EURO 2024: And Then There Were Three
The UEFA EURO 2024 has reached its thrilling end game, narrowing the field from 24 teams to just three. England, the Netherlands and Spain have emerged as the top survivors. Here’s a detailed look at each team’s journey, key players, and what to watch for as they vie for the championship. Spain Pedigree: Spain has won the EURO three times (1964, 2008, 2012) and reached the semi-finals in 2020. Story so far: Spain has been in excellent form, winning all their matches and conceding only two goals. They defeated Germany in extra time in the quarter-finals. They took on France in the semi-finals and went past the line 2-1. Key player: Rodri, possibly the best midfielder in the world right now, is crucial to Spain’s success. One to watch: Lamine Yamal, at just 16 years old, has made history as the youngest player at a EURO and has impressed with his performances. Did you know?Spain is the only team to have won three consecutive major international titles: EURO 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and EURO 2012. Netherlands Pedigree: The Netherlands won the EURO back in 1988. They reached the round of 16 in 2020. Story so far: The Netherlands had a mixed group stage but advanced as one of the best third-placed teams. They comfortably defeated Romania in the round of 16 and fought back to beat Türkiye in the quarter-finals. They now face England in the semi-finals. Key player: Memphis Depay, despite injury setbacks, remains the leading force in the Dutch attack. One to watch: Xavi Simons has emerged as a creative powerhouse, contributing significantly in the knockout stages. Did you know?Wim Kieft’s goal in EURO ’88 was the Netherlands’ first headed goal in a major finals, with Marco van Basten contributing to most of their goals. England Pedigree: England’s best EURO performance was as runners-up in 2020, losing to Italy on penalties. Story so far: England topped Group C despite not being at their free-flowing best. Key players like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Phil Foden showed glimpses of brilliance. England overcame Slovakia in extra time in the round of 16 and won a penalty shootout against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. They now face the Netherlands in the semi-finals. Key player: Jude Bellingham has been an asset, scoring two goals, including a spectacular bicycle kick against Slovakia. One to watch: Cole Palmer showed his composure by scoring the first penalty in the shootout against Switzerland. Did you know?Under Southgate, England have topped their group in both EURO campaigns, matching their record from their previous eight tournaments combined. With Spain already booking their place in the finals of EURO 2024 by knocking France out by 2-1, it would be interesting to see who amongst Netherlands and England book their date with Spain in the finals of the EURO 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
EURO 2024: Ronaldo To Bid Adieu To European Championships
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that Euro 2024 will mark his farewell from the European Championship stage. At 39 years old, Ronaldo shared this news with Portuguese broadcaster RTP, amidst his record-breaking sixth appearance at the Euros and Portugal’s advancement to the quarterfinals, where they will face France in Hamburg on Friday. In an interview following Portugal’s tense penalty-shootout victory over Slovenia on Monday, Ronaldo confirmed, “It is, without doubt, my last European Championship. But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.“ Throughout his illustrious career, Ronaldo has been one of football’s most prolific scorers, holding a record 14 goals in European Championships alone. Despite the emotional ups and downs, including tears shed during the Slovenia game after missing a crucial penalty in extra time, Ronaldo’s primary focus now is on “making people happy.“ Check Ronaldo’s UEFA EURO records here. Reflecting on his future in football, Ronaldo stated, “It’s not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win? It’s not going to come down to one point more or one point less.“ As we look back on Ronaldo’s Euro journey over the years, his impact and legacy remain undeniable. CRISTIANO RONALDO YEAR BY YEAR STATS IN EUROS (as of July 01, 2024) Year Matches Played Goals Assists Final Position 2004 6 2 2 Runner-up 2008 4 1 3 Quarterfinal 2012 5 3 0 Semifinal 2016 7 3 3 Winner 2020 4 5 1 Round of 16 2024* 3 0 1 Round of 16* As Cristiano Ronaldo gets ready to say goodbye to the European Championship stage after Euro 2024, his legacy shines brightly with an unmatched determination and a deep love for the game. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
EURO 2024: Why is ‘Mask’ trending on social media alongside Kylian Mbappe?
