Express Sport brings LIVE updates as from the fifth day at Euro 2024
Euro 2024 is into its fifth day and it’s Cristiano Ronaldo’s turn to take centre stage at the tournament. Euro 2016 winners Portugal begin their campaign in the later game today, facing Czechia in Leipzig.
The tournament saw its first shock on Monday as Belgium were beaten 1-0 by Slovakia. Romelu Lukaku saw two goals disallowed, with the second a particularly controversial incident after Lois Openda was deemed to have handled the ball.
We will also have plenty of updates from the England camp as the Three Lions prepare for their second game against Denmark on Friday.
You can follow LIVE updates of Euro 2024 by viewing the blog, below…
Full time at the Leipzig Stadium
Full time, and Portugal secure an important three points. Cristiano Ronaldo’s side were forced to dig deep but the victory is all that matters.
That one counts! Portugal 2-1 Czech Republic
That one counts! Francisco Conceicao stabs home from inside the penalty area to mark his international debut with a goal. Roberto Martinez rolled the dice just moments ago in brining the forward on, as well as Wolves’ Pedro Neto, and the duo combined superbly for that goal.
Portugal see potential late winner ruled out for offside
Portugal think they’ve won it, but it’s been ruled out! Diogo Jota nods home in the 86th minute from close-range after Cristiano Ronaldo’s header ricocheted back off of the post. But the semi-automated offside system quickly put a halt to the celebrations, and the speed of that decision is nothing short of superb. Supporters of Premier League clubs will be scratching their heads and pondering why the system was not implemented in the English top-flight sooner.
Portugal equalise through an own goal
Portugal have equalised, with their pressure paying off. It’s an unfortunate own goal from Robin Hranac which draws Roberto Martinez’s side level. A cross to the back post is nodded down by Nuno Mendes which Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Standek then parries into his defender and the ball bounces into his own net. The goalkeeper will certainly feel like he could have done better on reflection, he had more than enough time to gather the header.
Czech Republic lead Portugal
And just like that, it’s 1-0 Czech Republic. Lukas Provod gives his side the lead against the run of play in the 62nd minute, curling his shot into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area.
Portugal yet to break the deadlock against the Czech Republic
It remains goalless between Portugal and the Czech Republic as we approach the hour mark. Cristiano Ronaldo has had several half-chances but his side have largely struggled to create any clear-cut openings, though their opponents are yet to register a shot on target.
Classy Scots help elderly man brave the rain
The rain in Germany has caused some major issues today, but it hasn’t prevented supporters from around Europe from exploring the different cities.
Some Scotland supporters were spotted holding an umbrella for an elderly man as he braved the downpour in a moment of class from the two fans.
Scotland fans sheltering this old man from the rain as he walks through the street this afternoon.
A lovely touch \ud83d\udc4f #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/8FWVid353v
\u2014 Euro 24 Hub (@Euro24Hub) June 18, 2024
Turkey put the game to bed late on
Kerem Akturkoglu has put the game to bed in the 97th minute! With Georgia pushing numbers forward for set-pieces, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is given the green-light to try and get onto the end of crosses – and it proved costly.
After a corner was cleared, Akturkoglu was received the ball inside his own half and was able to run the ball into an empty net. Game over, 3-1, and that caps off the match of the tournament so far.
Guler restores Turkey’s lead in style
Turkey take the lead, and it’s another stunner. Arda Guler has announced his name on the biggest stage of all. The Real Madrid prospect collects the ball on the edge of the Georgian penalty area before whipping a glorious strike into the top corner to send the majority of the crowd at the Signal Iduna Park into a frenzy.
Georgia equalise in sensational fashion
Georgia equalise, and what a moment for those supporters. Georges Mikautadze diverts his strike into the bottom corner from close range after excellent work from Giorgi Kochorashvili down the right.
Quick-fire second Turkey goal ruled out
Turkey think they have made it 2-0 just under a minute later through Kenan Yildiz tapped home from close range following a blistering counter-attack. However, the Juventus star was promptly ruled to have been in an offside position when the ball was diverted into his path.
Turkey lead against Georgia
What a goal! Turkey lead against Georgia through defender Mert Muldur. After cross from Ferdi Kadioglu, the ball is cleared into the direction of the right-back and he smashed a glorious strike into the top corner to leave goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili with no chance.
