Former Real Madrid star Rafael van der Vaart picks his Euro 2024 goal of the tournament so far
Former Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has picked Xherdan Shaqiri's wonder strike in Switzerland's 1-1 Euro 2024 draw with Scotland on Wednesday (June 19) in Cologne. The Swiss had won their opener 3-1 against Hungary.
With the first round of group games now over, Euro 2024 has seen quite a few spectacular strikes. However, Van der Vaart picked Shaqiri's brilliant left-footed curler as the best in the tournament so far. The former Netherlands international said (as per Madrid Xtra):
"I think Shaqiri's goal is the best goal of the EURO's so far."
Shaqiri - who plays his club football with MLS side Chicago Fire - has scored in three of his last four games for Switzerland.
His two earlier strikes came in friendly wins this month over the Republic of Ireland and Romania earlier this month, having not come off the bench in the Swiss' 3-1 Euro 2024 opening win over Hungary.
The 32-year-old has now scored in his last six major tournaments - including the last three FIFA World Cups and as many European Championships - becoming the first player to do so.
How many Real Madrid players are in action at Euro 2024?
Real Madrid have a 13-man contingent at Euro 2024. Four of them are from Real Madrid, including new striker Kylian Mbappe. The others are midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, and full-back Ferland Mendy.
Interestingly, Spain have also three players - Dani Carvajal, Nacho and Joselu (on loan) - in their Euro 2024 squad. Germany have Toni Kroos and Antonio Rudiger; Croatia have Luka Modric. England midfielder Jude Bellingham, Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and Turkey attacker Arda Guler round up the Real Madrid group at Euro 2024.
Los Blancos are coming off a superb 2023-24 campaign, winning a record-extending 36th La Liga and 15th UEFA Champions League title, and the Supercopa Espana. Carlo Ancelotti's side lost just twice all season - both times away from home at Atletico Madrid.