Ok. I know that the official slogan for the European football championship is not Euro 2021. In fact, it’s Euro 2020, but for the purposes of logic, we’re just going to continue with Euro 2021 here. Ok, that’s out of the way. Secondly, I’m very well aware that Euro 2021 has just begun. It’s already underway, and the world is already enjoying some nice football, which is awesome. But it’s always good to bring out the hype and excitement with more than football. Don’t you think?
And how we can do that you ask? Well, with video games and movies of course. Now, I’ve already written plenty about sports. Not just about football. I’ve had articles about basketball (just click here), handball, and even a couple of articles about golf (available here and here). Some might argue, the most boring sport of all, but hey. A lot of you obviously love it. But this article is for a special occasion. What special occasion you might ask? Well, the Euro 2021 (see, that confusion again?).
Euro 2021: Let’s Talk Football
As I mentioned earlier in this article, the European football championship has begun and has the same title as the last year’s one. But the world didn’t get one last year. Yes, you have the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic to thank for that, but frankly… A lot of other sporting events got postponed last year. Including the Summer Olympics, which is also going to happen this year as well (one year late). But back to the topic at hand. Euro 2021. Unlike the previous tournaments, this particular one doesn’t have any particular host countries. However, it does have 11 host cities. And thanks to the strict COVID restrictions, most of the venues will have about a third of the capacity during all matches. Furthermore, Portugal is the defending champion, while the long anticipated July 11 Final is to be played at Wembley Stadium in London. July 11th can’t come sooner.
Euro 2021 With Cool Video Games And Movies
Yup. As promised we’re going to kick off the Euro 2021 tournament with two of our best assets. Video games and movies. In fact, a nice selection of video game and movie picks. And luckily for you, we have plenty of great options to choose from here at IndieGala. So, with that in mind, let’s start with video games. First and foremost there’s the eFootbal PES 2021 series (available on sale here). Next, there’s the awesome We are football game (which is also on sale). Football, Tactics and Glory is always awesome. And so is Street Power Football (available here). But you know what? Feel free to scroll and pick for yourself. You won’t be disappointed for sure.
And what about the movies?
Well, in order to not repeat myself (since I’ve had plenty of football articles in the past), I’m going with a different list of movies here. Indeed. Most of the movies on this list have Euro Championship in the theme, and most of them are documentaries. But now all of them. Scroll down to find out more
Football Factory
A controversial pick right off the bat, I know. The movie is more about hooligans and club football, rather than a national team level competition. But this is a pick in an attempt to avoid repetition, and I genuinely love this movie. So there. But at the same time, it’s the first project that I got familiarized myself with the legend that is Danny Dyer. But if you’re a fan of Football factory, I would also suggest checking out his documentary series The Real Football Factories. However, The Football Factory is more than just a study of the English obsession with football and football violence. It’s an honest portrayal of the English culture, way of life and pretty much everything else. It’s good I tell ya.
Fun fact: A showing of the movie in Malmö, Sweden led to a brawl in the cinema between supporters of rival soccer teams Malmö FF and Helsingborg IF. The movie was banned from cinemas after the brawl.
Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait
Finally. A documentary about one of France’s biggest stars. Indeed. I’m talking about Zinedine Zidan. But this is not a movie about Zidane’s tenure as a football player for France’s national team. No, the movie puts the focus purely on Zidane during one single game. The Spanish La Liga match between Real Madrid and Villarreal on 23 April 2005 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Furthermore, filmed in real-time using 17 synchronized cameras, and it’s great as you can expect. If you’re a fan of Zidane, you’re going to love this movie.
Fun fact: It took 2 years to make the film.
Alan Shearer’s Euro 96: When Football Came Home
Now that’s more like it. A documentary about another football star, but this time a movie about the participation in a real-life Euro event. I’m talking of course about Alan Shearer and England’s Euro 1996 campaign. As you recall, England was eliminated at Euro 1996 after a penalty shootout. But aside from Alan, there are plenty of football stars to watch out for. Paul Gascoigne, Tony Adams and so much more. You don’t have to be English to love this documentary really. You just need to love football.
Fun fact: Director Rob Facey made the Usain Bolt: The Final Chapter documentary right after this documentary movie.
Sommeren ’92
Sommeren ’92 is a biopic about Denmark’s greatest football triumph. Winning the Euro 1992 championship. The thing is, Denmark shouldn’t even be in that championship. The national team failed to qualify for the tournament, but they got in after the disqualification of another country. Yugoslavia. Seriously, this happened in 1992, and the team not only got a shot at competing at the tournament, Denmark even won it. As somebody who lived through the breakdown of Yugoslavia (and the subsequent war), this event still hurts… But hey. It’s been almost 30 years now. It’s time to move on, don’t you think?.
Fun fact: Gustav Giese who plays Peter Schmeichel was told by director Kasper Barfoed to scream and shout all that he could in order to portray the Danish goalkeeper on the field.
Escape to Victory
I can’t help it. I adore this movie. Indeed, this is probably the eldest movie on this list, but it’s one of the most fun nonetheless. Furthermore, it has Sylvester Stallone, Michael Cane, Max von Sydow, Pele and Bobby Moore in the cast. How crazy is that? Not to mention the legend John Huston on director’s duty. But in essence, escape To Victory is about Allied prisoners of a war exhibition match against the German national team. So basically, WW2’s Longest Ward. But with European football of course. But frankly….If this movie won’t make you hyped for football, which movie will?
Fun fact: Sir Michael Caine admitted that the only reason he agreed to make this movie was the opportunity to work alongside footballing legend Pelé.
Are You Hyped For Euro 2021?
Let us know who are you rooting for? Share your favorites in the comment section below. And of course, share some of your favorite football movies as well.
