The second day of the 2024 European Championship continued the excitement with a historic round of matches on Saturday.
Thanks to an impressive 3-1 win against Hungary, Switzerland moved level with Germany at the top of Group A, before Spain celebrated a clear 3-0 victory against Croatia in their opening Group B match thanks to three goals in the first half.
Italy got off to a perfect start in the European Championship, recovering from the earliest goal conceded in tournament history (23 seconds) to beat Albania 2-1.
While football continued to provide entertainment, there was plenty of action on social media too. Here’s a selection of some of the best posts.
What could have been for Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon’s official X-Account attracted a lot of attention when the administrator picked up on the hype surrounding Jamal Musiala after the German international put in a magical performance against Scotland.
Musiala grew up in England and represented AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Utilita Kids Cup through Corpus Christi Primary School.
The highlights of this game, in which Musiala scored a hat-trick and amazed the defenders – similar to Friday – made it clear that he was a special talent.
It’s not too late to come back @JamalMusiala #AFCW | #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/Znb6hQGjTh
— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) June 15, 2024
Embolo back in the game
Breel Embolo has suffered many injuries during the season with Monaco, but is fit again in time to play for Switzerland, for whom he continues to be a key player.
And after coming on as a substitute in the second half, Embolo secured the three points for the Swiss, giving them a 3-1 win over Hungary in their first game of the day.
According to the official Euro 2042 X-Account, Embolo has now scored goals for his country in two consecutive European Championships.
Embolo scores for Switzerland at two EURO finals in a row #EURO2024 | #HUNSUI pic.twitter.com/9hizZpQt9b
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 15, 2024
Birthday child
Pascal Gross is a newcomer to the German squad and made his major tournament debut on Friday in the 5-1 win over Scotland.
On Saturday, the Brighton midfielder celebrated his 33rd birthday and the official German X-Account took part in the celebrations.
This clear victory over Scotland and his debut at the European Championships were certainly a great start to his 34th year.
Happy rd Birthday Pascal Groß #DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT
DFB/ Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/sODs9HYiD8
— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) June 15, 2024
UEFA turns 70
Gross was not the only one who celebrated his birthday on Saturday.
In fact, UEFA celebrated the 70th anniversary of its founding, which took place on 15 June 1954.
“It is a story of dedication, commitment and dreams…” says the umbrella organization’s official X-Account.
70 years of European football. It is a story of dedication, commitment and dreams… pic.twitter.com/RUfca5olPH
— UEFA (@UEFA) June 15, 2024
Barcelona is proud of its record-breaking youngster
Spain got off to a perfect start in the so-called “group of death” with a convincing 3-0 win against Croatia on Saturday.
But when the team lineups were released before the match, all the headlines quickly turned to Lamine Yamal, who, at 16 years and 338 days old, became the youngest player ever to take part in a European Championship.
After an impressive performance from the young player, Barcelona were quick to remind their fans where he came from with a post on X: “He is very good… and he is ours.”
Lamine Yamal is very good … and it is ours
UEFA via Getty Images#Euro2024
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) June 15, 2024
Van Dijk, Simons and De Ligt under scrutiny
The Netherlands have not yet started their Euro 2024 campaign, but have paused their preparations to take some time and answer questions from young fans.
Xavi Simons was asked which defender he fears the most – fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk – while the captain and Matthijs de Ligt assessed their chances of winning the tournament.
Who are you most afraid of?