Euro 2024 is underway! Our each day recordsdata provide the newest reporting from across the event in addition to betting traces, what to observe for and finest reads.
Test in with ESPN all through the event as we deliver you the most recent from Germany all the way in which as much as the ultimate on July 14.
The lead: Mbappé, France have room for enchancment
DÜSSELDORF — After a tense week, torn between the preparations for these Euros and the troublesome political context again dwelling during which he despatched a transparent message to the nation, Kylian Mbappé was simply too excited for this event to lastly begin. So who higher than his dad to stumble upon when he walked onto the pitch 80 minutes earlier than their match in opposition to Austria to really feel the ambiance and contact the grass in Düsseldorf? Wilfried Mbappé is in Germany to commentate on matches for French tv and each father and son had a beautiful second collectively. Then it was again to enterprise for Kylian.
Enterprise that was in the end taken care of. France left the Düsseldorf Area as 1-0 winners, and that victory was as slim and hardfought because the scoreline suggests.
This competitors is the 25-year-old’s first as French captain, and he admitted in his information convention on Sunday that this was his dream. The additional stress that comes with the captaincy did not faze him in opposition to a very good Austrian facet, however his lack of match health after a troublesome finish of the season with Paris Saint-Germain — one during which he did not play a lot due to his departure to Actual Madrid — confirmed.
But, although he wasn’t at 100% of his bodily skill, he was nonetheless essentially the most influential participant for Les Bleus. His first likelihood early on compelled an excellent save by Patrick Pentz. His second one simply after the break ought to have been a objective — Mbappé hardly ever misses a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. After the ball was despatched via by Adrien Rabiot, who was wonderful in midfield with the returning N’Golo Kanté, the brand new Galactico missed the goal by just a few inches. Had he been sharper and extra ready, the end result would have been totally different. It is now 18 photographs in his profession on the Euros (2020 and 2024) and Mbappé is but to attain within the competitors.
In between these moments, he dribbled and crossed from the right-hand facet, a ball that was deflected into the Austrian objective by Maximilian Wöber. It was a objective that gave France the lead and finally a slim however deserved win.
On the finish of the match, one of many longest hugs Mbappé gave was to William Saliba. Each come from Bondy, within the northern suburbs of Paris, and it was the primary Euros recreation for the Arsenal centre-back as a starter. Mbappé had been current to assist him and advise him like a good friend, a captain and a teammate would do.
In opposition to Austria, Saliba was good and stable. This French group, like its talisman, has began the event with out a lot magic however with self-discipline, seriousness and construction. And a win. Mbappé and France can now concentrate on going up a gear or two towards their final objective of profitable this Euros on July 14. — Julien Laurens
– Euro 2024: Touchdown web page | Schedule | Rosters | Information
– Staff previews | Predictions for each group (ESPN+)
Sights and sounds round Euro 2024
Belgium’s World Cup hangover lingers into Euros
FRANKFURT — For the second main event operating, it appears like Belgium’s dreadful luck in entrance of objective might price them expensive. They fell to a shock 1-0 defeat to Slovakia in Frankfurt on Monday, however they’d sufficient probabilities to win this match 5 occasions over.
On the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Belgium exited the event on the group stage with a single objective to their title. Two years on, and regardless of Kevin De Bruyne saying on Sunday that Belgium “cannot concentrate on positives or negatives from the previous, the group is sharp and able to begin this event,” their misfortunes in entrance of objective have been blatant as soon as once more.
It wasn’t for need of attempting, however luck abandoned them. Romelu Lukaku had the ball behind the online twice however each objectives have been dominated out after VAR checks; first for offside, and secondly, for handball, after the microchip within the ball detected the ball brushing the correct arm of Loïs Openda for what Belgium hoped would’ve been their equaliser within the eighty fifth minute.
2:53
ESPN FC Dwell crew debate Belgium handball controversy
Gab Marcotti and Shaka Hislop focus on the handball choice in opposition to Loïs Openda for Belgium’s disallowed objective.
How Belgium misplaced this, solely they know. Regardless of time and time once more getting themselves in good spots, they did not capitalise. Their wastefulness was alarming: Leandro Trossard looping one effort over the bar with Martin Dúbravka stranded, Lukaku struggling a heavy contact on two one-on-ones, and having one other shot saved brilliantly at shut vary. De Bruyne labored and labored however simply could not discover the reply.
