Spain Solidifies Position as Tournament Favorites
Spain clinched a crucial 1-0 victory against Italy, bolstered by an own goal from Riccardo Calafiori in the 55th minute. The decisive moment came when Nico Williams crossed to Alvaro Morata, whose pressure led Calafiori to inadvertently put the ball into his own net. This win underscores Spain's dominance, as they controlled nearly 60% of the possession and registered 20 shots on goal, compared to Italy's mere four attempts. Gianluigi Donnarumma's valiant effort in goal, making eight key saves, wasn't enough to stave off the Spanish onslaught.
With this result, Spain has advanced with a game to spare. However, they will face a challenge in their Group B finale against Albania as Rodri will miss the match due to suspension. This victory further cements Spain's status as tournament favorites, showcasing their potential to go all the way.
England Remains Top of Group C Despite Draw with Denmark
England maintained their top spot in Group C following a 1-1 draw with Denmark. Harry Kane gave England an early lead, but Morten Hjulmand equalized for Denmark. England's performance was marred by sloppy play and turnovers, particularly in the second half. Despite taking an early lead, England opted for a deep defensive play which allowed Denmark to regain their footing.
Denmark's equalizer came after a throw-in turnover by England, with Hjulmand’s low strike hitting the post before finding the net. England struggled to recover from the setback, and even substitutions failed to improve their performance. The lackluster display raises concerns about England’s ability to win the tournament, leaving the public skeptical about their trajectory.
Serbia's Dramatic Last-Minute Goal Keeps Hopes Alive
Serbia's Luka Jovic scored a last-minute header to secure a 1-1 draw against Slovenia, keeping Serbia's hopes alive in the tournament. Zan Karnicnik had given Slovenia the lead in the 69th minute, but Serbia continued to press for an equalizer. Aleksandar Mitrovic hit the crossbar before Jovic found the back of the net from Ivan Ilic's corner in the 96th minute, beating Jan Oblak. This late goal ensures Serbia remains in contention as they head into their final group game.
Germany Reaches Last 16 with Win Over Hungary
Germany secured their place in the last 16 with a confident 2-0 win against Hungary. This victory underscores Germany's strong form and their determination to advance far in the tournament. Meanwhile, Scotland's 1-1 draw with Switzerland keeps the Swiss in a strong position to advance, although both Scotland and Hungary will likely compete for third place in their group.
Croatia and Albania Share Points in Thrilling Draw
Croatia and Albania shared points in a dramatic 1-1 draw, their first points of the tournament. The match saw a roller-coaster of emotions, with Gjasula scoring an own goal only to equalize in the 96th minute. This result leaves both teams with something to build on as they move forward in the competition.
Upcoming Matches to Watch
Looking ahead, Friday promises some exciting fixtures. Slovakia will take on Ukraine at 9 a.m. (Eastern), followed by Poland against Austria at 12 p.m. (Eastern). The day will conclude with a high-stakes encounter between the Netherlands and France at 3 p.m. (Eastern). Each of these matches could significantly impact the standings and shape the tournament's knockout stages.
As the group stages near their conclusion, the competition is only heating up, with several teams vying for their place in the next round. Fans around the globe will be eagerly watching to see if their teams can rise to the occasion and secure a coveted spot in the knockout phase.