The European Cup is definitely the second largest international event after the World Cup.

Although it is a continental competition, due to the concentration of European powerhouses, the overall competitiveness and performance are even more outstanding.

It can be said that any team that can make it to the European Cup finals is a strong team in the world.

And the entire European Cup is a process of strong teams competing and engaging in powerful matchups.

Starting from June 7th, Warsaw's airport began to be flooded with fans.

There were fans from third-party countries, but more were from Greece, Croatia, and Portugal.

On June 8th, crowds of Croatian fans began to pour into Poland.

They wore their respective red and white jerseys, cheering and shouting in groups at the airport, constantly raising the passionate atmosphere of football.

Among the fans, there were also some media reporters; they were on-site reporters, mostly to interview and allow fans in front of their televisions to experience the excitement of the European Cup up close.

One Polish female reporter found an elderly Croatian fan.

This old fan looked about 70 years old, but he was still full of energy.

His jersey was also a special one, with a photo of Suker printed on the front and Modrić on the back.

Clearly, this was a die-hard fan of Croatia's former twin stars!

"We are very much looking forward to this European Cup. In 2008, we won the European Cup, and the average age of Croatia at that time was only 25 years old. This was an absolute legend of a youth army!"

"But after four years, these players have become stronger and more experienced, so we believe they can create another miracle!"

After speaking, the old fan took out a match schedule from his hand, pointing at the Croatian player information on it and said:

"Let me show you our lineup!"

At this point, the old man's face was full of pride.

"Srna, Croatia's right-back, currently plays for Real Madrid. He is Croatia's captain and also the creator of three consecutive Champions League titles. He is definitely our defensive barrier on the right wing!"

"Rakitić, one of Croatia's midfielders, plays for Sevilla in La Liga, this season's Europa League champion, and also the team's midfield core!"

"Vukojević, Bayern Munich's main defensive midfielder in the Bundesliga, a single defensive midfielder!"

The old fan emphasized the single defensive midfielder, highlighting its value.

"This season's Champions League runner-up!"

"Luka Modrić, Manchester United's number 10, midfield core. I don't think I need to introduce him much; everyone knows him!"

"Let's look at the front line~~~ Oh ho ho~~~"

The old man said excitedly, "Perisic, Borussia Dortmund's winger, Bundesliga and German Cup double champion. This guy has excellent shooting skills!"

"Mandžukić, also Bayern Munich's starting center forward, Champions League runner-up, and also the team's top scorer!"

"Finally..."

The old man said proudly, "Suker! Four-time Ballon d'or Winner, the best active player, Real Madrid's number 9, and also Croatia's number 9. He is our sharpest offensive weapon. He has a certain magic that helps us solve any difficulties!"

"Believe me, if someone drew us ten years ago, the opponent would be very happy because they drew a weak team!"

"But now, any opponent who draws us won't be happy! Because we will kick their butts hard!"

At this point, the old fan excitedly raised his arms, "I can't wait! Long live Croatia!"

One call stirred up a thousand waves!

The surrounding Croatian fans raised their arms one after another. At this moment, cheers and shouts surged into the sky above Warsaw National Stadium, like thunder.

The Croatia National Team's training base was also preparing for battle.

Their match was on June 10th, and now only two days remained.

They had made some tactical preparations for Portugal's lineup, but more so, they continued to play in their own style.

Croatia's current lineup was still very strong, and they did not want to reveal too many tactical details too early.

However, they also needed to be careful, as Portugal was certainly determined to defeat them.

Although they really did not want to be the focus.

But with a strong lineup and the status of defending champions, it was impossible not to attract attention.

"Tomorrow is the opening match, Poland against Greece. Who do you think will win?"

"Greece!"

"Greece!"

"I also think it's Greece!"

Greece was considered a strong team in Europe. Although Poland had grown in recent years, producing stars like Robert Lewandowski, Kuba, and Szczęsny.

But in terms of overall ability, they still favored Greece more.

Mandžukić turned to look at Suker, "What about you?"

Suker: "I'm more curious about the second match!"

"Netherlands against Czech Republic?"

Mandžukić frowned and said, "Netherlands will definitely win, right!"

Everyone would think so, but Netherlands would have internal strife at this time.

In fact, internal strife in National Teams was common; France and Netherlands were both specialists in internal conflicts.

The internal strife of Netherlands could be traced back to the Cruyff era when he refused to participate due to disagreements with the Football Association.

In the 1996 European Cup, the internal strife between black players led by Davids and Seedorf and white players like De Boer ended with Davids insulting coach Guus Hiddink and being expelled from the training camp.

In the 2012 European Cup, minor turmoil within the locker room led to their early elimination from the European Cup, without winning a single match.

In the 2014 World Cup, three generals, Sneijder, Nige De Jong, and Kuyt, went to nightclubs in Brazil, which displeased Van Gaal. Later, it was revealed that Robben had kicked teammate Martin Indi during training.

A National Team is inherently a collective organization.

The reason why the Croatia National Team was harmonious was based on Suker's prominent status and the fact that they all came from the same club from the very beginning.

