PSV

International tournaments often seem like a red carpet event for the biggest names in world football, yet often the most intriguing players on the pitch are the up-and-coming stars, the b-listers of the footballing world, if you will.

Euro 2020 introduced us to a wide range of talented young players. Some were familiar by name and statistical output, but this was the first chance for them to prove themselves on such a large stage. Others were relative unknowns, ony entering the public footballing consciousness within the last month.

Having lost the KNVB Cup final in 2014, 2017 and 2018, PSV Women must’ve thought their cursed existence in the competition was rearing its ugly head again in the 2021 final on Saturday.

In the 17th minute, PSV set about defending a Den Haag corner. The ball eventually fell to Den Haag’s Jannette van Belen, whose attempted shot was blocked and ricocheted back off the top of her shoulder. 

As domestic leagues across Europe enter the final weeks of their seasons, not only are league titles at stake, but qualification for next season's Champions League is also yet to be resolved.

Only 11 of the 26 automatic qualification spots for the UCL group stage have been officially determined, and more than half of the 55 playoff spots are up for grabs. 

With so many bids up for grabs across the continent, tracking the qualification process can be very difficult. 

When we look back at football in 2020/21 over the years to come, there will be no classics, no games to remember — because without fans, matches just don't have the same impact.

Of course, these changes were necessary to prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus, and, if current trends hold, it seems that fans will soon be allowed back in stadiums again.