BBC bids farewell to Euro 2020

The European Championship, commonly known as Euro 2020, has come to an end, leaving fans around the world with unforgettable memories. The tournament, which was delayed for one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, brought together some of the best football players from 24 countries to compete in 51 games across 11 host cities in Europe. After a month of intense competition, Italy was crowned champions after defeating England in a penalty shootout in the final at Wembley Stadium in London.

The highs and lows

The tournament had its share of highs and lows, with surprises, upsets, and heartbreaks throughout. One of the biggest shocks of the tournament came in the round of 16, when defending champions Portugal were knocked out by Belgium, who went on to reach the quarterfinals. Another big surprise was the performance of Denmark, who recovered from a traumatic start to the tournament to make it to the semifinals. However, the tournament will also be remembered for the tragedy of Christian Eriksen's collapse in Denmark's opening game, which sent shockwaves around the world.

The standout players

Euro 2020 also showcased some of the biggest talents in world football. Italy's Jorginho was named the tournament's best player after his impressive performances in midfield, while England's Raheem Sterling and Denmark's Mikkel Damsgaard were among the top scorers in the competition. Other standout players included Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, the Netherlands' Memphis Depay, and France's Kylian Mbappe, who unfortunately failed to live up to expectations in the knockout stages.

The controversy

The tournament was not without controversy, with some decisions and incidents sparking debate and criticism. One of the biggest controversies came in the final, when England's manager Gareth Southgate decided to replace Bukayo Saka with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho for the final penalties, which they missed. The decision was heavily criticised by some, who argued that it was unfair to put the pressure on two young players in such a crucial moment.

The legacy

Despite the controversies and the disappointments, Euro 2020 will leave a lasting legacy on football. The tournament showcased the beauty and diversity of European football, bringing together fans from different backgrounds and cultures to celebrate the game they love. It also highlighted the importance of mental health in sports, with many teams and players advocating for better support and awareness. And, most importantly, it brought joy and hope to millions of people around the world who had been through a tough and challenging year.

So as we bid farewell to Euro 2020, we can look back with pride and appreciation for what it brought us - unforgettable moments, incredible talents, and a sense of unity and solidarity. We can only hope that the next edition of the tournament, set to take place in Germany in 2024, will be just as memorable and inspiring.