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    Slovenia vs Denmark LIVE SCORE: Euro 2024 latest as Kasper Schmeichel and Christian Eriksen start Group C clash

    DENMARK are taking on Slovenia RIGHT NOW in the opening game of Euro 2024’s Group C – which also contains England.The Danes lost to England in the semi-finals of the last Euros and will be looking for revenge next week, but they first need to move past a tough Slovenia side.
    Kick-off time: 5pm BST
    Stream/TV: ITV 1
    Slovenia XI: Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Janza; Stojanovic, Elsnik, Gnezda Cerin, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko
    Denmark XI: Schmeichel; Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard; Kristiansen, Hjulmand, Eriksen, Hojbjerg, Bah; Wind, Hojlund
    EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSSlovenia 0-0 Denmark
    5. The Danes are dominating possession in the early stages.
    Slovenia are really struggling to win the ball back from the opposition.
    Denmark play some nice, crisp, passing football.
    Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-0 Denmark
    3. Hojlund is in the wars early on.
    As he looked to chase down the ball, he slips slightly and flies into the body of the defender.
    He is fine to continue but seems a little rattled by the impact.
    Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-0 Denmark
    1. There is very little between these two sides.
    Only one goal separated them in their two games in qualifying.
    Denmark look to go on the offensive early on.
    Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Slovenia vs Denmark
    We are underway in the MHPArena.
    It is a packed-house for this opening match.
    Slovenia get the game started.
    Copy linkCopiedKick-off looms in Stuttgart
    As the players gather in the tunnel, all that can be heard is a cauldron of noise coming from the pitch.
    Slovenia has a population smaller than Greater Manchester, what an honour this must be for every player in that squad.
    Jan Oblak, despite being one of the best keepers in the world for some time, is making his first appearances in a major finals.
    Copy linkCopiedDanes cannot under-estimate threat
    While Denmark go into this game as favourites, they need to be wary of the threat of their opponents.
    Slovenia are on a six-game unbeaten streak coming into this game, which included a 2-0 victory over Portugal.
    They also amassed 22 points in qualifying and expect to compete in every game they play in Germany.
    Copy linkCopiedCarnival atmosphere in stadium
    As edge closer to kick-off, fans of both teams are getting into the party mood.
    It is a sea of colour in the MHPArena as Slovenia and Denmark look to go toe-to-toe as they did in qualifying.
    They know each other well and will need to utilise that in order to get a favourable result this afternoon.
    Credit: EPA
    Credit: EPA
    Credit: EPA
    Copy linkCopiedHopes rest on young prodigy
    Benjamin Sesko has given Slovenian fans hope that they can do the unthinkable in Germany.
    With the young striker playing his domestic football in the country, having scored five goals in qualifying, the eyes of the world will be on him.
    RB Leipzig will not have to worry about losing their prized asset, with him having signed a new deal before the tournament.
    Copy linkCopiedHistory favours Danish attack
    Having won the tournament previously, Denmark also reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
    The country has a love for this tournament and will be hoping to surprise many again.
    In a group with both England and Serbia, they will be seeing this as a key game to get three points in the bag.
    Copy linkCopiedDenmark starting XI:
    A host of Premier League talent features in this Danish side that kicks off the tournament against Slovenia.
    1. Schmeichel, 3. Vestergaard, 6. Christensen, 2. Andersen, 17. Kristiansen, 23. Hjobjerg, 21. Hjulmund, 18. Bah, 10. Eriksen, 9. Hojlund, 19. Wind
    Credit: @xFootballWorld_
    Copy linkCopiedSlovenia starting XI:
    This is the side ‘The Dragons’ have chosen to start their Euro 2024 campaign this afternoon.
    1. Oblak, 2. Karnicnik, 6. Bijol, 9. Sporar, 10. Elsnik, 11. Sesko, 13. Janza, 17. Mlakar, 20. Stojanovic, 21. Drkusic, 22. Cerin
    Credit: @nzs_si
    Copy linkCopiedHead to head record
    Slovenia and Denmark have met each other on six occasions.
    The Dragons have yet to beat The Danes to date.
    Denmark have won five of the previous encounters, with one ending in a draw.
    Copy linkCopiedDanes fancied for early victory
    Having previously won this tournament, the bookies cannot see past a win for the red and whites this evening.
    Slovenia – 4/1
    Draw – 21/10
    Denmark – 4/7
    All match odds brought to you by Betfair.
    Copy linkCopiedDanes looking for positive start
    Stuttgart is awash with a sea of colour as we head towards the game.
    Danish fans are out in force to lend their passionate support as ever to the national team.
    They know that it is the form in the tournament that is key and have upset the odds before, anything is possible.
    Credit: EPA
    Credit: EPA
    Copy linkCopiedExperience could be key to success
    Christian Eriksen has nothing to prove in footballing circles, the quality of the midfielder is undeniable.
    However, his last appearance in the tournament was a very emotional one for all involved and he will see this time as the opportunity for him to have a swansong in a Denmark shirt.
    His intelligence, vision and passing ability could be key for the Danes if they are hoping to make it out of the group and cause an upset in the latter rounds.
    Copy linkCopiedA tale of two strikers
    Both Slovenia and Denmark will be looking to young forwards to impress in Germany.
    Much has been said of Benjamin Sesko as he has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs due to his fine form with RB Leipzig.
    Despite having a tough first season at Old Trafford, Rasmus Hojlund will be hoping to show Europe what he is really made of as he leads the line for the Danes.
    Copy linkCopiedBoth sides with no pressure to feel
    Neither of these sides will be fancied to progress far in Euro 2024.
    This takes so much pressure off the teams and allows them to play with a freedom that could see them spring an upset.
    Denmark did this before in the tournament when they shocked the world in Euro 1992, beating Germany 2-0 in the final.
    Copy linkCopiedWelcome to Slovenia vs Denmark
    Two teams hoping to make the knockout stages of Euro 2024 meet at the MHP Arena as Slovenia and Denmark get their campaigns up and running.
    Benjamin Sesko will lead the line for Slovenia with the in-demand forward having turned down interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd before signing a new contract with RB Leipzig.
    Josip Ilicic has been brought back in from the international wilderness after being left out of the national team for three years. However, he scored a late winner against Armenia in their warmup matches and will be hoping to play a big part in Germany.
    Andraz Sporar is expected to play alongside Sesko however while Atletico Madrid number one Jan Oblak takes the captain’s armband between the sticks.
    For Slovenia, winger Benjamin Verbic was unable to complete the full training session on Wednesday and is a slight doubt but right-back Peter Stojanovic has made a full recovery from the muscle injury that forced him to miss both of their recent friendlies this month.
    Denmark boss Hjulmand was forced to make a late change to his squad as Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson succumbed to injury and had to be replaced by Zanka, one of four Brentford players in the squad.
    Christian Eriksen is fit and raring to go and will be hoping to put his nightmare Euro 2020 behind him, where he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch. He recently scored a late winner against Sweden which sent the Danish fans wild.
    Bees’ midfielder Christian Norgaard missed training on Thursday but this was thought to be just a precaution to ensure that he was fit for this opening match of the tournament.
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    Serbia vs England LIVE SCORE: Three Lions get Euro 2024 campaign underway – stream FREE, latest updates

    TODAY is the day England get their Euro 2024 campaign underway in a tasty opening match-up against Serbia. Gareth Southgate’s hopeful Three Lions side will be looking to go all the way at a major tournament for the first time since 1966, having come closer than ever in recent years. And it all starts this evening against a Serbia side led by ex-Premier League tormentor Aleksandr Mitrovic.
    Kick-off time: 8pm BST
    Stream/TV: BBC One/iPlayer
    Serbia XI: To follow
    England XI: To follow
    Serbia vs England: Get £60 in football free bets for Euro 2024England team news
    Get your early team news right here!
    Bukayo Saka is expected to start today’s opener. The Arsenal winger missed the Gunners’ last game of the season with a groin injury but is expected to get the nod.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold is also expected to start his first game at a major tournament in six years alongside Declan Rice in midfield, getting the nod over Conor Gallagher.

