Football

Slovakia and Ukraine will face off in a crucial Euro 2024 Group E match on Friday, June 21, with Slovakia aiming to secure a spot in the knockout stage.Slovakia stunned Belgium 1-0 in their opening game, while Ukraine suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Romania. Both teams will be eager to improve their performances and secure a positive result.Slovakia's victory over Belgium was a testament to their resilience and determination. They defended stoutly and took their chances when they came. Ukraine, on the other hand, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Romania and will need to be more clinical in front of goal.Ukraine boasts a talented squad, including goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and forward Mykhailo Mudryk. They will be hoping that their star players can step up and deliver a better performance against Slovakia.The match will be played at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany, and will kick off at 6:30 PM IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.Slovakia will be looking to build on their impressive start to the tournament, while Ukraine will be desperate to bounce back from their opening defeat. Both teams have the potential to qualify for the knockout stage, but only one can emerge victorious from this crucial encounter.

Spain, the three-time European champion, has advanced to the round of 16 at Euro 2024 after a dominant 1-0 victory over defending champion Italy on Thursday. A 55th-minute own goal by Riccardo Calafiori settled the Group B game at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.Spain's performance was a statement of intent, showcasing their resurgence and marking them as one of the favorites to win a record-extending fourth European Championship. "I think it was the best Spain performance I have taken charge of," said coach Luis de la Fuente. "I don't see a ceiling on this team. The sky is the limit."Spain totally dominated Italy, with 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal further enhancing his reputation as one of soccer's most exciting young stars. Player of the match Nico Williams also tormented Italy's defenders and was inches away from scoring in the second half.Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma kept the score down with a string of fine saves until inadvertently pushing the ball into the legs of Calafiori, who couldn't prevent it from ricocheting into his own goal. "They deserved to win and we were never in the game," said Italy coach Luciano Spalletti. "There was too much of a gulf. We were constantly stretched, we were never able to squeeze the gaps between the various units and they were able to cause us problems."Spain's performance was reminiscent of the years when they ruled international soccer, winning back-to-back Euros and the World Cup from 2008 through 2012. Having failed to dominate possession for the first time in 136 competitive games in their opening 3-0 win over Croatia, Spain was back to its old ways in starving Italy of the ball and dictating play in a largely lopsided game.Chances came thick and fast in the first half, with Donnarumma pulling off a string of saves to keep the score goalless. For all of Spain's superiority, it took Calafiori's own goal to break the deadlock after halftime. Donnarumma pushed Alvaro Morata's glancing header into the legs of Calafiori, who could only watch as the ball ricocheted into the back of the net.Williams was then millimeters away from extending the lead with a curling shot that hit the crossbar. "We dominated across the board," said Williams. "Italy are an excellent side but we played very well and deserved to win."Williams is just one of the bright young stars in De la Fuente's team. Yamal is another and the Barcelona teenager, who has a $1 billion buyout clause, showcased his talents with slaloming runs and tricks. Barcelona midfielder Pedri looks like the modern-day answer to Spain great Andres Iniesta. "I want to underline the quality of this generation of players, particularly those in this squad. Spanish players are the best in the world," said De la Fuente.Spain has endured frustrating times since it last won the Euros in 2012, with early exits from the last three World Cups. At the last Euros, it lost on penalties to Italy in the semifinals. But there have been signs of its resurgence in recent times, having won the UEFA Nations League last year. Now it looks well-positioned to add another major title in Germany. "Essentially we haven't achieved anything yet," said De la Fuente. "Football can be very cruel. We have to be cautious, humble and show respect."

Euro 2024 has kicked off with a bang, showcasing an unprecedented number of spectacular goals from all angles. The adidas Fussballliebe, the official match ball of the tournament, has been credited with contributing to this goal-scoring frenzy.England captain Harry Kane praised the ball's accuracy and consistency, noting that it favors strikers over goalkeepers. The ball's design, which incorporates recycled materials and sustainable bio-based fibers, has also been lauded.Among the standout goals was Arda Guler's curling effort for Turkey against Georgia, while his teammate Mert Muldur's volley from the edge of the box was equally impressive. Romania's Nicolae Stanciu also scored from distance against Ukraine, nearly netting directly from a corner kick that hit the crossbar.Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri, Italy's Nicolo Barella, and Czech Republic's Lukas Provod have also contributed to the goal-scoring bonanza. However, goalkeepers have not been entirely helpless. Denmark's Kasper Schmeichel acknowledged the ball's speed and distance, but emphasized that it is not designed for their grip.Official tournament balls have faced criticism in the past, but the Fussballliebe has received positive reviews. UEFA claims it has been engineered for accuracy and consistency, supporting fast, precise play.In addition to its impact on goal-scoring, the ball has also played a role in VAR decisions. The connected ball technology used at Euro 2024 for the first time helped overturn Romelu Lukaku's late equalizer in Belgium's shock 1-0 loss to Slovakia.The sensor in the ball accurately recorded a marginal handball from Loïs Openda in the buildup to Lukaku's disallowed goal. This incident highlights the potential of smart technology to assist referees in making accurate decisions.

