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UEFA EURO (European Championship) 2024 Discussion thread

Which team will win the UEFA European Championship 2024?

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aboveandbeyond said:
Bro. Like Amjid says. England have no structure. Today was just about of individual quality that saw off a ordinary Slovakia side.

The Swiss are a VERY good side. They've got good quality with structure. And most importantly they had no expectations, so they are playing with freedom. England will be once again expected to win, but the Swiss will be to strong
Click to expand...
Everyone in Switzerland knows their role and job. The 3 CBs they have are excellent, good balance in midfield. Up front their 3 attackers can be a bit erratic, but can cause England problems.

The best performing teams in this euros are ones who have structure, a good system and play fluid football.

England won today through luck and a bit of individual quality.
 
aboveandbeyond said:
Bro. Like Amjid says. England have no structure. Today was just about of individual quality that saw off a ordinary Slovakia side.

The Swiss are a VERY good side. They've got good quality with structure. And most importantly they had no expectations, so they are playing with freedom. England will be once again expected to win, but the Swiss will be to strong
Click to expand...
I agree with everything you say but I am hopimg for something
 
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Spain set up a blockbuster quarter-final tie with Euro 2024 hosts Germany by surviving an early scare to ease past Georgia.

Playing in their first major tournament, Georgia had to soak up heavy pressure from Spain early on but stunned those watching on at Cologne Stadium when they took a surprise lead after 18 minutes.

Spain defender Robin le Normand poked Otar Kakabadze's curling cross into his own net, finishing off a devastating counter-attack and silencing supporters behind their goal.

Substitutes warming up sprinted over to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who led Georgia's celebrations in the corner.

It sparked confidence in Georgia but Spain's pressure eventually paid off when Manchester City's Rodri drilled a shot into the bottom corner - beating goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who had another outstanding overall display.

Spain continued to excite in attack, stringing together countless chances, and capitalised when Fabian Ruiz nodded in a cross from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.

Georgia continued to battle and Napoli winger Kvaratskhelia would have scored the goal of the tournament had his clever chip from the halfway line bounced a metre to the right instead of passing the post.

But despite Georgia's flair and unpredictability, Spain's accomplished possession game took control - Nico Williams striking powerfully into the roof of the net to make it 3-1, before Dani Olmo's precise finish capped things off.

European giants and home favourites Germany are up next for Spain in Stuttgart on Friday, while Georgia exit the competition after a fairytale run in which they massively exceeded expectations.
 
Cricket Warrior said:
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Jude Bellingham produced a moment of genius to keep England in Euro 2024 as they survived another desperate display and a huge scare to beat Slovakia in dramatic fashion to reach the last eight.

England were seconds away from an embarrassing exit in Gelsenkirchen as Slovakia defended a lead they had held since the 25th minute when Ivan Schranz raced into to the box to poke a low finish past England keeper Jordan Pickford.

It was then that Bellingham, who celebrated his 21st birthday on Saturday, demonstrated the brilliance that has made him England’s new superstar by going airborne in the penalty area to send Marc Guehi’s headed flick past Martin Dubravka with a stunning overhead kick.

Bellingham rescued England from a performance that scaled such depths that his goal was their first effort on target – but then set the platform for a victory as Slovakia, who had defended so stubbornly, were left stunned.

And captain Harry Kane emphasised England’s sudden superiority a minute into the extra 30 minutes when he headed home from close range to complete a remarkable turnaround and set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland.

England’s display before Bellingham’s wonder goal was another to add to the catalogue of mediocrity they have delivered under Gareth Southgate in Germany, even though Kane had missed an easy header and Declan Rice struck a post as they strived for the equaliser.

Bellingham, the young man with the Midas touch, came up with the goods to save them at the death as England's stuttering Euro 2024 journey goes on.
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So he doesn’t think 94 minutes was abysmal?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1807680127028879760
 
England players intervene as Declan Rice rages at Slovakia manager who explains reasons for pushing Arsenal ace

Declan Rice was shoved by Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona at full-time as England pulled off a 2-1 win in Gelsenkirchen.

As Calzona went to speak to the referee at full time, Rice made his way over appearing to say something to the coach.

But the Slovakia manager reacted furiously and shoved the Arsenal star in the chest, causing a fracas to break out as Rice shouted what appeared to be a stream of expletives at the Italian.

