Page 35 - Football

Own-goals lead way in scoring chart after bizarre start to Euro 2024

There's just no stopping the top scorer at the European Championship. Own-goals lead the way in the scoring chart, with the fifth one of the tournament coming Thursday through Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori in his team's 1-0 loss to Spain. The other unfortunate players to score in their own net were Germany's Antonio Rdiger, Austria's Maximilian Wber, the Czech Republic's Robin Hranc and Albania's Klaus Gjasula. These five have come from just 18 games so far. There were a tournament-record 11 own-goals at the last edition three years ago. In an unusual start to Euro 2024, only one player has two goals Germany forward Jamal Musiala and 40 players have scored one goal. Gjasula has scored for and against his country. There's also this unlikely stat: None of the 47 goals have been penalties.

Euro 2024: Spain advances to knockout round, defeats defending champs Italy

Europe beware Spain might just be back. The three-time European champion advanced to the round of 16 at Euro 2024 after a 1-0 win against holders Italy on Thursday. A 55th-minute own goal by Riccardo Calafiori settled the Group B game at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen. But that didn't begin to tell the full story of a statement performance from Spain, which surely marks it as one of the favorites to win a record-extending fourth European Championship. I think it was the best Spain performance I have taken charge of, coach Luis de la Fuente said. I don't see a ceiling on this team. The sky is the limit. Spain totally dominated defending champion Italy, with 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal further enhancing his reputation as one of soccer's most exciting young stars. Player of the match Nico Williams also tormented Italy's defenders and was the width of the crossbar away from scoring in the second half. It took Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to keep the score down with

With Messi-style dribbling, Lamine Yamal thrills in Spain win at Euro 2024

At times, it was like watching Lionel Messi. How about that for a compliment for Lamine Yamal after another thrilling performance at the European Championship that showed just why there is such a buzz around this 16-year-old phenom with blond tinges in his dark hair and magic in his boots. One moment stood out, in particular, in Spain's 1-0 win over Italy on Thursday. It was the middle of the first half and Yamal had just started to put on a show eliciting some ooohs and ahhhs from a crowd containing Spain's King Felipe VI when the Barcelona youngster found himself inside off his right wing and with the ball at his feet. Suddenly, he exploded into life, slaloming through the attempted tackles of two would-be challengers Federico Dimarco and then Jorginho while keeping the ball stuck to his left foot. As another tackle came in, he managed to play the ball through to Alvaro Morata to get a shot away. It really could have been Messi. As it could when he cut back off his wing and

Euro 2024: Late leveller by Serbia denies Slovenia first Euros victory

A late strike denied Slovenia a first-ever win in a European Championship as Serbia snatched a 1-1 draw on Thursday. an Karnicnik's 69th-minute goal put Slovenia on the brink of a historic win until substitute Luka Jovic levelled deep in stoppage time. The goal sent the Serbia fans into raucous joy but also saw them throw flares and other objects onto the field. The equalizer was virtually the last action as the referee blew full-time immediately after the players restarted. The Slovenia players collapsed to the ground in disappointment. It also would have been their first win in a major tournament since victory over Algeria in the 2010 World Cup. Slovenia plays England in its final group match on Tuesday when Serbia faces Denmark. Serbia lost to England in their opener. With both teams needing a win to boost their chances of progressing, the match started at a fast pace and Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic had to make two early saves. Those two shots on target in the first ei

Euro 2024: Italy newcomer Folorunsho makes tournament debut at age of 26

Late bloomer Michael Folorunsho hadn't even played in Italy's top division this time last year. Now he's representing Italy at the European Championship. The 26-year-old Folorunsho made his tournament debut Saturday as a stoppage-time substitute in Italy's opening 2-1 win over Albania. It's a dream turned reality for the player who only made his Serie A debut last August. I think it was inconceivable 12 months ago, Folorunsho said Wednesday. I don't think I could have ever imagined that a year on, I'd be playing at the European Championship. Folorunsho, an attack-minded midfielder, scored five goals for Hella Verona last season after joining the team on loan from Napoli. He played more league games, 34, than any other outfield player on the team. Physically strong, combative and versatile, Folorunsho has a powerful strike and is good in the air, too. I never stopped dreaming. But that now drives me forward because once you get to a certain level, that's when the going gets really

