Explainers

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Portugal vs France – Euro 2024: Ronaldo and Mbappe have one last dance in quarter-final tie – stream FREE, TV, team news

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Kylian Mbappe will have one last dance at the Euros THIS Friday as Portugal take on France in a mouthwatering quarter-final tie.Ronaldo, 39, broke down in tears thinking he had cost his nation a spot in the next round when the Portuguese idol saw his 105th-minute penalty saved during their encounter against Slovenia.Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears after missing a penalty in extra timeCredit: GettyKylian Mbappe and Randal Kolo Muani celebrated France’s round of 16 winCredit: AlamyHowever, Diego Costa’s shootout heroics fired Selecao into the last-8 having saved all three of the Slovenian spot kicks.Earlier that day, France were locked in a thrilling tussle with Kevin de Bruyne’s Belgium which was labelled as the tie of the round.And although it didn’t turn out to be an amazing spectacle, French phenomenon Mbappe was still relieved to see Randal Kolo Muani’s heavily deflected effort give France the win.Neither superstar had a major impact on their respective round of 16 matches, but they’ll be desperate to put their stamp on this upcoming mammoth clash.Read more on Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhen is Portugal vs France?Portugal’s mouth-watering quarter-final tie against France will take place THIS Friday – July 5.The huge Euro 2024 clash is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST.Volksparksatadion in Hamburg is the chosen venue for this thrilling match and it can host approximately 57,000 passionate fans.It ended all square when these two huge nations faced off in a 2021 Euros group stage affair.What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?Portugal vs France will be broadcast LIVE on BBC One in the UK.Fans can stream the entire action through the BBC iPlayer app via any compatible device.Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage through our live blog. Can I watch for FREE?Yes!You can watch Portugal vs France for FREE in the UK as long as you have a valid TV licence.Most read in Euro 2024What is the team news?Portugal manager Roberto Martinez will be tempted to make a few alterations to the starting eleven following his side’s exhausting 120-plus minutes against Slovenia.While France boss Didier Deschamps has been forced into making a change in midfield due to Adrien Rabiot’s being suspended after picking up another yellow card.Kylian Mbappe will continue to wear his mask.What are the odds?In 90 minutesPortugal 11/5Draw 21/10France 13/10To qualifyPortugal 11/10France 13/20Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Spain vs Germany – Euro 2024: Hosts take on La Roja in blockbuster quarter-final clash – team news, FREE live stream