His Gunners teammate Aaron Ramsdale had to pull him away as Slovakia players became involved before the situation calmed down.

Calzona later claimed he wanted to complain to the referee about England's apparent 'timewasting' that went unpunished and didn't like that Rice refused to leave.

“Rice was supposed to go to the referees and leave," he said after the defeat. "I had to speak to the refs and he wasn’t leaving, he carried on.

"But then he apologised and it was all fine. I didn’t like the way the England team were wasting time was not punished."

Though the moment came from nothing, it might not be a surprise to see tempers flare after a dramatic Euro 2024 clash where Slovakia were seconds from a place in the quarter-final.

Slovakia had been leading up until the fourth minute of stoppage time before Jude Bellingham scored a stunning overhead kick to take the game to extra time.

And Harry Kane was the match-winner as he reacted quickest to Ivan Toney's header across goal, nodding in to put England ahead.

While question marks will remain over manager Gareth Southgate after another difficult display, the celebrations will drown out any noise for now.

But when England return to face Switzerland on Saturday in the quarter-final, they will need to up their game significantly.

The Swiss looked exceptional on Saturday as they knocked out Italy, the Euro 2020 winners, though the Azzurri looked lifeless.

Speaking after the match, Bellingham said: "I think the performance was really good until their goal and even after.

"We had massive control of the game, always threatening in the final third, maybe just lacking the final touch to create big chances.

"It's going to be important for us going forward, definitely.

talksport.com

Slovakia boss explains Declan Rice push that saw raging midfielder dragged away

Declan Rice was shoved by Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona at full-time as England pulled off a 2-1 win in Gelsenkirchen. As Calzona went to speak to the referee at full time, Rice made his way o…
talksport.com talksport.com
 

Exit for 'underwhelming' France could be 'brutal'​

France were expected to set Euro 2024 alight as one of the favourites, but they endured an underwhelming group stage and slumped to a second-placed finish.

They beat Austria in their opening game, but only with an own-goal winner. A 0-0 draw with the Netherlands followed before they shared the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate with Poland.

Didier Deschamps' side lifted the 2018 World Cup and finished runners-up at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, but they have failed to sparkle as expected in Germany.

"Suddenly the ruthlessness we've been used to is just not there any more," French football journalist Julian Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

Despite being below-par, France have at least managed to reach the last 16 and face Belgium on Monday (17:00 BST).

But if Deschamps fails to guide his side to the quarter-finals after ending up on the trickier side of the draw, he could get "torn apart".

"There's this lack of momentum, where usually that is not there either," added Laurens. "Suddenly the few certainties you had before are not even there anymore.

"Bring on the last 16, for sure. That's where they'll be judged."

'This is not the team we expected'

France created 5.93 expected goals in their three group-stage games but failed to score from open play, with their two goals being the Austria own goal and a penalty for Kylian Mbappe against Poland.

Laurens said "there's a point where it starts getting really worrying" if they keep struggling in front of goal.

"They've been a bit underwhelming, certainly in the last game against Poland," he added.

"The fact that they create chances is something the players and Deschamps keep repeating, saying 'the chances are there, we're just not taking them'."

Deschamps has been France manager since 2012 and led his team to three major finals, but they have not been able to replicate that form at Euro 2024.

Laurens said: "This is not the team we expected, this is not the team we used to know in big tournaments.

"That's maybe where the worry is because if Deschamps has lost the thing that made him and that team special... maybe that's because it's been too long - he's been there for 10 years now."

Source: BBC
 
Saliba vs lukaku should be interesting battle
 
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A late own goal by Jan Vertonghen sent France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at Belgium's expense.

A game that had lacked quality and excitement for large periods looked destined for extra time, but a shot by substitute Randal Kolo Muani deflected off Vertonghen with five minutes remaining to seal the victory at Dusseldorf Arena.

France had missed several chances before that as once again their lack of a cutting edge let them down, and even captain Kylian Mbappe put efforts he would normally finish wide.

Belgium could even have taken the lead themselves before France's late goal as Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne charged into space through the middle, but his shot was pushed behind by Mike Maignan.

That had been the below-par Belgians only decent opportunity as France closed out the final few minutes to progress to the last eight, where they will face either Portugal or Slovenia.
 
Cristiano Ronaldo into his 3rd decade of playing international football at the highest level, this guy is a robot
 
It is 0-0 between Portugal and Slovenia and we are going into the extra time.
 
