Hi there, folks - The 2023/2024 season has barely finished but it's already that time again. With merely ten days until the opening kick-off of the Euro 2024 tournament with Germany taking on Scotland in the opening match on Friday, June 14 at 3pm EST, I'm asking you to pull out your crystal balls and come up with some predictions for this summer's tournament. For those new to our predictions games, all you have to do to participate is email me by Thursday evening (June 13) with your predictions in the following categories (please email me without "replying all" to the list of competitors so that we get a variety of entries):

1. The top two teams in each of the six groups (you'll receive two points for each correct team plus an extra point if you get them in the correct order); e.g. "Group A: 1. Germany  2. Scotland.”

2. The four best third placed teams that also advance to the Round of 16 

(1 point for each team)

3. The winners of each of the eight Round of Sixteen matches (3 points per team)

4. The winners of each of the four Quarterfinal matches (4 points per team) 

5. The winners of each of the two Semifinals (6 points per team) 

6. Champions! (10 points) 

7. The scorer of first goal scored in the tournament (3 points/ 2 points for first in pool)

8. The scorer of the first hat-trick (if there is one!) (2 points/ 1 point for first in pool)

9. The first player sent off (either straight red or two yellows) (2 points/ 1 point for first in pool)

10. The first player to miss a penalty (either during regular play in a match or in a penalty shoot-out) (2 points/ 1 point for the first in pool)

11. The first match to go to a penalty shoot-out (2 points/ 1 point for first in pool)

12. The player who scores the winning goal in the Final (if there is one) (2 points) 

13. The first manager to be sacked (2 points/ 1 point for first in pool) 

14. The Golden Glove winner (top goalkeeper) (4 points) 

15. The Golden Boot winner (top scorer) (8 points)

16. Tournament MVP (8 points)

The winner of the Euro 2024 Predictions Game will receive the vaunted Lancer Cup, which is currently held by our friend Teddy Goalesevelt - you'll have to work hard to pry this junk shop beauty out of his hands! 

I'll be starting a series of group previews that I'm posting on the blog at http://lakenheatholdboys.blogspot.com/ and on my Facebook feed, which may (or may not) help you with your picks. I'll be updating the game on the blog and through email every few days throughout the tournament. While I'll be too busy with the twins to live blog every match as I usually do, I'd love it if some of you keep up the tradition on the LOB. 

I can't wait for it all to get started.

Cheers, Bob