Euro 2024 is underway! Our each day recordsdata provide the newest reporting from across the event in addition to betting strains, what to observe for and finest reads.
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The lead: Weghorst saves Netherlands once more, but it surely’s not fairly
HAMBURG — Bear in mind when Netherlands produced a number of the most elegant and prolific purpose scorers within the sport? The times of Robin van Persie, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Kluivert seem like lengthy gone, however at the very least the Dutch can rely on Wout Weghorst.
When Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman wanted a hero to rescue his workforce within the Group D opener towards Poland, he turned to Weghorst, who got here off the bench and delivered the profitable purpose two minutes in a while his first contact to seal a 2-1 victory in Hamburg.
The 31-year-old Hoffenheim striker won’t ever win prizes for his aesthetic qualities, and in case you recall his mortgage spell at Manchester United in the course of the 2022-23 season, when he scored simply two targets in 31 appearances, he will not get an excessive amount of popularity of his affect in entrance of purpose, both. However in an period when the Dutch can not seem to produce a striker who comes near emulating the greats of the previous, Weghorst has grow to be an unlikely hero, scoring huge targets when it issues.
He famously netted two late targets — together with one within the eleventh minute of stoppage time — to take the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal towards Argentina into further time in Qatar, and though the Dutch misplaced that sport on penalties, Weghorst highlighted his worth as an affect sub. He did so once more within the Volksparkstadion on Sunday, with Koeman introducing him within the 82nd minute after seeing the Dutch rating simply as soon as from 20 possibilities.
Weghorst changed Memphis Depay — who’s surprisingly second on the all-time Dutch high scorer listing, six behind Van Persie — and scored two minutes later by stroking house Nathan Ake’s cross from 10 yards. At 6-foot-6, Weghorst cuts an ungainly determine and lacks tempo, however he has proved to be efficient for the nationwide workforce, together with his purpose towards Poland taking him to seven in his previous 11 appearances.
It’s questionable as as to whether his attributes are sufficient to assist the Dutch go deep in Euro 2024, or even perhaps win it, however Koeman is pragmatic sufficient to use the qualities he has. Cody Gakpo, who scored a deflected equaliser after Adam Buksa had headed Poland into an early lead, supplied menace from out huge, whereas Depay put himself into good positions, however the workforce didn’t reap the benefits of their many possibilities.
That lack of high quality on the sharp finish of the pitch would possibly in the end be what prices the Dutch and sees them exit the competitors early within the knockout phases. If that they had a Van Persie or a Van Basten, it will be a unique story, however they do not. Proper now, Weghorst is the striker whom Koeman can depend on, and that will get them solely thus far. — Mark Ogden
– Euro 2024: Touchdown web page | Schedule | Rosters | Information
– Staff previews | Predictions for each workforce (ESPN+)
Sights and sounds round Euro 2024
Southgate makes historical past for England — if solely simply
GELSENKIRCHEN — If you need a 90-minute rationalization of the place England and Gareth Southgate are at proper now, Sunday’s 1-0 win over Serbia was it.
They began with the authority many individuals anticipate of the Three Lions at these finals, Jude Bellingham heading England right into a Thirteenth-minute lead throughout a primary half through which they dominated their opponents in a fashion befitting event favourites.
But their collective power of persona shrunk after half-time. Serbia grew in confidence and England had been left to run down the clock to start out Group C with a victory.
The final consensus is that regardless of points in defence, England have the gamers to win Euro 2024 if the supervisor makes the appropriate name and finds the appropriate mix. Southgate is aware of that dialog — brazenly admitting his fourth event might be his final — and but amid that noise, he chalked up one other piece of historical past in Gelsenkirchen.
England have now performed ten opening matches at a European Championship. This was solely their second win, beforehand drawing 5 instances and shedding three. Their solely previous success got here at Euro 2020. Below Southgate. So, no different England supervisor has ever achieved this comparatively modest accomplishment however Southgate has performed it twice.
