One year to go

The countdown is on: On 14 June, Host City Stuttgart celebrated a football festival on the market square under the motto "One year to go". There was a lot going on in front of the Town Hall. Taking part was the order of the day! Everyone who wanted to take part in a nine-metre shoot-out on a small pitch was allowed to compete from the spot. The honour of taking the first shot at 2:06 pm was left to Mayor Frank Nopper and Host City Ambassador Eli Seitz. However, the European gymnastics champion failed to score against goalkeeper Saskia Schaborak, who reacted well.

A total of 365 shots were taken and many goals were scored. Mayor Nopper also scored, and looked forward to the UEFA EURO 2024: "We will celebrate a great football festival next year, I'm sure of it." Former international and Host City ambassador Cacau delivered a special kind of shot. First his right boot flew towards goal and then, with a smile on his face, he pushed the ball past goalkeeper Julian Hornberger and into the net. So the many fans around the pitch got their money's worth and also learnt about the right ball control. The goal was disallowed because the player's equipment was not complete when the shot was taken. Everything went perfectly for Cacau on the second attempt. He's still got it...

Football on the Market Square went down well. The blind footballers from MTV Stuttgart, many children from Gemeinschaftserlebnis Sport (Experiencing Community Through Sport – GES) and FIFA referees Melissa Joos and Marco Fritz also took part. YouTube stars the "Freekickerz" led by Konstantin "Konzi" Hert showed off their skills on the Teqball board. A popular photo motif was the oversized European Championship trophy as a Giant Trophy, and there was also a special European Championship ice cream (strawberry/melon) for the many guests, of which 366 scoops and more were handed out free of charge. You could see, feel and taste the desire and anticipation for the UEFA EURO 2024 in beautiful weather...