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Category: Sports

  • Daystar to Play Host to KUSA League on Final Weekend

    Daystar to Play Host to KUSA League on Final Weekend

    By Ken Andrew

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy Instagram/Daystarcity: Poster for the weekend derby.

    The final weekend of what has been a long season in the Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) league is set to take place at Daystar University Athi River Campus on July 24.

    The final four matches will be hosted at the Bethel Grounds, which serves as the home ground for Daystar Falcons. The Falcons play their Football Kenya Federation (FKF) league home matches at the ground and will have home turf advantage- they understand the topography of the pitch and their fans will be close by.

    They will have two matches in the KUSA League at their home venue. The first one will be a Daystar Derby in which they will be seeking to avenge their loss from the first leg of the season against the Daystar University Valley Road campus team, Daystar City. The match will be played on Saturday the 24th of July at 9.00 am before they take on Kenyatta University Town Campus the next day.

    Having home advantage, the Falcons are expected to try everything to deliver positive results over the two games but their opponents will not be walkovers. Daystar City will be looking to pick up their third win of the season and complete the league double over the Falcons in what will be their final match of the season. In the first Daystar Derby of the season, a Prince Kofi second-half hat trick helped City achieve a comeback win over the Falcons. The striker will be looking to add to his goal tally this weekend. City goalkeeper Richie Ekhalie will be looking for a start in the Derby this season after missing the first leg due to injury. The long-time City custodian will be keen to produce a superb performance in keeping the Falcons’ forwards at bay.

    The Falcons will be heading into the derby without utility player Lenteipa Learamo, who got injured during an FKF League match. The versatile player has featured in forward positions and even at center back for the Falcons this season. This was his first season with the Falcons. When asked about his assessment of the season, the player was positive and hopeful in his reply

    “My first season with the Falcons was really great. I really enjoyed my time traveling and doing what I love most,” he said. “Sadly, my dislocated ankle and fractured fibula means that I will be out till next season. This being my first injury, it took some time to accept it. I learnt that this is something that can happen to all athletes thus one should cherish every chance they get to play and not take it for granted. I cannot wait to be back honestly. Turning setbacks into comebacks.” 

    The player will hopefully make a proper comeback next season.

    Alongside Lenteipa, Collins Orina also had a great debut season with the Falcons. The midfield maestro has played in a majority of the Falcons’ games as a starter. 

    “Actually, this is my first season in Falcons. So far, it has been a wonderful experience. The senior players received me well when I joined the team and that helped me settle easily. I cannot wait to learn more from them. I am happy to be at Falcons. Next season, I want to help the team achieve its goal and also achieve my personal goals,” he said when asked about his season and what the future holds. 

    The last Derby of this season is set to be a banger with both teams wanting to win. Caiseyann Munee, the Daystar City Team Manager is hopeful that the City team will continue to grow after learning a lot this season. 

    “I think Daystar City will play a clean game and that we will go and have fun and do our best. I am certain we are going to push ourselves but bottom line, we are going to grow and learn a lot from the game on Saturday and as we conclude this season we are definitely going to have leveled up as compared to how we were when we started the league,” she said.

     She also gave her thoughts on the KUSA League being held at the Bethel Grounds in Athi River: “Personally, I think the league being held in Athi is quite odd considering the fact that we are playing against people we go to school with but I also feel like us playing in Athi will expose us to a new ground which some of our players have never played on and we, again as City, are here to grow so we are going to learn something new and grow and better ourselves for next season.”

    The students of Daystar are sure to have some quality games available for them to watch this weekend. The Derby will be headlining the fixtures. Who will come out on top? be at Bethel Grounds on Saturday the 24th of July to find out.

    KUSA LEAGUE WEEKENDS FIXTURES AT BETHEL GROUNDS

    Saturday 24th July 2021

    Daystar City vs. Daystar Falcons 9.00 am

    MKU (W) vs. KU (W) 11.00 am

    Sunday 25th July 2021

    KU Nairobi vs. Daystar Falcons 9.00 am

    KU vs. MKU 11.00 am

    Z

  • EURO 2020; Master of The Unexpected

    EURO 2020; Master of The Unexpected

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    Italy celebrate winning the UEFA European Championship at Wembley Stadium. PHOTO: UEFA EURO 2020

    Former Arsenal vice chair David Dein once stated that “normality is boring”, when describing Arsene Wenger- one of the greatest managers to grace the city that hosted the European Championship’s final match on July 11. To put his words into context, the tournament has been one of the most surprise filled, feeding us with matches that kept us on our toes all through.

