Danelle Tan has played in stadiums and grounds all over Euro 2024 hosts Germany, so what are her tournament predictions? Find out here
Every few summers, a spell is cast on people all over the world, beckoning them to turn on their TVs or if lucky enough, march into stadiums to watch countries vie for the title of champions. Even if you’re not a football fan, you’ll get roped into the chaos one way or another. Sometimes, it’s the FIFA World Cup, sometimes it’s the UEFA Euros and even the African Cup of Nations.
This summer, the quadrennial men’s UEFA Euros 2024, better known as the Euros, will take center stage. While it may only be between the European nations, the competition’s popularity goes beyond the northern hemisphere mostly due to its high profile players. Just like how non-football fans get roped in, it doesn't matter that we’re in Southeast Asia, we’re getting hyped too.
This year’s edition of the tournament is set to take place across ten cities in Germany, with the competition culminating at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. It will kick off on 15th June 3AM (SGT) at Allianz Arena where hosts Germany will take on Scotland.
Singapore National Team and Borussia Dortmund footballer Danelle Tan became the first Singaporean to win an European title when the Dortmund Women’s team clinched the Landesliga title back in April. The 20-year-old and her teammates then celebrated their achievement at Signal Iduna Park at half-time during a Bundesliga clash between Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.
Having lived in and travelled all around Germany throughout her first season with Dortmund, the striker has seen all levels of football being played in the Euro 2024 host nation.
What are her predictions for the Euros this year? Sportplus.sg asked her the burning questions.
Who’s got the best chances at winning the Euros this year?
Danelle: I think Germany and England have very good chances specially with Germany playing at home. There’ll be huge support for them and it might push them over the edge to get the championship.
Recently, I think they’ve had very strong players such as Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala coming back but I think England also has a very strong team so I would say those two would be my picks.
But do you think football is coming home? This one is for your ex-teammates back in London.
Danelle: No, it’s not. *laughs
Who do you think will get the golden boot?
Danelle: Tough one! A bit cliche but I’ll say maybe Kylian Mbappe.
Any particular players to look out for?
Danelle: I really, really enjoy watching Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. They’re incredible players and they’re just a joy to watch. They’re magical on the pitch. Every time they touch the ball, something happens.
Thoughts on James Maddison and Jack Grealish being left out of the England squad?
Danelle: To be honest, I don’t follow that much so I don’t really have strong opinions on who should be in or out of the squad! I mean, I think the English squad is already very strong and there’s a lot of competition. Good players are bound to be left out.
Who’s your favourite German player?
Danelle: I don’t really have favourite players. When I watch football, I like to watch the game and the team so I don’t really focus on a specific player but I think Jamal Musiala and recently Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen have been a joy to watch the entire season and what a season they’ve had as well. I think Wirtz has been a very key part in that whole system.
What is your favourite European venue you’ve played at so far and what is your dream venue?
Danelle: There have been a couple but I think the best was the pitch at Alemannia Aachen. We played in their men’s stadium and it has a seating capacity of I think 30,000. Their men’s team used to play in the Bundesliga so the stadium has perfect grass. We played there for a pre-season friendly and it was a really nice pitch to play at.
Dream stadium would maybe be Wembley Stadium. I recently went there for the Champions League final and when I saw what the atmosphere was like, I knew it would just be a dream to play there.