This is simple formula miss the penalty and drop some tears to get the sympathy lol

GOAT for a reason!

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* Slovenia could reach the quarters without even winning a single match
* Slovenia could be knocked out tonight without even losing a single match
 
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​
Portugal beat Slovenia in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after Cristiano Ronaldo's spot-kick was saved in extra time.

Ronaldo recovered to score his country's first penalty in the shootout - where goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved all three kicks he faced - before Manchester City's Bernardo Silva netted the winning kick.

Ronaldo had been in tears after his penalty was kept out by Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak in extra time and was consoled by his team-mates, as Portugal fans chanted his name in the stands.

And Costa's heroics capped off a pulsating evening in Frankfurt, where Joao Palhinha had earlier struck the post and Slovenia's Benjamin Sesko wasted a chance when through one-on-one with the Portugal goalkeeper in the final minutes of extra time.

It means Portugal now play France in the quarter-finals in Hamburg on Friday, while Slovenia leave the competition in the cruellest of manners.

Source: BBC
 
It's a shame Portugal won. Two players I enjoy seeing cry and Ronaldo and the other Zinchenko
 
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Today's games in EURO CUP 2024 for Tuesday 2 July:

Romania vs Netherlands (Munich, 08:00 pm GMT)
Austria vs Türkiye (Leipzig, 07:00 pm GMT)
 
Very good performance from the Dutch .

If they can stay organised in midfield, they have serious potential as a team .

Gapko was on fire , Liverpool next season with him , Jota, Nunez , Diaz & Salah all fit will be tough for defences to stop .


Good luck turkey 🇹🇷 up next but Austria under Ralf is playing nice football
 
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Substitute Donyell Malen scored twice and Cody Gakpo got his third goal of Euro 2024 to help the Netherlands see off a spirited Romania and reach the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time in 16 years.

Liverpool forward Gakpo opened the scoring with a brilliant finish midway inside the first half, cutting inside before unleashing a drive into the bottom corner.

The Dutch missed numerous chances after that but made sure they did not risk paying for it when substitute Malen stabbed in late on from Gakpo's ball.

Malen then wrapped up an impressive win for the Netherlands, with Romania having committed players forward, as he charged in on goal before slotting home.

It was a much-improved performance from the Netherlands, who had to deal with early pressure from an enthusiastic Romania, who were backed by their loud and colourful fans.

Romania's early pressing forced their opponents into mistakes and they gave them a scare when Dennis Man fizzed a shot just over.

But Gakpo’s goal changed the pattern of the game and they could have gone further ahead just before the break, but Xavi Simons somehow fired wide.

Romania again came out fighting in the second half but it was the Dutch who continued to have the better chances as Memphis Depay failed to score from close range, Virgil van Dijk hit the post with a header and Gakpo’s shot after a driving run was pushed behind.

But Malen, who had come on at half-time, scored twice in the final 10 minutes to avoid any late drama, and the Netherlands can now look forward to facing either Turkey or a rematch with their group opponents Austria in the last eight.
 

Austria 1-2 Turkey - MATCH REPORT​

Merih Demiral scored twice - including the quickest knockout-stage goal in European Championship history - as Turkey stunned Austria to set up a quarter-final with the Netherlands.

This was arguably the best game of the tournament so far, a thrilling winner-takes-all tie played in pouring rain at a frenetic pace, with both teams roared forward by their fervent support.

Turkey set the tone for what was to come when they opened the scoring with just 57 seconds on the clock. Arda Guler’s corner was not cleared and Demiral pounced from close range to send their fans packed inside Leipzig's Red Bull Arena into raptures.

Just before the hour mark, the same duo combined again. With Austria piling on the pressure, a rare foray forward resulted in another Guler corner that the 6ft 4in centre-back Demiral rose to powerfully head home.

It brought the same deafening response from the stands and sparked wild celebrations on the touchline from Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella and his squad.

There was still work to be done. Austria had not managed a shot on target in the first half but were much improved after the break and pulled a goal back when Stefan Posch flicked on Marcel Sabitzer's corner and substitute Michael Gregoritsch was unmarked to turn the ball home at the far post.

Ralf Rangnick's side, who have won many admirers in Germany for their enterprising high-intensity play, poured forward in search of an equaliser but, whatever they tried, they found the Turkey defence resolute.