    Many are stories to tell from it, as dreams were realized – and others crushed. Barcelona and Spain’s 19 year old Pedri proved to be a reincarnation of the midfield maestro Andres Iniesta, with performances that won him the Young Player of the Tournament award. This, among others gave the Euro 2020 a special feeling, as fans witnessed a revamped Italy led by the grandfather of defending Giorgio Chiellini scoop the Henry Delaunay trophy on their opponent’s home ground.

    The Awakening of the Azzuri

    Italy gave a masterpiece of a performance as they rose to win their first major tournament since the 2006 World Cup. The team had been on a decline that culminated with them failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, but the appointment of the classy Roberto Mancini has seen them go on to win the tournament, in the process extending their unbeaten run to 34 games.

    The fall of England in yet another tournament extends their wait for an international trophy, the last being the 1966 World Cup.

    The Demise of the ‘Group of Death’

    Group F, which pitted France (reigning world champions), Portugal (2016 European champions) Germany (2014 World Champions) and Hungary lived up to its name, as all teams were knocked out of the tournament in the early stages.

    France’s exit orchestrated by Switzerland in the Round of 16(R16) is the biggest upset, with the world champions having been the favorites to lift the trophy. Germany gave football fans a fitting end to an action packed group stage when they welcomed Hungary to Munich, but failed to produce the same momentum against England at the R16. Portugal went down to current toppers of the FIFA rankings Belgium in the same round.

    Denmark’s Dream Tournament

    Denmark’s journey started with unexpected events as the world was subjected to some uneventful scenes during their first match against Finland. The team lost the services of their star player Christian Eriksen who had to be transported to hospital mid match after suffering a cardiac arrest.

    Theirs is however a wonder tale as they qualified for the knockout stages of the competition following a 4-1 thumping of Russia in Copenhagen in their final group stage fixture. The team put four past Wales in the R16, proceeding to the quarterfinals where they also triumphed following a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic. Their hopes of replicating their 1992 performance when they won the title were dimmed by Gareth Southgate’s English army that saw them off in an action packed semifinal that went all the way to extra time.

    This remains to be the one of the country’s best performances only coming close to their ’92 triumph after joining the tournament late on following the expulsion of Yugoslavia.

  • Falcons Coach Calls Out Referee for Questionable Officiating

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    Falcons side celebrate scoring a goal in league match. PHOTO: Desmond Mboya

    Falcons’ soccer team head coach Boniface Mutuku has questioned referees’ officiating following a few controversial incidents that saw two of his players red-carded in a Sunday FKF Division 2 fixture.

    “If you look at the referee sometimes he was emotional, also retaliating against the players. That is something to be looked at in future because as a referee and a professional, you don’t need to engage with the players,” said coach Mutuku.

    Speaking after a 2-1 win against Itoleka FC at the Bethel grounds, the coach further commended the team for their resilience and fighting spirit. Two second half set piece goals were enough to overturn a one goal deficit in a match that almost had the visitors walk out midway. The goals, each from a free kick by Barrack Khaseke were netted by Daniel ‘Dante’ Zevai and substitute Wallace Anene.

    Joash Olwaga picked up the first red card after committing a foul that yielded the visitors’ only goal from the resulting free kick. Keeper Kennedy Omondi received the second, whilst defending a corner. Defender Mahisi Luzolo was forced to pull on the goalkeeping gloves, producing some superb saves that kept the score line in Falcon’s favor.

    The coach’s remarks were backed by team captain Barrack, who expressed his displeasure in the referee’s decisions as he commended his teammates’ discipline. According to him, referees make good decisions and bad ones, but it’s really disappointing when they make decisions that affect the game.

    The team’s fitness has been a key discussion point, with most of the first team players nursing injuries, with the team having as many as four fixtures in one weekend. Team manager Millicent Tipatet has acknowledged that fatigue is a challenge on the players, hence the frequent injuries.

    “A lot of people have been injured. I think we need to work on our conditioning more but for the next game we’ll be good to go,” said Tipatet.

  • CRUNCH TIME IN THE KUSA LEAGUE AS TEAMS FACE ELEVEN GAMES IN FOUR WEEKS

    CRUNCH TIME IN THE KUSA LEAGUE AS TEAMS FACE ELEVEN GAMES IN FOUR WEEKS

    By KEN ANDREW

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of Emmanuel Loreng’.

