THINGS WE LEARNED
1 VAR CAN WORK
The simple approach of limited interference, a dedicated assistant for offsides, and a reluctance to overturn marginal calls made for an effective blueprint of how to use the Video Assistant Referee.
2 LIVERPOOL’S LOSS IS PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN’S GAIN
Netherlands captain Gini Wijnaldum scored three times – surpassing Marco van Basten’s Oranje goal tally in the process – from a more advanced role than he performed at Anfield. Clearly, PSG have acquired an exceptional all-rounder.
3 32-TEAM EUROS IS COMING
The 24-team format is untidy and largely removes group-stage jeopardy, while UEFA’s insatiable appetite for more games means there is no chance of going back down to 16, so expansion is inevitable. Such a move would require an overhaul of international football in Europe, where qualification is already a formality for many leading nations.
4 HAYES IS A HIT
ITV viewers in the UK were treated to a tactical masterclass when Emma Hayes was co-commentating, making the Chelsea Women’s manager one of the most popular punditry choices of the Euros.
5 MULTI-HOST EUROS IS UNFAIR
Hosting the tournament across multiple cities had its positives, but it was no coincidence that all four semi-finalists played their group games at home. The odds were stacked too heavily in the hosts’ favour: ironic given UEFA’s decision to get rid of the away goals rule for club competitions during the Euros.
6 BACK OFF BAKU
Staging games in Baku proved to be a poor decision by UEFA. Not only did it put the teams that played there at a real disadvantage with excessive additional travelling, the oppressive heat and lack of atmosphere made all four of the games played in Azerbaijan attritional and forgettable.
7 POGBA NEEDS TO MOVE
Paul Pogba was a candidate for Player of the Tournament before France’s shock exit. Yet after five years in England it is clear that he is unlikely to bring that form back to Old Trafford. It would be better for all if he were to take his undoubted ability to another league instead.