Euro 2024 is underway! Our each day information provide the newest reporting from across the event in addition to betting strains, what to observe for and greatest reads.
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The lead: Scotland’s watch for the knockouts goes on
STUTTGART, Germany — Scotland solely wanted one purpose earlier than kickoff. Because it was, they did not actually have a shot on course.
The group that arguably introduced the largest assist to Euro 2024 nonetheless one way or the other managed to go away it with a whimper, shedding 1-0 to Hungary in Stuttgart to complete backside of Group A. Victory on Sunday would have virtually definitely despatched Scotland by way of as one of many 4 greatest third-place finishers, reaching the knockout levels of a significant worldwide event for the primary time of their historical past, on the twelfth try.
The Tartan Military packed out the MHP Enviornment with lung-busting renditions of “Flower of Scotland” and a bagpiper stationed close to one nook of the Scottish assist enhancing an event already wealthy in emotion.
Steve Clarke’s pre-tournament goal of 4 factors was inside attain after recovering from a heavy defeat to Germany on the opening evening — for which round 200,000 Scottish followers descended on Munich — by drawing with Switzerland 4 days in the past. But the sense of event appeared to eat them. Maybe the load of historical past was an excessive amount of to bear.
Hungary are hardly ever concerned about possession for the sake of it. Scotland, atypically for them, due to this fact had extra of the ball however the palpable plan of retaining issues tight earlier than attempting their luck later merely created a first-half stalemate.
One thing needed to give. Hungary could have misplaced twice however their solely hope of reaching the spherical of 16 was to win right here and pray outcomes elsewhere within the subsequent few days can be sufficient to see them by way of.
Ché Adams fired over the crossbar from outdoors the field on 53 minutes. The hope for Scotland was that second would spark an onslaught, however nothing adopted. Stuart Armstrong wished a 79th-minute penalty for a problem by Willi Orbán, however Argentinian referee Facundo Tello was unmoved. They ended the sport with an anticipated objectives (xG) of 0.19 from the sum complete of 5 photographs, 4 of which got here in second-half stoppage time.
A troubling harm to Barnabás Varga — who appeared to break down on the pitch earlier than medical workers held up sheets to cover the ahead from the group as he was stretchered off, the Hungarian FA later confirming that he is in steady situation — led to 10 minutes of added time.
Lastly, the gloves got here off.
Substitute Kevin Csoboth hit the publish. Scotland’s 4 photographs had been all blocked. After which, within the one centesimal minute, Hungary counterattacked from a Scotland nook and Roland Sallai discovered Csoboth to fit house a low end previous Angus Gunn and cue pandemonium within the Hungary finish.
With Group A primary to be accomplished, Hungary should now wait to study their destiny because the third-place groups are decided.
Scotland’s interminable wait to play a knockout match goes on. It is the photographs you do not take you remorse probably the most. — James Olley
– Euro 2024: Touchdown web page | Schedule | Rosters | Information
– Staff previews | Predictions for each group (ESPN+)
Sights and sounds round Euro 2024
Switzerland show vs. Germany they could be a downside within the knockouts
FRANKFURT — On the checklist of particular wins at a significant event, this might have been up there alongside beating world champions France within the spherical of 16 on the final Euros.
Switzerland virtually shocked the entire of Germany by main the hosts till the 92nd minute in Frankfurt and threatening to overhaul them atop Group A. The hosts ought to have seen it coming contemplating this marks the fourth sport in a row towards their neighbours that Die Nationalmannschaft have didn’t win. Regardless of Niklas Fulkrug’s last-minute equaliser, incomes Germany a 1-1 draw, this Alps derby will virtually really feel like a win for la Nati.
They confirmed once more that in massive event they’re a power to be reckoned with. They did greater than compete with Julian Nagelsmann’s group; they nullified Germany’s attacking potential by forcing them slender and making them too predictable, due to a really compact block positioned in a 3-5-2 formation and expertly directed by captain Granit Xhaka and sweeper Manuel Akanji.
To harm the German defence, supervisor Murat Yakin selected to drop Xherdan Shaqiri and introduce the physicality of Breel Embolo. His partnership up entrance with Dan Ndoye would show difficult and tiring for Germany’s hulking centre-backs Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah to trace.
Ndoye has lacked a medical presence within the first two Swiss video games, failing to attain towards 0.69 xG towards the Scots and 0.22 anticipated objectives and assists towards the Magyars, however he can run. He predominately performed in vast positions for Bologna this previous season, the place he may put his tempo to make use of, and was at all times a menace in behind right here, outpacing Rüdiger to create a possibility within the first half that he put simply vast.
