Euro 2024

KYLIAN MBAPPE thought his Euros was over after breaking his nose — but intends to keep putting his body on the line for France.Les Bleus and their captain return to Dusseldorf today for their last-16 tie against Belgium — in the stadium where Mbappe snapped his schnozz late on against Austria in their group opener.France’s Kylian Mbappe admits he he ‘hates’ his maskCredit: ReutersThe star has tried on various masks but has still been unable to find one that he’s comfortable withCredit: APThe Real Madrid-bound star, 25, has admitted he thought he could be going home after realising how serious his injury was — and revealed just how much he hates playing with a mask.Mbappe said: “When I took the blow to the face I didn’t understand what was going on — I didn’t feel my nose was broken. But I saw the goalkeeper’s face and thought: ‘Something is wrong.’“I thought I was going home. I looked in the mirror and thought it was a bad thing to send me home.“It was difficult, I spent two nights without sleeping.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“I wasn’t able to play against ­Holland and it was very difficult to sit on the bench. I felt helpless. But I could play against Poland so I am very happy.”Mbappe has trained with five different masks — and tried on even more at the French hotel — but cannot wait to get it off.He added: “It is horrible playing with a mask.“I keep changing because there is something that bothers me.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It is ­difficult to play because it limits vision, the sweat clogs up. The first few days felt like I was wearing 3D glasses — as soon as I can get it off I will but I don’t have a choice.“I hate it, it is really annoying. You have seen pictures of five masks but in the evening I’ve had different trials.Kylian Mbappe’s new mask revealed as France training mask is banned“This is not an excuse for me as it is the only way I can play.”The fact Mbappe has not had his nose operated on — which would have ended his Euros — means he runs the risk of hurting it even more.Poland’s Robert Lewandowski caught him in the face in their final group game — prompting an X-rated response from the France star.But Mbappe knows his weak spot will make him a target for some rough treatment.He added: “It is a possibility when you are playing with a broken nose and haven’t had it operated. You are a target. He didn’t do it on purpose. It hurt me.“I knew what I was signing up for when I decided I wasn’t going to go home, not going to get the operation done and stay and play.“Is it easy? No. But I know what I signed up for.“I will give everything I can for France to go as far as possible. If I get hit my nose is already broken. What else can someone do?”The same mentality applies to solving France’s issues in front of goal. Les Bleus are yet to score from open play in Germany.While Mbappe has not headed a single ball since breaking his nose, the talisman is ready to put himself in harm’s way once again if needed.He said: “I always want to score goals but the most important thing is for the team to score goals, not me.“Can I head the ball? I am not going to lie, I haven’t headed the ball since I broke my nose but if I need to I will do it.”Mbappe has been involved in both of France’s goals so far.His cross was turned in by Austria’s Maximilian Wober to win the opener here in Dusseldorf before he netted from the spot against Poland.The captain could do with a helping hand from his fellow forwards against Belgium — who have also failed to hit top gear in Germany.But Mbappe has told his teammates they must not get hung up on missed chances.He said: “We’re not scoring because we’ve got chances and are not hitting the back of the net.“From my experience, we need to get out of our heads.“What is most important is to create chances, and of course score the goals but I don’t think any of the players got in front of the ­goalkeeper and thought ‘I am going to miss.’READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was problematic for us in the group but we are in a different competition now.“We need to pull our socks up and create . . . but also score.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