      by

      SPAIN and Germany meet for a place in the semi-finals on Friday evening.For many, the match is better suited to the final in Berlin on July 14 than the opening quarter-final tie.Germany take on Spain for a place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals on Friday eveningCredit: GettySpain have emerged as tournament favourites after winning all four of their matchesCredit: GettyInstead, one of the tournament favourites will be sent home early when they meet in Stuttgart.Both sides have impressed so far, although Germany were fortunate to secure a controversial win over Denmark in the last 16.As for La Roja, they had to come from behind before thrashing Georgia 4-1.The two sides met in the final of Euro 2008, with Spain winning 1-0 thanks to Fernando Torres’ goal.READ MORE IN EURO 2024Meanwhile, they last played each other in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.Alvaro Morata and Niclas Fullkrug were on the scoresheet in a 1-1 draw.What is their form like?Germany head into the match unbeaten in 2024, winning six of their eight matches so far this year.The four-time world champions have not lost since suffering back-to-back defeats to Turkey and Austria in November.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJulian Nagelsmann’s side have won three of their four matches at Euro 2024, scoring 10 goals and conceding just twice.Spain have also been in impressive form, winning six matches in a row heading into Friday’s clash.Watch brilliant moment Spain stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams play rock, paper, scissors ‘to decide who gets bottle’ Luis de la Fuente has lost just one of his last 16 matches in charge, dating back to Scotland’s surprise qualifying win in March 2023.That defeat is one of just two in 19 matches since his appointment after the 2022 World Cup.What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?Germany will welcome Jonathan Tah back from suspension to face Spain.The defender missed the win over Denmark after picking up two bookings during the group stage.Elsewhere, there are no injury issues or suspensions for Nagelsmann to worry about.Jonathan Tah returns from suspension after missing Germany’s win over DenmarkCredit: GettySpain are also free of any suspensions but could be without Aymeric Laporte through injury.The 30-year-old is a doubt due to muscle fatigue and had struggled for fitness heading into the tournament.However, a direct replacement is available with Nacho Fernandez now back to full fitness.Aymeric Laporte is an injury doubt for Spain heading into Friday’s quarter-finalCredit: GettyWho will be the star men?Jamal Musiala has been the standout performer for the host nation so far this summer.With his strike against Denmark, he now has three goals in four matches at Euro 2024.That tally currently has Musiala level with Georges Mikautadze and Ivan Schranz as the joint top scorer, although his rivals have both been knocked out.Spain have so far spread their goals across a devastating attack, although one player has shone through.Nico Williams has been in fine form alongside Lamine Yamal for De la Fuente’s side.The 21-year-old winger grabbed a stunning goal and provided an assist against Georgia in the last 16 in his best performance of the tournament to date.What have the managers said?Following Germany’s win over Denmark, Nagelsmann admitted it will be tough for anyone to beat them when at their best.He said: “There is always room to grow. Talk about the first 20 minutes in this game and it was very good, very happy with that.”But we could speed up our game in ball possession. If we do like we did in the first 20 minutes it is really, really tough to beat us.”Meanwhile, De la Fuente acknowledged the meeting with Germany could easily have been the final.Speaking after the last 16 win, he explained: “We know this next game could have been a final at a World Cup. It’s a great rival we are going to face.”SunSport predictionRecent meetings between Spain and Germany have been tight encounters, with three of the last four ending in 1-1 draws.However, Spain romped to a 6-0 victory in 2020 and have been more impressive so far this summer.The three-time winners are well worth their favourites tag.SunSport prediction – 2-1When is Spain vs Germany?Spain vs Germany will take place on Friday, June 5.Kick off will be at 5pm BST.The MHPArena in Stuttgart will host.What TV channel is Spain vs Germany on and can it be live streamed FREE?The match will be broadcast live on ITV and can be streamed for free on ITVX.What are the odds?Match resultSpain – 17/10Draw – 21/10Germany – 9/5To qualifyREAD MORE SUN STORIESSpain – 4/5Germany – 10/11*Odds courtesy of William Hill and are correct at the time of publication.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte and how long has she been married to the England and Newcastle United defender?

      by

      KIERAN TRIPPIER is set to feature for England at Euro 2024 this summer.But who is the Three Lions star’s wife Charlotte and how long and the couple been married? Here’s everything you need to know… Charlotte and Kieran Trippier celebrate at the FIFA World CupCredit: Getty – ContributorWho is Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte?Charlotte Trippier is one of the more private England WAGs, stating in her Instagram bio “fam and friends”.While she keeps her life away from the public eye, she does also state that she’s “a princess who has found her prince.”The striking brunette is often seen on the sidelines cheering on her husband.How long has Charlotte been married to Kieran Trippier?It is thought that the pair met when they were younger.Kieran proposed to Charlotte in Cyprus on June 6, 2015.The couple then married in June the following year.However, it was reported that Trippier’s £3.8million family home is on sale — amid rumours of a break-up.His six-bed mansion in Morpeth, Northumberland, has been marked as “new” in a listing by high-end agent Sanderson Young.Charlotte posted a cryptic message on Instagram before it was deleted.She also unfollowed her husband on the social media platform.Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte ‘in Naples looking for schools’ ahead of Spurs ace’s proposed Napoli transferCharlotte posted on Instagram: “’Sooner or later you get over the s*** you swore you’d never get over and it’s the best feeling in the world.”The mum of three has not flown to Germany to support the Three Lions alongside the other Wags.Last year Trippier was filmed getting close to a blonde woman in a Newcastle karaoke bar where he was with teammates celebrating the team’s qualification for the Champions League.In the footage, he wrapped his arms around the mystery woman and then picked her up by the bottom as the crowd belted out a karaoke tune. Charlotte has not joined Kieran this year at the EurosDo they have any children?The pair have three children together.They welcomed their adorable son Jacob in December 2016. Daughter Esme Rose was born in February 2020.And the newest addition to their family was in 2022 when they welcomed their third baby.Jacob has been spotted on the sidelines of the pitch, watching his dad play and all three of his kids could be in attendance in Germany this summer. More

    • 150 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is Kylian Mbappe wearing a mask against Belgium at Euro 2024?