    Daystar City and Daystar Falcons football teams are gearing up for a tough four weeks which will see them play twice every weekend in the Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) League, Nairobi conference.

    The Falcons have one fixture on the weekend of 26th and 27th June and their double game weekends start on Saturday 3rd July 2021.Daystar City, having played a game less, kick off their double game weekends on 26th June 2021 against Pan Africa University. Both teams are looking to start the run strongly and have a good end to what has been a long season because of the pandemic. The period is especially tough for the Falcons who also have fixtures in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division Two Eastern Zone alongside the KUSA league games. They will need a big squad with no injuries to be able to sail easily through this tough period.

    The Falcons have had a tough season in the KUSA League. They are on two points having played five times. They have not been able to win a game this season- drawing two and losing three- and are keen to turn their fortunes this weekend as they face Gretsa University on Sunday. The game is seen as winnable for the Falcons as Gretsa University are at the bottom of the log (yet to kick a ball in the restarted league) and are not usually the toughest of opponents for the Falcons. Fatigue could also play a key role in that match as Gretsa play twice that weekend, facing KCA on Saturday before the Falcons on Sunday.

    City will be starting the period off with a win in the derby. Their current record stands at four games played with two losses, one draw and one win. They will only be focused on the varsity league as they do not participate in the FKF leagues. Their first double game weekend will see them face Pan Africa University and KCA University, who are both tough outfits that will be looking to gain maximum points.

    Daystar City (blue) play against Kenyatta University in the KUSA league. Photo Courtesy of George Mwangi

    The league leaders, Kenyatta University, will also face tough fixtures this weekend with the ‘KU Derby’ taking center stage on Saturday 26th June as they take on Kenyatta University Nairobi Campus. On Sunday, they will face long time challengers JKUAT Main Campus in what will be a tasty clash for the fans and the result might have a serious effect on the league table. Kenyatta University will have a home advantage as all the league games will be taking place at their school football pitches.

    Key Fixtures and Dates in the KUSA League 2021 Saturday 26th June 2021: KU vs. KU Nairobi

    Sunday 11th July 2021: Daystar City vs. KU

    Sunday 18th July 2021: Daystar Falcons vs. Daystar City

    Sunday 25th July 2021: KU vs. Daystar Falcons.

  • THE DIAMOND VS THE NOTORIOUS: WHO WILL WIN THE TRILOGY?

    THE DIAMOND VS THE NOTORIOUS: WHO WILL WIN THE TRILOGY?

    BY KEN ANDREW

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy Of Instagram/Dustin Poirier)

    A turning point in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is expected on July 10th* 2021 as “The Notorious” Conor McGregor will step into the octagon to face “The Diamond” Dustin Poirier for a third time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This fight is viewed as a do or die for McGregor as many feel that he may have to retire if he loses. 

    The Irishman has been vocal on social media throughout the pandemic often tweeting that he would like to challenge for both the UFC’s lightweight and welterweight titles. He held the lightweight title in 2016 after a spectacular second-round finish over former champion Eddie Alvarez but is yet to taste welterweight glory. Ever since his debut in 2007, McGregor has risen to become one of the biggest athletes in the world and has seen his wealth grow incredibly. He will be under pressure as Poirier looks to knock him out in consecutive bouts.

    In their first bout, which was in the UFC’s featherweight division, Conor got into Dustin’s head with mind games and trash talk. The Irishman knocked Dustin out and was then seen as a serious contender for a title. This was at UFC 178 in 2014. Fast-forwarding to January 2021, both men were competing in the lightweight division and met in the octagon for the second time headlining UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi. The first round was pretty even with Dustin landing some good low kicks and taking Conor down while Conor landed some good left hands and shoulder strikes. In the second round, a flurry of punches from Dustin saw him knock out Conor, something nobody had seen coming. As sweet as the victory was, Dustin was quick to acknowledge that they were tied 1-1 and a third tiebreaking fight had to happen. The third fight was then set for UFC 264 on July 10th, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is expected to be the biggest Pay Per View (PPV) of the year. Unsurprisingly, the tickets for the event were sold out in seconds!

    McGregor (left) and Poirier fight at UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi Photo Courtesy Of Getty Images)

    The pair have had words for each other on social media with Dustin disappointed that Conor did not honor his promise to donate half a million dollars to his charity and Conor angrily retorting that it was meant to be “a donation, not a debt”. This sets up the fight nicely with everyone involved expectant to see the Conor of old with his swagger and brilliant trash talking which has not been seen in his last two fights. This winner of this fight will get the next shot at the lightweight title which is currently held by Jiu-Jitsu specialist Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira.

