2024: A Year of Glory and Growth

2024 was a remarkable year for the Nations Cup, with unforgettable matches, surprising upsets, and thrilling victories across all five tournaments. From Moldova’s heroic comeback in Edition XI to Egypt’s dominance in Edition VII, each tournament showcased the beauty and unpredictability of football. Here’s a recap of the highlights:

The Women’s Edition: A Milestone Event
The inaugural women’s Nations Cup was a celebration of talent and teamwork. With standout performances from Australia and the UK, both teams dominated the group stages and electrified fans with their runs to the final rounds. Spain and Brazil also impressed, while Valentina earned MVP honors with her decisive goals.

The event wasn’t just about football—it was a celebration of community, with fans cheering loudly and supporting their teams. The players’ passion has set the stage for an exciting future in women’s football.

Edition VII: Egypt’s Glory
Egypt conquered Edition VII with last-second victories and a dominant final performance. Topping their group, the Pharaohs showcased resilience, securing three last-second victories with minimal substitutions. In a surprising turn of events, Japan, initially thrashed 8-0 in their first match, reached the final. 

Vietnam secured an impressive third place, after loosing the semifinal against Egypt in penalties. Meanwhile, Italy finished in fourth place, falling just short in their bid for a podium finish despite a strong performance earlier in the competition.

Edition VIII: Peru’s Redemption
Peru finally tasted glory in Edition VIII, triumphing over Italy in a gripping final. Peru’s triumph in Edition VIII was particularly poignant given their heartbreaking 4-0 loss to the EU in a previous Nations Cup final. From the opening whistle to the final whistle of the final, they displayed skill and determination, with 5-0 and 7-0 wins against Ukraine and South Africa.

One of the tournament’s most memorable moments came in the match against Moldavia, where Italy found themselves locked in a tense battle until the dying moments of the game. With the score tied and time running out, Francesco, who was until that moment the team´s coach due to a serious injury, seized the opportunity to deliver a stunning last-minute goal that sealed Italy’s place in the final.
Edition IX: Hungary’s Golden Moment
Hungary’s dramatic comeback in Edition IX will go down in Nations Cup lore. Facing Brazil in the final, Hungary rallied from a 2-0 deficit to force penalties, where goalkeeper Bobby became a national hero, saving Brazil’s 8th attempt to seal the title.

Brazil’s runner-up finish highlighted their relentless pursuit of glory, while France added another third-place finish to their tally, proving their consistency in clutch matches. Greece emerged as the tournament’s biggest surprise, finishing in fourth place, boasted the tournament’s top scorer.

Edition X: Ukraine's Historic Victory
Ukraine’s victory in Edition X was a masterclass in teamwork and perseverance. Their final clash against Morocco was a spectacle of skill and strategy, with Ukraine emerging as champions. It was a historic milestone, marking their first Nations Cup title and sending waves of celebration across their fanbase.

Morocco’s runner-up finish was a testament to their resilience and determination. Meanwhile, France continued their streak of third-place finishes, defeating Italy in a closely contested match that showcased both teams’ tactical brilliance.

Edition XI: Moldova’s Fairy Tale Triumph
In a display of sheer grit and determination, Moldova captured their first-ever title in Edition XI, overcoming some of the tournament’s strongest teams. Their final against Italy was nothing short of epic. Trailing 2-1 at halftime, Moldova roared back to secure a 4-3 victory, fueled by the brilliance of Denis, who was crowned MVP and top scorer.

Italy’s journey to the final was equally inspiring. Their narrow wins against Spain and France showcased their resilience, but heartbreak struck again as they fell short of the title for yet another tournament. France, ever consistent, claimed third place. Chile made history with a spirited run to the semifinals, ultimately finishing fourth after falling to France.

As we reflect on 2024, the Nations Cup continues to inspire with its mix of skill, passion, and unpredictability. Each edition brought fans closer, celebrating the unifying spirit of football. Here’s to more incredible moments in 2025! 🏆⚽

The Nations Cup - 2024 Summary

PosTeamLast 3Win %PPts
1
W W L
60.003056
2
W W W
77.781843
3
W L W
59.092242
4
L W L
56.522341
5
W D D
57.141428
6
W W L
69.231327
7
W D L
61.541325
8
W W W
66.671225
9
W L L
44.441825
10
W L L
57.141424
11
D W L
40.001523
12
L D W
66.67920
13
W L L
42.861420
14
W W L
50.001220
15
W W L
66.67918
16
W L L
25.001618
17
W D L
41.671217
18
D D L
26.671517
19
L L W
28.571417
20
W D L
50.001016
21
D W L
36.361115
22
L W D
50.00814
23
L D L
23.081312
24
L L L
25.001212
25
D L D
30.001011
26
W W L
50.00610
27
D L L
20.001010
28
L L W
33.3399
29
W D D
12.5087
30
L L L
16.67127
31
W W L
50.0046
32
W L L
50.0046
33
L L L
28.5776
34
L W L
14.2976
35
W L L
22.2296
36
L L W
8.33123
37
L D D
0.0032
38
L L L
0.0091
39
L L L
0.0030
40
L L L
0.0060