Because Suker's small group controlled the power in the locker room, suppressing others, and with Suker's reputation keeping things in check, it appeared harmonious.

If Suker and Modrić had a bad relationship.

And if the two of them disliked each other, given Suker's personality, he would definitely cause trouble.

At that time, Croatia would also have internal strife.

In 2008, Suker's sidelining of Bilić was also a form of internal strife, but at that time, Suker had an overwhelming advantage and quickly sidelined Bilić, so it did not affect the match.

However, it was also for this reason that the Football Association and other relevant departments feared Suker would cause such problems again, which is why Bešić was invited to come out of retirement.

After all, besides Bešić, no one in Croatia could control these fearless guys!

Everyone chatted for a while and soon returned to the hotel.

Tomorrow was the opening ceremony and opening match of the European Cup.

The day after was their match, and they also needed to prepare.

The next day, the sky began to lighten, with a hint of morning mist and dew. As crowds surged, a wild aura began to rise.

The entire city was enveloped in a fervent atmosphere from early morning.

Polish native fans began to move, parading and shouting in the streets, becoming a unique sight.

Greek fans were not to be outdone, creating a bustling atmosphere along another route.

From morning to afternoon, the entire city of Warsaw was in a strong competitive atmosphere.

Time unknowingly reached five in the afternoon.

Warsaw National Stadium is located on the banks of the Vistula River.

This stadium, built in 2008, completed in 2011, and taking 4 years to construct, would be used for the first time in this match.

The entire exterior of the stadium was covered in a red and white checkered pattern, much like a waving Polish flag.

This stadium could accommodate 60,000 fans to watch the match together.

And at this moment, under the illumination of the lights, the entire stadium was as bright as day.

Large numbers of Greek, Polish, and third-party fans poured in to cheer for the upcoming opening ceremony and opening match.

At the same time, the 16 participating National Teams were also watching this scene on television.

In the camera, the flags of the sixteen National Teams fluttered along the top edge of the stadium roof.

At this moment, tension rushed forward.

"Damn it! So nervous!" Davor Šuker said, rubbing his hands.

In the conference room of the hotel where the Croatia National Team was staying, in addition to the members of the Croatia National Team, Football Association officials such as Davor Šuker also came to watch the opening ceremony together.

Looking at the waving flags and listening to the deafening cheers, the passion in their hearts was instantly ignited by the sky-high shouts.

All of this told them that the quadrennial European Cup was about to begin!

The entire meeting room was extremely quiet.

Some people had calm expressions, while others looked nervous.

However, most of the nervous ones were young players, such as Kovacic and Brozović.

Players like Vida and Strinić, who were participating in such a major tournament for the first time, also couldn't help but feel nervous.

"My hand is trembling!"

Vida forcefully gripped his constantly trembling right hand.

The thought of playing tomorrow under the spotlight made him inevitably nervous.

This was Croatia's opening match!

Their performance would determine the outcome of the match, and if they couldn't achieve a good start, it would be difficult for them to cope.

"Just focus on defending!" Lovren, who was beside him, comforted him; "Goals are up to them!"

Vida looked up and saw Suker, Modrić, Srna, and others sitting calmly in front of him, their expressions serene.

For these battle-hardened veterans, this amount of pressure could not shake them in the slightest.

And at this moment, Vida's heart also received some comfort.

The opening ceremony proceeded smoothly.

There were invited bands singing!

There were also famous football figures giving speeches.

Furthermore, the UEFA president personally declared the opening match to begin!

The entire opening ceremony took a full hour.

At 5:55 PM, the television screen showed the Poland and Greece teams.

They were lined up in the player tunnel, ready to enter.

This was the most tense moment.

Even Suker and the others narrowed their eyes slightly, becoming serious.

"It's about to begin!"

Watching the two teams enter game mode on the field, everyone stared at the television.

Poland kicked off first in the first half.

After the kick-off, Polish player Kuba immediately lofted the ball forward, looking for Robert Lewandowski, who took a volley shot, and the ball flew just over the crossbar.

Although they didn't score, the first attack and dangerous shot of the game still made the Polish fans excited.

After Poland's attack, Greece immediately launched a counterattack.

After continuous passing in the backfield and a sudden change of pace, Greek midfielder Maniatis threaded a pass forward, and Greek striker Gekas took a sliding shot, but Polish Goalkeeper Szczęsny was extremely focused and made a successful save.

The game had just begun, and neither side showed any intention of testing the waters, directly engaging in a full-on, no-holds-barred offensive exchange.

And this made the fans in the stadium even more excited.

"There's no testing at all!"

Rakitić couldn't help but grin.

As the host, Poland's style of play was truly audacious.

However, they were also relying on Robert Lewandowski's goal-scoring efficiency, hoping to score first with a more aggressive attack.

It was just that Poland had more possession, but in terms of dangerous shots, Greece had more.

But Greece also had a problem: they couldn't seize opportunities!

Especially their striker Gekas, who wasted several chances.

"If it were Suker, it would have already gone through!" Srna couldn't help but shake his head.