    One of the big questions still yet to be answered is centered on Conor’s motivation. He was recently named the highest-earning athlete by Forbes having earned $180 million in 2020, surpassing even footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi! Marvin Hagler, a boxing legend, once said that it is hard to get up in the morning for a run when you are sleeping in silk sheets implying that it is hard to find the motivation to go to work when you have already earned everything you may want- money and titles for example. Conor has won two titles in the UFC; he recently sold his whiskey brand for a huge amount and has a couple of endorsement deals. Why does he still keep fighting? Do these factors affect his preparations for fights? If there was a time to put the doubters and those questioning his motivation away for Conor, it is on July 10th.

    Whatever the outcome, the fight promises to be exciting. Will Dustin put Conor away or will Conor put his best foot forward and deliver another iconic knockout. We will find out on July 10th as The Diamond Dustin Poirier takes on The Notorious Conor McGregor in the biggest fight of the year.

    *July 10th is the official date provided by the UFC. Due to time zone differences, the event happens on July 11th EAT in Kenya.

  • INVOLVEMENT ISSUE 240

    INVOLVEMENT ISSUE 240

    Use the link below to access the Involvement Newspaper issue 240 which features a range of articles written by our writers to ensure that you stay informed on News within and outside Daystar. 

    Issue 240 Final

     

  • Safari on the Rally

    By Jonah Karanja

    Rally car passes by as onlookers enjoy the scene. PHOTO: sportsnews.africa

    After nearly 19 year of inaction, the Safari Rally is back in action in the Kenyan Wilderness. The event is expected to unite young and old motorsports enthusiasts in cheering and enjoying the thrill that is created by sports cars while also enjoying the scenic beauty that lies across the six planned rally routes. The 3-day event is to mark the sixty eighth running of the Safari Rally and will be the sixth round of the 2021 World Rally Championship, World Rally Championship-2 which is the second tier in rallying event and World Rally Championship-3 which is the third tier in the event.

    The WRC Safari Rally return is much anticipated by Kenyans, event organizers, rally drivers and motorsports manufacturers among them Hyundai, Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen as they wait to test their modern vehicles on the unforgiving Kenyan terrain. The Kenyan government through the ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage is giving the event and its organizers all the necessary support to see to it that the WRC Safari Rally has successful return. The smooth return of the WRC Safari Rally after a 19year break cements Kenya’s position when it comes to sporting events ranging from rugby, camel, athletics and motorsports. “We want to make Kenya the rally country in the continent and the entire globe,” Sports CS Amina said.

    Probably the biggest sporting event in Kenya, the Safari Rally was supposed to make a comeback in the WRC around July 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic that is wreaking havoc across all sporting activities in the world. Nearly all sporting activities in the year 2019-2020 were cancelled or rescheduled as crowding was attributed to be a big factor in increased Covid-19 infections in Sports.

    Due to its rugged nature, Kenya’s  welcoming, and sporting spirit and unforgiving terrain, the Safari Rally reputation is set to increase tourism activities into the country hence bringing in the much needed foreign exchange into the Kenyan Economy.

    The 3-day WRC Safari Rally event is projected to inject approximately 6 billion into the Kenyan economy while also creating employment in the service industries such as caterers, local mechanics in the workshops and purchase of locally made products. The Made in Kenya brand and products will be visible to hundreds of foreigners and spectators especially through Media Coverage.

    By taking advantage of the World Rally Championship Viewership, Kenya as a country will be laid bare in the eyes of people hundreds of miles away given that the World Rally Championship commands a viewership of almost 800 million. With the ever-growing view ship, The Safari Rally is set to advertise Kenya’s capability in event planning and hosting, Kenya’s welcoming people and Kenya’s progress in terms of social economic structures as a middle-income country, all which will impacts positively to our economy.

    The Safari Rally comes barely a month to the onset of the Great Wildebeest migration which is heralded as one of the seven new wonders of the world. It is indeed a great time to be in Kenya to witness the transition from Man versus Machine to Animals versus Nature. The migration is an annual spectacle in Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti and boosts thousands of Animals that try to overcome tiredness, hungry crocodiles, lions, hyenas and wild dogs. The sports tourism and nature tourism will give Kenya an edge when it comes to Tourism in Africa and bring about development as part of the revenue earned can be used as a driver towards the realization of the Big 4 Agenda.