Austria are on their way home while Turkey are into their first Euros quarter-final since 2008. Now they head for Berlin, where they face the Dutch at the Olympiastadion on Saturday.

Source: BBC
 
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What a game . Sport at its finest .

Amazing turkey 🇹🇷 fought & played like warriors . Congratulations
 
Uefa investigating Turkey's Demiral over goal celebration

Turkey defender Merih Demiral is under investigation by Uefa after appearing to make an ultra-nationalist salute during his country's victory against Austria.

Demiral, 26, scored twice as Turkey booked their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals to face Netherlands with a 2-1 win against Austria.

The The Al-Ahli defender celebrated his second goal with a 'wolf salute', a gesture associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves that are linked with Turkey's ruling coalition party the National Movement Party.

Demiral said the salute, which is banned in Austria and France, was pre-planned in case he scored.

"I had a goal celebration in mind, which I did," said Demiral.

"I am very proud because I am a Turk, therefore after the goal I felt it deeply and I wanted to do it, and I am very happy about doing it."

Demiral posted a photo of the celebration on his X account with the caption: “How happy is the one who says I am a Turk!"

Uefa's investigation has been opened in accordance with Article 31(4) in relation to the "alleged inappropriate behaviour" of Demiral.

If found guilty, Demiral could be fined or face a suspension as Turkey prepare to take on Netherlands in Saturday's quarter-final at 8pm BST.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham is under investigation for a gesture he made during the last-16 win against Slovakia on Sunday.

Bellingham was seen making a crotch-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakian bench after scoring an overhead kick in stoppage time.

BBC
 
Teenagers that have scored and assisted in a single Euros tournament:

▪️ Cristiano Ronaldo (2004)
▪️ Wayne Rooney (2004)
▪️ Arda Güler (2024)

Starboy 💫
 
Spain v Germany is worthy of being a final and very harsh that one of them will exit in 1/8th stage.

Eng have got Swiss and Dutch potentially, as compare to Spa/Ger v Fra/Por
 
Ivan Toney admits he was "annoyed" at being brought on during injury time against Slovakia, but insists he will "take my opportunity when I get it"

England striker Toney was sent on for his first appearance of Euro 2024 in the final seconds of the round of 16 match with the Three Lions trailing 1-0.

Jude Bellingham's overhead kick took the game to extra time, before Toney provided the headed assist for Harry Kane's winner.

England manager Gareth Southgate said afterwards that Toney was "disgusted" at being introduced with a minute to go, but the player himself says he is ready to play any part at the Euros.

"It's always going to be tough," he said at a media conference on Wednesday when asked about his lack of minutes in Germany.

"It's tough for all of us as we play week in, week out for our clubs. I have been in this position before and when I get an opportunity I'll take it."

Toney is an automatic starter when fit for Brentford, but has to play second fiddle to Kane for England in Southgate's one-striker system.

The 28-year-old admits that can be frustrating, but he has worked with sports psychologists at his club to ensure he is ready for his country at any moment.

"At my club, there is a guy called Michael Caufield [a sports psychologist] and he talks about controlling your emotions," Toney said.

"Yes, I was annoyed but there was still 30 minutes of football to play [including extra-time] and you have got to come out of that mood and focus.

"I feel like, people call them substitutes, others finishers. I think you have to be ready and there's more than 11 players needed to win a tournament."

Toney and England are preparing to face Switzerland in their quarter-final on Saturday in Dusseldorf at 17.00 BST.

Originally defender Luke Shaw had been due to face the media, but was replaced by Toney at the last minute as the left-back tries to regain fitness and face the Swiss for his first appearance at Euro 2024 after injury.

Source: BBC
 
Foden 'feels sorry' for under-pressure Southgate

England forward Phil Foden has said the players "need to take some of the blame" for the team's performances at Euro 2024 and that he "feels sorry" for under-pressure manager Gareth Southgate.

Southgate's side reached the knockout stages of the tournament by finishing top of their group before beating Slovakia after extra time in the last 16.

However, the manner of their play has been criticised with questions asked about team selection and tactics.

“The players have got to take some of the blame,” said Foden.

“There has to be some leaders to get together and find out a solution to why it is not working.

"There is only so much the manager can do. He sets you up in a system and tells you how to press. If it is not going like that, you have to [work it out].”

When asked about the pressure on Southgate during the tournament and going into Saturday's quarter-final against Switzerland (17:00 BST), the Manchester City player added: “I feel sorry for Gareth.