Finally, Ndoye obtained his first purpose of the event, a really well-taken effort from shut vary simply earlier than the half-hour mark.
Even when the Swiss will really feel upset to not have received, their very good efficiency, supported by 15,000 superb followers in Frankfurt, proved once more that Yann Sommer & Co can be an issue for whoever faces them within the knockout rounds — Julien Laurens
Ronaldo makes a mascot’s day
It looks like everyone needs a bit of Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2024, from selfie-chasing pitch invaders to younger mascots who’re decided to take advantage of being so near the Portugal ahead.
Six followers — 4 in the course of the sport and two because the gamers left the sphere after the ultimate whistle — ran onto the pitch throughout Saturday’s 3-0 win towards Turkey in Dortmund, in an try and take a selfie with the previous Actual Madrid and Manchester United participant. The incidents left Portugal coach Roberto Martínez voicing his concern over what may occur if gamers are approached by spectators with ill-intent.
However there was a extra innocent second previous to kickoff when one of many mascots lingered on the pitch after the nationwide anthems simply to get a hug from Ronaldo.
The little lady was stood in entrance of Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the course of the prematch ceremony, however she solely had eyes for Ronaldo. She saved wanting again, and reaching out to the touch her hero.
And as quickly because the anthems completed, she adopted the Portugal captain till he seen her and smiled earlier than giving her a giant hug. — Mark Ogden
Do not name us Sweden!
Among the many wall of pink Switzerland supporters for his or her match towards Scotland was a small white signal. On it learn: “We’re not Sweden.” As you stumble upon Swiss followers round Germany, you may additionally see this slogan on t-shirts.
All of it pertains to folks muddling up the 2 international locations, complicated the “Sw” of their names. It obtained to such an extent that Sweden launched their very own advertising marketing campaign final yr known as, “Welcome to Sweden (not Switzerland).” It incorporates a clip of U.S. President Joe Biden saying in 2022 that Switzerland was becoming a member of NATO, when it was the truth is Sweden. And there is a useful information to the variations between the international locations’ produce, all run by Go to Sweden CEO Susanne Andersson.
Jacques Pitteloud, ambassador of Switzerland to the U.S., has since finished his personal video, clarifying Switzerland’s facet of the story.
So whereas Switzerland had been taking up Germany on Sunday evening in Frankfurt, the opposite “Sw” was watching on from house, having not certified for Euro 2024. — Tom Hamilton
Georgia’s press in scorching water
Georgia are making their debut at a significant event and everybody linked to the group is decided to get pleasure from it for so long as it lasts.
Assist has been feverish amongst followers outdoors the stadiums and within the stands, however the identical has additionally been true of the press tribune. Media reporters sporting Georgia shirts have a good time objectives in the identical method as any fan and each time their group launches an assault, they beat the desks with their fists in anticipation. All of it obtained an excessive amount of for one UEFA official in the course of the sport towards Turkey … and various Georgia media representatives had been requested, politely, to settle down.
After the 1-1 draw with Czechia on Saturday, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was requested to conduct a information convention after his 11 saves earned him the man-of-the-match award. After taking a few questions, Mamardashvili obtained to go away however earlier than he did he acquired a spherical of applause from the Georgian media within the room. If he wasn’t a nationwide hero earlier than, he’s now. — Rob Dawson
Nagelsmann will get inspiration from basketball
A Canadian may play a giant half in Germany’s success at Euro 2024. Gordon Herbert is the Germany basketball head coach. Born 65 years in the past in Penticton, British Columbia, he led his group to a win the World Championships towards all odds final summer season in Pasay within the Philippines, beating america within the semifinals and Serbia within the last.
He was invited by Julian Nagelsmann, his counterpart with the soccer group, to clarify to his gamers the elements and recipes he used to deliver success along with his basketball gamers.
Herbert, who additionally has a Finnish passport after taking part in basketball for a few years within the nation, got here to Herzogenaurachavantle, Germany’s camp in the course of the Euros, to speak about his philosophy and share his expertise.
Considered one of his most essential factors was in regards to the development of the squad, the position of every participant and discovering the suitable steadiness. He detailed that to achieve success, a group wants pigs, who clearly do the soiled work, and race horses, the elite gamers who’re the distinction makers. Germany have lots who match each payments. — Julien Laurens
Stat of the day
Niclas Füllkrug’s purpose was Germany’s third stoppage-time strike this event. That is probably the most by any group in a single European Championship. — ESPN Stats & Info
Match previews for Monday
Group B: Albania vs. Spain (Düsseldorf; 9 p.m. native / 3 p.m. ET)
Odds (through ESPN BET): Albania +5500, Draw +340, Spain -210
Throughout Euro 2024, Albania have held conferences in Madrid, brainstormed in Barcelona and eaten in Seville. These are the names of a number of the rooms and the cafeteria on the Sportcentrum Kamen-Kaiserau the place they’re primarily based. They got these names after Spain stayed there for the World Cup in 2006. Albania will desperately hope it’s some type of good omen forward of their match towards the Spanish in Düsseldorf, the place they’ve the possibility to create historical past by reaching the knockout rounds for the primary time ever.
