Football

Turkey vs Georgia: A Clash of Euro 2024 ContendersTurkey and Georgia will lock horns in a crucial Group F encounter in Euro 2024 on Tuesday, June 18. Turkey, known for their unpredictable performances, will be aiming to secure a direct berth in the knockout stage. Led by midfield maestro Hakan Calhanoglu and rising star Arda Guler, the Turkish squad boasts a blend of experience and youthful exuberance.Georgia, making their Euro debut, will be no pushovers. Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a rising star in European football, will be a key player for the Georgian side. With a talented squad and a determination to make a mark on the international stage, Georgia will be eager to upset the odds.The match will be played at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund, Germany, and will kick off at 9:30 PM IST. The encounter promises to be a thrilling battle between two nations with contrasting strengths and ambitions.Turkey, with their experienced midfield and attacking prowess, will be the favorites to emerge victorious. However, Georgia's youthful energy and the presence of Kvaratskhelia could pose a significant threat. The match is expected to be closely contested, with both teams eager to make a statement in their Euro 2024 campaign.

Kylian Mbappé, the French football superstar, has become the latest player to don a protective mask on the field after breaking his nose in the opening game of Euro 2024. The carbon-fiber mask is expected to be a fixture for Mbappé if he is to continue playing in the tournament.Mbappé is not the first footballer to wear a mask. Son Heung-min, the South Korean forward, wore one at the 2022 World Cup after suffering a broken eye socket. Joško Gvardiol, the Croatian center back, also wore a mask at the World Cup after a clash of heads.In the past, Paul Gascoigne, the former England midfielder, wore a mask after suffering a broken cheekbone. Antonio Rüdiger, the German defender, wore a mask at Euro 2020 after a blow to the face. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gabonese striker, wore a personalized mask after his jaw was broken in a burglary.The use of masks in football has become more common in recent years as players seek to protect themselves from facial injuries. The masks are made of lightweight carbon fiber and are designed to absorb impact and prevent further damage.Mbappé's injury is a blow to France, who are one of the favorites to win Euro 2024. The 24-year-old is one of the most dangerous attackers in the world and his absence would be a major setback for the team.However, Mbappé is determined to play through the pain and help France win the tournament. He has already shown that he can be effective with a mask, scoring a goal in France's 1-0 win over Austria in the opening game.

The Copa America, South America's premier international football tournament, is set to return in 2024 with a captivating lineup of teams and a rich history. The tournament will feature 16 nations, including 10 from the CONMEBOL confederation and 6 from the CONCACAF confederation.Argentina and Uruguay stand as the most successful teams in Copa America history, each having won the championship 15 times. However, the tournament has also witnessed the rise of other formidable teams, such as Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.In the 2024 edition, two countries from CONMEBOL, Ecuador and Venezuela, will be aiming to break their Copa America title droughts. Ecuador has never won the tournament, while Venezuela's best result was a fourth-place finish in 2011.Canada, a member of the CONCACAF confederation, will make its debut in the Copa America in 2024. The Canadians will be eager to prove their mettle against the best teams in South America.Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, holds the record for the most appearances in Copa America history. He has played in 16 matches, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists.The 1959 Copa America holds a unique distinction as the only edition to have been played twice. Argentina and Ecuador hosted the tournament in different years, with Argentina emerging victorious on both occasions.In 1987, Carlos Valderrama of Colombia became the first player to receive the official Best Player of the Tournament award. Since then, the award has been given to some of the most iconic players in South American football, including Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Neymar.Dunga of Brazil holds the unique distinction of winning the Copa America both as a player and a coach. He led Brazil to victory in 1989 and 1997 as a player, and again in 2007 as a coach.The 2024 Copa America promises to be an unforgettable spectacle, showcasing the passion, skill, and rivalry that have made South American football so beloved around the world.

Croatia's Euro 2024 campaign has hit a roadblock after a humbling 3-0 defeat to Spain in their opening match. The loss has raised concerns about the future of the team's "golden generation," as several key players are nearing the end of their careers.Captain Luka Modric, 38, winger Ivan Perisic, 35, and midfielders Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic, as well as forward Andrej Kramaric, are all in their 30s. Former lynchpins of the national team, including Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Rakitic, and Dejan Lovren, have already retired from international football.The average age of the 15 players who featured in the loss to Spain was 28.5 years old. Coach Zlatko Dalic insists that the defeat was not a fatal blow, but there are fears that this could be the end of an era for Croatia.Dalic is expected to opt for a switch in formation, potentially breaking up the midfield trio of Modric, Kovacic, and Brozovic. Brozovic has looked off the pace for Croatia since his move to Saudi club Al-Nassr last year.Despite creating chances against Spain, Croatia were unable to capitalize, and a through ball from Fabian Ruiz split them open and sent Alvaro Morata in on goal to score the first goal."I don't think it looked as bad as the result suggested," said winger Lovro Majer. "It's football, sometimes you concede and you don't score, but it didn't look so terrible."Croatia have experience of recovering from similar positions at major tournaments. They progressed from the group stage at Euro 2020 despite an opening 1-0 loss to England and started their excellent Qatar World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Morocco.Dalic apologized to the fans after Saturday's defeat and his players vowed to battle on. "We can only promise that we will do our best and fight to the end and that we will celebrate in the next two games and get through the group," said Wolfsburg's Majer.

