Football

Scotland vs Switzerland: Euro 2024 Clash Preview and Live Streaming DetailsFresh from their impressive 3-1 victory over Hungary, Switzerland aims to secure their spot in the Round of 16 of UEFA Euro 2024 with a triumph over Scotland in their second Group A encounter. Scotland, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle after their disappointing 5-1 defeat to Germany in their opening match.Switzerland is expected to field an unchanged lineup, while Scotland will be forced to make alterations following defender Ryan Porteous's red card against Germany. A loss for Scotland would significantly diminish their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.Match Details:* Date: Thursday, June 20 (IST)* Venue: Cologne Stadium, Cologne* Time: 12:30 AM ISTLive Telecast and Streaming:* TV Channels: Sony Sports Network* Live Streaming: SonyLiv app and websiteKey Points:* Switzerland seeks to seal qualification to the Round of 16 with a victory.* Scotland aims to bounce back from their heavy defeat to Germany.* Switzerland is likely to maintain their starting XI, while Scotland will make changes due to Porteous's suspension.* A loss for Scotland would severely damage their qualification hopes.Additional Information:* Switzerland has a strong record against Scotland, winning four of their last five encounters.* Scotland has never defeated Switzerland in a competitive match.* The Cologne Stadium has a capacity of over 50,000 spectators.

Germany vs Hungary: Hosts Aim for Second Win in Euro 2024Germany, the hosts of UEFA Euro 2024, will face Hungary on Wednesday night, aiming to extend their winning streak to two matches. The Germans made a resounding start to their campaign with a 5-1 victory over Scotland, showcasing the brilliance of Toni Kroos, Florian Wirtz, and Jamal Musiala.Hungary, on the other hand, endured a disappointing start, losing 3-1 to Switzerland. Coach Marco Rossi has expressed concerns about his team's performance and has warned that they must improve significantly to have any chance against Germany.Match Details:* Date: Wednesday, June 19 (IST)* Venue: Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart* Time: 9:30 PM IST* TV Channels: Sony Sports Network* Live Streaming: SonyLiv app and websiteGermany's Strengths:Germany boasts a formidable squad with a blend of experience and youth. Kroos, the veteran midfielder, provides stability and leadership, while Wirtz and Musiala represent the future of German football with their exceptional talent. The team's attacking prowess was evident in their opening match, with Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, and Serge Gnabry all finding the net.Hungary's Challenges:Hungary faces an uphill battle against Germany. Their defense looked vulnerable against Switzerland, and they will need to tighten up significantly to prevent the German attack from exploiting their weaknesses. The team also lacks the individual quality to match Germany's star-studded lineup.Prediction:Germany is the clear favorite to win this match. They have a superior team on paper and are playing at home. Hungary will need to produce a much-improved performance to have any chance of an upset.Conclusion:The Germany vs Hungary match promises to be an intriguing clash between two teams with contrasting fortunes. Germany will be confident of securing another victory, while Hungary will be desperate to salvage their tournament hopes. The match will be a test of Hungary's resilience and Germany's ability to maintain their momentum.

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 hopes of building on their impressive Euro 2024 opener against Croatia rest heavily on the exceptional Fabian Ruiz. The Paris Saint-Germain playmaker was the standout performer in Spain's 3-0 victory, setting up the opener and scoring a classy goal himself.Ruiz's importance to Luis de la Fuente's team was evident in his performance against Croatia. He outshone even Luka Modric, the Croatian captain and one of the world's best midfielders. De la Fuente praised Ruiz's "exceptional" qualities, highlighting his top-level ability and brilliant technique.Ruiz's resurgence under De la Fuente is a testament to the coach's belief in the player. De la Fuente coached Ruiz in Spain's Under-21 team, where he was a key figure in their 2019 European Championship triumph.Despite his success at youth level, Ruiz struggled to establish himself in the senior team under former coach Luis Enrique. He was not selected for the 2022 World Cup, but De la Fuente's appointment has given him a new lease of life.Ruiz's return to the Spain squad has coincided with a change in their playing style. Under De la Fuente, Spain are more direct than they were under Luis Enrique, and Ruiz's ability to create chances and score goals has been crucial.Ruiz's form has also been impressive at club level. He has flourished under Luis Enrique at PSG, scoring the winning goal in the French Cup final against Lyon. He also found the net in Spain's pre-Euros friendly against Northern Ireland.Spain's next challenge is a clash with Italy, a team they have met at four consecutive European Championships. Ruiz, who spent four seasons in Serie A with Napoli, will be familiar with many of the Italian players.Spain are seen as one of the favorites to win Euro 2024, and Ruiz will be a key figure in their quest for glory. His exceptional talent and ability to make a difference in big games make him a player to watch in this tournament.