“In training, he has been telling us to press and be high up on the pitch and I feel like sometimes, it has to come from the players.

“We have to be leaders. In games we could have got together a little bit more and worked out a solution.

“So yes, we have spoken about it more. If it happens again in a game, we can get together and find a solution, see where it is going wrong and adapt our press.”


www.bbc.com

Phil Foden says players 'need to take some blame' and he 'feels sorry' for England boss Gareth Southgate

England forward Phil Foden says the team's players "need to take some of the blame" for poor performances and that he "feels sorry" for under pressure manager Gareth Southgate.
www.bbc.com
 
Most successful long passes by midfielders at EURO2024 so far:

◎ 21 - Toni Kroos 🇩🇪
◎ 15 - Rice 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
◎ 14 - Tchouaméni 🇫🇷
 

Germany summons Turkish ambassador over ‘wolf’ goal celebration​


Turkey’s ambassador to Germany has been summoned to the foreign ministry in Berlin over the rightwing extremist “wolf salute” displayed by the Turkish footballer Merih Demiral, as his goal celebration at the European Championship became the subject of diplomatic exchange.

Ahmet Başar Şen was urged to explain the gesture and take measures to prevent its further use, a ministry spokesperson said, the day after Germany’s ambassador to Turkey was summoned to the foreign ministry in Ankara as Turkey’s government accused Berlin of “xenophobia” over its criticism of the symbol associated with the Grey Wolves group.

The Grey Wolves are classified as a rightwing extremist group with 18,500 to 20,000 members in Germany, making it the second-biggest rightwing extremist organisation after Alternative für Deutschland, according to the domestic intelligence agency, the federal office for the protection of the constitution (BfV).

However, neither the group nor the symbol are banned in Germany, unlike in neighbouring Austria and France, despite years of debate about doing so.

Demiral displayed the wolf salute after scoring in Turkey’s round of 16 match against Austria, which his team won 2-1.

Turks make up the largest single ethnic minority in Germany – 1.54 million in addition to 1.4 million German citizens who are of Turkish descent – the largest single Turkish diaspora. The national team’s success in the Euros has triggered a rapturous response by Turks across the country.

Germany’s interior minister, Nancy Faeser, condemned the gesture, writing on X: “To use the football championships as a platform for racism is completely unacceptable.”

She called on the European football governing body, Uefa, to investigate and consider imposing sanctions on the Turkish team. Uefa has said it is investigating but by Thursday afternoon had yet to make a decision.

According to reports on Thursday lunchtime in German and Turkish media, Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has made a last-minute adjustment to his travel plans to allow him to fly to Berlin en route to Azerbaijan, to attend the national team’s quarter-final against the Netherlands on Saturday evening. Erdoğan was said by insiders to have made the decision in reaction to the fallout from the Demiral salute, telling his advisers he wanted to give the team his backing.

The wolf salute is the symbol and identifying logo of the Grey Wolves, representing the head of a wolf: forefinger and little finger forming the ears, the thumb, middle and ring fingers forming the snout.

Experts in extremism say the worldview of the Grey Wolves is hardline nationalist and Islamist, with hatred shown to Kurds, Jews, Christians, Armenians, Greeks, the EU and the US. The group, which has a long history of terrorism going back to the 1970s, has been blamed for bomb attacks in Paris and Bangkok and the 1981 attempt on the life of Pope John Paul II.

Its founder, Alparslan Türkes, said of the salute: “The little finger symbolises the Turks, the index finger symbolises Islam, the ring – or snout – symbolises the world. The point where the remaining three fingers join is a stamp. It means: we will put the Turkish-Islamic stamp on the world.”

Türkes founded the Nationalist Movement party, which governs Turkey with Erdoğan’s Justice and Development party.

Demiral said of the gesture: “Of course I was very happy to have scored two goals. How I celebrated has something to do with my Turkish identity. I had seen members of the audience making this gesture. We are all Turks. I’m very proud to be a Turk. That is the meaning of the gesture.

“I hope I’ll have more opportunities to make this gesture. There is no hidden message in it, I simply wanted to show how joyful I was and how happy I am.”

www.theguardian.com

Germany summons Turkish ambassador over âwolfâ goal celebration

Diplomat urged to explain gesture by Turkey footballer Merih Demiral and take measures to prevent a repeat
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
My predictions…

Germany Vs. Spain ……. Germany
Portugal Vs. France ……. France
England Vs. Switzerland….. Switzerland
Netherland Vs.Turkiye ….. Netherland
 
Today is the Quarter Finals day.

