All Soccer News and Updates for Topic: Euro 2024

Austria has emerged as surprise winners of their Euro 2024 group, which included powerhouses France and the Netherlands. Ralf Rangnick's team secured their place in the knockouts with victories in their final two games. This marks their second appearance at this stage, following a heartbreaking 2-1 extra-time defeat to eventual champions Italy in 2021.

Romania achieved a historic moment by progressing beyond the group stage of a European Championship for the first time since 2000. Manager Edward Iordănescu vehemently denied accusations of match manipulation following their 1-1 draw with Slovakia, pointing to the intense competition and high shot count as evidence of a genuine contest.

Portugal started Euro 2024 with a bang, securing a last-gasp victory against the Czech Republic and a dominating 3-0 win over Turkey. This allowed manager Roberto Martínez to rotate his squad for the final group game against Georgia, which ended in a 2-0 defeat. Despite this loss, Portugal maintained their perfect record of reaching the knockout stages in all their Euro appearances, finishing as group winners.

France and Belgium are set to clash in a highly anticipated Round of 16 match at Euro 2024. The game will take place at Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf on Monday, with a quarter-final spot at stake. This fixture marks the 76th encounter between these neighboring nations, with France holding the upper hand in recent meetings.

The Euro 2024 Round of 16 kicks off with an intriguing matchup between Switzerland and Italy in Berlin. Switzerland, Group A runners-up, have had a challenging run to this stage, going four straight games without a clean sheet (W1, D3), including their final warm-up match. Their resilience has been evident, though, as they've managed to come back and draw twice during this period.

Spain has emerged as a dark horse in Euro 2024, showcasing their prowess by winning all three matches in the challenging "group of death" that included Italy and Croatia. This perfect start, coupled with their first-ever clean sheet record in a major tournament group stage, has firmly established them as serious contenders for the title.

England enters the Round of 16 with mixed emotions. Despite topping Group C (W1, D2), their performances have been underwhelming, leading to growing criticism of manager Gareth Southgate. However, their seemingly favorable path to the final has kept fans' hopes alive for football to 'come home'. The Three Lions now face Slovakia, a team they've dominated in recent years with a record of five wins and one draw in their last six encounters.

Germany, the Euro 2024 hosts, have silenced their critics with an impressive performance in Group A, showcasing their versatility and determination. Julian Nagelsmann's side topped their group with a mix of high-scoring victories and gritty performances, extending their unbeaten streak to seven games this year (W5, D2). Their solid defense, which hasn't conceded more than once in any of these matches, provides a strong foundation as they aim to reach the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time since Euro 2016.

In a jaw-dropping turn of events at Euro 2024, tournament debutants Georgia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in European Championship history, defeating Cristiano Ronaldo's star-studded Portugal 2-0 on Wednesday night.

Georgia faces a challenging final Group F match against Portugal at Euro 2024. Despite being the lowest-ranked team, Georgia has shown resilience, scoring in 10 of their last 11 internationals. Their 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic keeps their knockout stage hopes alive, requiring a win against the group winners.

The Czech Republic faces a must-win situation against Turkey in their final Group F match at Euro 2024. With only one point from two games, the Czechs need a victory to have any chance of progressing, while Turkey, with three points, could potentially secure a top-two finish with just a draw.

Ukraine and Belgium are set for a historic first-ever encounter in a crucial Group E finale at Euro 2024. With all four teams in the group tied on three points, this match will determine who advances and potentially secures the top spot. Ukraine, participating in their fourth consecutive Euro finals, are riding high after a comeback 2-1 victory against Slovakia, showcasing their resilience and fighting spirit.

Slovakia and Romania face a crucial encounter in Group E of the UEFA European Championships, with both teams vying for a spot in the last 16. Slovakia, currently third in the group, need a win to guarantee progression, while Romania could potentially top the group with a victory or secure advancement with a draw.

England face Slovenia in their final Group C match needing to avoid defeat to secure progression to the knockout phase. However, criticism of manager Gareth Southgate has intensified following underwhelming performances in their 1-0 win against Serbia and 1-1 draw with Denmark. England's attacking struggles have been evident, with the team failing to score more than once in five of their last seven matches.

Denmark finds themselves in a must-win situation against Serbia in their final Group C match. After two consecutive 1-1 draws against Slovenia and England, Denmark needs a victory to guarantee progression to the knockout stages. Their recent form in major tournament group stages is concerning, with just one win in their last ten such games.

The Netherlands and Austria face off in Berlin on the final matchday of Group D, with both teams knowing a draw would likely see them progress. The Dutch sit atop the group on goal difference after a controversial goalless draw against France, where Xavi Simons had a goal disallowed for offside.

