(Football news) The wait for the UEFA EURO championships is all but over! As the continent welcomes the international championship in Germany, what have we learned from the first round of fixtures?

Germany Seems to Have Found Their Retro Best:

After recent disappointments in international tournaments, Germany’s 5-1 win over Scotland was the perfect statement-maker and mark of intent from the hosts. Seemingly back to their demonstrative best, the continent’s most reliable and consistent nation will look to seal the UEFA Euro championship in their very own backyard come mid-July.

Deploying a mix of young talent & experience, the Germans seem to have found the balance they have desperately missed in recent years. Combining for 61 of 63 attempted passes, with 39 of 40 being made in the final third, the young combination of Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are already showcasing why they are world football’s most highly rated talent.

With the duo seeking to become the team’s ‘X factor’ at the UEFA Euro championships; the Germans also have a depth of talent and experience to call upon from the bench at the games. With experience forming the spine of the team, world beaters in the form of Joshua Kimmich, Kai Havertz, Toni Kross, Antonio Rudiger, Ikay Gundogan & Thomas Muller are expected to lead the team from the front, in the hope of bringing home Germany’s fourth championship.

Led by Alvaro Morata – A New Look Spanish Outfit Have Emerged

Sacrificing a possession-led style for attacking progression, Spain’s new-look team, led by Alvaro Morata has been the talk of the town so far. Off to a perfect start in the ‘Group of Death’, Spain’s first-half performance against Croatia checked all the boxes for the former champions.

Led by Alvaro Morata, the Spaniard opened the goal scoring just before the half-hour mark, scoring his seventh European Championship goal – Only Cristiano Ronaldo (14) and Michel Platini (9) have now scored more goals than him in the history of the competition. With a line-up that boosts the best LALIGA football has to offer, the team has an abundance of experience in Dani Carvajal & Nacho Monreal. In Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Nico William’s & Rodri – the Spaniards also have some of the continent’s most exciting talent.  

Expect the Unexpected; Darkhorse’s & Favorite’s are yet to Shape Up

Only in the nascent stages of the tournament, the tournament has already thrown up some major surprises. Slovakia’s victory against the depleting golden generation of Belgium, and Romania’s thumping of Ukraine have been some of the major surprises so far.

With unconvincing wins in their opening game, two of the tournament’s favorites have also forced pundits to question their intent & status at the tournament. With England’s lackluster triumph against Serbia & France’s inability to find the net, the next round of the UEFA Euro championship will bring to the fore a whole lot of clarity to the ‘favorite’ conversation. Adding to the mix, defending champions Italy have also showcased their intent at the games, adding a different perspective to the favorite/darkhorse conversation. With round 2 beginning with Croatia taking on Albania in the ‘Group of Death’, Indian fans can keep updated on all the happenings at the UEFA Euro on Sony LIV

Also read: England and how they can lineup against Denmark in thee next match