      by

      FRENCH phenomenon Kylian Mbappe will be all masked up for France’s Euro 2024 last 16 clash against Belgium tonight.Real Madrid’s summer signing played in the mask for the first time in Les Bleus’ final group stage game against Poland.Kylian Mbappe played in a mask for first time against PolandCredit: PAKylian Mbappe is set to wear a mask for the foreseeable futureCredit: AFPBut fans want to know why Mbappe is wearing the protective mask – SunSport has all the details below…Why is Kylian Mbappe wearing a mask?Kylian Mbappe is wearing a mask as the French icon was forced off during France’s opening 1-0 win over Austria after colliding with Kevin Danso.With Mbappe’s visibly damaged, the forward was immediately sent to hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a broken nose.Mbappe suffered a broken nose in the Austria clashCredit: RexThe French forward clashed with Kevin DansoCredit: RexThe ex-PSG striker was spotted training with a new specially made protective mask – painted like the France flag.Read more on Euro 2024However, UEFA rules state that any protective mask has to be painted in ONE colour which is the reason for Mbappe not being able to wear his fancy French one.Mbappe’s French mask breaks UEFA protocolCredit: ReutersWhat has been said?Kevin Danso, who collided with Mbappe which led to the Frenchman’s injury, issued an apology to France supporters on social media after Monday’s match.He wrote: “To French supporters: I am sorry that Kylian Mbappe was injured during our duel.”I wish him a good recovery and I hope he can quickly find his place on the pitch.”Most read in Euro 2024Mbappe himself has reacted badly to playing with the mask – before the Belgium clash, he said: “It is horrible playing with a mask.“I keep changing because there is something that bothers me“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.“This is not an excuse for me as it is the only way I can play.”When is France vs Belgium?France’s clash with Poland takes place on TONIGHT – Monday, July 1.The game will kick off at 5pm BST.The Dusseldorf Arena, Germany, will host the clash. More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      What are the lyrics to Slovenia’s national anthem? Song lyrics for Euro 2024 football tournament

      by

      SLOVENIA’s national anthem is a patriotic toast to their strong-will and fraternity. This national anthem is just over 30 years-old and with just three verses, you won’t find it hard to learn the lyrics for Euro 2024.Slovenia’s national anthem was officially proclaimed until 1991Credit: gettyWhat are the lyrics to Slovenia’s national anthem?Verse 1Žive naj vsi narodiKi hrepene dočakat’ danDa koder sonce hodiPrepir iz sveta bo pregnanVerse 2 Da rojakProst bo vsakNe vrag, le sosed bo mejak!Verse 3 Da rojakProst bo vsakNe vrag, le sosed boNe vrag, le sosed bo mejak!What are the lyrics in English?Verse 1Live, oh live, all the nationsWho long and work for that bright dayWhen o’er earth’s habitationsNo war, no strife shall hold its swayMost read in Euro 2024Verse 2Who shall seeAll men freeNo more shall foes, but neighbours be!Five reasons for England to be positive after Slovenia drawVerse 3Who shall seeAll men freeNo more shall foes, but neighbours,No more shall foes, but neighbours be!Who composed the Slovenian national anthem?The ‘Zdravljica’ was composed by Stanko Premrl, a Slovene composer and priest.Stanko Premrl famously composed the music for what is now Slovenia’s national anthem in 1905. Vanja Drkusic sings the national anthem prior to the UEFA Euro 2024 Group C football match between Slovenia and SerbiaCredit: GETTYWho is Slovenian national anthem lyricist?The lyrics of the Slovenian national anthem are based on a poem called ‘Zdravljica’ that was written by 19th-century Slovenian poet France Prešeren. Inspired by the French Revolution, France Prešeren wanted to capture the essence of liberty and equality in his poem that would go on to be Slovenia’s national anthem. When was the Slovenian national anthem adopted?It wasn’t until Slovenia gained their independence in 1991 that the ‘Zdravljica’ was officially declared as the national anthem. Before then, from 1860 Slovenia’s national anthem was the ‘Naprej, zastava slave’ which translates to ‘Forward, Flag of Glory.’ The original anthem was the first ever piece of Slovene text to be translated into English.How to watch Euro 2024Slovenia vs. Portugal Monday July 1 20:00 in the EUFA Euro 2024. Click here for more updates on Euro 2024 football fixtures.READ MORE SUN STORIESEuro 2024 will be shown live on BBC and ITV this summer.You can live stream all the action from the BBC iPlayer or the ITV X app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Games are FREE to watch, so long as you have a valid TV licence. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      England route to the final at Euro 2024: How Three Lions could reach July 14 final

