Football

Italy, the reigning European champions, will face Switzerland in the last 16 of Euro 2024 on Saturday, having narrowly qualified from the group stage. The Azzurri secured second place in Group B with a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer from Mattia Zaccagni against Croatia, finishing five points behind Spain.Coach Luciano Spalletti expressed mixed emotions after the group stage, praising his team's progress while criticizing their timid performance in the final game. He also lashed out at media pressure, potentially attempting to deflect attention from his inability to ignite the team's full potential.Despite Spalletti's claims of improvement, Italy's performance has been unconvincing, lacking the flair and dominance of the side that triumphed at Euro 2020. Key players from that tournament, such as Manuel Locatelli, Ciro Immobile, and Marco Verratti, have been omitted from the squad, while veterans Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini have retired.Lazio forward Zaccagni, who scored the crucial equalizer against Croatia, remains optimistic about Italy's chances in the knockout rounds. "We're focused on preparing for a very important match against Switzerland," he said. "We know we can suffer at times, but we always come out strong when it matters."Switzerland, led by Murat Yakin, boasts several Serie A players, including Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer and Bologna trio Dan Ndoye, Remo Freuler, and Michel Aebischer. "Switzerland is a very compact team that plays for each other," added Zaccagni. "It will take a great performance to beat them."Italy will be without the suspended Riccardo Calafiori, but Zaccagni is confident despite suffering a rib injury in the celebration of his late goal. Questions remain over Italy's best formation, with Spalletti experimenting with different shapes. Holding midfielder Jorginho has struggled in particular, while strikers Mateo Retegui and Gianluca Scamacca have failed to impress.Switzerland, who also pipped Italy to qualification for the last World Cup, are no longer considered an easy opponent. They went through Group A unbeaten, holding Germany to a 1-1 draw in their final group game. That result may have been a blessing in disguise, as it placed Switzerland in the perceived easier half of the draw.Switzerland proved at Euro 2020 that they can upset the odds, knocking out France on penalties in the last 16 before losing to Spain in the quarter-finals. That victory will give them confidence to try and equal their best ever finish in the tournament by reaching the last eight."We know how to win and lose in the round of 16," said Freuler. "We need an even better performance than in the group games. Saturday has to be our best performance in recent years."The winner of the Italy-Switzerland clash will face England or Slovakia in the quarter-finals.

Germany and Switzerland, both undefeated in Group A of Euro 2024, face off in a crucial match that could determine the group winner. Germany has already secured a spot in the knockout stage, while Switzerland needs a win to confirm its place.Germany has been in impressive form, routing Scotland 5-1 and beating Hungary 2-0. Switzerland, meanwhile, has drawn with Scotland 1-1 after a 3-1 victory over Hungary.The match will be played in Frankfurt, where the rain-soaked field has been a concern. Both teams have full squads available, with Germany expected to field the same starting lineup that has served them well so far. Switzerland, on the other hand, may make some tactical changes, with Xherdan Shaqiri likely to start on the left side of the attack.Germany is the favorite to win the match, but Switzerland has shown that it can be a dangerous opponent. The Swiss have a slight advantage in goal difference over Scotland, so a draw would be enough to secure their place in the knockout stage.However, Germany will be determined to finish top of the group and avoid a potential clash with Italy or Croatia in the next round. A win for Germany would send them to Dortmund for a knockout game against the runner-up of Group C, which is currently Denmark.Switzerland, on the other hand, would top the group with a win and face the runner-up of Group B, which is likely to be Italy or Croatia. Only freakish results could drop Switzerland to third place in the standings.The match promises to be a close and exciting affair, with both teams having something to play for. Germany will be looking to maintain its winning streak and secure top spot in the group, while Switzerland will be desperate to confirm its place in the knockout stage.

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."

Switzerland made a resounding start to their Euro 2024 campaign, securing a convincing 3-1 victory over Hungary in Cologne on June 15. Murat Yakin's side showcased their attacking prowess, scoring three goals in the first half to set the tone for the match.Kwadwo Duah, making only his second international appearance, opened the scoring for Switzerland in the 12th minute. The London-born forward capitalized on a perfectly weighted pass from Michel Aebischer to slot the ball past Hungary's goalkeeper, Peter Gulacsi.Aebischer, a Bologna midfielder, doubled Switzerland's lead just before halftime with a stunning long-range strike. The 25-year-old curled the ball into the far corner from 25 yards out, leaving Gulacsi with no chance.Hungary managed to pull one back in the second half through Barnabas Varga, who headed home a cross from Dominik Szoboszlai in the 66th minute. However, Switzerland's lead was restored in stoppage time when Breel Embolo chipped the ball over Gulacsi to seal the victory.The win was a welcome boost for Switzerland, who had endured a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign. They were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Spain on penalties after beating France in the round of 16.Switzerland's victory was also a testament to the team's resilience, as they had been plagued by reports of a rift between Yakin and his players over tactics. However, the team captain, Granit Xhaka, insisted that the air had been cleared before the tournament, and the players were fully behind their manager.Switzerland will face Scotland in their second Group A match on Wednesday, while Hungary will take on hosts Germany on the same day.

Hungary and Switzerland will clash in a pivotal Group A encounter at Euro 2024 on Saturday, June 15. Hungary, under the guidance of coach Marco Rossi, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, thanks to the dynamic presence of Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai. Rossi has urged his team to embrace the pressure and prove their worth on the Euro stage.Switzerland, led by captain Granit Xhaka, is also brimming with confidence after a stellar season with Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka, who helped Leverkusen secure the Bundesliga title and reach the Europa League final, is eager to lead his country to success at Euro 2024.The match will be played at the Cologne Stadium and will kick off at 6:30 pm IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.Hungary will be looking to build on their impressive performance at Euro 2020, where they reached the Round of 16. Szoboszlai, who scored the winning goal against Germany in the group stage, will be the key player for Hungary.Switzerland, on the other hand, will be aiming to make a deep run in the tournament. Xhaka, along with other experienced players like Xherdan Shaqiri and Yann Sommer, will be crucial to their success.The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. Hungary will be eager to prove their credentials as an emerging force, while Switzerland will be determined to make a statement in their Euro opener.

Switzerland cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Estonia in their penultimate warm-up match before the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. The match, played in front of a home crowd of 14,473 at the Swissporarena in Lucerne, marked Switzerland's first home game since November after a series of away fixtures.Steven Zuber opened the scoring for Switzerland in the 20th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty box. It was the AEK Athens winger's first goal for the national team since 2021. Burnley forward Zeki Amdouni doubled the lead in the 47th minute, finishing off a pass from Ruben Vargas.Defender Nico Elvedi extended Switzerland's advantage in the 63rd minute, capitalizing on Estonia's failure to clear a Xherdan Shaqiri free kick. Shaqiri, winning his 122nd cap, sealed the victory with a penalty in the 69th minute, despite his initial attempt being saved by Estonia goalkeeper Matvei Igonen.Switzerland coach Murat Yakin, who will announce his squad for the Euro 2024 tournament on Friday, was joined by Swiss Olympic giant slalom ski champion Marco Odermatt for the national anthems. The victory serves as a confidence booster for Switzerland as they prepare for their final warm-up match against Austria on Saturday at the Kybunpark in St Gallen.Austria, who are in Euro 2024 Group D alongside Poland, France, and the Netherlands, will provide a stern test for Switzerland. In the European Championship, Switzerland will face Hungary on June 15, Scotland on June 19, and hosts Germany on June 23 in Group A. Switzerland's best-ever performance in the tournament was reaching the quarter-finals in 2020.