  • Falcons Stunned as Daystar City Run with Derby

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    • Daystar City coach Antony Baki discusses Tactics with the team (photo retrieved from Sadiqsnapshots)

    Daystar City’s Prince Kofi stole the show with a cameo performance as his second half hat trick sealed a 3-1 comeback in a mouthwatering derby played at the Mount Kenya University (MKU) grounds on June 13.

    Falcons looked on course to extend their good form following yesterday’s win when Emmanuel Lorenzo’s first half strike gave them the lead in the early morning fixture against their arch rivals. The former City player’s goal was however not enough, as his former team was full of responses in the second half.

    Insipid in the first, the City side returned for the second half livened up, Kofi taking advantage of two fumbles by the falcon’s keeper and a kick from the spot to punish the Athi based team. Brilliant performances by Eric Linox and Nathan Hanif, who won the penalty for his team fostered a hard-earned coveted victory.

    “It was a tough game, but I am proud of Daystar City. We conceded in the first half but rallied in the second and showed heart and desire to earn a comeback win. I loved our fight as a team,” said Ken Andrews, the Daystar City team captain.

    The win is their first of the season having lost two and drawn one. It also marks a comeback from yesterday’s game that saw them get thrashed 5-1 by log leaders Kenyatta University (KU), and takes the team off the bottom of the standings.

    Falcons on the other hand moves below City on the log for the first time this season, each having 4 points. City however have a game in hand over their rivals, having played a game lesser.

    The clash saw a number of intense moments, with City’s Kenneth Kagugo seeing red in the second half. The coaches were forced into making substitutions after Falcon’s sharpshooter Victor Atta ran into Nathan, both picking up injuries in the process.

    Atta’s injury adds on to Falcon’s crisis, with forward Gian Gaile having picked one during yesterday’s 2-0 FKF win against 3K FC. Head Coach Boniface Mutuku had hinted at the possibility of having a tough day, as he insisted on the importance of both teams’ recovery after yesterday’s matches.

    Falcons look to respond to the defeat when they face Al Ahly in their second game of the day.

  • DERBY DAY FOR DAYSTAR FOOTBALL AS FALCONS TAKE ON CITY

    DERBY DAY FOR DAYSTAR FOOTBALL AS FALCONS TAKE ON CITY


    BY KEN ANDREW
    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of facebook.com


    The Daystar University sports department and football enthusiasts will on Sunday June 13 be treated to the biggest game of the season so far. The Daystar Falcons (The team based in Athi River) will play hosts to Daystar City (the team based in Valley Road) in the Daystar Derby. The match is a Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) League match and will be played at Mount Kenya University in Thika- a neutral Venue.


    The Daystar derby is just like any other derby worldwide; it is a feisty clash with both teams eager to keep their pride intact and get bragging rights by beating their closest friends- who are also their fiercest rivals. The fact that the match will be played at a neutral venue takes a little bit of spice off it but expect a proper and intense showing by both teams.


    This will be the first KUSA League Daystar derby since early 2019. The last meeting was a friendly at the Bethel Grounds in Athi River with the Falcons getting a slim 2-1 victory. On Sunday, both teams will be under pressure to secure the three points as the league is beginning to pick up.

    Daystar City coach Antony Baki discusses Tactics with the team (photo retrieved from Sadiqsnapshots)

    Daystar City will be looking to capitalize on the fact that they have only played two games, drawing one and losing the other. They have a double header this weekend facing the table toppers Kenyatta University Main Campus on Saturday before engaging the Derby on Sunday. The Falcons, on the other hand, have played four games, drawing two and losing two.


    “I’m excited about the derby because it’s obvious, as has always been, that the Falcons will take it home. We’re prepared to do what we always do so Daystar City should just concede while they can,” said Millicent Tipatet, the Falcon’s team manager.


    The Falcons were boosted by the arrival of new players who were impressive in their debuts. Amongst them is Emmanuel Loreng’-who mostly goes by the name “Lorenzo”- who switched allegiances by leaving City for Falcons. He will be a key player alongside captain Barack and Gian. For Daystar City, new arrival Joss Chindia will be looking to make his league debut with regular Nathan Hanif keen to increase his goal tally for the team.


