Football

Spain and Croatia face an anxious wait to discover their opponents in the knockout stages of Euro 2024, as the unique format of the tournament leaves several teams in limbo.With six groups but only four third-place teams advancing to the round of 16, the identity of Spain's next opponent remains unknown until all group matches are completed. Spain, having won Group B, could potentially face a heavyweight like Belgium or a surprise package like Georgia.Croatia, meanwhile, is in a more precarious position. After conceding a late goal in their 1-1 draw with Italy, they dropped to third place in their group. Their fate now hangs in the balance, as they need a series of unlikely results to go their way to remain in the competition.The unusual tournament format has created a headache for fans and analysts alike. With teams having to wait days to learn their next opponent, it has disrupted preparations and added an element of uncertainty to the competition.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente acknowledged the challenges, saying, "We might have to stay awake all night in order to study our rival when we find out who it is."The situation is similar for Hungary, which placed third in Group A and is in line to qualify but is yet to secure its spot.Only one round-of-16 game is confirmed so far: Italy will face Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday. The remaining matchups will be determined once all group matches are completed on Wednesday.The format has drawn criticism from some quarters, with pundits arguing that it creates an unfair advantage for teams that finish second in their groups. However, UEFA has defended the format, saying it adds excitement and unpredictability to the tournament.

Italy secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Croatia in a thrilling Group B clash at Euro 2024, sending them into the knockout stages. Mattia Zaccagni's stunning last-gasp strike in the 98th minute proved to be the decisive moment, breaking Croatian hearts and sending Italy through as runners-up behind Spain.Croatia, led by the legendary Luka Modric, had taken the lead in the 55th minute through Modric's penalty, making him the oldest goalscorer in the competition's history. However, Italy refused to give up and fought back valiantly.The match was a tense affair from the outset, with both teams knowing that a draw would be enough for Croatia to advance. Italy, on the other hand, needed a win to secure their place in the last 16.Croatia dominated the early exchanges, but Italy gradually grew into the game and created several chances. However, it was Croatia who broke the deadlock when Andrej Kramaric's effort was handled by Davide Frattesi in the penalty area. Modric stepped up and converted the spot-kick, giving Croatia the lead.Italy responded well to the setback and continued to press for an equalizer. They were rewarded for their persistence when Zaccagni unleashed a brilliant strike into the top corner in the dying moments of the game.The goal sent Italy into raptures and left Croatia devastated. It was a cruel blow for the Croatians, who had played well throughout the match and deserved more from the game.Italy will now face Switzerland in the last 16, while Croatia's fate hangs in the balance. They are unlikely to qualify as one of the four best third-place teams, but they could still progress if other results go their way.

Italy and Croatia, both wounded from recent defeats, face a decisive clash on Monday in Group B of Euro 2024. Italy's 1-0 loss to Spain and Croatia's 2-2 draw with Albania have left both teams on the brink of elimination.Italy, currently second in the group with three points, can secure a spot in the last 16 as runners-up if they avoid defeat. However, they will be eliminated if they lose and Albania defeats group winners Spain.Croatia, on the other hand, is in a more precarious position. After a 3-0 loss to Spain in their opening match, they are bottom of the table with just one point. They can only progress as runners-up if they beat Italy and Albania fails to beat Spain.A draw is unlikely to be enough for either team, as no team has advanced to the next round with only two points since the Euro finals expanded to 24 teams in 2016.Italy's loss to Spain has sparked widespread criticism and soul-searching. The Italian media has denounced the team's performance as "Little Italy" and demanded a "Reset." The loss was narrow, but it could have been far more emphatic, as Spain's 20 attempts on goal contrasted with Italy's four, their fewest in a Euro or World Cup match since at least 1980.Croatia's struggles have also come as a surprise. The team reached the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar two years ago and the final in 2018. "We didn’t expect to have such a difficult story in these two matches, it has been a struggle," said coach Zlatko Dalic after their draw with Albania.A major issue for Croatia has been their slow starts to games. They conceded three goals to Spain in the first half and fell behind to Albania within 11 minutes. While their technical ability is not in question, they have seemed flat in the final third and been unable to build sustained pressure.With midfield maestro Luka Modric now 38, converted full-back Ivan Perisic, 35, and forward Andrej Kramaric, 33, Dalic has kept faith with the old guard that has served him so well in the past. However, this tournament could be one too far for a side that has frequently surpassed expectations."The World Cup was two years ago and slowly our players are getting older, and this whole tournament has shown us that everyone is having a hard time," Dalic said.