France enters the final matchday of Group D in a favorable position, needing only a draw to secure a top-two finish. However, they'll be aiming for a win to potentially top the group, which could offer an easier path in the knockout stages. Their recent goalless draw against the Netherlands has left the group wide open.

Croatia's 2-2 draw against Albania in Group B prevented consecutive losses at a major tournament for the first time since Euro '96. However, after a 3-0 defeat to Spain and the late draw with Albania, Croatia now needs a win against defending champions Italy to progress from the group stage for the third straight European tournament.

Albania's dramatic late equalizer against Croatia kept their Euro 2024 hopes alive. A win against Spain could see them reach four points and potentially advance to the knockout stages. However, this would be a massive upset given their 0-8 head-to-head record against Spain, with an aggregate score of 3-31.

Scotland and Hungary face a must-win situation in their final Group A fixture at Euro 2024. Both teams are yet to secure a victory, with Scotland drawing 1-1 against Switzerland after an opening 5-1 loss to Germany. Hungary has suffered two consecutive two-goal defeats, failing to live up to their pre-tournament "dark horse" status.

Switzerland and Germany face off in their final Group A match at Euro 2024. Switzerland, with four points from two games, are on the brink of qualification, needing just one point to secure second place. Their recent form has been solid (W7, D8, L1 in last 16 matches), and they come off their best-ever Euro performance in 2021, reaching the quarter-finals.

Belgium faces Romania in a crucial Group E encounter following contrasting opening match results. Belgium suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to Slovakia, their first loss under manager Domenico Tedesco since his appointment in February 2023. Despite dominating play and having two goals disallowed by VAR, Belgium failed to score for only the second time under Tedesco's leadership.

Turkey and Portugal clash in Group F's second round, both coming off opening match victories. Turkey secured a 3-1 win over Georgia, thanks to two spectacular goals, putting them on the verge of their first Euro knockout stage appearance since 2008. However, they've never beaten Portugal in Euro finals (L3) and have failed to score in those encounters.

Georgia and Czech Republic both seek to rebound from opening match defeats in their Euro 2024 Group F encounter. Georgia, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, showed resilience in their 3-1 loss to Turkey, conceding a late goal while pushing for an equalizer. The Czech Republic suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Portugal, conceding in the 92nd minute after initially taking the lead.

Slovakia (FIFA Rank: #48) pulled off the first big shock of Euro 2024, and statistically one of the biggest upsets in European Championship history, as they beat Belgium 1-0 in their opening game. They have now put themselves in pole position to reach the knockout stage from Group E, and though they needed a helping hand or two from VAR to get over the line against Belgium, the victory only extended an impressive record under the tutelage of Francesco Calzona.

The Netherlands opened their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign with a 2-1 win over Poland, but they had to do it the hard way, coming from behind as substitute Wout Weghorst clinched victory late on with his first touch of the ball. The match will have given manager Ronald Koeman plenty to think about, although the Oranje have won each of their last four Euro finals group games and seven of their last eight internationals in all (L1).

The two losing sides of Group D's opening matchday already find themselves close to 'must win' territory and in an awkward situation where a draw may not suit either team. Poland and Austria were always considered the least likely teams to progress to the next stage ahead of their French and Dutch rivals, but with four best third-placed finishers advancing to the last 16, a win here would leave one side well placed.

Two European powerhouses collide as three-time Euro winners Spain face defending champions Italy in Gelsenkirchen for the fifth straight tournament. After a 3-0 opening win over Croatia, revenge may be on Spain's minds after Italy eliminated them from the last two Euro finals.

Denmark endured a disappointing start to Euro 2024, squandering the lead in a 1-1 draw with Slovenia. Kasper Hjulmand's side dominated but failed to capitalize, piling pressure on them ahead of facing pre-tournament favorites England in Frankfurt. The Danes have struggled in recent Euros group stages, winning just once in their last six matches. However, their last three meetings with England have avoided defeat after 90 minutes (W1, D2).

The two outsiders of Group C, Slovenia and Serbia, view this match as their best chance to avoid an early exit from their first European Championship finals since 2000. Slovenia showed promising improvement in their surprising 1-1 draw against Denmark, which their coach Matjaž Kek described as "two different halves." Kek believes they can develop further after shaking off opening nerves from their first major tournament since the 2010 World Cup.

It was a humbling start to Euro 2024 for Scotland on Friday night as they were on the end of a 5-1 trouncing from hosts Germany. Previewing this clash with Switzerland, defender Kieran Tierney stated the squad still believes they can make it out of Group A to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time in their history, but anything less than a positive result here will make those prospects extremely slim.

Germany couldn't have begun Euro 2024 much better as they thrashed Scotland 5-1 on Friday to get their tournament off to a flying start. It set the stage for a goal-filled opening weekend but this contest against Hungary may be a cagier affair given the fact that only one of their last four head-to-head matches produced more than three goals – albeit that was a 2-2 draw at Euro 2020 (W1, D2, L1)!