Mbappe trains at Euro 2024 with bandaged nose, online post sparks curiosity

Kylian Mbapp returned to light training Wednesday with a bandage covering his broken nose in the first public appearance by the France superstar since his bloody injury that shook the European Championship. A cryptic post on social media earlier hours might have provided an insight into Mbapp's mindset as the world waits to discover how long he will be out of action. Without risks, there are no victories," the striker wrote on Instagram in the only comment so far from Mbapp or the French team management on a day when the Real Madrid-bound player underwent more tests on the nose injury sustained in the 1-0 win over Austria on Monday. Mbapp emerged for a late-afternoon practice session at the Home Deluxe Arena in Paderborn about 30 minutes after his teammates came out. He was initially seen running with the ball alone, with a trainer, and later speaking to France coach Didier Deschamps, before taking part in a shooting drill with other players. France's next match is against the ...

Messi could be playing his final tournament with Argentina at Copa America

It's sad but true, Copa America could mark Lionel Messi's final chapter with Argentina's national soccer team. The World Cup winner will turn 37 during the tournament in the United States, which kicks off Thursday. He's clearly past his peak at Inter Miami after two decades of playing at the highest level in Europe. Messi has not set a date for his retirement and has kept the door open to playing in a sixth World Cup in 2026 to defend his title from Qatar. But he already recognizes his shortcomings. I don't think about that yet. The moment I feel that I am not going to help my team, I will retire, Messi said in March in an interview with Saudi broadcaster Riyad Season. I always ate well, trained. But as I grew I became aware that the physical effort we make is getting harder. As you grow old, things become more difficult. Last year, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner struggled with muscular injuries while playing in MLS and for Argentina. That didn't change much in 2024. Messi has

Shaqiri scores stunning goal in Switzerland's 1-1 draw at Euro 2024

Shaq did it again. At the age of 32 and having left top-flight European soccer behind to play in MLS, Xherdan Shaqiri is back on the international stage and back scoring again. His stunning first-half strike secured a 1-1 draw for Switzerland against Scotland at Euro 2024 on Wednesday. It is the sixth-straight major international tournament in which Shaqiri has scored, dating to the World Cup in 2014. That's three World Cups in a row and now three European Championships for the Chicago Fire forward. According to UEFA he is the first player to achieve that feat. He proved tonight that he lives and breathes for moments like these, Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said. Shaqiri rolled back the years with a first-time curling effort from about 20 meters out at Cologne Stadium. Scotland led from the 13th minute when Scott McTominay's shot took a wicked deflection off Fabian Schar to beat Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer. But Shaqiri pounced on Anthony Ralston's loose pass in the 26th

UEFA fines Albania, Serbia for nationalist fan banners at Euro 2024 games

UEFA fined the Albanian and Serbian soccer federations 10,000 euros ($10,700) each on Wednesday for fans displaying banners with nationalist maps at European Championship games. Each federation was charged with transmitting provocative messages not fit for a sports event because they are responsible for the conduct of their fans at stadiums. Albania fans displayed a banner with a map of their country extending its borders into the territory of neighboring countries. It was shown during the 2-1 loss against Italy on Saturday in Dortmund. Serbia fans' banner included the independent territory of Kosovo and a slogan No Surrender at a 1-0 loss against England in Gelsenkirchen. A case was prosecuted by FIFA at the 2022 World Cup when players were photographed with a similar banner in their locker room ahead of a game against Brazil. UEFA also opened a separate investigation into alleged discrimination by Serbia fans. The Kosovo soccer federation field a formal complaint with UEFA. The