Slovakia, in flip, have been sensible to observe. Delightfully opportunist, however nicely organised and susceptible to some stray passes on the again that Belgium did not capitalise on. Ivan Schranz’s seventh-minute objective got here off the again of a Belgium error on the again — they have been their very own worst enemies.
That is an thrilling Belgium group, make no mistake. Domenico Tedesco has given them licence to assault — they completed the match enjoying in a 3-2-1-4 formation — however for all of the thrills of Jérémy Doku and second-half substitute Johan Bakayoko, who had a shot cleared off the road due to sensible defending from Dávid Hancko, they nonetheless could not get the ball behind the online. With Romania and Ukraine to come back, Belgium are removed from completed, however the spectre of Qatar’s failings will probably be hanging over this group in the event that they proceed to play with such profligacy. — Tom Hamilton
Romania emerge as one in all Euro 2024’s shock packages
MUNICH — “No Romania, no occasion,” sang the 1000’s of Romania supporters, in English, on the sweat-soaked metro journey to the Allianz Area. That was how the day began. It ended with mass celebrations as Edward Iordanescu’s group joined within the festivities after securing simply their second-ever win at a Euros — their solely earlier victory was in opposition to England at Euro 2000, the final time they gained a recreation at any event — by steamrolling Ukraine 3-0.
1:57
Romania ‘shake up Group E’ with Ukraine win
Sam Marsden joins ESPN FC Dwell to react to Romania’s win over Ukraine that offers them management over Group E.
The main target earlier than had understandably been on Ukraine, collaborating of their first main event since Russia’s invasion in 2022. The discuss after will probably be about Romania — and possibly Andriy Lunin’s goalkeeping — and the way they slipped below the radar pre-tournament.
Maybe that is as a result of they do not have a big-name participant. Ukraine do have some: Mykhailo Mudryk, Oleksandr Zinchenko and LaLiga prime scorer Artem Dovbyk, for instance. What Romania are, although, is an extremely well-drilled, hard-working group. They solely conceded 5 occasions via 10 unbeaten qualifying video games they usually pissed off Ukraine earlier than selecting them off. Lunin is not going to need to see the primary two objectives again however Romania, led by Nicolae Stanciu, the idol for 1000’s of the Romanian followers who crammed Munich clad in yellow, have been ruthlessly efficient. Be careful for Dennis Man, too, the winger who was concerned in all three objectives and is a headline author’s dream. — Sam Marsden
Is Messi serving to to show Germany followers to pink?
We noticed them within the sea of Germany followers, with their resolutely white conventional Mannschaft jerseys (or trikots, as they wish to name them right here). The little blotches of pink and purple have been Germany shirts too, solely they have been the group’s new alternate equipment, designed by Adidas together with the German FA.
The equipment has confirmed to be extraordinarily well-liked, based on Nick Craggs, common supervisor of Adidas Soccer, who was talking to the Swiss newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung. “They’re promoting much better than earlier Germany away jerseys (which have tended to be black, inexperienced or purple) and actually have confirmed to be simply as well-liked as the house jersey,” he mentioned.
Craggs known as the design a “dangerous” alternative and in some methods it’s, although the success of the Inter Miami CF jersey (and the truth that it is what Lionel Messi wears to work) most likely suggests it was a calculated danger. Followers are in no way averse to sporting pink, if the jersey appears cool. And even, as Adidas insists on calling it, “Semi Lucid Fuchsia.” (Which is kinda the identical factor.) — Gab Marcotti
UEFA’s ‘snicko’ tech takes centre stage
It might have slipped your discover forward of the event, however UEFA was more than happy to trumpet its new “snicko” know-how for the VAR.
With out going too deep into the technicalities, contained in the Adidas matchball there is a chip. Its major goal is to detect when the ball is touched on offsides, however UEFA realised it may very well be a brand new toy for handball too.
So now we get what can finest described as a “heartbeat” graphic displayed because the VAR rolls the footage again and ahead. A spike within the show reveals when the ball has been touched.