Gareth Southgate faces a dilemma as he attempts to unlock the potential of Phil Foden at international level. Despite his exceptional form for Manchester City, Foden has struggled to replicate his brilliance for England.In England's 1-0 victory over Serbia, Foden's performance was underwhelming. The 24-year-old, who was named Premier League Player of the Year, appeared uncomfortable on the left wing, a position he is not accustomed to playing.Southgate's decision to deploy Jude Bellingham as the number 10 and Bukayo Saka on the right flank has pushed Foden out wide. However, Foden's strengths lie in the central attacking role, where he can dictate the tempo and create chances.Former England defender Micah Richards believes Southgate is not utilizing Foden's talents effectively. "When you have an extreme talent like Phil Foden, his best work has been in the middle of the pitch," Richards said.Rio Ferdinand suggests that Bellingham's assertive nature may be limiting Foden's influence. "Jude Bellingham has come into this team and his body language has said to everyone 'give me the ball or I will go nuts'," Ferdinand said.Former Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas urges Foden to take responsibility for his international struggles. "It's about if you want the ball enough to make the difference. Do you enjoy getting the ball under pressure?" Fabregas said.Southgate must find a solution to the Foden conundrum. Switching Bellingham to central midfield and giving Foden the number 10 role could be a viable option. Alternatively, Southgate could consider using Cole Palmer or Anthony Gordon on the left wing, allowing Foden to play in his preferred position.Until Southgate finds a way to harness Foden's talent, England will continue to miss out on the full potential of one of their most gifted players.

Scotland faces a crucial clash against Switzerland in the UEFA Euro 2024 Group A on June 19, following their humbling 5-1 defeat to Germany in the tournament opener. The Scots need to bounce back and secure a positive result to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages alive.Switzerland, on the other hand, made an impressive start to their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Hungary. However, their preparations have been disrupted by issues regarding the playing field at their Stuttgart training base, forcing them to file a formal complaint with UEFA and relocate their practices.Scotland's last Euros win came in 1996 when they defeated Switzerland 1-0 in a group game. The Swiss team will be looking to avenge that defeat and continue their strong start to the tournament.Key players to watch include Switzerland's Granit Xhaka, who is hoping to cap off an outstanding year with success at the Euros after helping Bayer Leverkusen win the German league and cup double. Scotland will need to replace Ryan Porteous, who is suspended after being sent off against Germany.Scotland has never progressed beyond the group stage of a Euros, while Switzerland has never won more than one game during the group stage. However, both teams will be determined to make history and secure a place in the knockout rounds.Scotland's leading scorer during qualifying was Scott McTominay with seven goals, but he failed to register a single shot against Germany. Scotland manager Steve Clarke has acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, "We got a lot of things wrong and we've got to put it right in the next game. Try not to concede five goals. Give a better message."Switzerland midfielder Vincent Sierro is confident in his team's ability to control the game, saying, "They (Scotland) will fight for every ball – we know the spirit of the team. They won't make it easy for us and won't give up, so we just want to play our game and have the same control as we showed (against Hungary)."Scotland midfielder John McGinn is determined to make amends for the defeat to Germany, saying, "You never know, it might be the last tournament that you're involved in and you don't want to remember it as being an unsuccessful one. We've got two games to put it right."

Turkey vs Georgia: A Clash of Euro 2024 ContendersTurkey and Georgia will lock horns in a crucial Group F encounter in Euro 2024 on Tuesday, June 18. Turkey, known for their unpredictable performances, will be aiming to secure a direct berth in the knockout stage. Led by midfield maestro Hakan Calhanoglu and rising star Arda Guler, the Turkish squad boasts a blend of experience and youthful exuberance.Georgia, making their Euro debut, will be no pushovers. Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a rising star in European football, will be a key player for the Georgian side. With a talented squad and a determination to make a mark on the international stage, Georgia will be eager to upset the odds.The match will be played at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund, Germany, and will kick off at 9:30 PM IST. The encounter promises to be a thrilling battle between two nations with contrasting strengths and ambitions.Turkey, with their experienced midfield and attacking prowess, will be the favorites to emerge victorious. However, Georgia's youthful energy and the presence of Kvaratskhelia could pose a significant threat. The match is expected to be closely contested, with both teams eager to make a statement in their Euro 2024 campaign.

