ZCZC
BSP-07
FBL-EURO-2020-DRAW
Euro 2020 draw begins countdown to controversial tournament
BUCHAREST, Nov 29, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – The draw for Euro 2020 takes place on
Saturday in Bucharest amid much head-scratching and criticism about the
complex format for a competition which for the first time will be held in 12
cities in 12 different nations across the continent.
It is just the second 24-team Euro after 2016 in France, and the decision
to do away with having just one, or two, hosts will not be repeated with the
tournament heading to Germany in 2024.
It can be politely described as an ambitious move by ex-UEFA president
Michel Platini to mark the 60th anniversary of the first European
Championship.
The Frenchman, who has just completed a four-year ban from football,
championed the concept, saying in 2012: “It is perhaps a bit of a zany idea
but it is a good idea.”
The coaches of all qualified nations will be in attendance for the draw
ceremony beginning at 1700 GMT on Saturday at the Romexpo exhibition centre
in Romania’s capital, which will host four matches at the finals.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman will be there too, despite recently
claiming he might not turn up.
“I don’t really understand this new format. I have asked my federation if I
still need to bother going to the draw,” he told Dutch media.
The decision to expand the tournament from 16 teams to 24 means there is
now little prospect of a major nation failing to qualify.
Now much of the suspense has also gone from the draw itself, with the need
to ensure qualified host nations get to play at least two matches at home
meaning many teams already know which group they will be in.
Four of the six top seeds are hosting games, with Ukraine and Belgium the
only exceptions. However, the decision to keep Ukraine and Russia apart for
diplomatic and security reasons has had an impact on the Belgians.
They therefore already know they will be in Group B along with two hosts,
Denmark and Russia. The only suspense is whether Wales or Finland complete
their group.
“It is a scandal, honestly,” Belgium’s Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne
said recently. “For me they are sort of falsifying the competition. It takes
all the pleasure away from the draw.”
Then there is the fact that the draw will take place without all 24
finalists being known — the last four spots will go to the winners of play-
offs next March.
– Environmental impact –
On top of that, UEFA have themselves accepted the impact on the environment
caused by the continent-wide format at a time when, in particular, the impact
of flying on climate change is such a major concern.
European football’s governing body have estimated that 405,000 tonnes of
carbon emissions will be produced by fans and staff travelling to games and
in response have promised to invest in “emission reduction projects”.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has defended the format, but admitted “it
also has a cost, with increased travel for fans to watch their teams play.
Here, UEFA takes its responsibilities seriously and it is right that we
offset the resulting carbon emissions.”
– France, Portugal not top seeds –
Matches will be played from Dublin and Bilbao to Saint Petersburg and to
Baku, although the semi-finals and final will take place at Wembley, with the
latter game on July 12.
Italy already know they will host the opening game in Rome on June 12 and
they are one of the top seeds, as are England, Germany and Spain.
That means World Cup holders France lurk dangerously in Pot Two alongside a
revived Netherlands, while reigning European champions Portugal sit in the
third pot.
The destiny of those sides will provide the greatest interest in the draw,
and it is possible that France will find themselves in the same group as
Italy, Portugal and Wales.
England, meanwhile, could also find themselves in the same group as France
and Portugal, as well as Scotland should they qualify.
However, Gareth Southgate’s side will be confident of making the knockout
phase given they will play at Wembley. And the prospect of having home
advantage should they make the semi-finals is an added incentive for them.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0907 hrs