Monday, December 23, 2024

Euro 2024 live – Score updates as Ronaldo starts for Portugal, Mbappe latest

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France kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win over Austria which was overshadowed by star man Kylian Mbappe suffering a broken nose, while the likes of Portugal and Turkey will be in action today



Paul Gascoigne: England ‘must’ win the Euros under Southgate

Day five of Euro 2024 is here, with just four teams yet to start their campaigns.

There will be just two games today as opposed to the usual three, with Turkey taking on Georgia at 5pm in Dortmund and Portugal facing the Czech Republic at 8pm in Leipzig. Portugal are among the favourites to win the tournament and will be hoping to make a strong start.




The likes of England, France, Italy, Spain and hosts Germany all won their openers, while Belgium were the victims of the first major upset as they were beaten 1-0 by Slovakia thanks to an Ivan Schranz goal.

Stay tuned to Mirror Football for reaction to yesterday’s games, plus team news and build-up ahead of Tuesday’s fixtures.


Portugal XI: Costa; Dias, Pepe, Mendes; Dalot, Fernandes, Vitinha, Cancelo; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leao (3-5-2)

Czech Republic XI: Stanek; Holes, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Sulc, Soucek, Provod, Doudera: Kuchta, Schick (3-5-2)


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Portugal score – but it’s ruled out

Diogo Jota thought he’d been the super sub but it’s offside!

Cristinao Ronaldo rattled the post with a header and Jota was there to head in the rebound.

But VAR quicky ruled that Ronaldo was inches offside.

GOAL: Portugal 1-1 Czech Republic (own goal)

Their lead didn’t last long!

Bernardo Silva’s cross found Nuno Mendes and his header was saved but cannoned in off of the unlucky Robin Hranac.

GOAL: Portugal 0-1 Czech Republic (Provod)

WOW.

It’s 1-0 to the Czechs!

Totally against the run of play, a cross is swung in but only half cleared and eventually falls to Lukas Provod, who fires past Diogo Costa in style.

Second half begins

The Czech Republic get us back underway in their clash with Portugal.

No goals in the first half – are we on for our first 0-0 of the tournament?

Portugal dominating

But the Czech Republic are getting a sniff…

Tonight’s underdogs have had a few sights at goal on the counter, although nothing to trouble Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Cristiano Ronaldo flashed a header wide with his first touch and Ruben Dias had a thunderous effort blocked.

Oh, and it’s pouring down.

(GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

KICK-OFF: Portugal 0-0 Czech Republic

And we’re off!

Today’s second and final Euro 2024 fixture is underway in Leipzig.

Guler’s rocket breaks Euro record

Arda Guler has become the youngest player to score on his European Championship debut at 19 years and 114 days old.

That beats Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous record of 19 years and 128 days which he set in 2004.

But Ronaldo is about to become a record-breaker once again when he steps foot on the turf in Leipzig and plays at his SIXTH Euro.

Experience in abundance for Portugal

At 39 and 41 respectively, Cristiano Ronaldo are both in Portugal’s starting line-up.

The pair were part of their famous Euro 2016-winning team and are aiming to lift the trophy again under Roberto Martinez after winning all 10 of their qualifiying matches.

(GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

Ronaldo starts in Portugal opener

Cristiano Ronaldo fever has descened on Leipzig, with the megastar taking part in his SIXTH European Championship.

Kick-off is at 8pm.

(Tullio Puglia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

CONFIRMED: Portugal vs Czech Republic team news

Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Dalot, Mendes; Vitinha, Fernandes; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leao

Czech Republic XI: Stanek; Coufal, Hranac, Krejci, Holes; Soucek, Provod, Sulc; Doudera, Schick, Kuchta

FULL-TIME: Turkey 3-1 Georgia

What an effort from Georgia – Turkey will be so relieved to get the win.

Two cracking strikes from Mert Muldur and Arda Guler either side of an equaliser from Georges Mikautadze made the difference before Kerem Akturkoglu clinched it deep into added time.