Fixtures for Friday 5 July:

Spain vs Germany (Stuttgart, 08:00 pm GMT)
Portugal vs France (Hamburg, 11:00 pm GMT)
 
"We Need A Change": Michael Owen's Strong Verdict On Euro 2024 Hopes

England legend Michael Owen has stated that England cannot afford to continue playing their current brand of football if they are to go the distance in Euro 2024. England manager Gareth Southgate has come under severe criticism from players, experts and fans alike for employing a dull and unconvincing style of play for the England team, despite having stars like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden at his disposal. Ahead of England's Euro 2024 quarter-final against England, Owen was bullish about changes being necessary.

"If England continue to play this way, we can't win it. Switzerland will probably beat us, let alone any of the bigger teams," said Owen.

England face a high-on-confidence Switzerland in the quarters, a side that beat defending champions Italy in the Round of 16. England had finished runners-up to Italy in the previous Euros.

So far in Euro 2024, England topped their group despite just one win and scoring two goals. In the Round of 16 game against Slovakia, England were staring at an embarrassing elimination before an incredible bicycle kick by Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham spared their blushes.

Over Gareth Southgate's tenure as England coach, a major criticism has been England's poor record against tougher opposition. In 24 games played in the period against countries ranked in FIFA's Top 10, England have won just four times.

"The good thing is that England can get better, their performances can get better. We were fortunate to be on the really nice side of the draw," said Owen.

If England win against Switzerland, they will face either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-final. With Spain, Germany, Portugal and France on the other side of the draw, many have stated that England have an easier route to the final.

"All we can do is hope that the manager changes one or two things. We certainly need a change in performance if we are to win the tournament," said Owen.

SOURCE: https://sports.ndtv.com/uefa-euro-2...ens-strong-verdict-on-euro-2024-hopes-6039630
 

Mbappe ‘honoured’ to play against Ronaldo as France, Portugal clash​


Kylian Mbappe said Thursday it would be “an honour” to play against his boyhood hero Cristiano Ronaldo when France and Portugal meet in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 in Hamburg on Friday.

“It is an honour. Everyone knows about my admiration for Cristiano,” France captain Mbappe, 25, told reporters on the eve of the game.

Growing up, Mbappe famously decorated his bedroom wall with pictures of Ronaldo and was introduced to the Portuguese superstar at Real Madrid’s training ground when the Spanish club tried to sign him as a young teenager.

“I have got to know him over time. We are still in contact. He still tries to follow my career,” Mbappe said.

Ronaldo, 39 and now playing club football in Saudi Arabia, has admitted this European Championship is set to be his last, which means Mbappe could knock him out of the competition for the final time.

“It is an honour but it doesn’t matter what has happened before or will happen in the future,” added Mbappe, who will follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps as he joins Real after the tournament in Germany.

“He remains a legend of the game but we hope to win tomorrow and take a step closer to the final.”

Les Bleus have netted only three times in four games, with one a penalty by Mbappe and the other two coming from own goals, including Jan Vertonghen’s which allowed them to beat Belgium in the last 16.

Mbappe has been hindered by a broken nose, which saw him miss one group game before returning to action while wearing a protective face mask. He also suggested on Thursday that he is not currently fully fit.

“I don’t think I’m fully fit. It’s not an excuse, but I think to be really at 100 percent, explosive and fast, I need a proper pre-season with my club,” he said.

Mbappe, who recently signed for Real Madrid, will come up against his boyhood idol in Ronaldo, the Portugal captain who is now 39.

 
JUDE BELLINGHAM has been cleared to play against Switzerland by Uefa.

England's hero was the subject of an investigation by Uefa over a gesture he made after scoring in Sunday’s 2-1 Euros win over Slovakia.

Bellingham, 21, appeared to feign grabbing his crotch in a move that signalled he has what it takes in a crisis.

The England star has been slapped with a €30,000 fine and a one-match ban, suspended for 12 months.

Match officials made no mention of the gesture in their match reports but Uefa still intervened.

A statement from the organisation read: “A Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.

“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”

However Bellingham has now been cleared of any wrongdoing and is set to line up against Switzerland.