Georgia and Turkey supporters clash ahead of kick off
Unpleasant scenes dominated the build-up to the clash between Turkey and Georgia, with supporters fighting inside the Westfalenstadion.
A brawl broke out in one of the corners of the stadium between the two sets of fans, with footage of the incident being shared on social media.
Other supporters at the Westfalenstadion booed and whistled as a group of Georgia’s following appeared to breach an area behind a corner flag to confront that of Turkey.
Drinks were thrown in either direction and most of the scrapping took place over a barrier as Turkish supporters remained in their stand.
Some fans were seen in the middle of the conflict, attempting to restore order and peace ahead of the next instalment of what has been a celebration of football over the past four days in Germany.
Turkey and Georgia fans are fighting with each other in the stadium\u2026 \ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\uddea#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/nEG47JPBy2
\u2014 Euro 24 Hub (@Euro24Hub) June 18, 2024
Euro 2024 leaking onto Georgian supporters
The rain is causing havoc at the Signal Iduna Park, with the roof leaking above the stand where the Georgia supporters are seated.
A constant flow of water is falling into a stands, with some members of staff attempting to push water into drains using brooms.
Not the start to Euro 2024 that Georgian supporters will have been hoping for.
Imagine you’re a Georgia fan…
At your first ever Euros…
And you’re sat here! \ud83d\udc40#BBCEuros #Euro2024 #TURGEO pic.twitter.com/xXGmcO0QRG\u2014 BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 18, 2024
Wet and windy Germany
The scene is set in Germany ahead of this evening’s football, and it isn’t pretty one.
It is currently raining heavily in Dortmund ahead of Turkey’s Group F clash with Georgia.
Anl\u0131k. pic.twitter.com/cRJGK2kms1
\u2014 Ya\u011f\u0131z Sabuncuo\u011flu (@yagosabuncuoglu) June 18, 2024
Pickle juice ‘fuelling’ England players at Euro 2024
England players are consuming pickle juice to fend off cramping at Euro 2024.
According to BBC Sport, pickle juice prevents cramping 40 per-cent faster than drinking water.
While it might sound like a Victorian-era remedy, Kieran Trippier is reported to have drunk pickle juice when he received treatment for cramp during England’s win over Serbia.
Scotland fan zone closed after weather warning
A severe weather warning affecting Scotland supporters has been issued in Cologne ahead of their Euro 2024 match with Switzerland on Wednesday.
With giant hailstones and heavy rain expected, organisers of the fan zone in the German city have cancelled all events today (Tuesday).
Any hopes of a party in the fan zone the day before kick-off have been cast aside due to the weather.
The organisers’ statement read: “Due to an official storm warning from late morning with expected heavy rain, hail and heavy gusts of wind, all events and functions of the Host City Cologne associated with the European Championships have to be cancelled for today.
“The necessary talks with the security partners were already held yesterday evening and the preparatory measures to secure the venues were initiated.
“The decision to cancel all events was made on Tuesday morning after further consultation with the German Weather Service.”
Kevin De Bruyne blanks Euro 2024 reporter
Kevin De Bruyne walked off when asked to answer a question in English following Belgium’s shock Euro 2024 defeat to Slovakia on Monday.
The Manchester City midfielder was unable to drag his nation back into the contest after falling behind early on.
Conducting his media duties after the game, a disappointed De Bruyne freely answered questions in Flemish and French.
But when asked by a reporter whether he could take a question in English, De Bruyne immediately turned around, raised his eyebrows and walked off.
READ MORE HERE
Kevin De Bruyne blanked a reporter at Euro 2024
Austria goalkeeper mocks Kylian Mbappe with brutal put-down
Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz brutally put down Kylian Mbappe after his side’s Euro 2024 defeat against France.
Mbappe missed a huge chance to score in the game, which France won 1-0. He then went off with a fractured nose.
Pentz said: “He is a completely normal striker like any other. He is just faster.”
READ MORE HERE
Kylian Mbappe receives apology from Kevin Danso
Austria defender Kevin Danso has apologised for his involvement in Kylian Mbappe’s injury.
Mbappe suffered a fractured nose in an accidental collision with the former Southampton star.
Danso wrote on X: “To the French fans: I am sorry that Kylian Mbappe was injured in our duel. I wish him a speedy recovery and I hope he gets back on the field quickly.”