Next up: Portugal against the Czech Republic.

GOAL: Turkey 3-1 Georgia (Akturkoglu)

And that’s it!

Georgia hit the post, missed a sitter and had a goal-bound shot brilliantly blocked but it’s Turkey who grab the late goal.

Kerem Akturkoglu slotted into an empty net after Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili went up for a corner.

GOAL: Turkey 2-1 Georgia (Guler)

Turkey only score bangers!

Arda Guler of Real Madrid has just put them back ahead with a sumptuous strike from 25 yards.

The 19-year-old is some talent.

Second half underway

Here we go for another 45 minutes in Dortmund.

It’s still 1-1 after Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze cancelled out a cracking volley from Turkey right-back Mert Moldur.

(Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)

GOAL: Turkey 1-1 Georgia (Mikautadze)

Georgia are level!

A lovely patient attacking move finished off by striker Georges Mikautadze.

That’s Georgia’s first ever goal in an international tournament!

Goal ruled out by VAR

Turkey thought they’d immediately made it 2-0 but no!

Kenan Yildiz taped home but the Juventus prospect was offside when he received a flick-on from his team-mate.

VAR quickly intervened.

GOAL: Turkey 1-0 Georgia (Muldur)

What a strike!

Right-back Mert Muldur rockets in a volley from the edge of the box to give Turkey the lead.

Their fans are going wild – and so they should.

Lively start in Dortmund

End-to-end stuff so far – Georgia don’t look afraid.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is causing Turkey problems with his smooth dribbling but Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has been kept busy at the other end.

Turkey’s Kaan Ayhan rattled the post with a shot in the 10th minute but it remains 0-0.

(Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)

KICK-OFF: Turkey 0-0 Georgia

After a stirring pair of national anthems, we’re underway.

Will there be another upset as favourites Turkey take on the tournament’s lowest-ranked team in Georgia?

Giroud to miss France training

Olivier Giroud is expected to sit out training after suffering a minor abductor injury during France’s 1-0 win against Austria last night.

RMC Sport add that the 37-year-old striker, who only came on for nine minutes, should be back in training tomorrow.

France face the Netherlands on Friday in Leipzig but are set to be without captain Kylian Mbappe due to his broken nose.

(Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

All aboard the Beeb

The BBC will broadcast both of tonight’s matches, starting with Turkey against Georgia at 5pm before Portugal’s clash with the Czech Republic in the 8pm kick-off.

Rain easing in Dortmund

It’s getting dier in Dortmund with 45 minutes until kick-off.

The game between Turkey and Georgia is set to go ahead.

Torrential rain has caused problems in Dortmund( Lars Baron/Getty Images)

BREAKING: Turkey vs Georgia at risk of postponement

Turkey’s match against Georgia could be postponed following violent clashes between the two sets of supporters at Westfalenstadion and torrential rain.

The match is scheduled to take place at 5pm on Tuesday at Borussia Dortmund’s stadium, but the build-up has turned chaotic. Water is pouring from the roof following heavy rain, while the fans have clashes inside the stadium, meaning a decision needs to be taken by UEFA.

Read the breaking story here.

Fans of Turkey and Georgia have clashed inside the stadium(Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

CONFIRMED: Team news for Turkey vs Georgia

Turkey XI: Gunok; Ayhan, Muldur, Bardakci, Akaydin, Kadioglu; Kokcu, Çalhanoglu; Guler, Yildiz; Yilmaz

Georgia XI: Mamardashvili; Kverkvelia, Kashia, Dvali; Kakabadze, Tsitaishvili, Kochorashvili, Mekbavishvili, Chakvetadze; Kvaratskhelia, Mikautadze

Portugal tipped to win Euros

William Gallas has backed Portugal to win Euro 2024, with the former France international hailing their “great mix of players”.

“When I look at all the teams, the team that looks really strong is Portugal,” Gallas told Prime Casino. “Portugal have a brilliant squad of players. When you look at the players, even the guys that are going to be on the bench, most of them play for the biggest clubs in Europe.