Spain and Italy Set for Euro 2024 Showdown in Crucial Group B ClashSpain and Italy, two of the tournament favorites, will lock horns in a highly anticipated Group B match at Euro 2024 on Saturday, June 21 (IST). Both teams enter the clash with contrasting starts to the competition.Spain kicked off their campaign with a dominant 3-0 victory over Croatia, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Italy, on the other hand, faced a sterner test against Albania, ultimately securing a hard-fought 2-1 win.The match will be played at Arena AufSchalke, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 am IST. The Sony Sports Network will telecast the match live in India, while SonyLiv will provide live streaming.Spain, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, will be looking to maintain their winning momentum and solidify their position at the top of Group B. Their attacking trio of Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata, and Pablo Sarabia has been in impressive form, and they will pose a significant threat to the Italian defense.Italy, led by Roberto Mancini, will be eager to bounce back from their narrow victory over Albania. They will rely on the experience of veterans like Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini to guide their young squad. Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne will be key players for Italy, providing creativity and attacking flair.The match promises to be a tactical battle between two of Europe's most respected coaches. Enrique's possession-based style will clash with Mancini's more pragmatic approach. Both teams will be determined to secure a victory that could potentially shape the outcome of Group B.

In a thrilling encounter at Euro 2024, Luka Jovic's last-gasp header rescued a 1-1 draw for Serbia against Slovenia, keeping both teams in contention for a place in the knockout stages.Slovenia, seeking their first-ever tournament victory, took the lead through Zan Karnicnik in the second half. However, Serbia refused to be denied, with Jovic nodding in a corner in the dying moments to snatch a vital point.Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic made three changes to his team, recalling captain Dusan Tadic after their opening defeat to England. Slovenia, buoyed by their draw with Denmark, started brightly and created early chances.Despite Serbia's attacking duo of Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic threatening, it was Slovenia who broke the deadlock. Karnicnik initiated and finished the move, stabbing home Timi Max Elsnik's cross.Mitrovic continued to be denied by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak, while Benjamin Sesko kept Serbia's defense on their toes. As the game entered its final stages, Serbia's desperation grew.With time running out, Jovic rose highest to meet a corner and secure a dramatic equalizer. The result leaves Slovenia with two points from two games, while Serbia has one point ahead of their clash with Denmark.Both teams will be looking to secure a place in the last 16 when they face England and Denmark, respectively, in their final group matches.

England Face Denmark in Crucial Euro 2024 Group C ClashEngland and Denmark will lock horns in a pivotal Group C encounter at the Euro 2024 tournament on Thursday, June 20. The match will be played at Waldstadion in Frankfurt, Germany, and will kick off at 9:30 pm IST.England enter the match as the group leaders, having secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia in their tournament opener. Jude Bellingham's solitary goal proved to be the difference in a closely contested match. Denmark, on the other hand, drew 1-1 with Slovenia in their first outing. Christian Eriksen scored a crucial equalizer for the Danes, but they were unable to find a winning goal.Both teams will be eager to secure a positive result in this match, as it could have a significant impact on their chances of reaching the knockout stages. England will be looking to maintain their winning start and solidify their position at the top of the group. Denmark, meanwhile, will be determined to bounce back from their draw and keep their hopes of qualification alive.England manager Gareth Southgate is expected to field a strong lineup, with the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Phil Foden all likely to start. Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand will also have a number of talented players at his disposal, including Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, and Kasper Schmeichel.The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams possessing the quality to win. England will be slight favorites given their recent form, but Denmark will be no pushovers and will be determined to cause an upset.

