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      How are Euro 2024 groups decided? Are they sorted by goal difference or head-to-head?

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      WITH Euro 2024 now underway, fans from across the continent are wondering if their nation will progress.As the European Championship unfolds the points standings in each group will shift, ultimately deciding which teams will move on to the knockout rounds.Germany host the Uefa Euro 2024 tournament this summerCredit: EPABut for countries winning their game is not the only deciding factor to proceed into the knockout stages.Additional factors such as head-to-head, goal difference and goals scored come into play if teams end up level on points in their group.How does the group stage work?The Uefa Euro points system is clear and simple – rewarding teams based on their performance during matches.Win: A team earns 3 points for a victory.Draw: Both teams in a draw receive 1 point each.Loss: A losing team earns 0 points.READ MORE IN EURO 2024Teams are ranked in their groups according to the number of points they have earned, and the top teams will progress to the knockout rounds.What happens if teams are tied on points?If two or more teams are level on points at the end of the group stage, the following criteria will be applied:1. Higher number of points in games between the teams2. Best goal difference from matches played between the teams3. Higher number of goals scored from matches played between the teams4. If still level, criteria 1-3 reapplied between teams who are still level5. Superior goal difference in all group matches6. Higher number of goals scored in group matches7. If playing in the last round of a group stage two teams are tied in points, goal difference and goals scored and drew their match, their ranking is decided by penalty shootout, but this is NOT used if more than two teams have same number of points.8. Lower disciplinary points in all group matches9. Highest position in European Qualifiers overall ranking, unless comparison involves hosts Germany, in which case a drawing of lots will take place.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCan third place qualify for the knockouts?The format will be the same as for Euro 2020. Most read in Euro 2024The top two in each of the six final tournament groups will proceed to the round of 16 along with the four best third-placed finishers.And this will be determined by points won, goal difference, goals scored, highest number of wins, lower number of disciplinary points and European Qualifiers overall ranking.The tournament then enters into knockout football with a round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-final and final.What are the groups?Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, SwitzerlandGroup B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, AlbaniaGroup C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, EnglandGroup D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, FranceGroup E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, UkraineGroup F: Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic More

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      When is Carabao Cup first round draw? Ball numbers, TV channel and FREE live stream

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      THE first round draw for the Carabao Cup will take place this week as fans gear up for the return of club football.No Premier League clubs will enter the hat at the opening stage as top-flight sides are granted a bye to at least the second round of the competition.The Carabao Cup first round draw will take place on ThursdayCredit: GETTYLuton and Burnley, who finished 18th and 19th respectively in the Prem last season, will also join the 13 current Prem outfits in round two. Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United will all enter the Carabao Cup from the third round as they are involved in European football for the upcoming season.The first and second rounds of the tournament will be regionalised, meaning the 32 teams in the southern section and 38 teams in the northern section will be drawn against another side from the same region.When is the Carabao Cup first round draw?
      The Carabao Cup first round draw will take place on Thursday, June 27.
      The draw will begin at 11.30am BST.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat TV channel is the Carabao Cup first round draw on and can it be live streamed FREE?
      The Carabao Cup first round draw will be broadcast live on Sky Sports News.
      You can live stream the draw for free on the Sky Sports app/website.
      Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will provide all the latest updates.
      Carabao Cup first round ball numbersSouthern section1. AFC Wimbledon2. Birmingham CityMost read in Football3. Bristol City4. Bristol Rovers5. Bromley6. Cambridge United7. Cardiff City8. Charlton Athletic9. Cheltenham Town10. Colchester United11. Coventry City12. Crawley Town13. Exeter City14. Gillingham15. Leyton Orient16. Millwall17. Milton Keynes Dons18. Newport County19. Northampton Town20. Norwich City21. Oxford United22. Peterborough United23. Plymouth Argyle24. Portsmouth25. Queens Park Rangers26. Reading27. Stevenage28. Swansea City29. Swindon Town30. Walsall31. Watford32. Wycombe WanderersNorthern section1. Accrington Stanley2. Barnsley3. Barrow4. Blackburn Rovers5. Blackpool6. Bolton Wanderers7. Bradford City8. Burton Albion9. Carlisle United10. Chesterfield11. Crewe Alexandra12. Derby County13. Doncaster Rovers14. Fleetwood Town15. Grimsby Town16. Harrogate Town17. Huddersfield Town18. Hull City19. Leeds United20. Lincoln City21. Mansfield Town22. Middlesbrough23. Morecambe24. Notts County25. Port Vale26. Preston North End27. Rotherham United28. Salford City29. Sheffield United30. Sheffield Wednesday31. Shrewsbury Town32. Stockport County33. Stoke City34. Sunderland35. Tranmere Rovers36. West Bromwich AlbionREAD MORE SUN STORIES37. Wigan Athletic38. Wrexham More

