Between the men’s Wimbledon final, Euro 2024 final and Copa America 2024 final, sports fans have a lot of excitement to look forward to on Sunday.
There is also history at stake for the participating teams and players.
England’s maiden Euro championship
As they were in the Euro 2020 final against Italy, the Three Lions are again on the brink of history, this time against Spain. The final against Azzurri ended in heartbreak as they lost a penalty shootout, failing to capture their first-ever European Championship. Gareth Southgate’s team has grown leaps and bounds since that loss, showing a lot of mettle in Euro 2024 by becoming the first-ever team to reach the final despite trailing in the quarters (versus Switzerland) and semis (versus the Netherlands).
Will that newfound clutch gene help them overcome La Roja, the betting favorites?
A win on Sunday would end a 58-year drought for title-starved England, which hasn’t won a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup.
Novak Djokovic’s 25th major
Novak Djokovic is already the most accomplished men’s tennis player in history, with 24 major titles (two more than Rafael Nadal and four more than Roger Federer). However, the Serb remains tied with women’s icon Margaret Court — who won 24 titles between 1960 and 1973 — for most majors among all players.
By defeating Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, Djokovic would cement himself as the undisputed greatest of all time. A victory is not guaranteed by any means. Exactly a year ago, Alcaraz took down Djokovic in a classic five-setter to win his first Wimbledon title.
Oddsmakers and even our experts are picking Alcaraz to win the rematch and go back-to-back at the hallowed grass courts. But counting out Djokovic is never a wise call, as many have learned over the years.
Argentina’s quest for most Copa titles
Lionel Scaloni’s men have been on quite a run in recent years, losing only three of their last 63 matches across all tournaments. The incredible run has seen them capture the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup titles. Will La Albiceleste complete the hat trick on Sunday evening?
A victory over Colombia would give Argentina a record 16th Copa America title, surpassing Uruguay (15) and Brazil (9) as the most dominant country in the event’s 108-year history.
The Colombians have been on a tear themselves, entering the final on a 28-game undefeated streak. Interestingly, Los Cafeteros’ last loss came against Argentina in a World Cup qualifier game in February 2022. Colombia is seeking its first Copa America title since its sole win in 2001.
Another storyline to monitor is Lionel Messi’s impending retirement from international soccer. A victory on Sunday would add to his trophy cabinet and strengthen his GOAT case.
Three potential outcomes. Three pieces of history.
Enjoy the ride, sports fans. Sunday promises to be a doozy.