Euro 2024 is underway! Our day by day recordsdata provide the newest reporting from across the match in addition to betting strains, what-to-watch-for info and greatest reads.
Test in with ESPN all through the match as we convey you the most recent from Germany all the best way as much as the ultimate on July 14.
The lead: Italy get a scare, which can assist their Euros run
DORTMUND, Germany — A 2-1 win for Italy over Albania will not essentially trigger the remainder of Europe to take a seat up and take discover, however this was a tough check navigated effectively by Luciano Spalletti’s aspect.
Italy had the Inter Milan double act of Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolò Barella to thank because it was their first-half targets that obtained Italy the three factors in a hostile environment. However the first flurries of the champions’ title defence began with an undesirable piece of Euros historical past.
Dortmund’s stadium was painted pink with 1000’s of Albania’s followers outnumbering their Italian counterparts, and the group erupted after simply 23 seconds when Nedim Bajrami scored the quickest objective in males’s European Championship historical past, giving Albania a stunning lead.
It is a new-look Italy aspect — a lot of the group that received the match three years in the past are both retired, injured or been moved — they usually seemed like strangers for the opener, as Federico Dimarco‘s free throw-in was pounced on by Bajrami, who flashed a fierce shot previous Gianluigi Donnarumma. You may be hard-pressed to discover a roar to match the decibels produced by the partitions of pink in Dortmund because the followers celebrated Bajrami’s objective, however with the north terrace nonetheless coated in thick black and pink smoke intermingled from flares, Italy discovered their toes and from there took management.
Barella, who missed their warmup friendlies with a muscle pressure, was the chief orchestrator, dictating play and continually urgent and prodding away on the Albania defence. Italy solely wanted a sniff of an opportunity to place Albania below strain, Lorenzo Pellegrini firing extensive, after which it was Bastoni who equalised, nodding in a superb Pellegrini cross on the far publish after 10 minutes. They went forward via Barella’s great first-time effort six minutes later, simply reward for the strain Italy had been placing on Albania’s defence.
The Italians might’ve added extra: Gianluca Scamacca had a shot saved by Brentford‘s Thomas Strakosha, whereas he additionally managed to show a neat, dinked effort from Davide Frattesi onto the publish.
The second half was much less convincing from Italy. Although they dominated possession, they lacked a innovative. Federico Chiesa flashed one shot extensive on the hour mark however that was all they mustered. Regardless of having all of the ball, it was Albania who gave Italy a late scare as Rey Manaj flicked an effort simply extensive.
You’ll be able to see Spalletti’s stamp on this group — gamers interchanging at-will, and a quick-moving fluidity permitting Barella to take a seat within the center whereas choices offered themselves in entrance of him. Barella was an damage doubt for this match, however how grateful they should be to have him obtainable. He has this skill to float out and in of play, filling in when Riccardo Calafiori heads ahead like a 2024 model of Leonardo Bonucci, retaining the group compact on the again.
Barella is the orchestrator — telling his teammates to push ahead, or pull again, relying on the tempo of the match, and from there, Italy construct. After which there’s his skill to complete with that great first-time winner. Round him, Dimarco, bar the error, was vigorous on the left, and hyperlinks effectively with Pellegrini when you can see Scamacca was taking part in with a tonne of confidence up entrance. The brand new-look centre-back partnership is constructing familiarity with Calafiori profitable simply his third cap alongside Bastoni.
This was, as Donnarumma put it prematch, an enormous “banana pores and skin” for Italy. Albania’s followers had been immense — 50,000 or so have travelled to Germany for the match — and Croatia and Spain can be in for comparable remedy subsequent up. For Italy, they have their title defence off and working with a win.
It wasn’t a classic efficiency, but it surely’s the kind of victory that’s important for settling nerves and laying down foundations to construct from with Barella the chief architect. — Tom Hamilton
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– Group previews | Predictions for each group (ESPN+)
Sights and sounds round Euro 2024
Two generations lead Spain to success
BERLIN — Spain right-back Dani Carvajal, 32, is sort of sufficiently old to be the daddy of 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, who performs in entrance of him in Luis de la Fuente’s 4-3-3 formation. Sixteen years separate them and once they mixed for Spain’s third objective within the 3-0 thrashing of Croatia on Saturday — a Carvajal end from a surprising Yamal cross — it completely summed up what this Spain group is all about: a mixture of youth and expertise, pace and management, technical skill and energy.