      by

      ENGLAND beat Slovakia on Sunday night to set up a quarter-final clash with Switzerland.The Three Lions will now be dreaming of reaching the showpiece final on July 14, having lucked out by being placed on the ‘easier’ side of the draw.England face Switzerland in the quarter-finals – and have an ‘easier’ route to the final than other top nationsCredit: AlamyEngland will NOT play any of France, Belgium, Portugal, Spain or Germany before the final.The strongest team on their side of the draw – according to Fifa rankings at least – is the Netherlands, who are currently ranked No 7 in the world.Who do England play next at Euro 2024?England next play Switzerland in the quarter-final stage – the match kicks off at 5pm on Saturday, July 6 in Dusseldorf.Switzerland have been one of the teams of the tournament so far and getting past them on Saturday will be no easy feat. They impressed in their opening game against Hungary, a 3-1 win before a scrappy 1-1 draw with Scotland.They then outplayed Germany in the final group game, with the hosts needing a 92nd-minute Niclas Fullkrug goal to save a 1-1 draw.In the last 16, Switzerland put on one of the best performances of the last two weeks, dominating Italy in a 2-0 win.England, meanwhile, laboured through the group stage – scoring just two goals in three matches – before being on the brink of an exit to Slovakia.Most read in Euro 2024Jude Bellingham saved the Three Lions with an audacious overhead kick deep into stoppage time, before Harry Kane scored early in extra-time in an uninspiring 2-1 win.Gareth Southgate now has huge questions to answer given the performance of his starting XI for 95 minutes.Marc Guehi will definitely miss the game, having picked up an early yellow card, but Southgate has question marks throughout his side.Kieran Trippier, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and even Harry Kane appear at varying levels of risk of being dropped.Especially as the likes of Cole Palmer, Ivan Toney and Eberechi Eze impressed after they came on. 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.Who could England play in the semi-final if they beat Switzerland?If – and it’s a big if – England get through the quarter-final against Switzerland, they have been handed a much easier route than rival pre-tournament favourites.On their side of the bracket the other last 16 games are still to take place with the matches Netherlands vs Romania and Austria vs Turkey.England play Switzerland next in a tough quarter-final on SaturdayThe winners of those two games will then face each other, with the winner of that game potentially facing England in a Euro 2024 semi final.While Fifa rankings aren’t the perfect illustrator of a particular team’s quality, they certainly provide a relatively broad picture.England are currently ranked No 5 in the world and their next opponents, Switzerland are 19.The Netherlands (7) are the only other side in the top 20 on their half of the draw, with Austria (25), Turkey (42) and Romania (47) among the lowest ranking sides left in the competition.Compare that to the other side of the draw, where FOUR of the remaining six sides are in the top 10, according to the world rankings.They are France (2), Belgium (3), Portugal (6) and Spain (8), while hosts Germany (16) are also lurking – with Slovenia (57), who England struggled against, the lowest ranked remaining team.Last 16 Romania vs Netherlands – July 2, 5pm (Munich)Austria vs Turkey – July 2, 8pm (Leipzig)Quarter-FinalRomania/Netherlands vs Austria/Turkey – July 6, 8pm (Berlin)Who is on the other side of the draw at Euro 2024?Last 16Portugal vs Slovenia – July 1, 8pm (Frankfurt)France vs Belgium – July 1, 5pm (Dusseldorf)Quarter-FinalSpain vs Germany – July 5, 5pm (Stuttgart)Portugal/Slovenia vs France/Belgium – July 5, 8pm (Hamburg)England cannot play any of Spain, France, Belgium, Germany or Portugal until the finalCredit: GettyWhat is England’s route to the final at Euro 2024?Quarter-FinalEngland vs Switzerland – July 6, 5pm (Dusseldorf)Semi-FinalEngland vs Romania / Netherlands / Austria / Turkey – July 10, 8pm (Dortmund)READ MORE SUN STORIESFinalEngland vs Romania / Netherlands / Austria / Turkey / Spain / Germany / Portugal / Slovenia / France / Belgium – July 14, 8pm (Berlin) More