“They all have experience of playing in the biggest matches. Portugal have a great mix of players, and even the younger ones are experienced when it comes to playing in pressure games.

“Cristiano is still there. He still wants to win one more big competition before he’s going to retire. He still wants to show the world that he can compete on the biggest stages with the best players.

“He has a manager in Roberto Martinez that is on his side and seems to be able to bring the best out of him. I think Portugal will go very, very far in the competition. I think they can win it.”

William Gallas(Swansea City FC)

Alcohol restrictions to be relaxed

German police are expected to relax restrictions over the consumption of alcohol for England fans for the Three Lions’ clash with Denmark on Thursday.

England got their Euro 2024 campaign underway with a nervy win over Serbia on Sunday night in Gelsenkirchen. Gareth Southgate’s men now travel to Frankfurt for their second game of the group stages against the Danes.

Ahead of their opening game, police tagged the match as high risk and restricted fans to low-alcohol beer. That restriction was only in place in the stadium though, with full-strength alcohol available outside the ground.

England fans will now be making the 120-mile journey over to Frankfurt. And the game has not been classed as high risk, which means that the low-alcohol restriction will be lifted within the stadium.

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – JUNE 16: England fans celebrate at the official UEFA Fan Zone during the UEFA EURO 2024 Group C match between Serbia and England at the Fan Zone on June 16, 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany.(Photo by Neil Baynes – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)(Neil Baynes – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images))

Scotland tipped to bounce back from Germany loss

Former Scotland star Pat Nevin has backed Steve Clarke’s side to win their upcoming Euro 2024 clash against Switzerland.

Scotland are hoping to bounce back from a poor start to the tournament, which saw them thrashed 5-1 by Germany. “The way I see it, Scotland and Steve Clarke have got two games to focus on,” Nevin told OLBG.

“But Switzerland have done extraordinary things. They have beaten some really good teams and they have got an incredible spirit and you look at the players that they’ve got this. Fabian Schar is a very good player, we know Granit Xhaka from old days and Zeki Amdoundi is another one who looks interesting as a player.

“But you start looking at what Scotland have got and you think actually we’re all right there. We can certainly punch our weight against them so I don’t think there should be any negativity.

“I don’t think Scotland should go into this feeling that they’re up against it as second favorites and I don’t think they will. So I think Scotland can do this one. I’m really confident. I think it’s going to be 1-0 to Scotland.”

(Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Mbappe’s revenge

France forward Kylian Mbappe got his own back on Marcel Sabitzer on Monday after the Austrian midfielder helped deny him Champions League glory with Paris Saint-Germain.

Mbappe, who will play for Real Madrid from the 2024-25 season onwards, never won European club football’s top trophy during his seven years in Paris. He came close to a second final in 2024, only for his PSG side to lose home and away to Sabitzer’s Borussia Dortmund in the semis.

The pair faced off again in Dusseldorf in their respective national teams’ Euro 2024 opener. Both wore the captain’s armband, with Sabitzer leading out his team in the absence of injured skipper David Alaba.

While Mbappe didn’t net, missing a one-on-one in the second half, an earlier own goal from Maximilian Wober war enough to give Les Bleus victory. It might not make up entirely for that Champions League disappointment, but avoiding another upset won’t hurt.

Marcel Sabitzer and Kylian Mbappe shaking hands before Austria v France(UEFA via Getty Images)

Figo’s Euros prediction

Luis Figo believes Portugal should be “very confident” of winning the Euros.

Portugal kick off their campaign against the Czech Republic on Tuesday and Roberto Martinez’s men are being backed as potential champions. Figo insists they are one of half a dozen teams who can win the tournament this summer because of their blend of youth and experience.

The Portugal legend, an ambassador for the joint 2030 World Cup bid with Morocco and Spain, said: “Portugal has a strong team, with a good balance between very experienced players and the younger players just starting to establish themselves on an international level.

