Euro 2024 will soon take place in Germany from June 14 to July 17, 2024. However, there are five star players who will not be joining. These star players failed because the countries they represent failed to qualify for Euro 2024.
1. Wojciech Szczesny (Poland)
Wojciech Szczesny is the main goalkeeper for Juventus. Since joining the Bianconeri in 2017, it didn’t take long for Szczesny to become the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. Thanks to his prowess, Szczesny also became the main goalkeeper for the Polish national team.
With Poland, he has appeared in Euro 2012, Euro 2016, Euro 2020, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
This time, Szczesny is in danger of failing to lead Poland to the Euro 2024 finals. Poland still has to fight in the playoffs to qualify for the competition.
Poland will face Estonia in the Euro 2024 Playoff semifinals and if they win, they will still face the winner of Wales vs Finland in the final. So, Szczesny is not yet confirmed to miss Euro 2024, but his chances are considered slim.
2. Alexander Isak (Sweden)
Unlike Szczesny who still has a chance to qualify through the playoffs, Alexander Isak is confirmed to miss Euro 2024. The Newcastle United striker will not be able to play in the 2024 European Championship because the Swedish national team has been eliminated since the qualifying rounds.
Grouped in Group F with Belgium, Austria, Azerbaijan, and Estonia, Sweden only managed to finish third. Belgium, who finished as group winners, and Austria as runners-up, have earned direct qualification to Euro 2024.
Meanwhile, Estonia, who were originally at the bottom of the table, still have a chance to qualify for the Euro 2024 finals. This is because they secured a playoff ticket via the UEFA Nations League.
3. Martin Odegaard (Norway)
Norway only managed to finish third in Group A of the Euro 2024 Qualifiers. As a result, Odegaard, who is a key midfielder for Norway, is confirmed to miss out on playing in Germany. However, Odegaard is currently shining with Arsenal. His impressive performances for The Gunners have enabled Arsenal to compete for the title over the past year.
4. Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Like Szczesny, Lewandowski has not yet been completely ruled out from playing in Euro 2024. Because he and Szczesny will still fight through the playoff route. If Poland fails, then Lewandowski will be absent from the Euro. Yet he, along with Poland, has never been absent since his debut in Euro 2012.
5. Erling Haaland (Norway)
Many have been looking forward to seeing Haaland in national competitions, but unfortunately, the country he represents is not one of the strongest teams in Europe. Representing Norway, Haaland, who is known as one of the best strikers today, often misses out on important tournaments, such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the latest Euro 2024.
Along with Odegaard, Haaland still couldn’t help Norway qualify for the Euro 2024 Qualifiers. Thus, the player who was awarded the UEFA Best Player 2022-2024 title is confirmed to be absent from Euro 2024.
Sports betting in football
As the competition approaches, the anticipation for sports betting also rises. Fans and enthusiasts eagerly analyze team performances, player statistics, and match outcomes to make informed bets. Head to the source link to dive more into the betting.
The Euro tournament, in particular, serves as a focal point for soccer enthusiasts, drawing massive attention from both casual viewers and seasoned bettors alike.
As fans immerse themselves in the excitement of the tournament, sportsbooks experience a surge in activity, with millions of euros wagered on various matches and outcomes.
Recent market research indicates a significant uptrend in the sports betting industry across the continent. Analysts project robust market growth from 2023 to 2030, with a forecasted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%.
By 2030, the Europe sports betting market is anticipated to reach a staggering USD 89,918.29 million, nearly doubling from USD 44,483.13 million in 2022.
The market segmentation reveals various operators involved, including casinos, bookmakers, lotteries operators, and more. Additionally, the market caters to diverse age groups, ranging from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, reflecting the widespread appeal of sports betting across different generations.
This growth underscores the enduring popularity of sports betting in Europe and its significant contribution to the region’s entertainment and leisure industry.
