UEFA Euro 2016 Tournament Overview

The UEFA Euro 2016 football tournament commenced on June 10, 2016, in France. This marked the 15th edition of the UEFA European Championship, a prestigious competition organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for the senior men’s national teams of Europe.

Key Details

• Host Country: France
• Duration: June 10, 2016, to July 10, 2016
• Number of Teams: 24
• Venues: Matches were played across 10 cities in France, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Nice.

Expansion to 24 Teams

Euro 2016 was notable for being the first tournament to feature 24 teams, expanded from the previous 16-team format. This change allowed more nations to participate, increasing the diversity and competitiveness of the tournament.

Tournament Format

• Group Stage: The 24 teams were divided into six groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advanced to the knockout stage.
• Knockout Stage: This included the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and the Final.

Opening Match

• Date: June 10, 2016
• Teams: France vs. Romania
• Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
• Result: France won 2-1, with goals from Olivier Giroud and Dimitri Payet.

Significance

The tournament was significant not only for its expanded format but also for its competitive matches and the emergence of new footballing talents. It showcased the depth of European football and provided a platform for smaller nations to compete on a larger stage.

Conclusion

UEFA Euro 2016 was a landmark event in European football history, setting the stage for future tournaments with its expanded format and inclusive approach. The tournament concluded with Portugal winning their first European Championship title, defeating France 1-0 in the final on July 10, 2016, at the Stade de France.