Football

Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable career reached a new milestone as his late strike secured a thrilling 2-1 victory for Portugal over Scotland in their Nations League clash. The 39-year-old forward's 901st career goal capped a stirring comeback for the hosts at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.Ronaldo had already etched his name into the history books with his 900th goal in Thursday's win over Croatia. However, he showed no signs of slowing down, coming off the bench to inspire Portugal to their second consecutive victory in Group A1.The match started with a surprise as Scott McTominay gave Scotland an early lead with a well-timed header. But Portugal responded with renewed vigor in the second half, with Bruno Fernandes equalizing with a powerful shot from outside the box.Ronaldo's introduction proved to be a game-changer. His presence lifted the crowd and energized his teammates. In the 88th minute, Nuno Mendes delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Ronaldo was there to apply the finishing touch with a clinical tap-in.The victory was particularly sweet for Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, who has family ties to Scotland. Martinez joked before the match that he would be delighted to upset his father-in-law by beating Scotland, and he did just that.For Scotland, the defeat extended their winless streak to 14 matches. They have now lost six of their nine matches in 2023, with their only victory coming in a friendly against Gibraltar.Despite the disappointing result, Scotland manager Steve Clarke praised his players for their performance. "I'm really disappointed for my players because I think they deserved to get something from the game," he said. "But with the amount of balls that go into the box, you know one of them can go in the back of the net and that's what happened to us."

Scotland stands on the cusp of history as they prepare to face Hungary on June 23rd. A victory would potentially secure their first-ever qualification for the knockout stages of a major tournament at Euro 2024.In 11 previous attempts, Scotland has consistently fallen short at the group stage. However, a battling 1-1 draw against Switzerland has rekindled hope and kept their dreams alive. A win against Hungary, who has lost both of their opening games, would likely be enough to secure second place in Group A or a spot among the four best third-placed teams that advance to the last 16.Scotland manager Steve Clarke had set a target of four points before the tournament began. The clash with Hungary presents Scotland's best chance of securing their first win at a major tournament since 1996. However, the Hungarians are also desperate for a victory to keep their hopes of qualification alive."When the draw was made, you were probably targeting the last two games," said Scotland midfielder Callum McGregor. "When you get a bad result, perspective goes out the window a little bit. It was probably the manner of the defeat the other night which made everyone feel a bit sore and not great.""As footballers, you have to deal with that. You have to try to put it right. We made the first step of putting it right and we arrive into the game on Sunday now with belief that if we play equally as well, if not better, we give ourselves a right good chance."Scotland captain Andy Robertson has expressed his belief that this squad has the potential to achieve "legendary status" by breaking new ground for the nation. However, they will need to overcome adversity to do so. Ryan Porteous remains banned after being sent off in the 5-1 thrashing by Germany in Munich. Injury to Kieran Tierney has deprived Clarke of another defender and one of Scotland's best players.Despite calls for more changes, nine of Clarke's squad have started both games. He must now decide whether to stick or twist in Stuttgart with a tight turnaround after an energy-sapping 90 minutes against the Swiss."We have to recover and bring the same energy level and the same tempo and the same aggression as we did against Switzerland," added McGregor.Tierney's injury opens the door for a change of system. Clarke has stumbled upon his preferred 5-4-1 formation to accommodate both the Arsenal left-back and Liverpool's Robertson in the same side. A switch to a back four would allow the former West Brom boss to include an extra forward player and make room for Bournemouth's Ryan Christie alongside the midfield four of McGregor, Billy Gilmour, Scott McTominay, and John McGinn.Many of the estimated 200,000 Tartan Army that have traveled to Germany are also calling for a change up front. Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland won player of the year awards in Scotland after scoring 31 goals this season. Yet, he has had barely a few minutes on the pitch in the opening two games as Clarke has opted for the extra mobility offered by Che Adams.Since taking charge in 2019, Clarke's loyalty has fostered continuity and a club-like team spirit that has brought his country back to two major tournaments after two decades in the wilderness. But a bolder approach may now be what Scotland needs to change their narrative on the international stage and end an unwanted record.

Switzerland's hopes of reaching the last 16 of Euro 2024 received a significant boost as Xherdan Shaqiri's stunning strike earned them a 1-1 draw against Scotland in Cologne.Murat Yakin's side found themselves trailing early on when Scott McTominay's shot took a hefty deflection off Fabian Schar and into the Swiss net. However, Shaqiri produced a moment of brilliance to level the scores, punishing Anthony Ralston's woeful backpass with a brilliant curler from 20 yards.With the draw, Switzerland moved into second place in Group A with four points, two behind Germany. They are now in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages, especially considering that the best four third-placed teams also qualify.Shaqiri's goal was a testament to his quality and experience. The former Liverpool forward has now scored at the last three Euros and the last three World Cups, making him the only player to achieve this feat."Shaqiri proved tonight that he lives and breathes for moments like that," said Yakin. "He really deserves that magical moment. He did the only thing he could do with that wonderful strike."Scotland, meanwhile, remain in the hunt for a historic last 16 berth. Despite their disappointing 5-1 loss to Germany in their tournament opener, they showed great resilience and determination against Switzerland."It was a good reaction to a disappointing night against Germany," said Scotland manager Steve Clarke. "Heart-breaking moment for Ralston but if it falls to any other Swiss player I don't think they score.""I believe if we get three points against Hungary, we'll go to the next stage. We're a good team and we're still alive."Scotland's hopes of reaching the knockout rounds will depend on their ability to improve their goal difference with a big win against Hungary in their final group game.

