The Euro 2020 is a prime example of a mix between some young blood with so much toprove, as well aswell-known andexperienced magicians ofthe game.The UEFA European Championship 2020 would certainly serveas a window to highlight the value and focus for the next generation of players around Europe.
Furthermore, itis a platform where the finest may make their mark and lead their country to triumph. Several top names also represent their country in this renowned competition. These athletes have astounded everyone with their longevity and continue to play important roles in their clubs. They’ve become veterans, yet their worth and devotion to the team remain undeniable.
One of them is Macedonia hero Goran Pandev, who will play his final international game on Monday, against the Netherlands. “This is my last game for the national team, I think it is the right moment to say goodbye.I hope these guys, this generation, goes on to qualify for the World Cup. “They bring a lot of joy to the Macedonian peoplebecause they are quality players who play for good teams andI think they deserve to make it to the World Cup,” he said in a press conference.
Four other oldest players at UEFA European Championship 2020
David Beckham of England (left) heads the ball away from Goran Pandev of Macedonia (right) in 2004. (Getty)
Genoa player Goran Pandev had enteredEuro 2020 as the tournament’s oldest forward. The true leader of the Macedonianational team is still vital even at the age of37, having playeda key part in their Euro 2020 Qualifications campaign. It was him whoscored the game-winning goal to seal the Lynxes’participation at theUEFA European Championship 2020.
This is not the first time Pandev has stated that he has played his final game for his national team. When the current coach, Igor Angelovski took over in 2015,one of his first moves was to bring Goranout of international retirement. It has all worked out incredibly well, considering the fact thatPandev has becomethe second-oldest player in the European Championship history thanks to his strike against Austria in Matchday 1.
The record is kept by Ivica Vastic. The former Austria international netted against Poland in Euro 2008 at the age of 38.Earlier in March, Pandecalso scored the first goal for Macedonia in the 2-1 victory over Germany ,the Germans’ first World Cup Qualifiers defeat after 20 years.On July 27, the former Intertreble-winner will turn 38, and he can also boast of playing for other clubsLazio, Napoli, andGalatasaray in his career. Let’s take a look at the four other oldest players to appear at the Euro 2020.
1. Pepe (Portugal)
Pepe of Portugal. (Getty)
Pepe, who was born in February 1983, is the oldest player on the team going into the competition. Portugal haveplaced its trust in the experienced defender, now 38-years-old. He has been a crucial component in the Selecao since 2008, and he was important in the country’s 2016 Euro and 2019 UEFA Nations League titles. Pepe has already won 114 caps for the Portuguese and will be looking to add to his total.
2. Maarten Stekelenburg (Netherlands)
Maarten Stekelenburg of the Netherlands. (Getty)
Surprisingly, an old familiar face such as Maarten Stekelenburg actually made the cut into the Netherlands‘final squad. The 38-year-old Ajax goalkeeperis the second-oldest player to participate in the Euro 2020 competition, as he was born in September 1982. Frank De Boer’s No. 1 goalkeeper Jasper Cillessenwas tasted positive for COVID-19,and it was the 58-games capped veteran who got the call-upincluding Tim Krul and Marc Bizot.
3. Craig Gordon (Scotland)
Craig Gordon of Scotland. (Getty)
Born in December 1982, Craig Gordon is a Scottish goalkeeper who competes in Euro 2020 as the third oldest player. The Tartan Army qualified in a major international competition for the first time since 1998. They did it in a spectacular manner, defeating Serbia on penalties in the UEFA Nations League Playoffs. The experienced Scotland goalie is one of three goalkeepers included in the 26-man team. He has formerly played for Sunderland, Celtic, and is presently at Hearts. Last season, Gordon maintained 13 clean sheets in 26 league games.
4. Yuri Zhirkov (Russia)
Yuri Zhirkov of Russia. (Getty)
Russia might be one of the tournament’s underdogs, who will be aiming toreplicate their 2018 FIFA World Cup success and produce a few upsets. One of their most experienced players is Yuri Zhirkov. The 37-year-old former Chelsea player, who will be 38 in August,plays a key part in the club. He is now a member of Zenit St. Petersburg. Zhirkov is a constant danger on the left-wing and will look to finish his international career on a positive note.
