UEFA Euro 2020: A look at what Dániel Gazdag, Hungary will face in the tournament

This Friday, the matchup between Italy and Turkey will kickstart UEFA Euro 2020. Fans all over the globe have anticipating for the tournament after it was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is an especially momentous occasion for Philadelphia Union fans as recent acquisition Dániel Gazdag is a part of Hungary’s squad for the tournament. Located in Group F of the tournament, also known as the “Group of Death,” the Hungarians will have their hands full.

Here is a look at the other nations looking to win the group.

France: After winning the FIFA World Cup in 2018, the French national team are considered the favorites to win the European championship. Les Bleus were able to reach the final of the tournament in 2018, but fell to Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal 1-0 on their home pitch. Led by the likes of PSG’s Kylian Mbappè, FC Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann, Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, and many more stars, it is easy to see why Didier Deschamps squad has what it takes to add some silverware to their trophy cabinet. Another big storyline for the team is the addition of Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, who has not represented the country since 2015, although the striker suffered an injury yesterday in their 3-0 victory in a friendly over Bulgaria.

Portugal: When the European championships begin, every competing nation will look to dethrone the Portuguese, which stunned the French in the last edition of the tournament. With an attacking prowess that features Juventus’ Ronaldo, Atlético Madrid’s João Felix, and many more key players, it is important to never sleep on A Seleção (italicize). After also winning the UEFA Nations League back in 2019, Fernando Santos’ squad will hope their European luck will continue.

Germany: Winners of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the Germans will hope to give Joachim Löw a nice send-off gift as the manager has announced before that it would be the last time he leads Die Mannschaft (italicize). Bayern Munich’s Hansi Flick will take over after the conclusion of the tournament. Featuring some of the best players in the world, including three from the UEFA Champions League winners, Chelsea (Antonio Rüdiger, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner), Germany is a dark horse to win it all.

Dániel Gazdag and Hungary begin their Euro journey on Tuesday, June 15, when they face off against Portugal at Puskás Aréna in Budapest. It should be an eventful tournament as 24 nations compete for a chance to hoist the trophy on July 11.