France’s Kylian Mbappé is injured. But wait, that’s not even the news here. More than his broken nose, the 25-year-old star forward was trending on social media because of a mask. Yes, you read that right. It is now confirmed that Mbappe will be wearing a mask for the remaining Euro 2024 Championships. But which one will Mbappe wear? Fans already have plenty of options for Mbappe to choose from. Maybe Mbappe and the French Football Federation also. Before a conclusion is drawn on the choice of the mask for the star player, it is important to know: why were both Mbappe and Mask together making news? What happened to Kylian Mbappe? He was subbed off in the 90th minute during France’s 1-0 win over Austria in their UEFA Euro 2024 Group D opener at the Dusseldorf Arena in Germany. The drama began in the 86th minute when Mbappé collided with Kevin Danso, causing a nosebleed. Despite receiving treatment, Mbappé was substituted by Olivier Giroud. The incident occurred when Antoine Griezmann crossed the ball into the box during a free-kick; Mbappé headed the ball but was then caught by Danso’s shoulder. With his shirt covered in blood, Mbappé tried to continue but soon fell to the ground, clutching his face, prompting whistles and jeers from Austria’s fans. Kylian Mbappe & Mask – what’s the connection here? Even in the face of tackling a serious injury like a broken nose, Mbappe was still in a jolly good mood.The 25-year-old took to the social media, and said: “Any ideas for masks?” he posted on X. How is it possible for a global star like Mbappe with over 14 million fans alone on X (Previously Twitter) to not get advice from the fans. His followers and fans both took to X and had some funny, hilarious advice for the French forward. Fans Give Mbappe plenty of Mask Options The 25-year-old striker has garnered a massive following on social media and is often referred to by the ’emoji’ of a tortoise, symbolizing his swift pace and agility on the field. Like many footballers, Mbappe has acquired various nicknames, with one of the most notable being “Ninja Turtle.” It sounds like Dior might have a playful sense of humor! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles masks are certainly an unexpected gift for a footballer like Mbappe. It’s always interesting to see how brands engage with popular figures in creative ways. But why Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle? Mbappe earned the “Ninja Turtle” moniker after joining PSG from AS Monaco in 2017. His new teammates in Paris playfully gave him the nickname, which quickly caught on across social media platforms. The PSG dressing room humorously associated Mbappe with the Ninja Turtles, a beloved children’s television show. How bad is Mbappe’s injury? The injury looks bad. At least the first pictures that were out, is good to instill fear in the minds and hearts of France supporters.The French Federation released a statement regarding Kylian Mbappé’s recent injury. “Kylian Mbappé returns to the base camp of the French national team.” The statement detailed that “Kylian Mbappé suffered a broken nose during the second part of the Austria-France held this Monday in Düsseldorf.” It was further explained that “the captain of France was treated first by the medical staff and Dr. Franck Le Gall, who diagnosed him with a nose fracture.” The federation assured that “Mbappé will receive treatment in the next few days, but he will not undergo surgery in the immediate future.” To facilitate his recovery, “a mask will be made for him so that the number 10 of the French national team can prepare for his return to the competition after a period dedicated to treatment.“ Maybe a surgery is out of the equation for now, but how viable is the option of playing with a broken nose, even with a mask on for Mbappe. Real Madrid FC would certainly not be happy with that decision. Will Maskman Mbappe score at Euro 2024? This was Mbappe’s 80th cap for France and his first ever game as a captain in a major international tournament. Kylian Mbappé’s Euro career so far is like a dramatic movie with a twist ending still waiting to happen: 5 games, 18 shots, one broken nose, and zero goals scored. Will Mbappe play against Netherlands? It’s high time for the Masked Mbappé to swoop in and turn this drought into a flood of goals. After all, every superhero needs a comeback story, right? Mbappe is yet to score a goal in the Euros and he will have to wait more since he missed two goal scoring opportunities against Austria. France plays Netherlands next in the Group stage on June 22, 12:30 AM IST. France last won the European Championships way back in 2000. It has been close to a quarter of a century since they have got their hands around the trophy. With an injured Mbappe for the rest of the tournament, their task just became tougher by 200 percent. Can Mbappe prove all his critics wrong? Maybe the mask might serve a totally different version of Mbappe which football fans might not have seen just yet. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Cristiano Ronaldo’s UEFA Euro Records – In a Nutshell Cristiano Ronaldo’s EURO Records: A Legacy of Goals and Appearances
Football’s biggest ambassador, Cristiano Ronaldo has left an indelible mark on the UEFA European Championship (EURO), holding numerous records that highlight his unparalleled impact on the tournament. Most Goals in EURO FinalsRonaldo stands tall as the all-time leading scorer in EURO finals, showcasing brilliance in high-stake games. He has scored a remarkable 7 goals in EURO finals, demonstrating his ability to perform when it matters most. Most EURO Final Tournaments PlayedThroughout his illustrious career, Ronaldo has participated in the most EURO final tournaments, showcasing his consistency and longevity at the highest level of European football. He has graced 5 EURO final tournaments, a testament to his enduring influence on the sport. Most Finals AppearancesRonaldo’s presence in EURO finals is unmatched. He has appeared in the final match of the tournament 5 times, highlighting his leadership and ability to guide his team to the pinnacle of European football. Most EURO Final Tournaments Scored InRonaldo’s ability to find the back of the net in EURO final tournaments is unparalleled. He has scored in 4 different EURO final tournaments, demonstrating his consistency and goal-scoring prowess across multiple championships. Most Appearances (Including Qualifying)In terms of overall participation, Ronaldo holds the record for the most appearances in EURO matches, including both the final tournaments and qualifying rounds. He has featured in 24 EURO matches, showcasing his dedication and commitment to representing Portugal on the international stage. Most Goals (Including Qualifying)Ronaldo’s goal-scoring exploits extend beyond the final tournaments. He holds the record for the most goals scored in EURO matches, encompassing both the final tournaments and qualifying stages. With a staggering 27 goals to his name, Ronaldo has consistently delivered exceptional performances throughout his EURO career. Cristiano Ronaldo’s UEFA EURO Records RECORD STAT Most Goals in EURO Finals 7 goals Most EURO Final Tournaments Played 5 tournaments Most Finals Appearances 5 appearances Most EURO Final Tournaments Scored In 4 tournaments Most Appearances (Including Qualifying) 24 matches Most Goals (Including Qualifying) 27 goals Cristiano Ronaldo’s records in the UEFA European Championship underscore his status as one of football’s greatest-ever players. His ability to perform under pressure, score crucial goals, and maintain peak performance over multiple tournaments has cemented his legacy as a true icon of the game. Cristiano Ronaldo’s UEFA EURO Records RECORD STAT Top Goal Scorer 55 goals Most Games Played 69 games Most Penalties Scored 11 penalties Most Minutes Played 5887 minutes Top Goalscorer By Season (2020) 16 goals Cristiano Ronaldo has set a couple of impressive records at the UEFA European Championship. He is the top goal scorer with 55 goals and has played the most games, totaling 69. Ronaldo has also scored the most penalties with 11, played the most minutes with 5,887, and was the top goalscorer in the 2020 season with 16 goals. These achievements highlight his exceptional talent and enduring impact on the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo’s EURO Finals Match Log Date Opposition Score WLD Goals Stage 12/06/2004 Greece 1–2 L 1 Group 16/06/2004 Russia 2–0 W Group 20/06/2004 Spain 1–0 W Group 24/06/2004 England 2–2 (W on pens) W Quarter-finals 30/06/2004 Netherlands 2–1 W 1 Semi-finals 04/07/2004 Greece 0–1 L Final 07/06/2008 Turkey 2–0 W Group 11/06/2008 Czech Republic 3–1 W 1 Group 19/06/2008 Germany 2–3 L Quarter-finals 09/06/2012 Germany 0–1 L Group 13/06/2012 Denmark 3–2 W Group 17/06/2012 Netherlands 2–1 W 2 Group 21/06/2012 