As Euro 2024 continues to capture the hearts of football fans around the globe, former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has revealed his unwavering passion for the sport and his particular interest in following Portugal, thanks to the presence of the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo. Ganguly, an ardent football admirer, has been closely monitoring the tournament, which has seen several exciting matches and unexpected outcomes during its group stage.
With the group stage of Euro 2024 concluded, national teams are now preparing for the decisive round of 16. During an event in Kolkata, Ganguly shared his insights and the teams he is closely following in the competition. “Except for India, Euro, I have watched the tournament very, very closely. I follow England, I am following France, I am following Portugal for Cristiano Ronaldo, and I am following Germany as well. I find Germany very strong. I follow football very closely because I love it,” remarked Ganguly, revealing his deep-seated love for the beautiful game.
England’s performance in the group stage has been commendable, with the team topping Group C with five points. Their journey began with a well-fought 1-0 victory over Serbia, where Jude Bellingham’s precise strike in the 13th minute secured the win. The second match saw England clashing with Denmark in a challenging encounter that ended in a 1-1 draw. Harry Kane’s goal in the 18th minute initially gave England the lead, but a powerful long-range effort from Morten Hjulmand saw the Danes equalize. England’s final group stage game against Slovenia concluded in a goalless stalemate, but their earlier performances were enough to see them through to the next round.
Portugal, another team under Ganguly’s watch, demonstrated a strong showing by topping Group F with six points, despite an unexpected setback. Led by the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal secured victories against Turkey and the Czech Republic but faced a surprising 2-0 defeat at the hands of Georgia in their final group stage match.
. This result means Portugal will now face Slovenia at Deutsche Bank Park on Tuesday in what promises to be a thrilling round of 16 encounter.
Germany, the hosts of Euro 2024, put forth an almost flawless performance in their group stage matches. They clinched victories in their first two matches but were held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland in a hard-fought contest. To secure a place in the quarter-finals, Germany will need to defeat Denmark on Sunday, a challenge that the team appears well-prepared for given their current form.
On the other hand, France, frequently touted as one of the tournament favorites, has struggled to hit their stride during the group stage. They managed two draws and finished second with five points, just below Austria, who topped their table. France is set to face a formidable opponent in Belgium during the round of 16 at Dusseldorf Arena on July 1, a match that many anticipate will be highly competitive.
Ganguly’s passion for football is not just a fleeting interest; it is deeply rooted and evident in his detailed observations of the matches and player performances. His admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo is particularly noteworthy, considering Ronaldo’s significant impact and legendary status within the sport. Ganguly’s perspective offers a unique blend of cricketing insight and football enthusiasm, exemplifying how sports transcend boundaries and cultures, bringing fans together in their shared love for the game.
As Euro 2024 progresses, fans around the world, including Ganguly, will surely be glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting the unfolding drama and excitement that the knockout stages promise. With top teams like England, Portugal, Germany, and France striving for glory, the competition is set to deliver memorable moments and unforgettable matches.
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