EURO 2024: Kickoff, Highlights, and Key Matches
The UEFA EURO 2024 tournament, which started with Germany's emphatic 5-1 win over Scotland, has captured the accolades of football enthusiasts across the globe. As one of the most closely watched games, it achieved a notable 12.5% rating among Jewish households, marking a considerable increase from the 8.2% achieved during the EURO 2021 opening match broadcast.
Dramatic Opening Day
The first match saw the hosts Germany dominate Scotland, setting a high standard for the days to come. Friday's match, broadcasted on Khan 11, became the second most viewed program of the day, only behind Keshet 12's 'the sixth studio', which achieved a 14.8% rating. A thrilling prelude, the pregame show also grabbed significant attention with a 2.9% viewer rating.
Clashes to Look Out For
The competition's second day continued the excitement with Spain facing off against Croatia, a match anticipated to draw high viewership and stadium attendance. Spain, harboring the talents of Pedri, Mikel Merino, and fresh prodigy Lamine Yamal, is intent on avenging their knockout defeat by Morocco in the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Meanwhile, Croatia, led by veteran captain Luka Modric, aims to channel the prowess that won them runners-up status in the 2018 World Cup.
The matches between Switzerland and Hungary, and Italy's debut against Albania are also highly anticipated. Switzerland, featuring key players like Yann Sommer and Granit Xhaka, looks to secure a strong start. Italy is thrilled to defend their 2021 title, entering the tournament under Luciano Spalletti’s leadership, with a roster boasting stars such as Gianluigi Donnarumma and Federico Chiesa.
Focus on Romania vs. Ukraine
Marking a significant return after missing the 2021 edition, Romania is set to clash with Ukraine, a quarter-finalist from the previous tournament. Though 20 places separate the two teams in the FIFA rankings, Ukraine remains cautious. Romania's recent improvement under coach Edward Iordănescu lends them a competitive edge, as evidenced by their favorable head-to-head record against Ukraine. This match, airing at 3 p.m. from Munich on BeIN Sport 1, is a crucial test for Ukraine before their tough encounter with Belgium.
Catch all the exciting EURO 2024 action live on beIN SPORTS and on ESPN’s streaming platform, Star+.
- Spain's possible lineup, according to the UEFA website, includes Unai Simón, Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Grimaldo, Mikel Merino, Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Morata, and Nico Williams. Croatian coach Zlatko Dalić is expected to line up with Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Pongračić, Gvardiol; Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić; Majer, Budimir, and Kramarić.
- The pre-match coverage increased the cumulative audience, with particular spikes during key segments such as the showdown between Spain and Croatia and the highly-anticipated Italy vs. Albania battle.
- Lamine Yamal, notable for his impressive performances with FC Barcelona, is highlighted as a player to watch during Spain’s EURO journey. Similarly, Croatia’s lineup includes much-anticipated players such as Andrej Kramaric and Luka Modric, both critical for their on-field strategies.
- Italy's coach, Luciano Spalletti, has emphasized playing not just for victory but for the pride of 60 million Italians, reviving the nation's footballing spirit after missing the last two World Cups.
