Tag: Euro 2024

Kylian Mbappe got so many hilarious mask ideas after he broke his nose at Euro 2024

Some of these Kylian Mbappe mask ideas are a little on the nose.

The presumed favorite at Euro 2024 is France, a finalist during the last two men’s World Cups. But it might have just encountered a massive obstacle on its road to hopefully win these Euros next month.

According to Fabrizio Romano, superstar Kylian Mbappe broke his nose on a header during the late stages of Les Bleus’ 1-0 win over Austria on Monday.

The good news for France is that early tests don’t seem to have ruled out the best player in these Euros for the country’s remaining Group D games. The bad news is that France still has to determine how it will appropriately manage Mbappe’s injury while ensuring that he can be as dynamic as possible. Because, you know, he’s a human being who has to breathe through his nose while also striking the balance of not letting it get hit again.

Mbappe seems to otherwise be OK, but this is not an insignificant development. At all.

Oh, by the way: Mbappe received a weird yellow card for coming back onto the field without every referee’s approval after his nose injury. If he picks up another yellow card before the quarterfinals (should France reach that stage), he will be suspended for the ensuing game.

That is another potentially fraught situation to monitor over the next week or so.

One of the ways France will apparently try to manage Mbappe’s broken nose is by having him wear a protective mask moving forward. This assertion was implied by Mbappe taking to his Twitter account to jokingly ask for mask ideas, seemingly right after his post-game medical evaluation:

If Mbappe is in such a joyful mood, perhaps France will be totally fine! Nonetheless, his health after his nose injury is something the team will have to be extremely careful with to win its first Euros tournament since 2000.

Soccer fans had so many amusing mask ideas for Kylian Mbappe after he broke his nose

Fans were blown away that Euro 2024 used a contact sensor in the ball for VAR decisions

The NFL really could use that.

The introduction of VAR (video assistant referee) into club and international soccer has been somewhat of a controversial topic for fans over the years. While it’s great to see an emphasis on getting the calls right, VAR remains an imperfect system that impacts games. But there’s no denying that some of the technology is pretty astounding.

We’re seeing that play out early on at Euro 2024.

On Monday, Belgium lost to Slovakia in the biggest Euro upset ever. And that 1-0 loss came courtesy of two disallowed Belgium goals through VAR. One of those reviews was for a potential handball in the lead-up to Romelu Lukaku’s goal. That goal was wiped off because an in-ball sensor detected contact for that handball.

No matter your thoughts on VAR, that’s an undeniable innovation. Instead of relying on a camera angle, the sensor pinpointed that exact moment of contact. It turned a controversial call into a straightforward decision.

Fans were blown away to see that technology in action.

This was how Twitter/X reacted

The NFL really could use that.

These 2 VAR decisions were key in Slovakia pulling off the biggest upset in Euro history

VAR singlehandedly broke Belgium’s heart in the biggest Euro upset ever.

The current iteration of Belgium men’s soccer already wasted its latest golden generation. Monday’s humiliation at the hands of Slovakia in its Euro 2024 opener was an insulting cherry on top.

The Red Devils entered this matchup ranked No. 3 in the world by FIFA. We can dispute the merits of such a questionable ranking at a different time — because it is dubious — but the fact remains that the world’s most powerful governing soccer body still thought that highly of Belgium.

Slovakia, meanwhile, was ranked No. 48 by FIFA. Again, Slovakia’s overall team quality was probably better at face value, but that’s not what some important soccer minds thought.

Yet, for most of the 90 minutes, Slovakia appeared to be the better team.

It took a 1-0 lead seven minutes into the proceedings from an Ivan Schranz goal and never relinquished it. Even with spirited Slovakian defending, it probably helped that VAR detected not one but two Belgian missteps on massive goal opportunities.

The first came early in the second half. Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku — one of the greatest pure goal-scorers ever — had an easy tap-in on the doorstep. The only issue? He was clearly offside upon the immediate VAR review.

Tough break, man:

Later, with Belgium desperately holding onto any whiff of hope, Lois Openda appeared to set Lukaku up with another perfect goal. However, after the fact, VAR determined that Openda touched the ball with his hand before getting control, thanks to a contact sensor.

Sure, it probably didn’t meaningfully change the trajectory of the ball. Still, Openda did technically break the main rule of soccer, and as such, this goal was also disallowed:

That is just rotten luck for Belgium and all supporters of the Red Devils.

By the disparity of the pre-game FIFA World Rankings, it is officially the biggest upset in men’s Euro tournament history. My goodness:

By no means is Belgium done. It still has two very winnable games with Romania and Ukraine. With that said, taking one on the chin against a considerable underdog like Slovakia is the worst possible way for this top contender to begin Euro 2024.

Austria fans amazingly followed Albania’s lead by breaking a baguette to taunt France at Euro 2024

A new trend in soccer: breaking carbs to taunt opposing fans.

You know it’s a sin to break spaghetti before cooking it, right? At least that’s true in Italy, I think, or at least according to what I’ve seen on TikTok.

Anyway, this is pertinent because we’re seeing an emerging trend on social media at Euro 2024: fans breaking carbs to taunt opposing die-hards.