Euro 2024: Musiala magic sees Germany beat Hungary 2-0, reach Round of 16

Jamal Musiala scored his second goal of the tournament to help Germany beat Hungary 2-0 on Wednesday and book its spot in the European Championship knockout stage. Musiala opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a goal that was furiously protested by Hungary. Ilkay Gndogan had set that up and the Germany captain got on the scoresheet himself in the second half. The 21-year-old Musiala had netted Germany's second goal in the 5-1 opening victory over Scotland on Friday. Hungary lost 3-1 to Switzerland on Saturday and now faces an uphill challenge to advance. Hungary plays Scotland in the final Group A match on Sunday, when Julian Nagelsmann's team takes on Switzerland. Germany is definitely into the next round at least as a best third-place team. It will be confirmed in the top two if Scotland fails to beat Switzerland later Wednesday. Hungary was unbeaten in its previous three matches against Germany, winning the last time the two met, and it put up a good fight against the host

Euro 2024: Group C leader England faces Denmark in semifinal rematch

England faces Denmark on Thursday as the leader of Group C at the European Championship after a 1-0 win over Serbia. Denmark was denied by Slovenia's late leveler in a 1-1 draw also on Sunday. They meet in Frankfurt at the Waldstadion where kickoff is at 6 pm local time (1600 GMT). Here's what to know about the match: Denmark's need for a win is greater, ahead of a final Group C game against a physically imposing Serbia team. The teams renew their rivalry from a Euro 2020 semifinal played three years ago at Wembley Stadium. England won 2-1 after extra time, sealed when Harry Kane followed up his penalty being saved by Kasper Schmeichel to score when the ball rebounded to him. Denmark did not easily forget how England got that decisive spot-kick, for a foul awarded against defender Joakim Mhle "a penalty which should not have been a penalty," coach Kasper Hjulmand said then. There is a familiarity between the squads with teammates at Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Brentford

Serbia hit with UEFA charges and inquiry for fan misconduct at Euro 2024

UEFA filed one disciplinary charge and opened a separate investigation into alleged discrimination by Serbia fans at the European Championship game against England. The details were not specified by UEFA on Monday but followed a formal complaint by the soccer federation of Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 that its neighbor has never recognized. UEFA's disciplinary panel will consider a charge against Serbia of its fans transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event and throwing objects during England's 1-0 win on Sunday at Gelsenkirchen. Serbia fans displayed a national flag which included in its borders the territory of Kosovo, its former republic. Kosovan soccer officials alerted UEFA to flags, chants and banners which they said contained political, chauvinistic and racist messages against their country. The charges should be judged before Thursday, when Serbia plays its second Euro 2024 game against Slovenia in Munich. A fine would typically

After 2 years out of team, N'Golo Kante key to France's success once again

It was a classic N'Golo Kant performance. Effective, understated and overshadowed by a teammate. With all the attention on Kylian Mbapp and his injured nose, Kant's tireless defensive midfield work was quietly crucial to France's 1-0 win over Austria at the European Championship on Monday. Kant had not played a competitive game for France in two years. It was as if the 33-year-old had never been away. He completed 92% of his passes and stopped Austria counterattacks to preserve France's lead following an Austria own goal. Of course he was brilliant, he was bright tonight, we needed that, France coach Didier Deschamps said through a translator. On a night when seven yellow cards were issued in total and emotions ran high, especially after Austria fans booed the injured Mbapp for what they saw as time-wasting, Kant brought much-needed calm to the French midfield. Kant was a key part of the team which won the 2018 World Cup but he last played a competitive game for France in the Nat

Mbappe's injury casts shadow on his continued participation in Euro 2024

Kylian Mbapp's facial injury in France's 1-0 win against Austria has put in doubt whether he will continue at the European Championship. An aerial head-on-shoulder collision with Austria's Kevin Danso left Mbapp curled on the field with his nose bloodied and swollen late in the Group D game at Dusseldorf Arena. I don't have the elements in my hands, France coach Didier Deschamps said. He didn't get off lightly. It is still to be seen. I cannot at this stage give the answer (if he will be ruled out). Mbapp's obvious pain following the incident prompted Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz to signal for urgent medical assistance. We're worried to see Kylian leave the field like that, France midfielder N'Golo Kante said. We still don't know what the situation is. ... We hope that it's not too severe and that he's back with us for the rest of the competition. Mbapp is France's talisman and his injury likely struck fear in the hearts of fans. Later he appeared to try to lighten the mood.