GARETH SOUTHGATE has claimed that Ivan Toney was “disgusted” by the decision to substitute him on so late against Slovakia.England advanced to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals in the most dramatic fashion possible after forcing extra-time with a 95th minute equaliser.Gareth Southgate has claimed that Ivan Toney was ‘disgusted’ at being brought on so late in the England vs Slovakia game last nightCredit: GettyJude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick levelled things just one minute after Toney’s introductionCredit: EPAThe Three Lions were 1-0 down and looked destined for an early exit before Jude Bellingham popped up with a moment of magic, scoring a stunning overhead kick to force an extra 30 minutes.Despite England being desperate for a goal before Bellingham’s spectacular contribution, Southgate had done very little in the way of trying to force the issue with substitutions.He brought Ivan Toney on in the fourth minute of injury time, with England a goal behind and having just two minutes left on the clock.Fortunately Bellingham found the back of the net just a minute after Toney’s introduction.READ MORE ON ENGLANDBut according to Southgate, the Brentford striker was less than pleased with how late he was being subbed on to make a difference.Speaking to the BBC after the game, the England boss said: “I had belief that we would get a goal.”The boys that come on, Ivan Toney plays a big part. I think at the moment I put him on, he was disgusted with me for putting him on at that moment.”But we were just thinking there was a possibility of just something where his presence might make the difference.”Most read in Euro 2024The pair have certainly made up sinceCredit: RexEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSToney certainly did make a difference too.After England were handed a lifeline by Bellingham’s individual brilliance, Toney helped make sure they took advantage of it.Harry Kane reveals genius tactic England worked on before Slovakia that helped pull off epic Euro 2024 comebackThe best of England vs SlovakiaCHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia.A long throw-in in the first minute of extra-time bounced around in the box before the 28-year-old popped up and got his head on the end of it.His looping header back into the danger zone was attacked by Harry Kane who nodded home to put England 2-1 up, booking their spot in the quarter-finals.Southgate had explained that he understood Toney’s attitude when speaking to ITV too.He said: “I think we have made up now. But he has had a big impact in the second goal.“You put a sub on at that time then it is a last throw of the dice and he maybe does not even touch the ball, so I completely understand it. Toney’s header set up Harry Kane to nod home the winnerCredit: Getty”I do not like putting a player in that position but I just had a feeling he might be able to cause the bit of chaos that happened.”While Toney told ITV that he was well prepared to make a difference when he was given his chance to shine.He explained: “Obviously I didn’t play in the first three games [of the tournament].”You have to be ready, you don’t know when your chance is going to come.”I was in the right place at the right time to flick it to the back post where H [Harry Kane] was. “We literally spoke about that before the game kicked off, and he put it in the back of the net.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthgate’s lions haven’t quite got roaring yet, but they continue to squeeze through and make it count when it matters most.England will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Dusseldorf.England ratings: Bellingham rescues woeful Three Lions as big names, and manager, have a shockerJUDE BELLINGHAM’S majestic overhead kick deep into stoppage time saved England from a humiliating Euros exit.Gareth Southgate’s side had been utterly woeful and looked to be heading home thanks to Ivan Schranz’s clever finish.But Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minute, brilliantly firing into the corner after Marc Guehi had flicked on Kyle Walker’s long throw.Remarkably, it was England’s first shot on target, summing how poor they had been.But another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.It was as close a shave as it comes, and if they play like this against the Swiss, then they will be toast.Here’s how Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… and manager Southgate.Jordan Pickford: 5Appeared to hurt his left hand when taking a big whack in the warm-up, but still played. Fired a lot of long balls and was lucky not to be lobbed by David Strelec’s 45-yard strike.Kyle Walker: 4England’s second-most experienced player had a shocker. He looked uncharacteristically slow, his touch was heavy and his crossing was nowhere near good enough. But it was his long throw that led to Bellingham’s magic.John Stones: 4Said it was time for the senior pros to step up in the build-up to the game, but there was little sign of that until Bellingham did his thing, and he is only 21. Stones fired aimless long balls, gave it away and it was his mistake that almost led to Strelec’s trying his luck from