5 Things we Learned from Gameweek 1 at Euros 2024

This new series will pick out 5 interesting and key topics regarding each round of fixtures at Euros 2024. From Austria's transformational intense pressing against France to the return of the dominating Number 9, let's decipher some of the intriguing points from the tournament so far.

Return of the Classic Big Number 9?

In the modern game, the profile of the centre-forward has drifted away from 6 foot plus target men to niftier more explosive front men. Prime examples are the likes of Sergio Agüero, Jermaine Defoe and currently Kylian Mbappé who would terrorise clunky and slow centre-backs.

Refreshingly, we've seen a return of the former mainstay in football of the big number 9. Although Ukraine failed to beat the terrier-like performance of Romania, Artem Dovbyk led the line. Towering at 6ft 2 (1.89m), the 26 year old worked tirelessly for the Ukrainians, whilst being marshalled by Romania's centre-backs. The 3 clashed on multiple occasions, creating a sensational adrenaline surge in the stadium. For Girona last year, Dovbyk returned 24 goals and 8 assists in 36 matches. I'm expecting him to lead the turnaround for Ukraine if they have any chance of qualifying for the Last 16.

Despite starting on the bench, Germany and Borussia Dortmund's Niclas Füllkrug came on and scored a thunder strike in 5 minutes. Although only playing for 27 minutes, the 6ft 2 striker delivered when asked, scoring with his only shot on target, completing 3/3 of his passes and won his only aerial duel. Indeed, Kai Havertz should continue to lead the line, but the option to have another potent striker on the bench for Germany will add to their firepower.

The 6ft 5 prodigy Benjamin Šeško was very lively in a superb 1-1 result for the Slovenians against Denmark. He chose his moments to unleash some ridiculous shots on goal from well outside the 18-yard box. One just veered past the right hand-side of Schmeichel whilst the other rattled the post. It's evident to see why so many clubs are after the talented 21 year old.

Hold up, VAR is Actually Working?

VAR is not everyone's cup of tea. Following the slow, disruptive, miscommunicated and awful usage in the Premier League last season, I was not looking forward to VAR ruling out emotion-filled goals. Yet, to my surprise, VAR has functioned very well so far this tournament.

Semi-automated offsides have removed any doubt behind decisions, with no need for the painful line drawing that we saw in the Premier League. Referrals for the referee have been managed in a concise and swift way, leading to decisions being made in quick time (unlike the Premier League's poor and lengthy communicational procedure which would often take 3/4 minutes).

The only dubious decision was Belgium's ruled out equaliser against Slovakia. Here, VAR introduced a snick-o-meter, as used in cricket, to see if Lois Openda handled the ball. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course and, by the current handball law, I can see why this was not given. Openda, unknowingly marginally altered the flight of the ball to minimally give himself an advantage.

As a fan of football, I don't think Openda gains a major advantage in this instance. The ball neither slows down nor speeds up when he touches it, but hey, I'm not a referee.

Belgium's Supposed "Golden Generation" Still Can't Dazzle

The previous point segues nicely into this one: Belgium's shock 0-1 loss to Slovakia. Of course, on another day they may have won 2-1, but their performance reflects Belgium's consistent poor performances on the global stage. Since the arrival of the so-called "Golden Generation" in 2014, the Belgians have only made it as far as 3rd in the 2018 World Cup. The prior one they failed to make it out of the group stages!

Whilst many of their superstars have retired from international football, they still possess insane quality in their ranks. The statistics from yesterday's game don't flatter them. More possession, more passes, more shots and 4 big chances to Slovakia's 1 presents a major dilemma to Belgium: why can't they get the best out of their stars?

Across the pitch there were poor performances. Trossard and Doku took far too many touches on the ball and left a frustrated Lukaku without sufficient service. Captain De Bruyne was a shadow of his usual self, his body language indicating his frustration when playing for Belgium, following his negative comments from the failed 2022 World Cup campaign.

The one saving grace was the introduction of youth from the bench. Bakayoko, Openda and Lukebakio had a far greater impact on the game than Doku and Trossard. Openda provided the assist for Lukaku's second disallowed goal and Bakayoko had an effort cleared off the line.

Next for Belgium is Romania who will be high on confidence after their 3-0 win over Ukraine. Failure to win would put Belgium in a perilous position.

Austria's Impressive Tactical Transformation Under Rangnick

Austria were unfortunate to lose 0-1 to France in their group opener. Against tournament favourites France I was expecting Austria to play in a more pragmatic way. Yet, their brave high intensity pressing pushed the French all the way.

Rangnick's takeover has been a major success. His 61.9% win rate is the best of any Austrian national manager. Austrian fans have fallen in love with the coach and his ballsy tactics, altering Austria's former approach of pragmatism. This style allowed the Austrians to limit the French's creativity, only seeing French counter-attacks and over the top balls as their only source of threat.

The statistics are extremely interesting. Austria had more touches (642) than France (636) and more tackles (27 to France's 15). Additionally, Austria had 52% possession with 425 successful passes to France's 418. Although marginal, this suggests that Austria have what it takes to compete with the heavy-hitters of the competition. Poland struggled against The Netherlands' press so Austria may cause them problems.

Germany's Brilliance

I predicted a cagey 2-1 win for Germany in the Euros opener last Friday; wow was I proved wrong. The hosts were sensational, pulverising a poor Scotland 5-1. Young stars Musiala and Wirtz were mesmerising, carrying the ball with ease.

Yet, it was Toni Kroos who I want to give praise to. The 34 year old showed he's still got it, delivering an all-round astonishing performance. His joint team-high 4 key passes along with his 17 passes into the final third exuded quality. Moreover, his 15 progressive passes topped the team, complementing his 97.1% pass completion rate. Next match opponents Hungary will need to find a way to limit Kroos' passing range or risk being turned over by the Germans, who are in pole position to win the tournament based on current performances. After a disappointing few years, could the home advantage help Die Mannschaft take home the Henri Delaunay Trophy?