    • 150 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Ivan Toney’s girlfriend Katie Bio? Meet the England striker’s partner

      by

      IVAN Toney’s girlfriend Katie Bio is a businesswoman and mother of his childrenShe is currently in Germany with their two children to support him during the Euro 2024 and here is everything you need to know about her.Katie with their children at the Euro 2024Credit: GettyWho is Ivan Toney’s girlfriend Katie?Katie Bio is a businesswoman.She was born in 1996 in the UK and is currently 28 years old.It is not known when Ivan Toney and Katie started dating.The pair roughly split in 2022 for a year before getting back together.read more on ivan toneyKatie is currently in Germany with their two children to support Ivan throughout the Euros 2024.What does Katie Bio do for a living?Katie is a businesswoman and fashion dealer.She is the CEO of her own company, called Luminaire, which operates primarily in the United Kingdom. The company not only focuses on fashion but also specialises in home decoration.Most read in Euro 2024You have to be ready, you don’t know when your chance is going to comeIvan ToneyHow many children does Ivan Toney have with Katie?Ivan and Katie have two sons togetherCredit: AlamyIvan Toney with his girlfriend Katie and his children after England won the Round of 16 during the Euro 2024Credit: GettyIvan Toney has two children with Katie.The couple welcomed their first son Ivan Toney Jr. on August 17, 2019.In 2022 their little family grew with the birth of son Ikari.The footballer likes to travel a lot and takes his children with him when he does.He shares all their adventures on his Instagram channel.Ivan is currently playing at the Euro 2024 in Germany for England, with his children supporting him.He was benched for the first three games during the group stages and was substituted into England’s game against Slovakia in the fourth minute of injury time.Ivan assisted in the second goal for England, with Harry Kane putting it into the back of the net.He told ITV after the game: “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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”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.”England Euro 2024 guideGARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.MANAGER: Gareth SouthgateThe former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.STAR MAN: Jude BellinghamThe Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.How England attackEngland will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.How England defendEngland press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Spain vs Georgia LIVE RESULT – Euro 2024: La Roja into last 8 after Olmo, Williams, Fabian & Rodri complete turnaround

