Day 2 of Euro 24: Italy commence title defence as Spain and Croatia lock horns

HomeSPORTS

Day 2 of Euro 24: Italy commence title defence as Spain and Croatia lock horns

  Yesterday It was an incredible Opening Ceremony in Munich as expected before the much-anticipated kick-off. The late Franz Beckenbauer

Euro 2024 Group B: Zaccagni strikes late to send Italy to Round 16
Croatia on the brink of Exit after shambolic 2-2 draw against Albania
Euro 2024 match report: Italy 2-1 Albania

 

Yesterday

It was an incredible Opening Ceremony in Munich as expected before the much-anticipated kick-off.

The late Franz Beckenbauer was remembered by the German Football Federation and the entire Europe for his immense contribution to the development of football in Europe before kickoff. A mini ceremony was organised for Beckenbauer who is considered the biggest brain ever in German football.

200,000 Scotts descended on Germany, Munich to be precise to support the Tatan Army in their opening game. They had earlier hoped for a better night but Julian Naggelsman’s Germany brushed them aside so easily.

Youngsters Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala put the host in a commanding lead very early to unsettle Steve Clark’s Scotland.

A penalty from Kai Havertz ensured a 3-0 lead in the first half for Germany.

Substitutes Niklas Fullkrug and Emre Can added the fourth and fifth as Rudigers own goal made it 5-1 for Germany.

Scotland was very flat and must triple their effort before they can get anything in the second game against Switzerland.

Today

Switzerland and Hungary who are both fancied by the bookmakers to make it to Round 16 will square off at 1 pm. Switzerland has immense experience after being regular in recent major tournaments. Murat Yakin will hope to continue Vladimir Petkovic’s legacy with a win against Hungary.

Hungary will be buoyed by the presence of Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai who they dearly missed in Euro 2022.

Luka Modric has won everything in except on the international stage. At age 38, the veteran midfielder will lead Croatia once again after being present for a very long time for the national team.

Against De la Fuentas’ Spain, they meet a familiar opponent who is also ready to deliver after being so horrible in the Qatar World Cup. Youngster Pedri’s return is a major boost to La Roja’s midfield.

Italy will commence their title defence against Albania in the evening. Luciano Spalletti may not boast of superstars but he believes his team can do the unthinkable. Albania will be led by Chelsea’s Amando Broja who has not fulfilled his potential yet. The underdogs are ready to enjoy the atmosphere in Germany and the first game against the defending champions, Italy, is a tough task.

COMMENTS

WORDPRESS: 0
DISQUS: 0