Pep Guardiola praised Manchester City’s attitude to defy a disrupted pre-season and get their Premier League title defence off to a winning start by beating Chelsea 2-0.
Goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic inflicted defeat on Enzo Maresca in his first match in charge of the Blues.
City were shorn of all four of their Euro 2024 finalists — Rodri, Kyle Waker, John Stones and Phil Foden — from the start as Guardiola opted to give them extra time off to recover from their summer exertions.
“When you think about the players Manchester City don’t have on the pitch, it’s quite scary,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports.
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United’s new man scores clutch goal | 00:47
The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji did play the 90 minutes despite their late return to training after reaching the knockout stages of the Euros.
Yet, the champions were still able to lay down a marker against one of the few sides they failed to beat in the league last season.
“I really didn’t expect it. I know what these guys can do, but the first day and lack of training,” said Guardiola.
“We had two or three days to prepare, but we solved this lack of many things with our commitment.
“You cannot imagine how privileged and fortunate I am to live these experiences with this incredible group of players.”
Maresca has the tough task of moulding a functioning team unit from a bloated Chelsea squad that has 43 players and over 50 on the books including those on loan.
The consequences of those difficult decisions played out even before kick-off as Raheem Sterling’s camp released a statement expressing his dismay at being left out of the matchday squad.
Ben Chilwell was another to face the cull, while Conor Gallagher and Romelu Lukaku are among those not to have been handed squad numbers.
None of Chelsea’s nine summer signings to date were included in Maresca’s starting line-up.
Even more surprisingly, Enzo Fernandez was named captain despite being embroiled in a race row for a post on social media after Argentina’s Copa America victory last month.
Reds & Gunners land wins : PL Wrap | 02:40
City, by contrast, are a model of continuity and consistent excellence. Haaland was one of City’s few stars to have had a summer off from international tournaments and took just 18 minutes to make his mark.
Jeremy Doku’s low cross was deflected by Bernardo Silva into the Norwegian’s path and he coolly dinked over Robert Sanchez.
But Chelsea ended the first half in the ascendancy and should have been level before the break.
Ederson spilled Cole Palmer’s tame shot but was bailed out by Nicolas Jackson’s straying needlessly offside before he turned in the rebound.
Foden was forced into action earlier than Guardiola would have hoped at half-time as the lively Savinho was forced off injured on his Premier League debut.
The lack of pre-season minutes for many on show was apparent in the more pedestrian pace than normal for a major Premier League clash.
Todd Boehly, owner of Chelsea, watches on. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Chelsea did most of the pressing for an equaliser but offered City chances to extend their lead in doing so.
“I think we competed very well for much of the game. We were similar if not better,” said Maresca.
“The performance was there but we didn’t take the chances. Probably the big difference was inside the box.”
Sanchez made a fine save to deny Haaland a second goal but the Chelsea goalkeeper was at fault for the strike that sealed their fate.
Kovacic was allowed to burst through the midfield unchallenged and took aim for the top corner, which he found thanks to a weak hand from Sanchez.
TONEY-LESS BRENTFORD GET BETTER OF PALACE
Brentford shrugged off the absence of Ivan Toney to get their Premier League season off to a flying start with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa got the goals for the Bees, who had left out England international Toney over speculation surrounding his future.
Toney has less than a year left to run on his contract with the London club and is attracting interest from Saudi clubs after his role in helping England to the Euro 2024 final.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank said pre-match his side had shown last season they can cope without Toney — who missed much of last term due to a betting ban.
Marc Guehi did captain Crystal Palace despite the interest in him shown by Newcastle.
The England defender had an outstanding Euros but a moment to forget for Brentford’s opening goal.
Brentford won the game 2-1. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)Source: AFP
Mbeumo raced onto Wissa’s pass and cut inside Guehi before firing into the far corner.
Palace ended last season in sensational form under Oliver Glasner and will feel hard done by not to have earned at least a point.
Eberechi Eze had a brilliantly executed near post free-kick harshly ruled out for a foul by Will Hughes when the score was still level at 0-0.
A bright Palace start to the second half was rewarded when Ethan Pinnock turned Daniel Munoz’s header into his own goal.
Seconds later, Odsonne Edouard slotted home Eze’s pass only to be denied by a marginal offside decision.
Instead it was Brentford who grabbed the vital third goal.
Dean Henderson could only parry Nathan Collins’ shot straight into the path of Wissa, who bundled home.
Eze was twice denied by Mark Flekken in the closing stages but Brentford held out for an impressive three points.
Ronaldo, who had not scored for Portugal at Euro 2024, was awarded a golden chance to break the drought when Diogo Jota was brought down in the area.
But the superstar’s effort was superbly saved by Slovenia’s Jan Oblak to preserve the deadlock.
The miss prompted Ronaldo to burst into tears as his teammates rallied around him and prompted plenty of reaction on social media.
Football presenter Adriano Del Monte wrote: “Feel sick for Ronaldo in this shootout. His international career does not deserve to end like this.”
ESPN writer Mark Ogden posted: “The Ronaldo show is becoming ridiculous now. Great player, one of the absolute best ever, but this is not an U-10 game where the greedy kid gets to take all the free-kicks and miss all the chances.”
Slovenia had a golden chance to score the winner in the second half of extra time when a mistake from Pepe allowed Benjamin Sesko to run through unchallenged towards goal.
However, Sesko’s effort was denied by Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s outstretched left foot.
Costa proved to be the hero once more in the penalty shootout, saving all three of Slovenia’s efforts from the spot as Ronaldo atoned for his miss by slotting home Portugal’s first effort in the shootout.
Costa saved all three of Slovenia’s penalties in the shootout. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP)Source: AFP
The Euro 2016 winners dominated the ball and created their first chance after 12 minutes when Silva’s inviting cross just evaded Ronaldo and Fernandes could not turn home at the far post.
Slovenia, playing in their first ever knock-out match at a major competition, maintained their defensive shape well and limited Portugal’s opportunities.
Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo directed a soft header at his old nemesis, Atletico Madrid keeper Oblak, under vital pressure from Vanja Drkusic.
The Slovenian defender was booked moments later for bringing down the surging Rafael Leao as he charged towards Oblak’s goal.
Ronaldo smashed the free-kick narrowly over the bar with the goalkeeper at full stretch.
Slovenia produced their first effort on target just before half-time when RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko fired at Costa from the edge of the box.
Portugal’s holding midfielder Joao Palhinha hit the outside of the post with a low drive, the final kick of the first half, after more good work by the menacing Leao.
Ronaldo forced a solid stop by Oblak with another venomous free-kick early in the second half as the Al-Nassr forward tried in vain to break down Slovenia’s defensive wall, which comfortably held England to a goalless draw in the group stage.
Matjaz Kek’s side had a golden chance to take the lead on a rare burst forward, but Sesko dragged wide after beating the oldest player in the competition’s history, 41-year-old Pepe, for pace.
Still determined to score, Portugal captain Ronaldo thumped yet another free-kick over the crossbar with 20 minutes remaining.
The striker had a chance to settle the game in open play with two minutes to go but, in down the left, could only shoot straight at Oblak.
But it mattered little as Portugal live to fight another day in Germany.
Ronaldo atoned for his earlier penalty miss when he scored in the crucial penalty shootout. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP)Source: AFP
WORLD NO.3’S CRUEL EXIT SEALED AS ALARMING FRANCE TREND REMAINS
Jan Vertonghen’s late own goal took France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Monday as they edged Belgium 1-0 in a tense tie in Dusseldorf.