      by

      DANI OLMO, Nico Williams, Fabian Ruiz and Rodri struck as Spain completed a turnaround after a shock early own goal.Spain had been piling on the pressure, but a quick Georgian counter saw Robin Le Normand turn into his own net for the match’s opener.La Roja, one of the pre-tournament favourites, had it all to do – but Man City star Rodri fired in a smart strike from the edge of the box to start the turn around and were then able to take control of the game.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThat’s all from CologneFrom where Georgia will go home as heroes, and Spain will head to Stuttgart to take on the hosts.The 2008 and 2012 champions were rampant in the face of the Georgia’s energy, and retaliated from a shock goal down to strike four times.It means it’s four wins from four for La Roja at these Euros, and you get the feeling that Luis de la Fuente’s young stars are only just getting started.We have two more Round of 16 ties for you tomorrow starting with France’s clash against Belgium before Portugal take on Slovenia.See you then. Goodnight.Copy linkCopiedNo quarter given when giants clashAfter sweeping aside Georgia in the rain, Spain will now move on to Stuttgart to face hosts Germany in Euro 2024’s first quarter-final on Friday.The meeting will be the first between the nations since they met in the group stage at the 2022 World Cup while it will be the first at the Euros since the 2008 final when Fernando Torres scored the only goal of the game.The other known quarter-final will see England take on Switzerland on Saturday after the Three Lions late escape act against Slovakia earlier today.Spain v Germany (Friday, 5pm)England v Switzerland (Saturday, 5pm)Copy linkCopiedWilliams in great NicSpain superstar Nico Williams became the first player on record at the European Championship to score a goal, assist a goal, and complete 100% of his passes (46/46) in a single game.Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from Cologne StadiumSpain amassed 17 shots in the first half against Georgia in Cologne, the most on record by a team in the first half of a knockout stage game at the European Championship since records began in 1980.Indeed, their 35 shots overall were their most in a match at either the World Cup (since 1966) or a Euros (since 1980).Copy linkCopiedFull time – Spain 4-1 GeorgiaIt’s all over in Cologne – and, to be honest, that has been the case for a while.The Georgia players drop to their knees, but they should hold their heads high for what they have brought to this tournament.Spain, however, proved a test too far for Willy Sagnol’s brave Crusaders, and so it’s the stylish La Roja that strut their way into the quarter-finals.Copy linkCopiedSpain 4-1 Georgia90+2. Navas nearly conjures a fifth for Spain with a belting low cross across the Georgia penalty area.With just seconds remaining, there’s now a concern for the Spanish with Nico Williams down, having awkwardly extended his leg in an effort to meet that last cross.Copy linkCopiedSpain 4-1 Georgia90. The board goes up to signal three minutes of stoppage time just as – and you’ll never believe this – Spain go on the attack.Copy linkCopiedSpain 4-1 Georgia88. If you think Spain have settled on four, then you don’t know this La Roja team.Yamal has passed up more opportunities to become the youngest Euros scorer while Williams and Olmo also continue to pepper Mamardashvili’s goal.The Spain shot count is now into the thirties.Copy linkCopiedSpain 4-1 Georgia86. In the torrential rain, Georgia are struggling to stay afloat.Spain are swimming out of the Last 16 and towards a quarter-final with Germany.Copy linkCopiedSpain 4-1 Georgia84. Substitute Dani Olmo gets in on the act!The RB Leipzig ace goes dancing in the rain after collecting Mikel Oyarzabal’s pass outside the box.He sends two defenders the wrong way with a shuffle of the body after a delightful first touch, and then plants a left-footer into the bottom corner beyond the rooted Giorgi Mamardashvili.A wonderful goal.Copy linkCopiedDani boy!Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-1 Georgia79. The rain is lashing down in Cologne.Only lightning and Michael Oliver can save Georgia now.Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-1 Georgia77. Williams works wonders on the left again!This time he cues up Olmo, who plants his shot straight at Mamardashvili.It should have been four.Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-1 Georgia75. There’s no doubt about this one though!And this time it’s Spain’s turn to counter to devastating effect.Fabian Ruiz scoops up possession outside of his own penalty area, and sends a wonderful 50-yard pass into the path of Nico Williams.With Otar Kakabadze upfield, Williams has room to exploit, and does so at speed by bursting into the box beyond Giorgi Gvelesiani.Giving Giorgi Mamardashvili the eyes, the Bilbao forward slams into the roof of the net to seal Spain’s spot in the quarter-finals.Copy linkCopiedNice one, Nico!Copy linkCopiedSpain 2-1 Georgia73. Spain have a third! But it’s not going to count!Giorgi Gvelesiani is the most relieved man in Cologne as it was he who turned Lamine Yamal’s cross into his own net.However, the Spanish teenager had gone too quickly in receiving Dani Olmo’s return pass, and is rightly flagged offside.Copy linkCopiedSpain 2-1 Georgia – Davitashvili yellow card70. Now the other sub gets stuck into the action.Or stuck into Dani Olmo, I should say,The Bordeaux man is booked for thundering into the Spain substitute on halfway.Copy linkCopiedSpain 2-1 Georgia68. A half-chance presents itself for Giorgi Tsitaishvili on the left.The substitute could either go across Unai Simon or look for a teammate in the middle, but instead slices wildly wide of the near post.Perhaps the 23-year-old could have done with a few minutes to get up to speed before taking on that opportunity.Copy linkCopiedSpain 2-1 Georgia – Spain double substitution66. Luis de la Fuente responds in kind.The Spain head coach calls for Alex Grimaldo and Mikel Oyarzabal for the final quarter of this game with Marc Cucurella and Alvaro Morata making way.As Morata departs, he hands the captain’s armband on to Rodri.Copy linkCopiedSpain 2-1 Georgia – Georgia double substitution64. Giorgi Tsitaishvili and Zuriko Davitashvili are on to beef up the Georgia midfield.Willy Sagnol sends the pair on in place of Luka Lochoshvili and Giorgi Chakvetadze.Copy linkCopiedSpain 2-1 Georgia62. Oh no! Kochorashvili gives an opportunity to Yamal with a slack pass across his own goal.Oh no! The teenager looks certain to make it three, only to slam his shot into the advertising hoardings.Copy linkCopiedSpain 2-1 Georgia60. This Round of 16 tie hits the hour mark in Cologne.As it stands, Spain are heading for a quarter-final with hosts Germany.But you just never know with this never-say-die spirit from the Georgians…Copy linkCopiedSpain 2-1 Georgia58. Despite falling behind, the Georgian gameplan remains the same: dig in and wait for those moments to counter.The only issue now is that Spain no longer feel the need to commit men forward.Copy linkCopiedSpain 2-1 Georgia56. Fabian Ruiz had threatened a goal since the first minute, and now has his third in his last four games for Spain in all competitions.The midfielder had only netted once in his first 22 caps.Copy linkCopiedSpain 2-1 Georgia – Spain substitution53. Not content with another assist, Yamal wants a goal of his own as he pulls a fierce shot wide from the edge of the area.Meanwhile, Luis de la Fuente has made a change following that goal, bringing on Dani Olmo for Pedri.Copy linkCopied More