With the excitement in the ongoing Euro 2024, there are notable absentees, star players who won't grace the pitches of Europe's premier tournament. Despite the expanded 24-team format, fate has dealt them a cruel hand, leaving them on the sidelines as spectators.
Here are the football luminaries who missed out on the Euro 2024 spectacle.
Erling Haaland (Norway)
The Norwegian player, Erling Haaland is one of the world's premier strikers. His technicality in front of goal is undeniable, yet despite his six qualifying goals, Norway fell short, trailing behind Group A contenders. Haaland's injury setback further compounded Norway's woes, leaving fans wondering if they'll ever witness his brilliance on the Euro stage.
Martin Odegaard (Norway)
Norway's hopes were also pinned on the shoulders of Martin Odegaard, the Arsenal playmaker. However, his subdued performances in qualifying failed to lift his nation to Euro glory. Despite his wizardry on the club stage, Odegaard couldn't find his way into Norway's Euro campaign as captain, leaving fans yearning for his magic on the international scene.
Evan Ferguson (Ireland)
Brighton's rising star, Evan Ferguson, emerged as a beacon of hope for Ireland's future. Despite his promising displays, Ireland's journey to Euro 2024 ended prematurely, leaving Ferguson to contemplate what could have been. His contribution, though commendable, couldn't propel Ireland past formidable opponents in Group C.
Dejan Kulusevski (Sweden)
Tottenham's standout performer, Dejan Kulusevski, dazzled in the Premier League but fell short on the international stage. Sweden's failure to qualify for Euro 2024 marked a stark contrast to Kulusevski's club success, leaving football lovers disappointed with his subdued performances in Group F.
Alexander Isak (Sweden)
Hailed as the Swedish Thierry Henry, Alexander Isak's brilliance at Newcastle couldn't salvage Sweden's Euro dreams. Despite his goal-scoring prowess, Isak's limited appearances and fitness concerns hampered Sweden's qualifying campaign, leaving fans rueing his absence from the tournament.
Lukas Hradecky (Finland)
Bayer Leverkusen's custodian, Lukas Hradecky, epitomized Finland's resilience on the European stage. However, Finland's dream of a Euro return was dashed, leaving Hradecky pondering what could have been as he watches from afar.
Brennan Johnson (Wales)
Tottenham's marquee signing, Brennan Johnson, showcased his talent in the Premier League but fell short in Wales' Euro bid. Despite his heroics in the play-off semi-final, Wales' agonizing defeat dashed Johnson's hopes of Euro glory, leaving fans wondering if he'll step into Gareth Bale's shoes.
Conor Bradley (Northern Ireland)
Liverpool's rising star, Conor Bradley, shone in the Premier League but couldn't lift Northern Ireland to Euro qualification. Despite his promising performances, Northern Ireland's lack of depth proved insurmountable, leaving Bradley to ponder his international aspirations.
Kostas Tsimikas (Greece)
Liverpool's dependable full-back, Kostas Tsimikas, epitomized Greece's Euro quest. Yet, despite his unwavering commitment, Greece's heart-wrenching play-off defeat shattered Tsimikas' dreams of Euro glory, leaving fans lamenting what could have been.
Stefan Savic (Montenegro)
Atletico Madrid's stalwart, Stefan Savic, embodied Montenegro's defensive solidity. However, despite his contributions, Montenegro fell short in their Euro quest, leaving Savic to rue missed opportunities on the international stage.
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