Asserts

Italy and Spain kicked off their Euro 2024 quests victoriously. Next, they face each other in the dreaded 'group of death'. Luciano Spalletti has declared that Italy will stay true to its ethos but warned against underestimating Spain in their Group B heavyweight bout. Italy’s campaign began with a 2-1 rally to best Albania, despite conceding the fastest goal in the tournament's annals—23 seconds post-kickoff. Spain, on the flip side, comfortably defeated Croatia 3-0. Both teams are now neck and neck atop their group,…

Switzerland handed Hungary a defeat in their first Euro 2024 match. Now, facing Germany, they need a turnaround to stay in contention. Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, expressed that the mental burden is heavier on Hungary in the upcoming Group A game this Wednesday. The German squad kicked off with a bang, demolishing Scotland 5-1 in Munich. Hungary, on the flip side, faced a 3-1 setback against Switzerland. Even though the four optimal third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage, Nagelsmann pointed out that…

Marcus Rashford's subpar performances with Manchester United sealed his fate, excluding him from England's Euro 2024 lineup, Erik ten Hag opined confidently. Shockingly, Rashford, along with Manchester City's Jack Grealish, were not picked by Gareth Southgate for the upcoming tournament in Germany. Instead, players like Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, and Jarrod Bowen snagged spots in the lineup, overshadowing Rashford who has been a fixture since Euro 2016. This season, Rashford managed a mere seven goals across 33 Premier…

Belgium's recent struggles on the international stage haven't dampened their spirits for Euro 2024. Defender Timothy Castagne believes their underdog status could be advantageous. Past tournaments have seen Belgium's heralded 'golden generation' falter, despite high expectations. Their peak achievement remains a bronze at the 2018 World Cup, with a notable earlier performance as runners-up in the 1980 Euro. Shocks and disappointments peppered their journey, including a quarter-final defeat to Wales in 2016 and an identical…

Luciano Spalletti is bullish about Italy's prospects as they set their sights on nabbing consecutive Euros victories. In a stunning display of resilience, Italy, under Roberto Mancini's stewardship, remained unbeaten for 37 matches, clinching the Euro 2020 crown by besting England in a nail-biting penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium. With the reins now in Spalletti's hands, Italy sailed through the qualification rounds and maintained an unbeaten streak across six games. At the age of 65, Spalletti is determined to match…

Cristiano Ronaldo contends that Portugal's glittering team has the chops to nab their second major triumph at Euro 2024. Ronaldo's declaration stokes the ambition of the 2016 victors. Under Roberto Martinez's guidance, they rank among the frontrunners for the title chase in Germany. Their opening game pits them against Czechia on Tuesday, followed by clashes with Turkiye and first-timers Georgia in Group F. Portugal set a qualification benchmark, boasting a perfect streak. They triumphed in all 10 bouts, amassing 36 goals…

Xherdan Shaqiri gears up for his seventh stint in an international tourney with Switzerland, eyeing more than just participation. Set to shine in Germany at his seventh significant tourney, Shaqiri is poised to add luster to his already sparkling national career as they brace for their opener against Hungary this Saturday. The stalwart, now 32, has been instrumental, tallying up or laying the groundwork for 46% of Switzerland's major tournament goals in the past decade. He also joined the elite club of centurions for his…

Frenkie de Jong will miss Euro 2024, sidelining the Netherlands’ midfield maestro due to an injury snagged in Barcelona's dust-up with Real Madrid on April 21. Despite making the provisional roster, the 27-year-old's dreams derailed when doctors nixed his participation after a final tune-up against Iceland on Monday. Ronald Koeman initially skewered Barca for their management of De Jong’s plight before conceding, on Wednesday, that the midfielder himself shares some of the blame. Yet the Dutch skipper is eager to pivot…

The United States men's soccer team concludes their Copa America tune-up with a match against Brazil. Coach Gregg Berhalter aims to leave the memory of their recent setback against Colombia in the dust. Under the watchful gaze of Coach Berhalter, the U.S. squad was dealt a heavy 5-1 thrashing by Colombia in Maryland, marking their worst defeat since 2016. In a swift and crushing blow, Colombia netted thrice within 11 minutes in the latter half, reigniting doubts among fans regarding the team’s capacity to hold their own…

Barcelona's Pedri predicts the team's tight-knit vibe will thrust Spain to the apex of Euro 2024. Now seasoned, the youngster from La Masia will mark his third major tourney with Spain, having smashed records as the youngest player in the Euros back in 2021 at barely 18 years old. Three years earlier, the midfield whiz snagged the young player accolade, and now, under the tutelage of Luis de la Fuente, the squad skews younger, sidelining seasoned pros for fresher legs. The selection for the team featured 11 newcomers…