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      Spain vs Croatia – Euro 2024: La Furia Roja face tough opener against Modric and Co – Stream FREE, TV channel, team news

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      SPAIN and Croatia are set for a tough Euro 2024 opener that will feature two of the tournament’s favourites.The two European giants face off on Saturday at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.Spain are among the favourites to win Euro 2024Credit: AFPCroatia have impressed in their last two World Cup outingsCredit: GettyEuro 2024 FREE bets and offersThe Furia Roja and the Croats have been drawn in a gruelling group that also includes fellow favourites Italy and minnows Albania.And whoever wins this match could set the tone for the top spot in Group B.Spain are one of the main contenders to lift the trophy next month after their back-to-back triumphs in 2008 and 2012.The Spanish national team also made it to the semi-finals of Euro 2020.Croatia, on the other hand, have been taking football by storm ever since the 2018 World Cup when they reached the final.The Croats also finished third in the 2022 World Cup, but only made it to the Last 16 of Euro 2020 and 2016.Both teams will get to call on a number of stars in their bid for glory in Germany.Most read in Euro 2024And all of them are planning to leave it all on the pitch in what promises to be an entertaining encounter.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSPath to the EurosSpain breezed their way to the Euro 2024 finals by topping Group A in undefeated fashion with seven wins along the way.The Furia Roja bested runners-up Scotland, Norway, Georgia and Cyprus.How France can win Euro 2024Croatia, on the other hand, finished second in Group D behind leaders Turkey.The Croats overcame Wales, Armenia and Latvia as they won five out of eight matches, of which they lost two.Team NewsSpain manager Luis de la Fuente may have to wait on Barcelona star Pedri’s fitness as he struggled with injury throughout the season.De La Fuente, though, has a number of Premier League stars to choose from, such as Brentford’s David Raya who was on loan at Arsenal, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella and Manchester City’s Rodri.The Furia Roja will also get to call upon Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon, his team-mate Nico Williams, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata, Barcelona’s Ferran Torres, his team-mate Lamine Yamal and RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo.Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic, on the other hand, will have departed Tottenham star Ivan Perisic back in action after he spent last season on the sidelines with a knee injury.Dalic will also have Fenerbahce’s Dominik Livakovic, City’s Josko Gvardiol, his team-mate Mateo Kovacic and of course Real Madrid legend Luka Modric available.Ones to watchSpain will need Rodri to emulate his Manchester City form during Euro 2024.The midfield maestro stood out for City once more and helped them win a record fourth successive Premier League title.The 27-year-old amassed nine goals and 14 assists in 50 appearances with the Citizens, who only lost one game within 90 minutes all season with the Spaniard in their starting line-up.Croatia will look up to their national hero Luka Modric who has been instrumental during the last two World Cup campaigns.Real Madrid legend Modric is now 38 years old but set for a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu and will be donning his country’s armband to add to his 175 caps.Head-to-HeadSpain and Croatia have faced off a total of 10 times across all competitions.The Spaniards have won a majority of six games, compared to the Croats’ three victories.In fact, the Furia Roja have won six of their last nine matches, of which they lost two.The two sides have met three times in the Euros with Spain winning twice in 2012 and 2020, while Croatia emerged victorious in 2016.SunSport PredictionSpain pose as the favourites against Croatia’s ageing golden generation but not by much. This could be a close one between the two tournament favourites.Prediction: 1-0 PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      When is Spain vs Croatia?
      Spain’s clash with Croatia will take place on Saturday, June 15.
      The game will kick off at 5pm BST.
      The Olympiastadion in Germany’s capital Berlin will play host to the match.
      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?Spain vs Croatia will be shown live on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD in the UK. You can live stream all the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device. Can I watch for FREE?Yes, you can watch all the action for free on ITV 1 so long as you have a valid TV licence. READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
      Spain – 3/4
      Draw – 27/10
      Croatia – 15/4
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      Who is hosting Euro 2028 and will they gain automatic qualification to the tournament?