Mbappe suffers face injury as France wins 1-0 against Austria at Euro 2024

Kylian Mbapp suffered a facial injury and was replaced as France beat Austria 1-0 in its opening game of the European Championship. The striker, involved in the first-half goal, clashed heads with Austria's Kevin Danso late in the Group D game at Dusseldorf Arena on Monday. He was in obvious pain as he lay curled on the grass, prompting Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz to signal for medical attention. Mbapp received treatment and his shirt was covered with blood from what appeared to be a blow to his nose. He tried to play on but quickly fell to the ground, holding his face and prompting whistles and jeers from Austria's fans, who seemed to believe he was time-wasting as France held on for the win. He was booked by referee Jesus Gil Manzano and replaced by Olivier Giroud. France needed an own goal from Maximilian Wober in the 38th minute and handed Didier Deschamps his 100th victory as national team coach. On a mixed day for Mbapp, it was his moment of inspiration that led to the

Ten Hag reveals Man Utd spoke to other managers before deciding to keep him

Erik ten Hag says he was aware that Manchester United had spoken to other managers before the Premier League club decided to stick with the Dutchman after a difficult season. Ten Hag said he was on holiday in Ibiza when members of the United hierarchy arrived to inform him they wanted him to remain as United manager. Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel and England manager Gareth Southgate were among those linked with the position after United finished eighth in the Premier League last season. Speaking on Dutch TV channel NOS, Ten Hag said: The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza. They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me. As in any organization, it is wise to evaluate. Manchester United did that too. The new owner (Jim Ratcliffe) is new to football, he has taken his time. They have indeed told me that they have spoken to other managers. That is not even allowed in the Netherlands." The two parties are

Euro 2024: UEFA charges Albania over 'provocative message' and fireworks

Albania is facing four UEFA charges over a provocative message allegedly displayed by its fans and other behavior in a European Championship loss to Italy. UEFA said Sunday that the Albanian soccer federation was facing disciplinary proceedings over the message, the throwing of objects, use of fireworks and an invasion of the field of play. One person entered the field of play near the end of the game, which Albania lost 2-1. UEFA didn't say which message it objected to, only that the charge relates to transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event. Some Albanian fans had displayed flags of the Kosovo Liberation Army. Ethnic Albanian separatists from the group fought a 1998-1999 war with Serbian forces in what was then the province of Kosovo. Kosovo declared independence in 2008. Serbia doesn't recognize it as independent. A flag depicting a map of Greater Albania was also displayed at the game. The charges are the first disciplinary matters announced by UEFA at Euro

Euro Cup 2024: Belgium vs Slovakia live match to begin at 9:30 PM IST today

On Monday, June 17, three matches will take place in the Uefa Euro 2024 being played in Germany. Teams such as Romania, Ukraine, Slovakia, Belgium, Austria and France will be involved

Euro Cup 2024: Weghorst's late goal helps Netherlands beat Poland 2-1

Netherlands forward Wout Weghorst loves to make a big impression off the bench and he did it again Sunday late in a 2-1 win over Poland at the European Championship. The giant striker struck with a low left-foot shot in the 83rd minute with his first touch after coming on to replace Memphis Depay who had wasted several shooting chances. Weghorst might not look like the most elegant player. Still, his reputation for being effective was earned at the 2022 World Cup with two late goals against Argentina to force extra time in a memorable quarterfinal against the eventual champion. This time, Weghorst's goal was worth a win that puts some pressure on Group D favourite France, which already beat the Dutch twice in qualifying last year and plays Austria on Monday. I said it this morning to my girlfriend: 'Scores level, 0-0, 1-1, 20 minutes to go. It was a bit later. But you feel it and visualize it for yourself," Weghorst told Dutch broadcaster NOS. Poland was forced to cope without its

Euro Cup 2024: England vs Serbia live match to begin at 12:30 AM IST

On Sunday, June 16, three matches will take place in the Uefa Euro 2024 being played in Germany. Netherlands registered win vs Poland. Slovenia vs Denmark at 9:30 PM IST