England should enhance to satisfy their goal, however this win permits them to start the search from a place of power. — James Olley
Inspirational Eriksen scores on Euro return
Soccer routinely provides us unbelievable targets and gorgeous outcomes, but it surely additionally provides us these indelible, emotional moments through which neither the ball crossing the road nor the outcome itself issues in any respect. Denmark’s Group C opener vs. Slovenia, a 1-1 draw, did not have the hallmarks of a basic (the pair performed twice in qualifying, drawing 1-1 in Ljubljana, whereas the Danes snuck in a 2-1 win in Copenhagen). However Christian Eriksen’s first-half purpose, coming 1,100 days after he suffered a cardiac arrest, means we’ll always remember it.
The final time we noticed Eriksen in Danish colours on the Euros was towards Finland at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen in 2021. Within the forty second minute, the midfielder collapsed on the sidelines as he ready to take a throw-in, and teammate Simon Kjaer administered first assist earlier than a defibrillator was used to resuscitate him. Denmark’s workforce physician, Morten Boesen, admitted later that Eriksen “was gone” on the pitch, with the participant revealing he had “died for 5 minutes.”
0:47
Christian Eriksen displays on scoring a purpose 1,100 days after cardiac arrest
Man of the match Christian Eriksen discusses how in a different way the primary sport in Euro 2024 went for him in comparison with Euro 2020, when he suffered a cardiac arrest.
The incident left Eriksen’s profession unsure as, simply days later, he was fitted with a heart-starter system that in the end pressured him to depart his membership, Inter Milan, as a result of Serie A guidelines that stop gamers from enjoying with such implants. After an emotional return to membership soccer with Brentford after which Manchester United, Eriksen returned to the nationwide workforce in 2022, performed each sport of the World Cup in Qatar, and was a significant component of their highway to Euro 2024. Then, on Sunday in Stuttgart, got here his second.
The purpose itself was easy, as a innocent throw-in down the appropriate was flung in for Jonas Wind, and his first-time flick discovered Eriksen in stride with a transparent lane to purpose. The 32-year-old chested the ball down earlier than volleying it throughout Jan Oblak and speeding to rejoice in entrance of the Danish followers.
The sport completed in unremarkable style. Slovenia had been vigorous (specifically Benjamin Sesko up entrance and Jaka Bijol on the again), whereas Denmark appeared languid all through, finally ceding their dominance to concede a late equaliser as 30-year-old left-back Erik Janza blasted the ball past Kasper Schmeichel with a wholesome deflection off Morten Hjulmand’s thigh.
The outcome does little for both workforce — how they carry out respectively towards England would possibly effectively determine who else advances from Group C — however because of Eriksen’s magic second, we’ll at all times keep in mind this sport. — James Tyler.
Swiss hero Duah nearly misses the bus
COLOGNE — The European Championship usually reveals unlikely heroes, and the primary to emerge in Germany is Switzerland striker Kwadwo Duah. He was such a shock inclusion within the squad for Switzerland’s warm-up video games that he would not characteristic in most of the event preview magazines. However he took simply 12 minutes to announce himself within the first sport towards Hungary with the opening purpose — his first in worldwide soccer — to set Switzerland on their technique to a 3-1 win in Group A.
Duah is 27 and, in a profession that has taken him from Switzerland to Germany and now Bulgaria, he has needed to anticipate his probability on the high degree. He in all probability would not have began towards Hungary had Monaco striker Breel Embolo been totally match. Such was the curiosity in Duah’s story after the sport that he was one of many final Switzerland gamers to emerge from the dressing room after fulfilling quite a few interview requests. He was even instructed by employees he could not converse to any extra reporters as a result of the bus was leaving and there was a hazard they might miss a practice again to their base on the outskirts of Stuttgart. — Rob Dawson
2:28
Can Switzerland maintain a high efficiency for 90 minutes?
Ale Moreno reacts to a powerful win for Switzerland over Hungary to kick off their Euro 2024 marketing campaign.