France had dominated the last-16 clash but their profligate finishing looked set to force extra time until they finally found a way through with five minutes left.
Substitute Randal Kolo Muani collected the ball inside the Belgian penalty area and hit a shot that was going wide until a deflection off the unfortunate Vertonghen took it past goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
The lucky break sent the 2022 World Cup runners-up into a last-eight tie in Hamburg on Friday as they remain on course to become European champions for the third time.
“We are so proud to once again be in the quarter-finals. We are expected to get there but we must appreciate it and not think that is something that is just normal,” said France coach Didier Deschamps.
France are yet to score from open play in four matches at the tournament — captain Kylian Mbappe netted once from a penalty against Poland, while their other two goals have come from opposition defenders.
Crucially, however, they are rock solid in defence, having conceded only one goal, from a penalty, so far.
Their back line was outstanding against Romelu Lukaku and his fellow attackers, and Belgium bow out after what will go down as a disappointing tournament for them.
“It’s a shame,” said captain Kevin De Bruyne.
Own goal sinks Belgium against France | 00:28
“We had a plan. We knew they were strong. It’s a shame to concede a goal in the way we did.”
Both of these sides were looking for revenge, in Belgium’s case for their 1-0 defeat against France in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, a result that still hurts six years on.
France, meanwhile, had a point to prove at the Euros after going out in the last 16 three years ago on penalties to Switzerland, a deeply disappointing result in between runs to consecutive World Cup finals.
The French were widely seen as the favourites to win this tournament before arriving in Germany, but they were below par during the group phase.
The broken nose suffered by Mbappe in their opening game against Austria did not help, and the uncertain form of Antoine Griezmann has been a problem too.
Griezmann was dropped for the last group match against Poland but returned here in one of two changes, with Marcus Thuram also coming in as wingers Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola made way.
Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco responded to his side’s unconvincing group stage displays by giving starts to Yannick Carrasco and Lois Openda, while De Bruyne played a more withdrawn role.
France are into the quarterfinals. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The Belgians were happy to sit deep and did not test Mike Maignan in the first half other than from an awkward De Bruyne free-kick which the France goalkeeper blocked with his knee.
France had lots of the ball, yet often looked untidy, imprecise and rather flat, with Griezmann appearing lost on the right wing.
But they had chances in the first half, with Thuram heading just wide from Jules Kounde’s inviting cross just after the half-hour mark and Aurelien Tchouameni twice firing off target.
Tchouameni then tested Casteels with a deflected long-range strike as France upped their game at the beginning of the second half.
Mbappe accelerated inside and smashed a shot just over, and there was a sense a goal might be coming.
The breakthrough almost came for Belgium an hour in as William Saliba lost possession on halfway and De Bruyne released Carrasco, who was about to pull the trigger when Theo Hernandez arrived to make a brilliant saving block.
Maignan was finally called into action again 20 minutes from time to keep out a drive from Lukaku, and was called into action once more to deny De Bruyne.
It was becoming clear that one goal would decide the contest, and France got it in the 85th minute as N’Golo Kante fed Kolo Muani, and his shot went in off Vertonghen to take Les Bleus through.
HOW $166M SUPERSTAR HAS REGRESSED TO ‘STUTTERING STOCK CAR’
Only England could go unbeaten and finish top of their group yet attract countless negative headlines.
Gareth Southgate’s side turned in three uninspiring performances against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia as the travelling support let the team know of their frustrations.
One play who hasn’t lived up to expectations is talismanic midfielder Jude Bellingham.
After scoring the only goal in England’s victory over Serbia, Bellingham’s performance levels dropped considerably in the final two group games.
For example, he had 93 touches against Serbia but then had 63 and 69 against Denmark and Slovenia respectively.
His attacking intent dropped too, with just 17 forward passes made in the final two games compared to 18 in the opener against Serbia.
Most worryingly, he became increasingly unsuccessful in duels: he won 63 per cent against Serbia, followed by 38 per cent and 22 per cent in the following group games.
Perhaps the 104 domestic and international games Bellingham has played in the last two seasons has finally caught up.
Even former England international Gary Lineker noted Bellingham looked like he was running on fumes.
Bellingham’s performance levels have considerably dropped in England’s past two games. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“Having had a great opening game, he’s struggled since,” Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast.
“I think he chases lost causes a lot. Sometimes, you can see him sprinting.
“I understand why because he’s so determined to help the team but I think sometimes you’ve got to reserve your energy a little bit.
“But that’s experience. He’s only 20.”
Yes, Bellingham may be young, but he’s also played over 100 games for club and country in the past two seasons.
For someone so young and with such an all-action style of play, that is a lot of football and minutes accrued.
Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett described Bellingham as, right now, “more like a stuttering stock car than a finely-tuned Formula One race machine.”
Some have called Southgate to rest Real Madrid’s $AUD166 million man for the Round of 16 clash against Slovakia, which would be one bold call.
But, if it helps Bellingham recharge the batteries and allows him to perform like he did against Serbia rather than Denmark and Slovenia, it might be the spark that ignites England’s charge.
Does Southgate make the drastic call to rest Bellingham? (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
MAN UTD OWES EX-BOSS AN APOLOGY AMID DARK HORSE’S SURGE
Grouped alongside France and the Netherlands, many tipped Austria’s best chance of making the knockouts to be advancing as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Three games later and Ralf Rangnick’s side stunned just about everybody to finish first, as a 3-2 victory over the Dutch in the final group game secured top spot.
The victory vindicated Rangnick’s decision to turn down German giants Bayern Munich and also was the perfect middle finger to his many detractors from his time at Manchester United.
But what makes this Austrian team so successful?
Perhaps it comes from the Red Bull football group, which includes the likes of RB Leipzig in Germany and Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.
Red Bull’s philosophy revolves around high-pressing, high-intensity football along with vertical attacks.
Guess who was the architect for Red Bull’s philosophy? Yep, you guessed it: Rangnick himself.
Nine players in Austria’s Euro squad have either spent time at a Red Bull club or remain at one, making it easier for Rangnick to implement his tactics.
Rangnick has transformed Austria. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Austrian skipper Marcel Sabitzer, who played over 170 games for RB Leipzig, believes the shift in approach under Rangnick has been transformative and exactly what the team needed to thrive.
“It’s been almost two years since the coach and his team joined us, and since then we’ve seen a clear development,” Sabitzer said after beating the Netherlands.
“We were a bit passive against the ball before and we’ve definitely changed that. We’re strong against the ball now. Everyone knows that if they lose the ball, they have to immediately switch over and go on the chase.
“That’s probably the biggest difference but with the ball, we have a very good man (Rangnick) there who always gives us good input and creates spaces where we want to play.”
Austria now face Turkey in the Round of 16 and either Romania or the Netherlands in the quarterfinal, meaning they are a strong chance of going as deep a the semi finals.
Given how Rangnick was hounded out of United, perhaps there are some at Old Trafford who owe him an apology.
Sabitzer has thrived in the Austrian team under Rangnick. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP)Source: AFP
WORLD NO. 3’S EMBARRASSING TOURNEY FLOP … AGAIN
Belgium suffered a humiliating exit at the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and two years on, the vibes are not much better.
The Red Devils were dubbed heavy favourites to top Group E, which featured Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine.
However, Belgium ultimately scraped through to the knockout stage via goal difference and won just once (2-0 v Romania) as Romania, 47th in the FIFA rankings, took top spot.