range.Marc Guehi: 5Booked early after Kieran Trippier’s underhit pass meant he had to take out the excellent David Strelec, meaning he is out of the quarter-final. Ivan Schranz bamboozled him for Slovakia’s opener but his flick-on to Bellingham brought the leveller.Kieran Trippier: 4When Jude Bellingham’s good ball found Trippier on the edge of the box early doors, on his favoured right foot, you thought, ‘Here we go’. He smashed it into Row Z.Declan Rice: 5An old-school reducer on Juraj Kucka was a fair tackle, even if it left the 37-year-old hobbling. His curling effort with ten minutes to go cracked against the post.Kobbie Mainoo: 6FIRST start at a major tournament and our only decent performer in an horrendous first half from England. Blasted a volley over but was also booked for a late tackle.Bukayo Saka: 5We all know what a fantastic player Saka is for Arsenal, and for England in games gone by, but he rarely threatened here. Did go the distance though, and in a number of positions.Jude Bellingham: 7 and STAR MANCometh the hour, cometh the man. He had underwhelmed again until the 96th minute, but who cares when you step up like that.Phil Foden: 4Thought he had levelled early in the second half but his tap-in was ruled out by VAR after he was caught being, inexplicably, offside. Just off it all night, in danger of being dropped.Harry Kane: 6Still way off his best – he was nowhere to be seen in the first half and missed a free header after the break – but got it right when it counted in extra time.SUBSTITUTIONSCole Palmer (on for Kieran Trippier, 66): 7FANS were on their feet applauding when Southgate finally made a change and brought him on. So lively and with a lovely delivery, must be in with a chance of starting against the Swiss.Eberechi Eze (on for Kobbie Mainoo, 84): 6Did enough to put off Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik from turning home at close range in extra-time. Looked like he had been hit by a train when Denis Vavro walloped into him.Ivan Toney (on for Phil Foden, 90): 7GRABBED the assist for Kane’s winner by flicking on after a free-kick – which he had won with his strength – had been cleared.Conor Gallagher (on for Harry Kane, 105): 6Southgate rolled the dice in extra-time by trying to shut the game out, taking his captain off for the Chelsea midfielder.Ezri Konsa (on for Jude Bellingham, 105): 6Ditto to Gallagher as Konsa got his first minutes of the tournament in place of the hero Bellingham, which felt a risky strategy.MANAGERGareth Southgate: 3.A lucky, lucky man. Tactically, his team were all long ball, lacked any movement, and did not conjure up a shot on target until Bellingham’s wonder strike – and that came from Walker chucking it in the mixer. Subs took ages in the 90 and then felt risky as he sought to see the game out in extra-time. More

KOBBIE MAINOO has shown he is the player that England need to build their midfield ­— and their team — around.That’s what I felt as it looked like we were slipping to defeat.Jack Wilshere insists England should build around Manchester United ace Kobbie MainooCredit: GettyMainoo was one of the better performers in a game England were very lucky to winCredit: GettyArsenal hero Jack Wilshere believes Mainoo would give Declan Rice a better role in midfieldCredit: GettyRice has yet to control games for England the way he does for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe best of England vs SlovakiaCHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia.I know he was not on the pitch when our goals went in.But until that unbelievable comeback, Mainoo was our best player.He has a fearlessness and an instinct to do the right things at the right times that seemed to be lacking for so much of the game.Mainoo alongside Declan Rice gives England better structure. In theory, at least, because for so long it didn’t look like that.Read More on FootballYou can have any structure you like but if a team, individually and collectively, lacks confidence, you cannot use that structure effectively.A fear can creep in. A fear of failing. A fear of losing the ball.It is partly because of his age that Mainoo does not have that, or appears not to have it.This was his first start in a major tournament. He does not know what it is like to have a bad one.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut it is also because of how he has been coached and you can see those hours of work, combined with his talent, in how he plays.If Mainoo receives the ball under pressure, he can pop it off with one touch.Harry Kane reveals genius tactic England worked on before Slovakia that helped pull off epic Euro 2024 comebackIf there is time to take a second, then he will. He is happy to give, to receive, to play the one-two. To hold, or to make forward runs.He just seems to make the right choices most of the time.It took Mainoo a while to grow into the first half. His early  yellow card won’t have helped but he coped with that well, too.You could see his confidence grow and it was great to see him taking responsibility at the end of a poor first half for England.Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick rescued England against the SlovaksCredit: EPABellingham and Kane went wild after the last gasp goalCredit: GettyHe ran with the ball, tried to make something happen and had one of our few  shots of the half.Mainoo is happy to give and receive the ball but England weren’t being brave enough. It is a theme of the tournament so far and brings us back to the lack of confidence.Mainoo impactWhen you are feeling that, it is easy to play the safe ball rather than risk giving it away.But sometimes it is OK to lose the ball because Slovakia or other teams think they have possession and open up a bit.That’s when counterpressing comes in, you win the ball back quickly and exploit the spaces.We have the profile of players to do it. Rice and Mainoo are really good at that side of the game.But our pressing was not working properly again.In the first half especially, we were pressing up front but our backline was sitting too deep.Need to control gamesYou have to keep the distances between your players smaller. It left a huge amount of space for Rice and Mainoo to cover and Slovakia exploited that really well.Slovakia also defended brillliantly until stoppage time and England just didn’t look like scoring.We had lots of set pieces but without Harry Maguire, we didn’t look a threat.Jude Belligham’s equaliser, even though it was brilliant, came from a desperate last-gasp long throw.If we want to win this tournament, starting with the quarter-final against Switzerland, we will need to control games better.How Mainoo helps RiceMainoo has the qualities to give us that — provided those around him can match his bravery and composure.He can be a great foil for Rice and allow him to play the more attacking role he does for Arsenal.In a team where Harry Kane wants to drop into midfield, and Phil Foden wants to cut inside, he offers the ability to pick a pass, or to run in behind himself.READ MORE SUN STORIESMainoo is the kind of midfielder England have been crying out for for a long time.He can be the glue that holds together this team for the rest of the tournament and well into the future.England ratings: Bellingham rescues woeful Three Lions as big names, and manager, have a shockerJUDE BELLINGHAM’S majestic overhead kick deep into stoppage time saved England from a humiliating Euros exit.Gareth Southgate’s side had been utterly woeful and looked to be heading home thanks to Ivan Schranz’s clever finish.But Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minute, brilliantly firing into the corner after Marc Guehi had flicked on Kyle Walker’s long throw.Remarkably, it was England’s first shot on target, summing how poor they had been.But another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.It was as close a shave as it comes, and if they play like this against the Swiss, then they will be toast.Here’s how Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… and manager Southgate.Jordan Pickford: 5Appeared to hurt his left hand when taking a big whack in the warm-up, but still played. Fired a lot of long balls and was lucky not to be lobbed by David Strelec’s 45-yard strike.Kyle Walker: 4England’s second-most experienced player had a shocker. He looked uncharacteristically slow, his touch was heavy and his crossing was nowhere near good enough. But it was his long throw that led to Bellingham’s magic.John Stones: 4Said it was time for the senior pros to step up in the build-up to the game, but there was little sign of that until Bellingham did his thing, and he is only 21. Stones fired aimless long balls, gave it away and it was his mistake that almost led to Strelec’s trying his luck from range.Marc Guehi: 5Booked early after Kieran Trippier’s underhit pass meant he had to take out the excellent David Strelec, meaning he is out of the quarter-final. Ivan Schranz bamboozled him for Slovakia’s opener but his flick-on to Bellingham brought the leveller.Kieran Trippier: 4When Jude Bellingham’s good ball found Trippier on the edge of the box early doors, on his favoured right foot, you thought, ‘Here we go’. He smashed it into Row Z.Declan Rice: 5An old-school reducer on Juraj Kucka was a fair tackle, even if it left the 37-year-old hobbling. His curling effort with ten minutes to go cracked against the post.Kobbie