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.

Spain, the formidable force in European football, will face off against Georgia in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024. The match, scheduled for Monday, July 1, will be a crucial test for both teams as they vie for a spot in the quarterfinals.Spain, despite entering the tournament without the overwhelming favoritism of France or England, has emerged as a serious contender. Their impressive performance in the group stage, where they topped Group B with a perfect record and three clean sheets, has instilled confidence within the team.One of the standout performers for Spain has been 16-year-old starlet Lamine Yamal. Despite balancing his studies with the tournament, Yamal has showcased his exceptional talent in Spain's first two matches. The news of passing his secondary school exams has further boosted his morale ahead of the crucial knockout clash.Georgia, making their debut in the Euro, will be eager to make a statement against the tournament favorites. They will rely on their defensive solidity and counter-attacking prowess to upset Spain.The match will be played at the Cologne Stadium in Germany, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 AM IST. Fans can catch the live telecast on the Sony Sports Network, while the live streaming will be available on the SonyLiv app and website.Spain will be looking to continue their impressive form and reach the quarterfinals, while Georgia will be determined to cause an upset and make history in their first Euro appearance. The match promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair.

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.

The Round of 16 for Euro 2024 is set, with Georgia's stunning 2-0 victory over Portugal securing their place as the final qualifier. Spain, England, and hosts Germany have emerged as group winners, while France surprisingly finished second in Group D behind Austria. Slovenia, Netherlands, Slovakia, and Georgia have advanced as the four best third-placed teams, while Hungary and Croatia have been eliminated.Switzerland vs. Italy:Italy, despite a shaky performance in the group stage, will face Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday. The Swiss, with several Serie A players in their lineup, have proven capable of upsetting the favorites, as seen in their 1-1 draw with Germany.Germany vs. Denmark:Germany, revitalized under Julian Nagelsmann, has been one of the tournament's standout teams. They will be favored against Denmark, who finished second in Group C behind England. Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand believes his team can rise to the occasion against top nations, but Germany will have the home crowd advantage at the Westfalenstadion.England vs. Slovakia:England will face Slovakia on Sunday after topping Group C despite underwhelming performances. Coach Gareth Southgate has faced criticism from fans, and his team will need to improve if they want to live up to their pre-tournament expectations.Spain vs. Georgia:Spain has been the most impressive team so far, winning all three Group B matches. They will be heavily favored against Georgia, who pulled off a shock victory over Portugal. However, Georgia has shown they can cause an upset.France vs. Belgium:In one of the most intriguing matchups, France and Belgium will clash in Dusseldorf on Monday. France has struggled to find form, while Belgium has shown flashes of brilliance but also played cautiously.Portugal vs. Slovenia:Portugal will be favored to defeat Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday. Slovenia finished third in Group C, but they are unbeaten in nine games and have beaten Portugal in a pre-tournament friendly.Romania vs. Netherlands:The Netherlands, despite finishing third in Group D, will face Romania on Tuesday. Romania has qualified for the last 16 for the first time in 24 years after topping Group E. Ronald Koeman's Dutch team will need to improve after their disappointing group stage performance.Austria vs. Turkey:Austria, under Ralf Rangnick, has emerged as a dark horse after topping Group D. They will face Turkey in Leipzig on Tuesday in what promises to be an entertaining match. Turkey has a talented squad and has received strong support throughout the tournament.