With a combined age of 106, Germany's three remaining 2014 World Cup winners, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Mueller, and Toni Kroos, are leading the hosts' charge for Euro 2024 glory. Off the pitch, they are close friends, but on the field, they are the only players in the 26-man squad to have each played over 100 games for Germany.Not only are they the most experienced members of the squad, but they also carry the weight of a nation's expectations. Since a semi-final elimination to France at Euro 2016, Germany has struggled in major tournaments, with two World Cup group stage exits bookending a last 16 elimination by England at Euro 2020.However, after a 5-1 romp against Scotland in the tournament opener, their best performance at a major tournament for almost a decade, Germany's golden oldies are hoping for a successful last dance on home soil.While the exploits of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, both 21, stationed either side of the 25-year-old Kai Havertz, have dominated highlights reels, Germany has gone with an experienced squad for the Euros. With an average age of 28.5, Germany's squad is the oldest at the tournament, with 10 of the 26 members aged 30 or older.Germany's starting XI against Scotland on Friday was the oldest they have fielded at a tournament since Euro 2000, when Lothar Matthaeus led them onto the pitch against Romania. Neuer, 38, is two years older than coach Julian Nagelsmann. Kroos and Mueller are both 34 -- a year older than captain Ilkay Gundogan.Gundogan made his Germany debut in 2011 but missed out as Germany lifted the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 with a back injury. Neuer's first Germany cap was in June 2009, while Mueller and Kroos made their debuts in the same match nine months later.Kroos, who has confirmed he will end his career at the end of the tournament, had retired from international duty in 2021 but came back with a Euro 2024 win in mind. And Kroos has undoubtedly been the most impressive of the three, showcasing his calmness and control against Scotland.Despite being under fire for some pre-tournament mistakes, Neuer remains a calming presence between the sticks and is still an excellent distributor of the ball. Mueller's playing peak may be behind him, but few are better at bringing a diverse cohort together.When announcing the Euro 2024 squad, Nagelsmann named Mueller "a connector" who "can link the rappers with the yodellers" in the squad. The veteran forward seems to be doing his part at Germany's camp in the Bavarian village of Herzogenaurach. Neuer lauded the "mood and the atmosphere within the camp", saying "there's just a really good, colourful mix in our team".Neuer said he was "happy to hang out" with the younger squad members, joking that he can "hear conversations that are perhaps a little different to those with Toni Kroos or Thomas Mueller".Speaking on Monday, Neuer said the trio "bring a very good perspective" to the squad. "We've already experienced a lot together. We've had times with good or bad first games and at the beginning you don't always know where you stand."Neuer said they would make sure Germany "keep our feet on the ground" despite blowing Scotland off the park. "I think the relationship between us is simply very good and has been over the years too. "But we don't just get on well off the pitch, we're also fine characters on the pitch who always give everything to the team. "Even if someone isn't playing, like Thomas isn't starting, but he is a player who contributes everything. "We know about his ability and I'm glad I've been able to bring such great people and players into my career."

Manchester City to Kick Off Premier League Title Defense at ChelseaThe Premier League has released its fixture list for the upcoming season, with defending champions Manchester City set to begin their title defense away to Chelsea on August 18. The match will mark a reunion between Pep Guardiola and his former assistant Enzo Maresca, who was recently appointed Chelsea boss.FA Cup winners Manchester United will host the opening game of the campaign when Fulham visit Old Trafford on August 16. Newly promoted Ipswich, back in the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, will welcome Liverpool's new manager Arne Slot on August 17.Leicester, back in the top flight after one season in the Championship, will host Tottenham on August 19. Brighton's new manager Fabian Hurzeler will begin his reign away to Everton, while West Ham's new boss Julen Lopetegui will welcome Aston Villa.Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, who finished as runners-up behind City for a second straight season, will host Wolves.Other notable fixtures include:* Liverpool vs. Manchester United (August 26)* Manchester City vs. Arsenal (September 16)* Chelsea vs. Manchester United (October 22)* Arsenal vs. Manchester City (April 29)The Premier League season will conclude on May 28, 2024.