“Like the World Cup, it will come down to small moments, so it’s always difficult to predict, but Portugal are one of five or six teams which go into the tournament very confident they can win it, and why not? I’m really excited to see how far they can go.

“Portuguese football has a bright future. The current generation of players is incredibly talented, and through the great work of academies across the country, we have had a consistent pipeline of really talented young players.”

Luis Figo has given his say on Portugal’s Euros chances(PEDRO_ROCHA)

Capello makes England “fear” claim

Fabio Capello says England are gripped by “fear” because they have not won a trophy in 58 years.

‌Capello also says his “dream” job of managing England was made impossible because the players were all tired going into major tournaments. Former England boss Capello says both of those factors undermined his chances of success and clearly feels they are still an issue now because of the demands of the Premier League.

‌Capello, 78, who led England to the 2010 World Cup, says he was at Wembley to watch England lose the last Euros final and says the fear factor was the reason they did not lift the trophy. Ex-Real Madrid boss Capello, talking to Rio Ferdinand on UEFA’s Legends Lounge show, said: “It was my dream to manage England.

“I found a really good team but I said always that in spring you can play any team, September also. In March, too. But in June, we are tired. When you play the World Cup, the Euro, the team played without confidence, With fear.

“Then I remember the last game in the Euros, at Wembley, they were winning, then after 20 minutes they started playing the long ball from the keeper. Why? They have a fear. Why? It’s such a long time with no trophy.”

Former England manager Fabio Capello(Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Keane slams Mbappe

Roy Keane slammed Kylian Mbappe for his unsportsmanlike behaviour after he sustained a nasty injury to his nose during France’s 1-0 win over Austria.

Mbappe suffered what appeared to be a broken nose after accidentally colliding with Austria centre-back Kevin Danso late in the game in Dusseldorf. The France captain had blood pouring from his nose as the medical staff attended to him, but the events afterwards opened him up to criticism.

The 25-year-old was ushered to the sidelines by the medics but then decided to re-enter the field of play, forcing the referee to stop the game when Austria were chasing an equaliser. Mbappe walked onto the pitch holding his nose before sitting down. Didier Deschamps then replaced him with Olivier Giroud.

Speaking about Mbappe’s decision to return to the pitch to stop play, Keane said on ITV: “He gets an injury, it’s frustrating. Obviously he’s gone back onto the pitch to stop the play. But he’s gone on to sit on the pitch, I don’t like to see this, this is out of order if he’s been instructed by the manager to go back on.

“He’s obviously had treatment and come off. I don’t mind that he’s gone back on, but to go back on and sit on the pitch, he deserved that yellow card, I don’t like to see it.”

Roy Keane was annoyed by Kylian Mbappe’s behaviour(ITV)

Scotland fan dies

A Scotland football fan has died in his sleep during a trip to Germany for Euro 2024.

Colin King, from Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, was found dead in his bed on Monday morning after a day of exploring Dusseldorf. Tributes have poured in for the 57-year-old dad after news of his passing was revealed on social media by his nephew, Christopher O’Rourke.

Mr O’Rourke wrote: “After the dream of qualification became a reality, and the scramble for tickets and flights, after the disaster that was the opening match, it all feels so unimportant now! It’s with a broken heart and tears streaming down my face I am reporting the loss of our fellow Tartan Army foot soldier Colin King.

“He attended the match on Friday and met up with us in Dusseldorf on Saturday, spent Sunday enjoying the city and went to bed in the wee hours of the morning but tragically never woke up Monday.”

Scotland fan Colin King (third from right) has died(Media Scotland)

Mbappe sees funny side

After breaking his nose in France’s Euro 2024 opener, at least Kylian Mbappe could see the funny side of things.

“Any ideas for masks” asked the France captain, after a visit to Dusseldorf’s main hospital.