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      FOOTBALL enthusiasts rightly have their attention on this summer’s European Championships.After there were multiple host nations to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Euros for the 2020 tournament, Germany is the sole host for this year’s event.The host nations for Euro 2028 have been revealedCredit: GettyThe tournament will run between June 14 and July 14.But what about the next tournament?Who is hosting Euro 2028?Fans in the home nations and Ireland can rejoice for Euro 2028 as they will not need to travel to mainland Europe for the tournament.That is because England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will all be joint hosts of the tournament.READ MORE IN EURO 2024Turkey were the main rival for the hosting rights in four years time, but withdrew from the race, leaving the British Isles as the only option to host.Ten host venues have already been selected across the five nations.England have a selection of six stadiums, with two in London, one in Birmingham, one in Manchester, one in Liverpool and one in Newcastle.Meanwhile, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast and Dublin will also host games to ensure all five nations have games. Most read in FootballThe host cities and their stadiums can be seen below:
      England, London – Wembley Stadium
      England, London – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
      England, Birmingham – Villa Park
      England, Manchester – Etihad Stadium
      England, Liverpool – Everton Stadium (under construction)
      England, Newcastle – St James’ Park
      Scotland, Glasgow – Hampden Park
      Wales, Cardiff – Principality Stadium
      Ireland, Dublin – Aviva Stadium
      Northern Ireland, Belfast – Casement Park (under construction)
      It is understood that Cardiff will host the opening match, while the final will be held at Wembley.Will all host nations gain automatic qualification to Euro 2028?Uefa rules state that no more than two host nations can be granted an automatic qualification for tournament finals.This means it will be impossible for all five host nations to agree on which of them should take the guaranteed spots, meaning that all five nations will enter the competition in the qualifying rounds.So with that being said, it means that it’s a possibility that any of the five countries could fail to qualify for Euro 2028.However, it’s still possible that the two automatic qualification places are held in reserve and could be used by any of the five nations that fail to secure a place through qualification.But it has been reported that many within Uefa are “uncomfortable” with the idea of countries who have failed in qualifying to be handed a spot in the finals regardless.Should more than two teams fail to secure spots at Euro 2028 through qualifying, that would present a messy process to determine which teams are left out. More

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      How many penalties are taken in a shootout at Euro 2024?

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      EURO 2024 promises such high-octane drama that penalty shootouts sound almost inevitable.Who can ever forget England missing out on another major trophy during the final of Euro 2020 when they lost an intense shootout to Italy at Wembley?A penalty shootout still consists of five spot-kicks for each teamCredit: AlamyEngland will prefer to avoid another dramatic penalty shootoutCredit: GettyThe Three Lions never liked penalties as they have lost a staggering six out of nine attempts throughout their long World Cup, Euro and Nations League history.No one promises Gareth Southgate’s side won’t have to go through their 10th shootout in Germany, which is the country that has caused them a lot of hurt throughout the years.If England or any other side at Euro 2024 find themselves in a penalty shootout – SunSport has all the details you need…How many penalties are taken in a shootout at Euro 2024?Each team will get five spot-kicks against their opponent’s goalkeeper.Read More on FootballIf the procedure ends in a draw then both teams move on to sudden death.Sudden death rules dictate that every player from each team will have to take a shot until a victor emerges.The five players who took on a penalty kick can’t shoot again during sudden death unless all their other teammates have a go and a winner is still not crowned.Of course, no penalty shootouts will occur during the group stages of the European tournament.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat is something that is reserved for the knockout stages, starting in the Last 16.England’s fiercest penalty rivals Germany, Portugal and Italy have all made it to the Euro 2024 finals.Scotland given boost ahead of Euro 2024 as major rule change takes step forwardThe Three Lions have lost twice to each one of them throughout the years.The national team has only beaten Colombia, Spain and Switzerland.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Is VAR being used at Euro 2024?

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      EURO 2024 will begin THIS WEEK as hosts Germany open the tournament against Scotland.The Germans are one of the favourites to lift the trophy this summer as they eye their first international title since their World Cup triumph in 2013/14.VAR has been used in the Premier League since 2019Credit: GETTYMeanwhile, England are hoping to put an end to their near 58-year wait for a major honour.The Three Lions begin their tournament against Serbia on Sunday, June 16.Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of Euro 2024 – but will VAR be in use in Germany?Is VAR being used at Euro 2024?Yes! VAR will be used at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.READ MORE IN EURO 2024A VAR will be assigned to every game in the tournament and they will have the opportunity to call on two assistant VARs, plus three video operators.The VAR hub will be based in Leipzig this summer.The rules for VAR will be deployed like they are in the Premier League; they will check for any clear and obvious errors relating to goals, penalty incidents, red cards and mistaken identity.Will any other technology be in use at Euro 2024?Uefa have confirmed that semi-automated offside technology will also be in use at Euro 2024.Most read in Euro 2024Fans first saw the use of the groundbreaking innovation at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – and it has since been used in the Champions League.The high-tech feature will use 12 tracking cameras that will create three-dimensional models of players to determine if any part of the player’s body is in an offside position.A 3D animation will be displayed on the big screens in the stadium.Additionally, the Euro 2024 match ball will include a chip designed to improve the technology’s accuracy.The more familiar goal-line technology will also be used for Euro 2024. More

