After the cancellation of nearly every summer event in 2020, the events were rescheduled for the summer of 2021. As a result, the this summer was one full of soccer. Every day from June 11 to Aug. 1, there was a soccer game happening. Four different tournaments were played in that time frame. What happened in each of the tournaments?
Euro 2020 (June 11 – July 11)
The Euro 2020 was everything that it was advertised to be. Quite possibly the biggest upset of the entire summer occurred when Switzerland knocked out France in Round of 16. The defending World Cup champions were one of the favorites to win the Euro. The next two favorites, Italy and England, would meet in the final Italy took down England to prevent it from coming home. After not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, their cup win was a breath of fresh air for the Italians. The dominant Italian side had an amazing blend of youth and experience, making them a favorite for the 2022 World Cup.
After the conclusion of the final match, UEFA named Italy G Gianluigi Donnarumma as the Player of the Tournament, given to the best player of the tournament. Spain M Pedri was named as the Young Player of the Tournament, given to the most outstanding young player. Portugal F Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Golden Boot, given to the leader in goal contributions, after scoring five goals.
Copa America 2021 (June 13 – July 10)
The Copa America finally had the storybook ending that mostly everyone wanted to see: Leo Messi winning an international trophy with his native Argentina. The group stage went as per usual and had little to no surprises. The knockout stage saw Brazil and Argentina go through to the final, though they had scares with Peru and Colombia respectively. Brazil took on Argentina in the final, with the game being decided by a goal from Argentina’s Angel Di Maria in the 22nd minute. The win gave Argentina their first Copa America win since 1993.
CONMEBOL announced the winners of the tournament’s awards after the final. Argentina F Lionel Messi and Brazil F Neymar were named as Co-Players of the Tournament, the best players of the tournament. The Golden Glove, given to the most outstanding goalkeeper, went to Argentina G Emi Martinez. Messi brought home the Golden Boot, the award given to the highest scorer, after producing nine goal contributions that included four goals and five assists.
Gold Cup (July 10 – August 1)
Despite not having as much excitement as the other tournaments, the Gold Cup was still a successful tournament. Some teams struggled during the group stage, but the usual suspects made it to the knockout round. Despite it being an entirely new tournament, the Cup came to an end as many expected it would. As CONCACAF tournaments usually go, the U.S. took on Mexico in the final. A late goal gave the United States the win, which was their first Gold Cup tournament win since 2017.
CONCACAF announced the winners of the Gold Cup tournament awards shortly after the final. Mexico M Hector Herrera was awarded the Golden Ball, given to the most outstanding player. United States G Matt Turner came away with the Golden Glove, given to the best goalkeeper in the tournament. Canada F Tajon Buchanan won the Young Player Award, given to the best young player in the tournament. Qatar F Almoez Ali scored four goals and brought home the Golden Boot, given to the highest goal scorer.
