Football

Turkey and the Netherlands have secured their places in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after thrilling victories in the round of 16.Turkey, who last reached the last eight of a European Championship in 2008, stunned Austria 2-1 in a pulsating encounter in Leipzig. Merih Demiral emerged as the unlikely hero for Turkey, scoring a stunning header just before the hour mark to seal the victory. The Al-Ahli defender had earlier given his team a dream start by bundling the ball home in the opening minute.Austria, who were also making their first appearance in the knockout stages of a major tournament since 2008, fought valiantly but were unable to find an equalizer despite dominating possession for much of the second half. Michael Gregoritsch halved the deficit shortly after Demiral's second goal, but Christoph Baumgartner's late effort was denied by an incredible save from Mert Gunok.In the other quarter-final, the Netherlands eased past Romania 3-0 in Munich. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for the Dutch in the 20th minute, before Donyell Malen added a brace in the second half. The victory was a welcome boost for Ronald Koeman's side, who had come under fire after their disappointing performance in the group stage.Turkey will now face the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday, while the winner of that match will play either England or Switzerland in the semi-finals.

Belgium, Romania, and Slovakia have secured their spots in the last 16 of Euro 2024, while Ukraine's valiant efforts fell short in a thrilling conclusion to Group E.Romania's 1-1 draw with Slovakia in Frankfurt earned both teams the point they needed to advance. Ukraine's spirited 0-0 draw with Belgium proved insufficient, as they finished bottom of the group on goal difference due to their opening game defeat to Romania.Belgium, despite being heavily favored, struggled to dominate the group and will now face a formidable opponent in France in the last 16. Slovakia, as one of the best third-placed teams, awaits their last 16 opponents, along with Romania.Belgium's blend of experienced veterans and rising stars has yet to fully impress in Germany. Their fans expressed their frustration at the final whistle in Stuttgart, with captain Kevin De Bruyne urging his teammates to avoid acknowledging the jeers.Ukraine became the first team since the Euros expanded to 24 teams to fail to advance from the group stage with four points. They came agonizingly close to a winner against Belgium, but goalkeeper Koen Casteels denied Georgiy Sudakov in stoppage time.Despite the disappointment, Ukraine received a hero's welcome from their supporters. President Volodymyr Zelensky praised their fighting spirit, emphasizing the importance of unity in both victory and defeat.In Frankfurt, Romania secured their first knockout stage appearance at a Euros in 24 years. Slovakia took an early lead, but Ianis Hagi, son of legendary Romanian player Gheorghe Hagi, earned a penalty that Razvan Marin converted to level the score.

Belgium Faces Romania in Crucial Euro 2024 ClashWith the pressure mounting in Group E, Belgium faces a pivotal match against Romania on Sunday, June 23. After a disappointing loss to Slovakia, the Red Devils find themselves in a precarious position, needing a victory to avoid falling behind in the race for qualification.Romania, on the other hand, has made a strong start to the tournament, securing a convincing 3-0 win over Ukraine. Their confidence will be high as they take on a Belgian team that has struggled to find its rhythm.Belgium's attacking prowess is undeniable, with Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Romelu Lukaku leading the charge. However, their defense has been shaky, conceding three goals against Slovakia. Lukaku will be eager to make amends after having two goals ruled out by VAR in the previous match.Romania's defense has also been impressive, keeping a clean sheet against Ukraine. They will need to be at their best to contain Belgium's attacking threats.The match will be played at the Cologne Stadium in Cologne, Germany, and will kick off at 12:30 AM IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.With both teams desperate for a win, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Belgium will be looking to bounce back from their defeat, while Romania will aim to continue their impressive start to the tournament.

Ukraine, amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, embarks on its European Championship campaign against Romania in Munich on Monday. The other teams in Group E are Belgium and Slovakia. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. local time (1300 GMT).Ukraine aims to build upon its most successful campaign to date, having reached the quarterfinals at Euro 2020, where it was eliminated by eventual runner-up England. The team earned a reputation as comeback kings in the playoffs, scoring late goals to overcome Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 in the semifinal and Iceland by the same score.Romania impressed in qualifying, sailing through unbeaten to top a group that also contained Switzerland and Israel. Edward Iordănescu will become the first coach to lead a Romania team at a European Championship since his father Anghel in 2016.Ukraine left back Vitaliy Mykolenko injured his ankle in the last warmup match before the tournament, but coach Serhiy Rebrov is hopeful the injury is not serious. Should Mykolenko not recover in time, he will likely be replaced by Oleksandr Zinchenko, who plays as left back for Arsenal but more often in midfield for the national side.Romania coach Iordănescu has all 26 of his players available. Romania has not reached the knockout stages in 24 years, since losing 2-0 to eventual runner-up Italy in the quarterfinals at Euro 2000.Romania surprised England at that tournament, beating it 3-2 in the group stage. That is Romania’s only win at a European Championship, having drawn five matches and lost its other 10.The teams have met six times before but never at a major tournament. Romania has the slight edge with three wins to Ukraine’s two – but the last of those was more than 20 years ago. There has been at least four goals in the past three matches between the sides.“It’s a great honor to represent Ukraine. You know what times we are going through now so I feel incredible responsibility for my actions but I’m not worried about my game,” said Ukraine defender Illya Zabarnyi.“These are unique times, wonderful times, times that every coach prepares, works and dreams for. It is a dream come true: a great story to have qualified after such a long time, and we want to make this moment last as long as possible,” said Romania coach Edward Iordănescu.“I mean at the moment, it’s probably one of the best teams we’ve had. It’s a good mix of young players and experienced players. We combine well on the pitch in terms of that. So, God knows what is going to happen but this team has huge potential,” said Ukraine midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko.