Football

Switzerland and Italy Clash in Euro 2024 Round of 16The highly anticipated Euro 2024 knockout stage kicks off with a thrilling encounter between Switzerland and Italy in the Round of 16. Both teams finished second in their respective groups, setting the stage for a captivating battle.Switzerland, despite finishing behind hosts Germany in Group A, displayed impressive form throughout the group stage. They came agonizingly close to defeating Germany in their final group game, showcasing their resilience and determination.Defending champions Italy, on the other hand, have had a more challenging journey to the knockout stage. After a disappointing loss to Spain, they managed to secure a last-minute equalizer against Croatia to qualify for the Round of 16.The winner of this match will face either England or Slovakia in the quarter-finals, adding to the stakes of this crucial encounter.Match Details:* Date: Saturday, June 29 (IST)* Venue: Olympiastadion, Berlin* Time: 9:30 PM IST* TV Channels: Sony Sports Network* Live Streaming: SonyLiv app and websiteKey Players to Watch:* Switzerland: Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri, Breel Embolo* Italy: Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Federico ChiesaAnalysis:Switzerland will be looking to build on their strong group stage performance and upset the defending champions. Their midfield, led by Xhaka and Shaqiri, will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game.Italy, despite their recent struggles, possess a wealth of experience and quality. Their defense, anchored by Bonucci and Chiellini, will be tested by the attacking prowess of Switzerland.The match promises to be a close and entertaining affair, with both teams desperate to advance to the quarter-finals.

Defending champion Italy will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the European Championship on June 29, aiming to continue its dominance over its opponent. Switzerland has not defeated Italy in 31 years and has only eight wins from their previous 61 meetings. However, the Swiss are unbeaten this year, with their only loss in 2023 coming in the last game of qualifying.Italy has fond memories of playing at Berlin's Olympiastadion, having won the 2006 World Cup final there and the 1936 Olympic Games final. However, Euro 2024 has been a challenging experience for the Azzurri, who conceded after just 23 seconds in their opening win over Albania, were outclassed in a 1-0 defeat to Spain, and needed a last-second strike to salvage a 1-1 draw against Croatia.Switzerland opened with a 3-1 win over Hungary before 1-1 draws against Scotland and host nation Germany. The two teams faced each other in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, drawing both games, with Switzerland finishing top of the group and Italy missing out after losing to North Macedonia in the playoffs.Several players from both teams have experience in the other country's league. Yann Sommer, Ricardo Rodríguez, Remo Freuler, Noah Okafor, Michel Aebischer, Dan Ndoye, Dennis Zakaria, Silvan Widmer, and Xherdan Shaqiri have all played in Italy's Serie A, while Federico Dimarco is the only member of Italy's squad to have played in Switzerland.The winner of the quarterfinal will face England or Slovakia in the semifinals in Düsseldorf on July 6. Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori is suspended, left back Federico Dimarco is out with an injury, and fellow defender Alessandro Bastoni's availability is in question. Switzerland defender Silvan Widmer is also suspended, and several players, including Granit Xhaka, are at risk of missing the next match if booked.Switzerland has failed to progress beyond the group stage in its first three European Championship appearances but has reached the knockout stage in each of its last three tournaments. Italy has scored in each of its previous six matches at the Olympiastadion, while Switzerland has won only one of its four penalty shootouts at a World Cup or Euros.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by both brilliance and frustration. The Portuguese superstar has been a constant presence in the spotlight, but his on-field performances have left much to be desired.Ronaldo's struggles began with a series of on-field incidents. He was booked for a rash challenge against a referee, booted away a water bottle in frustration, and remonstrated angrily in the dugout. These outbursts have raised questions about his temperament and whether he is still capable of handling the pressure of major tournaments.Compounding his on-field woes, Ronaldo has failed to score a single goal in seven consecutive matches at major tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. This is the first time in his illustrious international career that he has ended a group stage without a goal.Despite his lack of goals, Ronaldo's coach, Roberto Martinez, remains steadfast in his support. He has praised Ronaldo's work ethic and his ability to inspire his teammates. Martinez believes that Ronaldo's experience and leadership are invaluable to the team, even if he is not scoring goals.However, some critics argue that Ronaldo's continued presence in the starting lineup is a distraction for the team. They point to his declining mobility and pressing ability, which they believe are hindering Portugal's overall performance.As Portugal enters the knockout stage, the question remains: will Ronaldo's drama continue to overshadow the team's pursuit of a major title? Or will he rise to the occasion and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with?

Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran and his wife Supriya Menon have acquired a significant stake in Kochi FC, a team that will participate in the inaugural Super League Kerala. The league is set to commence in late August, and the Kochi team, formerly known as Kochi Pipers FC, has been rebranded as Kochi FC.Prithviraj expressed his optimism that the league's inaugural season would significantly boost football activities at both the professional and grassroots levels, creating opportunities for talented and aspiring players. Mathew Joseph, the Super League's CEO, highlighted that Prithviraj's involvement would bring a unique fusion of entertainment and sports to Kerala during the 60-day football extravaganza.In addition to Prithviraj and Supriya, several other individuals have joined the Kochi FC ownership group. Praveesh Kuzhipally and Shameem Backer, former co-owners of the Kannur team, have become co-owners of Kochi FC alongside Nasly Mohammed and Mohammed Shyjal.The Super League Kerala is a six-team competition that aims to promote football in the state. The league will feature teams from various regions of Kerala, including Kochi, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram, and Thrissur. The tournament will provide a platform for local players to showcase their skills and compete against top-quality opposition.Prithviraj's involvement in Kochi FC is expected to generate significant interest in the Super League Kerala. The actor's vast fan base and his passion for football are likely to attract a large following for the team. The league is also expected to benefit from the expertise and resources of the new owners, who have a proven track record in sports management.The inaugural season of the Super League Kerala promises to be an exciting and competitive affair. With the involvement of talented players, experienced coaches, and passionate owners, the league is poised to make a significant contribution to the development of football in Kerala.

Brazil's Vinicius Jr. emerged as the star of the show in their 4-1 Copa America victory over Paraguay, bouncing back from a lackluster performance in their tournament opener. The victory marked Brazil's first win in six competitive matches and their maiden competitive triumph under manager Dorival Jr., who took charge in January.From the outset, Vinicius' pace and trickery posed a constant threat to Paraguay down the left flank, a stark contrast to his ineffective display in Brazil's 0-0 draw with Costa Rica. Despite Brazil's strong start, Paraguay nearly took the lead in the 15th minute, but Damian Bobadilla's goal-bound effort was deflected off Eder Militao and nearly wrongfooted goalkeeper Alisson Becker.Brazil earned a penalty in the 28th minute for a handball, but Lucas Paqueta's spot-kick was wide of the mark. However, the midfielder made amends seven minutes later, setting up Vinicius with a first-time pass to cap off a flowing team move. Girona winger Savio doubled Brazil's advantage after pouncing on a rebound inside the box, before Vinicius diverted a clearance from Omar Alderete into the net for his second goal of the night in first-half stoppage time.Paraguay got a goal back after the break as Alderete netted a superb long-range effort, but any hopes of a comeback were swiftly dashed when Brazil were awarded a penalty in the 68th minute after a handball by Mathias Villasanti. Despite his earlier miss, Paqueta stepped up and made no mistake at the second time of asking to send Brazil's fans into delirium.Towards the end of the match, tempers flared and Andres Cubas was shown a red card after kicking out at Douglas Luiz, with Brazil using their man advantage to comfortably see out the game and clinch the three points.

Lionel Messi, the talismanic captain of Argentina, will miss the team's final Copa America group game against Peru due to muscle tightness. The news was confirmed by assistant coach Walter Samuel, who stated that Messi is being monitored on a "day-by-day" basis.Messi experienced discomfort in his right adductor muscle during Argentina's previous match. Samuel emphasized that the team is not overly concerned about Messi's absence, as they have proven capable of performing well without him in the past."The team has always shown that they can rise to the occasion when he's not there," Samuel said.Argentina has already secured a spot in the quarter-finals after victories over Canada and Chile. A draw against Peru on Saturday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami would ensure their qualification as group winners.Despite Messi's absence, Samuel insisted that Argentina will field a strong team against Peru. "Peru has top players; we are taking this game with the utmost seriousness," he said.Samuel will be in charge on the bench as head coach Lionel Scaloni serves a one-game suspension for the team's tardiness in emerging for the second half in their previous matches. Scaloni expressed disappointment over the suspension, stating that he and his coaching staff have always maintained a high level of professionalism.Argentina is expected to rest several key players against Peru, but Samuel emphasized that the team will still aim for a win. "We want to finish the group stage on a high note," he said.

