Albania’s learning curve gets steeper with Croatia and Spain to come
June 16 – Albania’s 2-1 defeat to Italy was part of a learning curve at major tournaments, the country’s manager Sylvinho said.
Euro 2024
Italy overcome fast starting Albania to open title defence
June 15 – European champions Italy survived the fastest goal in finals history to defeat Albania 2-1 and get their title defence underway in style.
Inside Euro 2024 podcast – Day 2
Day 2 of the Euros and three matches. Nick Webster is in Cologne for Switzerland vs. Hungary and it was a great game. He also had the chance to talk with Clive Tyldesley about commentary and his legendary call during the 1999 Champions League Final.
Spain brush Croatia aside with first half blitz
June 15 – Croatia must be sick of the sight of Spain. In the nearest the Euros has to a group of death, the Spanish emerged comfortable 3-0 victors in Berlin today. The win maintained their winning streak against Luka Modric and co.
Swiss light the Group A touch paper
June 15 -The last time Switzerland played in Cologne, they treated those in attendance and the millions watching at home to the most turgid 120 minutes of football I have ever witnessed, while losing to Ukraine on penalties during the 2006 World Cup.
Five star Germany overwhelm Scotland
June 14 – Hosts Germany got their European Championship campaign off to a riproaring start as they ruthlessly blew away 10-man Scotland in the opening game in Munich with a 5-1 demolition.
Euro 2024 looks wide open as battle begins
June 14 – Can Germany shrug off past disappointments and make their nation proud again? Do England, with their ferocious fire power, have what it takes to finally get over the line?
German nerves as Tartan Army arrive in Munich to kick off Euro 2024 party
June 14 – Amidst tight security, Euro 2024 kicks off tonight in Munich with the host nation desperate to rekindle past glories after three straight embarrassing exits.
Group B: Italy, Spain and Croatia open accounts in Group of Death
June 14 – On Saturday, reigning European champions Italy will get their title defence underway against Albania in their Group B curtain raiser.
Group C: England looking for fast start against Serbs but great Danes can bite
June 14 – On Sunday, England will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia with defensive worries and the need to convince the critics that they can claim a first major trophy since 1966.
Germany ramps up security measures as fans mass at borders for Euro 2024 kick off
June 13 – On the eve of Euro 2024, Germany is ramping up its security measures with some 22,000 federal police officers on duty every day of the tournament and extra vigilance at borders and train stations.
UEFA referees chief promises improved VAR and zero tolerance of dissent and dangerous tackles
June 13 – Improved clarity for fans over controversial VAR calls and zero tolerance for dangerous challenges by players, are just two of the areas that will be implemented by officials at Euro 2024 which gets under way in Germany on Friday.
Albania
Albania’s draw away to the Czech Republic was perhaps the key moment in their qualifying campaign. In Group E, they were drawn alongside Moldova and the Faroe Islands as well as a Polish side that underwhelmed.
Austria
Austria enjoyed a good qualifying, finishing as runners-up behind Belgium in Group F. They pushed the group winners all the way at home and secured a valuable point away in Brussels. Marcel Sabitzer was Austria’s top scorer with four goals.
Belgium
Belgium once again confirmed how easy the qualifiers can be. They finished top of Group F with 20 points from eight matches and remained unbeaten against Austria, Azerbaijan, Estonia and Sweden. Manager Domenico Tedesco were rarely troubled, further proof that in the last decade, Belgium have become very apt at defeating smaller teams, who often play in a low block. The Red Devils last lost a European qualifier in 2015, against Wales, 1-0.