Czech Republic 1–0 W 1 Quarter-finals 27/06/2012 Spain 0–0 (L on pens) L Semi-finals 14/06/2016 Iceland 1–1 D Group 18/06/2016 Austria 0–0 D Group 22/06/2016 Hungary 3–3 D 2 Group 25/06/2016 Croatia 1–0 W Round of 16 30/06/2016 Poland 1–1 (W on pens) W Quarter-finals 06/07/2016 Wales 2–0 W 1 Semi-finals 10/07/2016 France 1–0 W Final 15/06/2021 Hungary 3-0 W 2 Group 19/06/2021 Germany 2-4 L 1 Group 23/06/2021 France 2-2 D 2 Group 27/06/2021 Belgium 0-1 L Round of 16 As EURO 2024 approaches, the spotlight is on Cristiano Ronaldo to see how he will perform and how far he can lead his team in the tournament. Given his remarkable track record and numerous records in previous EURO championships, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Ronaldo can once again inspire Portugal to greatness. His experience, skill, and leadership will be crucial as Portugal aims for another successful campaign. The anticipation is building, and all eyes will be on Ronaldo to see if he can add to his legacy in this prestigious tournament. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
UEFA Euro 2024: Complete Squad of 24 Participating Teams, Captains, Groups
All 24 teams have confirmed their squads for UEFA EURO 2024, scheduled from June 14 to July 14. The final squads for the tournament have been officially finalized. These squad lists were last updated at 21:00 CET on Wednesday, June 12. The EURO 2024 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: Türkiye, Georgia, Portugal, Czechia The UEFA Executive Committee decided on 3 May to increase the maximum squad size of the teams participating in UEFA EURO 2024 from the original quota of 23 to 26 players. The increase did not represent an obligation for the participating national associations. In accordance with the competition regulations, teams had to provide UEFA with a list containing a minimum of 23 players and a maximum of 26 by the deadline of 7 June. Albania’s EURO 2024 squadGoalkeepers: Etrit Berisha (Empoli), Elhan Kastrati (Cittadella), Thomas Strakosha (Brentford) Defenders: Arlind Ajeti (CFR Cluj), Naser Aliji (Voluntari), Iván Balliu (Rayo Vallecano), Berat Djimsiti (Atalanta), Elseid Hysaj (Lazio), Ardian Ismajli (Empoli), Marash Kumbulla (Sassuolo), Enea Mihaj (Famalicão), Mario Mitaj (Lokomotiv Moskva) Midfielders: Amir Abrashi (Grasshoppers), Kristjan Asllani (Inter), Nedim Bajrami (Sassuolo), Klaus Gjasula (Darmstadt), Qazim Laçi (Sparta Praha), Ylber Ramadani (Lecce), Taulant Seferi (Baniyas) Forwards: Jasir Asani (Gwangju), Medon Berisha (Lecce), Armando Broja (Fulham), Mirlind Daku (Rubin Kazan), Arbër Hoxha (Dinamo Zagreb), Rey Manaj (Sivasspor), Ernest Muçi (Beşiktaş) Austria’s EURO 2024 squadGoalkeepers: Niklas Hedl (Rapid Wien), Heinz Lindner (Union SG), Patrick Pentz (Brøndby) Defenders: Flavius Daniliuc (Salzburg), Kevin Danso (Lens), Philipp Lienhart (Freiburg), Phillipp Mwene (Mainz), Stefan Posch (Bologna), Leopold Querfeld (Rapid Wien), Gernot Trauner (Feyenoord), Patrick Wimmer (Wolfsburg), Maximilian Wöber (Mönchengladbach) Midfielders: Christoph Baumgartner (Leipzig), Florian Grillitsch (Hoffenheim), Marco Grüll (Rapid Wien), Florian Kainz (Köln), Konrad Laimer (Bayern München), Alexander Prass (Sturm Graz), Marcel Sabitzer (Dortmund), Romano Schmid (Werder Bremen), Matthias Seidl (Rapid Wien), Nicolas Seiwald (Leipzig) Forwards: Marko Arnautović (Inter), Maximilian Entrup (Hartberg), Michael Gregoritsch (Freiburg), Andreas Weimann (West Brom) Belgium’s EURO 2024 squadGoalkeepers: Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg), Thomas Kaminski (Luton), Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest) Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Anderlecht), Wout Faes (Leicester), Thomas Meunier (Trabzonspor), Arthur Theate (Rennes), Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht) Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Maxim De Cuyper (Club Brugge), Orel Mangala (Lyon), Amadou Onana (Everton), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal), Arthur Vermeeren (Atlético de Madrid), Aster Vranckx (Wolfsburg), Axel Witsel (Atlético de Madrid) Forwards: Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven), Yannick Carrasco (Al-Shabab), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Jérémy Doku (Manchester City), Romelu Lukaku (Roma), Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla), Loïs Openda (Leipzig) Croatia’s EURO 2024 squadGoalkeepers: Ivica Ivušić (Pafos), Nediljko Labrović (Rijeka), Dominik Livaković (Fenerbahçe) Defenders: Martin Erlić (Sassuolo), Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City), Josip Juranović (Union Berlin), Marin Pongračić (Lecce), Borna Sosa (Ajax), Josip Stanišić (Leverkusen), Josip Šutalo (Ajax), Domagoj Vida (AEK Athens) Midfielders: Martin Baturina (Dinamo Zagreb), Marcelo Brozović (Al-Nassr), Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City), Lovro Majer (Wolfsburg), Luka Modrić (Real Madrid), Mario Pašalić (Atalanta), Luka Sučić (Salzburg), Nikola Vlašić (Torino) Forwards: Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Luka Ivanušec (Feyenoord), Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim), Marco Pašalić (Rijeka), Ivan Perišić (Hajduk Split), Bruno Petković (Dinamo Zagreb), Marko Pjaca (Rijeka) Czechia’s EURO 2024 squadGoalkeepers: Vítězslav Jaroš (Sturm Graz), Matěj Kovář (Leverkusen) Jindřich Staněk (Slavia Praha) Defenders: Vladimír Coufal (West Ham), David Douděra (Slavia Praha), Robin Hranáč (Viktoria Plzeň), David Jurásek (Hoffenheim), Ladislav Krejčí (Sparta Praha), Martin Vitík (Sparta Praha), Tomáš Vlček (Slavia Praha), David Zima (Slavia Praha) Midfielders: Antonín Barák (Fiorentina), Lukáš Červ (Viktoria Plzeň), Tomáš Holeš (Slavia Praha), Matěj Jurásek (Slavia Praha), Ondřej Lingr (Feyenoord), Lukáš Provod (Slavia Praha), Petr Ševčík (Slavia Praha), Tomáš Souček (West Ham), Pavel Šulc (Viktoria Plzeň) Forwards: Václav Černý (Wolfsburg), Tomáš Chorý (Viktoria Plzeň), Mojmír Chytil (Slavia Praha), Adam Hložek (Leverkusen), Jan Kuchta (Sparta Praha), Patrik Schick (Leverkusen) Denmark’s EURO 2024 squadGoalkeepers: Mads Hermansen (Leicester), Frederik Rønnow (Union Berlin), Kasper Schmeichel (Anderlecht) Defenders: Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace), Alexander Bah (Benfica), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Mathias Jørgensen (Brentford), Simon Kjær (AC Milan), Rasmus Kristensen (Roma), Victor Kristiansen (Bologna), Joakim Mæhle (Wolfsburg), Jannik Vestergaard (Leicester) Midfielders: Jacob Bruun Larsen (Burnley), Thomas Delaney (Anderlecht), Anders Dreyer (Anderlecht), Christian Eriksen (Manchester United), Morten Hjulmand (Sporting CP), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Tottenham), Mathias Jensen (Brentford), Christian Nørgaard (Brentford) Forwards: Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford), Kasper Dolberg (Anderlecht), Rasmus Højlund (Manchester United), Andreas Skov Olsen (Club Brugge), Yussuf Poulsen (Leipzig), Jonas Wind (Wolfsburg) England’s EURO 2024 squadGoalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City) Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern München), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) France’s EURO 2024 squadGoalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens) Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), Theo Hernández (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid), Benjamin Pavard (Inter), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern München) Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Antoine Griezmann (Atlético de Madrid), N’Golo Kanté (Al-Nassr), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurélien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris) Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Paris), Kingsley Coman (Bayern München), Ousmane Dembélé (Paris), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Randal Kolo Muani (Paris), Kylian Mbappé (Paris), Marcus Thuram (Inter) Georgia’s EURO 2024 squadGoalkeepers: Luka Gugeshashvili (Qarabağ), Giorgi Loria (Dinamo Tbilisi), Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia) Defenders: Lasha Dvali (APOEL), Giorgi Gocholeishvili (Shakhtar Donetsk), Giorgi Gvelesiani (Persepolis), Otar Kakabadze (Cracovia), Guram Kashia (Slovan Bratislava), Solomon Kverkvelia (Al-Okhdood), Luka Lochoshvili (Cremonese), Jemal Tabidze (Panetolikos) Midfielders: Sandro Altunashvili (Wolfsberger), Giorgi Chakvetadze (Watford), Zuriko Davitashvili (Bordeaux), Otar Kiteishvili (Sturm Graz), Giorgi Kochorashvili (Levante), Nika Kvekveskiri (Lech Poznań), Saba Lobjanidze (Atlanta United), Anzor Mekvabishvili (Universitatea Craiova), Gabriel Sigua (Basel), Levan Shengelia (Panetolikos), Giorgi Tsitaishvili (Dinamo Batumi) Forwards: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli), Giorgi