Football

Euro 2024: Germany-Denmark Clash Halted by Violent StormThe highly anticipated Euro 2024 last-16 tie between Germany and Denmark was abruptly halted late in the first half on Saturday due to a severe storm that unleashed torrential rain, hailstones, high winds, thunder, and lightning.English referee Michael Oliver made the decision to suspend the match in Dortmund in the 35th minute, with the score locked at 0-0. The players were escorted off the pitch as the storm intensified, leaving supporters in exposed seats scrambling for cover.The stadium roof proved inadequate to withstand the downpour, resulting in water cascading into the stands. Fan zones in Dortmund were also forced to close due to the hazardous weather conditions.The storm's impact was evident throughout the stadium, with the pitch becoming waterlogged and the visibility significantly reduced. The safety of the players and spectators became paramount, prompting the decision to halt the match.The suspension of the game came as a disappointment to the 60,000 fans in attendance, who had eagerly anticipated the clash between two of Europe's top footballing nations. The match was expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams boasting talented squads.The storm's severity raised concerns about the possibility of further delays or even the cancellation of the match. However, UEFA officials remained hopeful that the game could resume once the weather conditions improved.The suspension of the Germany-Denmark match served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor sporting events. While the storm disrupted the flow of the game, it also highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety in the face of adverse weather.

Germany and Denmark Set for Euro 2024 Round of 16 ClashThe highly anticipated Euro 2024 Round of 16 match between Germany and Denmark is set to take place on Sunday, June 30th, at the BVB Stadion Dortmund. Both teams finished second in their respective groups and will be eager to advance to the quarter-finals.Switzerland, who finished second in Group A, came close to defeating hosts Germany in their final group game. Italy, the defending champions, managed to qualify for the knockout stage despite losing to Spain and drawing with Croatia.The winner of this match will face either England or Slovakia in the quarter-finals.Match Details:* Date: Sunday, June 30th* Time: 12:30 AM IST* Venue: BVB Stadion Dortmund, DortmundBroadcast Information:* TV: Sony Sports Network* Live Streaming: SonyLiv app and websiteKey Players to Watch:* Germany: Thomas Müller, Joshua Kimmich, Kai Havertz* Denmark: Christian Eriksen, Kasper Schmeichel, Andreas ChristensenAnalysis:Germany will be the favorites heading into this match, but Denmark has shown that they can be a dangerous opponent. Switzerland pushed Germany to the limit in their previous game, and Italy has a wealth of experience in knockout matches.Germany will need to be wary of Denmark's counterattacking threat, led by the likes of Eriksen and Yussuf Poulsen. Denmark, on the other hand, will need to find a way to contain Germany's attacking firepower, which includes Müller, Havertz, and Serge Gnabry.This match promises to be a close and exciting affair, with both teams having a chance to advance to the quarter-finals.

Georgia's fairytale run at Euro 2024 has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. After defying all odds to reach the knockout stage, the underdogs face their toughest test yet against tournament favorites Spain on Sunday.Georgia coach Willy Sagnol exudes confidence despite his team's underdog status. "We have nothing to lose," he declared. "We've already exceeded expectations by making it this far. We're just excited to be on the pitch."Georgia's remarkable journey began with a stunning 2-0 victory over Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in their final group match. Despite losing to Turkey and drawing with the Czech Republic, they secured a spot in the last 16 as one of the best third-placed finishers.However, Spain poses a formidable challenge. The tournament's most impressive team has won all three group games without conceding a goal. Georgia has faced Spain four times under Sagnol, losing all encounters, including a humiliating 7-1 defeat in Tbilisi last September.Sagnol acknowledges the difficulty of the task ahead but believes his team has learned from past setbacks. "That 7-1 taught us a lot," he said. "It was part of our journey. If we're here today, it's because we've grown from that experience."Despite Spain's dominance, Sagnol remains optimistic. "It's a different competition, a different atmosphere," he said. "Anything can happen."Georgia's underdog status may work to their advantage. With no pressure to perform, they can play with freedom and surprise their opponents. Sagnol's belief in his team is infectious, and they will undoubtedly give Spain a run for their money on Sunday.

Switzerland and Italy Clash in Euro 2024 Round of 16The highly anticipated Euro 2024 knockout stage kicks off with a thrilling encounter between Switzerland and Italy in the Round of 16. Both teams finished second in their respective groups, setting the stage for a captivating battle.Switzerland, despite finishing behind hosts Germany in Group A, displayed impressive form throughout the group stage. They came agonizingly close to defeating Germany in their final group game, showcasing their resilience and determination.Defending champions Italy, on the other hand, have had a more challenging journey to the knockout stage. After a disappointing loss to Spain, they managed to secure a last-minute equalizer against Croatia to qualify for the Round of 16.The winner of this match will face either England or Slovakia in the quarter-finals, adding to the stakes of this crucial encounter.Match Details:* Date: Saturday, June 29 (IST)* Venue: Olympiastadion, Berlin* Time: 9:30 PM IST* TV Channels: Sony Sports Network* Live Streaming: SonyLiv app and websiteKey Players to Watch:* Switzerland: Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri, Breel Embolo* Italy: Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Federico ChiesaAnalysis:Switzerland will be looking to build on their strong group stage performance and upset the defending champions. Their midfield, led by Xhaka and Shaqiri, will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game.Italy, despite their recent struggles, possess a wealth of experience and quality. Their defense, anchored by Bonucci and Chiellini, will be tested by the attacking prowess of Switzerland.The match promises to be a close and entertaining affair, with both teams desperate to advance to the quarter-finals.

