Bucharest set for Euro 2020 draw as tournament enters new territory

Bucharest hosts the draw for Euro 2020 on Saturday with the fates of World Cup holders France and reigning European champions Portugal providing the greatest interest just over six months before the start of what is a controversial tournament. The coaches of all qualified nations will be in attendance for the draw ceremony beginning at 1700 GMT (7 pm local time) at the Romexpo exhibition center in Romania's capital, which will host four matches at the finals. For the first, and surely only, time, this European Championship -- the second to feature 24 teams -- is being held in 12 cities in 12 different European nations from June 12 to July 12, with the semi-finals and final taking place at Wembley in London. It was an idea championed by ex-UEFA president Michel Platini, before his four-year ban from the game, as a way of marking the 60th anniversary of the first European Championship in 1960.

READ | ISL: Chennaiyin And Head Coach Gregory Go Separate Ways

Criticism

However, the concept has come in for criticism, and part of that is down to the fact that much of the suspense has already been taken from the draw. The need to ensure qualified host nations get to play at least two matches at home means some teams already know which group they will be in. For instance, four of the six top seeds are hosting games, with Ukraine and Belgium the only exceptions. However, the decision to keep Ukraine and Russia apart for diplomatic and security reasons has had an impact on the Belgians.

READ | Hyderabad Vs Bengaluru FC Player Ratings: Robin Singh Spoils Sunil Chhetri's Party

Roberto Martinez's team therefore already know they will be in Group B along with two hosts, Denmark and Russia. The only suspense is whether Wales or Finland from Pot Four completes their group. Belgium's Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne made headlines recently when he called that "a scandal". Similarly, the Netherlands -- who will play group games in Amsterdam -- know they will be in Group C with Ukraine.

Dutch coach Ronald Koeman admitted he was confused by the new format and said: "I have asked my federation if I still need to bother going to the draw." Despite that, he is expected in Bucharest on Saturday. The Netherlands could also end up playing Romania here, should the Romanians come through the play-offs next March, a process which still involves 16 teams including Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.

Indeed, the draw will take place without all 24 finalists being known, with the last four spots going to the play-off winners. Matches will be played from Dublin and Bilbao to Saint Petersburg and Baku. Italy will host the opening game in Rome, and they are one of the top seeds, as are England, Germany and Spain. Meanwhile, France lurk in Pot Two alongside a revived Netherlands, while 2016 winners Portugal sit in the third pot. It is, therefore, possible that France will find themselves in the same group as Italy, Portugal and Wales. England, meanwhile, could also find themselves in the same group as France and Portugal. However, Gareth Southgate's side will be confident of making the knockout phase given they will play at Wembley.

READ | Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Praises Manchester United Debutants After 2-1 Defeat Against Astana

Environmental impact

Then again, if they were to qualify in second or third place in their group, it is possible they could end up having to go to Saint Petersburg or to Baku, by the Caspian Sea, for a quarter-final. The concept has left European football's governing body open to criticism about the tournament's impact on climate change. UEFA have estimated 405,000 tonnes of carbon emissions will be produced by traveling fans and staff and in response have promised to invest in "emission reduction projects". President Aleksander Ceferin has defended the format, pointing out that there has been no need to build new venues or transport links "which carry a huge environmental impact from, for instance, materials and other resources used for the development of such infrastructure". However, he admitted, "it also has a cost, with increased travel for fans to watch their teams play".

READ | Liverpool Confirms Fabinho Has Picked Up An Ankle Injury; Will Be Out Till 2020