The European Championship in Germany is over, and it leaves behind a summer that will be talked about in Switzerland for a long time to come. The national team inspired us, Spain won the tournament deservedly, and a 17-year-old enchanted the football world. Time for a look back.
The bitter exit against England
In the quarter-final in Düsseldorf, Switzerland was very close to the semi-final. Breel Embolo gave the national team the lead in the 75th minute. Just five minutes later, Bukayo Saka equalised with a precise left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area. After 120 minutes, it was 1-1, and England prevailed 5-3 in the penalty shoot-out. Manuel Akanji failed to beat Jordan Pickford with Switzerland's first attempt, while all the English players scored.
As bitter as the elimination was, the national team showed at this tournament that they can keep up with the best teams in Europe. Undefeated in the group stage, a commanding win against defending champions Italy, and a quarter-final on equal footing with England - that is a strong track record.
Spain: deserved European champions
Spain took the title with a record never before seen at a European Championship: seven games, seven wins. In the final in Berlin, the Spanish defeated England 2-1. Nico Williams scored shortly after the break, Cole Palmer equalised, and Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner four minutes from time. For Spain, it is their fourth European Championship title after 1964, 2008, and 2012. No other country has won the European Championship as often.
Lamine Yamal: a teenager makes history
The story of the tournament was Lamine Yamal. The FC Barcelona winger celebrated his 17th birthday the day before the final. In the semi-final against France, he scored the youngest goal in European Championship history with a dream curl into the top corner. His teammate Rodri, who pulled the strings in midfield, was named the best player of the tournament.
What we can learn from the European Championship
- Technique beats luck: Most of the decisive goals were scored from cleanly struck balls, often from distance or first time.
- Courage is rewarded: Players like Yamal, Williams, or our own Ruben Vargas looked to shoot in tight games instead of passing the ball sideways.
- Penalties can be practised: A penalty shoot-out is nerve-wracking, but those who practise shooting regularly under pressure are better prepared.
And now?
There isn't much time to catch our breath. The Olympic Games are underway in Paris with their own football tournament, and the Super League has already started its new season. For many amateur clubs, preparations are starting now. The enthusiasm from the European Championship summer is the perfect motivation for this.
Carrying the Euro energy into training
Children and young people in particular want to play like their idols after such a tournament. Coaches can take advantage of this: short shooting competitions at the end of training, where everyone tries out a specific technique, create enthusiasm and plenty of repetitions. A volley competition with the VOLLEYCHAMP® is particularly well-suited for this, because the ball is equally accessible to everyone and no one is reliant on a good cross.
Three tips for your penalty training
The quarter-final showed how much can depend on a single shot. In amateur football, too, penalties regularly decide cup matches and tournaments. Three tips on how you can prepare:
- Decide early: Commit to a corner before your run-up and do not change your decision.
- Always the same routine: The same number of steps, the same rhythm. A fixed routine is calming in high-pressure situations.
- Practise while tired: Take penalties at the end of training when your legs are heavy. That is how it feels after 120 minutes.
Thank you, Nati, for an unforgettable summer. We are already looking forward to the World Cup qualifiers!
