Football

France emerged victorious over Portugal in a thrilling penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Despite boasting an array of attacking talent, both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the match.The first half was particularly uneventful, with the combined expected goals (xG) at just 0.15. France's inability to score from open play extended to over 500 minutes, a remarkable statistic considering their status as one of the tournament favorites.As the match progressed, Kylian Mbappe's influence waned, and he was eventually substituted before the penalty shootout. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo also had a disappointing night, failing to score despite having 23 shots in the tournament.In the shootout, France converted all five of their penalties, while Portugal's Joao Felix hit the upright. This marked France's first shootout victory in a major tournament since 1998.Despite their lack of goals from open play, France's defense has been impenetrable, not conceding a single goal in Euro 2024. William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano were particularly impressive, nullifying the threat of Portugal's attacking players.The match also highlighted the changing face of Portugal's national team. Goncalo Ramos and Diogo Jota, who have both had impressive seasons at club level, were left on the bench in favor of Ronaldo. This decision raised questions about the future of the team and whether it is time to move on from the aging superstar.

Canada's historic run in the Copa America continued on Friday as they reached the semi-finals after a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Venezuela. The match, which ended 1-1 after regulation time, saw Canada display relentless energy and determination to overcome a resilient Venezuelan side.Jacob Shaffelburg gave Canada an early lead in the 13th minute, but Salomon Rondon equalized for Venezuela in the 64th minute. Both teams failed to score from the spot twice in the shootout, leaving it at 3-3 after five penalties each.Canada goalkeeper Max Crepeau, who had made a costly error for Venezuela's equalizer, redeemed himself by saving Wilker Angel's kick in sudden death. Ismael Kone then converted the winning penalty to send Canada into the semi-finals, where they will face world champions Argentina.Canada's performance was a testament to the team's progress under American coach Jesse Marsch, who took over in mid-May. The Canadians played with high energy and pressing, giving Venezuela little time on the ball.Despite losing 2-0 to Argentina in the opening game of the group stage, Canada has shown remarkable resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Their victory over Venezuela, who won all three of their group stage games, is a testament to their growing confidence and ability.Canada will face a daunting task in the semi-finals against Argentina, but Marsch will believe his team can pull off another upset and reach the final in Miami on July 14.

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.

Portugal and France, two European football powerhouses, will clash in a highly anticipated quarter-final match at Euro 2024. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting world-class players and a rich history of rivalry.The two sides have faced off in the previous two Euros, with Portugal emerging victorious in the 2016 final and the teams drawing 2-2 in the group stage at Euro 2020. This time, the stakes are even higher as Portugal's legendary captain Cristiano Ronaldo aims to end his European career on a high note.Ronaldo, who has won five Ballon d'Or awards, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. However, he faces a formidable opponent in France's Kylian Mbappe, who is considered one of the most promising young players in the world. Mbappe has already won the World Cup with France and is eager to add the European Championship to his trophy cabinet.The match will be played at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany, on Saturday, July 6, at 12:30 AM IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.Portugal will be looking to build on their impressive performance in the Round of 16, where they defeated Slovenia in a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was the hero for Portugal, saving three successive penalties. France, on the other hand, will be confident after topping their group and defeating England in the Round of 16.The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams having the potential to win. Portugal will rely on the experience of Ronaldo and the creativity of Bernardo Silva, while France will look to the pace and skill of Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.

Turkey's Euro 2024 campaign has been marred by controversy after defender Merih Demiral was suspended for two games for making an alleged ultra-nationalist salute. Demiral's gesture, associated with the Turkish right-wing extremist group Grey Wolves, has sparked a diplomatic row between Turkey and Germany, the host nation of Euro 2024.Demiral scored both goals in Turkey's 2-1 victory over Austria in the last 16, but his celebration for his second goal drew the ire of UEFA. The governing body deemed his actions as violating the basic rules of conduct and bringing the sport into disrepute. As a result, Demiral will miss the quarter-final clash with the Netherlands and a potential semi-final against England or Switzerland.The incident has escalated into a diplomatic row, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan set to attend the quarter-final in Berlin. Turkey summoned the German ambassador after politicians condemned Demiral's celebration, with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stating that "the symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in our stadiums."Demiral has defended his actions, claiming that his celebration was related to his "Turkish identity" and that there was no "hidden message." However, the Grey Wolves have a history of violence and radicalism, and their symbol has been banned in Austria and France.The controversy has highlighted the complex relationship between Turkey and Germany, which is home to a large Turkish community. Berlin police have announced increased security measures for the quarter-final, which is considered a "high-risk game."The incident has also raised questions about the role of politics in sports. UEFA's decision to suspend Demiral has been criticized by some as an overreaction, while others argue that it sends a strong message against extremism.As Turkey prepares for the quarter-final without Demiral, the diplomatic row between the two nations continues to overshadow the sporting event. The outcome of the match and the ongoing controversy will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the relationship between Turkey and Germany.