Defending champion Italy will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the European Championship on June 29, aiming to continue its dominance over its opponent. Switzerland has not defeated Italy in 31 years and has only eight wins from their previous 61 meetings. However, the Swiss are unbeaten this year, with their only loss in 2023 coming in the last game of qualifying.Italy has fond memories of playing at Berlin's Olympiastadion, having won the 2006 World Cup final there and the 1936 Olympic Games final. However, Euro 2024 has been a challenging experience for the Azzurri, who conceded after just 23 seconds in their opening win over Albania, were outclassed in a 1-0 defeat to Spain, and needed a last-second strike to salvage a 1-1 draw against Croatia.Switzerland opened with a 3-1 win over Hungary before 1-1 draws against Scotland and host nation Germany. The two teams faced each other in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, drawing both games, with Switzerland finishing top of the group and Italy missing out after losing to North Macedonia in the playoffs.Several players from both teams have experience in the other country's league. Yann Sommer, Ricardo Rodríguez, Remo Freuler, Noah Okafor, Michel Aebischer, Dan Ndoye, Dennis Zakaria, Silvan Widmer, and Xherdan Shaqiri have all played in Italy's Serie A, while Federico Dimarco is the only member of Italy's squad to have played in Switzerland.The winner of the quarterfinal will face England or Slovakia in the semifinals in Düsseldorf on July 6. Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori is suspended, left back Federico Dimarco is out with an injury, and fellow defender Alessandro Bastoni's availability is in question. Switzerland defender Silvan Widmer is also suspended, and several players, including Granit Xhaka, are at risk of missing the next match if booked.Switzerland has failed to progress beyond the group stage in its first three European Championship appearances but has reached the knockout stage in each of its last three tournaments. Italy has scored in each of its previous six matches at the Olympiastadion, while Switzerland has won only one of its four penalty shootouts at a World Cup or Euros.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by both brilliance and frustration. The Portuguese superstar has been a constant presence in the spotlight, but his on-field performances have left much to be desired.Ronaldo's struggles began with a series of on-field incidents. He was booked for a rash challenge against a referee, booted away a water bottle in frustration, and remonstrated angrily in the dugout. These outbursts have raised questions about his temperament and whether he is still capable of handling the pressure of major tournaments.Compounding his on-field woes, Ronaldo has failed to score a single goal in seven consecutive matches at major tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. This is the first time in his illustrious international career that he has ended a group stage without a goal.Despite his lack of goals, Ronaldo's coach, Roberto Martinez, remains steadfast in his support. He has praised Ronaldo's work ethic and his ability to inspire his teammates. Martinez believes that Ronaldo's experience and leadership are invaluable to the team, even if he is not scoring goals.However, some critics argue that Ronaldo's continued presence in the starting lineup is a distraction for the team. They point to his declining mobility and pressing ability, which they believe are hindering Portugal's overall performance.As Portugal enters the knockout stage, the question remains: will Ronaldo's drama continue to overshadow the team's pursuit of a major title? Or will he rise to the occasion and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with?