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      Ukraine vs Belgium – Euro 2024: Red Devils looking to top table in final group game – stream FREE, TV, team news

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      THE finale of Group E is here Ukraine will take on Belgium in a clash that could see either side qualify for the knockouts or be sent home.All four teams head into the final match day level on three points as Slovakia and Romania play at the same time in Stuttgart.Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium celebrates scoring his team’s second goal against RomaniaCredit: GettyBoth teams were stunned by their Group E opponents in their opening games at the Euros.And heading into the match Ukraine have the worst goal difference after their 3-0 defeat to Romania.Serhiy Rebrov’s side did recover from their poor start with a 1-0 victory against Slovakia.Meanwhile, Belgium sit second in the table after a shocking 1-0 lose to Slovakia.Domenico Tedesco’s squad however bounced back with a 2-0 victory against Romania.Ukraine need a win to ensure their safety in the tournament but Belgium know a draw will be enough.The two sides have played each other just five times in their history.And to make the result even more unpredictable both sides have won twice with the other game ending in a draw which was their last encounter in 2020.Most read in Euro 2024What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?Ukraine boss Rebrov will be praying to have Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko fit after missing their opening two games with a foot injury.The 25-year-old’s return could see Ukraine opt for a three-man defence and put Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko’s spot in the starting line-up at risk.After scoring the winner against Slovakia Roman Yaremchuk may be recalled to the teamsheet.While Artem Dovbyk’s disappointing Euros performance could see him be dropped.For Belgium, Dodi Lukebakio is suspended for one match after receiving two yellow cards in separate games.This could see Leandro Trossard return to the starting XI.Who will be the star men?For Belgium, it is none other than Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.The midfielder put in another stellar performance against Romania scoring the second goal for Belgium to secure his side the victory.In a cracking fixture, the City ace put in one of his performances for his country.Meanwhile, for Ukraine who were trailing according to every stat in the first half against Slovakia.But star boy Mykola Shaparenko’s early second-half goal initiated the terrific comeback that saw his side secure the much-needed victory to save their place in the tournament.The Dynamo Kyiv midfielder was involved with every aspect of the game assisting the second goal by Roman Yaremchuk.SunSport predictionUkraine 1-2 BelgiumWhen is Ukraine vs Belgium?
      Ukraine vs Belgium will take place on Wednesday, June 26.
      The game will kick off at 5pm.
      The Stuttgart Arena will host the big clash.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Ukraine’s clash with Belgium will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action via the BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes, you can watch the game for FREE on BBC One, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
      READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat are the odds?
      Ukraine – 4/1
      Draw – 3/1
      Belgium – 13/20
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More

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      Georgia vs Portugal – Euro 2024: Ronaldo and Co aiming for three wins in a row against underdogs – stream FREE, odds

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      THE finale of Group F is here and Georgia needs a win against Portugal if they want to remain in their first ever Euros.Portugal have already qualified for the knockouts and won their group after two incredible victories against Turkey and the Czech Republic.Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates their second goal scored by TurkeyCredit: AlamyWilly Sagnol takes his team to Gelsenkirchen having earned a first-ever Euros point against the Czech Republic on the weekend.After an opening defeat against Turkey, Georgia needed something in their clash against the Czechs.Knowing their final group game was going to be a difficult one Sagnol’s squad went in with a pressing high.And after an awkward bounce, Robin Hranac’s outstretched arm changed the direction of the ball and awarded Georgia a penalty.Georges Mikautadze converted the ball from the spot for his second Euros goal but the Czech Republic then drew level denying Georgia all three points.Meanwhile, Portugal solidified their spot in the Round of 16 after a convincing 3-0 victory over Turkey.Roberto Martinez’s men still need a point to guarantee their top spot in Group F.But as they are plus four on goal difference it is basically in the bag already.Most read in Euro 2024What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?For Georgia Watford’s Giorgi Chakvetadze starred off the bench last time out with Zuriko Davitashvili as the preferred choice.But the midfielder did not start the opening game and could return to the side here.Not many changes are expected but if Georgia progresses Giorgi Gvelesiani, Guram Kashia, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Solomon Kverkvelia and Anzor Mekvabishvili could face a suspension if they are booked.Portugal boss Martinez is expected to rotate his squad with their spot in the knockouts guaranteed. Diogo Jota, Goncalo Ramos and Joao Felix could start in a new front three with Cristiano Ronaldo likely to be rested.Rafael Leao is suspended after receiving his second yellow while Fulham’s Joao Palhinha is one yellow away from suspension.Who will be the star men?Georges Mikautadze has scored in both matches so far for Georgia and will again lead the front.The Metz forward is the sixth player to score both of his nation’s first two goals at the UEFA European Championship and the first since Andriy Shevchenko for Ukraine in 2012. While Bernardo Silva scored his first-ever international goal against Turkey.The Manchester City midfielder put in a stellar performance, never giving the ball and was influential in Portugal’s victory.SunSport predictionGeorgia 0-2 Portugal When is Georgia vs Portgual?
      Georgia vs Portgual will take place on Wednesday, June 26.
      The game will kick off at 8pm.
      The Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen will host the big clash.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Ukraine’s clash with Belgium will be shown live on ITV1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action via the ITVX app which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes, you can watch the game for FREE on ITV, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
      READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat are the odds?
      Georgia – 7/1
      Draw – 19/5
      Portgual – 2/5
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More