Carvajal grew to become Spain’s oldest objective scorer at a European Championship, whereas Barcelona prodigy Yamal made historical past because the youngest participant to ever participate within the match. It was additionally solely the second time within the historical past of the Euros that two gamers from Barcelona and Actual Madrid have mixed for a objective.
Spain had been the extra aggressive and environment friendly group in each containers and went 2-0 up via Álvaro Morata and Fabián Ruiz inside 32 minutes. They rode their luck on a few events, together with a penalty miss by their opponents within the second half, and had much less anticipated targets (1.91 towards 2.48), much less pictures (11 towards 15) and fewer possession (43% to 57%) than Croatia. For no matter purpose, Croatia simply weren’t capable of hearth and star midfielder Luka Modric was so disappointing that he got here off after an hour.
Spain will not thoughts although. They aren’t like former Spain groups who had sterile possession and never a lot else; they’re extra direct, with an amazing stability in midfield with Fabian, Rodri and Pedri. Even Morata answered his critics with a objective. Nevertheless, the captain got here off injured within the second half, as did Rodri, which casts a shadow over an in any other case spectacular efficiency as Spain wait to be taught extra in regards to the health of two of their key gamers — Julien Laurens.
Switzerland begin in fashion
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Can Switzerland maintain a high efficiency for 90 minutes?
Ale Moreno reacts to a powerful win for Switzerland over Hungary to kick off their Euro 2024 marketing campaign.
COLOGNE, Germany — Kwadwo Duah scored his first worldwide objective in solely his second look as Switzerland made the right begin to their Group A marketing campaign with a 3-1 win over Hungary. The 27-year-old, born in England and eligible to play for Ghana, was known as up for the primary time for pre-tournament friendlies towards Estonia and Austria and has simply 45 minutes of worldwide soccer below his belt. However he wanted solely 12 minutes (plus an extended VAR verify for offside) to place Switzerland forward in Cologne after a fantastic cross from Michel Aebischer.
Aebischer himself obtained a second with a thunderous shot throughout a dominant first half for Switzerland, who then needed to climate a Hungary fightback after half-time. Barnabás Varga obtained a objective again after a chic cross from Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, however Hungary could not reap the benefits of a nervy ending and fearsome assist from their followers to power an equaliser, and Switzerland substitute Breel Embolo made the consequence secure with a 3rd objective in stoppage time, calmly lifting the ball over Péter Gulácsi regardless of shedding his leg-strapping within the course of.
Switzerland have reached the knockout rounds of the previous 5 main tournaments, however followers arriving in Germany have been downplaying their possibilities at Euro 2024 after a stuttering qualifying marketing campaign that noticed Murat Yakin’s group win simply 4 of 10 video games. Captain Granit Xhaka has been compelled to reply questions on stories of a rift with Yakin over a number of the techniques utilized in qualifying, however there was nothing fallacious with the Swiss efficiency towards Hungary within the first half.
For his or her half, Hungary, a well-liked pre-tournament decide as a shock group to do effectively, had been poor within the first 45 and their much-improved second half deserved Varga’s objective. Switzerland, although, at all times seemed harmful on the break and can take confidence into their subsequent video games. — Rob Dawson
Russian flags on present in Germany
Political and/or discriminatory symbols are banned inside stadiums throughout Euro 2024, however the presence of various Russian flags within the crowd throughout Germany’s 5-1 win towards Scotland in Munich prompted anger on social media.
Russia have been banned from worldwide tournaments by UEFA for the reason that invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, however their nationwide flag just isn’t a prohibited image. UEFA sources have instructed ESPN that flags and banners are allowed until they carry forbidden or discriminatory symbols that may represent a legal offence in Germany, together with racist, xenophobic, politically radical or Nationwide Socialist symbols.
