Football

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has sent shockwaves through the nation by announcing his "abandonment" of the Selecao, citing the team's dismal performance and lack of leadership.Ronaldinho, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, expressed his disappointment in an Instagram post, stating, "This is a sad moment for those who love Brazilian football. It's difficult to find the energy to watch the games. This is perhaps one of the worst teams in recent years, it has no respectable leaders, just average players for the most part."Brazil, the most successful team in FIFA World Cup history with five titles, has struggled to replicate its past glory since its triumph in 2002. Their best result since then was a fourth-place finish in the 2014 World Cup, marred by the humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany.Ronaldinho's criticism comes as the Selecao prepares for the upcoming CONMEBOL Copa America tournament. Despite boasting talented players like Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, the team has failed to impress in recent outings."I've been following football since I was a child, long before I thought about becoming a player, and I've never seen a situation as bad as this," Ronaldinho lamented. "The shirt lacks love, lacks determination, and most important of all: football."The veteran star declared his intention to boycott the Copa America, stating, "I will not watch any CONMEBOL Copa America game, nor celebrate any victory."Ronaldinho's comments have sparked a heated debate in Brazil, with some fans supporting his stance while others criticize his timing. However, his words serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Brazilian football and the need for a comprehensive overhaul.

France, the reigning World Cup champions, embark on their Euro 2024 campaign with a mission to conquer the elusive European Championship title. Led by the prodigious Kylian Mbappe, Les Bleus aim to make amends for their recent disappointments in the continental tournament.Despite their World Cup triumph in 2018 and UEFA Nations League victory in 2021, France has failed to lift the European Championship since Didier Deschamps took over as coach in 2012. As runners-up in 2016 and a disappointing exit in the last 16 of Euro 2020, the French are determined to make history in Germany.Mbappe, now a Real Madrid star, is eager to lead his country to glory. "The Euros is the only thing he [Deschamps] is missing as a coach," Mbappe said. "After that, he will have ticked every box."France boasts a formidable squad, with Mbappe as the centerpiece. Antoine Griezmann is expected to reprise his midfield role, while Marcus Thuram and Theo Hernandez will provide attacking threat from the left flank. The return of N'Golo Kante adds experience and stability to the midfield.Despite recent unconvincing performances, Deschamps remains confident in his team's ability to find their best form in Germany. He has made tactical adjustments, including experimenting with Griezmann's position and introducing a more attacking left side.William Saliba, Arsenal's rising star, is poised to establish himself in the central defense. Ousmane Dembele's pace and skill on the right wing pose a constant threat to opponents.France's ambitions are not dampened by their recent struggles. "Our ambitions have not changed," said winger Kingsley Coman. "We'll do everything we can."With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, France has the potential to go all the way in Euro 2024. Their quest for European glory begins on Monday against Austria, as they aim to make a statement and bring a divided country together.

Spain's Euro 2024 campaign got off to a flying start with a convincing 3-0 victory over Croatia in Berlin. Coach Luis de la Fuente urged his team to remain grounded despite the impressive performance, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and focused.La Roja dominated the first half, with Alvaro Morata opening the scoring in the 17th minute. Fabian Ruiz doubled the lead just before halftime, and Dani Carvajal sealed the victory with a fine goal in the second half.De la Fuente praised his young team's performance, particularly 16-year-old Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest player ever to play at the Euros. "We dug in against Croatia, who are one of the best teams in the world, and we applied ourselves well in defense," said De la Fuente. "We performed in the way we needed to at every stage."Spain's tactical approach under De la Fuente has shifted from the possession-based style of his predecessor Luis Enrique. La Roja is now more willing to go direct when it suits them, utilizing the pace and versatility of players like Ferran Torres, Nico Williams, and Lamine."We have real versatility and different tactical options," said De la Fuente. "We can hurt opponents with possession or attacks based on positional play, or we can be very quick on the break too."Despite the impressive victory, De la Fuente cautioned his team against complacency. "We have to stay calm, motivated, and proud," he said. "We have a big game against Italy in five days. Our target is still very far away, we have to just keep our feet on the ground."

Italy's defense of their European Championship title got off to a thrilling start on Saturday as they overcame a lightning-fast goal from Albania to secure a 2-1 victory in front of a partisan crowd in Dortmund.Despite conceding the fastest goal in the competition's history just 23 seconds into the match, Italy responded with remarkable resilience. Alessandro Bastoni equalized for the Azzurri in the 11th minute, and Nicolo Barella put them ahead just four minutes later.From that point forward, Luciano Spalletti's team looked much more assured, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. However, they failed to capitalize on their dominance, allowing Albania to remain in the game.The Albanian fans, who made up the vast majority of the crowd, were in disbelief when Nedim Bajrami stunned Italy with an early strike. But Italy's response was swift and decisive, with Bastoni and Barella finding the back of the net in quick succession.Davide Frattesi hit the post for Italy before the interval, while Gianluca Scamacca and Federico Chiesa also came close to extending their lead. However, Albania remained resolute in defense, preventing Italy from adding to their tally.In the second half, Italy sat back and allowed Albania to push forward in search of an equalizer. But the Albanian attack lacked the necessary quality to break down the Italian defense. Substitute Rey Manaj came closest in the 90th minute, but his effort was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.Italy's victory puts them in a strong position to advance to the knockout phase of Euro 2024 from Group B, where they will face fellow heavyweights Spain next Thursday. Despite the early setback, Italy showed their resilience and determination to defend their title.