It was a complete surprise given Belgium dominated in their qualifying group, winning six of eight games with 22 goals scored and just four conceded.
Belgian fans were furious after a disappointing goalless draw against Ukraine, with skipper Kevin De Bruyne escorting his team off the pitch after the final whistle after he initially went to applaud the supporters, only to be greeted with a chorus of boos.
“There is one minute left of the game, so you don’t want to take any risks,” De Bruyne said in defence of the team’s conservative tactics late in the game.
“I understand people want us to win but if we go for the corner, they win it back, then they score, then everyone will kill me.
“Sometimes you need to take certain risks and sometimes you need to be smart. Two minutes from the end you need to be smart, definitely.”
As a result of their weak group performance, they have now been pitted against tournament favourites France in the Round of 16.
Kevin De Bruyne did not want to acknowledge Belgium’s fans after the draw against Ukraine. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Despite the boos, De Bruyne called for the fans to get behind the team against the French.
“We just need [the fans], I don’t know what else to say,” De Bruyne said.
“We just need them, you know? We will need them against France like we needed them in the last three games.”
The scoreless draw against Ukraine also prompted criticism from England legend Wayne Rooney.
“Belgium were very poor,” Rooney told BBC.
“If that’s how they are moving forwards, then they have got no chance.”
Alan Shearer concurred with Rooney, branding Belgium “terrible”.
But if Belgium are to transform their fortunes, they desperately need star striker Romelu Lukaku to start burying his chances.
Per Opta, Lukaku has taken eight shots — the fourth-most of all players — with seven of those on target to register the third-highest xG (expected goals) figure of 1.67.
However, the hulking forward has failed to score once, with three potential goals ruled out via VAR.
It followed Lukaku’s performance against Croatia at the last World Cup where he registered an xG of 1.98 in the second half, a figure higher than Morocco’s xG for the entire group stage (1.35), but still failed to score.
Belgium desperately need Lukaku to find his scoring boots against France, otherwise it will be a disappointing early exit.
Lukaku has had countless chances but simply cannot score. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
HEAVYWEIGHT’S SURPRISE TACTICAL APPROACH PAYS DIVIDENDS
Yes, Spain were a pre-tournament favourite, but they weren’t the favourite.
But after the group stage, La Roja have cemented themselves as the team to beat.
Luis De La Fuente’s side was the only one to win all three group games, scoring five goals and conceding none.
What makes the feat even more impressive is that they were in the supposed group of death alongside Euro 2020 champions Italy and Croatia.
It’s also worth noting Spain’s 1-0 victory over Albania given De La Fuente made a whopping 10 changes to his line-up, emphasising how strong the team’s depth is.
Spain ended the group stage with the fourth-best xG figure (5.54) and with the second-most shots taken (37), highlighting their attacking brilliance.
One element of Spain’s play that is slightly surprising to neutral observers is that they haven’t dominated possession, which has often been a hallmark of previous teams.
SPAIN POSSESSION AT 2022 WORLD CUP
Spain 7-0 Costa Rica — Spain had 82 per cent possession
Spain 1-1 Germany — Spain had 65 per cent possession
Spain 1-2 Japan — Spain had 83 per cent possession
Spain 0-0 Morocco — Spain had 77 per cent possession
SPAIN POSSESSION AT EURO 2024
Spain 3-0 Croatia — Spain had 46 per cent possession
Spain 1-0 Italy — 58 per cent possession
Spain 1-0 Albania — 59 per cent possession
It’s a markedly different approach but, as Spain’s Euro 2024 results and attacking metrics have shown, it is an effective one.
Spain take on Georgia in the next round, with La Roja beating the world No. 74 7-1 and 3-1 in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Spain are in fine form. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)Source: AFP
THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED …
An unfortunate ending to Ukraine’s run who concluded Group E in fourth place.
Despite finishing on four points (enough to qualify in Group C), Ukraine’s frustrating draw to Belgium leaves them dumped from the competition.
Combined with the 1-1 result between Romania and Slovakia, Ukraine’s 3-0 loss in their first game may be looked back on with dismay.
The Golden Boot race has an unexpected leader in Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze.
With three goals thus far, the Georgian international’s efforts have led his nation to picking up a Round of 16 spot through 3rd place in Group F.
Own goals have been hogging the limelight of the tournament with a total of seven attempts into the wrong net in the group stages alone.
This isn’t a new trend to the tournament however, with 11 own goals coming in the previous tournament, eight of which came in the group stages.
Georgia are through to the last 16 of Euro 2024 after Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Portugal, a historic triumph in the former Soviet Republic’s first appearance at a major international tournament.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave Georgia a shock lead against a second-string Portugal team with just over a minute on the clock in Gelsenkirchen.
Georges Mikautadze then ensured Georgia would claim the biggest football victory in the Black Sea nation’s history with a 57th-minute penalty.
Willy Sagnol’s team qualify from Group F as one of the four best third-placed finishers after their first ever European Championship win, which set up a daunting clash with red-hot Spain on Sunday.
Portugal had already qualified for the next round as group winners and coach Roberto Martinez made eight changes from the team which swept Turkey aside to guarantee first place last weekend.
However, his team were on top for most of the match and looked likely to equalise before Antonio Silva, who gave the ball away for the first goal, was harshly penalised for light contact with Luka Lochoshvili to give away the decisive penalty.
Regardless Portugal will face Slovenia on Monday and, saving any injuries, Martinez will have a mostly rested first XI to call upon.
Kvaratskhelia was the beneficiary of Silva sloppily giving away possession to Mikautadze, who after scoring in both of Georgia’s previous matches with Turkey and the Czech Republic turned provider.
Mikautadze gave a perfectly-weighted pass to Kvaratskhelia who burst through on goal from his preferred position in the inside-right channel and stroked home a precision finish.
From there, Sagnol’s team were content to sit back and protect their slender lead as Portugal sent forward waves of attack against a packed defence.
First Ronaldo smashed a free-kick straight at Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in the 17th minute before he was booked just before the half-hour mark for dissent after what he thought was a foul from Lochoshvili.
Francisco Conceicao hit the side netting while Ronaldo protested to referee Sandro Scherer and moments later Joao Felix fizzed a long-range shot just wide.
Ronaldo’s frustrations continued almost immediately after half-time when looked certain to score from a corner only for Lasha Dvali to unwittingly save the day with his back.
Kvaratskhelia then wasted a great chance to double his team’s lead before Mikautadze, who has been Georgia’s best player in the tournament, stroked in his third goal in as many games from the penalty spot.
Georgia then closed ranks and made rare, but dangerous forays into Portugal’s defensive third, holding out for the win to the joy of their supporters.
Ronaldo was not a happy camper in Portugal’s shock defeat to Georgia. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP)Source: AFP
Turkey reached the knockout phase at a major tournament for the first time in 16 years after a bad-tempered 2-1 win over a battling 10-man Czech Republic at Euro 2024 on Wednesday.
Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey finished second in Group F behind Portugal to progress, as the Czechs were eliminated despite a brave performance on a sweltering night in Hamburg.
Turkey will face Austria in the last 16 in Leipzig on Tuesday, their first major tournament knockout match since the Euro 2008 semi-finals when they were beaten by Germany.
The Czechs were reduced to 10 men in the 20th minute when Antonin Barak was given the earliest red card in Euros history, beating the unwanted record set by France’s Eric Abidal in 2008.
Barak’s pair of bookings were two of 18 yellow cards shown in total, with Tomas Chory also shown red after the final whistle in ugly scenes.
