Euro 2020

The 2020 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as UEFA Euro 2020 (stylised as UEFA EURO 2020) or simply Euro 2020, was the 16th UEFA European Championship, the quadrennial international men's football championship of Europe organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the European Championship competition, UEFA president Michel Platini declared that the tournament would be hosted in several nations as a "romantic" one-off event, with 11 cities in 11 UEFA countries each providing venues for the tournament, making it the second senior international tournament in history after the 2007 AFC Asian Cup to have more than two nations co-hosting it.

Portugal were the defending champions, but were eliminated in the round of 16 by Belgium. Italy won their second European Championship title by beating England on penalties in the final following a 1–1 draw after extra time. The win came exactly on the 39th anniversary of Italy's 1982 FIFA World Cup final victory over West Germany.

The tournament was originally intended to be played between 12 June and 12 July 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe during that year, the tournament was postponed to June and July 2021, while retaining the name UEFA Euro 2020 and host venues. Alongside special rules regarding COVID-19, UEFA also allowed two extra substitutions and implemented video assistant referee (VAR) for the first time.

Initially, there were 13 venues chosen for the tournament but two were later dropped. Brussels was dropped in December 2017 after the city's Eurostadium was abandoned, while Dublin was dropped in April 2021 because there was no guarantee that spectators could attend. Spain originally intended to use Bilbao as a host venue but later changed it to Seville to allow for spectators at matches. UEFA chose Stadio Olimpico in Rome to host the opening match between Italy and Turkey, while Wembley Stadium in London was selected as a semi-final and final venue for the second time, following the 1996 tournament at the original stadium of the same name.

The tournament was well received by fans and commentators, with the most goals per game in a European Championship since the introduction of the group stage, and only two goalless games. The refereeing style was also praised, with a conservative use of VAR and quick decisions made on the pitch.

Euro 2020 is a highly anticipated soccer tournament that brings together the best national teams from across Europe. This prestigious event is held every four years and showcases the pinnacle of European football talent.

The tournament features a total of 24 teams, each representing their respective countries, competing in a month-long battle for glory. The matches are held in various cities across the continent, adding to the excitement and diversity of the tournament.

Euro 2020 promises to be a spectacle of skill, passion, and fierce competition. The participating teams will showcase their tactical prowess, individual brilliance, and team spirit as they vie for the coveted title of European champions.

Fans from all over the world eagerly await the tournament, as it provides a platform for witnessing some of the most thrilling and memorable moments in soccer history. The atmosphere in the stadiums is electric, with passionate supporters cheering on their teams, creating an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike.

The tournament not only showcases the best footballing talent but also promotes unity and camaraderie among nations. It brings people together, transcending borders and cultural differences, as they rally behind their national teams.

Euro 2020 is not just a soccer tournament; it is a celebration of the beautiful game and the rich tapestry of European football. It is a platform for players to showcase their skills, for nations to unite, and for fans to revel in the joy and excitement that only football can bring.