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.

Spain's Euro 2024 campaign got off to a flying start with a convincing 3-0 victory over Croatia in Berlin. Coach Luis de la Fuente urged his team to remain grounded despite the impressive performance, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and focused.La Roja dominated the first half, with Alvaro Morata opening the scoring in the 17th minute. Fabian Ruiz doubled the lead just before halftime, and Dani Carvajal sealed the victory with a fine goal in the second half.De la Fuente praised his young team's performance, particularly 16-year-old Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest player ever to play at the Euros. "We dug in against Croatia, who are one of the best teams in the world, and we applied ourselves well in defense," said De la Fuente. "We performed in the way we needed to at every stage."Spain's tactical approach under De la Fuente has shifted from the possession-based style of his predecessor Luis Enrique. La Roja is now more willing to go direct when it suits them, utilizing the pace and versatility of players like Ferran Torres, Nico Williams, and Lamine."We have real versatility and different tactical options," said De la Fuente. "We can hurt opponents with possession or attacks based on positional play, or we can be very quick on the break too."Despite the impressive victory, De la Fuente cautioned his team against complacency. "We have to stay calm, motivated, and proud," he said. "We have a big game against Italy in five days. Our target is still very far away, we have to just keep our feet on the ground."

Spain and Croatia, two European football powerhouses, will face off in a highly anticipated Group B encounter at the Euro 2024 in Berlin on Saturday.Spain, under the guidance of coach Luis de la Fuente, will be looking to make a strong start to their campaign with a victory over Croatia. De la Fuente has praised the talents of young wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who have impressed with their performances for Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao respectively.Croatia, on the other hand, will be aiming to continue their impressive run at major tournaments. Despite being considered underdogs, the team led by Luka Modric has consistently exceeded expectations. Modric, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, remains a key figure for Croatia and will be looking to inspire his team to another memorable performance.The match will be played at the Olympiastadion Berlin, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 am IST. The match will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.Spain will be hoping to build on their recent success, having won the 2021 UEFA Nations League. Croatia, meanwhile, will be aiming to replicate their heroics from the 2018 World Cup, where they reached the final.Both teams have a wealth of experience and quality, and the match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Spain will be looking to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game, while Croatia will likely adopt a more counter-attacking approach.The outcome of the match could have a significant impact on the standings in Group B, which also includes Scotland and the Czech Republic. A victory for Spain would put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages, while a win for Croatia would give them a major boost in their quest to reach the latter stages of the tournament.

Spain's hopes of conquering Euro 2024 have received a significant boost with the resurgence of Pedri Gonzalez. The Barcelona playmaker's return to form could prove pivotal in their challenging opening encounter against Luka Modric's formidable Croatia.Pedri's presence adds a Clasico flavor to the heavyweight clash in Berlin on Saturday. The 38-year-old Modric remains the talisman for his country, and his midfield duel with Pedri promises to be a captivating spectacle.Spain, Croatia, Italy, and Albania form Group B, widely regarded as the tournament's most competitive quartet. However, a resurgent Pedri could provide La Roja with the edge they seek.Pedri played a crucial role in Spain's run to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, but persistent hamstring injuries have hindered his progress since then. In the season's closing weeks and Spain's warm-up friendlies, Pedri has displayed encouraging signs of rediscovering his best form.Last week, he netted twice in an advanced role as Spain thrashed Northern Ireland 5-1 in their final warm-up match. This performance has sparked debate in Spain over Pedri's optimal position, but coach Luis de la Fuente believes he needs the Canary Islander to make a difference in the final third."We want him to play closer to the area, between the lines, taking advantage of the final ball. I think we can get a great deal from him," said De la Fuente, praising Pedri's resilience in overcoming his fitness struggles."I thank Pedri, he's an example of overcoming, effort, a school of values (in himself), he's important for everyone."De la Fuente has been a staunch supporter of Pedri, and the midfielder revealed that the coach would call him after every injury setback to offer encouragement. The coach believes Pedri's potential is limitless and urges him to continue improving."Pedri had to find himself, we don't know what his best version is because he's so good, he is infinite," added De la Fuente. "We coaches can give confidence to players, but it is the player who has to take the step forward."