Hakan Calhanoglu powered Turkey into a 51st-minute lead, but Tomas Soucek lashed in an equaliser midway through the second half.
A frantic finale to the game ensued as the Czech Republic pushed for the winner that would take them through, but Cenk Tosun ended their hopes on the counter-attack in added time.
There were ugly scenes at the final whistle as fans ran onto the pitch, with Czech forward
The referee dished out a red card after Turkey’s clash against the Czech Republic. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)Source: AFP
Belgium, Romania and Slovakia qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 on Wednesday as war-torn Ukraine were left heartbroken by a thrilling end to Group E.
Romania’s 1-1 draw with Slovakia in Frankfurt secured the point both nations needed to progress, while Ukraine’s brave effort in a 0-0 draw with Belgium was not enough.
All four sides ended the section on four points, but Ukraine paid for their 3-0 defeat to Romania in their opening game as they finished bottom of the group on goal difference.
Belgium could be made to pay for making a meal of a group they were expected to cruise as Domenico Tedesco’s men will face France in the last 16 after finishing second.
Slovakia advance as one of the best third-placed sides and will find out their last 16 opponents, along with Romania, after Wednesday’s final matches in Group F.
Belgium’s mix of veteran talent and rising stars are just one of a host of favoured sides yet to hit their stride in Germany.
Their support reacted furiously at the final whistle in Stuttgart, with captain Kevin De Bruyne appearing to tell his teammates not to go over to acknowledge them as the whistles and jeers grew louder.
Belgium were booed by their own fans after the game. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Ukraine became the first side since the expansion of the Euros to 24 teams to fail to get out of the group stage with four points.
It was a tale of what might have been for Serhiy Rebrov’s men as Belgium goalkeeper Koen Casteels prevented a corner from crossing the line by centimetres before denying Georgiy Sudakov a memorable winner in stoppage time.
However, in stark contrast to Belgium’s rebuke, the Ukrainians were still handed a hero’s reception at the end by their band of supporters.
“A strong nation is one that remains united and supports each other at all times. Both in times of defeat and in times of victory,” wrote Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram.
“Today we thank the Ukrainian national football team. Despite the disappointing result, you fought for our country … Glory to Ukraine!”
In Frankfurt, Romania ensured progress to the knockout stages of a Euros for the first time in 24 years after coming from behind to take a point.
Slovakia went in front on 24 minutes when Ondrej Duda powered home a header. The lead only lasted 13 minutes as Ianis Hagi, son of former Barcelona and Real Madrid star Gheorghe Hagi, won a penalty that was emphatically converted by Razvan Marin.
Youri Tielemans breathed new life into Belgium’s Euro 2024 campaign as the Aston Villa midfielder’s goal after just 73 seconds inspired a vital 2-0 win against Romania on Saturday.
Domenico Tedesco’s side would have been on the brink of elimination if they had suffered a second successive Group E defeat.
But Tielemans’ second-minute strike in Cologne eased fears of yet another major tournament flop from star-studded Belgium.
Kevin De Bruyne wrapped up the points in the closing stages to leave all four teams in the group level on three points.
The stage is set for a dramatic final round of fixtures in the battle to reach the last 16.
Belgium face Ukraine and Romania play Slovakia on June 26.
With 45 rungs separating the two nations in FIFA’s rankings, third-placed Belgium’s 1-0 loss to Slovakia on Monday was the biggest upset in European Championship history.
Romania, ranked in 47th place, competed gamely as they chased their own shock, but this time Belgium’s superior class proved decisive.
Having bowed out at the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and lost in the quarter-finals of the last two Euros, Belgium’s golden generation have given themselves fresh hope of finally delivering on their vast potential.
Youri Tielemans scored after 73 seconds. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)Source: AFP
Romania had powered to a 3-0 win against Ukraine on Monday — their first victory in a major tournament since beating England at Euro 2000.
Despite this loss, Edward Iordanescu’s team are still in contention to make the Euro knockout stage for the first time in 24 years.
Belgium had failed to score in over 300 minutes at major tournaments since netting against Canada at the last World Cup.
They needed less than two minutes to end that drought.
A sweeping move climaxed when Jeremy Doku’s pass found Romelu Lukaku in the Romania penalty area and he laid the ball back to Tielemans, who smashed a powerful low strike past Florin Nita from the edge of the area.
Romania’s Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin went close to equalising moments later with a towering header that Koen Casteels tipped over at full stretch.
After an injury-plagued season with Manchester City, in which he failed to reach his usual sky-high standards, De Bruyne had looked below his best against Slovakia.
Kevin de Bruyne scored Belgium’s second. (Photo by Angelos Tzortzinis / AFP)Source: AFP
The Belgium captain was far more influential this time, with a lung-bursting surge that ended with a pass to Dodi Lukebakio, whose strike was pushed away by Nita.
Doku was denied by another good stop from Nita after wriggling through the overworked Romania defence.
Valentin Mihaila wasted a golden opportunity to equalise soon after halftime, pouncing on Amadou Onana’s wayward pass and sprinting clear, only to blaze high into the stands.
De Bruyne was moving through the gears ominously, curling just past the far post from 20 yards, then drawing a smart save from Nita with a shot on the turn.
Lukaku had two goals, including a late equaliser, disallowed by VAR against Slovakia.
The striker, signed by Chelsea in 2023 for a staggering $AUD184m, was denied by VAR again in the 63rd minute when he converted De Bruyne’s pass before being ruled narrowly off-side.
Romania nearly profited from that escape as Dennis Man raced clear, but couldn’t find the accuracy to beat Casteels.
De Bruyne finally delivered the knockout blow in the 80th minute, running onto Casteels’ long punt and firing past Nita.
Belgium secured a much-needed win. (Photo by Angelos Tzortzinis / AFP)Source: AFP
PORTUGAL INTO ROUND OF 16 AFTER COMICAL OWN GOAL
Portugal outclassed Turkey to secure their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a 3-0 win in Dortmund on Saturday.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portuguese side, European champions in 2016, are among the favourites to win the title in Germany and they lived up to their status with a comprehensive victory in front of a partisan crowd to secure first place in Group F.
Bernardo Silva of Manchester City opened the scoring midway through the first half, sweeping the ball home after a low Nuno Mendes cross was deflected into his path.
Portugal then doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark in comical fashion.
There appeared no danger for the Turkey defence following a poor pass by Joao Cancelo aimed at Ronaldo, but Samet Akaydin’s attempted backpass rolled beyond the reach of goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and crossed the line despite the efforts of Zeki Celik to clear.
Turkey never looked like getting back into the game and Portugal got their third goal early in the second half as Ronaldo found himself in on goal but unselfishly squared for Bruno Fernandes to finish.
Turkiye conceded a comical own goal. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP)Source: AFP
Having already beaten the Czechs 2-1, Portugal have six points out of six and are now certain to win the section even before playing Georgia in Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday.
They therefore know they will play a last-16 tie in Frankfurt on July 1 against one of the best third-place finishers.
“We are mainly very happy with the three points, with the qualification in first place, and it is just another step for being closer to our goal, a goal that is still very far away which is to try to win the cup,” said Silva.
“We are first in the group and we can make changes in the next game which for me is very important as there are lots of players in the dressing room who deserve to play,” added coach Roberto Martinez.