That’s simpler mentioned than finished towards a Spain facet who’ve impressed in wins over Croatia and Italy. Nonetheless, with La Roja already by way of to the spherical of 16, and midfielder Rodri suspended, coach Luis de la Fuente is predicted to make modifications. That might assist Albania, ranked 66th on the planet by FIFA (solely Georgia are lower-ranked on the finals), of their quest for the three factors which might virtually definitely earn passage into the subsequent spherical. A draw to complete on two factors is unlikely to be sufficient. — Sam Marsden
– What each group must get by way of the group stage
Group B: Croatia vs. Italy (Leipzig; 9 p.m. native / 3 p.m. ET)
Odds: Croatia +210, Draw +220, Italy +135
Each Italy, coming off the 3-0 humiliation by the hands of Spain, and Croatia, who will virtually definitely want a win to remain in competition, face Monday’s conflict in Leipzig with trepidation. Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic saved issues easy: “We had been dealing with elimination in Qatar, too, after which went on to the semifinals … it is as if the knockouts have already began and you need to win to advance.”
Dalic might want to make a giant name with two key males of his “golden era” with Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic each rumored to be dealing with being dropped for this sport.
A draw would suffice for Italy, who say they may play for the win. In the event that they do win, they’d be making historical past provided that in eight earlier encounters they’ve by no means crushed Croatia. Azzurri boss Luciano Spalletti is reportedly mulling wholesale modifications, together with changing Jorginho in midfield with Nicolo Fagioli. It could be fairly a comeback for the Juventus midfielder, who was suspended for playing on soccer for many of the 2023-24 marketing campaign. — Gabriele Marcotti
0:44
Darmian: Italy must keep away from identical errors vs. Croatia
Matteo Darmian insists Italy will study from their errors towards Spain after they face Croatia at Euro 2024.
Betting tip (odds through ESPN BET)
Each Italy and Croatia have upset to this point this event. So many had been vital of Italy’s efficiency towards Spain, the place they may had been utterly outplayed. Having mentioned that I nonetheless assume collectively they’re higher than Croatia. So, Italy +130. — Dan Thomas
One massive learn
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Laurens: Portugal far more convincing towards Turkey
Julien Laurens reacts to Portugal’s improved efficiency of their 3-0 victory over Turkey at Euro 2024.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be the selfie king, even at 39 years previous, 20 years after showing at his first main event for Portugal. But it surely’s most likely an indication of his waning affect on his nationwide group that he registered extra selfie makes an attempt from picture-chasing followers than vital contributions for his nation throughout Saturday’s 3-0 win towards Turkey.
However Ronaldo is in Germany to play soccer, to assist encourage Portugal to a second European title in three tournaments, and the tough actuality is that his powers are on the wane. The selfie stunts could find yourself being a distraction from his efficiency towards Turkey, however nobody can escape the reality endlessly, and Ronaldo, who was as soon as the person who carried a nation’s hopes, may now find yourself holding his group again in the event that they progress to the latter levels.
– Mark Ogden: Ronaldo’s declining potential may damage Portugal
And at last …
Daughter’s wedding ceremony or Scotland sport? Pat Nevin could not select …
Household is all the things within the Nevin family. Pat, the previous Scotland worldwide and Chelsea and Everton winger, and his spouse Annabel have two youngsters, Simon and Lucy. And clearly when Lucy introduced her engagement and wedding ceremony, everybody in the home in Duns, a small city within the Scottish Borders, was over the moon. The marriage was all organised in a beautiful venue on the border with England for the weekend of June 22-23 … Then Scotland certified for the Euros …
When the schedule got here out it confirmed that Scotland would play their last group sport, decisive to make it to the knockout levels for the primary time of their historical past, on June 23.
As a loving father, Pat clearly could not miss the marriage. But as a pundit and commentator for the BBC, he could not miss what could possibly be the largest sport in Scotland’s historical past both. So he celebrated the marriage on Saturday, left the venue at 5 a.m. on Sunday — when some visitors had simply gone to mattress — and made it to Stuttgart for the sport, hoping that the celebrations in Germany can be as joyous as those in Scotland. — Julien Laurens
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