Euro 2024 social round-up: What might have been for Wimbledon, UEFA turns 70

Day two of Euro 2024 picked up the excitement where it left off, with a historic round of games on Saturday.

Switzerland joined Germany level on points at the top of Group A with an impressive 3-1 win over Hungary before Spain cruised to a 3-0 victory over Croatia in their Group B opener with three first-half goals.

Italy’s European Championships title defence got off to a perfect start as they bounced back from conceding the earliest goal in the tournament’s history (23 seconds) by beating Albania 2-1.

While the football continued to entertain, there was also plenty of action on social media. Here’s a pick of some of the best posts.

What might have been for Wimbledon

AFC Wimbledon’s official X account drew plenty of attention as the admin latched onto the hype over Jamal Musiala, following the Germany international’s magical display against Scotland.

Musiala grew up in England, and represented AFC Wimbledon, via the Corpus Christi Primary School, in the EFL Utilita Kids Cup.

It’s clear from the highlights of that match, in which Musiala scored a hat-trick and left defenders mesmerised – a bit like he did on Friday – 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 on the scene

Breel Embolo endured an injury-hit campaign for Monaco, but he is back to fitness in time to feature for Switzerland, for whom he remains a crucial player.

And after coming on as a second-half substitute, Embolo sealed the three points as the Swiss beat Hungary 3-1 in the first game of the day.

As the official Euro 2042 X account pointed out, Embolo has now netted in successive Euros tournaments for his nation.

Embolo scores in successive EURO final tournaments for Switzerland #EURO2024 | #HUNSUI pic.twitter.com/9hizZpQt9b

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 15, 2024

Birthday boy

Pascal Gross is a newcomer to Germany’s squad, and came on for his major tournament debut during Friday’s 5-1 thrashing of Scotland.

The Brighton midfielder then celebrated his 33rd birthday on Saturday, with Germany’s official X account sharing the celebrations.

That big win over Scotland, and his Euros bow, was surely a great way to welcome in 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 celebrating a birthday on Saturday.

Indeed, UEFA marked the 70th anniversary of its founding, which came on June 15, 1954.

“It’s a story of devotion, dedication and dreams…” shared the governing bodies’ official X account.

70 years of European football. It’s a story of devotion, dedication and dreams… pic.twitter.com/RUfca5olPH

— UEFA (@UEFA) June 15, 2024

Barcelona show pride of record-breaking youngster

Spain got off to the perfect start in the so-called ‘group of death’ with a rampant 3-0 win over Croatia on Saturday.

But, when the team sheets came out before the game, all the headlines quickly turned to Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest-ever player to appear at the Euros at 16 years and 338 days.

After an impressive performance by the youngster, Barcelona were quick to remind fans where he came from with a post on X: “He’s very good… and he’s ours.”

Lamine Yamal es muy bueno… y es nuestro

UEFA via Getty Images#Euro2024

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) June 15, 2024

Van Dijk, Simons and De Ligt put to the test

The Netherlands are yet to open their campaign in Euro 2024, but put aside their preparation to take some time to answer questions from young fans.

Xavi Simons was quizzed on which defender scares him the most – fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk – while the captain and Matthijs de Ligt rated their chances of winning the tournament.

Who are you most afraid of?