A number of thoughts about the UEFA Euro 2020

The tournament had ended. Yes, the tournament's name didn't coincide with the year but created so many dramas. I still have a lot of strange feelings about it. Here is my personal thought, and only from my viewpoint.

The ghost of 2007 AFC Asian Cup

The European tournament held in 2021, a year late due to the COVID-19 pandemic, had offered some looks for us, but in the end, it was perceived poorly by the President of UEFA, Aleksander Čeferin.

Little to know, the Europeans borrowed this from Asia - back in 2003, the President of the AFC, Mohammed Bin Hammam, proposed an idea of more than two nations to join hosts of the UEFA European Championship's equivalent - the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. It was endorsed and finally, in 2004, four Southeast Asian nations were approved as hosts (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia). In the aftermath of the 2007 Asian Cup, Bin Hammam strangely changed his note, citing his disappointment and promised to never do it again. Bin Hammam would have never to do it, though, as he was sentenced to prison in 2011 due to corruption charges.

Michel Platini must have watched the 2007 Asian Cup, where he fell in love with it. Yet Platini ended up like Bin Hammam - also came to prison in 2015. But he managed to pass the project to his heir, the Slovenian lawyer Čeferin, and it was executed.

But what the 2007 AFC Asian Cup had something so similar to UEFA's problems? Simple, they're logistics, flying distances and the economic shares - which is very unequal. Some teams just travelled over 1,000 kilometres, but some over 10,000. Furthermore, players appeared exhausted each game and then they had to fly to another country just for three group stage games. No one endured it more like Wales, Turkey, Poland and Switzerland. England, on the contrary, enjoyed the most advantages as they only played one game far from home.

The two differences were: first, unlike 2007 where COVID-19 didn't exist, 2021 is still plagued by the pandemic, causing more difficulties. Many countries had come under various phases of lockdowns, several cities rejected the offer to open up a limited number for fans, thus Dublin dropped out, while Bilbao was changed to Seville (previously, Brussels could not come on terms to build a new stadium and thus was dropped). Second, unlike the 2007 Asian Cup that hosts didn't need to play the qualification, all the remaining 11 host countries were forced to take the route, resulting in the dropout of Azerbaijan and Romania.

Poor goalies and defenders

Astonishingly, the tournament featured eleven own goals - the highest ever in European Championship history. Three was dedicated to goalkeepers, starting with Poland's Wojciech Szczęsny in his side's 1-2 defeat to Slovakia. Painfully, Slovak-ethnic goalkeepers contributed two own goals: with Martin Dúbravka and Lukáš Hrádecký did it against Spain and Belgium - responsible for the elimination of both Slovakia and Finland in progress.

But it could be attributed to the tournament's first goal was not from a striker, but instead, Turkish defender Merih Demiral headed the ball into his own net, giving Italy the lead; the Italians went on win 3-0 against Turkey. The last own goal to finish a disastrous tournament for the guardians belonged to Simon Kjær, when his efforts were undone against England in Wembley at the last four - the game ended with a Danish defeat despite having taken the lead.

No.1 doesn't mean top

There are three "no.1" teams - France (world champions), Portugal (European champions) and Belgium (topping the FIFA ranking). None of them left any major impression whatever.

France and Portugal were drawn together against Germany, another European football superpower, as well as dark-horse Hungary. They both progressed from the group stage, but in the end, were knocked out from the same round of sixteen. More tragic for France when they allowed Switzerland to make a comeback, leading 3-1 but died out on penalties because of arrogance. Portugal's elimination was understandable given its opponent being Belgium. And finally, Belgium followed France and Portugal to leave the competition, losing 1-2 to a young Italian side.

There is a significant question on how Belgium, which failed to win any major international titles, could stay on the top of the FIFA ranking without any reservation for three years. The answer is simple, they won more than lost. Unfortunately, many of Belgium's defeats happened in some of the most important fixtures, which should have been deducted. Oh, I wish that Belgium should be displaced from the no.1 ranking immediately. This tournament, and the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup, might be the last chance, and Belgium blew its first opportunity.

For Portugal, at least, one player left with pride: Cristiano Ronaldo was named the tournament's top scorer. For France, ending its campaign at the round of sixteen with a group of players that gave France its second World Cup trophy, don't know what's more to feel ashamed.

Denmark - what a journey

After Denmark's key player Christian Eriksen collapsed to the ground in the 41st minute of the first half between Denmark and Finland, the Danes suffered two consecutive fatal blows: losing to Finland and Belgium, putting its journey at risk when facing Russia, who just needed a point to survive. Fearing that the loss of Eriksen could affect the team, Danish fans and players decided to dedicate all their best efforts, giving medical treatment to the player based in Serie A to even sending best wishes. Obviously, coach Kasper Hjulmand realised the hidden power of Denmark - a team based on cohesiveness. Instead of being a one-man squad, Hjulmand was able to fill the hole by making all Danish players looked like Eriksen. He created a new Denmark: solid in defence, and dangerous when attack.