The spike confirmed us that the fingers of Belgium ahead Loïs Openda brushed the ball, which led to Romelu Lukaku’s 86th-minute equaliser in opposition to Slovakia being dominated out by the video referee.
It did not actually add something when you can clearly see the contact, however UEFA is little doubt going to attempt to use this each time it may possibly. Welcome to soccer in 2024. — Dale Johnson
Endurance sporting skinny with transport points
GELSENKIRCHEN — UEFA can put as many assets because it desires into producing a high-level worldwide event. What it can’t management is the standard of the prepare system in Germany, with the Deutsche Bahn service lengthy since falling into chaos. And now the tons of of 1000’s of soccer followers who’ve travelled for the finals are discovering simply how unhealthy it’s.
Tales of woe are rising from supporters attending video games in virtually each main metropolis. Overcrowding at transport hubs, poor signage at stadia informing followers the place to go, and no Wi-Fi.
Trains are cancelled at brief discover. Some which are timetabled to run by no means even seem. Followers have queued for hours attempting to get to and from matches.
Maybe nowhere are these points extra prevalent up to now than Gelsenkirchen, a small industrial metropolis with a inhabitants of round 260,000 and valuable few accommodations, that means most followers are travelling out and in by prepare. It was an odd option to host Serbia versus England on Sunday. It’s an odd alternative as a bunch venue full cease. A solitary tram route traversing the 4.5 miles from Gelsenkirchen station to the stadium was completely overwhelmed, even when supplemented by buses.
Many selected to courageous the heavy rain showers by strolling, carrying youngsters on their soaked shoulders. Publish-match was a shambles. Tens of 1000’s of followers have been guided via a solitary gate in direction of public transport. Some climbed over the boundaries of a twin carriageway highway to stroll again.
Taxis have been non-existent or exorbitant. One fan attempting to journey virtually two hours after the ultimate whistle was quoted €65 for a 15-minute journey that normally prices round €20. And additional havoc greeted them on the station as trains have been as soon as once more unreliable.
This actually is not nice. Gelsenkirchen major station filled with followers nonetheless attempting to get away however trains both not turning up or delayed. Sport completed virtually 3 hours in the past. pic.twitter.com/7BgYQs4zPr
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) June 16, 2024
Three hours after the ultimate whistle, tons of of followers darted between platforms as scheduled trains disappeared and delayed options threatened to reach.
Gelsenkirchen hosts two extra group video games and a round-of-16 match that would as soon as once more function England. Issues should enhance quick — there and in all places else. — James Olley
Stat of the day
Belgium have scored zero objectives of their previous three main event video games (Monday vs. Slovakia, 2022 World Cup group-stage matches in opposition to Croatia and Morocco). From 2014 to 2021, Belgium have been held scoreless simply thrice in 22 video games at main tournaments (2014 World Cup vs. Argentina, Euro 2016 vs. Italy and 2018 World Cup vs. France). — ESPN Stats & Data.
Match previews for Tuesday
Group F: Turkey vs. Georgia (Munich; 6 p.m. native, 12 p.m. ET)
Odds (through ESPN BET): Turkey -155, Draw +280, Georgia +425
DORTMUND — Optimism in Turkey, after away wins over Croatia and Germany in October and November, has been tempered barely following a run of 5 video games with no win within the buildup to Euro 2024. A 6-1 defeat to Austria in March was notably damaging and there are fears creeping in that, regardless of boasting a rising crop of spectacular children like Actual Madrid’s Arda Güler, this event might finish in disappointment.
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Will Arda Güler have a break-out event at Euro 2024?
Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella has excessive hopes for the younger Actual Madrid midfielder.
Turkey have been fancied as darkish horses forward of Euro 2020, however ended up scoring only one objective on their method to shedding all three group video games to Italy, Wales and Switzerland.
Georgia, in the meantime, are delighted to be in Germany in any respect after qualifying for a significant event for the primary time of their historical past. Managed by former France worldwide Willy Sagnol, they will look to defend nicely and use star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia successfully on the counter-attack. — Rob Dawson
Group F: Portugal vs. Czechia (Frankfurt; 6 p.m./midday)
Odds (through ESPN BET): Portugal -210, Draw +340, Czechia +550
LEIPZIG — Can Cristiano Ronaldo defy the inevitability of time and the weakened competitors of Saudi Professional League soccer to guide Portugal to glory in Euro 2024? We’re about to search out out. Ronaldo scored 35 objectives in 31 appearances for Al Nassr and whereas these numbers are undeniably spectacular, it’s troublesome to understand how they are going to translate onto a stage as grand as this.