    Copy linkCopiedCaptain Kane
    Harry Kane is still looking to win his first piece of major silverware after disappointment at Bayern Munich this season.
    The only shining light of the German giants’ season was Kane’s goals, with the for Tottenham man scoring 44 goals in 45 games.
    “We all want to be remembered to have won a major tournament with England – not just to have had good campaigns – so we know it is something to respect and be proud of, and to keep pushing ourselves,” Kane told BBC Sport.
    “If we don’t win, we’re going to be disappointed.
    “As much as you can be unlucky and go out on penalties, we really want to win and start winning as a national team because we have been taking steps towards this moment.
    “It is going to be tough, we know that, but we’re ready for the challenge.”
    Credit: PA
    Copy linkCopiedTime to deliver
    Southgate knows that now is the time for his talented young side to show the world what England fans know they can do.
    He said: “We have already seen how Germany and Spain have played.
    “There are some exceptional teams here. We have to be exceptional to progress through the group and our main focus is our first game. It is obvious how important that is.
    “I’ve been in the job eight years. I understand the landscape.
    “Everybody who has been in this job has experienced the same thing. I just try to prepare the team in the best manner possible.”
    No pressure, Gareth.
    Credit: Getty
    Copy linkCopiedSerbia star men
    England are shakier than ever in defence and will have Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi making his major tournament debut tonight.
    If there’s one thing Serbia needs to exploit, it’s the Three Lions’ back four.
    Who better than Aleksandr Mitrovic to ruffle some feathers?

    Copy linkCopiedEngland star men tonight
    Serbia should have a lot to fear in England’s ranks tonight, but whether they will is the question.
    Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden are expected to flank Harry Kane, with Jude Bellingham behind in the 10.

    Copy linkCopiedGhost of Gelsenkirchen
    The stage is set for tonight’s big game between England and Serbia.
    The AufSchalke Arena plays host. But this stadium only bears bad memories.
    It was back in 2006 at the World Cup where Wayne Rooney was sent off for a stamp in England’s quarter-final against Portugal.
    In customary fashion, we went out on penalties.
    Hopefully tonight’s opening game stays relatively stress-free.
    Credit: Getty
    Copy linkCopiedHello and welcome to England vs Serbia
    Hello and welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of Serbia vs England at Euro 2024!
    Remember, before I get going – it’s the hope that kills you.
    We’ve all been here before, but the expectation for England to finally win their first major tournament since 1966 has never been bigger.
    From Gazza’s tears to Beckham and Rooney’s red cards, countless penalty shootout heartbreaks and dismal performances alike, it might be time to believe again.
    Sandwiched in between World Cup semi-final and quarter-final KOs, Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions suffered at the hands of Italy in a home final at Euro 2020 three years ago.
    In what could be Southgate’s final tournament as manager, England will be looking to go all the way with one of the most talented squads at the competition.
    They’re favourites for a reason, right?
    Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane will be looking to do what their predecessors couldn’t – and where better place to win it all than in Germany.
    It all gets going tonight with a tricky first fixture against Serbia. Clashes with Denmark and Slovenia will follow, but a convincing win tonight will really put the country in Believer Fever.
    We’ve got you covered for the rest of of the evening right here at SunSport, so kick back with a cold one, order yourself a takeaway and wait for the drama to unfold!
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    Poland vs Holland LIVE SCORE: Weghorst comes off the bench to save Dutch again with late winner – latest updates

    HOLLAND have beaten Poland 2-1 in their opening game at Euro 2024. Robert Lewandowski replacement Adam Buksa bagged the opening goal of the game for the Poles with a brilliant header. Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo levelled soon after with a deflected strike. But ex-Man Utd man Wout Weghorst came on with 10 minutes to go and scored his side a winner just two minutes after coming on.
    Kick-off time: 2pm BST
    Stream/TV: BBC One/BBC iPlayer
    Poland XI: Szczesny, Frankowski, Bednarek, Salamon, Kiwior, Urbanski, Romanczuk, Zielinski, Zalewski, Szymanski, Buksa
    Holland XI: Verbruggen, Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake, Reijnders, Schouten, Veerman, Gakpo, Simons, Memphis
    EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS”Tough match”
    Netherlands star Cody Gakpo: “It was a tough match and a tough opponent.
    “They scored first and it was a little more difficult, but we created a lot of good opportunities and we had to be more clinical – overall I think we performed pretty well.
    “We have to analyse the game and see where we could hurt them more. Obviously we are a team that never gives up.”
    Credit: GETTY
    Copy linkCopiedWhat’s next?
    Well, you’ve got about 40 minutes of rest before we’re straight back to it, folks.
    Up next is Slovenia vs Denmark at 5pm, before the big one as England get their tournament underway against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.
    I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve copy and pasted Gelsenkirchen this week.
    Gareth is readyCredit: GETTY
    Copy linkCopiedSpot on
    Patrik Schick nailed on to score for the Czech Republic against Portugal on Tuesday then…
    Credit: X
    Copy linkCopied”He is clinical”
    BBC pundit Ashley Williams: “Wout Weghorst is anticipating before the defender that the ball will where he needs it to, on his left foot and that’s a good finish.
    “That’s exactly what he brought him on for. Just one moment.
    “We were talking at half-time that they had a few half chances that hadn’t been put away. He gets his half chance and he is clinical with it.”
    Copy linkCopiedMr 100%
    Wout Weghorst has scored with his past three shots at major tournaments. If you remember, he got two against Argentina at the World Cup.
    Copy linkCopiedGroup D
    It’s early days, but Netherlands lead Group D.
    France and Austria are in action tomorrow with Didier Deschamps fancied to get their competition up and running in style.
    Here’s what the remaining fixtures look like;

    17 June: Austria vs France
    21 June: Poland vs Austria
    21 June: Netherlands vs France
    25 June: Netherlands vs Austria
    25 June: France vs Poland

