Football

Toni Kroos, the retiring German midfielder, expressed optimism for the team's future despite their heartbreaking Euro 2024 exit. Germany's hopes were dashed in a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Spain in the quarter-finals on Friday.Kroos, who had previously announced his retirement from international football after the tournament, played a pivotal role in Germany's impressive performance at the Euros. The home side had shown signs of resurgence after a decade of disappointing performances at major tournaments.After a goalless first half, Spain took the lead through Dani Olmo's strike in the 60th minute. Germany fought back in the 89th minute when Florian Wirtz equalized, sending the game into extra time.However, Spain's Mikel Merino headed in the winning goal in the 119th minute, crushing Germany's hopes. "We gave it our all, so to lose when we were so close is bitter," Kroos said after the match. "The elimination is the main focus right now, because we couldn't achieve our goal and our dream is over."Despite the disappointment, Kroos remained positive about the future of German football. "We played a good tournament, but when you're so close, to be eliminated like that, it's bitter," he said. "We can all be proud of what we did. I was happy to help out, I think we gave German football hope again and we got better as we went along.""I think the team will do it in the future, but today we're extremely sad because we would have liked to stay a little longer," he added.Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann praised Kroos's contribution to the team. "It's impossible to over-appreciate Toni's career. He's been a unique player for Germany. He's one of Germany's biggest players," said Nagelsmann.Nagelsmann revealed that Kroos spoke to the players in the dressing room after the loss, saying "he will always see himself as part of this group." "Everyone knows about his successes but not everyone knows his character. He spoke to the team in what was a very difficult moment for him personally," Nagelsmann said.

Hosts Germany face a formidable challenge as they take on Spain in the first quarter-final of Euro 2024. The match, a repeat of the 2008 final, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the tournament's most impressive teams.Spain, with their dynamic duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, have been in scintillating form, scoring nine goals and conceding just one in their four matches. Germany, meanwhile, have relied on the brilliance of Jamal Musiala and the experience of Toni Kroos to reach the last eight.Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is confident in his team's ability to challenge Spain, despite their opponents' impressive record. "We can do something in attack ourselves. We want to attack and make life difficult for them," he said.The match is also a battle between two of the most successful nations in European Championship history, with both Germany and Spain having won the title three times. They also met in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, playing out a 1-1 draw.The winners of the Germany-Spain clash will face either France or Portugal in the semi-finals. France, despite not scoring a single goal in open play, have reached the quarter-finals thanks to a penalty from Kylian Mbappe and two own goals.Mbappe, who recently signed for Real Madrid, will come up against his boyhood idol Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portugal captain who is now 39. "It is an honour. Everyone knows how much I have always admired Cristiano," Mbappe said.Portugal coach Roberto Martinez, however, insisted that the focus cannot solely be on the two opposing superstars. "Football is a team sport. Tomorrow is not a match between two individuals. They are two incredible players, but tomorrow we will need a real top-level team performance if we are to win," he said.With so much talent on display, the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 promise to be an unforgettable spectacle.

Germany, the host nation of Euro 2024, is riding a wave of confidence as they prepare to face Spain in the quarter-finals on Friday. After a string of disappointing performances at major tournaments, the Germans are once again optimistic about their chances of success.Toni Kroos, a veteran of the 2014 World Cup-winning team, declared that "the goal is to win the tournament." He added, "We want to go a lot further and in the dressing room we are very convinced we will achieve that."This newfound confidence is a stark contrast to the atmosphere nine months ago, when Hansi Flick became the first coach in German history to be sacked after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Japan. His replacement, Julian Nagelsmann, initially struggled, winning only one of his first four games in charge.However, Nagelsmann has since turned things around, making 11 changes to the squad and bringing in players from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and surprise runners-up Stuttgart. His most crucial move was recalling Kroos, who had retired from international football in 2021.Kroos has been instrumental in Germany's resurgence, excelling in what will be his final tournament before retiring from football altogether. He believes that the team's winning mentality comes from experience."You can have a winning mentality or belief, you can live it, but it's hard to convey it in conversations," Kroos said. "You have to go through experiences and that's how your belief grows more and more."Germany has faced challenges along the way, but they have shown resilience in overcoming them. Kroos pointed to the "difficult situations" against Hungary, Switzerland, and Denmark as examples of how the team has developed a stronger mentality."We now have a different belief. We are now winning games or at least not losing games that we were clearly losing in the past," Kroos said.Germany will face their toughest test yet against Spain, the only other team to have won three Euros titles. However, with the confidence they have gained under Nagelsmann, the Germans will be confident of emerging victorious and continuing their journey towards the final in Berlin.