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Roberto Martinez defends Cristiano Ronaldo choice at age 39
Portugal supervisor says Cristiano Ronaldo is within the Portugal group “on advantage” amid criticism of his age and enjoying within the Saudi Professional League.
The 39-year-old was benched for Portugal’s two knockout matches on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar however with Roberto Martinez changing Fernando Santos as head coach, Ronaldo is again in favour. This would be the ahead’s eleventh main event.
Czechia have performed at 11 European Championships of their historical past. They arrive as one thing of an unknown given Tuesday’s recreation will probably be coach Ivan Hasek’s first aggressive recreation in cost since assuming management in January. 4 pleasant wins over Norway, Armenia, Malta and North Macedonia supply encouragement however the recreation in Leipzig is clearly an enormous step up. Czechia hope captain Tomás Soucek has overcome an harm scare to function. — James Olley
Betting tip (through ESPN BET)
He’ll, will not he? You already know he’ll. So the place will we get worth for Cristiano Ronaldo scoring and sparking the Lionel Messi debate for the millionth time? Let’s go Ronaldo to outscore Czechia +185. — Dan Thomas
One massive learn
Simply how good was Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2023-24 season? It was “the most effective” within the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s 22-year skilled profession based on — you guessed it — Cristiano Ronaldo. That is actually saying one thing for one of many biggest objective scorers the sport has ever seen — nobody has scored extra for Actual Madrid or in males’s internationals, ever — however the 39-year-old will level to his 35 objectives in 31 Saudi Professional League video games for Al Nassr to again up his declare.
1:55
Hislop questions Ronaldo’s skill to fireside Portugal to Euro glory
Shaka Hislop is not satisfied Cristiano Ronaldo needs to be a starter for Portugal on the age of 39.
However be trustworthy: how a lot have you ever seen of Ronaldo since he left Manchester United and joined Al Nassr 18 months in the past? You may need watched the viral clips: Ronaldo being taunted with chants of “Messi” after shedding the Riyadh derby, Ronaldo seemingly making obscene gestures — twice! — to rival supporters, or Ronaldo crying after shedding the 2024 Saudi Kings Cup closing.
However do you could have a transparent thought of whether or not Ronaldo is able to lead the road for Portugal this month, at a report sixth European Championship? He ended his final main event, the 2022 World Cup, as a pissed off substitute as Portugal crashed out within the quarterfinals.
How a lot has Ronaldo’s recreation — and bodily situation — advanced, or deteriorated, since then? Is it attainable to be each Euro 2024’s largest title, and its largest unknown amount?
– Alex Kirkland: Ought to Cristiano Ronaldo begin for Portugal at Euro 2024?
And eventually …
Who’s extra good-looking between Marcus Thuram and Kylian Mbappé? France coach Didier Deschamps was on Sunday requested to settle the talk, which had been began by Thuram and went viral not solely on social media, but additionally throughout the group camp.
It started when Thuram was mistakenly known as Kylian by a journalist throughout his press convention, to which the Internazionale ahead responded: “I’m extra good-looking than him. I do not appear to be a Ninja Turtle!”
The opposite France gamers discovered it hilarious, together with Mbappé himself, who is usually the butt of the joke in relation to his supposed resemblance to the well-known cartoon characters.
0:30
‘I am extra good-looking than Kylian!’ – Thuram jokes after reporter’s gaffe
Marcus Thuram fires again with a joke after a journalist unintentionally calls him Kylian Mbappe.
So Thuram or Mbappé? Mbappé or Thuram? Ninja Turtle or not? Deschamps might hardly imagine that he was requested the query!
“So Marcus thinks he’s extra good-looking than Kylian? I do not know. You’ll have to do a ballot with ladies about it,” Deschamps mentioned. He then gave essentially the most diplomatic and anticipated reply attainable: “All my gamers are good-looking.” In fact they’re, they’re French! — Julien Laurens
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