It paid off: Denmark made an incredible return from the grave, drowning Russia, Wales and the Czech Republic, as well as causing England several frightening moments. It was unfortunate for Denmark, though, England proved to be cockier and an extra-time penalty from Harry Kane ended the Danish fairytale. But everyone couldn't disagree: Denmark played like they fought for their real survival. True warriors. Christian Eriksen, who later escaped from death, had praised the team for its good ethics.

Yet even when praising Denmark is right, there is something to warn about: Denmark had not faced teams like Spain, Portugal, Italy and France, which possessed higher risks than England, Russia, Wales or the Czech Republic. The spiritual belief was not enough. The way Denmark fell to England emphasised how it had gone: totally pressurised by the English after scoring the first goal. If Denmark had played with high degrees of possession-fighting like what they did to Russia, Wales or the Czech Republic, but instead of the Danes' opponents being Spain or Italy, Denmark would have been definitely swallowed.

The end of an era

For some teams, this tournament could be the final say of several squads. No one saw it better than Germany and Croatia.

After the UEFA Euro 2016, Germany began to decline, but it was the 2018 FIFA World Cup that saw the Germans being taken out of the group stage after 80 years, marked the end of a great era. Began with Jürgen Klinsmann and Joachim Löw, Germany started to enter its great era, where the team, composed of players like Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, Mesut Özil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Jerome Boateng, Lukas Podolski, Mario Gómez and Toni Kroos - Germany was nearly invincible, their stylish 7-1 thumping of Brazil in Belo Horizonte during the 2014 FIFA World Cup (which Germany eventually crowned champions) answered all. When the World Cup transferred from Brazil to Russia four years later, Germany's fortune ended in pain. Joachim had struggled to find new recipes and suitable players for his offence-based team, but when Germany lost 0-6 to Spain in the 2020-21 Nations League, as well as the disbelieving 1-2 home loss to North Macedonia during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, then it's time to go. Many of the old guards appeared no longer energetic. No more. No surprise, the Germans announced its new manager shortly before the Euro 2020, Hans-Dieter "Hansi" Flick, former assistant to Löw, would be in charge, to write a new chapter.

For Croatia, its decline began immediately after the World Cup in Russia, when veteran Mario Mandžukić retired. Since then, Croatia tried out with a number of different players that could harmonise with its veteran captain Luka Modrić, but almost every attempt didn't give the desired results. Croatia was twice almost relegated from the Nations League and only qualified for the Euro 2020 by winning Slovakia 3-1 in the final game. Still, Croatia gave a brave last-stand against a powerful Spain, but ultimately lost 3-5 after 120 minutes. There has already been unrest against the current chairman of the Croatian Football Federation, 1998 legend Davor Šuker, and perhaps it could have been worse had not the 2018 World Cup gave Croatia fame. It's not clear will Modrić continue, but if he did, he, and some of his comrades like Ivan Perišić, Marcelo Brozović, Milan Badelj, Dejan Lovren and Šime Vrsaljko, could play the last World Cup for this great generation of Croatia in Qatar 2022. Because it seemed like Croatia could give birth to more talents no longer.

The reborn of England

England was the home of modern football, but it has never achieved more than one glory: the 1966 FIFA World Cup was the only time England got into the final and won. England has flopped in every tournament since until Gareth Southgate came.

Southgate has a different mindset: he wasn't afraid to change and bring new players, immediately cleaned out of the old guards to make a new image of young and fearless Three Lions. It paid off: England won fourth in Russia World Cup, third in the 2018-19 Nations League and a near-perfect Euro qualification. Southgate patiently kept up with his changes, finally bore fruit as England returned to a major final after 55 years, this time, the UEFA Euro 2020 Final held at home in Wembley. Sadly, football didn't come home, England lost on penalties to Italy. Better is, many English players are young, energetic, less followed by media, thus concentrated well to the game. Think Jordan Pickford, who outpaced his predecessors, David Seaman and Joe Hart.

Southgate taught a clear lesson for every English coach to follow: don't overhype English players, treat them as ordinary citizens. Then it'll be special. The rebirth of England on the international stage is the result of normalising the Three Lions. Hopefully, England will win another major trophy if they keep their minds cool like this.

Is Spain really revived?

Luis Enrique might have led Spain to the semi-finals of the UEFA Euro 2020, but a lot of questions remain.

The biggest problem is Spain's very flawed performances, not just one, but over four games, against teams like Sweden, Poland, Croatia and Switzerland - both were beatable, but Spain could not finish them in regular times. It was made worse by the fact that Spain controlled more possessions every match in the Euro, but only one game ended in victory, a 5-0 demolition of Slovakia, it should be noted that Spain needed an own goal to break the deadlock.