Italy impressed by previous heroes
DORTMUND — Italy are drawing on the expertise of a few of their former heroes for this Euro 2024 marketing campaign. Firstly of June, supervisor Luciano Spalletti invited legendary No. 10s Roberto Baggio, Alessandro del Piero, Francesco Totti, Gianni Rivera and Giancarlo Antognoni into the camp to encourage the squad. Baggio instructed the squad to embrace the strain of the shirt, whereas Del Piero instructed the workforce: “You may keep in mind this strain with a smile if you’re older.” Rivera instructed them to assault, Totti mentioned it is vital they benefit from the expertise, whereas Antognoni loved catching up with gamers he’d seen in his position with the youth workforce.
Whereas Italy had the late, nice Gianluca Vialli as their head of delegation for Euro 2020, this time round it is 46-year-old former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. He is there to offer steerage to gamers, whereas additionally taking a key position in management. Buffon additionally is aware of what it takes to win on the worldwide stage, having helped Italy to the 2006 World Cup.
“Having Gigi right here, a participant who wrote historical past with Italy, has been vastly vital,” goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma mentioned. “He tells us a little bit bit about his experiences. He instructed us in regards to the unforgettable summer time that that they had in 2006. Having him right here is already nice as a result of Gigi affords a lot, however listening to him inform the story, offer you recommendation, is even higher. He can actually give us recommendation on what’s gone down in historical past.”
After Italy’s opening 2-1 win over Albania, Buffon was there within the dressing room to welcome every participant again. — Tom Hamilton
Stat of the day
Euro 2024 is the primary time that Netherlands have a squad of gamers who weren’t born the final time the nation gained the event again in 1988. — ESPN Stats & Data.
Match previews for Monday
1:36
Why Nicol has doubts about Belgium at Euro 2024
Steve Nicol assesses Belgium’s Euro 2024 hopes forward of their group opener towards Slovakia.
Group E: Romania vs. Ukraine (Munich; 3 p.m. native, 9 a.m. ET)
Odds (through ESPNBET): Romania +300, Draw +240, Ukraine -110
A proficient Ukraine facet start their Euro 2024 marketing campaign towards Romania on the Allianz Area in Munich on Monday amid the continuing backdrop of Russia’s invasion of the nation. Coach Sergiy Rebrov stresses that “there are rather more vital” issues taking place in his homeland, however there may be hope that this squad can present “constructive feelings” throughout harrowing instances.
Wherever you look, there may be high quality on this Ukraine workforce. Actual Madrid’s Andriy Lunin, Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk and Girona duo Viktor Tsygankov and Artem Dovbyk, the latter of whom was the highest scorer in LaLiga this season, are all able to mixing it with the perfect. In a gaggle that additionally accommodates Belgium and Slovakia, there’s a actual perception of progress to the knockout rounds.
That perception will develop if they’ll begin with a win, however they won’t have all of it their very own manner towards Romania. Edward Iordanescu’s workforce certified high of their group, unbeaten by way of 10 video games and solely conceded 5 targets as they booked their place in Germany. They can not match Ukraine’s star names however they’re laborious working, resilient and taking advantage of restricted assets — Sam Marsden.
Group E: Belgium vs. Slovakia (Frankfurt; 6 p.m./midday)
Odds: Belgium -210, Draw +350, Slovakia -550
The primary headline from Belgium’s squad announcement was the absence of star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. He was on the forefront of their “golden technology” however with that group ebbing away — together with Eden Hazard in retirement — this squad is a mixture of 10 from the Euro 2020 workforce (together with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku) and the brand new crew. Regulate the likes of PSV’s Johan Bakayoko, Manchester Metropolis’s Jeremy Doku and Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere, whereas Leandro Trossard will characteristic prominently. Doubts stay over their power on the again with damage issues for Thomas Meunier, Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate, however Belgium ought to come by way of this group comparatively unscathed.