Germany, the hosts of Euro 2024, will face Denmark in the last 16 on Saturday in Dortmund. The Germans are hoping to avoid a repeat of their disappointing 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their final group stage match.After impressive victories over Scotland and Hungary, Germany's hopes were dashed against Switzerland. They were on the verge of defeat before Niclas Fuellkrug's stoppage-time header salvaged a draw and secured first place in the group.The draw served as a wake-up call for the hosts, who are aiming for their fourth Euros title. Coach Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged that there is still much work to be done.Germany's trophy cabinet may be more impressive than Denmark's, but the Danes famously defeated them in the Euro 1992 final. Denmark's triumph, after failing to qualify and then being admitted following Yugoslavia's exclusion, became a fairytale. However, Germany still regrets underestimating the Danes.Berti Vogts, a Euros and World Cup winner as a player, coached Germany in that 1992 final. He admitted in a recent column that his team "underestimated" Denmark."In 1992, we lost the Euros final against a great Danish team even though we were the favorites," he wrote. "Everyone thought we had the title in the bag, unfortunately, some players did too."Denmark, a 2020 semi-finalist, resembles Switzerland in many ways, with a well-drilled team and several talented players at top clubs. Vogts warned that the current Danish team may not have the same quality as their 1992 counterparts, but the pressure is on Germany."The Danes were hungry for success and carefree, they just played football and took us by surprise," Vogts said. "The German team should not make that mistake now. The Switzerland game was therefore an important warning shot."Germany has won five and drawn two of their seven games in 2024, thanks in part to Nagelsmann's consistent starting XI. However, the policy has cost them center-back Jonathan Tah for the Denmark clash after he picked up a second yellow card against Switzerland.Nico Schlotterbeck, Borussia Dortmund's talented but unpredictable central defender, will replace Tah on Saturday. Antonio Rudiger is also doubtful for the clash with a hamstring injury.Schlotterbeck expressed confidence in Germany's preparation for the match. "We know actually everything about the Danes," he said. "The whole match plan, defense, offense. We know about Denmark and how we will play them."Nagelsmann may consider replacing Arsenal forward Kai Havertz with Niclas Fuellkrug, who has scored twice off the bench so far. Fuellkrug, who made his debut at the age of 29 in 2022, has 13 goals to Havertz's seven.Fuellkrug downplayed his role as a supersub, saying, "The title is so much more important than the individual."

Italy, the reigning European champions, will face Switzerland in the last 16 of Euro 2024 on Saturday, having narrowly qualified from the group stage. The Azzurri secured second place in Group B with a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer from Mattia Zaccagni against Croatia, finishing five points behind Spain.Coach Luciano Spalletti expressed mixed emotions after the group stage, praising his team's progress while criticizing their timid performance in the final game. He also lashed out at media pressure, potentially attempting to deflect attention from his inability to ignite the team's full potential.Despite Spalletti's claims of improvement, Italy's performance has been unconvincing, lacking the flair and dominance of the side that triumphed at Euro 2020. Key players from that tournament, such as Manuel Locatelli, Ciro Immobile, and Marco Verratti, have been omitted from the squad, while veterans Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini have retired.Lazio forward Zaccagni, who scored the crucial equalizer against Croatia, remains optimistic about Italy's chances in the knockout rounds. "We're focused on preparing for a very important match against Switzerland," he said. "We know we can suffer at times, but we always come out strong when it matters."Switzerland, led by Murat Yakin, boasts several Serie A players, including Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer and Bologna trio Dan Ndoye, Remo Freuler, and Michel Aebischer. "Switzerland is a very compact team that plays for each other," added Zaccagni. "It will take a great performance to beat them."Italy will be without the suspended Riccardo Calafiori, but Zaccagni is confident despite suffering a rib injury in the celebration of his late goal. Questions remain over Italy's best formation, with Spalletti experimenting with different shapes. Holding midfielder Jorginho has struggled in particular, while strikers Mateo Retegui and Gianluca Scamacca have failed to impress.Switzerland, who also pipped Italy to qualification for the last World Cup, are no longer considered an easy opponent. They went through Group A unbeaten, holding Germany to a 1-1 draw in their final group game. That result may have been a blessing in disguise, as it placed Switzerland in the perceived easier half of the draw.Switzerland proved at Euro 2020 that they can upset the odds, knocking out France on penalties in the last 16 before losing to Spain in the quarter-finals. That victory will give them confidence to try and equal their best ever finish in the tournament by reaching the last eight."We know how to win and lose in the round of 16," said Freuler. "We need an even better performance than in the group games. Saturday has to be our best performance in recent years."The winner of the Italy-Switzerland clash will face England or Slovakia in the quarter-finals.

Euro 2024 has witnessed thrilling football and passionate fans, but the tournament has been marked by the underperformance of some of Europe's biggest stars.Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's talisman, has yet to score in three appearances, while Kylian Mbappe, arguably the world's best player, has only managed a penalty for France. Robert Lewandowski, Poland's star striker, has been hampered by injury and has been ineffective when on the pitch.England's Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have also failed to live up to expectations, despite their impressive performances for their clubs this season. Antoine Griezmann of France and Phil Foden of England have also struggled to make an impact.Romelu Lukaku, Belgium's all-time top scorer, has yet to find the net, while Luka Modric, Croatia's veteran midfielder, has been inconsistent.Despite the underperformance of some stars, there have been some surprising performers. N'Golo Kante has been key for France, while Jamal Musiala has been Germany's leading light. Niclas Fullkrug has scored twice for Germany, and Ivan Schranz and Razvan Marin have also impressed.Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands has scored twice, but his team's performance has been disappointing. Georgia's Georges Mikautadze is the tournament's top scorer with three goals.Spain has been the most impressive team so far, qualifying top of Group B with a game to spare. Fabian Ruiz and Marc Cucurella have been unlikely key players for the Spaniards.With 15 matches still to play, fans are eagerly awaiting the tournament's star names to join the party and light up Euro 2024.