UEFA Euro 2016: 7 all-time Euro facts
As the countdown to Euros has gone below the 24 hours mark, fans all around the globe are eagerly waiting for the most awaited tournament of the summer to begin (sorry, Copa America). Despite the fact that the Copa America is also ongoing, fans seem more inclined towards the Euros instead.
And who can blame them?
The glamour that surrounds Euro is far more than what Copa America can exude. While some of the best players in the world are showcasing their talent in America, the number of star players in Europe’s finest international competition is far greater.
And with its 15th edition to begin in a short while, we look at 7 interesting UEFA Euro facts…
First Euro with 24 teams
Since its inception, the UEFA Euro has had a maximum of only 16 teams…until this term. This is the first time in history that we are going to witness 24 teams in Europe’s premier international competition.
In the previous years, the top two teams from each of the four groups made it to the quarter-finals directly. This time, however, with the increment in the number of teams, the top two teams from the six groups will be joined by four more nations.
The additional four countries will be decided via play-off clashes between the eight 3rd placed teams. Hence, for the first time in Euros’ history, there will be a round of 16. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?