Football

As Germany prepares to host Euro 2024 from June 14, the tournament's Group A promises an intriguing battle between the hosts and three talented challengers: Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland.Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, SwitzerlandTournament host Germany, under the guidance of coach Julian Nagelsmann, will be eager to make a deep run in the tournament, particularly after impressive victories over France and the Netherlands in March. However, they will face a stern test from Hungary, who have been in outstanding form under manager Marco Rossi. Despite a recent defeat to Ireland, the Hungarians have been unbeaten since September 2022, a run of 12 games.Switzerland and Scotland are the outsiders in the group, but both have the potential to cause an upset. Switzerland, led by captain Granit Xhaka, reached the quarter-finals in the last Euros and are known for their organized and efficient style of play. Scotland, meanwhile, will be buoyed by the support of their passionate fans and will be looking to make a statement in their first match against Germany.Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, AlbaniaGroup B is a veritable "group of death," featuring three European powerhouses: Spain, Croatia, and Italy. Albania, a durable side, will be determined to make an impact despite being the underdogs.Spain, the reigning UEFA Nations League champions, are favorites to progress after defeating both Italy and Croatia in 2023. However, those matches revealed that there is little to separate the three teams. Luis de la Fuente's Spain have added flair and speed to their deep reserves of technical ability, but they still lack a reliable goalscorer.Italy, who triumphed against England to win Euro 2020, are a tough prospect despite their failure to reach the 2022 World Cup. Luciano Spalletti's side boasts several players from Serie A champions Inter Milan, including playmaker Nicolo Barella. Croatia, runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and third in Qatar two years ago, will try to give 38-year-old veteran midfielder Luka Modric a superb swansong.Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, EnglandEngland are ready to make Euro 2024 "headlines" as the Group C favorites prepare to launch their bid for a first major trophy in 58 years. Gareth Southgate's side, who face Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia in the group stage, head to Germany as one of the leading contenders for Euro glory.England, ranked alongside France as the bookmakers' top title contenders, will be looking to make amends for their painful near misses in recent tournaments. They will face a tough test from Denmark, who pushed them to the brink in a dramatic Euro 2020 semi-final. Slovenia, participating in a major tournament for only the fourth time, will be hoping to make the knockout stages for the first time. Serbia will rely on Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and AC Milan striker Luka Jovic to fuel their bid for a place in the last 16.

Euro 2024: A Comprehensive Guide to the Upcoming TournamentThe UEFA European Football Championship, commonly known as the Euros, is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world. The 2024 edition of the tournament will be held in Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024.Host Cities and StadiumsThe tournament will be hosted in 10 cities across Germany: Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, and Stuttgart. Each city will host three group stage matches and one knockout match.Participating TeamsA total of 24 teams will participate in Euro 2024. The teams have been divided into six groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.Group StageThe group stage will take place from June 14 to June 26. The teams will play three matches each, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage.Knockout StageThe knockout stage will begin on June 29 with the round of 16. The eight teams that advance from the group stage will be paired off in single-elimination matches. The winners of the round of 16 will advance to the quarterfinals, followed by the semifinals and the final.Key Players to WatchSome of the key players to watch in Euro 2024 include:* Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)* Kylian Mbappé (France)* Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)* Harry Kane (England)* Robert Lewandowski (Poland)Favorites to WinThe favorites to win Euro 2024 are France, England, and Germany. France is the defending champion, while England and Germany have both been in impressive form in recent years.History of the EurosThe UEFA European Football Championship was first held in 1960. The tournament has been won by 10 different countries, with Germany and Spain being the most successful teams with three titles each.Impact on GermanyEuro 2024 is expected to have a significant impact on Germany. The tournament will bring in millions of visitors and generate billions of euros in revenue. It will also be a major opportunity for Germany to showcase its footballing infrastructure and culture.

Germany's Euro 2024 hopes received a boost with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Greece in a friendly on Friday. Despite a shaky start, the hosts rallied to secure a late win thanks to a stunning strike from Pascal Gross.Greece, who failed to qualify for the tournament, stunned Germany with an early goal from Georgios Masouras. The visitors took advantage of a Manuel Neuer error to take the lead in the 33rd minute. However, Germany responded well in the second half, with Kai Havertz equalizing in the 56th minute.With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Gross emerged as the hero. The Brighton midfielder unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box in the 89th minute, leaving Greece goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos with no chance.Despite the victory, Germany's performance raised some concerns. Coach Julian Nagelsmann's team lacked fluidity in the first half and struggled to break down Greece's defense. However, Nagelsmann praised his side's improvement in the second half, saying, "The win is important for the atmosphere before the tournament."Toni Kroos, who returned to the team after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid, acknowledged Germany's shortcomings but remained optimistic. "We finished the match much better, we concentrated and controlled the ball," he said.The victory will provide a confidence boost for Germany as they prepare for their Euro 2024 opener against Scotland next Friday. However, questions remain over Neuer's form, with Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen waiting in the wings.