Ronaldo, appearing at his sixth Euros at the age of 39, will become the tournament’s oldest ever goal-scorer if he finds the net in Germany but he failed to add to his competition record tally of 14 here.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for Portugal. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP)Source: AFP
The superstar forward, now playing in Saudi Arabia, was also approached for a selfie by several pitch invaders in the second half.
While he enjoyed the attention the first time, posing with a smile for a photograph in the centre circle, he appeared visibly irritated as the number of invaders grew.
Martinez admitted the ease with which so many fans got into the playing area was a concern.
“It is a concern because today we were lucky that the intentions of the fans were good,” he said.
“If those intentions are wrong then the players are exposed and we need to be careful with that.
“I don’t think that should happen on a football pitch.”
Despite the defeat, Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey — who beat Georgia 3-1 in their opening game — will qualify from the group in second place if they avoid defeat against the Czechs.
Portugal are into the knockout stages at Euro 2024. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)Source: AFP
WORLD NO. 72 CELEBRATE ‘HISTORIC’ RESULT IN GRITTY DRAW
Earlier, Patrik Schick chested home to earn the Czechs a 1-1 draw against debutants Georgia in an entertaining match in Hamburg, but it leaves both teams in a tricky spot in the section.
Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made a string of superb saves to keep his team in the game and they took the lead just before the break through Georges Mikautadze’s penalty.
However Schick reprised his Euro 2020 goalscoring heroics with an improvised finish to leave honours even at the end of a pulsating clash.
Both sides are off the mark, with Georgia getting their first ever point, but they each face having to win their next game if they are to remain in the competition.
“I am quite happy and satisfied just for being here … our first point is a historic moment,” Mamardashvili said.
“We will have a very difficult match against Portugal, they are one of the best teams at the tournament but we will do our best, and we will see.” “We don’t want to go home yet. We will fight until the very end against Turkey so we can get into the knockout rounds,” said Czech coach Ivan Hasek.
Slovakia caused the first upset at Euro 2024 as Ivan Schranz fired the underdogs to a 1-0 win against Belgium on Tuesday morning AEST.
Francesco Calzona’s side are 45 spots below third-placed Belgium in FIFA’s world rankings, but they made a mockery of the supposed quality gap between the teams with a courageous performance in Frankfurt.
“We played against a great opponent. We gave it our heart. We didn’t win it by being better, but by being happier,” Slovakia defender David Hancko said.
“That makes the victory all the more gratifying. It’s amazing that we were able to do that.”
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Slovakia coach Calzona, who also served as Napoli’s interim boss in the second half of last season, had admitted he would have been “delighted” with a draw.
The Italian got more than he could have dreamed of as Schranz left Belgium reeling after ending his nine-game international goal drought.
Romelu Lukaku missed a host of chances for Belgium and had two possible equalisers disallowed by VAR.
Slovakia’s unexpected victory blew Group E wide open, just hours after Romania beat Ukraine 3-0 in Monday’s other match in that pool.
It was a bitter loss for Belgium, who are already in danger of once again failing to fulfil their potential at a major tournament.
Belgium’s golden generation has lost much of its lustre since they crashed out of the 2022 World Cup in the group stage.
The Red Devils fell at the quarter-finals in the last two editions of the European Championship, making a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup the highwater mark of a talented but underachieving team once hailed as a potential dynasty.
Domenico Tedesco was appointed to replace Roberto Martinez in February 2023 and led Belgium on a 14-match unbeaten run heading into the Euros.
“I knew that eventually we would lose a game. Unfortunately it was today,” Tedesco said.
“The only thing that we didn’t do well was missing chances. We had plenty. It’s part of the game. Of course the players were disappointed.”
Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz celebrates with teammates. Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE / AFPSource: AFP
Before what was billed as a last hurrah for Belgium’s veteran stars, Kevin De Bruyne had insisted they were ready to do “something good” in Germany.
But instead they reverted to type with a spluttering display that puts them under intense pressure to beat Romania in their second group game on Saturday.
Playing in a Belgian record 11th game at major tournaments, Lukaku should have bagged his 86th goal for his country in the second minute.
Jeremy Doku turned adroitly on the halfway line and accelerated menacingly into the Slovakia penalty area, where his cross was poked toward Lukaku by De Bruyne.
Lukaku looked certain to score but his close-range effort was straight at Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka.
Lukaku threatened again moments later, only to let Doku’s pass run away from him.
Slovakia punished Lukaku’s profligacy in the seventh minute. Doku’s wayward clearing pass allowed Robert Bozenik to cleverly backheel the ball to Juraj Kucka.
Koen Casteels saved Kucka’s strike but could do nothing about the rebound as Schranz fired home from an acute angle.
Lukaku endured a nightmare evening. He again took a woefully heavy touch to waste a good chance from Yannick Carrasco’s raking pass.
Belgium’s angst increased in the 56th minute when Lukaku was denied by Dubravka’s near-post save.
From the resulting corner, Amadou Onana looped a header over Dubravka and Lukaku slid in to score from a yard out, only for his celebrations to be curtailed as VAR ruled he was off-side.
Belgium laid siege to the Slovakia goal but Dubravka saved well from Leandro Trossard and Lukaku volleyed into the side-netting before Johan Bakayoko’s shot was cleared off the line by Hancko.
In a fitting coda to a day to forget for Belgium, Lukaku blasted home in the 86th minute but the goal was disallowed for handball by Lois Openda in the build-up.
Romelu Lukaku of Belgium. Photo by Stu Forster/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
FRANCE NEED OWN GOAL TO EDGE AUSTRIA
Maximilian Woeber’s own goal was enough to give France a winning start to their Euro 2024 campaign on Tuesday as they edged Austria 1-0 in their opening game but Kylian Mbappe came off late on with a bloodied nose.
Woeber diverted Mbappe’s cutback into his own net seven minutes before halftime in Duesseldorf to allow the French, one of the leading contenders to win the tournament, to come through a stiff test.
Austria have been much-improved under Ralf Rangnick and their pressing game often made life uncomfortable for the 2022 World Cup runners-up, who saw Mbappe leave the field near the end after being hurt in a collision.
He had earlier failed to convert a glorious chance that would have allowed France to win by a wider margin.
While Les Bleus were not at their best, they will be relieved to have emerged victorious from the game after a build-up overshadowed by talk of politics rather than football.
Mbappe and other French players had spent much of their time before the media in recent days answering questions about upcoming elections in the country which could see the far-right National Rally become the biggest party.
Any slip-up here would have led to suggestions their minds had not been fully focused on the competition, as France aim to become European champions for the third time, and first since 2000.
Instead, the result leaves Didier Deschamps’ team level on three points in Group D with the Netherlands, who defeated Poland 2-1 in Hamburg on Sunday.
France and the Netherlands meet next in Leipzig on Friday, while Austria face Poland earlier the same day in Berlin.
Austrian midfielder Romano Schmid. Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFPSource: AFP
Austria had enjoyed some impressive results coming into the tournament on a seven-game unbeaten run and their team is on familiar ground during these Euros — their coach Rangnick is from Germany and eight of their starting line-up played in the German Bundesliga last season.
The French, however, are arguably the most talented team at the tournament, led by their captain Mbappe.
He endured a miserable time at his only previous Euros three years ago, failing to score and missing the decisive penalty in a shootout defeat by Switzerland in the last 16.
The new Real Madrid signing will wonder how he did not score in this game, with his first big opportunity arriving inside eight minutes.
Antoine Griezmann and Theo Hernandez combined to release Mbappe, who cut in from the left as he loves to do and shaped to curl a shot into the far corner before instead aiming for the near post.
However, Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz was able to make the save. The Austrians settled into the contest and passed up a wonderful chance of their own to go ahead on 36 minutes.
Skipper Marcel Sabitzer touched down a Michael Gregoritsch cross from the left for Christoph Baumgartner, but he was foiled by goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
That proved crucial as France went ahead two minutes later.
Ousmane Dembele gave the ball to Mbappe on the right, and he produced a stepover to get to the byline before his cutback was nodded into the far corner of his own net by the unfortunate Woeber.
Mbappe was then thwarted by Pentz as he tried to go around the goalkeeper in first-half stoppage time, but that was nothing compared to the chance he squandered 10 minutes after the restart.
Adrien Rabiot sent Mbappe away, bounding in behind the Austrian defence, but he somehow put his shot wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.
That left the game in the balance, and Austria continued to push for a leveller, but without success.
Their fans were less than impressed by what they perceived as time-wasting late on from Mbappe, who needed treatment after colliding with Kevin Danso in the box.
He left the pitch with his shirt stained by blood, only to then come back on and sit down, earning himself a yellow card before being replaced by Olivier Giroud.
Best Euro performance: Group stage (1992, 1996, 2020)
Star player: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
Hungary
FIFA Ranking: 26th
Best Euro performance: Third (1964)
Star player: Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
Switzerland
FIFA Ranking: 19th
Best Euro performance: Quarter finals (2020)
Star player: Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen)
Analysis: Host nation Germany are the clear favourites to progress from this group and should do so with relative ease.
Expect young midfield duo Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz to steal the show as Germany look to banish their demons from the 2022 World Cup in which they crashed out in the group stage.
But who will finish second?
Scotland may have a solid midfield and a reasonable defensive unit but up front, one must wonder how they’ll find goals with Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland.
Across the last five major tournaments, Switzerland have found a way to make it to the knockout stages.
Led by Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, Switzerland will be a safe bet to progress from the group stages once again.
However, Hungary present somewhat of a wildcard.
Going into Euro 2024, Hungary have lost just once in their last 18 games and even secured away wins over England and Germany during that run.
We’re predicting Switzerland’s tournament nous to be enough to secure second place behind Germany.
Host nation Germany will want to impress in front of their fans. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
GROUP B
Spain
FIFA Ranking: 8th
Best Euro performance: Winner (1964, 2008, 2012)
Star player: Rodri (Manchester City)
Croatia
FIFA Ranking: 10th
Best Euro performance: Quarter finals (1996, 2008)
Star player: Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Italy
FIFA Ranking: 9th
Best Euro performance: Winner (1968, 2020)
Star player: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
Albania
FIFA Ranking: 66th
Best Euro performance: Group stage (2016)
Star player: Armando Broja (Chelsea)
Analysis: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the infamous group of death.
For three teams ranked in the top ten, one will be left with serious questions once the group stage is completed.
Italy, the winners at Euro 2020, are a different outfit under Luciano Spalletti who took over from Roberto Mancini.
As good as the Azzurri are, there’s questions as to how they’ll score having racked up just 17 in the qualifying stage for this tournament.
Croatia looked less than convincing in their qualifying results but made it to the final of the Nations League and only lost on penalties, with the evergreen Luka Modric leading the way.
It was Spain who beat Croatia in that Nations League final and are blessed with talent all across the field, with central midfielder Rodri the standout.
Albania could end up having a large say in this group as their tireless running and effort on the field could cause an upset that derails one of their Group B rivals’ campaign.
Unfortunately the group stage will be as good as it gets for Albania and Croatia, as Italy’s resolve and Spain’s silkiness is going to prove too much to handle.
Spain are a favourite to go all the way. (Photo by JAIME REINA / AFP)Source: AFP
GROUP C
Slovenia
FIFA Ranking: 57th
Best Euro performance: Group stage (2020)
Star player: Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)
Denmark
FIFA Ranking: 21st
Best Euro performance: Winner (1992)
Star player: Christian Eriksen (Manchester United)
Serbia
FIFA Ranking: 33rd
Best Euro performance: Runners-up (1960, 1968)
Star player: Aleksandar Mitrovic (Al Hilal)
England
FIFA Ranking: 4th
Best Euro performance: Runners-up (2020)
Star player: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Analysis: All eyes will be on England as they look to go one better than Euro 2020 when they lost to Italy via a penalty shootout in the final.
Several players have improved since then and will be better for the experience, plus the emergence of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham has made the Three Lions a heavy favourite.
However, there are major question marks over England’s defenders given several are coming back from injuries and are not at full fitness.
Joining England in Group C is Denmark, who they met in the semi finals at Euro 2020.
The Danes will be desperate to make up for a humiliating group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup as Christian Eriksen hopes to provide the spark for attacking talents like Rasmus Hojlund and Andreas Skov Olsen.
A constant dark horse, Serbia have plenty of notable firepower in Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic but some rough qualifying results including defeats to Hungary and a draw to Bulgaria doesn’t inspire much confidence.
Slovenia are the easy tip to finish outside the top two but in Benjamin Sesko they have a striker who could cause serious problems.
Expect England and Denmark to progress to the Round of 16.
England will need Jude Bellingham in top form. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
GROUP D
Poland
FIFA Ranking: 28th
Best Euro performance: Quarter finals (2016)
Star player: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Netherlands
FIFA Ranking: 7th
Best Euro performance: Winner (1988)
Star player: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Austria
FIFA Ranking: 25th
Best Euro performance: Round of 16 (2020)
Star player: Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund)
France
FIFA Ranking: 2nd
Best Euro performance: Winners (1984, 2000)
Star player: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Analysis: Having crashed out in the Round of 16 at Euro 2020, France will be desperate to live up to their favourites tag.
Les Bleus have superstar talent in every part of the field but the man everyone will be watching is Kylian Mbappe, who will tear opposition backlines apart with his blistering pace and clinical finishing.
One defensive unit who won’t fear Mbappe is that of the Netherlands, who boast Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Light, Nathan Ake and Micky van de Ven in their ranks.
But as good as their defence is, the loss of Frenkie De Jong leaves the Dutch rather light in midfield while Memphis Depay’s recent muscle injury leaves the team short in attack albeit for only a few games.
Poland have already been dealt a bitter blow as striker Robert Lewandowski will miss their opener against Austria and without him, their chances of getting a result drop dramatically.
If Lewandowski cannot return to full fitness for the clashes against France and the Netherlands, Poland will need a miracle to make it out of the group stages.
Austria lack the star power of France and the Netherlands but they play exactly how boss Ralf Rangnick wants them too, as red shirts fly up the field to relentlessly press their opposition.
Led by midfield duo Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer, Austria’s energy may pose an interesting dilemma for their rivals.
That said, it would be an almighty shock if France or the Netherlands fail to make it out of the groups as they progress to the knockout stages.
Mbappe is a favourite to win the golden boot. (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP)Source: AFP
GROUP E
Belgium
FIFA Ranking: 3rd
Best Euro performance: Runners-up (1980)
Star player: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Slovakia
FIFA Ranking: 48th
Best Euro performance: Round of 16 (2016)
Star player: Milan Skriniar (Paris Saint-Germain)
Romania
FIFA Ranking: 46th
Best Euro performance: Quarter finals (2000)
Star player: Radu Dragusin (Tottenham)
Ukraine
FIFA Ranking: 22nd
Best Euro performance: Quarter finals (2020)
Star player: Mykhailo Mudryk (Chelsea)
Analysis: After suffering a humiliating group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup, Belgium’s golden generation has one last chance to win a trophy before the next generation fully takes over.