Aston Villa have bolstered their defensive ranks with the acquisition of Netherlands international Ian Maatsen from Chelsea. The 22-year-old left-back joins the Villans on a permanent deal, reportedly worth around £37.5 million.Maatsen, who spent the previous season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, impressed with his performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League. He made 16 appearances in the German top flight, scoring once in Dortmund's quarter-final victory over Atletico Madrid. He also featured in seven Champions League matches, including the final against Real Madrid.Prior to his loan spell at Dortmund, Maatsen had made 12 Premier League appearances for Chelsea. He has also gained valuable experience on loan at Charlton, Coventry, and Burnley.Maatsen's arrival at Villa Park reunites him with manager Unai Emery, who signed him for Arsenal in 2018. The Dutch defender is the second signing made by Emery in the pre-season transfer window, following the acquisition of forward Lewis Dobbin from Everton.Villa's ambitious plans for the upcoming season include competing in the Champions League after finishing fourth in the Premier League last term. Maatsen's versatility and experience will be crucial as the Villans aim to make an impact on multiple fronts.The Netherlands international is currently with his national team at Euro 2024 in Germany, where he has been called up as a replacement for the injured Frenkie de Jong.

Germany, the hosts of Euro 2024, will face Denmark in the last 16 on Saturday in Dortmund. The Germans are hoping to avoid a repeat of their disappointing 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their final group stage match.After impressive victories over Scotland and Hungary, Germany's hopes were dashed against Switzerland. They were on the verge of defeat before Niclas Fuellkrug's stoppage-time header salvaged a draw and secured first place in the group.The draw served as a wake-up call for the hosts, who are aiming for their fourth Euros title. Coach Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged that there is still much work to be done.Germany's trophy cabinet may be more impressive than Denmark's, but the Danes famously defeated them in the Euro 1992 final. Denmark's triumph, after failing to qualify and then being admitted following Yugoslavia's exclusion, became a fairytale. However, Germany still regrets underestimating the Danes.Berti Vogts, a Euros and World Cup winner as a player, coached Germany in that 1992 final. He admitted in a recent column that his team "underestimated" Denmark."In 1992, we lost the Euros final against a great Danish team even though we were the favorites," he wrote. "Everyone thought we had the title in the bag, unfortunately, some players did too."Denmark, a 2020 semi-finalist, resembles Switzerland in many ways, with a well-drilled team and several talented players at top clubs. Vogts warned that the current Danish team may not have the same quality as their 1992 counterparts, but the pressure is on Germany."The Danes were hungry for success and carefree, they just played football and took us by surprise," Vogts said. "The German team should not make that mistake now. The Switzerland game was therefore an important warning shot."Germany has won five and drawn two of their seven games in 2024, thanks in part to Nagelsmann's consistent starting XI. However, the policy has cost them center-back Jonathan Tah for the Denmark clash after he picked up a second yellow card against Switzerland.Nico Schlotterbeck, Borussia Dortmund's talented but unpredictable central defender, will replace Tah on Saturday. Antonio Rudiger is also doubtful for the clash with a hamstring injury.Schlotterbeck expressed confidence in Germany's preparation for the match. "We know actually everything about the Danes," he said. "The whole match plan, defense, offense. We know about Denmark and how we will play them."Nagelsmann may consider replacing Arsenal forward Kai Havertz with Niclas Fuellkrug, who has scored twice off the bench so far. Fuellkrug, who made his debut at the age of 29 in 2022, has 13 goals to Havertz's seven.Fuellkrug downplayed his role as a supersub, saying, "The title is so much more important than the individual."

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.