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      What happened to Barnabas Varga?

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      BARNABAS Varga was stretchered off during his side’s 1-0 win against Scotland in the Euro 2024 Group A match on June 23.The 29-year-old collided with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the 68th minute, leaving him motionless on the pitch and fans in shock.Barnabas Varga was leading the line for HungaryBarnabas Varga receives medical attentionWho is Barnabas Varga?Barnabás Varga is a professional footballer who plays as a forward. Born on March 25, 1994, in Budapest, Hungary, Varga has established himself as a prolific goal-scorer in Hungarian football. He has played for various clubs in Hungary, including Gyirmót, Soroksár, and Paksi FC.The football star was the top scorer of the 2022–23 Nemzeti Bajnokság I season, with 26 goals for Paks.Read More on Barnabas VargaWhat happened to Barnabas Varga?Varga went down in the second half of Hungary’s dramatic 1-0 win over Scotland in Stuttgart on Sunday, June 23.The striker collided with Scottish No1 Angus Gunn following a free kick.Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai was in tears as medical staff responded to his teammate.The Hungary team formed a shield around Varga while he received treatment and TV cameras panned away.Most read in SportThe game was held up as Varga required lengthy treatment.Tartan Army left devastated after Scotland’s gut-wrenching loss to Hungary saw us crash out of Euro 2024After several minutes, Varga was eventually taken away on a stretcher while the fans applauded him,Uefa showed a wide-angle replay during their coverage of Scotland’s 1-0 defeat but did not show any close-ups of the collisionMeanwhile, the BBC apologised for the clip being shown as they used the footage from the host nation.What was Barnabas Varga’s injury?Varga broke several bones in his face during the collision and also suffered a concussion.It was a terrible moment to see him like thatRoland Sallai Following the match, Hungary’s players dedicated the emotional win to Varga, who was taken to hospital in Stuttgart for treatment.Writing on Instagram, Bournemouth left-back Kerkez said: “Proud of everyone and thankful for the support in the stadium and the country! “Our brother will be all right because he is strong.”Man of the match Roland Sallai said: “It was a terrible moment to see him like that. “He’ll have to go through a minor operation, but we cross our fingers for him that he can return. “Naturally, it was a terrible incident. Of course, we were fighting for him in the remaining minutes and this win is dedicated to him.”Inside Barnabas Varga’s rise from semi-pro to Euro 2024
      BARBABAS VARGA has enjoyed a meteoric rise from semi-pro leagues of Austria and Hungary to the Euro 2024 finals.
      The Hungary striker played for six seasons, between 2010 and 2016 for SV Eberau in the Bergenlandliga – the regional fourth tier of Austrian football.
      A record of over a goal every other game earned Varga a shot at the big time with with SV Mattersburg in the Austrian Bundesliga.
      However, he scored only once in just 16 games over the next three seasons before dropping down to the second tier with SV Lafnitz.
      After a mixed spell, Varga’s next step was to his homeland, again in the second tier, with Gyirnot in 2020.
      That’s where it began to click for Varga and his eye for goal saw top division Paksi FC swoop.
      Varga scored almost a goal a game in his first season with Paksi, finishing as the top scorer in the Hungarian league.
      That earned the late bloomer an international debut, at the age of 28, in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Bulgaria.
      One his third cap, away to Serbia, he netted his first Hungary goal.
      Last summer, Varga joined Hungarian giants Ferencvaros and again got the golden boot as his side won the league, the first silverware of his career.

