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EURO 2024

Euro2024: Scotland Keep Hope Alive with a Draw Against Switzerland

Scotland showcased remarkable resilience to keep their Euro 2024 hopes alive, earning a 1-1 draw against Switzerland on Wednesday. Despite falling short of their first major tournament victory in 28 years, the Scots bounced back impressively from a heavy 5-1 defeat to Germany in their opening game in Munich.

Early Lead and Swiss Equalizer

Facing a seasoned Swiss team in Cologne, Scotland took an early lead. Manchester United’s Scott McTominay, their top scorer in qualifying, converted a precise cutback from Callum McGregor on a swift counter-attack. However, Switzerland leveled the score before halftime when Xherdan Shaqiri capitalized on a poor pass by Anthony Ralston, netting a spectacular goal.

Improved Performance and Tactical Changes

Despite some shaky moments in defense, Scotland’s performance was a significant improvement from their opening match. Head coach Steve Clarke praised his team’s resilience and tactical adjustments. The inclusion of Billy Gilmour for Ryan Christie brought much-needed composure and quality to the midfield.

“He is a fantastic player. It was always my intention to start Billy in the second game,” Clarke said of the 23-year-old. “Maybe that is why he didn’t start the first game. I knew the little man was tiring towards the end of the game, because it is a tough shift in the midfield.”

McTominay’s physical presence in the number 10 role also caused considerable problems for the Swiss defense.

Close Calls and Missed Opportunities

Scotland rode their luck at times, with Dan Ndoye missing a clear chance and Breel Embolo having a goal disallowed for a marginal offside. Late in the game, Scotland appeared more likely to secure a win, with Grant Hanley hitting the post with a header.

Context and Future Prospects

While the draw might be disappointing, it’s crucial to remember the strength of their opponents. Switzerland, ranked 20th by FIFA, have consistently reached the knockout stages in recent tournaments, whereas Scotland is ranked 39th.

Scotland now head into their final Group A match against Hungary in Stuttgart on Sunday, knowing a win could secure their place in the knockout phase for the first time in a major tournament. Four points have historically been enough to progress in the current European Championship format.

Injury Concerns

However, Scotland will face Hungary without key defender Kieran Tierney, who was stretchered off in the second half with a suspected hamstring injury.

Clarke’s Confidence and Team Spirit

Clarke remains optimistic, emphasizing the team’s fighting spirit and tactical discipline. “They are going to feel a lot better going into the next game on the back of that kind of performance, which is what we are. This is how we play,” Clarke said. “We are still in the competition and that was the most important thing.”

With their Euro 2024 hopes still alive, Scotland aims to build on this courageous performance and secure a historic progression to the knockout stages.

EURO 2024

Southgate resigns as England manager

Gareth Southgate said he was resigning as England’s manager on Tuesday, two days after they lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

“It’s time for change and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager,” he said in a statement.

Southgate took over in 2016, when England’s fortunes were at a low ebb.

In the last four tournaments, he led England to three semi-finals and two finals.

Prior to Southgate’s appointment, the Three Lions had reached just three major tournament semi-finals and one final in their history, when they won the 1966 World Cup.

“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” said the 53-year-old.

“It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.”

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EURO 2024

Rodri named best player of Euro 2024

Spain midfielder Rodri was named the best player of Euro 2024 after helping La Roja beat England 2-1 to win the competition for a fourth time in Berlin on Sunday.

Rodri had to be replaced at halftime of the final after picking up a knee injury but was rewarded for his excellent performances as Spain also overcame hosts Germany and France to reach the final.

The Manchester City man’s only goal of the tournament came in scoring the equaliser in a 4-1 win over Georgia in the last 16.

However, he was hailed by coach Luis de la Fuente as a “perfect computer” for his metronomic passing and reading of the game that proved vital to carrying a young side through a devilishly difficult draw to glory.

Rodri has now lost just once in his last 80 games in all competitions for club and country and can add the Euros to a glittering list of silverware in that time.

The 28-year-old has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, one FA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup with City, as well as the Nations League with Spain.

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EURO 2024

Who said what after Spain beat England to win Euro 2024?

Who said what after a late Mikel Oyarzabal winner gave Spain a 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday:

“Euphoric. Very happy. All our people deserve it. The family, the fans… European champions and now we’re going for the World Cup (in 2026).”

— Spain’s opening goalscorer Nico Williams on what it means to win Euro 2024.

“I did my job, what I had to do at every moment. I was lucky enough to score the winner. You value it a lot. And if you’re lucky enough to score the goal… It’s the best.”