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      Hungary vs Switzerland – Euro 2024: Szoboszlai and Xhaka go head-to-head in Group A clash – stream FREE, TV, team news

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      EURO 2024 is upon us and promises some stunning encounters from the start of the group stage.Hungary and Switzerland lock horns this Saturday at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne just a day after hosts Germany kick the tournament off against Scotland.Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai will lead Hungary at Euro 2024Credit: GettyArsenal hero Granit Xhaka will captain Switzerland after his Bayer Leverkusen successCredit: RexThe Hungarians and the Swiss may have a tough act to follow, but their own match will include a strong Premier League presence.Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai will be competing for Marco Rossi’s side and will be joined by Sunderland’s Callum Styles.Switzerland, on the other hand, will be represented by Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji and Newcastle’s Fabian Schar.Akanji and Shar will be joined by ex-Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri, former Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka, ex-Nottingham Forest player Remo Freuler, former Chelsea midfielder Denis Zakaria and Burnley’s Zeki Amdouni.Hungary have proven to be quite the dark horses in major competitions.The Magyars proved it against England whom they beat twice across both legs in the Nations League two years ago.However, the Hungarian national team hasn’t made it past the Last 16 since 1972.Switzerland, on the other hand, made the Round of 16 in 2016 and the quarter-finals in 2020.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPath to the EurosHungary made it to Euro 2024 after winning Group G in undefeated fashion after five victories.Is it coming home? Football legends discuss England’s chances for Euro 2024 at The Sun’s preview nightMarco Rossi’s side bested Serbia, Montenegro, Lithuania and Bulgaria along the way.Switzerland, on the other hand, finished second in Group I behind Romania.The Swiss overcame Israel, Belarus, Kosovo and Andorra in the qualifying stage.Team newsThe two teams don’t seem to be dealing with any late injury concerns ahead of their Euro 2024 opener in Germany.Hungary will get to call upon the likes of RB Leipzig’s Peter Gulacsi, his team-mate Willi Orban, Freiburg’s Roland Sallai, Ferencvaros’ Barnabas Varga and Hajduk Split’s Laszlo Kleinheisler.Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has quite the golden generation at his disposal which includes the likes of Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel, Inter Milan’s Yann Sommer and Monaco’s Breel Embolo.Ones to watchHungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai enjoyed an impressive campaign with Liverpool.Szoboszlai, 23, joined the Reds last summer from RB Leipzig following a £60million deal.The midfielder amassed a total of seven goals and four assists in 45 appearances in his maiden campaign at Anfield.The Hungarian star has also registered 12 goals in 42 caps with his national team.Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka also enjoyed a stunning debut campaign at Bayer Leverkusen whom he led to their first ever Bundesliga title.Xhaka helped Leverkusen win their maiden domestic Double following an incredible undefeated run that saw Xabi Alonso’s side only losing once in the Europa League final against Atalanta.The midfielder registered four goals and two assist in 50 appearances this season.This comes after the Arsenal hero’s 14 goals in 125 caps with the Swiss team. Liverpool star Szoboslai enjoyed a stunning debut campaign at AnfieldBayer Leverkusen star Xhaka will play a key role for Switzerland at Euro 2024Head-to-HeadHungary and Switzerland have faced off a total of 46 times across all competitions.The Hungarians have won a majority of 30 games while the Swiss count 11 victories.Switzerland have won all three of their most recent meetings as well as six of their last nine games, of which they only lost one.This will be the first ever time the two countries face off in the Euros.SunSport predictionThis really feels like the kind of game that could go either way as they two teams are quite evenly matched, therefore a draw might be the safest bet.Prediction: 1-1PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      When is Hungary vs Switzerland?
      Hungary’s group stage opener against Switzerland will take place on Saturday, June 15.
      The game kicks off at 2pm BST.
      Cologne Stadium in Cologne, Germany will play host to the fixture.
      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      Hungary vs Switzerland will be shown live on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD in the UK.
      You can live stream all the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes, the game is available for FREE on ITV 1, so long as you have a TV licence.
      READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
      Hungary – 5/2
      Draw – 9/4
      Switzerland – 6/5
      *Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      When do yellow cards reset at Euro 2024?

