“That’s a hard Monday” - Rio Ferdinand reacts as Juan Mata predicts scoreline for Euro 2024 final between Spain and England
Former England international Rio Ferdinand has reacted to former Spain midfielder Juan Mata's prediction of the Euro 2024 final on July 14. The Euro 2012 winner predicted his nation would win in extra time in Berlin to break the hearts of English fans worldwide. Mata, who played most of his career in the Premier League, believes the game will be close and will not be decided in regular time.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder recently appeared on the Legend's Lounge where he and Ferdinand discussed the upcoming title decider in Berlin. The two Red Devils alumni disagreed on the winner of the match in Berlin with the former defender picking his home nation to win. However, Mata said:
“I’ve gone just the other way [as compared to Rio Ferdinand]. 2-1 [to Spain] but in extra-time. So 1-1 and then extra-time.”
“That’s a hard Monday," Ferdinand replied.
England and Spain will contest the Euro 2024 crown in Berlin on Sunday with La Roja keen to regain the crown after a dozen years. Meanwhile, the Three Lions hope to win the competition for the first time in their history.
England captain Harry Kane is not thinking about the Golden Boot ahead of the clash with Spain in Euro 2024 final
England captain Harry Kane has said he is more focused on winning the Euro 2024 trophy than he is on winning the Golden Boot. The Three Lions are one game away from claiming the European Championships for the first time in their history and face Spain at the Olypiastadion in Berlin.
Ahead of the title-deciding match, the Bayern Munich star said to the press (via Fotmob):
"Ultimately, when you come this far in a tournament, you're not thinking about the golden boot. You're thinking about winning the championship and that's all that matters.
"So, of course, as a striker I'd love to score on Sunday but if someone else scores and we win, I'm not going to be disappointed."
The England captain concluded by pointing out that the final against Spain was more important than any individual awards, saying:
"Everyone wants to achieve the same goal. And whether you play one minute or you play every minute, if we win it, we're all going to celebrate together and we’re all going to be extremely happy, so that's the most important thing."
The Three Lions and La Roja both have a player in the running for the Golden Boot at Euro 2024 with Dani Olmo and Harry Kane both on three goals. The two nations will compete not just for the title in Berlin but for which of their players will be the most prolific goalscorer in the tournament.