Luis Enrique appeared to be far from being perfect. Unlike media overhyping the former Barcelona's boss, I had a more critical view: Enrique, failing to make immediate reforms, tried to re-impose the old Tiki-Taka tactics of possession control. Enrique's failure was further noted when playing against weaker teams like Sweden, Switzerland and Poland - neither of these teams controlled more ball than Spain, but they still ended with draws. This problem already existed when Enrique took charge: Spain suffered a shock 2-3 home loss to England in the 2018-19 Nations League, despite having 70% possession. The next Nations League, though reaching the Finals with an impressive 6-0 win over Germany, the flaws still appeared: Spain was beaten 0-1 by a highly defensive Ukraine in Kyiv, by a goal from Viktor Tsyhankov. Spain almost lost to the Swiss away if not for a red card and a penalty that saved Spain from a humiliating defeat. In the current 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, Spain did opening considerably worse, though their group was full of easy teams. Spain might have been leading the group with seven points, but Spain could not beat Greece at home despite controlling 80% of the game, and almost failed to secure a win in Tbilisi had Dani Olmo not shone in the injury time of the second half (Spain was even stunned by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's goal in 44').

There is a clear problem Luis Enrique wants to hide. The biggest issue has been his obsession with domination without clear strategies. He employed the same old trick without realising that his tactics, and Spain in general, have been carefully studied - in words, Enrique totally reversed what Julen Lopetegui did for Spain to make it predictable and less solid.

Howard Thurston, the famous American magician in the early 20th century, had three principles that every following successor followed: never reveal the secret to a trick; practice to perfection; and notably, do not repeat tricks in front of the same audience. Luis Enrique has done well the first two, but he has violated the third one. Enrique, once again, has thought he was Luis Aragonés, looking for the same Tiki-Taka magic tricks. But it no longer appeals to the same audience. So while his team continues to play affectionate football, his opponents have become cooler and less predictable than before, and against a predictable Spain like this, could be very risky for Enrique.

Still, Enrique deserved to be praised for discovering the diamond, Pedri. Although 18, he has established fame for his dribbling skills and visions, though his own goal against Croatia was something he has to avoid. On the other hand, if Enrique still tries to insist in his Barca's way, it could bring only calamities for Spain in the future.

Italian phoenix

In both Western and Eastern myths, the phoenix, a mythical animal, associated with Greek mythology, has been burned down, then risen back from the ashes, stronger, greater and more powerful than ever.

Italy was burnt following its failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The team was mocked and joked. No one treated Italy seriously anymore. Then, Roberto Mancini left Russia to return home, trying to reinvigorate a totally demoralised Italy. His team then qualified for the UEFA Euro 2020 with a perfect record of ten wins out of ten, as well as reaching the Finals of the 2020-21 Nations League. But nobody viewed Italy as a contender. Yes, we see that coming.

In the end, everyone was surprised by the Italian determination. In fact, Mancini was the only coach to speak out that he would bring the European trophy back home, which everyone before the tournament claimed Mancini was a mad man. But this mad man did give the seeds for the rise of Manchester City as a major European football giant - he did it again.

Mancini committed himself to the attacking philosophy, but Italy remained solid with the defence bulks named Leonardo Bonucci-Giorgio Chiellini. It was the duo that gave Italy a brave performance to keep the tournament's dream alive. Even when Chiellini and Bonucci were defeated, there go Gianluigi Donnarumma, a 2 meters tall goalie, where his saves delivered Italy's victory. Also, we could not forget Leonardo Spinazzola, who before that Achilles' injury in the quarter-finals against Belgium was solid, Jorginho and Marco Verratti. Hey, Bonucci scored a goal in the Final against England, becoming the oldest the score in a UEFA Euro Final.

It should be noted that Donnarumma faced two penalty shootouts, all came up winning. The first against Spain, the second against England, both in the two final fixtures on Italy's road to the title. Italy was held to draw 1-1 twice, but Buffon's heir saved all. He denied Morata, Sancho and especially Saka's, to end Italy's European drought. The second European title was given to this country, 53 years after winning the first one.

To say even better, Italy has good forwards, the likes of Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne proved to be everything. It was emotional, overall, they missed the 2018 World Cup, to win the Euro 2020, in fashion. Italy was never doomed - it is a phoenix - it died, and rise up like never been burnt.

Fan disorder

The semi-finals and final in England were home to some of the ugliest scenes in the tournament: fan disorder. Mostly from the English.

It's not strange considering how England endured a 55-year hunger to return to a major final, and this is England's first-ever European final. Instead of representing a civilised image, English hooliganism was what left behind. Thousands of English supporters broke barricades and behaved like thugs. This is even more specific with the case of the semi-final fixture between the host and Denmark, where English fans booed the Danish anthem and pointed laser against Kasper Schmeichel. But it is the final that let the ghost of the past haunt: violence, disorder, ruthlessness. The chaotic scenes came to an end in the worst way: English fans disgruntled to their loss to Italy took up weapons and throwing garbage, table, etc. Everything they could.

There is a lot of issues England will have to do if England wants to recover its status as one of Europe's formidable.