THE UEFA Euro 2020 – now 2021 – is finally kicking off at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico after a one-year pandemic-related delay. From 11 June to 11 July 2021, 24 of the top European teams will compete for the Henri Delaunay Cup. The competition, hosted every four years, will wrap up with semi-finals and finals hosted at England’s Wembley Stadium.
- It’s an anniversary elebration
UEFA Euro 2021 (2020 really) marks the 60th anniversary of this prestigious tournament which started with just four teams in 1960. In the past 15 UEFA Euro’s, the tournament has been hosted by one country, with the exception of 2000, 2008 and 2012, when two countries shared hosting duties. To mark the anniversary, the organisers decided to spread the tournament across a number of countries, although being a host does not mean the country’s team automatically qualifies.
- It’s being hosted at 11 stadiums
There will be a total of 11 venues for Euro 2021 in each of the 11 host nations. The stadiums being used this year will include:
- Allianz Arena in Munich
- Stadio Olimpico in Rome
- Olympic Stadium in Baku
- Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg
- Puskas Arena in Budapest
- Arena Nationala in Bucharest
- Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam
- San Mames in Bilbao
- Hampden Park in Glasgow
- Aviva Stadium in Dublin
- Wembley Stadium in London
- Official Euro 2021 ball released
Every tournament releases an official ball, with the Euro 2021 ball the Adidas Uniforia released a few months ago. It has incorporated the same panels and materials used in the 2018 World Cup ball. The word ‘uniforia’ represents the blending of the words ‘unity’ and ‘euphoria’ with the design also representing the unity of the countries. The ball has a white background with yellow, pink and blue striping combined with black brush strokes to represent the blurring of boundaries and crossing of borders.
- What is this year’s prize money?
It’s not just all about the love of the game! The total prize money for the EUFA Euro 2021 is €371 million. This means that each participating team will receive a fee of €9.25 million, while the overall winner of the competition can earn €34 million.
- What’s the musical number?
Since 1992, every edition of the UEFA Euro has had an official anthem. Each anthem is created and produced by a different performer, generally from the host nation. Previous creators include:
- More Than a Game by Towe Jaarnek and Peter Joback in 1992
- Forca by Nelly Furtado in 2004
- Can You Hear Me by Enrique Iglesias in 2008
- This One’s For You by David Guetta and Zara Larsson in 2016
At the end of 2019, 23-year-old Dutch DJ and producer, Martin Garrix, was commissioned to create the 2020 anthem.
The opening match will see Turkey take on Italy at 9pm today. Don’t miss out on any of the UEFA Euro 2021 action – check the match schedule here https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/0254-0d41684d1216-06773df7faed-1000–euro-2020-all-the-fixtures/
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