— Oyarzabal on his match-winning strike in the 86th minute.

“Losing in a final is as tough as it gets… We done really well to get back in the game at 1-1 and then we couldn’t use our momentum to push on… It’s as painful as it can be in a football match.”

— England captain Harry Kane.

“Gareth will go away and take time to decide. We wanted to win it for him.”

— Kane on the future of manager Gareth Southgate who hinted he might step down if England failed to win Euro 2024.

“I’m devastated for everyone really… Across the 90 minutes I’m not sure we did quite enough.”

— Southgate.

“I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that. I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now.”

— Southgate on his future.

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EURO 2024

BREAKING: Spain win Euro 2024 by beating England in final

Spain struck late to win Euro 2024 with a 2-1 victory over England on Sunday in Berlin to capture the trophy for a record fourth time.

Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal turned home in the 86th minute after Nico Williams sent Spain ahead early in the second half but England substitute Cole Palmer pulled the Three Lions level.

England almost equalised at the death but Dani Olmo headed Marc Guehi’s effort off the line to safety.

More Details Later…

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EURO 2024

England’s Dramatic Comeback Secures Spot in Euro 2024 Final Against Spain

England's Dramatic Comeback Secures Spot in Euro 2024 Final Against Spain

England has advanced to another European Championship final following a dramatic comeback win against the Netherlands in Dortmund, Germany. The thrilling match saw England emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, thanks to a last-minute goal by Ollie Watkins. This victory sets up a title clash with Spain, marking England’s first major final on foreign soil since their 1966 World Cup win.

The match was filled with tension and excitement. Netherlands took an early lead through Xavi Simons, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by England. However, England equalized when Harry Kane converted a penalty after being fouled by Denzel Dumfries. The game seemed destined for extra time until Gareth Southgate made a bold move, substituting Ollie Watkins for captain Harry Kane. Watkins, with a single touch from Cole Palmer’s pass, fired a powerful shot into the bottom corner in stoppage time, sealing the victory.

King Charles III, along with the rest of the nation, experienced the roller coaster of emotions. In his congratulatory message, the king humorously urged the team to avoid any more last-minute dramas to spare the nation’s collective heart rate.

Gareth Southgate’s decision to bring on Watkins proved to be a masterstroke. Watkins, who had only made one previous appearance in Euro 2024, expressed his elation, stating, “Unbelievable—I’ve been waiting for that moment for weeks. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to where I am today. I got the opportunity and took it with both hands.”

The victory was a bitter pill for Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, who had believed his team could win in extra time. England now faces Spain in the final in Berlin, a game that Harry Kane described as “unbelievably tough—a really difficult game.”

The Dutch supporters, known for their vocal presence, dominated the city center before the game, making the atmosphere intense. Despite the early setback, England’s resilience and tactical changes led to a memorable win. The team’s journey through Euro 2024 has been filled with last-minute goals and penalty shootouts, keeping their fans on the edge of their seats.

Gareth Southgate praised his team’s character and performance, noting that coming from behind to win showed their resilience and determination. England now looks forward to the final, with the hopes of ending their long wait for a major trophy since 1966.

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EURO 2024

Clash of The Titans: Spain vs. Germany Euro 2024 Quarterfinals

Spain-vs-Germany

Spain vs Germany
Euro 2024 quarterfinals
Stadium: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
Time: 9pm local time (19:00 GMT) kickoff on Friday, July 6

Spain:

  • Pedri: The young midfielder’s vision and passing ability are critical for Spain’s ball control and attack.
  • Alvaro Morata: Spain’s leading striker, known for his positioning and finishing skills, will be essential for converting chances into goals.

Germany:

  • Joshua Kimmich: As a versatile midfielder, Kimmich’s ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball will be key.
  • Serge Gnabry: The forward’s pace and scoring prowess make him a constant threat to Spain’s defense.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Historical Matchups:

  • Spain and Germany have faced each other multiple times in major tournaments, with each team having its share of victories.
  • W-D-L Record: Germany: 10 Wins, Draws: 8, Spain: 9 Wins

Tactical Approaches:

  • Spain: Known for their tiki-taka style, Spain will aim to dominate possession and create opportunities through intricate passing.
  • Germany: Germany will likely adopt a balanced approach, leveraging quick transitions and the technical skills of their midfield.

Match Expectations

This quarterfinal clash promises a tactical battle between two football powerhouses. Spain’s possession-based style will be tested against Germany’s disciplined and dynamic play. Key players like Pedri and Kimmich will play pivotal roles in determining the outcome, ensuring a high-intensity and captivating match.

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