Germany, the host nation of Euro 2024, is experiencing a resurgence of hope as the tournament opener against Scotland approaches. After a string of disappointing performances, including two consecutive World Cup group stage exits and a loss to England in the Euros in 2021, Germany endured a dismal 2023 with only three wins in 11 games. Many predicted an embarrassing early exit for the three-time Euros champions on home soil.However, the past four months have witnessed a remarkable turnaround. Despite a goalless draw against Ukraine in Nuremberg, Germany displayed a dominant second-half performance and created numerous chances. Coach Julian Nagelsmann emphasized the team's desire to win, even though the result was not ideal.Nagelsmann has made bold selections, including debutant striker Maximilian Beier and youngsters Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, who have shown promise as a dangerous attacking combination. Other players, such as Chris Fuehrich and Maximilian Mittelstaedt, have also impressed, indicating that Nagelsmann has assembled a strong squad.The improvement on the pitch and the growing optimism off it have boosted Germany's confidence as they aim for a fourth Euros trophy, which would equal Spain's record. They face Greece in their final friendly on Friday before facing tougher tests in the group stages against Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland.Nagelsmann's tenure began with just one win in his first four games, but he has since shaken up the squad and brought back Toni Kroos. Rather than relying solely on big names, he has selected players based on form, including several from Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart.Germany's convincing performances against France and the Netherlands in March have raised expectations. Nagelsmann believes the Ukraine match was "perfect" preparation for the group stage, while veteran Thomas Mueller remains confident despite the goalless draw.The German public has embraced the national team ahead of the tournament. The DFB's innovative approach to squad announcements has reached a wider audience, and fans have flocked to watch the team train. Nagelsmann acknowledges the "great support" and believes it will carry the team through the tournament.

Euro 2024, set to commence in Germany on June 14, promises to be a captivating spectacle, with France and England emerging as the frontrunners among a formidable field of contenders. The tournament will unfold across 10 magnificent stadiums in Germany, a nation renowned for its football passion.Unlike the previous Euros, which were dispersed across the continent and marred by pandemic restrictions, this edition will offer a unified experience for fans. The setting will evoke memories of the unforgettable 2006 World Cup, which Germany hosted and where they re-established themselves as a footballing powerhouse.Despite concerns about security and transportation, the hope is that Euro 2024 will be remembered for its sporting brilliance. Italy, the reigning champions, will be eager to defend their title, while Germany, despite recent setbacks, remains a formidable force with a talented squad.France, ranked as Europe's top team, boasts an exceptional roster led by Kylian Mbappe. They are determined to capture their first European Championship since 2000. England, too, harbors high hopes, carrying the weight of never having won the Euros. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are key players who could propel them to glory.Other contenders include Portugal, led by the ageless Cristiano Ronaldo, and Belgium and the Netherlands. However, the tournament will also feature underdogs like Ukraine, Albania, and Georgia, adding diversity and intrigue to the competition.With a month of thrilling football ahead, Euro 2024 promises to be a captivating spectacle that will showcase the best of European football.

Euro 2024: Germany to Host the 17th Edition of the UEFA European ChampionshipGermany will host the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship, also known as Euro 2024, from June 14 to July 14. The tournament will feature 24 teams, including Georgia, which will make its European championship debut.This will be the third time that the European championship will be held on German territory, and the second time in reunified Germany. West Germany hosted the tournament in 1988, and four matches of the multi-national Euro 2020 were played in Munich.The tournament will return to its usual four-year cycle after the 2020 edition was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Italy are the defending champions, having won the 2020 tournament against England on penalties in the final.The venues for Euro 2024 are:* Olymplastadion Berlin* Fubbal Arena Munchen* Westfalenstadion* Stuttgard Arena* Arena AutSchalke* Frankfurt Arena* Volksparkstadion* Dusseldorf Arena* Cologne Stadium* Leipzig StadiumThe 24 participating teams are grouped into six groups:* Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland* Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania* Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England* Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France* Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine* Group F: Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech RepublicThe full schedule (time in IST) is as follows:

Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, unveiled his initial 27-man squad for the upcoming European Championship in a unique and inclusive manner. The announcement was made through a video message featuring a diverse group of individuals from various walks of life, reflecting the multicultural fabric of German society.Nagelsmann expressed his satisfaction with the squad, stating that it could have been his own selection. He emphasized the importance of involving the public in the announcement, as it showcased the team's connection to the nation and its aspirations for success in the home tournament.The squad largely maintains the core group that Nagelsmann has been developing since March. Despite strong performances in the season's latter stages, Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels and Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka were not included. However, Hummels' teammate Nico Schlotterbeck returns to the fold after an absence since September.Schlotterbeck and Dortmund teammate Niclas Füllkrug will join the squad later due to their involvement in the Champions League final. Real Madrid's Toni Kroos and Antonio Rüdiger, also named in the squad, will also join the team after the final.Nagelsmann acknowledged that the late arrival of these players will pose some challenges in training, but he expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to the team's success.The squad announcement was preceded by leaks in the media, but the official confirmations through the video message added an element of excitement and anticipation. Thomas Müller, Germany's most experienced player with 128 caps, was among those who hinted at his inclusion on social media before the official announcement.Germany will host Euro 2024 from June 14 to July 14. Nagelsmann's team will begin its preparations in Blankenhain from May 26-31 before moving to Herzogenaurach on June 1. The team will play friendlies against Ukraine, Greece, and Scotland before opening the tournament against Scotland in Munich.Nagelsmann expressed optimism about Germany's chances in the tournament, stating that he believes the team can win it. He emphasized the importance of building confidence and momentum in the lead-up to the tournament.

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been named the first player in Julian Nagelsmann's 26-man squad for Euro 2024, according to German media reports. The news was revealed by football website Kicker, citing a source close to the German Football Association (DFB).The DFB is reportedly unveiling players individually ahead of the official announcement in Berlin on Thursday to minimize the risk of leaks. Schlotterbeck, 24, made two appearances for Germany at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but was subsequently dropped by Nagelsmann.However, his impressive performances for Dortmund, who have qualified for the Champions League final against Real Madrid, have earned him a recall to the national team. Germany will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Scotland in Munich on June 14.Schlotterbeck's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his resurgence at Dortmund. After a difficult start to his career at the club, he has become a key player under Edin Terzić, forming a formidable partnership with Mats Hummels at the heart of the defense.His performances have not only helped Dortmund secure a top-four finish in the Bundesliga but also reach the final of the Champions League. Schlotterbeck's versatility, as he can also play as a left-back, makes him a valuable asset to Nagelsmann's squad.With Euro 2024 being played on home soil, Germany will be eager to make a strong impression. Nagelsmann has a wealth of talent at his disposal, and Schlotterbeck's inclusion is a sign that he is willing to give opportunities to players who are in form.

Florian Wirtz, the 20-year-old German prodigy, etched his name into international football history with a stunning goal that propelled Germany to a 2-0 victory over France in an international friendly on Saturday.Just seven seconds after the opening whistle, Wirtz received the ball from Toni Kroos and unleashed a fierce drive that left French goalkeeper Brice Samba rooted to the spot. The ball flew under the crossbar, setting a new record for the fastest goal in German international history."I don't think anyone understood or realized what was happening," Wirtz said after the match. "We were all quite surprised, but there was obviously a lot of joy. You can't start a match any better."Wirtz's goal came close to equaling the record for the fastest international goal ever, which was set by Lukas Podolski in 2013. However, Christoph Baumgartner's strike for Austria against Andorra earlier on Saturday had already set a new mark of six seconds.Kai Havertz doubled Germany's lead just four minutes into the second half, tapping in a pass from Jamal Musiala. France, despite fielding star striker Kylian Mbappe, struggled to create clear-cut chances and were unable to find a way back into the game.Julian Nagelsmann's Germany side looked the more dangerous throughout the match, with Maximilian Mittelstaedt and Thomas Mueller both denied by fine saves from Samba. France nearly pulled one back in the 88th minute when Mittelstaedt mistimed a clearance, but Antonio Rudiger cleared the ball off the line and VAR ruled the handball to be unintentional."We can obviously be very satisfied," said Kroos. "We've taken some good steps forward, some important steps forward. These are the last few chances for us to get a bit of a feel for Euro 2024. We'll take that with us today."Both teams will continue their preparations for this summer's European Championship, with France facing Chile and Germany hosting the Netherlands on Tuesday.