The Real Madrid star defended his controversial gesture, stating it was aimed at close friends at the game and not towards the opposition.

He added: “Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”

www.thesun.co.uk

Jude Bellingham cleared to play vs Switzerland after Uefa probe into gesture

JUDE BELLINGHAM has been cleared to play against Switzerland by Uefa. But the Three Lions ace has been hit with a massive fine and a suspended one game BAN. England’s hero was the subject of …
www.thesun.co.uk www.thesun.co.uk
 
FearlessRoar said:

Germany summons Turkish ambassador over ‘wolf’ goal celebration​


Turkey’s ambassador to Germany has been summoned to the foreign ministry in Berlin over the rightwing extremist “wolf salute” displayed by the Turkish footballer Merih Demiral, as his goal celebration at the European Championship became the subject of diplomatic exchange.

Ahmet Başar Şen was urged to explain the gesture and take measures to prevent its further use, a ministry spokesperson said, the day after Germany’s ambassador to Turkey was summoned to the foreign ministry in Ankara as Turkey’s government accused Berlin of “xenophobia” over its criticism of the symbol associated with the Grey Wolves group.

The Grey Wolves are classified as a rightwing extremist group with 18,500 to 20,000 members in Germany, making it the second-biggest rightwing extremist organisation after Alternative für Deutschland, according to the domestic intelligence agency, the federal office for the protection of the constitution (BfV).

However, neither the group nor the symbol are banned in Germany, unlike in neighbouring Austria and France, despite years of debate about doing so.

Demiral displayed the wolf salute after scoring in Turkey’s round of 16 match against Austria, which his team won 2-1.

Turks make up the largest single ethnic minority in Germany – 1.54 million in addition to 1.4 million German citizens who are of Turkish descent – the largest single Turkish diaspora. The national team’s success in the Euros has triggered a rapturous response by Turks across the country.

Germany’s interior minister, Nancy Faeser, condemned the gesture, writing on X: “To use the football championships as a platform for racism is completely unacceptable.”

She called on the European football governing body, Uefa, to investigate and consider imposing sanctions on the Turkish team. Uefa has said it is investigating but by Thursday afternoon had yet to make a decision.

According to reports on Thursday lunchtime in German and Turkish media, Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has made a last-minute adjustment to his travel plans to allow him to fly to Berlin en route to Azerbaijan, to attend the national team’s quarter-final against the Netherlands on Saturday evening. Erdoğan was said by insiders to have made the decision in reaction to the fallout from the Demiral salute, telling his advisers he wanted to give the team his backing.

The wolf salute is the symbol and identifying logo of the Grey Wolves, representing the head of a wolf: forefinger and little finger forming the ears, the thumb, middle and ring fingers forming the snout.

Experts in extremism say the worldview of the Grey Wolves is hardline nationalist and Islamist, with hatred shown to Kurds, Jews, Christians, Armenians, Greeks, the EU and the US. The group, which has a long history of terrorism going back to the 1970s, has been blamed for bomb attacks in Paris and Bangkok and the 1981 attempt on the life of Pope John Paul II.

Its founder, Alparslan Türkes, said of the salute: “The little finger symbolises the Turks, the index finger symbolises Islam, the ring – or snout – symbolises the world. The point where the remaining three fingers join is a stamp. It means: we will put the Turkish-Islamic stamp on the world.”

Türkes founded the Nationalist Movement party, which governs Turkey with Erdoğan’s Justice and Development party.

Demiral said of the gesture: “Of course I was very happy to have scored two goals. How I celebrated has something to do with my Turkish identity. I had seen members of the audience making this gesture. We are all Turks. I’m very proud to be a Turk. That is the meaning of the gesture.

“I hope I’ll have more opportunities to make this gesture. There is no hidden message in it, I simply wanted to show how joyful I was and how happy I am.”

www.theguardian.com

Germany summons Turkish ambassador over âwolfâ goal celebration

Diplomat urged to explain gesture by Turkey footballer Merih Demiral and take measures to prevent a repeat
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
Click to expand...
Turkey defender Merih Demiral has been given a two-match ban for making an ultra-nationalist salute during his country's Euro 2024 win against Austria

Demiral, 26, scored both Turkey's goals as they beat Austria 2-1 to earn a quarter-final spot against the Netherlands.