However, Thibaut Courtois will not be involved after he fell out with new manager Domenico Tedesco over the goalkeeper not being named as the new captain.
Once again, Belgium has ridiculous talent in attack and midfield with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, but a slow defensive unit featuring Wout Faes and Jan Vertonghen doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.
Romania finished top of their qualifying group having conceded just five goals, with only France and Portugal bettering their goals conceded per game.
It will be that steely resolve at the back that could steer the Romanians into a surprise knockout berth as they aren’t exactly a team known for scoring goals for fun.
Ukraine copped a tough qualifying group having been drawn alongside England and Italy but managed to make it via the play-offs.
One thing in Ukraine’s favour is their remarkable ability to conjure late results having gone behind in six of their 10 games, but coming back to ultimately win four.
Slovakia may have finished with their equal best-ever tally of games won in qualifying with seven, but when you factor in their group featured Luxembourg, Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Liechtenstein, it takes some gloss off of the achievement.
It’ll take something special for the Slovakians to step up to the level of their Group E rivals.
Anything other than Belgium finishing first looks almost impossible and we’re tipping star duo Mykhailo Mudryk and Artem Dovbyk, who won La Liga’s golden boot, to lift Ukraine into the knockout stages.
Can Kevin De Bruyne help Belgium secure a trophy? (Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR / Belga / AFP)Source: AFP
GROUP F
Turkey
FIFA Ranking: 40th
Best Euro performance: Third (2008)
Star player: Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan)
Georgia
FIFA Ranking: 75th
Best Euro performance: Tournament debut
Star player: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
Portugal
FIFA Ranking: 6th
Best Euro performance: Winner (2016)
Star player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Czech Republic
FIFA Ranking: 36th
Best Euro performance: Runners-up (1996)
Star player: Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)
Analysis: Portugal’s qualification campaign was as good as it gets: ten wins from ten along with 36 goals scored and just two conceded.
The football was free-flowing under Roberto Martinez, but they’ll be up against stronger opposition at Euro 2024.
Crucial to Portugal’s hopes will be Cristiano Ronaldo, but how will Martinez — and the team — cope with the superstar struggles with form early on?
It could prove to be an unwanted sideshow.
Turkey have often been people’s go-to nation for who will be the dark horse of the tournament, but they’ve lost six of their last seven games at the Euros.
However, they’ve got a non-Turkish manager for the first time since 1954 in the form of Vincenzo Montella and he might be the man to finally justify the dark horse claims.
Expect young duo Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz, who play for Real Madrid and Juventus respectively, to offer plenty of flair in the final third.
The Czech Republic are consistent guests at the Euros having qualified eight consecutive times and are the second-highest ranked team in the group.
Striker Patrik Shick shared the golden boot at Euro 2020 alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and will no doubt be entrusted with shouldering the goalscoring burden once again.
But a glance at their midfield leaves pundits wondering where the creativity will come to thread that killer pass or break down a low block.
Tournament debutants Georgia aren’t being given much of a hope and justifiably so given they came fourth in their group behind Spain, Scotland and Norway.
But thanks to the their standing in the Nations League they made it to a playoff where they beat Greece on penalties.
Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is Georgia’s best hope of a goal but if their Group F rivals can shackle him, the minnows will struggle badly.
Portugal won’t have any issues progressing and we’re boldly declaring Turkey finally live up to the dark horse label and progress to the knockouts.
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line for Portugal. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP)Source: AFP
FULL EURO 2024 SCHEDULE (all times AEST)
Saturday, June 15
Germany v Scotland – 5am
Hungary v Switzerland – 11pm
Sunday, June 16
Spain v Croatia – 2am
Italy v Albania – 5am
Poland v Netherlands – 11pm
Monday, June 17
Slovenia v Denmark – 2am
Serbia v England – 5am
Romania v Ukraine – 11pm
Tuesday, June 18
Belgium v Slovakia – 2am
Austria v France – 5am
Wednesday, June 19
Turkey v Georgia – 2am
Portugal v Czech Republic- 5am
Croatia v Albania – 11pm
Thursday, June 20
Germany v Hungary – 2am
Scotland v Switzerland – 5am
Slovenia v Serbia – 11pm
Friday, June 21
Denmark v England – 2am
Spain v Italy – 5am
Slovakia v Ukraine – 11pm
Saturday, June 22
Poland v Austria – 2am
Netherlands v France – 5am
Georgia v Czech Republic – 11pm
Sunday, June 23
Turkey v Portugal – 2am
Belgium v Romania – 5am
Monday, June 24
Scotland v Hungary – 5am
Switzerland v Germany – 5am
Tuesday, June 25
Croatia v Italy – 5am
Albania v Spain – 5am
Wednesday, June 26
France v Poland – 2am
Netherlands v Austria – 2am
Denmark v Serbia – 5am
England v Slovenia – 5am
Thursday, June 27
Ukraine v Belgium – 2am
Slovakia v Romania – 2am
Czech Republic v Turkey – 5am
Georgia v Portugal – 5am
Sunday, June 30
Round of 16 #1: Group A runner-up v Group B runner-up – 2am
Round of 16 #2: Group A winner v Group C runner-up – 5am
Monday, July 1
Round of 16 #3: Group C winner v Group D/E/F third-place – 2am
Round of 16 #4: Group B winner v Group A/D/E/F third-place – 5am
Tuesday, July 2
Round of 16 #5: Group D runner-up v Group E runner-up – 2am
Round of 16 #6: Group F winner v Group A/B/C third-place – 5am
Wednesday, July 3
Round of 16 #7: Group E winner v Group A/B/C/D third-place – 2am
Round of 16 #8: Group D winner v Group F runner-up – 5am
Manchester City kept the heat on Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday, seeing off a feisty challenge from Nottingham Forest after Mikel Arteta’s men held their nerve to beat Tottenham.
A captivating three-way title race has become a duel between Pep Guardiola’s City and Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, who are determined to make amends for last season’s late collapse.
Arsenal are on 80 points with just three matches to go, one point clear of City, but the champions crucially have a game in hand and remain firm favourites.
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EPL Wrap: Gunners fire against Spurs | 02:11
The Gunners raced into a 3-0 lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the early kick-off on Sunday, surviving a late fright to win 3-2 and temporarily move four points clear at the top of the table.
City, though not at their dominating best, battled past profligate Forest, who are fighting for their lives, with goals from Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland.
Croatia defender Gvardiol opened the scoring, heading in Kevin De Bruyne’s corner shortly after the half-hour mark, and Haaland coolly slotted home after another assist from the impressive De Bruyne in the 71st minute to make it 2-0.
But Forest, who remain just one point clear of the drop zone with three games to play, will rue a number of squandered opportunities, including two glaring misses from forward Chris Wood.
Guardiola was relieved that his team had come out on top but warned against complacency in the final weeks of the season as they hunt a domestic trophy double.
He does not believe his team can afford to drop any points as they chase an unprecedented fourth straight English top-flight title.
“We prefer they (Arsenal) lose, we cannot control what they do, they make a good result,” said the City boss, whose team are now unbeaten in 31 matches in all competitions.
“Four games left, I don’t think we can lose any points and we know exactly what we have to do.”
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest, staring at the trap door, will desperately hope to recover at least one point from their appeal against a four-point deduction for breaking Premier League financial rules.
EPL WRAP: Salah, Klopp fiery exchange | 03:11
Arsenal know if City win their remaining games, they cannot be caught but they show no signs of wilting under intense pressure.
