Football News: Deschamps Aims for Euro 2024 Glory, Koeman Eyes Historic Triumph
The Progress of France and the Netherlands
The progress of France and the Netherlands into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 means that both Didier Deschamps and Ronald Koeman are still in with a chance of achieving something unique this summer. The two managers could potentially face off in the final in Berlin, with their countries on opposite sides of the draw.
“France will have to overcome Portugal and then either Spain or host nation Germany if they are to lift the trophy. Meanwhile, the Netherlands appear to have a more favorable run to the final, with Austria or Turkey next and then either England or Switzerland in the semi-finals. The Dutch produced their best performance of the tournament so far, beating Romania 3-0 in the last 16, with Cody Gakpo particularly impressive.”
Deschamps and Koeman’s Chance at History
If either Deschamps or Koeman were to win the Euros, they would become only the second person in history to triumph as both a player and a manager. Berti Vogts is the only man to have achieved that feat, having won the tournament as a player with West Germany in 1972 and as a manager in 1996.
“Deschamps was a more influential player, captaining France to glory at Euro 2000. He has already achieved the World Cup double, winning international football’s most coveted trophy as a player in 1998 and as a coach in 2018. However, the Euros has proved elusive for him as a manager, with his side agonizingly losing to Portugal in the 2016 final on home soil.”
Koeman’s Chance at Glory
Koeman, on the other hand, was a key figure in the Netherlands’ defence when they won Euro 88 in Germany. Now, 28 years later, he will be hoping to lead his nation to another memorable victory in the country.
The Road to the Final
However, the road to the final will not be easy for either France or the Netherlands. Hosts Germany have looked strong under Julian Nagelsmann, while Spain continue to play scintillating football. England, despite their recent struggles, will be no pushovers, and Switzerland and Austria are also considered dark horses for the tournament.
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