Football

Spain's second-string side secured a perfect record in the Euro 2024 group stage with a 1-0 victory over Albania on Monday. Ferran Torres' early strike proved decisive as the three-time champions eliminated their opponents.Despite making 10 changes to the team that defeated Italy, Spain dominated the opening exchanges. Torres capitalized on a fine move in the 13th minute, finishing off a pass from Dani Olmo with precision.Albania, needing a win to advance, pushed forward in the second half but failed to find an equalizer. Armando Broja came close with a lob attempt, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya made a crucial save.Spain's victory marks the first time since 2008 that they have won all three group games at a major tournament. Coach Luis de la Fuente will now focus on their last-16 tie against an unknown third-place finisher.Albania's elimination is a setback after their debut European Championship appearance in 2016. Despite a spirited performance, they were unable to overcome a formidable Spain side.

Albania's Mirlind Daku has been suspended for two matches after leading fans in nationalist chants at the European Championship, which UEFA deemed as bringing soccer into disrepute.Daku took a megaphone after Albania's 2-2 draw with Croatia in Hamburg and joined in chanting slogans against Serbia and North Macedonia. The incidents and fallout from the game in Hamburg have been the most serious involving Balkan politics at a Euros with the most-ever teams from the region playing — and offering a stage for some fans to air its issues.UEFA's disciplinary judges found Daku guilty of "failing to comply with the general principles of conduct, for violating the basic rules of decent conduct, for using sports events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature and for bringing the sport of football into disrepute."UEFA also ordered the Albanian soccer federation to pay fines totaling 47,250 euros ($50,500) for incidents at the game where its fans chanted an anti-Serb slogan, reportedly "Kill the Serbs."The Serbian soccer federation had threatened to quit the tournament if UEFA did not punish the incidents.On the field, Albania plays a decisive group-stage game on Monday against Spain. If Albania advances, Daku also would sit out the round of 16 game.Daku later apologized for his actions in a social media posting, as UEFA appointed an in-house investigator to study his "alleged inappropriate behavior."The 26-year-old forward began playing for Albania last year having used his right under FIFA rules to change his eligibility from Kosovo, the ethnic-Albanian former province of Serbia that declared independence 16 years ago.UEFA had also announced charges against its member federations of both Albania and Croatia over "potential racist and/or discriminatory conduct" by fans on Wednesday.However, only Albania was fined for "transmitting provocative messages not fit for a sports event." The Croatia federation was fined just 27,500 euros ($29,400) for fans lighting and throwing fireworks at the stadium.The Albanian soccer Federation, or FSHF, called on the fans to be "accountable and avoid incidents and riots.""The FSHF invites fans and football lovers to support to the end the Albanian national team in this magical and historic path in Euro 2024 by showing citizenry and accountability through correct behavior and by respecting the rules and the opponents," said a statement.Albania has impressed at Euro 2024 in an opening 2-1 loss against Italy and then the 2-2 draw with Croatia. With three national teams at Euro 2024 from the former Yugoslavia — Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia — plus Kosovo's neighbor Albania, fans have shown that their shared history in the brutal Balkans war of the 1990s and diplomatic issues since cannot easily be forgotten.Nationalist chants raised the hostility levels at Euro 2024 where provocative banners, such as flags with maps, were expected to bring politics into the 10 stadiums in Germany.Serbia and Albania each were fined by UEFA after their opening games for fans "transmitting a provocative message." It cost them 10,000 euros ($10,700) each for a first offense.The Serbian fans' banner about Kosovo had also led to a FIFA prosecution involving players at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Serbia considers Kosovo the cradle of its statehood and Christian Orthodox religion, and is among several European countries that do not recognize its independence.In Germany last week, a television journalist from Kosovo had his credential canceled by UEFA after making the two-handed Albanian eagle gesture while broadcasting pitch-side in front of Serbia fans.The Balkan entries at Euro 2024 could have been five had Bosnia-Herzegovina come through a qualifying playoff bracket in March won by Ukraine.UEFA's president Aleksander Čeferin, a lawyer from Slovenia who grew up in the former Yugoslavia, had said while attending Serbia's decisive qualifying game in November that he would "certainly like" as many teams from the region to qualify as possible.UEFA has a decision to make this year that could be very symbolic about the sport's ability to unite, at a time when it blocks in its competition draw ceremonies any pairings of teams from Kosovo against Serbian or Bosnian opponents for security reasons.The Albanian and Serbian soccer federations have teamed up, despite opposition from many fans, in a bid to co-host the Under-21 Euros in 2027. The other candidates are Belgium and Turkey.UEFA's executive committee — which includes a vice president from Albania, Armand Duka — is scheduled to vote on the 2027 host in December.

Spain, the reigning European champions, have secured their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024 after a dominant performance against Italy. Despite having the luxury of resting key players for their final group game against Albania, coach Luis de la Fuente is determined to maintain the momentum his team has built up.De la Fuente has been vocal in his praise for his squad, describing them as the best in the tournament, if not the world. The evidence so far supports his claim. Spain have looked the most impressive team on display, showcasing their slick passing, attacking flair, and defensive solidity.Teenager Lamine Yamal, winger Nico Williams, and 21-year-old Pedri have all produced dazzling displays, while experienced players like Alvaro Morata, Dani Carvajal, and Rodri provide invaluable tournament experience.However, De la Fuente faces a dilemma for the Albania game. While resting key players could disrupt their rhythm and sharpness, he is also forced to make at least one change due to Rodri's suspension.Albania, on the other hand, will be desperate for a win to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout phase alive. They secured a last-gasp draw against Croatia in their previous match, and their Brazilian coach Sylvinho has instilled a sense of belief in his squad.Despite Spain's dominance, Albania will be no pushovers. They have shown resilience and determination in their previous matches, and they will be eager to make a statement against the tournament favorites.

