Once again, my predictions weren’t 100% correct!

Therefore, what did we learn from this European Championship?

Well, already as a summary of this Competition, I can assume that there were some points that ended up arousing my curiosity.

The power of culture is, for me, the first and greatest lesson of this Euro.

From the start, the fact that it’s almost impossible for top teams not to qualify for the knockout stages is a plus for the audience. UEFA, smartly fuels the desires of fans, broadcasters, and federations. 

And, of course, UEFA itself!

More games, more ticket sales, more broadcasts, more sponsorships, more money, more emotion, more goals, etc.

Everyone wins!

This includes teams like Portugal in 2016 and now England in 2024, which have had mediocre performances but manage to advance through all stages, even if not fully justified.

In the Group Stage, the games and the performances of some teams were influenced by the understanding that even finishing third (out of four) could be enough to advance. As a result, many teams played more defensively against the favourites (France, England, Germany, Spain, Portugal…). This detail made it difficult for the stronger teams, which have more trouble uniting culture, consistency, unity, training, and preparation with their playing style, to overcome organized teams with medium/low defensive blocks. Spain and Germany (surprisingly) managed to overcome these barriers despite the limited training time and some experimental tactics. Culture can indeed have a significant impact. 

The power of culture is, for me, the first and greatest lesson of this Euro.

Secondly, it was demonstrated that the football presented by all teams is increasingly organized, more difficult to overcome, more strategic, and more capable. Perhaps less spectacular, too. 

But today, facing any of the 24 teams present is not easy for any team. 

The most spectacular matches in the Group Stage were probably between the smaller or less favoured teams. In the Knockout Stage, the favourites liberated themselves and performed better against teams that played openly, such as Portugal against France, or England against the Netherlands.

Young players like Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Musiala, Wirtz, Vitinha, Mainoo, Arda Güler, and others stand out. 

However, for me, it’s players like Laporte, Pepe, Rodri, Kroos, Gündogan, and others who continue to impress with their control and management of the game. 

Bravo!

Lamine Yamal is an undeniable figure of this Euro and the recently concluded season. At 16, he was the standout in the semifinals against France and a constant headache in all matches, even when he didn’t score or assist. 

He has tremendous potential on a global level. 

He is the type we want to say has the potential to be truly different. 

But let’s give it time. 

Comparing any player to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo must be done cautiously and respectfully. 

Being at the top for 15 years and sharing the stage with the best in the world for over 10 years is unique and hard to match in terms of numbers, titles, etc. 

The benchmark set by these gentlemen is indeed very high.

On the other hand, much more was expected from Bellingham, Foden, and Mbappé. 

Although they reached the final and semifinals respectively, they were far from brilliant in this competition. 

The same goes for Ronaldo.

Speaking of Ronaldo and Portugal, this Euro taught me (once again) that career management must be done very consciously. 

Players (and even coaches) must prepare for all moments, including the end of their careers, maintaining the coherence that their level requires. 

A legend should not be dragged through the mud. 

Put simply: press or fans cannot do that! 

It’s unfair! 

But the responsibility, also, lies with each individual to prepare for it.

Finally, these semifinals teach us that Football continues to be the world’s greatest sporting power because it has EMOTION. 

England was not better than the Netherlands throughout the competition, nor was France better than Portugal. 

But in a single game, everything can change. A goal changes everything, and a bad day can send the best team home in an instant. 

This immense power of constant emotion, the unexpected happening, installing hope that things will turn out better, and the irrational surpassing the rational. 

This is the superpower of Football!

For the final, without surprises for those who have followed my predictions and justifications, I expect Spain to be the natural and deserving winner of this Euro.

Bring on the final!

And, by the way, thank you to everyone who has accompanied me on this journey. 

Thank you very much!