Euros are actually SouthEuros: secret ingredient of success is - olive oil!?

'Do you prefer butter or olive oil?' might not be the most appropriate question for a first date, but it definitely is to determine one's chances of winning the European Championship.

Bizarrely enough, European countries that use olive oil much more than butter have won all the Euros in the last 24 years. Or, to put that charming (though not fake) joke aside, only the South European national sides have triumphed in the Euros from 2000 up until now.

After three successive tournaments won by the teams from Northern Europe (The Netherlands in 1988, Denmark in 1992 and Germany in 1996), things in European football changed dramatically at the turn of the century.

It started all in 2000, as France defeated another South European slot (Italy) in the Rotterdam final. Four years later, Greece stunned the entire world, let alone Europe, with a fairytale win over Portugal on their soil.

After two all-South European showdowns in 2008, we got ourselves a battle between Spain and Germany, but again - the Southerners raised the trophy. And repeated it again four years later, only this time against Italy.

The following tournament, in 2016, saw Portugal beat France in the extra time. Last but not least, EURO 2020 was decided in the penalty shootout at Wembley. Another epic battle between Northerners (England) and Southerners (Italy) ended in the latter's triumph.

Here at EURO 2024, we're just eight games away from the showdown, and - as things stand - both have their representatives still in.

South Europe: France, Portugal and Spain.

North Europe: Germany and England.

Switzerland is situated in central Europe, and we'll label it as neutral here - just like Austria, who are facing Turkey (South Europe) today, while The Netherlands (North Europe) will play against Romania (South Europe).

If you believe in superstitions and some secret connection between olive oil and European Champions, then you definitely know which teams have the most chances of going all the way. Will South win again?

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - 1/8 FINALS

Saturday

Switzerland - Italy 2-0 (1-0)

/Freuler 37, Vargas 46/

Germany - Denmark 2-0 (0-0)

/Havertz 53 pen, Musiala 68/

Sunday

England - Slovakia 2-1 (0-1) AET

/Bellingham 90+5, Kane 91 - Schranz 25/

Spain - Georgia 4-1 (1-1)

/Rodri 39, Ruiz 51, Williams 75, Olmo 83 - Le Normand 18 og/

Monday

France - Belgium 1-0 (0-0)

/Vertonghen 85 og/

Portugal - Slovenia 3-0 on pen (0-0)

Tuesday

19.00: (8.25) Romania (4.30) Netherlands (1.50)

22.00: (1.95) Austria (3.50) Turkey (4.50)

***odds are subject to change***