Albania's Nedim Bajrami etched his name into the annals of European Championship history by scoring the fastest goal ever in the tournament's history. Just 23 seconds into Albania's opening match against Italy on Saturday, Bajrami pounced on a poor throw-in from Italy's Federico Dimarco and unleashed a thunderous shot into the net from inside the box.Bajrami's lightning-fast strike shattered the previous Euros record for the quickest goal, which had stood for 18 years. In 2004, Russia's Dmitri Kirichenko had found the back of the net after 67 seconds against Greece.The goal was a testament to Bajrami's quick thinking and clinical finishing. The Sassuolo forward was alert to the opportunity and wasted no time in capitalizing on Italy's defensive lapse.However, Italy responded swiftly to Bajrami's early strike. Alessandro Bastoni equalized for the reigning champions in the 11th minute, and Nicolo Barella put Italy ahead just five minutes later.Despite the setback, Albania continued to push forward and create chances. They came close to equalizing on several occasions, but Italy's defense held firm.The match ultimately ended in a 2-1 victory for Italy, but Bajrami's historic goal will be remembered for years to come. It was a moment of brilliance that showcased his talent and the growing strength of Albanian football.

England, a perennial favorite in international football, embarks on its quest for a maiden European Championship title on Sunday when it faces Serbia in Group C. The Three Lions, who reached the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, are eager to end their long wait for a major trophy.Gareth Southgate's team boasts a formidable record in the European Championship, having lost only one of its last 18 games excluding penalty shootouts. However, concerns linger over potential fan violence, with the match deemed "high risk" by police. Beer sales at the stadium will be limited to low-alcohol options.England's hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of Jude Bellingham, who has enjoyed a stellar debut season at Real Madrid. The 19-year-old midfielder has already won the Spanish title and Champions League, showcasing his immense talent.Serbia, on the other hand, will be led by striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has been in prolific form for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The 28-year-old scored 28 goals in all competitions last season, finishing behind only Cristiano Ronaldo in the league's scoring charts.Southgate's future as England manager could hinge on the team's performance at the Euros. His contract expires after the tournament, and failure to win a trophy could spell the end of his reign.The fitness of John Stones remains a concern for England, especially given the absence of defensive stalwart Harry Maguire due to injury. Stones missed training earlier in the week due to illness but returned on Thursday. Southgate may consider playing Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as a holding midfielder alongside Declan Rice.Serbia has reported no injury concerns ahead of the match.England's squad includes several experienced players, with Harry Kane, John Stones, and Kyle Walker making their fifth major tournament appearances for the Three Lions. Serbia, meanwhile, has scored 15 goals in qualifying for the Euros, with five of them coming from headers.Kane, England's all-time leading scorer with 63 goals, is still searching for his first trophy at club or international level. Mitrovic, on the other hand, has scored 28 goals in all competitions for Al-Hilal, behind only Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.Eleven members of Southgate's squad, including Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, are making their major tournament debuts.The match between England and Serbia is expected to draw a large crowd, with 80,000 liters of beer available to fans in Gelsenkirchen.

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.

Lamine Yamal, a prodigious 16-year-old winger for Barcelona, is poised to make history as the youngest player to ever grace the European Championship. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has selected Yamal to start their opening match against Croatia on June 15.Yamal's selection eclipses the previous record held by Polish international Kacper Kozlowski, who played at Euro 2020 at the age of 17 years and 246 days. If Yamal finds the back of the net during the tournament in Germany, he will shatter the record for the youngest goalscorer at the Euros, currently held by Johan Vonlanthen for Switzerland against France in 2004.Yamal's meteoric rise has been nothing short of remarkable. He made his debut for Barcelona at the tender age of 15 and has since established himself as a key player for the Catalan giants. De la Fuente handed Yamal his Spain debut in September 2022, making him the country's youngest ever player and goalscorer against Georgia in Euro 2024 qualifying.Yamal's selection has sent shockwaves through the football world. Croatia captain Luka Modric, 38, joked, "When I hear that kind of thing, I feel really old. Everyone will see him as the greatest danger for Spain, he's got great potential and a great career in front of him."Yamal's emergence has not only excited Spanish fans but has also raised questions about the future of the national team. With a plethora of young talent emerging, Spain could be poised for a resurgence on the international stage.

Spain and Croatia, two European football powerhouses, will face off in a highly anticipated Group B encounter at the Euro 2024 in Berlin on Saturday.Spain, under the guidance of coach Luis de la Fuente, will be looking to make a strong start to their campaign with a victory over Croatia. De la Fuente has praised the talents of young wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who have impressed with their performances for Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao respectively.Croatia, on the other hand, will be aiming to continue their impressive run at major tournaments. Despite being considered underdogs, the team led by Luka Modric has consistently exceeded expectations. Modric, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, remains a key figure for Croatia and will be looking to inspire his team to another memorable performance.The match will be played at the Olympiastadion Berlin, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 am IST. The match will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.Spain will be hoping to build on their recent success, having won the 2021 UEFA Nations League. Croatia, meanwhile, will be aiming to replicate their heroics from the 2018 World Cup, where they reached the final.Both teams have a wealth of experience and quality, and the match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Spain will be looking to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game, while Croatia will likely adopt a more counter-attacking approach.The outcome of the match could have a significant impact on the standings in Group B, which also includes Scotland and the Czech Republic. A victory for Spain would put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages, while a win for Croatia would give them a major boost in their quest to reach the latter stages of the tournament.