      How is Barnabas Varga doing?Hungary head coach Marco Rossi has given an update on how Varga is doingHe confirmed the striker will miss the rest of Euro 2024 in his post-match interview.Varga will undergo an operation after suffering a fracture in his face.READ MORE SUN STORIESRossi said: “Barnabás Varga’s life is not in danger.“He will undergo an operation after fracture in his face and he won’t be available for the rest of Euro 2024”.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYDominik Szoboszlai helps bring the stretcher onto the fieldMedics carried Barnabas Varga off the field behind a screenCredit: Getty More

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      Czech Republic vs Turkey – Euro 2024: Montella’s side look to bounce back from Portugal thrashing in Group F finale

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      CZECH REPUBLIC end their group stage with a huge clash against Turkey in Hamburg.A win for either side would likely secure their spot as runners-up behind Portugal in Group F.Czech Republic forward Patrik Schick is a doubt for Wednesday’s clashCredit: GETTYThe Czechs secured their first point of Euro 2024 following a 1-1 draw with Georgia after Patrik Schick’s 60th-minute equaliser.Turkey are currently second in Group F with three points but will be aiming for a much-improved performance in their group stage finale.Vincenzo Montella’s side were thrashed 3-0 by Portugal last weekend, ending their hopes of securing top seed.When is Czech Republic vs Turkey?
      Czech Republic vs Turkey will take place on Wednesday, June 26.
      Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
      Volksparkstadion in Hamburg will host.
      READ MORE IN eurosWhat TV channel is Czech Republic vs Turkey on and can it be live streamed FREE?
      Czech Republic vs Turkey will be broadcast live on ITV4.
      The match will be available to live stream for FREE via the ITVX app/website.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.
      Team newsThe headline team news from the Czech camp is that striker Patrik Schick is a doubt after he limped off against Georgia last time out.Turkey will be without Abdulkerim Bardakci after he picked up his second booking of the group stage.Merih Demiral is a likely contender to replace the suspended defender.Most read in Euro 202419-year-old Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler could come back into Turkey’s starting eleven after he began the Portugal clash on the bench.OddsMatch result
      Czech Republic – 6/4
      Draw – 23/10
      Turkey – 15/8
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Netherlands vs Austria – Euro 2024 – Dutch face Austrians in thrilling battle for last-16 spot -stream FREE, team news

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      NETHERLANDS and Austria face off in a mouthwatering Group D finale with a place in the knockout stages up for grabs.The Dutch just need to avoid defeat to claim a last-16 spot after holding France to a 0-0 stalemate on Friday.Xavi Simons saw his goal controversially ruled out against FranceCredit: GettyBut should they better Les Bleus’ result against Poland, the Netherlands will progress as group winners.However, it won’t be easy by any stretch of the imagination as Austria are also very much in the run-in to qualify after beating Poland 3-1 last week.Ralf Rangnick’s hard-working side go into this match on three points while France and Netherlands have accumulated four.Meaning that it is set to be an exciting end to Euro 2024 Group D.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhen is Holland vs Austria?
      Holland vs Austria will be take place on Tuesday, June 25.
      The game will kick off at 5pm BST.
      The Olympiastadion in Berlin will play host to the big game.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Holland’s big clash with Austria will be shown live on BBC Two in the UK.
      You can live stream all the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes the game is available to watch for FREE on BBC Two, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
      What is the team news?Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman would have been delighted to see his side escape the France stalemate with no fresh injuries.Most read in Euro 2024But Joey Veerman could return to the starting lineup after losing his place to Jeremie Frimpong last time out.Elsewhere, Austria winger Patrick Wimmer could get a run out from the start after only appearing off the bench for the Poland win.Odds
      Holland – 23/20
      Draw – 12/5
      Austria – 5/2
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More

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      France vs Poland – Euro 2024 – French look to book last-16 spot as group winners against eliminated Poles – team news

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      EURO 2024 favourites France take on already eliminated Poland with the chance of topping Group D – and they’ll be praying talisman Kylian Mbappe can make his return.The Real Madrid superstar has been instructed to wear a protective for the foreseeable after suffering a broken nose against Austria on matchday one.France failed to score without Kylian Mbappe against NetherlandsCredit: RexAnd as a result, Mbappe was forced to sit out France’s 0-0 stalemate with Group D rivals Netherlands.But Les Bleus now take on a deflated Poland side who have already been eliminated from the competition knowing that a win would secure Group D top spotFurthermore, the Poles have not beaten France in over 40 years and it doesn’t look as if that curse will be broken anytime soon.However, any slip-ups from Didier Deschamps’ men could see the Netherlands snatch the group winner’s crown right at the death – even a draw could prove costly.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhen is France vs Poland?
      France’s clash with Poland takes place on Tuesday, June 25.
      The game will kick off at 5pm BST.
      Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany, will host the clash.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      France vs Poland will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
      What is the team news?France manager Didier Deschamps may not risk talisman Kylian Mbappe who suffered a broken nose against Austria.Most read in Euro 2024Kylian Mbappe will need to wear a protective mask for his broken noseCredit: RexThis could mean another start down the middle for the son of French legend Lillian Thuram, Marcus.Elsewhere, Poland who have already been knocked out of the tournament, could see Robert Lewandowski return to the starting lineup following his thigh injury.Odds
      France – 2/5
      Draw – 18/5
      Poland – 7/1
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More