With a combined age of 106, Germany's three remaining 2014 World Cup winners, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Mueller, and Toni Kroos, are leading the hosts' charge for Euro 2024 glory. Off the pitch, they are close friends, but on the field, they are the only players in the 26-man squad to have each played over 100 games for Germany.Not only are they the most experienced members of the squad, but they also carry the weight of a nation's expectations. Since a semi-final elimination to France at Euro 2016, Germany has struggled in major tournaments, with two World Cup group stage exits bookending a last 16 elimination by England at Euro 2020.However, after a 5-1 romp against Scotland in the tournament opener, their best performance at a major tournament for almost a decade, Germany's golden oldies are hoping for a successful last dance on home soil.While the exploits of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, both 21, stationed either side of the 25-year-old Kai Havertz, have dominated highlights reels, Germany has gone with an experienced squad for the Euros. With an average age of 28.5, Germany's squad is the oldest at the tournament, with 10 of the 26 members aged 30 or older.Germany's starting XI against Scotland on Friday was the oldest they have fielded at a tournament since Euro 2000, when Lothar Matthaeus led them onto the pitch against Romania. Neuer, 38, is two years older than coach Julian Nagelsmann. Kroos and Mueller are both 34 -- a year older than captain Ilkay Gundogan.Gundogan made his Germany debut in 2011 but missed out as Germany lifted the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 with a back injury. Neuer's first Germany cap was in June 2009, while Mueller and Kroos made their debuts in the same match nine months later.Kroos, who has confirmed he will end his career at the end of the tournament, had retired from international duty in 2021 but came back with a Euro 2024 win in mind. And Kroos has undoubtedly been the most impressive of the three, showcasing his calmness and control against Scotland.Despite being under fire for some pre-tournament mistakes, Neuer remains a calming presence between the sticks and is still an excellent distributor of the ball. Mueller's playing peak may be behind him, but few are better at bringing a diverse cohort together.When announcing the Euro 2024 squad, Nagelsmann named Mueller "a connector" who "can link the rappers with the yodellers" in the squad. The veteran forward seems to be doing his part at Germany's camp in the Bavarian village of Herzogenaurach. Neuer lauded the "mood and the atmosphere within the camp", saying "there's just a really good, colourful mix in our team".Neuer said he was "happy to hang out" with the younger squad members, joking that he can "hear conversations that are perhaps a little different to those with Toni Kroos or Thomas Mueller".Speaking on Monday, Neuer said the trio "bring a very good perspective" to the squad. "We've already experienced a lot together. We've had times with good or bad first games and at the beginning you don't always know where you stand."Neuer said they would make sure Germany "keep our feet on the ground" despite blowing Scotland off the park. "I think the relationship between us is simply very good and has been over the years too. "But we don't just get on well off the pitch, we're also fine characters on the pitch who always give everything to the team. "Even if someone isn't playing, like Thomas isn't starting, but he is a player who contributes everything. "We know about his ability and I'm glad I've been able to bring such great people and players into my career."

France celebrated a milestone victory as they secured a 1-0 triumph over Austria in their Euro 2024 opener, marking manager Didier Deschamps' 100th win at the helm. However, the victory was marred by an injury to star forward Kylian Mbappe.France's dominance was evident from the outset, with Mbappe's dazzling dribbling and incisive passing causing constant problems for the Austrian defense. In the 38th minute, Mbappe's brilliance paid off as he danced past three defenders and delivered a pinpoint cross that forced Austria's Max Wober to inadvertently head the ball into his own net.Despite their early advantage, France struggled to maintain their momentum. Austria's relentless high-pressing and aggressive tackling kept them in the contest, and they nearly took the lead before France's goal when Marcel Sabitzer's cross found Christoph Baumgartner, whose shot was deflected wide.After the interval, France regained some control, with Marcus Thuram forcing a fine save from Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz. However, the Austrians remained resolute, and their passionate fans roared them on until the final whistle.Mbappe's night took a sour turn late on when he collided with Austria's Patrick Pentz, resulting in a suspected broken nose. The incident left Mbappe bloodied and bruised, and he was eventually substituted with a yellow card for sitting down on the pitch after receiving treatment.Despite the injury to their talisman, France held on for the victory, thanks in no small part to the masterful performance of N'Golo Kante in midfield. The returning midfielder justified his recall to the squad with a dominant display, breaking up Austria's attacks and providing a solid foundation for his team.France now join the Netherlands on three points after the Dutch beat Poland 2-1 on Sunday. They will face the Netherlands in their next match, while Austria will take on Poland in a bid to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.