France celebrated a milestone victory as they secured a 1-0 triumph over Austria in their Euro 2024 opener, marking manager Didier Deschamps' 100th win at the helm. However, the victory was marred by an injury to star forward Kylian Mbappe.France's dominance was evident from the outset, with Mbappe's dazzling dribbling and incisive passing causing constant problems for the Austrian defense. In the 38th minute, Mbappe's brilliance paid off as he danced past three defenders and delivered a pinpoint cross that forced Austria's Max Wober to inadvertently head the ball into his own net.Despite their early advantage, France struggled to maintain their momentum. Austria's relentless high-pressing and aggressive tackling kept them in the contest, and they nearly took the lead before France's goal when Marcel Sabitzer's cross found Christoph Baumgartner, whose shot was deflected wide.After the interval, France regained some control, with Marcus Thuram forcing a fine save from Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz. However, the Austrians remained resolute, and their passionate fans roared them on until the final whistle.Mbappe's night took a sour turn late on when he collided with Austria's Patrick Pentz, resulting in a suspected broken nose. The incident left Mbappe bloodied and bruised, and he was eventually substituted with a yellow card for sitting down on the pitch after receiving treatment.Despite the injury to their talisman, France held on for the victory, thanks in no small part to the masterful performance of N'Golo Kante in midfield. The returning midfielder justified his recall to the squad with a dominant display, breaking up Austria's attacks and providing a solid foundation for his team.France now join the Netherlands on three points after the Dutch beat Poland 2-1 on Sunday. They will face the Netherlands in their next match, while Austria will take on Poland in a bid to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

In a stunning upset at the European Championship, Slovakia stunned Belgium 1-0 on June 17, 2023, in a match marred by two disallowed Romelu Lukaku goals.Slovakia struck early, with Ivan Schranz scoring in the seventh minute after a defensive error by Belgium's Jérémy Doku. Despite Belgium's dominance in possession, they struggled to break down Slovakia's resolute defense, which featured two 37-year-old outfield players.Lukaku, Belgium's record scorer, had two goals ruled out by video review. His first was overturned for offside, while the second was deemed to have been handled by Loïs Openda before his pass to Lukaku.Belgium's frustration was compounded by a brave goal-line block from Slovakia's Dávid Hancko, who left the field with a face injury after colliding with a teammate's knee.Slovakia's victory was their first in the European Championship finals and a triumph for their Italian coach, Francesco Calzona. The win also preserved the record of two 37-year-olds starting a match in the tournament, which could be broken if Portugal selects Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe on Tuesday.Belgium, who had won 14 consecutive qualifying matches under Domenico Tedesco, suffered their first loss in 15 games. They now face Romania on Saturday, while Slovakia will take on Ukraine on Friday.

Belgium vs Slovakia: Euro 2024 Group E Clash PreviewBelgium, one of the tournament favorites, will face Slovakia in a highly anticipated Group E encounter at the Euro 2024 in Frankfurt on Monday. Despite their impressive roster, Belgium has yet to claim a major title in recent years. However, the return of Kevin De Bruyne, who missed most of the Euro 2024 qualifiers due to injury, provides a significant boost to their hopes.Slovakia, on the other hand, impressed during their qualification campaign and will be eager to upset their more illustrious opponents. The match promises to be a fascinating clash between two teams with contrasting strengths and ambitions.Belgium: A Contender with a Point to ProveBelgium boasts a star-studded squad featuring the likes of De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Eden Hazard. They are renowned for their attacking prowess and possession-based style of play. However, they have struggled to translate their individual brilliance into collective success at major tournaments.The presence of De Bruyne, who has been in scintillating form for Manchester City, will be crucial for Belgium's chances. His creativity and vision will be key to unlocking the Slovakian defense. Lukaku, the team's all-time leading scorer, will be looking to add to his tally and provide a focal point for the attack.Slovakia: Underdogs with a Surprise in Store?Slovakia may not possess the same star power as Belgium, but they have shown great promise in recent years. They qualified for the Euro 2024 with an impressive record, finishing second in their group behind Spain.The team is led by Marek Hamšík, a veteran midfielder who has been a key figure for Slovakia for over a decade. Other notable players include Milan Škriniar, a solid defender, and Róbert Mak, a dangerous winger.Slovakia will likely adopt a more defensive approach against Belgium, looking to frustrate their opponents and hit them on the counterattack. They will need to be disciplined and organized to contain Belgium's attacking threats.Match Details:* Date: Monday, June 17 (IST)* Venue: Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt* Time: 9:30 PM IST* TV Channels: Sony Sports Network* Live Streaming: SonyLiv app and website