One of many Russian flags contained in the Allianz Enviornment carried the title of Belgorod, the Russian metropolis not too long ago hit by Ukrainian assaults, however that, as a spot title, wouldn’t infringe any of the rules on banned symbols.
Ukraine play their first recreation of Euro 2024 towards Romania in Munich. As of March 2024, over 1.1 million Ukrainian refugees had been residing in Germany, which has now taken in additional individuals from the battle than another European nation. — Mark Ogden
Germany steps up safety forward of high-profile matches
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German authorities step up presence for ‘high-risk’ Poland-Netherlands fixture
Watch the view from the streets in Hamburg, Germany as native authorities step up their presence for what’s been categorized a high-risk fixture between Poland and Netherlands.
Sunday’s recreation between the Netherlands and Poland in Hamburg has been classed as a high-risk fixture by the German authorities and the extraordinary safety was in proof on Saturday as 1000’s of supporters gathered within the port metropolis’s Reeperbahn district.
A number of roads into the world had been closed by roadblocks and armoured police had been seen by their heavy presence.
Each the Dutch and Polish home leagues have been troubled by violence amongst supporters in current seasons and though the environment was good natured in Hamburg, native police patrolled in vans alongside two bigger autos and a automobile carrying a water cannon. — Mark Ogden
Stat of the day
For the second straight day, a group had a three-goal lead at half-time in a Euro 2024 match. Previous to this version, a group had led by 3+ targets on the half solely twice in European Championship historical past (France vs. Iceland in 2016; France vs. Belgium in 1984).
Now Spain (3-0 vs. Croatia) and Germany (3-0 vs. Scotland) be part of the record. — ESPN Stats & Info.
Match previews for June 15
Group D: Poland vs. Netherlands (Hamburg; 3 p.m. native / 9 a.m. ET)
Odds (by way of ESPNBET): Poland +475, Draw +300, Netherlands -180
Poland should finish a 12-game winless streak towards Netherlands relationship again to 1979 if they’re to make an ideal begin to their Euro 2024 marketing campaign. And Michal Probierz’s group have the added the issue of making an attempt to take action with out captain and talisman Robert Lewandowski.
The Barcelona ahead will miss the Group D opener in Hamburg on account of damage, and though Probierz says the 35-year-old is making progress together with his muscle drawback, he is not going to be risked and the subsequent recreation towards Austria is the almost certainly return for Poland’s 82-goal all-time high scorer.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman is aiming to win the European Championship as a supervisor, having finished in order a participant in 1988, and is predicted to start out with Memphis Depay up entrance, with the Atletico Madrid ahead now simply six targets behind Robin van Persie (50) in second place because the all-time high scorer for the Oranje.
Netherlands have their very own accidents to beat, with influential midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners dominated out of the match, however the Dutch will hope they’ve sufficient energy in depth to get them via. — Mark Ogden.
Group C: Slovenia vs. Denmark (Stuttgart; 6 p.m. native / midday ET)
Odds: Slovenia +400, Draw +250, Denmark -135
Slovenia have intermingling generations of current and future greats of their squad, but it surely stays to be seen whether or not they have sufficient about them to get via a tricky group with their resolute 4-4-2 formation. There are acquainted names: Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak in objective and veteran striker Josip Ilicic, who’s again within the squad after a two-year absence. There’s additionally Benjamin Sesko, probably the most sought-after younger strikers in Europe, who’s main the road after signing a brand new contract with RB Leipzig final week.
Additionally control Panathinaikos playmaker Adam Gnezda Cerin and Sesko’s companion up entrance, Andraz Sporar. That is Slovenia’s second crack on the Euros, after taking part in in 2000, and Portugal followers will know their risk after they beat Roberto Martinez’s aspect 2-0 in March.
Denmark can be seeking to emulate their feat of reaching the semifinals in Euro 2021. That marketing campaign began with Christian Eriksen struggling a cardiac arrest of their group opener towards Finland, however the Manchester United playmaker featured on the Qatar World Cup only a 12 months later and is once more within the squad for this competitors. There are nonetheless acquainted names from that run: Kasper Schmeichel, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Simon Kjaer, to call just a few, however there’s additionally pleasure round a number of the youthful members of the squad.
Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund, Sporting CP‘s Morten Hjulmand and Membership Brugge’s Andreas Skov Olsen are all in good kind and will impress. With Serbia and England additionally in Group C, each groups can be seeking to get off to begin in Stuttgart. — Tom Hamilton
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Euro 2024 preview: Betting favourite England faces Serbia in Group C
Take a look at essentially the most noteworthy stats forward of the Euro 2024 conflict between England and Serbia.
Group C: Serbia vs. England (Gelsenkirchen; 9 p.m. native / 3 p.m. ET)
Odds: Serbia +550, Draw +340, England -220
It’s time to discover out whether or not England can stay as much as their favourites billing. Gareth Southgate’s aspect start their Group C marketing campaign in Gelsenkirchen with many anticipating a robust exhibiting from a group capable of boast such a wealthy array of attacking expertise, together with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.
They don’t seem to be alone in that, nevertheless, as Serbia will begin Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic up entrance in a strike pairing that may check England’s weak level in defence. Solely Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez scored extra targets than the 16 targets Vlahovic managed for Juventus in Serie A this season, whereas Mitrovic bagged 28 targets in 28 video games for Al-Hilal and solely Cristiano Ronaldo scored extra within the Saudi Professional League.
Either side will hope the event passes with out incident off the pitch, given this fixture has been deemed “excessive danger” by police chiefs amid considerations of clashes between England followers travelling en masse and some hundred Serbia supporters the authorities consider are intent on inflicting hassle. Low-alcohol beer is being served within the neighborhood of the stadium in a bid to keep away from fuelling any aggression. — James Olley
Betting tip (by way of ESPN BET)
I do know this is not precisely going to rock the betting world, however I simply cannot get past Harry Kane scoring towards Serbia. So the place can we discover some worth in that? Let’s go Kane to outscore Serbia +200. — Dan Thomas
One large learn
We’re analysing each VAR choice made all through all 51 video games at Euro 2024. After every recreation, VAR skilled Dale Johnson takes a have a look at the main incidents to look at and clarify the method when it comes to VAR protocol and the Legal guidelines of the Recreation.
17 VAR overturns in 51 video games at Euro 2020.
3 within the first recreation at #euro2024.
(We’ll see far slower and extra controversial semi-automated VAR offsides within the subsequent month)
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) June 14, 2024
We might be in for an extended match.
– Euro 2024 VAR evaluate: Each choice in Germany analysed
And eventually…
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‘I am extra good-looking than Kylian!’ – Thuram jokes after reporter’s gaffe
Marcus Thuram fires again with a joke after a journalist unintentionally calls him Kylian Mbappe.
France striker Marcus Thuram expressed his concern on Saturday in regards to the rise of the Rassemblement Nationwide, the nation’s right-wing populist social gathering, earlier than the French elections on the finish of June.
Thuram — who was named after Jamaican political activist Marcus Garvey — stated he wished to transmit a message of unity and urged the general public to vote with a purpose to deny the political social gathering’s rise and try to win the upcoming common election.
The Rassemblement Nationwide acquired 31.4% of the nation’s votes in final weekend’s European Union elections, the biggest share of all French events, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to unexpectedly dissolve the nation’s parliament and name a snap ballot.
Marcus Thuram stated he and his France teammates had been shocked after seeing the EU election outcomes after their draw with Canada final Sunday.
“The state of affairs could be very, very critical,” Thuram stated in a information convention on Saturday. “We had been all shocked within the dressing room after the sport towards Canada final weekend after we noticed the outcomes [of the European elections]. It’s the unhappy actuality of our society at the moment. Day-after-day on tv in France there are messages to assist this social gathering being profitable.
“We’ve got to inform everybody to go and vote. As residents, you or me, now we have to battle to cease the Rassemblement Nationwide profitable. Everybody has to do what is correct. I’m standing in entrance of you, and I’m saying issues as they’re.”
Thuram additionally confirmed his lighter aspect after a journalist mistakenly known as him Kylian. “I am extra good-looking than Kylian,” he stated. “I do not appear to be a Ninja Turtle!” — Julien Laurens