Slovakia are managed by Maurizio Sarri disciple Francesco Calzona, who additionally took interim cost of Napoli this season. He has legendary midfielder Marek Hamsik alongside him within the teaching dugout, and there is an skilled air to this squad with proper again Peter Pekarík and midfielder Juraj Kucka each of their late 30s. That is their third straight Euros, and anticipate striker Róbert Bozeník to fare effectively. Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka brings a peaceful presence to their midfield, Milan Skriniar anchors the again, with Feyenoord’s Dávid Hancko at left again, and Newcastle’s Martin Dúbravka in purpose.
“We’re effectively conscious of our limitations, however they’re very keen and they’re open to my options,” Calzona mentioned. “A whole lot of them normally play in several positions to what they do for the nationwide workforce; that has been the key issue thus far. However they’re keen and dedicated.” — Tom Hamilton
2:03
Are Austria a possible banana pores and skin for France at Euro 2024?
Steve Nicol explains why France’s conflict towards Austria will probably be “tough” for Didier Deschamps’ facet.
Group D: Austria vs. France (Düsseldorf; 9 p.m./3 p.m.)
Odds: Austria +475, Draw +340, France -190
Eighteen months after their defeat within the biggest World Cup last of all time towards Argentina, Kylian Mbappé and France are again in a significant event and as soon as once more are favourites. However Austria are a tough opponent to start out with, with their depth and excessive press. Austria coach Ralf Rangnick retains repeating to his facet that not at all ought to a France participant be given greater than a second on the ball, and it is going to be attention-grabbing to see how Les Bleus counter that.
All eyes will clearly be on Mbappé, the perfect participant on this planet. That is his first huge event as France’s captain, and now that the announcement of his free switch to Actual Madrid this summer time has taken loads of weight off his shoulders, he’s blissful once more after a tricky second a part of the season at PSG. French politics have been closely concerned within the buildup to this sport after Marcus Thuram’s feedback towards the rise of the far proper on Saturday, so the gamers will need to make an announcement on the pitch this time. — Julien Laurens
Betting tip (through ESPN BET)
For me that is France’s event to lose. They’re stacked everywhere in the pitch and naturally have the perfect participant in Europe. I like France to win the Euros and Mbappe high scorer +1100. — Dan Thomas
1:23
The place Burley sees weak spot in Euro favourites England
Craig Burley explains the place England are most weak, regardless of Gareth Southgate’s males heading into Euro 2024 as event favourites.
One huge learn
Is it attainable for a rustic to have probably the most bodily demanding league in world soccer and nonetheless see its nationwide workforce win a world event? England are about to search out out at Euro 2024 as, as soon as once more, the Three Lions try to show that the Premier League is not their greatest roadblock to reaching success.
Regardless of a standing as a significant soccer nation and an abundance of world-class gamers, England have didn’t win a significant event for the reason that 1966 World Cup. However forward of their Euro 2024 opener towards Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, they’re thought of one of many favourites to win it.
So after one other season of two home cup competitions, a winter break so transient that almost all groups barely seen it, and European soccer for the Premier League’s high golf equipment, do Gareth Southgate’s gamers have any probability of overcoming England’s age-old drawback of fatigue?
– Mark Ogden: Why burnout is England’s greatest opponent at Euro 2024
And eventually …
We now have our first social media star of Euro 2024, and it is not one of the huge names you would possibly anticipate.
Hungary striker Martin Ádám went viral after approaching for the final 10 minutes of his workforce’s 3-1 loss towards Switzerland on Saturday — not for his efficiency on the pitch, however as a result of he would not appear to be your traditional footballer at this degree.
Adam, 29, performs for South Korean facet Ulsan HD, stands 6-foot-3 and has a physique extra suited to the NFL than soccer. In reality, together with his full beard, he even bears a passing resemblance to one of many Kelce brothers.
However whereas his dimension catches the attention, Adam has a good goal-scoring report, too: 24 targets in 67 league matches for Ulsan prior to now two years, and he was high scorer within the Hungarian high flight in 2021-22 with 31 targets. He additionally has three targets and three assists in 23 caps for his nation.
When requested the place he was for Euro 2020, Adam’s reply was fairly simple: “I used to be watching it on TV at house ingesting beers!” — Laurens.
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