Football

Christian Pulisic's brilliance propelled the United States to a resounding 2-0 victory over Bolivia in their Copa America Group C opener at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The American captain showcased his exceptional skills, scoring a stunning early goal and setting up the second for Folarin Balogun.Pulisic's goal came just three minutes into the match, as he received the ball from a corner and unleashed a powerful shot that flew into the roof of the net. The early lead gave the US a significant advantage, but they struggled to convert their dominance into further goals in the first half.However, Pulisic's influence continued to be felt, and he played a pivotal role in the second goal just before halftime. He picked up the ball near midfield and surged towards the Bolivian penalty area, before squaring it to Balogun, who calmly slotted it home.The US maintained their dominance in the second half, with Balogun and Pulisic continuing to cause problems for the Bolivian defense. Pulisic drew a fine save from goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra in the 60th minute, while substitute Ricardo Pepi missed a golden opportunity to make it 3-0 in the 65th minute.Despite the missed chances, the US held on to their two-goal lead and secured a vital three points in their Copa America campaign. They will now face Panama in their second group match on Thursday, looking to build on their impressive start.

Albania's Mirlind Daku has been suspended for two matches after leading fans in nationalist chants at the European Championship, which UEFA deemed as bringing soccer into disrepute.Daku took a megaphone after Albania's 2-2 draw with Croatia in Hamburg and joined in chanting slogans against Serbia and North Macedonia. The incidents and fallout from the game in Hamburg have been the most serious involving Balkan politics at a Euros with the most-ever teams from the region playing — and offering a stage for some fans to air its issues.UEFA's disciplinary judges found Daku guilty of "failing to comply with the general principles of conduct, for violating the basic rules of decent conduct, for using sports events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature and for bringing the sport of football into disrepute."UEFA also ordered the Albanian soccer federation to pay fines totaling 47,250 euros ($50,500) for incidents at the game where its fans chanted an anti-Serb slogan, reportedly "Kill the Serbs."The Serbian soccer federation had threatened to quit the tournament if UEFA did not punish the incidents.On the field, Albania plays a decisive group-stage game on Monday against Spain. If Albania advances, Daku also would sit out the round of 16 game.Daku later apologized for his actions in a social media posting, as UEFA appointed an in-house investigator to study his "alleged inappropriate behavior."The 26-year-old forward began playing for Albania last year having used his right under FIFA rules to change his eligibility from Kosovo, the ethnic-Albanian former province of Serbia that declared independence 16 years ago.UEFA had also announced charges against its member federations of both Albania and Croatia over "potential racist and/or discriminatory conduct" by fans on Wednesday.However, only Albania was fined for "transmitting provocative messages not fit for a sports event." The Croatia federation was fined just 27,500 euros ($29,400) for fans lighting and throwing fireworks at the stadium.The Albanian soccer Federation, or FSHF, called on the fans to be "accountable and avoid incidents and riots.""The FSHF invites fans and football lovers to support to the end the Albanian national team in this magical and historic path in Euro 2024 by showing citizenry and accountability through correct behavior and by respecting the rules and the opponents," said a statement.Albania has impressed at Euro 2024 in an opening 2-1 loss against Italy and then the 2-2 draw with Croatia. With three national teams at Euro 2024 from the former Yugoslavia — Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia — plus Kosovo's neighbor Albania, fans have shown that their shared history in the brutal Balkans war of the 1990s and diplomatic issues since cannot easily be forgotten.Nationalist chants raised the hostility levels at Euro 2024 where provocative banners, such as flags with maps, were expected to bring politics into the 10 stadiums in Germany.Serbia and Albania each were fined by UEFA after their opening games for fans "transmitting a provocative message." It cost them 10,000 euros ($10,700) each for a first offense.The Serbian fans' banner about Kosovo had also led to a FIFA prosecution involving players at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Serbia considers Kosovo the cradle of its statehood and Christian Orthodox religion, and is among several European countries that do not recognize its independence.In Germany last week, a television journalist from Kosovo had his credential canceled by UEFA after making the two-handed Albanian eagle gesture while broadcasting pitch-side in front of Serbia fans.The Balkan entries at Euro 2024 could have been five had Bosnia-Herzegovina come through a qualifying playoff bracket in March won by Ukraine.UEFA's president Aleksander Čeferin, a lawyer from Slovenia who grew up in the former Yugoslavia, had said while attending Serbia's decisive qualifying game in November that he would "certainly like" as many teams from the region to qualify as possible.UEFA has a decision to make this year that could be very symbolic about the sport's ability to unite, at a time when it blocks in its competition draw ceremonies any pairings of teams from Kosovo against Serbian or Bosnian opponents for security reasons.The Albanian and Serbian soccer federations have teamed up, despite opposition from many fans, in a bid to co-host the Under-21 Euros in 2027. The other candidates are Belgium and Turkey.UEFA's executive committee — which includes a vice president from Albania, Armand Duka — is scheduled to vote on the 2027 host in December.