Germany's hopes of triumphing at Euro 2024 on home soil hinge on overcoming Spain's midfield maestro, Rodri, in Friday's highly anticipated quarter-final clash. Since Spain's last competitive defeat to Scotland in March 2023, Rodri has played 77 matches for club and country, suffering only one loss when Manchester United defeated his Manchester City side in the FA Cup final in May.During this remarkable run, the 28-year-old has amassed an impressive collection of silverware, including two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. He has also guided Spain to Nations League glory."In his position, he is the best - he can do everything. The quality, he reads the game, his mentality, he is always ready," said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who has witnessed some of the greatest midfielders in the history of the sport. "He is so good at many things...The presence, the physicality, he is complete."Spain have been in scintillating form at Euro 2024, becoming the only team to win all four of their matches en route to the quarter-finals. Wonderkid wingers Yamine Lamal and Nico Williams have injected a direct threat into Luis de la Fuente's side, something even the legendary Spain team that won three consecutive major tournaments between 2008 and 2012 lacked.Fabian Ruiz, Pedri, and Dani Olmo provide additional guile from midfield, while the often-criticized Alvaro Morata has moved into a share of third place for the most goals in European Championship history.However, Rodri's all-round importance as the anchor of this Spanish side was evident in the last 16 against Georgia. Trailing to Robin Le Normand's own goal despite not facing a shot on target, Spain were beginning to show signs of frustration.Just after the half-hour mark, Rodri took possession, paused, and issued a calming instruction to his teammates. Moments later, he arrowed a low shot into the far corner for the equalizer, which served as the catalyst for a 4-1 victory."Sometimes 20 or 30 seconds of saying to people 'calm down' is more productive than going on the attack," Rodri said of his message of reassurance to the team.Despite being one of the world's leading lights in his position for several seasons, this is Rodri's first major tournament as Spain's starting six. At the 2022 World Cup, he was deployed as a center-back by Luis Enrique to accommodate an aging Sergio Busquets.The Barcelona legend's international retirement has severed the final link to Spain's last major tournament win in 2012. Now, Rodri's generation is eager to forge their own path and become national heroes."Germany will be strong at home, but they will be worried about us too," said the former Atletico Madrid man of the clash in Stuttgart. "We came to win and we are not afraid. Our mentality is to go on Friday with everything we have against Germany."Should Spain prevail, another midfield great will play his final match. Toni Kroos will retire after the tournament, and the man who spent the last decade of his club career in Spain with Real Madrid showed his respect for his opposite number in the quarter-finals."I think he is someone who exudes enthusiasm, who is not prone to making mistakes, even under pressure, which always gives a lot to the team," said Kroos. "On top of that, in the last one or two years, he has also scored goals, important goals."Rodri's strike won City their first-ever Champions League in the 2023 final. Now, he aims to make his major tournament breakthrough and break German hearts along the way.

Toni Kroos, the decorated German midfielder, expressed optimism ahead of Friday's Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Spain, asserting that it may not be his final career appearance. Despite announcing his retirement after the Euros, Kroos remains determined to extend his international journey.Kroos's Real Madrid teammate, Joselu, had expressed a desire to "send Kroos into retirement," but the 34-year-old remains focused on reaching the July 14 Euros final in Berlin. "We will still be in the tournament for a while," Kroos stated. "I don't think tomorrow will be my last game. I think we'll see each other again -- and I look forward to it."Kroos, a key member of Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph, initially retired from international football in 2021 but returned in March. "The idea of returning was tied to the goal of winning the Euros," he explained. "If I didn't see the chance of achieving it with the team, I wouldn't have done it."Despite his impending retirement, Kroos expressed no trepidation about life after football. "This day will come for every player," he said. "Thank god I could make the decision myself, rather than anyone pushing me or making me feel that it might be better to do it earlier."Kroos acknowledged that his footballing abilities are unmatched by any other pursuit. "I am aware that whatever comes along, or what hobbies I might try and take up, there will never be anything I am as good at as playing football."The six-time Champions League winner made his debut for Bayern Munich in 2007, the same year that Spain's Lamine Yamal was born. "That doesn't make me feel much younger," Kroos joked, describing Yamal as "the best or at least the most dangerous player" for Barcelona this season.

The UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals are set to deliver a thrilling spectacle, with some of the tournament's biggest names vying for glory. The draw has produced a tantalizing mix of heavyweights and underdogs, promising an unforgettable knockout stage.The first quarter-final, on July 5, pits tournament favorites Germany against Spain, two teams that have showcased exceptional form and attacking prowess. This clash of titans is likely to be a tactical battleground, with both sides boasting world-class players.The second quarter-final, on July 6, features a mouthwatering encounter between Portugal and France. These two nations played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in Euro 2020, and the rematch promises to be equally captivating. Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, two of the game's biggest stars, will be eager to make their mark on the tournament.Switzerland, the surprise package of Euro 2024, faces England in the third quarter-final. The Swiss have proven their mettle by dispatching defending champions Italy, while England has relied heavily on the brilliance of Jude Bellingham. This match-up is likely to be a close and competitive affair.The final quarter-final, on July 7, sees the Netherlands take on Turkey. The Dutch have impressed with their attacking flair, while Turkey has shown resilience and determination. This clash could produce an upset, as Turkey aims to continue their giant-killing run.The winners of the quarter-finals will advance to the semi-finals, where they will face off for a place in the final. The tournament is poised to deliver an unforgettable knockout stage, with some of the world's best teams battling for European supremacy.

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.

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."