    France are in action on MondayCredit: UEFA
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    FT: The Dutch clinch three points!
    They’ve not exactly struck fear into the hearts of the likes of France, England, Germany and Spain – but Ronald Koeman’s side did well to comeback from a goal down in Hamburg.
    Good character and very impressive strength in depth sees them to a nervy 2-1 win over Poland. The Poles were far better than expected, especially without talisman Robert Lewandowski.
    But… Wout Weghorst off the bench is simply inevitable.
    Wout Weghorst celebratesCredit: GETTY
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    94: Poland now pushing a few more into the Dutch half. Obviously goal difference isn’t hugely important with the H2H record the first decider in this competition.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    92: Not a huge amount coming from Poland in these dying minutes. Holland slowing things down and trying to take the sting out of proceedings.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    90: Five minutes added time.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    89: Kind of a win for strength in depth. Ronald Koeman has plenty of options to choose from on his bench, hugely important in long competitions like the Euros.
    Obvious statements aside, Bart Verbruggen is tested when saving from Karol Swiderski before Jakub Piotrowski slams the rebound into the side netting.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    87: Bartosz Bereszynski comes on for Bartosz Salamon for Poland. Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven also replaces Nathan Ake for the closing stages.
    No sign of a late fightback, yet.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland
    85: The Oranje fans are going ballistics inside the Volksparkstadion. No idea what they are singing but it must be along the lines of Wout Weghorst being the best player of all time. I’m sure…
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-2 Holland – Weghorst
    82: And there it is! Would you believe it, Wout Weghorst gives Holland the lead with his first touch!
    That’s surely going to be the winner for Ronald Koeman’s side. It took him less than 120 seconds!
    Nathan Ake spots the run inside the penalty area and finds Weghorst with a slick diagonal pass and the big man converts at the first time of asking. That’s his seventh goal in his last 11 international caps.
    Wout Weghorst of the Netherlands celebratesCredit: GETTY
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    81: Unleash the Wout! Battering ram Wout Weghorst arrives to replace Cody Gakpo. Memphis Depay also departs with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong. He’s no stranger to late goals for Xabi Alonso’s side…
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    80: Skipper Piotr Zielinski is off. Jakub Piotrowski comes on as the armband is given to goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
    Final 10 minutes in Hamburg.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    77: The Dutch have had 20 shots so far in this contest, which is their most in a game at a major tournament since 2014 against Costa Rica. I suspect there’ll be a few more before the day is over.
    Just three of those on target, mind.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    74: Chance! An unmarked Stefan de Vrij heads over from a corner. He shouts at himself for not at least getting that on target.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    73: Ronald Koeman’s changes have made a difference. Substitute Donyell Malen has given Poland something different to think about with his movement, and they are sitting extremely deep to combat his introduction.
    Not clinging on, but Poland aren’t comfortable.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    70: Just a half-chance for Memphis Depay, whose touch lets him down. Jerdy Schouten finds him inside the penalty area but the ball bounces off his shin and straight to goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
    But there’s no rest for Szczesny, who then makes himself big to deny Denzel Dumfries after a good overlap on the right channel.
    Bartosz Salamon holds back Memphis DepayCredit: GETTY
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    68: Donyell Malen creates some space on the edge of the penalty area but Denzel Dumfries’ cross/shot goes wide. Karol Swiderski then goes on a mazy run forward but doesn’t really have any options alongside him.
    There’s a goal left in this, folks. Maybe a couple.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    65: Just over 25 minutes left. We remain all-square at Volksparkstadion but this one really could go either way.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    63: Poland have clearly lulled us all into a false sense of security. They’ve let off the handbrake over the last five minutes and have created two or three half chances.
    Nicola Zalewski smashes the latest one over after some good work from Jakub Moder.
    Ronald Koeman’s reacts by sending on Donyell Malen and Georginio Wijnaldum for Joey Veerman and Xavi Simons.
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    60: Save! That’s a very solid chance for Poland to regain the lead. The ball is worked over to the unmarked Jakub Kiwior at the back post, who controls and draws a good save from Bart Verbruggen with his legs.
    Karol Swiderski fights for the ball with Netherlands’ defender Stefan de VrijCredit: GETTY
    Copy linkCopiedPoland 1-1 Holland
    58: Karol Swiderski and Bartosz Slisz replace Nicola Zalewski and Kacper Urbanski for Poland. That’s Swiderski who injured himself when celebrating a goal in Poland’s most recent friendly with Turkey.
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    Gervonta Davis vs Frank Martin LIVE RESULTS: Latest as Tank KO’s challenger with brutal left hand

    GERVONTA DAVIS is back in action TONIGHT in a tasty fight against unbeaten contender Frank Martin in Las Vegas.Knockout artist Davis hasn’t fought since his win against Ryan Garcia over a year ago and spent some time in jail – but is now ready to defend his WBA lightweight title once again.Martin represents a tricky challenge for Davis, having beaten Michel Rivera and Artem Harutyunyan in his last two bouts.
    Start time: Main event from midnight ET/9pm PST
    TV channels: Amazon Prime PPV
    No glove lost
    Ryan Garcia was involved in a brawl with boxer Caleb Plant at Gervonta Davis’ fight.

    Copy linkCopiedGarcia wants rematch
    Gervonta Davis gatecrashed Gervonta Davis’ fight with Frank Martin to demand a rematch – before embracing with his rival.
    He even wore a T-shirt with the words “rematch me b***h” after campaigning to face Davis again up in weight.
    But despite the bad blood, the two put that aside to embrace after Davis knocked out Martin in round eight.
    Copy linkCopiedDavis KOs Martin
    The champ has the likes of Vasyl Lomachenko, Shakur Stevenson and a rematch with Isaac Pitbull Cruz in his sights.
    He added: “All them guys are on my radar.”
    Credit: Getty
    Copy linkCopiedDavis KOs Martin
    Asked if anyone can compete with him, Davis says: “I mean, I don’t know until they get in there with me but I’ve been around for a long time.
    “I’ve been training since I was seven-years-old, competing since I was eight so it’s like second nature.
    “It’s about staying focussed. Make sure my minds on the goal and it’s always to come out on top.”
    Credit: AP
    Copy linkCopiedDavis speaks out
    He continues: “No, his footwork wasn’t bothering me I knew that he was going to tire down.
    “So that what I was doing, just being a target there for him to tire himself out and I started picking him apart.”
    “Yeah, it’s like a little cherry but it’s okay it comes with the sport.”

    Copy linkCopiedDavis speaks out
    He adds: “No, his footwork wasn’t bothering me I knew that he was going to tire down.
    “So that what I was doing, just being a target there for him to tire himself out and I started picking him apart.”
    “Yeah, it’s like a little cherry but it’s okay it comes with the sport.”
    Copy linkCopiedDavis speaks out
    He says: “Yeah, just a little rusty but I’m back.
    “A couple pf rounds I feel I didn’t warm up completely like how I wanted to but I did warm up and got caught as the fight was going on.
    “But it’s okay, no excuses.”
    Copy linkCopiedDavis vs Martin
    Whipping uppercut did the damage with Martin stunned but a follow up left hand closed the show.
    Another huge KO and Martin was left flat on his back and unable to beat the count.
    Clean-cut KO.
    Copy linkCopiedDavis vs Martin
    Davis gave away a lot of the opening half but stayed patient and confident in his timing and power.
    Towards the second half, Davis crept closer and closer and eventually landed the left hand that nailed Martin.
    Another highlight-reel KO for Tank Davis.