The 2024 European Championship has witnessed intense competition as 24 nations vie for a spot in the Round of 16. With the group stage nearing its conclusion, qualification scenarios are becoming clearer.Group A:Germany, with two wins, has already secured qualification. Switzerland, with four points, is virtually assured of a place in the next round. Scotland, with one point, needs a win against Hungary to reach four points. However, a draw could leave them vulnerable to elimination, depending on results in other groups.Group B:Spain, with six points, has also qualified. Italy, with four points, needs to avoid defeat against Croatia to advance. Croatia and Albania both need wins to confirm qualification.Group C:England, with four points, needs to avoid defeat against Slovenia to advance. A win would ensure their status as group winners. Denmark and Slovenia can also qualify automatically with wins. Serbia can finish in the top two if they beat Denmark and Slovenia loses to England.Group D:Netherlands and France, both with four points, are well-positioned to qualify. A draw between them would guarantee their advancement. Austria, with three points, can finish in the top two if they beat the Netherlands. Poland has been eliminated.Group E:For the first time in Euros history, all four teams in Group E have the same number of points after two games. A win for any of them on Wednesday will secure a place in the Round of 16. Belgium and Romania need only a point to advance. If both games end in draws, goal difference will determine the standings.Group F:Portugal, with four points, has already qualified. Czech Republic and Georgia need wins to have a chance at qualifying in the top two. Georgia also requires Turkey to lose their game against Czech Republic, with goal difference playing a role.

England's Euro 2024 campaign has been met with mixed reactions after two lackluster performances. While they have secured a spot in the knockout round, their uninspiring displays have raised concerns among fans and pundits.After a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia, England stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Denmark, prompting boos from the crowd. Manager Gareth Southgate has acknowledged the team's shortcomings, citing their physical condition and lack of intensity in pressing."We are not pressing well enough, with enough intensity," Southgate said. "We have limitations in how we can do that with the physical condition."Southgate has hinted at potential changes to the lineup, having fielded the same starting XI in both games for the first time in 16 matches. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has struggled in an unfamiliar midfield role, was substituted early in the second half against Denmark.Slovenia, on the other hand, is brimming with confidence after their impressive performance against Serbia. Despite conceding a late equalizer, they believe they can challenge England."We have proven that we deserve to be at Euro 2024," said Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek. "Football can be really cruel. But I am convinced that this team will get its satisfaction."Slovenia's attack will be led by Benjamin Sesko, a highly-rated striker who has drawn comparisons to Manchester City's Erling Haaland. Sesko is confident in his team's ability to surprise England."I know we have played two great games, they are not at their best, they're still great of course, but I think now is the best opportunity to play against them and show them the best we can," said Sesko.England's defense will face a stern test against Sesko, who has scored three goals in two games. Southgate will need to find a way to neutralize the Slovenian threat while also addressing the team's pressing issues.The match between England and Slovenia will be a crucial test for both sides. England will be looking to restore their confidence and secure top spot in the group, while Slovenia will be aiming to make a statement and qualify for the knockout round.