Mbappe led Les Bleus to a 1-0 win over Austria in their first match in Germany, but left the field a bloody mess after colliding with the shoulder of Austria defender Kevin Danso. Medical tests were done and allayed fears that the soon-to-be Real Madrid superstar’s tournament could be over. Instead, the bone was reset and Mbappe hopes to continue playing as soon as possible.

A statement from the French Football Federation promptly followed, declaring: “Kylian Mbappe returns to the base camp of the French national team. Mbappe suffered a broken nose during the second part of the Austria-France held this Monday in Düsseldorf.

“The captain of France was treated first by the medical staff and Dr. Franck Le Gall, who diagnosed him with a nose fracture. Mbappe will receive treatment in the next few days, but he will not undergo surgery in the immediate future 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.

Kylian Mbappe of France holds his nose after receiving medical treatment (2024 Getty Images)

England fans sent message

A mindless minority of England fans were urged to behave in Frankfurt after chanting controversial war song Ten German Bombers.

It came after trouble in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, with Three Lions supporters reporting “total chaos” before the game against Serbia. Police are trying to calm the situation after queues at Veltins stadium and rival fans clashed earlier in the city centre.

The majority of England fans were well-behaved. Yesterday many of the expected 40,000 supporters began the 120-mile journey to Frankfurt for Thursday’s Denmark match. Frankfurt Police’s Marcus Heide said: “The vast majority of English fans are known for being open and spreading a positive atmosphere. We ask them to help ensure everyone adheres to the rules of being together. This will ensure that we all experience an unforgettable time together.”

Danso apologises

France’s new public enemy number one has apologised for breaking Kylian Mbappe’s nose.

Austrian Kevin Danso took to social media to say sorry to Les Bleus fans for injuring their star man in Monday night’s defeat in Dusseldorf.

Mbappe was rushed to hospital after his side’s 1-0 win and while he will avoid surgery he will have to play in a special protective mask.

Danso posted on X: “To the French fans: I am sorry that Kylian Mbappé was injured in our duel. I wish him a speedy recovery and I hope he gets back on the field quickly.”

Mbappe collided with Danso’s shoulder in an aerial collision and a break was later confirmed in hospital.

The Real Madrid star is now a major doubt to face the Netherlands on Friday with some suggesting he may not play again in the group stage.

Scholes rips England

Former England midfielder Paul Scholes argued the Three Lions have wasted their hard work from previous international tournaments after coming through a tricky Euro 2024 opener against Serbia.

Jude Bellingham’s first-half goal ensured Gareth Southgate’s team left Gelsenkirchen with an important three points. It wasn’t the most convincing performance, though, with Scholes among those worried by the display.

Harry Maguire is out of the tournament after failing to recover from injury, while Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish were both left at home by Southgate. The absence of the two wide men appears to have irked Scholes, who tore into England in an Instagram story.

“Taking a bit of stick after last night, can’t help but feel the hard work from previous tournaments has been wasted,” Scholes wrote. “Some brilliantly talented young players but it feels like more of a U21 squad than a senior one. Rashford or Grealish coming on for 20/30 minutes at the end brings speed or ball retention, don’t think we had either. Anyway, fingers crossed they improve and win it.”

Mbappe injury scare

France have confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will be given a protective mask in order to make a swift return to the pitch after breaking his nose in their Euro 2024 opener with Austria.

Mbappe left the field covered in blood in the closing stages of France’s 1-0 win over Austria in Dusseldorf on Monday night having collided with opposition defender Kevin Danso.

There were initially fears that the blow could cast doubt on his participation in the rest of the tournament, with manager Didier Deschamps less than positive about his captain’s chances of featuring after he was swiftly taken to hospital.

“He’s not doing well,” admitted Deschamps in his post-match press conference. “His nose got badly hit, that’s for sure. We need to check it out, but it seems quite complicated. Which is very unfortunate for us tonight. He didn’t get off lightly. It’s still to be seen [if he will play again]. At this stage, I can’t answer. I don’t know.”

Good morning!

