The European Championships began Friday, as the every-fourth-year tournament got its start with France beating Romania 2-1. The Euros are generally accepted as the second-most prestigious tournament in international soccer behind only the World Cup. In past years, some argued the tournament was even harder to win, and thus more exciting, than its world-spanning compatriot. While the World Cup was padded out with also-ran squads, the Euros were packed with the 16 best teams that Europe — the strongest continent in soccer — had to offer.
This year, though, the finals have been expanded, diluting that strength. Eight teams have been added, giving the tournament 24 teams and — crucially for ticket-sellers and broadcasters — adding 12 more group-stage games and four more knockout-round ties.
This is good for the sheer volume of soccer but bad for the quality. Getting into the tournament was once quite difficult even for Europe's best teams, but not this year. Most of Europe's powerhouses cruised into the finals easily, and several mediocre teams qualified comfortably as well. For the first time, there are a handful of teams at this year's tournament that have virtually no hope of winning, unlike past years when all 16 teams were potentially dangerous.
The group stage will eliminate only eight of the 24 teams. Basically, finishing anything but last in the group will see most teams through; a single victory might be enough for many. For fans, what was once a taut affair from the get-go will now be much slower until the knockout round begins.
France, the host, is the favorite; it has a young, strong squad blessed with more offensive firepower than any other team in the field. Look for midfielder Paul Pogba pulling the strings, as the Juventus star is among the best in the world. As always, though, France's success or failure will be less affected by talent and more by team chemistry and attitude.
Germany and Spain are closely behind France, less because either has looked good lately and more because both usually find a way to get results. Germany is the 2014 World Cup champion, Spain the two-time Euro champion, and most people are betting that they will still be standing come the final rounds.
England, despite its history of coming up short in major tournaments (usually on the wrong end of a penalty shootout), has more than a few people excited about its young squad. Also keep an eye on Belgium, which was the world's top-ranked team for much of last year. The Belgians have been mentioned so often as a "dark horse" that they have graduated to simply being one of the favorites.
This is always an entertaining tournament to watch. It will just start a little slower this time around. This year, we will have to focus on the quantity of soccer until things get going later on.
