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Key events
Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen speaks to the press after the loss to Slovakia. “Romania is not to be underestimated, but I thought we had a good plan against Slovakia and I’m sure that will be the case on Saturday.”
However, Romania are no slouch as they thrashed Ukraine 3-0. Nicolae Stanciu’s opening has been one of the goals of the tournament so far.
Belgium play Romania in the final match of the day at 8pm. The win for Belgium is crucial after the shock defeat to Slovakia in the first game.
Arda Guler broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as the youngest player to score on his Euro debut with a stunning strike into the top corner against Georgia. Turkey’s Messi could face the Portuguese veteran today. I’m not sure who will come out on top, but I know who scored the better debut goal.
Turkey plays Portugal in the second match of the day at 17:00. It should be a close game as both teams won their first matches in Group F. Turkey showed their attacking flair in their 3-1 win, while Portugal managed to win 2-1 in stoppage time.
Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa teenager striker Omari Keliman for around £19m. The 18-year-old is rated as the top prospect at Villa Park and has appeared in talks between the clubs over deals for Ian Maatsen, John Duran and Conor Gallagher. Maatsen, the Chelsea and Holland left-back, is close to a £37.5m move to Villa, who are also interested in signing Gallagher.
Chelsea’s move for Duran, the 20-year-old striker, has stalled but they are pushing
forward with the pursuit of Keliman. The striker will have to undergo a medical and agree personal terms before heading to Stamford Bridge.
Turning our attention back to the transfer window, there has been more activity from Chelsea this summer.
The Czech Republic also punched above their weight in a 2-1 defeat to a Portugal side considered by many to be one of the favorites to win the competition. Lukas Provod’s long-range effort added to the list of goals scored from outside the box in this year’s competition.
Georgia won the hearts of many in their first game despite losing 3-1 to Turkey. They showed tremendous courage in the beginning European championship and gave Turkey a run for their money when they equalized in the first half.
Georgia face the Czech Republic in the first match of the day at 14:00.
I’m sure everyone has had plenty of opportunity to analyze and overanalyze England’s performance in the 1-1 draw with Denmark. Let’s turn our attention to today’s games instead.
One of the main problems is the level of expectation and pressure we put on English players. Declan Rice said this in a Reuters report. “We’re all so desperate to win, to be leaders, to go out there and give people memories of a lifetime, and sometimes I maybe feel like we put too much pressure on ourselves where we can just go out there and do it.” let’s just let it take care of ourselves … I think there’s probably more pressure from the outside now just because of the seasons that some of our players have had.”
Jonathan Liu can explain England’s problems better than I can.
This is not good news after England’s terrible performance against Denmark. We may have to endure another 90 minutes of Kieran Trippier coming in with his right foot to pass Phil Foden playing as a false left winger.
Jacob Steinberg
Hello from England training – Luke Shaw is again the only player not involved. He is having an individual session and it is increasingly difficult to see the left-back feature against Slovenia on Tuesday.
Anyway, let’s get back to Germany for the latest Euro updates.
But these days the managerial carousel is more exciting than player transfers. Craig Bellamy could be the latest manager to make a move as Wales search for a replacement following the sacking of Rob Page.
The women’s game was also loaded with 124 deals across Europe’s top five leagues.
Away from the Euros, there has already been a flurry of transfer activity across Europe’s top five leagues with 248 deals completed in the men’s transfer window.
Didier Deschamps’ side will be hoping to welcome Mbappe back for their final group game against Poland. He had to sit out the Netherlands game with a broken nose but will be eager to help his country convert those chances they squandered yesterday.
France had better chances with Antoine Griezmann missing a number of golden opportunities, including this one.
Nick Ames
Deschamps raised eyebrows at the length of the layoff, feeling the case was a “no-brainer.” Unsurprisingly, Ronald Koeman’s position casts a different tone. “I personally think the goal should have stayed,” he said. “I think Dumfries is in ambush, that’s true. But he doesn’t interfere with the keeper and when that doesn’t happen it’s a legal goal in my opinion. And you need five minutes [sic] to check it because it is so hard? Do not understand it.”