Mainoo: 6FIRST start at a major tournament and our only decent performer in an horrendous first half from England. Blasted a volley over but was also booked for a late tackle.Bukayo Saka: 5We all know what a fantastic player Saka is for Arsenal, and for England in games gone by, but he rarely threatened here. Did go the distance though, and in a number of positions.Jude Bellingham: 7 and STAR MANCometh the hour, cometh the man. He had underwhelmed again until the 96th minute, but who cares when you step up like that.Phil Foden: 4Thought he had levelled early in the second half but his tap-in was ruled out by VAR after he was caught being, inexplicably, offside. Just off it all night, in danger of being dropped.Harry Kane: 6Still way off his best – he was nowhere to be seen in the first half and missed a free header after the break – but got it right when it counted in extra time.SUBSTITUTIONSCole Palmer (on for Kieran Trippier, 66): 7FANS were on their feet applauding when Southgate finally made a change and brought him on. So lively and with a lovely delivery, must be in with a chance of starting against the Swiss.Eberechi Eze (on for Kobbie Mainoo, 84): 6Did enough to put off Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik from turning home at close range in extra-time. Looked like he had been hit by a train when Denis Vavro walloped into him.Ivan Toney (on for Phil Foden, 90): 7GRABBED the assist for Kane’s winner by flicking on after a free-kick – which he had won with his strength – had been cleared.Conor Gallagher (on for Harry Kane, 105): 6Southgate rolled the dice in extra-time by trying to shut the game out, taking his captain off for the Chelsea midfielder.Ezri Konsa (on for Jude Bellingham, 105): 6Ditto to Gallagher as Konsa got his first minutes of the tournament in place of the hero Bellingham, which felt a risky strategy.MANAGERGareth Southgate: 3.A lucky, lucky man. Tactically, his team were all long ball, lacked any movement, and did not conjure up a shot on target until Bellingham’s wonder strike – and that came from Walker chucking it in the mixer. Subs took ages in the 90 and then felt risky as he sought to see the game out in extra-time.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

SLOVAKIA boss Francesco Calzona revealed what caused his heated scrap with England star Declan Rice at Euro 2024.The Three Lions avoided a major scare in the Last 16 with a late comeback victory over the Slovaks whom they beat 2-1 at the AufSchalke Arena.England star Declan Rice and Slovakia boss Francesco Calzona clashedCredit: GettyCalzone claimed it all started because he wanted to speak to the refereeCredit: ReutersCalzona said Arsenal star Rice wouldn’t go away and got in his wayCredit: GettyCalzona stated that Rice apologised after the heated incidentCredit: PAJude Bellingham equalised at the death with a stunning overhead kick that cancelled out Ivan Schranz’s opener before Harry Kane’s winner during extra time.After full-time, Calzona, 55, and Rice, 25, got embroiled in an intense confrontation.The Slovakia boss stormed onto the pitch in a bid to speak to referee Umut Meler but as he approached the official the Arsenal star could be seen gesturing to him not to bother.The Italian tactician responded by pushing the midfielder, before another member of his coaching staff shoved the England ace away.Read More on FootballA furious Rice then had to be held back by Aaron Ramsdale as other team-mates diffused the situation.Calzona was asked about the incident later on and claimed he wanted to complain to the referee about England’s “timewasting” that went unpunished.And the ex-Napoli boss didn’t take kindly to Rice refusing to leave.Calzona said: “Rice was supposed to go to the referees and leave. I had to speak to the refs and he wasn’t leaving, he carried on.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But then he apologised and it was all fine.”I didn’t like the way the England team were wasting time was not punished.”Roy Keane responds to England star Declan Rice’s call for ‘love’England are now set to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on July 6.England player ratings: Southgate’s Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs SloveniaENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.Jordan Pickford – 6Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.Kieran Trippier – 6The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.Marc Guehi – 7Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.John Stones – 6One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.Kyle Walker – 5Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.Conor Gallagher – 4Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.Declan Rice – 7Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.Phil Foden – 7Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.Jude Bellingham – 5Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.Bukayo Saka – 6Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.Harry Kane – 6Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.SubstitutesKobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