Arteta’s men silenced the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a three-goal blast before halftime.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s own goal put Arsenal ahead before Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz netted to leave Arsenal in complete control.
Cristian Romero and Son Heung-min struck for Tottenham after the interval to set up a nervous finish, but the visitors clung on by their fingertips.
Arteta believes his team are better equipped to win the title than last season, when they stumbled badly in the run-in, having been eight points clear at one stage.
The Spaniard revealed he was hoping for divine intervention in the nervy closing stages against Spurs.
“I was praying,” he said.
“There were so many Spurs players in the box. It was a really emotional game. We had to dig in and suffer and react. I’m very pleased with the way the team has done it.”
He added: “The margins are so small. Don’t get carried away with yourself. We want to be better. There are margins for improvement. Go again against Bournemouth because it’s going to be really tough.”
Defeat for fifth-placed Tottenham dealt a huge blow to their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
They remain seven points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, though they have two games in hand.
Liverpool were in the box seat in the title race just weeks ago but have won just one of their past five matches and Jurgen Klopp will almost certainly have to content himself with just the League Cup in his final season at Anfield.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Bournemouth beat Brighton 3-0 with goals from Marcos Senesi, Enes Unal and Justin Kluivert to set a new club Premier League points record.
Manchester City demolished Brighton 4-0 as Phil Foden’s double lifted the Premier League title chasers to within one point of leaders Arsenal on Thursday.
Pep Guardiola’s side were in imperious mood at the Amex Stadium from the moment Kevin De Bruyne headed them into an early lead.
England forward Foden struck twice before the interval to put the result beyond doubt.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 25: Phil Foden of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City at American Express Community Stadium on April 25, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Julian Alvarez ended his goal drought after half-time to ensure injured striker Erling Haaland wasn’t missed as his absence with a muscle problem stretched to a second successive game.
Liverpool’s surprise defeat at Everton on Wednesday was a welcome boost for City in the title race after Arsenal had thrashed Chelsea 5-0 on Tuesday.
And City’s stroll on the south coast kept the destiny of the title in their hands.
Guardiola’s team, who have a game in hand on both Arsenal and third-placed Liverpool, will be crowned champions for an unprecedented fourth successive season if they win their last five matches.
With at least four goals in each of their last four league games, City are rounding into form at just the right moment once again.
Next up for City, who are unbeaten in 18 league games, is a trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, while Arsenal head to Tottenham just hours earlier.
Toffees dent Reds’ title push | 01:34
Guardiola has bemoaned the “unacceptable” fixture schedule that he believes puts his players’ health at risk, blaming the pile-up for their sluggish performance in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals.
While City searched for the energy to propel them a step closer to the title, Brighton couldn’t have been any fresher as they played for the first time in 12 days.
But there was no sign of any weariness from the champions as they took the lead with a typically eye-catching move in the 17th minute.
Foden took possession 30 yards from goal and drifted towards the right flank, where his astute pass found Kyle Walker’s run.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 25: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City at American Express Community Stadium on April 25, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Walker floated a pin-point cross into the area and De Bruyne timed his run perfectly as the Belgian’s diving header lifted the ball over Brighton keeper Jason Steele into the roof of the net.
De Bruyne’s fourth goal in his last five games marked the first time the midfielder had scored with his head in his Premier League career.
In a rare moment of concern for the City defence, Brighton nearly snatched an immediate equaliser, but Lewis Dunk’s header was too close to Ederson.
Stroking the ball around with contemptuous ease, Guardiola’s men were in complete command.
They doubled their lead in the 26th minute thanks to a stroke of luck when Foden won a dubious free-kick.
Foden didn’t waste the opportunity, unleashing a powerful shot that took a wicked deflection off Pascal Gross as it flashed past the wrong-footed Steele.
Gunners hit Blues for five in vital win | 01:11
The England forward’s 23rd goal in all competitions this season was followed by his 24th eight minutes later.
City’s relentless pressing panicked Brighton’s Valentin Barco into surrendering possession to Bernardo Silva and Foden seized on the loose ball, driving a clinical finish into the far corner from 12 yards.
Alvarez had scored once in his previous 16 games and Haaland’s replacement ended that barren run with his first league goal since January in the 62nd minute.
Walker lost control of the ball after breaking into the area, but his lunging tackle stopped Steele collecting it and Alvarez pounced to slot home from close range.
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham still have to play all three of the title-chasing Premier League rivals before the end of the season – but Spurs are only focusing on themselves as they hunt a top-four finish.
Tottenham play a North London Derby against Arsenal later this month, before matches against Liverpool and Manchester City in May.
But midfielder James Maddison has echoed Postecoglou’s earlier claim that he didn’t care that Spurs could effectively decide the title race in the outcome of those three matches.
“I’ve got no interest to be honest. We’ve got our own goals for the season and I’m not bothered,” Maddison said after last week’s 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest that took Spurs fourth, above Aston Villa on goal difference.
“If we end up winning games against teams that are in that race, it makes no difference. We’ve got a job to do.”
The midfielder added: “We are where we are and that is something that gives us good motivation to want to be in the title race next year, seeing how good it is this year.
“For sure, that’s definitely the feeling. That’s filtered down from the manager.”
Maddison shakes hands with Postecoglou in their 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest.Source: Getty Images
He added he was frustrated that Spurs weren’t in the title race this season, having led the ladder last year before injuries and suspensions ruined their charge.
“It’s annoying really, listening to three teams go at it for the title and we’re not in it, especially after the start of the season we had.
“How exciting is the title race this season? It’s amazing, it’s brilliant for a neutral. My friends and family, everyone is locked into the Premier League every week at the minute because it’s such a good title race.
“Frustrating not to be a part of that but we are where we are and we have our own job to do.”
Spurs and Aston Villa are locked on 60 points each, 11 behind leaders Arsenal and Liverpool – but also 11 ahead of sixth-placed Manchester United.
Spurs face eighth-place Newcastle on Saturday night (AEST) with both teams entering the match in strong form – three wins and a draw from their last five matches.
Newcastle have won five and drawn three of their last ten games (L2) with a late-season surge pushing them into European qualification contention.
But Spurs will be out for revenge after losing this same fixture 6-1 last season.
It’s also a huge opportunity for Spurs in the race for fourth spot, given Aston Villa take on Arsenal (Monday morning AEST).
Arsenal have won five of their last six home games against Villa, but lost 1-0 at Villa Park in December in the last meeting of the two teams.
Villa loom as an extremely difficult clash for the Gunners – arguably their toughest remaining team this season.
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That’s why Man City will be hoping Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal drop points, with Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions firm favourites to win against Luton Town on the weekend.
The Hatters are 18th and desperately fighting relegation, but did pick up a rare win last time out. City, however, are unbeaten in their last 16 league games, and have beaten Luton 2-1 in the league this season and 6-2 in the FA Cup. It could be a walkover.
EPL Wrap: Spurs rise, Liverpool falter | 02:38
Liverpool also have an easier task ahead of them than the Gunners, with the Reds to face Crystal Palace.
Jurgen Klopp’s men haven’t lost to Palace in their last 13 league meetings, dating back to April 2017.
Palace are winless in their last five games in the league – meaning that it’ll take a big upset for them, or Luton Town, to win against the title-chasing sides.
Aston Villa seem most likely to claim a big scalp in the title race, with a potential upset of Arsenal. But if they don’t, it’ll be good news for Ange Postecoglou’s men.