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.

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."

Germany's emphatic 5-1 victory over Scotland in their Euro 2024 opener has ignited optimism among the hosts, but coach Julian Nagelsmann remains grounded, emphasizing that it was merely a "first step" in their quest for a record-breaking fourth European title.Nagelsmann acknowledged the team's awareness that the victory was just the beginning of their tournament journey. "The team is conscious that this was a first step," he said. "But it was very good and very important and was something that we can build on."Germany's dominance was evident from the outset, with Florian Wirtz opening the scoring within 10 minutes. Jamal Musiala, who was named man-of-the-match, doubled the lead shortly after. Kai Havertz converted a penalty to give Germany a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime, after Scotland's Ryan Porteous was sent off for a reckless challenge on Ilkay Gundogan.Niclas Fuellkrug and Emre Can added further goals in the second half, completing Germany's comprehensive victory. Nagelsmann expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance, particularly their reaction to conceding a late goal while 4-0 up."We didn't let in any chances from open play," he said. "It was a very good sign for the team to be so pissed off that we conceded that goal. That shows the hunger that they had today."Havertz, who set up Musiala's goal and scored from the spot, echoed Nagelsmann's sentiments, emphasizing that the victory was a statement of intent. "I think that when you win 5-1, it's a message," he said. "But it's just the beginning. We saw the quality we have in the team, how good the players are. We're going to come up against other difficult opponents."With four goals in his last seven Germany appearances, Havertz has emerged as a key figure for the hosts. He acknowledged the support of the home crowd, saying, "We felt this energy in the stadium from the first minute. The whole country is behind us, we saw it at the training center. We're aware of it."As Germany prepares for their next match, Nagelsmann remains focused on the task ahead. "We have to stay humble," he said. "We have to work hard and we have to improve. We have to be ready for the next game."

Hosts Germany embark on their Euro 2024 journey on Friday, aiming to reclaim their continental glory after a string of disappointing tournaments. The three-time champions will kick off their campaign against Scotland in Munich, hoping to ignite the passion of their home crowd and set the tone for a successful tournament.Under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, Germany has gradually regained optimism after a dismal run of form. Despite a disappointing 2022 World Cup, the team has shown signs of improvement, with Nagelsmann instilling a renewed sense of belief.Germany boasts a wealth of talent, including veteran playmaker Toni Kroos and rising stars Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. Manuel Neuer remains the undisputed goalkeeper, while Antonio Rudiger provides solidity in defense. Captain Ilkay Gundogan, who has experienced the highs and lows of Germany's recent tournaments, emphasizes the importance of a strong start.Scotland, making their second major tournament appearance since 1998, will be buoyed by an estimated 150,000 traveling fans. The Scots, led by captain Andy Robertson, are determined to make history and qualify for the knockout stages for the first time.Despite facing a formidable German side, Scotland has a realistic chance of progressing from Group A, which also includes Hungary and Switzerland. Manager Steve Clarke has set a target of four points, which would likely secure a place in the last 16.The opening match promises to be a spectacle, with both teams eager to make a statement. Germany will be favored to win, but Scotland has the potential to cause an upset and set the tone for a thrilling tournament.

Scotland's Bagpipes and Germany's Expectations: Euro 2020 Curtain RaiserAs the sound of bagpipes fills the streets of Munich and men in kilts proudly display their Scottish heritage, the excitement for the European Championship is reaching fever pitch. The tournament kicks off on June 14 with host nation Germany facing Scotland in the opening match at the Allianz Arena.Germany, eager to make amends for three consecutive tournament disappointments, is under pressure to deliver a strong performance. Defender Antonio Rüdiger acknowledges the team's need to remain humble despite past failures. "We don't have to talk about past tournaments, we all know what happened there," he said. "It's been up and down for us all the way here and that's why we have to be humble."While Germany's fans may be subdued compared to the boisterous Scottish supporters, coach Julian Nagelsmann is optimistic about the team's chances. "It's probably not just Europe, but the whole world that will be watching how the Euros will go ... we're really looking forward to it," he said.Scotland, having qualified for back-to-back tournaments after a long absence, is determined to make history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time. Forward Ryan Christie expressed the team's ambition: "That's the dream ... If we come out of the group stages, that's the furthest Scotland will have ever been in a major tournament."The Scots have shown their potential in recent years, beating Spain and Norway during the qualifying campaign. However, they have won only one of their last 13 matches against Germany, a 1-0 friendly victory in 1999.Adding to Germany's motivation is an unusual incentive: Deniz Undav has promised to shave the head of fellow forward Thomas Müller if the team wins the trophy. "Thomas Müller bald? Then we have to do everything we can to make this happen," said Rüdiger with a laugh.The opening match promises to be a spectacle, with both teams eager to make a statement. Scotland's passionate support will create a vibrant atmosphere, while Germany will be determined to prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with.

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.