, also known as the Gray Wolves.

In the post-match interview, the defender defended his actions, saying, “It’s about my Turkish identity, something I’m immensely proud of. The feeling overwhelmed me after that second goal, prompting me to make that gesture. I’m delighted that I did,” Demiral remarked. “Seeing others in the stadium using the same sign reminded me that I had it in mind as well.”

Profile of Merih Demiral

Merih Demiral is 26 years old and has played for various clubs with little fanfare, having passed through the likes of Sporting Lisbon, Juventus, and his best stint being at Atalanta.

Today, Demiral plays in the Saudi Pro League since 2023 and on the national team has 48 caps with 4 goals. It is not the first time the defender has had issues with certain hand gestures; on 11 October 2019, after Cenk Tosun scored in a 1–0 victory against Albania in a Euro 2020 qualifier at home, Demiral was among the Turkish players involved in a contentious goal celebration that included a “military-style salute.”

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser issued a strong statement on Wednesday, urging UEFA to take disciplinary action against the player for his controversial gesture.

“The symbols associated with Turkish right-wing extremists should not be displayed in our stadiums. Leveraging the European Championship for promoting racist ideologies is utterly unacceptable,” Faeser asserted in an interview with X.

During the match, Bellingham appeared to make a hand gesture towards his groin area after scoring a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer, ultimately securing England’s 2-1 victory in extra time on Sunday. His acrobatic overhead kick with just over a minute remaining spared England the embarrassment of an early knockout from the tournament.

Should UEFA decide to charge Bellingham in a disciplinary proceeding, he could face suspension for England’s upcoming quarterfinal clash against Switzerland on Saturday. However, precedent suggests that the talented midfielder, who plies his trade with Real Madrid and England, might likely receive only a monetary penalty if found guilty.

Jude Bellingham could be suspended

“Further information on this matter will be provided in due course,” UEFA stated in an official communication regarding the ongoing investigation.

Following the match, Bellingham took to social media to clarify the incident, dismissing claims that his gesture was directed at the Slovakia bench. “It was a gesture meant as an inside joke with some close friends who were present at the game,” he explained on X, the platform previously known as Twitter. He further expressed his respect for Slovakia’s performance during the intense encounter.

Spain has advanced to the next phase, after their good performance in Group B along with Italy, Croatia and Albania, this group was perceived as the “group of death” due to the competitive nature of these nations.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has a formidable squad, however, he will be without key midfielder Gavi from FC Barcelona, which is a major blow to his midfield ahead of the competition.

Gavi out of Euro 2024

Spanish midfielder Gavi, a rising star at Barcelona, will not be featuring in the Euro 2024 round of 16 match against Georgia due to a knee injury.

Gavi sustained the injury while playing for Spain in a qualifier match against Georgia last November. The severity of the injury, reported as a torn ACL and damaged meniscus, required surgery and a lengthy recovery period.

This unfortunate setback keeps Gavi out of the Euro 2024, where he was expected to be a key player for Spain. Despite his young age, Gavi has already established himself as a talented midfielder, and his absence is a blow to the Spanish national team.

It took 53 years for the Euro to be dyed blue again, since in 2021, the year in which Euro 2020 was played, a tournament that had no fixed venue, Italy beat England on penalties, after a 1-1 draw, at Wembley.

Importantly, the Henri Delaunay Cup is the coveted trophy of Euro 2024, a modern version of the original award that has been linked to the Euros. Cast in sterling silver, this imposing glass is 60 cm high and weighs 8 kg.

How many UEFA European Championship trophies have Italy won?

Italy has won 2 European Championships. In their presentation in the competition, the Azzurri – at home – won the final against Yugoslavia, in 1968; in a match that originally ended 1-1 and that had a replay in which the Italians won 2-0 at the Olympic Stadium in Rome.

The two times Italy reached the final, but could not celebrate, were in 2000 (they lost 2-1 vs. France with a golden goal) and in 2012, when they were defeated by a resounding 4-0 against Spain.

EURO-by-EURO record

1960 Did not participate
1964 Did not qualify
1968 Winners
1972 Did not qualify
1976 Did not qualify
1980 Fourth place
1984 Did not qualify
1988 Semi-finals
1992 Did not qualify
1996 Group stage
2000 Runners-up
2004 Group stage
2008 Quarter-finals
2012 Runners-up
2016 Quarter-finals
2020 Winners

The tournament, which is played in Germany, already knows the dates and times of all the matches that remain to reach the long-awaited final.

Once the group stage was played, the names of the 16 teams that will be in the round of 16 of this Euro 2024 were defined.

Euro 2024: Format

In the Euro 2024 format, the top two finishers in each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advance to the round of 16. This phase is crucial, as it determines which teams continue in the competition and which ones say goodbye.

Euro 2024: Bracket

In the next phase, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, England, Denmark, Slovenia, Austria, France, the Netherlands, Romania, Belgium, Slovakia, Portugal, Turkey and Georgia will participate.

This is what the crossovers look like before the start of the round of 16:

Euro 2024: Schedule, dates, and times

The round of 16 stage marks the beginning of the direct knockout rounds. It will be played from June 29 to July 2.

1. Friday, July 5:
   • At 12:00 p.m. ET: Winner Spain/Georgia vs. Winner Germany/Denmark.
   • At 3:00 p.m. ET: Winner Portugal/Slovenia vs. Winner France/Belgium.
2. Saturday, July 6:
   • At 12:00 p.m. ET: Winner Romania/Netherlands vs. Winner Austria/Turkey.
   • At 3:00 p.m. ET: Winner England/Slovakia vs. Winner Switzerland/Italy.
3. Tuesday, July 9:
   • At 3:00 p.m. ET: Semifinal 1.
4. Wednesday, July 10:
   • At 3:00 p.m. ET: Semifinal 2.

Euro 2024 final: Schedule, dates and time

The Euro 2024 grand final will take place on July 14 at 3:00 p.m. ET at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, a date that is already marked on the calendar of all football fans.

The knockout group stage has ended and with it the excitement grows in the following rounds with unique matches, where each team must win to continue advancing to the next phase.

As the big event in Germany approaches, natural questions arise among viewers. One of the most recurrent is: What happens if there is a tie in the round of 16, quarters, semi-finals or the final of Euro 2024?

Tiebreaker criteria Germany Euro 2024

Everything changes from the round of 16, quarters, semi-finals or final of the UEFA European Championship. A draw will take the match to extra time.

1. Draw in the Round of 16:
   • If a round of 16 match ends in a draw at the end of regulation time, an extra time of 30 minutes (two halves of 15 minutes each) will be played.
   • If the tie persists after extra time, it will be decided by penalties.
2. Quarterfinal Draw:
   • The procedure is the same as in the round of 16: extra time and, if necessary, penalties.
3. Tie in the Semifinals:
   • In the semi-finals, extra time and penalties will also be applied if the tie persists.
4. Tie in the Final:
   • The final is the most important match of the tournament. If there is a tie at the end of regulation time, extra time will be played.
   • If the tie continues after extra time, it will be resolved by penalties.
   • The winning team will be crowned champion of Euro 2024.

So, prepare your emotions for these exciting moments at Euro 2024!