    Copy linkCopiedDavis vs Martin
    Round 8 – DOWN GOES MARTIN!
    Big left hand flattens Martin and Davis is already on the ropes celebrating…
    The referee makes it to the count of ten and that’s all she wrote.
    Copy linkCopiedDavis vs Martin
    Round 7 – Big round for Davis.
    At the start of the round, Davis landed big but Martin was able to return fire.
    Towards the end, Davis just teed off on Martin and despite one big counter left, it was Tank who let his hands go on a stationary target.
    Copy linkCopiedDavis vs Martin
    Round 6 – Left hands land for both to mark back and forth action.
    But Davis has Martin trapped in the corner a few times and lets his left hand go.
    Davis coming on now but Martin still looks sharp on the back foot.
    Copy linkCopiedDavis vs Martin
    Round 5 – Davis is on the front foot constantly and always threatening with the left.
    But Martin looks comfortable on the retreat and even lands a few counters on his way back.
    Although Davis did land a lovely lead right hook in the round. Best punch of his fight so far.
    Copy linkCopiedDavis vs Martin
    Round 4 – Davis really going searching for Martin and lets some left hands go.
    A couple of uppercuts whisk by but some do find the body and Davis looks to press forward now.
    Martin still boxing well on the back foot but it must be paying a toll. Maybe we could see a switch if Martin begins to feel the pace and pressure.
    Copy linkCopiedDavis vs Martin
    Round 3 – Davis really upping the pressure as he talks Martin with the high guard and lets his left hand go.
    But again, nothing major lands and it’s Martin who is connecting with telling counters.
    Davis also almost gets his feet in a muddle on a few occasions as he lunges in.
    Copy linkCopiedDavis vs Martin
    Round 2 – Martin pumps out the jab and catches Davis with a few left hands.
    Davis is walking forward with a high guard trying to find a big left hand or lead right hook but nothing doing.
    Martin holds on a dew times, maybe a sense he feels the power coming.
    Copy linkCopiedDavis vs Martin
    Round 1 – Good start from Martin.
    Very active with his lead right hand jab, going to the body and landing a good few left hands.
    Davis tucks up for most the round with a high guard but he didn’t offer much offensively. Maybe sussing Martin out.

    Copy linkCopiedDavis vs Martin
    Round 1 – Here. We. Go.
    Opening round, southpaw vs southpaw.
    It could be Martin’s strength and size against Davis’ speed, power and precision. Fascinating fight!
    Copy linkCopiedHere we go!
    Both men have walked out and are in the ring now.
    Legendary MC Jimmy Lennon Jr introduces both men to the Las Vegas crowd and it’s almost time!
    Davis’ WBA lightweight title with unbeaten records on the line.
    Copy linkCopiedSpar wars
    Davis and Martin once sparred in Vegas in a session which has been majorly disputed.
    But Martin told SunSport: “I don’t really go off the sparring session.
    “It’s not like we sparred multiple times and we know each other as fighters. 
    “It was a long time ago, I’m a way better fighter than I was then, he’s a way better fighter than he was at that moment as well. 
    “I don’t really go off the sparring session,” he says.
    “It’s not like we sparred multiple times and we know each other as fighters. 
    “It was a long time ago, I’m a way better fighter than I was then, he’s a way better fighter than he was at that moment as well. 
    Copy linkCopiedOn Ger way
    Tank has been out of the ring for 14 months since he stopped Ryan Garcia in their mega-fight that sold over ONE MILLION PPVs.
    It also gave the American the self-proclaimed title as the face of boxing with over £50million believed to have been made in his career.
    Davis now returns against unbeaten Martin, 29, in Las Vegas and does so in a bid to prove he is the best 135lb lightweight in the world.
    He said: “I just want to prove I’m the best at 135 and June 15th is just going to be a clinic.
    “He’s just going to be a stepping stone to where I want to be.”
    Copy linkCopiedDavis’ stunning rise
    Gervonta Davis has had the most stunning of rises from sleeping on the floors of crack dens to becoming one of boxing’s top stars.
    Davis grew up on the mean streets of crime-ridden Baltimore – home of gritty hit TV series The Wire.
    His parents were both believed to have battled the same crack cocaine addiction that was the central theme of the award-winning show.
    So it makes Davis’ journey to the top of boxing as a multimillionaire pay-per-view star even more impressive.
    Ahead of his fight with Frank Martin, he told Amazon Prime PPV: “I’m already a legend from where I’ve came from, for what I’ve done.
    “I’ve been through mad stuff; sleeping on floors, crack house, all that type of stuff, I’ve been through all that.
    “I ain’t got to prove nothing to nobody else. That’s why I will never get too hyped about the win after I win.
    “Because it’s like you’ve always got to do something over and over again until you’re done.
    “And there’s always going to be someone next, somebody next. So, I don’t feel I need to prove myself to these people.”
    Copy linkCopied’Just go 12 rounds’
    Frank Martin believes he’s found a has a pretty clear path to beating Tank – don’t get knocked out.
    Easier said than done against one of the hardest punchers in the whole sport, with 27 of his 29 wins coming via KO.
    Martin said: “Yeah, we know he’s always getting outboxed by guys.
    “Even in his last fight (a KO win over Ryan Garcia), he was getting out-boxed.
    “We’ve just got to go 12 rounds.”
    Copy linkCopiedMAIN EVENT TIME
    Up next is the headliner of the night.
    Gervonta Davis defends his WBA lightweight title against unbeaten Texan Frank Martin.
    It is his first fight since beating Ryan Garcia in April 2023 – when a short prison sentence followed.
    Credit: Getty
    Copy linkCopiedBenavidez vs Gvozdyk
    Benavidez refuses to give up on his dream fight against Canelo Alvarez as he opens the door to a move back down to super-middleweight.
    But his win over Gvozdyk makes his WBC mandatory for the belt owned by Artur Beterbiev.
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    Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe LIVE RESULT: Gentleman RETAINS world title with dominant win over rival – latest

    CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH kept hold of his WBO cruiserweight title after a dominant win over Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park.Billam-Smith first won the belt in the summer of 2023 when he beat Lawrence Okolie at his beloved AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium – and here he went into away territory to defend the strap against Crystal Palace fan Riakporhe, who had beat him in 2019.Earlier, Ben Whittaker impressed in a points win over Ezra Arenyeka and Jack Massey stunned Isaac Chamberlain to win the European cruiserweight title.What’s next?
    Ben Shalom just co-signed a matchup against Zurdo, while it’ll be interesting to see where next for Riakporhe after falling short here.
    CBS was asked, and said: “I thought it was 8-4 at worst, very comfortable and he caught me once. He’s a great fighter but just needs more experience at this level, he’ll be back.”
    Some within boxing circles this week have suggested Riakporhe struggled to make the weight and if so, perhaps a bridgerweight move would make sense – local rival Lawrence Okolie is still an option.
    CBS meanwhile, will likely rest over the next month or two before assessing his options in a division still lacking a true number one.
    Copy linkCopiedCBS: Career-best performance? “I think so”
    During his post-fight interview in the ring with Sky, Billam-Smith spoke at length about his team – paying tribute to Shane McGuigan and the rest of his coaches – as well as his own performance.
    The biggest difference between him and Riakporhe?
    “My experience, speed, gameplan. Shane is a master, the world’s best coach,” before insisting he wants a unification with WBA world champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez next Stateside. Revenge is sweet.
    Copy linkCopiedAND STILL! CBS avenges defeat, retains WBO world title
    116-111, 115-112, 115-112: Chris Billam-Smith successfully retains his WBO cruiserweight world title with a UD12 win over Richard Riakporhe!
    Riakporhe got his fight tactics all wrong on home soil and besides the right-hand, didn’t offer much more than excessive holding here.
    Questions over the Bournemouth man’s durability were answered, he rode hairy moments and a worthy winner at a chilly Selhurst Park.
    Copy linkCopiedCBS aloft on ring apron!
    Billam-Smith is lifted onto the top rope by head trainer Shane McGuigan as he celebrates, hands outstretched.
    Riakporhe looks a tad sheepish in response, and the art of body language suggests we all know who has won this. Scorecards coming!
    Copy linkCopiedCBS Riakporhe R12
    Final round time!
    Billam-Smith is up by my estimation, Riakporhe has the equaliser in his right hand and that will carry him until the final bell, if nothing else. As far as fight tactics are concerned, he hasn’t adapted well.
    Riakporhe lands low, twice in quick succession with no punishment, before CBS throws a fast flurry and eats one flush for his troubles.
    Finally, at long last, Riakporhe is deducted a point for leading with his head but it came about eight rounds too late.
    Copy linkCopiedCBS Riakporhe R11
    Two more rounds left, and Riakporhe needs to bait CBS into leaving himself defensively open. Whether that be up close, or at distance.
    The excessive holding isn’t allowing him much scope to do so, and CBS walks forward after eating a right hand – talk about demoralising.
    CBS absorbs another right cross, before unloading body punches on the inside in return as the champion keeps shrewd point-scoring.
    Copy linkCopiedCBS Riakporhe R10
    CBS had his best round in the eighth, Riakporhe’s right hand was a fitting response to cap the ninth and now, we’ve got a fitting finale.
    Another timeout is called so Steve Gray can lecture both yet whatever he said immediately gets ignored, as the clinching continues.
    CBS goes back to his jab, throwing some uppercuts in for good measure as the round essentially peters out.
    Copy linkCopiedCBS Riakporhe R9
    Into the ninth and the duality of Riakporhe is on full display: he stings CBS with a right, then lands a low blow immediately afterwards.
    Billam-Smith can recover, timeout called and danger temporarily over.
    It resumes though, Riakporhe lands a cuffing right which doesn’t land clean, but disrupts the champion’s equilibrium as he staggers back towards the ropes. Big finish to the round and dearly needed!
    Copy linkCopiedCBS Riakporhe R8
    Billam-Smith lands his best shot for a while, curling Riakporhe into a corner as the challenger looks almost dazed.
    Panic stations over shortly afterwards, as CBS is pinned against the ropes in another holding sequence, before the champion lands a stinging left hook, right hand combo!
    Riakporhe staggers back to his corner after eating two more unanswered punches clean, CBS’ best round so far and you can tell by the crowd’s muted response… they need to encourage their man.
    Copy linkCopiedCBS Riakporhe R7
    Into the second-half of this domestic world title fight we go, it’d be interesting to see how many times referee Steve Gray has paused this bout given how much clinching and excessive holding there has been.
    If you’re not going to punish it, why stop them?
    Riakporhe’s gumshield flies out midway through the stanza and there’s (yet another) reprieve, Billam-Smith right now doing enough to win rounds on the basis of pressure and cleaner work.
    Copy linkCopiedCBS Riakporhe R6
    Another scrappy round but CBS is starting to chain his attacks together a bit more, uppercuts and body punching to boot.
    Riakporhe’s power still remains, as evidenced by a whipping right he lands in the final half-minute, but he needs to be busier and quickly.
    Copy linkCopiedCBS Riakporhe R5
    A third of the way through and Billam-Smith remains a hittable target, so Riakporhe’s resolve will never waver – especially here.
    He lands a short right, then gets lectured by the official once more before CBS lands a nice uppercut and some body work up close.
    Riakporhe wizzes wide with a right, referee warnings becoming a persistent theme in this stop-start affair now.
    Copy linkCopiedCBS Riakporhe R4
    Into the fourth they go, Billam-Smith sticks his tongue out after landing a two-punch combo with Riakporhe up against the ropes.
    The champion is starting to feel himself now, but can’t allow overconfidence to creep into his work with a heavy-handed challenger ready to respond at any moment. They trade downstairs.
    CBS’ jab is sharp but Richard’s right hand a far more scary prospect and that layer of jeopardy will only intensify the more they exchange.
    Copy linkCopiedCBS Riakporhe R3
    By persistently complaining about Riakporhe’s illegal tactics, CBS is giving the referee a decision to make – but will that allow him to momentarily switch off at the wrong time? We’ll wait and see.
    Riakporhe lands a crowd-pleasing right but subsequent work is messy, before again being warned – this time for a low blow and shortly afterwards, leading with his head in the clinch.
    Ring any bells? Lawrence Okolie is ringside, after all.
    Billam-Smith lands some sneaky body punching to finish another scrappy round, packed with holding and frustration growing.
    Copy linkCopiedCBS Riakporhe R2
    Billam-Smith begins the second round just as he finished the first, cunning work on the inside while Riakporhe looks to break space.
    Referee ticks both off as CBS is unhappy with Riakporhe holding, then the champion absorbs two cuffing right hands as they exchange jabs in centre ring. A more cagey stanza, that one.
    Copy linkCopiedCBS Riakporhe R1
    Here we go! A month shy of five years on from their first fight, the pair do battle again – both have improved since then, but who will show their mettle on the biggest stage here?
    Billam-Smith begins as the aggressor, referee separates them as Riakporhe finds himself against the ropes – twice – then the challenger lands a stiff right hand which wobbles Billam-Smith.
    Riakporhe tries maintaining distance with a few jabs, gets ticked off for illegal moves in the clinch as CBS’ dirty boxing works to the bell.
    Copy linkCopiedIt’s almost time…
    Billam-Smith in the ring, national anthem sung beautifully, now comes the fighter introductions. Repeat or revenge?
    Copy linkCopiedGlasner in the house
    Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner’s among the ringside audience enjoying the evening’s action at his new home – having taken charge of the south London club in February (W7, D3, L3).
    Wonder who he’ll be back in this headliner, surely the hometown hero right? Riakporhe’s in the ring now, Billam-Smith coming shortly.
    Copy linkCopiedWhittaker wanted fun…
    It was quickly obvious, but here’s the light-heavyweight prospect’s words after banking ten rounds on his biggest show yet.
    He said: “I wanted the knock out – I was just having fun!”

    Copy linkCopiedOnly one more fight remains…
    MAIN EVENT TIME! Chris Billam-Smith (c) vs. Richard Riakporhe follows shortly for the WBO cruiserweight world championship.
    Ringwalks expected around 10.30pm after a promotional package, TV ad break and more besides as the atmosphere builds up again following, well, Whittaker’s uninspiring victory.
    Copy linkCopiedWhittaker wins (shock!)
    100-89, 99-90, 99-90 the scores after ten rounds banked.
    As far as matchmaking is concerned, it’ll be interesting to see where they go with Ben next. Someone who can bring more from him is key.
    Copy linkCopiedWhittaker vs Arenyeka R10
    Final round!
    Arenyeka’s wild forays forward continue, as Whittaker shuffles backwards happy to keep his distance and engage the crowd.
    Whittaker threatens another late flurry as the ten-second signal goes, Arenyeka survives to hear the final bell. A slow, painful shutout.
    Copy linkCopiedWhittaker vs Arenyeka R9
    Even when Ezra lands clean, he overextends and gets excited far too early to warrant much of Whittaker’s respect in these exchanges.
    They exchange in the pocket, the fan favourite still playing with his food, and the referee looks ready to step in if he sees even a sliver of Arenyeka fading.
    Despite a fleeting moment up against the ropes, it doesn’t come and you know what that means…
    Copy linkCopiedWhittaker vs Arenyeka R8
    The best way to describe this scene right now is, watching Whittaker go through the gears and treat Arenyeka like a sparring partner.
    Problem is, he’s stuck on gear two and doesn’t seem like he wants to raise that level. The intrigue has long disappeared, fans getting restless and we still have two more rounds!
    Copy linkCopiedWhittaker vs Arenyeka R7
    Okay, so I was wrong. This has lasted far too long!
    Arenyeka gets a point deduction for an elbow in the clinch, but it doesn’t spark Whittaker into any sort of activity before the bell.