France, boasting an impressive squad depth, faces a significant challenge in the absence of their talismanic forward Kylian Mbappe, who is sidelined with a broken nose. The injury, sustained in their opening Euro 2024 match against Austria, casts doubt on Mbappe's availability for the upcoming clash with the Netherlands on Friday.Despite the setback, France remains confident in their ability to overcome the Netherlands without their star striker. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot expressed optimism, stating, "We have an exceptional squad. I have total confidence in the guys on the bench and the quality we have."Mbappe's absence is a significant blow, given his prolific scoring record and impact on the team's performances. However, France has shown resilience in recent matches without him, including a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Euro 2024 qualifying.Coach Didier Deschamps has several options to replace Mbappe, including veteran striker Olivier Giroud, who played a key role in France's World Cup triumph in Qatar. Giroud, despite his age and recent groin injury, remains a reliable goal threat.Another option is Marcus Thuram, who can move from the left wing to a central role. However, Thuram has limited international experience and has only scored twice for France. Randal Kolo Muani is another possibility, but he has struggled for confidence after a difficult season at PSG.Despite the absence of Mbappe, France's performance against Austria suggests they have the defensive solidity to shut out most opponents. N'Golo Kante's return to the midfield has provided stability, while the defense has looked impressive.If France can secure a positive result against the Netherlands, they could seal their place in the last 16, allowing Mbappe to potentially sit out the final Group D game against Poland. However, the team will be eager to prove that they can succeed without their star player, demonstrating the depth and quality of their squad.

Switzerland's hopes of reaching the last 16 of Euro 2024 received a significant boost as Xherdan Shaqiri's stunning strike earned them a 1-1 draw against Scotland in Cologne.Murat Yakin's side found themselves trailing early on when Scott McTominay's shot took a hefty deflection off Fabian Schar and into the Swiss net. However, Shaqiri produced a moment of brilliance to level the scores, punishing Anthony Ralston's woeful backpass with a brilliant curler from 20 yards.With the draw, Switzerland moved into second place in Group A with four points, two behind Germany. They are now in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages, especially considering that the best four third-placed teams also qualify.Shaqiri's goal was a testament to his quality and experience. The former Liverpool forward has now scored at the last three Euros and the last three World Cups, making him the only player to achieve this feat."Shaqiri proved tonight that he lives and breathes for moments like that," said Yakin. "He really deserves that magical moment. He did the only thing he could do with that wonderful strike."Scotland, meanwhile, remain in the hunt for a historic last 16 berth. Despite their disappointing 5-1 loss to Germany in their tournament opener, they showed great resilience and determination against Switzerland."It was a good reaction to a disappointing night against Germany," said Scotland manager Steve Clarke. "Heart-breaking moment for Ralston but if it falls to any other Swiss player I don't think they score.""I believe if we get three points against Hungary, we'll go to the next stage. We're a good team and we're still alive."Scotland's hopes of reaching the knockout rounds will depend on their ability to improve their goal difference with a big win against Hungary in their final group game.

Hungary's coach, Marco Rossi, expressed his frustration over the officiating in their 2-0 defeat to Germany in a Euro 2024 qualifier. The controversial moment came in the first half when Jamal Musiala scored Germany's opening goal after a challenge on Hungarian defender Willi Orban.Rossi vehemently protested the decision, claiming that a foul should have been awarded. He accused the referee of using a "double standard" and allowing a goal despite a clear push on Orban. The video assistant referees (VAR) also came under fire from Rossi for not intervening."I've never complained as a player or coach, but what the referee did tonight was unacceptable," Rossi said. "He allowed a goal on a push on Orban, but in the second half, he whistled a foul for a similar situation on Robert Andrich."Rossi believes that Germany would have won regardless, but he criticized the referee for providing unnecessary assistance. He questioned whether the same decision would have been made if Germany were playing a stronger team like France.Germany's Ilkay Gundogan, who scored the second goal, expressed surprise at Hungary's reaction. He insisted that he had not committed a foul while jostling with Orban."I was quite surprised that he or his Hungary team-mates were a bit angry about it," Gundogan said. "I don't know what it looked like on TV, but I've played in the Premier League for seven years, and if you gave that foul there, everyone would be laughing."Hungary's hopes of reaching the last 16 are now hanging by a thread. They must defeat Scotland in their final game to have any chance of advancing."We have a foot out of the Euros, but we're not out of it mathematically," Rossi said. "We'll try everything to win the final game. We don't want to exit without getting a single point."