There’s excitement in the air as we race towards a fascinating summer of professional sport. In addition to the best permanent fixtures, including the Grand National, MLS regular season, NBA campaign, and the Tour de France, the hotly anticipated European Championships are also on the horizon. The Euro 2024 soccer tournament is almost upon us, and the best teams are ready for action. But which country will win?
Germany is the host nation, and their past performances in the European Championships and the World Cup suggest they’ll go close to winning the trophy. The Germans face stiff competition from the likes of England, France, and Portugal, but we’ve already seen many times how home advantage can sway the results. You can bet on Germany to win Euro 2024 and delight the home crowd at one of the major online sportsbooks offering odds and promos.
How do you find a bookie you can trust to handle your Euro 2024 wagers? Simply look for one with the best features. A great sportsbook app will offer a welcome bonus, live betting odds, cash-out, and a聽soccer betting odds calculator. Before Euro 2024, browse the market, compare the odds, check promotions, and find the app that’s best for you.
Finding your winner
How do you guarantee you find the winner of Euro 2024 before the opening game? Spoiler alert: there’s no guaranteed way to beat the bookies and successfully predict the result of major sporting events. But there are a few things you can do to boost your chances. Check the stats, read reviews, study the head-to-head figures, and read professional predictions. There’s more than one smart way to approach Euro 2024.
One of the most popular and successful ways to predict results is by throwing yourself into the stats. Which team scored the most聽goals during qualifying, which had the most favorable draw for the group stages, and which coaches are struggling with injuries? The more you know about the teams involved, the more chance you’ll produce a smart pick. It’s impossible to know too much about a competition, especially when risking your hard-earned stake.
Past performances are another great way to help you arrive at a champion. Checking how certain teams have performed in the Euros could give an insight into how they’ll play this summer. We’ve seen it happen many times in the past, and it’s a solid approach ahead of the summer. That’s why our team shines the spotlight on the hosts. Keep reading as we walk you down memory lane, recalling Germany’s famous Euro 96 winning campaign from the groups to the final.
Group stages
As defending champions heading into Euro 96, Germany carried the weight of expectations familiar to any reigning powerhouse. Led by manager Berti Vogts and boasting a squad brimming with talent, including stalwarts like Jurgen Klinsmann, Matthias Sammer, and Oliver Bierhoff, Germany embarked on their quest to retain the coveted trophy.
The journey began in the group stage, where Germany found themselves pitted against Italy, the Czech Republic, and newcomers Russia. In their opening match against the Czech Republic, Germany demonstrated their intent with a convincing 2-0 victory, setting the tone for their campaign. However, a stumble against Italy in a hard-fought 0-0 draw served as a reminder of the challenges ahead.
Undeterred, Germany rebounded with a commanding performance against Russia, securing a 3-0 win and booking their place in the knockout stages. Despite occasional moments of uncertainty, Vogts’ side showcased the trademark German resilience and tactical understanding that would become their hallmark throughout the tournament.
Knockout rounds
In the knockout phase, Germany faced Croatia in the quarterfinals, a team emerging as dark horses in the competition. In a tense encounter, Germany’s experience and composure proved decisive as they secured a narrow 2-1 victory, courtesy of goals from Stefan Kuntz and Jurgen Klinsmann. With each passing match, Germany’s resolve grew stronger, fueling belief in their ability to reclaim the title.
The semi-final clash against England stands out as a defining moment in Germany’s Euro 96 odyssey. Played out in front of a spirited crowd at Wembley Stadium, the match showcased the intensity and drama befitting a historic rivalry. Alan Shearer’s early goal for England threatened to derail Germany’s aspirations, but Stefan Kuntz’s equalizer ensured the game went to extra time.
As the match reached its climax, the stage was set for a moment of individual brilliance to tip the scales in favor of one side. In a stroke of fate, it was German midfielder Andreas M枚ller who seized the opportunity, converting a controversial penalty to send Germany into the final and leave English hearts broken. The image of M枚ller’s decisive spot-kick would endure as a symbol of Germany’s steely determination and unyielding spirit.
Grand final
In the final against the Czech Republic, Germany faced a formidable opponent hungry for their slice of glory. The match ebbed and flowed, with both sides trading blows in a captivating display of sporting prowess. Patrik Berger’s early penalty put the Czechs ahead, but Germany refused to capitulate, drawing level through Oliver Bierhoff’s timely strike.
As the contest stretched into extra time, tension gripped the stadium, and the fate of the championship hung in the balance. It was then that Bierhoff etched his name into German folklore, netting the golden goal that sealed Germany’s triumph and clinched their third European Championship title.
Amidst scenes of jubilation and celebration, Germany basked in the glory of victory, their journey culminating in a moment of unbridled joy and triumph.