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    Italy vs Albania LIVE RESULT: Defending champs survive scare to get campaign off to winning start in group of death

    DEFENDING champions Italy got their Euro 2024 campaign off to a winning start – despite suffering an almighty early scare.Group B is arguably the toughest in the competition and the Azzurri would have been keen to get three points on the board with games against Spain and Croatia coming up.Albania tore up the script just 23 SECONDS into the match, Nedim Bajrami scoring from a tight angle, but Alessandro Bastoni levelled and then Nicolo Barrella put Italy back in charge within 20 minutes.
    Kick-off: 8pm BST
    TV channel/ live stream: BBC One
    Italy XI: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella, Jorginho, Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa, Scammaca.
    Albania XI: Strakosha, Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj, Asllani, Ramadani, Bajrami, Asani, Seferi, Broja.
    EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThat’s all from Dortmund
    And it’s also the end of day two at Euro 2024.
    Italy have begun their European Championship defence just as they ended their victorious 2021 campaign – by fighting back from an early goal conceded to prevail.
    There are another three matches to look forward to tomorrow, and those include the arrival of England at this tournament.
    The Three Lions take on Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, and, as ever, we’ll be here with live coverage of every moment – you won’t miss a minute with at SunSport.
    Until then, thanks for joining us and goodnight.

    Copy linkCopiedAzzurri scoring streak continues
    Despite questions asking where the goals would come from, Italy extended their run of scoring in matches at the European Championship.
    The Azzurri have become just the third side to score in 10 successive games at the finals following England in June 2012 (11 games) and Portugal in 2004 (10 games).
    Copy linkCopiedBig guns hit the front
    Just as they have in Group A, the favourites to make their way out of Group B have begun with victories.
    After Spain eased past Croatia earlier today, reigning champions Italy have now defeated Albania after an intriguing contest in Dortmund.
    The top two will face each other on Thursday where the winner will likely confirm their progress to the knockouts.
    Next matches:

    Croatia v Albania (Wednesday)
    Spain v Italy (Thursday)

    Credit: uefa.com
    Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from BVB Stadion
    Nedim Bajrami’s goal after 23 seconds is the fastest goal ever scored at the European Championship finals…
    …while Alessandro Bastoni’s equaliser in the 11th minute is the third-earliest a Euros game has seen both teams score after Iceland v England in 2016 (6 mins) and Russia v Spain in 1964 (8 mins).

    Copy linkCopiedFull time – Italy 2-1 Albania
    The European champions begin their defence with a win – but they would made to work hard for it.
    Behind after 23 seconds, Italy fought back with two quick goals and then had ample opportunities to kill the game off.
    But Albania hung in there, and almost got their reward with seconds remaining, only for captain Gianluigi Donnarumma to deny substitute Rey Manaj at the death.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    90+5. In the game’s final attack, Mitaj gets caught in two minds as the ball is cushioned back to him inside the area.
    Curl a left footer into the top corner or step a cross up to a teammate at the back post? In the end, he does a combination of the two and the ball drifts behind for a goalkick.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    90+2. Inside four minutes of stoppage time, and the game is halted as the stewards deal incompetently with a one-man pitch invasion.
    The game will restart shortly, but for Albania, you feel their opportunity has just agonisingly passed them by.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    90. Manej in for the equaliser?!
    No! A vital touch from Donnarumma turns it the wrong side of the post!
    It’s a brilliant attack from Albania with the substitute taking down Asllani’s long pass on his chest to evade Calafiori inside the area.
    The flicked shot over the oncoming goalkeeper is good too, but credit to Italian stopper and skipper who gets a touch on the ball with his sliding body to divert it wide.
    The Albanian bench were up and celebrating, and to add insult to injury, the referee has awarded a goalkick.

    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    88. Luciani Spalletti, hands in pockets, is pacing about his technical area like an expectant father whose partner is in labour.
    He knows there is still work to do here to see victory out.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania – Albania substitution
    86. Sylvinho turns to Ernest Muci for the final minutes.
    The forward comes on for the man who is etched his name in football history with the fastest ever European Championship goal: Nedim Bajrami.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    84. Di Lorenzo is stopped in his tracks by an excellent Ramadani challenge.
    Will that start the late spur that Albania have been craving?
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania – Italy double substitution
    82. Spalletti opts for another two changes.
    He sends for more experience in the form of Matteo Darmian, and the intriguing forward that is Mateo Retegui.
    Taking a breather before the end are Gianluca Scamaca and Federico Dimarco.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    80. Inside the final ten minutes, and this is still very much in the balance.
    Italy have been the vastly superior side, but Albania still have hope and enthusiasm on their side – demonstrated by Manaj’s aggressive run into the box that has Bastoni under pressure.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania – Italy double substitution
    78. Luciano Spalletti makes his first changes of the night with a double switch.
    The Italy head coach sends on Bryan Cristante and Andrea Cambiaso in place of Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    76. Back in the international fold, Armando Broja has seen 76 minutes of action – which is probably more than he managed during five months at Fulham.
    The striker has done well in tough circumstances, and is replaced by Rey Manaj.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania – Hoxha yellow card
    74. If Arber Hoxha was sent on to make a nuisance of himself, then he’s done just that…
    …by planting his elbow in the back of Frattesi.
    It earns the substitute a yellow card.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    72. The game has not so much entered a lull, but an intriguing period where neither side are really sure where to focus their energy.
    Both teams seem content for the match to progress with the score at 2-1.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    70. Not only are Albania yet to have a shot on target since their first minute goal, they also haven’t recorded a touch inside the Italy penalty area in this second half.
    However, you get the feeling, they’re okay with this for now.
    If the game hits the 80-minute mark with the deficit still just one goal, we could well see an attack-minded Albania for the final stages.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania – Albania double substitution
    68. The Albanians make the first move with Qazim Laci and Arber Hoxha introduced into the action.
    The oncoming duo replace Taulant Seferi and the occasionally impressive Jasir Asani.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    66. Neither Sylvinho or Luciano Spalletti has made a move yet in terms of their substitutes’ bench, but that could all be about to change.
    Players are being readied down by the dugouts.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    64. A series of Italian corners are as threatening as a group of primary school children in a tuck shop queue.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    62. The boos are getting louder because Italy are once again having a dominant period in possession.
    In response, Albania appear to be alternating between a 4-2-3-1, a 5-4-1 and a 9-1-0.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    60. Albania’s only shot on target came after 23 seconds of the contest.
    Of course, I don’t have to tell you how it panned out.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    58. The art of defending is knowing when to get rid.
    Mario Mitaj does brilliantly to deter Chiesa inside the penalty area, but then overplays and is eventually dispossessed.
    The ball ends up back with Chiesa, who unleashes a left-footed curler that swerves just wide of the far post.
    Copy linkCopiedItaly 2-1 Albania
    56. Strakosha is out quickly to deny Frattesi with his feet after a clever pass through from Dimarco.
    As it happens, the linesman ended up raising his flag for offside but the Albanian goalkeeper wasn’t to know that, and replays show that it was – again – very tight.
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    Spain 3-0 Croatia LIVE RESULT: Euro 2024 latest as Alvaro Morata sets Spain on their way to flying start in Group B

