Euros: Then there were 16!

The UEFA Euros are in full swing, and the excitement is palpable. With the group stage now complete, 16 teams have advanced to the knockout stage, and eight teams have bid farewell. Amidst the thrilling on-field action, several individuals have made their mark by setting new records at the tournament.

One notable achievement is Lamine Yamal from Spain, who at 16 years and 338 days, became the youngest player ever at a EURO finals. Julian Nagelsmann of Germany became the youngest coach at a EURO finals at 36 years and 327 days, leading Germany to a 5-1 win against Scotland. Hungary's Dominik Szoboszlai became the youngest captain at 23 years and 243 days, showcasing that age is not a barrier to leadership. Luka Modrić of Croatia, at 38 years and 289 days, became the oldest scorer in EURO history, while Portugal's Pepe, aged 41 years and 117 days, became the oldest player at a EURO finals.

Cristiano Ronaldo extended his record by participating in six EURO tournaments and holds the record for the most appearances and goals in the competition. Albania's Nedim Bajrami set the record for the fastest EURO goal, scoring in just 23 seconds. Notable achievements include Germany's historic five-goal opener, Türkiye's Arda Güler becoming the youngest scorer on his EURO debut, and Francisco Conceição joining the rare group of father-son duos to score at a EURO. Additionally, England's Jude Bellingham became the youngest player to feature in two EURO tournaments.

The impact of the tournament extends beyond the field as well. Internet traffic in several countries has dropped significantly during games, with some countries experiencing a decrease of over 12% compared to the previous week. This trend is particularly pronounced in Western Europe and countries around Germany, where the tournament is being held.

As the tournament progresses, the excitement is sure to build. Who do you think will take it home in 2024? Share your predictions in the comments below!