The big talking point was Xavi Simmons’ goal being disallowed because Daniel Dumfries was standing next to the goalkeeper in ambush. Simons looked close to tears as he was made to wait an excruciatingly long time before a decision was made. The goal looked harsh as Dumfries were out of sight of Mike Meignan and the France keeper looked unlikely to save the shot.
In the other Group D game last night, the Netherlands and France drew 0-0.
Austria’s win sent Poland (who were without Robert Lewandowski until the 58th minute) home. The 3-1 win also set up a mouth-watering final round of Group D fixtures as Ralf Rangnick’s side will compete with France and the Netherlands to secure a place in the last 16.
Player of the match Christoph Baumgartner speaks to the press after the match. “People start thinking big pretty quickly, but as a team we knew how to assess the situation. We know that if we reach our maximum, we can beat many nations.”
Austria were on the front foot for most of the game as they pressed Poland high up the pitch and looked to pass forward every time they got the ball back. Christoph Baumgartner, in particular, impressed in the middle of the park for his ability to receive the ball on the half-spin and his composure as he slotted it past Wojciech Szczesny to give Austria a 2-1 lead after 66 minutes. As a team, Austria look like they can give any team a good match.
Ben Fisher
It seemed appropriate after his Austria side ignited their hopes of reaching the last 16, Ralf Rangnick – known for imposing a high-pressing style on the Red Bull pack – decided to grab an energy drink, pouring himself a cup at his post-match press conference. A well-earned win gives them hope of qualifying from Group D when they meet the Netherlands here on Tuesday.
In the other big game of the day, Austria beat Poland 3-1.
I think I already know the answer, but should we all follow Unai Simon and “focus on football … and leave politics to other people and organizations”?
The game itself seemed pretty peaceful in the context of the tournament. We have already heard chants of killing Serbs from Croatian and Albanian fans and listened to Kylian Mbappe and Marcus Thuram’s criticism of France’s National Rally party.
Jonathan Wilson
The game has always been overshadowed by the political context… when the draw was made, no game seemed as politically charged as this one. When the nationalist Robert Fizzo became prime minister of Slovakia last year he pledged to cut aid to the eastern neighbor while pursuing a policy of closer rapprochement with Hungary, whose Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is the most outspokenly pro-Vladimir Putin of EU leaders. Fizo’s ally Peter Pellegrini was elected president in April. Fico was shot twice at close range last month while meeting the public in Handlova, about 120 miles northeast of the capital Bratislava. Police arrested Juraj Syntula, a 71-year-old poet who has been outspoken about his opposition to Fico’s attempts to curb press freedom, downgrade anti-corruption agencies and reduce support for Ukraine.
Roman Yaremchuk broke into tears after bringing down the ball beautifully and slotting it past the onrushing keeper. Ukraine’s first win in a major tournament since EURO 2020 means so much to Ukraine’s players and fans because of everything that has happened outside of football in the past few years.
Ukraine beat Slovakia 2-1 thanks to that touch and Roman Yaremchuk’s finish. What a beauty!
Jonathan Wilson
After the 0-3 defeat by Romania, Ukraine needed it. “There was a different spirit today,” said their coach Sergey Rebrov. “They showed the spirit of Ukraine on the field and deserved this victory.” It was an important win for our players, our country and our supporters.” Yet for a long time his side seemed troubled, as if overwhelmed by their obligation. We needed our mental strength today, midfielder Mykola Shaparenko said.
In case you can’t convince your boss to give you two hours off to watch the big game, here’s a recap of what happened in Friday’s Slovakia v Ukraine game.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to this EURO 2024 news blog.
Another day, another round of matches. So far, the matches between the lower-ranked teams have been more exciting, at least in terms of goals, than those between the tournament favorites.
Take yesterday’s match between the Netherlands and France. It took a good 60 minutes for both teams to get going and even then the biggest talking point was Javi Simmons’ disallowed goal.
On paper it was the match of the day, but I much preferred to see Austria smash Poland in the other game in Group D. Austria’s attacking play was impressive and the win should give them confidence in their final group game against the Netherlands.
So let’s see what’s in store today as Georgia take on the Czech Republic, Turkey take on Portugal and Belgium play Romania. Keep refreshing this page for updates and share your thoughts via x.
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