Why both Euro 2024 matches kick off at the same time today
Both Euro 2024 fixtures tonight kick off at the same time. Here's why.
Euro 2024 has entered the crunch stage as nations have played two games as they look to book their spot in the knockout round.
The likes of Germany, Portugal and Spain have secured their places in the last-16, with one game of the group stage round remaining.
Tournament host Germany face Switzerland at 8pm UK time in Frankfurt.
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At the same time, but in Stuttgart, Scotland take on Hungary.
So, fans watching on TV will have to make a decision on which Group A clash to view.
And there's a reason as to why the final group stage matches kick off at the same time.
It all stems from the 1982 World Cup, where an incident known as the 'Disgrace of Dijon' occurred.
West Germany played Austria in their final group game while Algeria took on Chile.
Algeria beat Chile 3-2, putting them ahead of West Germany in the group ahead of their game.
But as Algeria played a day before West Germany, it meant the neighbouring European nations knew that a victory for the Germans by one or two goals would ensure that both progressed, knocking out the African nation.
Horst Hrubesch scored the only goal of the game as West Germany beat Austria 1-0.
His strike in the 10th minute prompted somewhat of a standstill as both teams understood that the result suited them both.
Following the clash, Algeria lodged a formal complaint to FIFA, who responded by stating that West Germany and Austria didn't break the rules.
Since the 1986 World Cup, all final group stage matches have kicked off at the same time to avoid any foul play again.
UEFA added this rule into the Euros and the Champions League shortly after and it is now the worldwide practice for tournament football - all to avoid potential match fixing.
The remaining final group stage fixtures of Euro 2024 are scheduled to take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Nasir Jabbar