Football News: Euro 2024, Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and More
Mike Maignan, the AC Milan shot-stopper, helped France defeat Portugal on penalties to progress to the semi-finals of Euro 2024. Maignan kept yet another clean sheet for France, making four saves in total before Joao Felix saw his penalty hit the woodwork. Remarkably, France have now only conceded one goal in their five matches so far, setting up a semi-final clash against Spain on Tuesday.
Despite Germany’s defeat by Spain, Joshua Kimmich put in another impressive performance for the hosts. The Bayern Munich midfielder created five chances for his teammates and provided the assist for Florian Wirtz’s late equalizer, which took the game to extra time.
In the Netherlands’ quarter-final victory over Turkey, defender Stefan de Vrij continued his impressive tournament. De Vrij won 100% of his tackles, made four clearances, and scored the equalizing goal with a powerful header. The Dutch are now 9/2 with BetMGM to win Euro 2024.
Another standout performer was Manuel Akanji of Switzerland. The Manchester City defender completed 105 passes, the most by any defender on the pitch, and won 80% of his duels. Despite his heroics, Akanji missed his penalty in the shootout, leading to Switzerland’s elimination.
Portugal’s Nuno Mendes, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back, put in another all-action display down the left flank against France, completing 90 out of 93 passes and creating one chance for his team.
In the Spain vs. Germany match, Dani Olmo came off the bench and made an immediate impact. The RB Leipzig midfielder scored the opening goal and provided the assist for Mikel Merino’s winner, helping Spain progress to the semi-finals. Spain are now the tournament favorites at 2/1 with BetMGM.
Joining Olmo in midfield is his Spanish teammate, Rodri. The Manchester City captain completed 67 of 91 passes, broke up Germany’s attacks with 12 recoveries, and won 11 duels.
N’Golo Kanté, the French midfielder, was his typical self against Portugal, completing 93% of his passes and making three recoveries and four clearances.
Bukayo Saka was England’s hero against Switzerland, scoring a late equalizer from open play and then converting his penalty in the shootout. The Arsenal winger’s performance has boosted England’s chances, with Gareth Southgate’s men now 5/2 to lift the trophy.
Breel Embolo of Switzerland opened the scoring against England with a close-range finish and created a big chance, while Arda Güler of Turkey was a constant threat for his side despite their defeat to the Netherlands.
“This team of the round reflects the standout performers across various competitions, including Euro 2024, Champions League, FIFA World Cup, Women’s World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, Premier League, EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup. Stay tuned for more exciting football news and updates.”
🔗 Source