Euro 2024 commenced with an exhilarating opening set of matches, and several teams have already left a strong impression on the tournament.
Switzerland's Commanding Victory
Switzerland kicked off their campaign with a resounding 3-1 victory over Hungary. The Swiss team showcased their offensive prowess early in the tournament, with Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer both finding the back of the net. Hungary's Barnabas Varga managed to reduce the deficit to 2-1 at one point, but Switzerland cemented their win with a goal from Breel Embolo. A forthcoming draw against Scotland could secure Switzerland a spot in the knockout stage, highlighting their promising start.
Spain Dominates Croatia
Spain showcased their dominance with a convincing 3-0 victory against a veteran Croatian side. The Spanish team demonstrated remarkable efficiency by converting 60% of their shots on target, all of which were scored in the first half. Fabian Ruiz played a pivotal role, assisting Spain’s first goal. The match saw Yamal receiving a standing ovation, adding to the Spanish celebrations. However, there was a concern for Spain as Alvaro Morata appeared to have sustained an injury. Despite having 16 shots, Croatia struggled with accuracy and couldn't penetrate the Spanish defense effectively.
Italy's Promising Start
Italy had a strong start, defeating Albania 2-1. Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella scored for the Azzurri, marking Italy's dominance in possession and opportunities. Italy held 69% of the ball and racked up 17 shots, yet missed several chances to extend their lead. Defensively, Riccardo Calafiori stood out, and Gianluigi Donnarumma made a crucial save in the dying moments to secure Italy's victory.
Germany's Statement Win
Germany made an emphatic statement with a 5-1 thrashing of Scotland. Five different German players got on the scoresheet, highlighting the team’s depth and versatility. Germany was 2-0 up within the first 19 minutes, and their first-half performance was capped by a penalty, making it 3-0 at the break. Scotland's woes were compounded by the sending-off of Ryan Porteous. The second half saw Germany add two more goals, underscoring their potential as strong contenders in the tournament.
Group Standings
Germany and Switzerland both sit at the top of Group A with three points, though Germany edges ahead due to a superior goal difference of +4. Hungary and Scotland are yet to open their accounts in Group A.
In Group B, Spain leads with a goal difference of +3, followed by Italy with three points and a goal difference of +1. Albania and Croatia are at the bottom of Group B, both seeking their first points of the tournament.
Upcoming Fixtures
Sunday promises more exciting fixtures. Poland will face off against the Netherlands at 9 a.m. on FS1. Slovenia will take on Denmark at 12 p.m. on FS1, and Serbia will play England at 3 p.m. on Fox. Fans are eagerly anticipating these matches as the tournament progresses.
Quotes
"It was all Italy."
"He looked to have made a mistake by not getting his shot off early, but he made it work."
"So far, so good."
With such a thrilling start to Euro 2024, the stage is set for an exciting tournament. The performances of various teams in the opening matches have heightened expectations, and fans around the world are eagerly awaiting more high-octane action in the coming days.