    SPAIN got their Euro 2024 campaign off to a flying start with a 3-0 win over Croatia!Former Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata opened the scoring before Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal added goals before half-time.Croatia thought they had a lifeline with 10 mins remaining but Bruno Petkovic’s goal – tapping home after missing from the penalty spot – was ruled out after a VAR check.Italy and minnows Albania complete Group B, and they play tonight.
    Kick-off: 5pm BST
    TV channel/ live stream: ITV 1
    Spain XI: Unai Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Morata, Nico Williams
    Croatia XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Majer, Kramaric; Budimir
    EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSMatch report
    Here’s your full match report for today’s game, written by the one and only Dan King out in Germany.

    Copy linkCopiedFull-time match stats
    This is how the match stats look at full-time.
    Unusually for La Furia Roja, they didn’t dominate possession, but they were ruthless in front of goal and made the most of their chances.
    The match stats as Spain took on Croatia in Group B
    Copy linkCopiedRemember the name, Lamine Yamal
    This seemed like the day Lamine Yamal announced himself really to the world.
    Everyone in Spain already knew him, and how good he has been for Barcelona this season, but for many this would be their first time watching the 16-year-old magician.
    To me, he looks like a second coming of Riyad Mahrez, with an even higher ceiling.
    His assist today was simply sublime, a curling ball from the right-hand side, delivered first-class from his left boot.
    It was set up perfectly for Dani Carvajal to finish on the volley.
    He was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet himself, as he was played in on goal by Pedri only to be denied by a fantastic Dominik Livakovic save.
    He was sensational, and is fully deserving of all the plaudits he is set to receive for that performance.
    Bring on Italy.
    Remember the name, Lamine Yamal
    Copy linkCopiedMorata the killer in the group of death
    Alvaro Morata became a meme during his time at Chelsea, and might not be the first name who pops into your mind when you think of elite strikers.
    But at international level, his credentials as a top class number nine cannot be denied any longer.
    He is the third highest scorer in Euro’s history behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Michel Platini, and added another goal to his tally against Croatia today.
    He was played through by a fantastic pass by Fabian Ruiz, and was the coolest man in Berlin as he slotted the ball past Dominik Livakovic.
    Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Michel Platini have scored more Euro’s goals than Alvaro MorataCredit: Getty
    Copy linkCopiedFULL-TIME: Spain 3-0 Croatia
    FT. That’s all for this one, and Spain are instantly put in a commanding position in group B, dominating what could be their toughest opposition of the three group games.
    It was far from a perfect performance by the Spaniards, but they certainly showed they have got what it takes to compete with the big boys.
    Watch out for La Furia Roja.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    90+2. Spain are working hard here to keep their clean sheet intact.
    Dani Olmo gets back to support Marc Cucurella who is being troubled by Majer.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    90. There will be five minutes of added time at the end of this one.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    86. Lamine Yamal has been replaced by fellow Barcelona star Ferran Torres.
    He has been absolutely sublime today, and is certainly a star for the future and for today, picking up a beautiful assist.
    Copy linkCopiedPENALTY MISSED, GOAL DISALLOWED: Spain 3-0 Croatia
    Rodri brings down Petkovic for a Croatian penalty, which is taken by Petkovic and saved by Unai Simon!
    Perisic is first to the rebound, and passes it across for Petkovic to tap home, and he does!
    HOWEVER!
    VAR intervenes and deems that Perisic had encroached on the penalty area and the goal is ruled out.
    Copy linkCopiedPENALTY! Spain 3-0 Croatia
    It’s a penalty for Croatia!
    Petkovic has an open goal in front of him after a huge mistake by Unai Simon, but Rodri brings him down before he can tap it home.
    Yellow card for Rodri.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    75. A great pass from Sucic is played out wide to Perisic, who delivers a cross into the middle.
    Easily claimed by Unai Simon.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    72. Another change for Croatia, as Petkovic replaces Kramaric, who has been poor today.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    70. Gvardiol loses possession for Croatia, and Lamine Yamal is cheered once more.
    The 16-year-old has cooked him today.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    67. Morata is unable to continue here, and boots the ball out of play in order to be substituted, but the Spanish manager decides NOT to make a change.
    He is pottering around the pitch now, seemingly trying to force a change.
    He does eventually get it, and comes off alongside Nico Williams.
    They are replaced by Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal.
    Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic are replaced by Luka Sucic and Mario Pasalic for Croatia.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    62. Mateo Kovacic makes another fantastic run through the Spanish midfield, and plays it into Majer, but the attack breaks down.
    The ex-Chelsea man has been a delight to watch today, but has been somewhat let down by his teammates.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    60. A change for both teams, as Dani Olmo comes on for Pedri, and the legendary Ivan Perisic enters the pitch for Croatia, replacing Ante Budimir.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    57. Spain have a free-kick, which is taken by Lamine Yamal, but hit straight into the wall.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    54. SO CLOSE FOR YAMAL!
    That is a golden opportunity for the 16-year-old.
    Pedri does really well when driving forwards, and lays the ball off perfectly into the path of Yamine Lamal.
    He is running onto it and looks to sweep it into the back of the net, but is denied by a fantastic Livakovic save.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    53. A lovely move from Croatia there, as Kovacic does really well to find Majer who is further forward.
    He plays a lovely ball into Kramaric, but the number nine loses it again.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    50. Promising attack for Croatia, who come forward thanks to a gorgeous pass from Luka Modric into Andrej Kramaric.
    He cuts inside, but loses his balance and a shot lashed at goal by Gvardiol is easily blocked.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 3-0 Croatia
    48. Spain come forwards once more as they catch Croatia trying to play out from the back again.
    Morata plays it into Marc Cucurella, but Spain lose possession with Fabian Ruiz.
    Copy linkCopiedBACK UNDERWAY: Spain 3-0 Croatia
    46. Spain get us back underway here for the second half.
    No changes from either side.
    Copy linkCopiedMatch stats
    This is how the match stats look at half-time.
    Spain are dominating the scoreline, despite Croatia having the lion share of possession.

