The Euro 2024 tournament kicked off with a bang as both England and Netherlands secured victories in their opening matches. England’s Jude Bellingham emerged as a hero by scoring the only goal against Serbia, while Cody Gakpo and Wout Weghorst showcased their skills in a 2-1 win over Poland. These victories set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament.
The opening matches of Euro 2024 produced some remarkable statistics that have left football fans in awe. Wout Weghorst made history by scoring the game-winning goal with his first touch of the game, achieving this feat in the second-fewest minutes ever needed by a substitute in European Championship history. His performance also saw him become only the second Dutch player to score in three consecutive games as a substitute.
One of the standout statistics from the opening matches was the high number of goals scored. For the first time in the history of the European Championship, at least three goals were scored in each of the first five games of the tournament. This goal-scoring spree resulted in a total of 19 goals, which is tied for the highest ever in the first five games of the tournament. On the defensive end, the Netherlands broke a longstanding record by not conceding a goal from a corner kick in a European Championship match since 2004.
The opening matches also shone a spotlight on individual brilliance on the field. Christian Eriksen’s goal for Denmark marked a remarkable comeback, considering his previous health scare during Euro 2020. His goal also propelled him to the 4th spot in the history of the men’s senior national team for the most goals scored. Andreas Christensen’s flawless passing performance was also noteworthy, as he became the first player to have a 100% pass completion rate at the Euros.
Jude Bellingham’s accomplishments at Euro 2024 have solidified his status as a rising star in the football world. At just 20 years and 353 days old, he became the first European player to make appearances at three major international tournaments before turning 21. His versatility and scoring prowess have drawn comparisons to legendary players like Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney, setting a high bar for his young career.
The matchup between Serbia and England showcased a defensive battle, with only 11 shots taken between the two teams, marking the lowest in any game at the Euros on record. England’s achievement of keeping five consecutive clean sheets in the group stages of the competition highlights their defensive prowess and tactical discipline.
Overall, the opening matches of Euro 2024 have set the stage for an action-packed and record-breaking tournament. With standout performances, historic milestones, and emerging young talents, football fans around the world are eager to witness the drama and excitement that will unfold in the coming matches.