The others nodded, also feeling that Greece's final shots were too crude.

Suker didn't respond, but he also thought Greece's shooting was crude, and Poland's defense was not cautious enough.

However, considering it was the opening match and they hadn't fully entered the European Cup state, it was understandable.

As Suker said, after 20 minutes, both teams clearly adapted to the rhythm of the game.

Poland launched the first offensive, with defensive midfielder Murawski accurately finding Kuba, who, without stopping the ball, directly crossed it.

The ball hung in the air, and Robert Lewandowski leaped up, heading the ball into the net.

In the 27th minute, host Poland scored the first goal.

"Poland scored!"

"After a long period of failing to score, they couldn't withstand Poland's counterattack!"

"Greece wasted too many opportunities!"

Everyone commented.

"There's still the second half!" Modrić said; "Greece's offense is still very threatening, they should be able to equalize in the second half!"

Just as Modrić said, Greece went into a crazy attacking mode in the second half.

Of course, their aggressive offense also brought some hidden dangers, which was that their center-back Papasthatopoulos, in Poland's counterattack, was forced to foul, receiving his second yellow card and being sent off.

Already trailing and playing with one less man, Greece's situation became even worse.

But Greece was stubborn and continued to attack frantically.

Finally, in the 76th minute, they seized an opportunity, with left-winger Samaras dribbling into the penalty area and taking another touch to get past the defense, facing the goal directly.

Just as he was about to take a one-on-one shot, Szczęsny rushed out of his goal.

Samaras calmly dragged the ball and changed direction, eluding Szczęsny.

But at this moment, Szczęsny, unwilling to let the opponent get past, directly grabbed Samaras's ankle with his hand, pulling him to the ground.

Beep!

A sharp whistle sounded.

The Referee ran over and gave Szczęsny a red card.

The Polish Goalkeeper was red-carded, and substitute Goalkeeper Tytoń was forced to come on.

But even so, it still couldn't prevent Greece from scoring the penalty.

Samaras accurately struck the bottom left corner of the goal, equalizing the score.

In the 80th minute, Poland 1:1 Greece!

And after this goal, both sides seemed to enter into a tacit silence.

Poland no longer attacked!

Greece no longer counterattacked.

Both sides seemed to have accepted this score.

Until the end of the match, the score remained unchanged.

In the first match, both sides drew 1:1.

"That was intense!"

Mandžukić couldn't help but stretch: "Greece, even when trailing and with one man down, was still attacking aggressively!"

Dujmović: "But precisely because of that attack, they managed to equalize the score!"

Srna: "The Goalkeeper was fine, the defense shouldn't have let people through!"

"Concentration has dropped, and stamina is insufficient!"

Everyone said.

"The next match is Netherlands against Czech Republic, right?" Vukojević grinned; "Czech Republic should have a hard time winning!"

Although they didn't particularly like Czech Republic, as these guys always wanted to compete with them for the title of 'Eastern European Iron Cavalry'.

However, considering the geographical location and the strength of Netherlands, they still hoped that Czech Republic could pull off an upset against this strong opponent.

Suker also gave a slight grin.

Czech Republic was certainly not weak, but even with Netherlands' internal strife, it would be difficult to pull off an upset, right?

Soon, after a break, the next match began.

Match time 65 minutes.

Netherlands 1:3 Czech Republic.

At this moment, the entire meeting room where Croatia was located was silent.

"Is this freaking Netherlands?"

"They aren't even passing the ball!"

"What the hell? Playing like this!"

Under seemingly reasonable circumstances, but as professional players, the Croatian National Team players could easily see some of Netherlands' unconventional passing choices.

There were clearly teammates in better positions, and it was clear that they could have used that position as a pivot for a transfer, further creating pressure.

But once the ball went to the wing, it was just aggressive dribbling, not even bothering to pass.

Huntelaar was in the penalty area, practically screaming his lungs out, but Robben didn't even look at him.

Even if there was no shooting space ahead, he still wouldn't pass, he would just shoot himself!

This doesn't count as internal strife?

Suker also watched on the television as Huntelaar angrily confronted Robben.

Robben completely ignored him, and soon his teammates pulled the furious Huntelaar away.

The camera, in a rather mean way, gave a shot of Robben.

It showed that guy turning his head to look at Huntelaar, with a hint of mockery in his eyes.

Suker thought for a moment, then turned to Vukojević and asked; "Did Robben get his face broken at any point this season?"

Before Vukojević could speak, Mandžukić, who was beside him, suddenly said; "He did! I remember it was around November last year, when he returned to the team after playing in the European Cup Qualifiers, the corners of his mouth and his eye sockets were a bit bruised. Although he said he fell, he definitely got beaten up!"

Suker grinned.

It was probably at this time that Robben was ganged up on by the younger players he had bullied in the National Team.

And in this conflict, Huntelaar, who was applauding nearby, was also resented by Robben, and the 'Iron Rod Legend' would begin from this point.

If nothing unexpected happened, in a certain match of this European Cup, the foul-mouthed Huntelaar would be double-teamed by Van Persie and Robben!