The Al-Ahli defender celebrated his second goal with a 'wolf salute', a gesture associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves that is linked with Turkey's ruling coalition party the National Movement Party.

Demiral said the salute, which is banned in Austria and France, was pre-planned in case he scored.

www.bbc.com

Merih Demiral: Turkey defender given two-match ban over goal celebration

Turkey defender Merih Demiral is given a two-match ban for making an ultra-nationalist salute during his country's Euro 2024 win against Austria.
www.bbc.com
 
FearlessRoar said:
Turkey defender Merih Demiral has been given a two-match ban for making an ultra-nationalist salute during his country's Euro 2024 win against Austria

Demiral, 26, scored both Turkey's goals as they beat Austria 2-1 to earn a quarter-final spot against the Netherlands.

The Al-Ahli defender celebrated his second goal with a 'wolf salute', a gesture associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves that is linked with Turkey's ruling coalition party the National Movement Party.

Demiral said the salute, which is banned in Austria and France, was pre-planned in case he scored.

www.bbc.com

Merih Demiral: Turkey defender given two-match ban over goal celebration

Turkey defender Merih Demiral is given a two-match ban for making an ultra-nationalist salute during his country's Euro 2024 win against Austria.
www.bbc.com
Click to expand...
No: 130, 5 July 2024, Regarding the Penalty Given to Our National Football Player Merih Demiral.

We regret the two-match ban imposed on our National Football Team player Merih Demiral by UEFA.

International sports events are organized to bring societies and countries closer together.

This decision, which caused deep disappointment for all our citizens at home and abroad, has strengthened the assessment that there is an increasing tendency to behave prejudiced towards foreigners in some European countries.

No: 130, 5 Temmuz 2024, Milli Futbolcumuz Merih Demiral’a Verilen Ceza Hk. / T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı

www.mfa.gov.tr www.mfa.gov.tr
 
English refs have been worst in the Euros. But get given this game and the France game 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

Germany game plan is just to kick Spain in looks like
 
Olmo gives Spain the lead. Game needed a goal
 
Poor miss from Havertz, no shock he missed it
 
Marino scores with 2 mins to go what a header
 
Germany out, for all the flair players the lack of clinical striker eventually exposed then. This is what happens when your 1st choice striker is a donkey
 
German national football has not done anything of note since 2014, What;s the reason? Even though Bundesliga is rising.

Group stages in FIFA world cups of 2018, 2022, losing to lesser team Korea and Japan
Not going past Quarters in Euros
 
1720205010485.png
Spain kept themselves on course to win a fourth European Championship as Mikel Merino's extra-time goal sent them into the semi-finals and eliminated hosts Germany following a pulsating encounter at Stuttgart Arena.

This was the most anticipated match of the tournament so far as it put together the resurgent home nation against arguably the best-performing side to date at Euro 2024 - and it certainly lived up to expectation.

Played with aggression, tension and drama the contest barely let those watching pause for breath from the moment Dani Olmo gave Spain the lead six minutes into the second half.

The substitute side-footed home a cross from 16-year-old star Lamine Yamal - his third assist of the Euros - and his strike opened up a game that had been played with caution until then.

Germany hit the post through their own substitute Niclas Fullkrug but equalised in the final minute of normal time when Florian Wirtz sent a thunderous strike in off the post to send the home fans wild.

After that, Mikel Oyarzabal and Wirtz sent efforts agonisingly wide while Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon superbly clawed away a Fullkrug header as it looked like penalties would be needed to settle an exhilarating contest.

But with seconds remaining of a thrilling encounter, Merino thumped home a header to send Spain into the semi-finals, where they will face either France or Portugal.

Full-back Dani Carvajal was sent off just before the end for a second yellow card, but it was not enough to spoil the celebrations as the Spanish fans and players greeted the final whistle with joy and relief.
 
1720215985874.png

France beat Portugal in a penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after a tense showdown in Hamburg.

Theo Hernandez scored the winning penalty after substitute Joao Felix hit the outside of the post with his effort, the only miss.

Kylian Mbappe had to be substituted in extra time after an earlier whack to his face, covered with a mask due to a broken nose, so he was unable to take part in the shootout.

Before the match, all eyes had been on a showdown between Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo but both failed to have an impact, though the Portugal captain did put away his spot-kick.

It means France will now face Spain in the semi-finals in Munich on Tuesday (20:00 BST kick-off).
 
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