Following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Spain in their opening group game, Croatia (FIFA rank: #10) have now lost three of their last five competitive matches (W2), which is as many defeats as they'd suffered in their previous 29 such games (W16, D10). However, the wider picture shows that the defeat against Spain was a first in seven outings overall for Zlatko Dalić's side (90 mins: W5, D1), and the first time they'd conceded 3+ goals since the World Cup semi-final in 2022.

The Euro 2024 group stage concludes with a matchup between 2016 champions Portugal and the Czech Republic. They last met in the 2022 UEFA Nations League, with Portugal winning both matches by an aggregate 6-0 scoreline. Making their ninth Euros appearance, Portugal will look to continue advancing from the group stage as they have in all eight previous editions, though finishing third in their group the last two tournaments. After a perfect 10-0-0 qualifying record while outscoring opponents 36-2, they'll be confident of progressing more convincingly this time.

Group F at the European Championships presents a tricky matchup between Turkey, the third-highest ranked team in the group according to FIFA, and Georgia, the group's lowest-ranked nation making their tournament debut. This clash has a must-win feeling for Turkey. Despite breezing through qualifying with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, the Turks are completely out of form ahead of this opener, arriving on a five-match winless run with 2 draws and 3 losses.

Austria should approach Euro 2024 with confidence, as they are unbeaten in seven matches (6 wins, 1 draw), suggesting they could have what it takes to better their run to the last 16 three summers ago. Revitalized under manager Ralf Rangnick, they open their Euro campaign against France, who they last met in the UEFA Nations League in 2022, losing 2-0 in what was only Rangnick's fifth game in charge.

After co-hosting in 2000, Belgium had to wait 16 years before returning to the European Championship, though this is now their third straight finals appearance with the fabled "Golden Generation" reaching the quarter-finals at the last two editions. However, a group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup proved a wake-up call, with a much younger squad selected by new manager Domenico Tedesco for his first major tournament in charge.

Recent results suggest Romania are not in peak form ahead of Euro 2024, with head coach Edward Iordănescu hoping his side save their best for when it really matters. Back-to-back 0-0 warm-up draws against Bulgaria and Liechtenstein have made it four winless games (D3, L1) for a country playing their first major tournament in eight years.

Serbia head into another major tournament hoping to shed their "surprise package" tag. Both players and fans allowed dreams to run wild ahead of Dragan Stojković's first major finals as manager at the last World Cup, only to be left disappointed with just one point.

Group C at Euro 2024 will attract plenty of attention as it features tournament favorites England, but before they begin their campaign against Serbia, Slovenia and Denmark kick things off in the group. The two sides are very familiar foes after being drawn together in Euro 2024 qualifying Group H, with Denmark's 2-1 win over Slovenia last November helping them finish top on 22 points apiece (both W7, D1, L2).

After just one group stage appearance in their previous four attempts at the European Championships, expectations are low for Poland at UEFA Euro 2024. Especially since they find themselves in a daunting Group D alongside Austria, France and today's opponents the Netherlands.

Two teams expected to challenge host nation Germany for a top-two finish in Group A of the 2024 UEFA European Championship kick off their campaigns in a pivotal early clash. Hungary are back at a second straight Euros under manager Marco Rossi, with aspirations of improving on their disappointing group stage exit at Euro 2020 despite playing two home games in Budapest.

Defending champions Italy begin their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign in Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park, hoping to start strongly against Group B's lowest-ranked team Albania to reach the knockout rounds for a fifth straight major tournament. The Azzurri have won their last two Euros openers without conceding against Turkey (3-0) and Belgium (2-0), boosting their chances here.

The opening matches of Group B at the 2024 UEFA European Championships provide an early blockbuster clash as former winners Spain take on the perennial overachievers Croatia. Luis de la Fuente's Spain side enter as favorites after breezing through qualifying with seven wins from eight matches while conceding just five goals total.

The long-awaited 2024 UEFA European Championship finally kicks off on Friday night in Munich, as host nation Germany take on Scotland at the Allianz Arena. Considered one of the favorites to lift the trophy, Germany appear to have steadied the ship under manager Julian Nagelsmann, going four matches unbeaten (3 wins, 1 draw). However, three consecutive disappointing tournament exits may have home fans feeling apprehensive ahead of the opener.

Despite their inconsistent recent performances, France and England remain the favorites for Euro 2024. Spain and Portugal have promise, while Germany has become better. Work is needed in Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands. Croatia and Austria are formidable competitors. Switzerland, Denmark, and Hungary are doing well. Serbia, Poland, and Romania confront difficulties. While Slovakia, Albania, and Georgia are struggling, the Czech Republic and Ukraine remain a formidable threat.