Croatia and Albania will face off in a crucial Euro 2024 Group B match on Wednesday, June 19, with both teams desperate for a victory after suffering defeats in their opening fixtures.Croatia, the 2018 World Cup finalists, were humbled 3-0 by Spain in their first game, with Luka Modric failing to inspire his team. Albania, meanwhile, gave Italy a scare before eventually losing 2-1, with Nedim Bajrami scoring the fastest-ever goal in Euros history.With Spain and Italy already on three points each, Croatia and Albania know that a win is essential to keep their qualification hopes alive.When and Where:The Croatia vs Albania match will take place on Wednesday, June 19, at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany. The match will kick off at 6:30 PM IST.Telecast and Live Streaming:The match will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network in India. It will also be streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.Key Players:* Croatia: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic* Albania: Nedim Bajrami, Elseid Hysaj, Thomas StrakoshaMatch Preview:Croatia will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Spain. Modric, who was below his best in that game, will need to step up and lead his team to victory.Albania, on the other hand, will be confident after their performance against Italy. They will be hoping to cause another upset and keep their qualification hopes alive.The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams desperate for a win.

Italy's defense of their European Championship title got off to a thrilling start on Saturday as they overcame a lightning-fast goal from Albania to secure a 2-1 victory in front of a partisan crowd in Dortmund.Despite conceding the fastest goal in the competition's history just 23 seconds into the match, Italy responded with remarkable resilience. Alessandro Bastoni equalized for the Azzurri in the 11th minute, and Nicolo Barella put them ahead just four minutes later.From that point forward, Luciano Spalletti's team looked much more assured, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. However, they failed to capitalize on their dominance, allowing Albania to remain in the game.The Albanian fans, who made up the vast majority of the crowd, were in disbelief when Nedim Bajrami stunned Italy with an early strike. But Italy's response was swift and decisive, with Bastoni and Barella finding the back of the net in quick succession.Davide Frattesi hit the post for Italy before the interval, while Gianluca Scamacca and Federico Chiesa also came close to extending their lead. However, Albania remained resolute in defense, preventing Italy from adding to their tally.In the second half, Italy sat back and allowed Albania to push forward in search of an equalizer. But the Albanian attack lacked the necessary quality to break down the Italian defense. Substitute Rey Manaj came closest in the 90th minute, but his effort was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.Italy's victory puts them in a strong position to advance to the knockout phase of Euro 2024 from Group B, where they will face fellow heavyweights Spain next Thursday. Despite the early setback, Italy showed their resilience and determination to defend their title.

Albania's Nedim Bajrami etched his name into the annals of European Championship history by scoring the fastest goal ever in the tournament's history. Just 23 seconds into Albania's opening match against Italy on Saturday, Bajrami pounced on a poor throw-in from Italy's Federico Dimarco and unleashed a thunderous shot into the net from inside the box.Bajrami's lightning-fast strike shattered the previous Euros record for the quickest goal, which had stood for 18 years. In 2004, Russia's Dmitri Kirichenko had found the back of the net after 67 seconds against Greece.The goal was a testament to Bajrami's quick thinking and clinical finishing. The Sassuolo forward was alert to the opportunity and wasted no time in capitalizing on Italy's defensive lapse.However, Italy responded swiftly to Bajrami's early strike. Alessandro Bastoni equalized for the reigning champions in the 11th minute, and Nicolo Barella put Italy ahead just five minutes later.Despite the setback, Albania continued to push forward and create chances. They came close to equalizing on several occasions, but Italy's defense held firm.The match ultimately ended in a 2-1 victory for Italy, but Bajrami's historic goal will be remembered for years to come. It was a moment of brilliance that showcased his talent and the growing strength of Albanian football.

Italy, the reigning European champions, embark on their title defense at the UEFA Euro 2020 on June 15th, facing Albania in their opening match. The tournament marks a new era for the Azzurri, as they seek to rebuild their reputation as one of the world's top footballing nations.Under the guidance of manager Luciano Spalletti, Italy has undergone a significant transformation since their triumph in 2020. The team has shed the aging stars of the past and embraced a new generation of players, led by Federico Chiesa, Nicolo Barella, and Davide Frattesi.Despite their status as reigning champions, Italy faces a daunting task in Group B, which also includes Spain and Croatia. A victory over Albania in their opening match is crucial for their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.Albania, making their second appearance at the Euros, will be buoyed by the support of their passionate fans. The Eagles boast a squad with a strong Italian connection, with 10 players currently plying their trade in Serie A.Italy's preparations for the tournament have been hampered by injuries to key players, including Barella and Frattesi. However, the team remains confident in their ability to overcome these challenges and make a strong run in the competition."We are an underrated team," said delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon. "We have players in the squad who will become future greats. We want to show what we're made of at the Euros."