FOUR out of four from the men in red.And still, without a doubt, the team to beat.Spain picked up a dominant win over Georgia to make the Euro 2024 quarter-finalsCredit: AFPGeorgia stunned Spain by opening the scoring with an own-goal by Robin Le NormandCredit: APManchester City star Rodri equalised for Spain after the earlier shockerCredit: APFabian Ruiz completed Spain’s comeback win over GeorgiaCredit: APBut while Spain finally broke the spirit of the gallant, unyielding, incredible Georgians, Germany, France and – maybe – even England might not be totally fearful of Luis de la Fuente’s side.Rocked by an own goal from defender Robin Le Normand, the tournament favourites briefly stared into the same abyss that had so nearly ensnared the Three Lions.But a sweet strike by Manchester City ice-man Rodri restored calm before the interval.And as Georgia’s brave hearts and legs finally gave way, Spain finally turned on the afterburners.Read More on FootballFabian Ruiz headed in from Lamine Yamal’s back post cross and a raid break ended with Nico Williams advancing from deep to thunder into the roof of the net before Dani Olmo snaked in the fourth.It provided enough, although this was a million miles away from what had been expected after Spain had put 10 past the Georgians in two qualifying meetings.De la Fuente’s men might have been the stand-out side of the group phase and had wing wonders Williams and Yamal back in harness.Yet despite Spain going for the jugular at the outset, they were thwarted by Georgia’s resilience, determination and plain courage.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili – who plays in La Liga for Valencia – started as he meant to go on with a smart low gather as Pedri slid in to meet Dani Carvajal’s low cross after a surging Yamal run.Mamardashvili rescued his side again – just – as Carvajal’s flick nodded down Williams’ inswinging corner and the underdogs were already in survival mode, making block after desperate block.From agony to ecstasy as England come from behind to lead Slovakia as fans go wildWhich made their goal, from a lightning counter, even more of a stunner.Georges Mikautadze, one of the unlikely stars, began by spreading wide right, where wing-back Otar Kakabadze advanced and played into the danger zone.Le Normand, all too aware of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia breathing down his neck, had to play the ball and only diverted it into his own net.Disbelief – at both ends.Dani Olmo sealed Spain’s win during a dominant second halfCredit: GettyNico Williams and Lamine Yamal stood out against GeorgiaCredit: ReutersSpain proved to be serious Euro 2024 favouritesAnd out of nowhere, the cakewalk had become a treacherous path.Georgia’s belief grew as, with Kvaratskhelia a non-stop pest, they wasted some more counter-attacking chances and Spain’s composure was questioned.Mamardashvili repelled Marc Cucurella’s scudding strike and then went to his left again to foil Williams.But there was nothing even he could do as Rodri, picked out by Williams, had time and space to smash low and left-footed into the bottom corner five minutes before the break.Georgia argued that an offside Alvaro Morata was interfering with the keeper but that was rightly rejected by the VAR booth in Leipzig. He did not impact Mamardashvili.Spain were galvanised but Georgia remained fearlessly committed, in defence and attack and so close to one of THE great goals as they won the ball back.Kvaratskhelia scampered forward but was still inside his own half when he spotted Unai Simon had gone wandering, his effort beating the retreating keeper but just outside the post.Within a minute, though, Spain were in front.Mamardashvili dived to parry Yamal’s free-kick but Spain recycled the ball and when it came back to the teenager’s feet, he picked out Ruiz to force through the keeper from inside the six-yard box.It was, at last, the blow that the Georgians, for all their lung-busting endeavour, could not recover from.READ MORE SUN STORIESYamal missed a sitter after a defensive rickitt gifted him the ball but Williams, picked out by Ruiz, rippled the net before Olmo finished it off.Amid all their quality, the twin terrors are the sparkling diamonds. Next, the hosts in Stuttgart on Friday. More