Jude Bellingham, the prodigious English midfielder, has escaped an immediate suspension after making an offensive gesture during England's thrilling victory over Slovakia in the UEFA Euro 2020.UEFA imposed a one-game ban on Bellingham, but it is "not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period" of one year. The 18-year-old will be available for England's crucial clash against Switzerland on Saturday, which will determine their fate in the tournament.Bellingham's gesture, which appeared to be directed towards his crotch, occurred after he scored a stunning overhead kick to level the score in the dying minutes of the match. England went on to win 2-1 in extra time, with Bellingham's goal proving to be a pivotal moment.The incident sparked controversy, with some accusing Bellingham of making an inappropriate gesture. However, the midfielder has denied any wrongdoing, claiming it was an "inside joke" with friends who were present at the game.UEFA has also fined England a total of €11,000 ($11,900) for crowd disturbances and the "lighting of fireworks" during the Slovakia match.Bellingham's gesture has raised questions about the standards of conduct expected of professional footballers. UEFA's decision to impose a suspended ban suggests that they believe Bellingham's actions were inappropriate but not severe enough to warrant an immediate suspension.The incident has also highlighted the challenges faced by young players in the spotlight. Bellingham is one of the most promising talents in world football, but he is still learning the ropes of professional conduct.Despite the controversy, Bellingham remains a key player for England. His performance against Slovakia was a testament to his talent and determination. If he can maintain his focus and avoid further incidents, he has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world.

England's Euro 2024 hopes hang in the balance as they prepare to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Despite boasting a star-studded squad, England's performances have been underwhelming, prompting criticism from fans and pundits alike.Former England striker Michael Owen has been particularly vocal in his assessment of the team's style of play. "If England continue to play this way, we can't win it," Owen said. "Switzerland will probably beat us, let alone any of the bigger teams."England's cautious approach has been a major concern. Despite having attacking talents like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden, the team has struggled to create clear-cut chances. In their group stage matches, England managed just two goals, and they were fortunate to escape with a win against Slovakia in the Round of 16 thanks to Bellingham's stunning bicycle kick.Gareth Southgate's record against top-ranked opposition has also been poor. In 24 games against teams in FIFA's Top 10, England have won only four times. This has led to questions about Southgate's tactical acumen and his ability to get the best out of his players.However, Owen believes that England can still turn things around. "The good thing is that England can get better, their performances can get better," he said. "We were fortunate to be on the really nice side of the draw."If England can overcome Switzerland, they will face either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals. With Spain, Germany, Portugal, and France on the other side of the draw, many believe that England have a favorable path to the final.But Owen warns that England must improve their performances if they want to lift the trophy. "All we can do is hope that the manager changes one or two things," he said. "We certainly need a change in performance if we are to win the tournament."

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.

Switzerland's impressive performance at Euro 2024 has sent shockwaves through the tournament, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with. Despite never reaching the semi-finals of a major international competition, the Swiss have shown that they can compete with the elite teams.Under the guidance of Murat Yakin, Switzerland ruthlessly eliminated defending champions Italy and came within seconds of defeating hosts Germany to top Group A. Their success is not attributed to individual stars but rather to a cohesive team unit that plays as a collective.Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji may be the most recognizable names in the Swiss squad, but it is the trio of Dan Ndoye, Michel Aebischer, and Remo Freuler who have been instrumental in their progress. The Bologna teammates have contributed goals and assists in three of Switzerland's four matches, showcasing their attacking prowess.Kwadwo Duah, the first English-born player to score at this year's Euros, provides additional depth to the Swiss attack. However, he is likely to start on the bench behind Monaco forward Breel Embolo.England defender John Stones acknowledged Switzerland's impressive performances, recognizing their talented players and the challenge they pose. If Switzerland can overcome England, they will face either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals.Yakin expressed his pride in his team's achievements, emphasizing that they have earned their place among the tournament's elite. He believes that Switzerland is on the right track and has the potential to continue their historic run.