The first round of Euro 2024 has already provided plenty of excitement and memorable moments. Bet9ja Ambassador Victor Ikpeba shared his thoughts on the standout performances, biggest surprises, and what it takes to win the tournament. Here’s a detailed look at his insights.
You can bet on over 200 markets in every Euro 2024 match here at Bet9ja!
Best Player: Jamal Musiala
I was particularly impressed with Jamal Musiala, identifying him as the standout player of the first round. Musiala’s technique, speed, and finishing ability set him apart from the rest. I must say Jude Bellingham is a close contender, with his exceptional timing and quick decision-making on the field.
Both young talents have shown that they are capable of influencing the game at the highest level, making them players to watch as England and Germany progress.
Best Team: Spain
In my view, Spain emerged as the most impressive team in the first round. Their confident and threatening play, especially up front, has been a highlight. Alvaro Morata, in particular, has been riding high on confidence, posing a significant threat to opposing defenses.
Spain’s midfield of Pedri, Rodri and Fabian Ruiz is so well balanced, controlling the tempo of the game effectively. However, I must caution that the competition is still young, and it’s challenging to make definitive judgments this early after only one game
Biggest Shock: Belgium’s Underperformance
I was disappointed with Belgium’s performance, highlighting it as the biggest shock of the first round. Despite being considered one of the strongest teams, Belgium failed to live up to expectations. It’s a missed opportunity for their golden generation, which has struggled to gel and perform as a cohesive unit tournament after tournament.
Belgium understands the importance of building a strong team with youth, but the results have not reflected this understanding for close to a decade now. Romelu Lukaku, in particular, has been unable to relax in tournaments and play to his normal standard in a Belgium shirt, which has affected the team’s ability to put the ball in the back of the net and dominate games.
Best Goals: Musiala and Bellingham… Then Turkey’s SCREAMERS!
Initially when it came to the best goals of the first round, I found it difficult to choose between Jamal Musiala and Jude Bellingham. Both goals were remarkable, showcasing their individual brilliance and technical prowess. Musiala’s goal demonstrated his ability to create something out of nothing, while Bellingham’s strike highlighted his composure and skill under pressure.
However, Turkey’s match against Georgia blew both of these goals out of the park. Muldur and then Guler’s goals were absolutely stunning and worthy of winning any game. It’ll take some goal to beat either of them!
Most Exciting Match: Albania vs. Croatia
The Albania vs. Croatia match was, in my opinion, the most exciting game of the first round. The fixture was a thrilling encounter, with both teams showing immense determination and skill. Albania were big underdogs in this one but took the lead and then managed to net a late equaliser.
The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, making it a standout match in an already thrilling tournament.
Key to Winning the Tournament
Looking ahead, I believe that finding their rhythm early on is crucial for teams aiming to win Euro 2024. Top teams can afford to take a couple of games to get into the swing of things, but it remains crucial to hit peak form at the right time.
While France haven’t started the tournament in great form, they remain the team to beat. Spain, on the other hand, have already shown impressive form, which could be a significant advantage as the tournament progresses.
You can join our exclusive Telegram channel here for hourly booking codes and news!