    Copy linkCopiedHALF TIME: Spain 3-0 Croatia
    HT. The referee calls the first half to a close after that superb goal from Dani Carvajal.
    Croatia will need a serious improvement in the second half if they are going to get back into this game.
    We will bring you some half-time analysis and full coverage of the second half very shortly.
    Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLL! Spain 3-0 Croatia
    DANI CARVAJAL MAKES IT THREE FOR SPAIN!
    IT’S AN ASSIST FOR LAMINE YAMAL!
    Spain play it short from a corner and Lamine Yamal picks it up before playing a Riyad Mahrez-esque pass curling onto the foot of Dani Carvajal. The captain taps it home past Livakovic to put La Furia Roja three to the good right on the stroke of half-time.
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    Spain vs Croatia LIVE SCORE: Euro 2024 updates as wonderkid Lamine Yamal, 16, starts for Spain – stream FREE, TV channel

    SPAIN and Croatia are facing off in a mouthwatering Euro 2024 clash on RIGHT NOW!The Furia Roja and the Croats have been drawn in a gruelling group that also includes fellow favourites Italy and minnows Albania.On the team news front, Spain’s 16-year-old forward Lamine Yamal starts to make history as the youngest player to play at the European Championships.And whoever wins this match could set the tone for the top spot in Group B.
    Kick-off: 5pm BST
    TV channel/ live stream: ITV 1
    Spain XI: Unai Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Morata, Nico Williams
    Croatia XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Majer, Kramaric; Budimir
    EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSSpain 0-0 Croatia
    6. Neat football from Spain, as they work the ball around the edge of the box.
    Fabian looks to thread a ball into Yamine Lamal, but the pass is just too heavy for the youngster.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 0-0 Croatia
    4. Le Normand looks for Alvaro Morata with a ball over the top, but it is well claimed by Livakovic.
    Mateo Kovacic picks the ball up in midfield here, and Croatia recycle possession.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain 0-0 Croatia
    2. This feels like a home match for Croatia, the support they’ve got in the stadium looks like 6-1.
    Copy linkCopiedKICK OFF – Spain 0-0 Croatia
    0. Here we go!
    The referee gets the game underway, and it is Croatia who get us going.
    Copy linkCopiedLove is in the air
    Are you ready? These two certainly are!
    Living all of our dreams, I hope you’re happy Croatia…Credit: AP
    Copy linkCopiedFIVE minutes to go
    We are ready to get underway here.
    The players are walking out of the tunnel, led by Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal and Luka Modric.
    Kick-off is coming to you live, NEXT.
    Copy linkCopiedCucurella over Grimaldo
    Alejandro Grimaldo was arguably the best and most important player in Bayer Leverkusen’s unbelievable unbeaten domestic season.
    So you may be understandably perplexed as to why he’s been displaced in the starting XI for Spain by Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella.
    The Blues’ fullback had an underwhelming start to the season, but certainly ended it strongly playing as an inverted left back.
    He is probably considered stronger defensively by De La Fuente than Grimaldo, but expect to see the latter make an appearance if things are not looking up for Spain.
    Copy linkCopiedJoe Cole full of praise for Luka Modric
    Ex-England and Chelsea winger Joe Cole is absolutely full of praise for Croatia’s Luka Modric today:
    “I love Luka Modric, I think he is probably this generations best midfielder, I’d put him slightly above Toni Kroos.
    “He’s 38, approaching 39, to be doing what he is doing at his age is just sensational.
    “I think he’s the best midfielder of our generation.”
    “I think he’s the best midfielder of our generation”Joe Coleon beIN Sports
    Copy linkCopiedAre you ready? These guys are…
    Some absolutely fantastic fan outfits on display today.
    Some fantastic outfits on displayCredit: Reuters
    Spain are hopeful of another Euro’s heading back to their countryCredit: Getty
    Copy linkCopiedFancy seeing you here!
    Spain and Croatia are no strangers.
    Not only were they involved in *that* Euro 2020 Round of 16 clash, they were also both involved in last year’s Nations League final.
    If you don’t remember when they met at Euro 2020, here’s a reminder for you.
    The game ended 5-3 (yes, you read that correctly) to Spain, in a thrilling clash that went to extra time before Alvaro Morata and Mikel Oyarzabal put the nail in the Croatian coffin.
    As for the Nations League final last year, is was La Furia Roja who lifted the trophy on penalties, with Petkovic missing the all important spot kick.
    Spain got the better of Croatia four years agoCredit: Reuters
    Copy linkCopiedWhat are the odds?
    This is a tough one to call, the first marquee clash of Euro 2024.
    We can’t predict it, so let’s take a look at the Betfair odds to help us out.
    Accoring to ex-Spain star Gazika Mendieta, it will be a draw:
    “How far will Spain get? I’d love to say the final. But from recent tournaments we don’t know which Spain side we will get. I think we are quite unpredictable in that sense.
    “I’ll go for a draw here, Croatia are still being run by Luka Modric, let’s say 2-2.”

    Spain 4/5
    Draw 15/8
    Croatia 16/5

    These odds are correct as of the time of publication according to Betfair.
    Copy linkCopiedLike a fine wine
    Who comes to mind?
    Thiago Silva? Andrea Pirlo?
    For me, it’s Luka Modric.
    The Croatian midfielder is an absolute spectacle, and still plays as though he was 23.
    He may have lost a yard of pace, but every time he plays he reminds us of the level of technical ability in a midfielder which is largely unparalleled in the modern day.
    Still winning Champions League medals in his club career, this is a man who may be getting on but is certainly still a titan in the European game.
    There are 22 years between him and Lamine Yamal, wild.
    Luka Modric is ageing like a fine wine at 38Credit: Getty
    Copy linkCopiedLamine Yamal – record breaker
    When you talk about special talents, this man is right up there.
    Starting on the right wing for Spain, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal becomes the youngest player ever to feature at the Euros aged just 16 years and 338 days old.
    It happens on special day for the Spanish wonderkid, his father Mounir’s birthday.
    He might be young, but boy is he special.
    Having watched him a few times for Barcelona this season he is certainly a player to keep an eye on, and will surely cause Croatia a handful of problems.
    Copy linkCopiedSpain’s starting XI
    This is how Spain line up!
    Spain’s starting team to face CroatiaCredit: @SEFutbol – X
    Copy linkCopiedCroatia’s starting XI:
    This is how Croatia line up as they look to get the better of Spain
    Croatia’s starting XICredit: @HNS_CFF
    Copy linkCopiedThe key man for Spain
    This is a very, very talented Spanish national team.
    While the starting lineup is yet to be announced, you can be sure that there will be one man who is nailed on in midfield.
    That man is Manchester City’s Rodri.
    A defensive midfielder by nature, he is so much more than that.
    He has added goals and assists to his name this season, and absolutely loves a rocket from outside the box.
    If the national side can put together a similar unbeaten run to what Man City did this season with him in the team, they may well go all the way in this tournament.
    Luka Modric and co will need to be quick to try and dispossess him when they can.
    Rodri will be the key man for SpainCredit: Getty
    Copy linkCopiedHello! Welcome to Spain vs Croatia!
    Good afternoon and welcome to what has got to be the best clash of the 2024 European Championships so far, Spain vs Croatia!
    The first game in the ‘group of death’ which also includes Italy and Albania who play later on.
    You have to imagine the winner of this tie will be the pacesetter in the group, so there is plenty to play for.
    Croatia have been a huge success story in recent years, but with an ageing squad this tournament will either reveal a few chinks in their armour, or show that they have aged like fine wines.
    As for Spain, they have been far from the side they were in the 2008 and 2012 championships, when they won it back to back, but have got an exciting crop of young players, and an experienced number nine too.
    It’s going to be an absolute belter of a game, so stay with us for full coverage of it!
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