    When questioned about the derby, Daystar Falcons captain Barack said that both teams will be out to stop the other. He added that derby games have a special place in the hearts of fans and that it will be their chance to witness what the players have to offer. He reiterated, from a management point of view, that everything had been done to facilitate both teams. The views from many in the City camp is that they have been neglected with their equipment and kits being old and few. They have been unable to secure new ones for a very long time.


    Daystar City’s assistant captain Victor Gakuru said that he expects a tough outing in a rivalry that has stood for a longtime. The Nairobi Campus Secretary Brian ‘Zaza’ Achoka is expecting competitiveness in the fixture and added that a win will be important for Daystar City.

    His counterpart, Walter Nalwa, from Athi River says that his team has trained adequately throughout the week with the players being fit and ready to secure the points. He is hopeful and confident that the Falcons will win.


    With both teams out for the win, it is sure to be an enticing match.

  • The World is Watching: Euro 2020

    The World is Watching: Euro 2020


    By Ken Andrew
    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of uefa.com

    The Euros are football tournaments that attract large audiences throughout the world because of the number of elite teams in the competition. The television audiences at times even rival those of the World Cup which is an incredible feat. This year’s tournament is set to be one of the toughest in recent years as the qualified national teams have an array of talent at their disposal. Before we look at the favorites, underdogs, and dark horses, let us get to understand this year’s tournament format.


    Due to the severity of the pandemic last year, the tournament had to be postponed and is set to take place a year after its original date; it will run between June 11 and July 11, 2021. Even though the year of competition has changed, the tournament retains the name Euro 2020. Twenty-four European national football teams have secured qualifications for the tournament which, for the first time, will not have designated host countries. Games will be hosted in eleven venues in different cities across Europe. The host cities are Amsterdam, Baku, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Glasgow, London, Munich, Rome, St Petersburg, and Seville. Out of the eleven venues, nine are set to have a certain percentage of spectators allowed but everything is subject to change when necessary due to the pandemic still being a nuisance to sports and live events.


    The teams will be divided into six groups of four. The top two teams in each group and the four best third-placed teams will go through to the round of 16. The teams will have a rest day on June 25. The first game is set to take place on Friday 11th June at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy with a resurgent Italy team- which failed to qualify for the past world cup- facing the high-flying Turkey national team. The Azzurri (The Italy national football team) had flawless run-through qualifications and look to be serious contenders this year boasting a very hardworking squad. The current champions, Portugal, will still be the favorites of many with talisman Cristiano Ronaldo looking to lead his team to a third consecutive European Trophy after past successes at Euro 2016 and The UEFA Nations League in 2019. They have their work cut out for them as they are set to face France and Germany in Group F, which is said to be the group of death. The French are boosted by the return of Karim Benzema- who is coming off three spectacular club seasons with Real Madrid- to the national setup. England, who have always been favorites at the Euros, boasts a squad full of exciting youth prospects with the inclusion of Marcus Rashford, Trent Alexander Arnold, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden who are well on their way to being the best talents in the world. English manager Gareth Southgate is under lots of pressure to deliver and has also been criticized for the inclusion of four right-backs in the squad.

    Portugal players celebrating with the Euro 2016 trophy after beating France 1-0 in the final. Photo Courtesy of The Guardian)

    The Dutch national team has also been on a rise after missing out on the 2018 World Cup with most of their stars having great club seasons and look to be hungry for some international glory. Spain on the other hand look to be troubled with many of their regulars missing out due to injuries. Real Madrid stars Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal have had troubled seasons with injuries disrupting their form and game time and eventually costing them places at the Euros. How will Spain fair without the presence and leadership of Sergio Ramos? Furthermore, the decision on who should be the Spanish first-choice goalkeeper seems a tough one to make with inexperienced but talented starters for their teams; Roberto Sanchez and Unai Simon are tussling for the number one spot with Man United’s David De Gea who had a strong end to the season.


    Scotland, who have qualified for their first major finals in twenty years will look to prove a point against Europe’s elite with their key players being Andrew Robertson, Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, and John McGinn all of whom have been integral in their clubs in the past season. The Turkish squad also looks like one to shine with Hakan Calhanoglu and Burat Yilmaz the standout names in the squad. World Cup finalists Croatia will look to have another stellar tournament with thirty-five-year-old Luka Modric still going strong.


    So, will it be France’s flair or England’s youth, Cristiano’s charisma, or Lewandowski’s finesse? The Dutch resurgence or the Italian resurgence? Will Scotland or Turkey challenge despite their statuses as underdogs? Whatever happens, we are set to experience one of the best international football tournaments in recent years. Bring on the Euros!