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      EURO 2024 is upon us and some of the world’s best players will be in action this summer in Germany.And many world class stars are set to leave it all on the pitch in their bid for glory, which will lead to some intense moments.Yellow card bookings expire once Euro 2024 kicks off in GermanyCredit: AFPYellow cards are inevitable in every major competition, but players will want to avoid testing the referees and VAR’s patience as they will risk a suspension.When do yellow cards reset at Euro 2024?Bookings that took place during the qualifying stages and play-offs expire once Euro 2024 proper kicks off on June 14.And any cautions that take place during the tournament expire upon the completion of the quarter-finals.Yellow cards that take place in the semi-finals expire once the tournament is completed.Read More on FootballUEFA’s Article 54 states: “Cautions that have not resulted in a suspension expire on completion of the qualifying group stage. They are not carried forward to the play-offs nor the final tournament.”Cautions from the play-off matches that have not resulted in a suspension expire on completion of the play-offs. They are not carried forward to the final tournament.”Pending yellow-card suspensions from either the group stage or the play-offs expire on completion of the qualifying competition. They are not carried forward to the final tournament.”Cautions from matches in the final tournament that have not resulted in a suspension expire on completion of the quarter-finals. They are not carried forward to the semi-finals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Cautions and pending yellow-card suspensions from the final tournament expire at the end of the competition.”However, repeat cautions during the Euro 2024 finals in Germany will lead to a one-match suspension.Scotland given boost ahead of Euro 2024 as major rule change takes step forwardThat takes place after two consecutive bookings or after the fourth yellow card.UEFA rules also dictate: “In case of repeated cautions: “In the qualifying competition, players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after three cautions, as well as after the fifth and any subsequent caution;”In the final tournament, players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after two cautions, as well as after the fourth caution.” More

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      When is the Euro 2024 opening ceremony? Date and time for concert in Germany

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      IT wouldn’t be a Euros tournament without an opening ceremony – and SunSport can provide information on when the 2024 edition will take place.Hosts Germany kick-start the tournament with a mouthwatering fixture against Scotland.Luca De Gregorio and Arca Della of Meduza will be performing at the opening concertCredit: GettyWhile Three Lions fans will have to wait until Sunday, June 16 to see England get their campaign away with a tricky Serbia test.But before the first Euro 2024 whistle, fans have the opportunity to see some local artists perform.Find out everything you need to know about the opening ceremony.When is the Euro 2024 opening ceremony?There has been no confirmation of the official Euro 2024 opening ceremony but there will be an opening concert the day before the first whistle.Read more on Euro 2024Euro 2024 festival Stuttgart is set to take place on Thursday, June 13 and it will feature local artists.Admission for the festival is from 5pm BST but the actual concert starts an hour later at 6pm BST before concluding at around 11:30pm BST.Will there be a closing ceremony?Euro 2024 officials have confirmed that there will be an offical closing ceremony.It will take place ahead of the final on Sunday, July 14 at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin which can host approximately 74,475 fans.Most read in Euro 2024The Euro 2024 song ‘Fire’ will be performed which is a tune constructed by Meduza, OneRepublic and Leony.When is the opening Euro 2024 match?
      Germany’s opening clash with Scotland will take place on Friday, June 14.
      The Euro 2024 curtain raiser is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm BST.
      The Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany will play host and it can host approximately 75,024 fans.
      Euro 2024 – Prince William gives England team a royal send-off before Southgate’s 26 hopefuls jet off to Germany More

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      How many games do players miss for a red card at Euro 2024?

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      EURO 2024 promises intense action this summer and some of the world’s biggest stars are set to leave it all on the pitch.That is why some players may push the limits, especially when it matters the most, and that will really test the referees’ and VAR’s patience.A red card leads to a one-match suspension at Euro 2024Credit: GettyPlayers will want to avoid Giorgio Chiellini’s stunt on Bukayo SakaCredit: ReutersWho can ever forget Giorgio Chiellini grabbing Arsenal star Bukayo Saka by the scruff of the neck to stop a dangerous counter-attack during the Euro 2020 final when Italy beat England on penalties?Chiellini was only shown a yellow card for that incident, but players competing in this year’s tournament may want to avoid the same stunt as it could cost their teams dearly.How many games do players miss for a red card at Euro 2024?A red card could spell disaster, especially in the knockout stages where all managers will need their best players.That is because any player who is sent off will be suspended for the next match.Read More on FootballAnd any serious offences could lead to a more devastating punishment by UEFA.As per UEFA’s Article 54: “As a rule, a player or a team official sent off from the field of play and/or its immediate surrounds, including the technical area, is automatically suspended for the next match in the competition. “In case of serious offences, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body is entitled to augment this punishment, including by extending it to other competitions.”Funnily enough, the Premier League hasn’t seen a lot of red cards this season with Yves Bissouma and Oliver McBurnie topping the charts with two each.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSScotland given boost ahead of Euro 2024 as major rule change takes step forward More