Hello and welcome to Monday’s live Euro 2024 blog!

We’ll bring you all the reaction to Monday’s games, including France’s win over Austria and Belgium’s shock defeat to Slovakia, plus build-up to a double-header of matches.

Let’s get into it.

Good night

Thanks for following today’s action. We’ll be back on Tuesday to cover all the goings on from Euro 2024.

Good night.

Guehi reflects on Serbia display

Marc Guehi admits he was made to “suffer” on his Euros debut – but would happily go through it again.

Crystal Palace defender Guehi was outstanding on his first appearance in a major tournament and helped England keep a clean sheet. Guehi believes the experience will stand them in good stead for more tests further down the line.

He said: “If we’re going to go far in this tournament, we’re going to have to suffer and that’s a great test for us. A good opportunity and learning curve for the team, which we can take into the next game.

“I enjoyed it a lot. It was a great atmosphere and I’m just glad I was able to play with such experienced players. They make life a lot easier for me, with their talking, positioning and how much they help me and the team.

“I’m very happy with that performance, as it’s always hard in the first game of a major tournament. The most important thing was the win and we need that, so now we need to focus, improve and go onto the next one.”

Marc Guehi made a strong start against Serbia(Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

France left to worry over Mbappe

On a night where Kylian Mbappe missed two sitters, France will just be hoping he’s OK.

The Euro 2024 favourites France were the much superior side in their opening game against Austria in Dusseldorf, but only claimed a 1-0 win thanks to an own goal from the hapless Maximilian Wober.

And while Mbappe missed chances, he was the star of the show, a dazzling, jet-heeled menace that Ralf Rangnick’s men simply couldn’t get a hold of.

Now his nation will hold its breath, hoping that the late facial injury suffered isn’t as bad as it looked, and that he’ll be fine to play on in the tournament – if not against Holland on Friday, then at least when the competition hits its knockout stages.

FT: France 1-0 Austria

France have wrapped up a narrow win – but it was far from straightforward.

Austria fought hard and Kylian Mbappe was forced off with what appeared to be a broken nose after accidentally coliding with Kevin Danso while trying to head in a second goal.

Two chances go begging

Antoine Griezmann nearly gets on the end of a cross from Theo Hernandez before Jules Kounde scuffs a good chance and sees his effort blocked.

France knocking on the door for a second goal.

France 1-0 Austria

Wow! Kylian Mbappe is clean through on goal after out-pacing the defender, but he’s missed. Shocking finish from the France captain.

Will it cost them?

Back underway

The second half is underway and Antoine Griezmann has already sustained a cut to his forehead.

HT: France 1-0 Austria

There’s the halftime whistle.

France are ahead, but it’s not been straightforward for them and they only lead thanks to a fortutious own goal.

GOAL! France 1-0 Austria

France hit the front courtesy of an own goal.

Kylian Mbappe is the architect, crossing from the right byline where Max Wober accidentally heads into his own net.

France 0-0 Austria

Huge chance comes and goes for Austria to take the lead!

Christoph Baumgartner looks certain to score, but Mike Maignan produces a great save one-on-one.

Kick-off: France 0-0 Austria

And we’re underway in Dusseldorf.

France are one of the hot favourites to win the tournament and are expected to overcome an injury-hit Austria, with captain Kylian Mbappe leading the line and Arsenal’s William Saliba in central defence.

Rice: England will build on clean sheets

Declan Rice believes England have “kickstarted” their Euros campaign.

They beat Serbia to make a winning start after managing just one win in their last five games which was far from ideal preparation. England midfielder Rice said: “Off the back of this game we lost to Brazil, drew with Belgium and lost to Iceland so it was a really important win to kick-start the tournament.

“We just have to use the ball a bit better in the second half when it starts to get tough. But clean sheets are massive. We built this team on clean sheets. At the last Euros we had five out of seven, at the World Cup we had a lot clean sheets. We have real defensive solidity and it is about doing it on the night.”

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