Portugal secured their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a dominant 3-0 victory over Turkey on Saturday. Bernardo Silva's early strike, a comical own goal by Samet Akaydin, and Bruno Fernandes's second-half tap-in sealed the win for the reigning European champions.Portugal's star-studded lineup, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, showcased their class against a spirited but limited Turkey side. Silva's composed finish in the 21st minute set the tone for the match, while Akaydin's unfortunate own goal just minutes later doubled Portugal's lead.Ronaldo, who is aiming to become the oldest goalscorer in European Championship history, played a pivotal role in Portugal's victory. He unselfishly set up Fernandes for a simple goal in the 56th minute, demonstrating his enduring quality and leadership.Portugal's victory was a testament to their depth and experience. Despite the absence of key players such as Ruben Dias and Joao Felix, Fernando Santos's side controlled the game from start to finish. They will now face one of the four best third-place finishers in the next round, while Turkey must beat the Czech Republic to secure second place in Group F.The match was played in front of a passionate Turkish crowd at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund. Despite the result, the Turkish fans remained vocal and supportive throughout the game. Their enthusiasm created a vibrant atmosphere, but it was Portugal who ultimately proved too strong.

Belgium Faces Romania in Crucial Euro 2024 ClashWith the pressure mounting in Group E, Belgium faces a pivotal match against Romania on Sunday, June 23. After a disappointing loss to Slovakia, the Red Devils find themselves in a precarious position, needing a victory to avoid falling behind in the race for qualification.Romania, on the other hand, has made a strong start to the tournament, securing a convincing 3-0 win over Ukraine. Their confidence will be high as they take on a Belgian team that has struggled to find its rhythm.Belgium's attacking prowess is undeniable, with Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Romelu Lukaku leading the charge. However, their defense has been shaky, conceding three goals against Slovakia. Lukaku will be eager to make amends after having two goals ruled out by VAR in the previous match.Romania's defense has also been impressive, keeping a clean sheet against Ukraine. They will need to be at their best to contain Belgium's attacking threats.The match will be played at the Cologne Stadium in Cologne, Germany, and will kick off at 12:30 AM IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.With both teams desperate for a win, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Belgium will be looking to bounce back from their defeat, while Romania will aim to continue their impressive start to the tournament.

Claudio Bravo, the oldest player in Copa America history, made four crucial saves to help Chile secure a scoreless draw against Peru in the tournament opener. At 41 years and 69 days, Bravo denied Gianluca Lapadula's first-time shot on a corner kick and Paolo Guerrero's rebound attempt in front of 43,030 fans at AT&T Stadium.Chile's best scoring chance came early in the match when Alexis Sánchez was left unmarked in front of the goal, but his redirection went over the crossbar. The physical battle featured 37 fouls and four yellow cards, reflecting the intensity of the rivalry between the two South American nations.Chile and Peru trail Argentina in Group A. Argentina, which began its Copa America title defense with a 2-0 victory over Canada on Thursday, faces Chile on Tuesday in a rematch of the 2016 Copa America final. Peru plays Canada on Tuesday in Kansas City, Kansas, and closes the first round against Argentina on June 29 in Miami Gardens, Florida.Fourteen U.S. stadiums are hosting the tournament, which runs through July 14 and ends at Miami Gardens, Florida. Six nations from North and Central America and the Caribbean were added to the 10 South American teams, just as in the centennial Copa America in 2016.

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.

Chennaiyin FC has extended the contract of Scottish forward Connor Shields until 2025. The 26-year-old joined the Indian Super League (ISL) club from Motherwell FC in 2023.Since his arrival, Shields has made a significant impact on Chennaiyin's attacking prowess. In 27 appearances across all competitions, he has scored five goals and registered four assists. His contributions have been instrumental in the team's recent resurgence.Shields' versatility and technical ability have made him a valuable asset for Chennaiyin. He is known for his exceptional crossing ability, which has created numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates. Additionally, his pace and dribbling skills allow him to penetrate opposing defenses with ease.Head coach Owen Coyle has praised Shields' qualities, stating, "He's very highly regarded by his teammates and his qualities really shone through for us. So, it's great news for the club to have him back. He has outstanding ability, and is a fantastic crosser of the ball."Shields himself is thrilled to extend his stay in India. He said, "I'm thrilled to extend my stay. The support from the fans, working with the gaff, and everything that is being done for the upcoming season makes it even more exciting. I look forward to contributing all I have."With Shields' contract extension, Chennaiyin FC has secured the services of a key player for the upcoming ISL season. His experience and attacking prowess will be crucial as the team aims to challenge for the championship.