\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddf9 Es war ein gro\u00dfer Kampf, leider mit ungl\u00fccklichem Ausgang f\u00fcr uns. Trotzdem bin ich sehr stolz auf unsere Mannschaft, unsere Fans und auf mein EM Deb\u00fct. Danke euch allen f\u00fcr euren unglaublichen Support in diesem Stadion in D\u00fcsseldorf, was immer noch ein besonderer Ort f\u00fcr mich\u2026 pic.twitter.com/Tgau52lq1n
\u2014 Kevin Danso (@KevinDanso98) June 17, 2024
Gareth Southgate defends Harry Kane despite England concern
Harry Kane touched the ball only twice in the first half against Serbia.
By full-time, the England captain had touched the ball on just 24 occasions.
But Gareth Southgate insists there is nothing to worry about.
“I thought in the second-half he did an incredible job holding the ball up,” Southgate said. “The number of fouls that he won, he got his body across (defenders) well.
“There isn’t space in that front line for everybody to be on the ball in every moment.
“In the first-half Bukayo (Saka) was obviously prominent. Jude (Bellingham) was prominent.
“So Harry didn’t get as much of the ball, but in the second-half his performance was absolutely crucial to us getting the win.”
Harry Kane’s England performance has come under scrutiny
Croatia star sent home from Euro 2024
Croatia star Nikola Vlasic will miss the remainder of Euro 2024 with an injury.
The former Everton player has suffered a muscle injury and was a doubt for the tournament in the build-up.
Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic said: “Nikola has put a lot of effort and energy into helping the national team at the European Championships and that is why I am very sorry that he has sustained a muscle injury.
“We consciously took a certain risk because we had an extended squad of 26 players. Unfortunately, another injury occurred and I can only thank Nikola for his great effort and wish him a speedy recovery.”
Kylian Mbappe ‘to miss Euro 2024 group stages’
Kylian Mbappe could reportedly miss France’s remaining Euro 2024 group stage schedule.
Mbappe suffered a fractured nose during the 1-0 win over Austria on Monday.
The forward was taken to hospital but did not undergo surgery.
French publication Le Figaro report that Mbappe could take 15 days to recover from the injury. He will return wearing a mask.
That recovery time rules him out of France’s Group D matches against the Netherlands (June 21) and Poland (June 25).
Euro 2024 fixtures today
There are only two matches at Euro 2024 today as the first round of group matches is rounded off.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal get underway at 8pm.
Here are today’s matches:
5pm: Turkey vs Georgia
8pm: Portugal vs Czechia
Kylian Mbappe injury update
Kylian Mbappe did not undergo surgery despite being taken to hospital on Monday night.
The French Football Federation have issued an update on the forward’s wellbeing after he fractured his nose against Austria.
“Kylian Mbappe returns to the base camp of the French national team,” the FFF said.
“Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose during the second part of the Austria-France [match] held this Monday in Dusseldorf.
“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.”
UEFA probing England match after alleged monkey noises
UEFA are investigating alleged monkey noises chanted towards England players during the Three Lions’ 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday evening.
According to the Mirror, monkey noises were audible inside the Veltins Arena as England battled with Serbia.
No action was taken on the night, but UEFA have now announced a probe into the matter.
A statement read: “Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with Article 55 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) following the UEFA European Championship group stage match between Serbia and England (0-1) played on 16 June 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
“Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR. Transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event, Art. 16(2)(e) DR. The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course. Furthermore, an UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding alleged discriminatory behaviour.”
Kylian Mbappe taken to hospital for surgery
Kylian Mbappe was rushed to hospital with the broken nose he suffered in France’s win over Austria.
The French Football Federation have said that the striker was taken to University Hospital of Dusseldorf.
Mbappe left the pitch with his face and white France shirt drenched in blood after an accidental collision with Kevin Danso.
France manager Didier Deschamps said: “He’s not doing well. 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.”
Mbappe’s cross created the only goal of the game, with Leeds star Maximilian Wober diverting the ball into his own net.
France are unsure if Kylian Mbappe will play for them again at Euro 2024
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to LIVE coverage of Euro 2024.
Stay with us throughout the day as we bring you updates of all the best news from Germany.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1912354/Euro-2024-LIVE-Mbappe-UEFA-England-Serbia-Ronaldo