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.

Belgium and Ukraine face off in a crucial Group E match at Euro 2024, with both teams vying for top spot in a group where all four teams are level on three points. This unprecedented situation in the tournament's history sets the stage for a thrilling final round of games.Belgium, despite a surprising 1-0 loss to Slovakia in their opener, bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Romania. Kevin De Bruyne, the team's talisman, delivered a masterclass, showcasing his ability to create chances and inspire his teammates. However, Belgium's conversion rate remains a concern, with Romelu Lukaku having three goals disallowed due to VAR interventions.Ukraine, playing in their first major tournament since the Russian invasion, have shown resilience and determination. After a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Romania, they rallied to edge Slovakia 2-1, earning praise from President Volodymyr Zelensky. The team's spirit and unwavering resolve have been evident throughout the tournament.No team with four points has ever failed to advance to the last 16 since the tournament expanded to 24 teams. However, Ukraine could miss out on goal difference if both Group E games on Wednesday end in draws. Slovakia and Romania, who face off at the same time in Frankfurt, know that a point apiece would be enough to send both countries into the next round.Slovakia, after beating Ukraine for their first win at a major tournament since Euro 2000, fought valiantly against Belgium but ultimately fell short. Edward Iordanescu's side needs just a point against Slovakia to guarantee a top-two finish.Romania, who defeated Ukraine in their opening match, also need a point against Slovakia to secure a place in the knockout phase. Iordanescu believes his team has the potential to write history for Romania.

Portugal's emphatic 3-0 victory over Turkey in the UEFA Euro 2024 group stage was marred by a series of pitch invasions that turned from heartwarming to concerning.The first incident saw a young boy invade the pitch and approach Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo, known for his generosity, embraced the boy and took a selfie with him. However, subsequent pitch invasions took a more aggressive turn.Ronaldo refused to take a selfie with a second invader, who was promptly removed by stadium officials. As the game progressed, two more pitch invasions occurred during injury time, raising questions about the security measures in place.After the final whistle, two additional pitch invasions took place. One incident involved a security official colliding with Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos while attempting to apprehend an invader. Ramos was seen limping after the incident, highlighting the potential safety risks posed by such reckless behavior.The pitch invasions overshadowed Portugal's dominant performance on the field. Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and an own goal from Turkey secured the victory for the Portuguese. Portugal is now poised to top Group F and advance to the knockout stages.The incidents have sparked concerns about the security arrangements at Euro 2024, which is being hosted in Germany. The safety of players and the integrity of the competition are paramount, and authorities must take immediate steps to prevent further pitch invasions.

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.

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.

The Netherlands and Austria face off in a crucial Group D clash at Euro 2024, with both teams vying for top spot. The Dutch, who have finished first in their groups at the past two major tournaments, are looking to secure a place in the knockout phase with a victory. However, Austria, who impressed in their 3-1 win over Poland, could also qualify for the last 16 with a positive result.Dutch coach Ronald Koeman has admitted that his side was "not up to scratch" in their goalless draw with France, but a win against Austria would wrap up top spot in the group, provided France do not win by a bigger margin in their simultaneous final game against Poland.Despite a promising start to the campaign, there has been debate back home about the make-up of the Dutch team. Memphis Depay, who struggled up front against France, has faced criticism, while there have been calls for Wout Weghorst to be given a start after he came off the bench to score the winner in the Netherlands' opening game against Poland.Austria, meanwhile, will likely go through with a point as one of the best third-placed teams but could also still finish first with a win, if France fail to beat Poland. Touted as one of the dark horses for the tournament, Ralf Rangnick's men impressed in their victory over Poland and will be looking to guarantee a top-two finish with a positive result against the Netherlands.Austria made the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time since 1954 three years ago, when they gave eventual Euros winners Italy a fright in the last 16 before losing in extra time. They have never reached the quarter-finals at a European Championship."Somehow it is nice to be called that (dark horses)," said Christoph Baumgartner, who scored the crucial goal which put Austria 2-1 ahead against Poland. "We won against Germany in the build-up, we had a really good period in the last few weeks and months, and then people start to think big quite quickly.""But we as a team always knew how to assess the situation. We knew against France we weren't at our maximum. We know if we reach our best level we can beat a lot of nations."

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.

The 2024 European Championship has witnessed intense competition as 24 nations vie for a spot in the Round of 16. With the group stage nearing its conclusion, qualification scenarios are becoming clearer.Group A:Germany, with two wins, has already secured qualification. Switzerland, with four points, is virtually assured of a place in the next round. Scotland, with one point, needs a win against Hungary to reach four points. However, a draw could leave them vulnerable to elimination, depending on results in other groups.Group B:Spain, with six points, has also qualified. Italy, with four points, needs to avoid defeat against Croatia to advance. Croatia and Albania both need wins to confirm qualification.Group C:England, with four points, needs to avoid defeat against Slovenia to advance. A win would ensure their status as group winners. Denmark and Slovenia can also qualify automatically with wins. Serbia can finish in the top two if they beat Denmark and Slovenia loses to England.Group D:Netherlands and France, both with four points, are well-positioned to qualify. A draw between them would guarantee their advancement. Austria, with three points, can finish in the top two if they beat the Netherlands. Poland has been eliminated.Group E:For the first time in Euros history, all four teams in Group E have the same number of points after two games. A win for any of them on Wednesday will secure a place in the Round of 16. Belgium and Romania need only a point to advance. If both games end in draws, goal difference will determine the standings.Group F:Portugal, with four points, has already qualified. Czech Republic and Georgia need wins to have a chance at qualifying in the top two. Georgia also requires Turkey to lose their game against Czech Republic, with goal difference playing a role.

Portugal secured their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a dominant 3-0 victory over Turkey on Saturday. Bernardo Silva's early strike, a comical own goal by Samet Akaydin, and Bruno Fernandes's second-half tap-in sealed the win for the reigning European champions.Portugal's star-studded lineup, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, showcased their class against a spirited but limited Turkey side. Silva's composed finish in the 21st minute set the tone for the match, while Akaydin's unfortunate own goal just minutes later doubled Portugal's lead.Ronaldo, who is aiming to become the oldest goalscorer in European Championship history, played a pivotal role in Portugal's victory. He unselfishly set up Fernandes for a simple goal in the 56th minute, demonstrating his enduring quality and leadership.Portugal's victory was a testament to their depth and experience. Despite the absence of key players such as Ruben Dias and Joao Felix, Fernando Santos's side controlled the game from start to finish. They will now face one of the four best third-place finishers in the next round, while Turkey must beat the Czech Republic to secure second place in Group F.The match was played in front of a passionate Turkish crowd at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund. Despite the result, the Turkish fans remained vocal and supportive throughout the game. Their enthusiasm created a vibrant atmosphere, but it was Portugal who ultimately proved too strong.