EURO 2024 DAY 6
A German Joy, Croatian Tears, and a Postage Stamp Goal!
The German team became the first to qualify for the Round of 16.
Day 6 of Euro 2024 continued the trend of thrilling matches across the stadiums in Germany.
The program started with the Croatian team, under pressure after losing to Spain. They needed a mandatory win against Albania to keep their qualification hopes alive. However, in the end, neither team managed to secure a victory after a real thriller at the end of the match, which resulted in a final score of 2-2.
Kazim Laci scored in the 11th minute, and Andrej Kramarić equalized in the 74th minute. Just 120 seconds later, an own goal by Klaus Gjasula turned the game around for Croatia. However, Gjasula redeemed himself by securing a point for his team with a goal in the fifth minute of added time.
In the first half, the Albanians, much like their match against Italy, took an early lead and could have comfortably led by more than one goal as the Croatians played incredibly poorly. After the break, the Croatians rallied and managed to turn the game around in just 120 seconds, but Albania did not give up until the very end and punished the mistakes of Zlatko Dalic’s team.
This way, both teams earned their first tournament points, having lost their opening matches. Croatia was defeated by Spain 3-0, while the Albanians lost 1-2 to the current champions Italy. The other match in the group is a derby between Spain and Italy. In the final round, Croatia and Albania face the favorites, limiting their chances of advancing even as one of the four best third-placed teams.
If Croatia wants to progress, they must beat Italy, while the Albanians will seek a crucial victory against Spain.
After the drama of the day’s first match, it was time for the resolution in Group A, where hosts Germany entered as favorites against Hungary following their stunning 5-1 win over Scotland in the opener.
The German team again displayed solid football, leaving no chance for their opponent, winning 2-0, thus becoming the first team to secure a place in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024. This victory is the second for the hosts in Group A, with the goals coming from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gündogan.
Both teams created several good chances in the first half. Musiala scored in the 22nd minute after a pass from Gündogan, who had won the ball.
The goal was his second in the European Championship. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had to make decisive saves several times. After the break, Hungary’s goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi saved a shot from Toni Kroos. Germany controlled the match, and in the 67th minute, they logically reached a second goal.
This time, Ilkay Gündogan scored after a pass from Maximilian Mittelstädt. Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sané attempted shots without success until the end. Germany finished with 672 passes and a 93% pass accuracy, while the Hungarians made 259 passes.
The Germans took 19 shots compared to almost half as many, 11, by their opponent.
In the last match of the day, Scotland delighted their fans with a much better performance than in the opener against Germany. The “Bagpipes” secured a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, keeping their hopes alive for progressing after earning their first point. A goal by Scott McTominay deflected off Fabian Schär, gave Steve Clarke’s team the lead in the 13th minute. Initially, the goal was recorded as one of my own goals, but it was later awarded to McTominay.
A brilliant strike by Xherdan Shaqiri in the 26th minute brought the equalizer. He capitalized on a mistake by the Scots and scored with a superb shot from the edge of the penalty area. The match was generally even.
Two goals by the “Crusaders” were disallowed for offside, and the Scots hit the post through Hanley in the middle of the second half.
With his goal against Scotland, Shaqiri achieved an extraordinary feat, surpassing players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and other European masters.
The 32-year-old midfielder playing for Chicago Fire is the first European to score in the last six major football tournaments – the World Cups in 2014, 2018, and 2022, as well as Euro 2016, Euro 2020, and the current Euro 2024. No other European player has done this.
The Swiss now have four points and are almost certain to qualify for the Round of 16. In their final group match, they face group leaders Germany.
Croatia – Albania 2:2
A.Kramaric ( 74′), K.Gjasula (76′ Own Goal) ; Q.Laci (11′), K.Gjasula (90+5′)
Germany – Hungary 2:0
J.Musiala ( 22′), I.Gundogan (67′)
Scotland – Switzerland 1:1
S.McTominay (13′) ; X.Shaqiri (26′)
Group A Group B
1. Germany 6 pts 1.Spain 3 pts
2. Switzerland 4 pts 2.Italy 3 pts
3. Scotland 1 pt 3.Albania 1 pt
4. Hungary 0 pts 4. Croatia 1 pt
Upcoming matches in Group A: Upcoming matches in Group B:
Jun 23: Germany – Switzerland Jun 20: Spain – Italy
Jun 23: Scotland – Hungary Jun 24: Albania – Spain
Jun 24: Croatia – Italy