It happened earlier this week when Albanian fans ripped some spaghetti in front of their Italian counterparts, and the reaction was hilarious. Then, Autria’s fans did the same with a baguette in front of some French die-hards.

It’s playful, funny, quirky and kind of perfect. We can’t wait to see pretzels being destroyed next or something.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=4855122]

 

Hungary’s big beefy boy striker says he was born this way

The “Hungarian Viking” isn’t making any apologies for his appearance

Hungary striker Martin Ádám didn’t play much in his side’s Euro 2024 opener, but he was on the field long enough to become something of a viral sensation.

Listed at 6-foot-3, 189 pounds, Ádám’s size is immediately noticeable when he steps onto the pitch. Combined with his shaved head and large ginger beard, the 29-year-old quickly became a fan favorite during an 11-minute cameo in Hungary’s 3-1 loss to Switzerland.

The striker, who plays his club soccer in Korea with Ulsan HD, is well aware of his newfound popularity — and he’s not making any apologies for his appearance.

“The posts? Of course one or two get to me, I usually have a laugh about it,” Ádám told a news conference on Sunday.

“I was born this way, I have this body shape. I’m not saying that I was this big when I was born, but I have a basic physique. Genetics — I can’t change that.”

Ádám, who has scored three international goals in 23 caps, will look to boost his popularity even further with a goal on Wednesday against Germany.

That won’t be easy for the striker nicknamed the “Hungarian Viking” — or any of his other teammates for that matter.

Germany was rampant in its Euro 2024 opener, easily defeating Scotland 4-1 in front of its home fans in Munich.

[lawrence-related id=75432,74672,75281]

Soccer fans were livid with the way Fubo and Fox Sports botched the Euro 2024 rollout

Fox’s Euro 2024 deal with Fubo really betrayed soccer fans.

Fox was supposed to have a nice and seamless presentation of its Euro 2024 coverage in Germany. Thus far, through the early parts of the group stages, American soccer fans’ viewing experience has largely been anything but.

It began on Saturday during Switzerland’s Group A game against Hungary. Not only did a Fox network not carry the game, but it was also broadcast exclusively on the somewhat niche cable streaming service Fubo. Considering the steep price point of $79 a month to take in just a few matches (after a short free trial), it sure felt like Fox and Fubo were pulling a fast one on fans.

READ MORE: Ranking the 11 best players at Euro 2024

This was after the rational assumption that Fox would exclusively broadcast the tournament. Nope! In order to watch five of the 24 Euro 2024 games, one must subscribe to Fubo. Never mind the already countless subscriptions TV companies are asking of people these days.

It gets worse when you realize that Fubo didn’t even have a score bug for Switzerland vs. Hungary — a bog-standard informative element of quite literally any sports broadcast in 2024:

All of this consternation carried over to Monday morning when soccer fans began openly mocking the idea of Fubo’s broadcast while apparently missing most of its latest game between Romania and Ukraine in Group E.

But hey, at least there was a score bug this time! A small victory!

Soccer fans were upset with Fox, Fubo, and this entire Euro 2024 broadcast fiasco

Serbia vs. England: Where to watch Euro 2024, TV channel, live stream

The Three Lions kick off their Euros campaign with a tricky opener

England will kick off its Euro 2024 campaign on Sunday with a tough matchup against Serbia at Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.

The Three Lions will be under pressure to take home the tournament this year after falling agonizingly short three years ago on home soil.

Gareth Southgate’s men fell on penalties in the final against Italy, giving them extra motivation to win the European Championships for the first time ever in 2024.

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Serbia vs England FREE on Fubo” link=”https://www.fubo.tv/welcome?irad=343747&irmp=1205322&subId1=PSW&subId2=Generic&subId3=2023%2F24″]

The task in the group stage won’t be easy, with Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia all likely to pose different challenges for England.

Serbia is making its Euros debut as an independent nation, having previously competed at the tournament as part of Yugoslavia.

The Eagles will bring plenty of well-known talent to the tournament, particularly up front where Dušan Vlahović, Luka Jović, and Aleksandar Mitrović all provide firepower.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.

Serbia vs England (Euro 2024)

  • When: Sunday, June 16
  • Where: Veltins-Arena (Gelsenkirchen, Germany)
  • Time: 3 p.m. ET
  • Channel/streaming: FOX (Watch FREE on Fubo), ViX (Watch on Prime Video)

[lawrence-related id=74672,75432,72631]

We recommend interesting sports viewing/streaming and betting opportunities. If you sign up for a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

Spain vs. Croatia: Where to watch Euro 2024, TV channel, streaming

The two countries kick off Euro 2024 with a high-profile clash

Spain and Croatia will kick off their Euro 2024 campaigns on Saturday with a high-profile clash at Olympiastadion in Berlin.

The game will be a rematch of the UEFA Nations League final last year, which Spain won on penalties. It will also be a rematch of a thrilling last-16 encounter at Euro 2020, which Spain won 5-3 after extra time.

Spain will be looking to win the Euros for a record fourth time, most recently securing the title on back-to-back occasions in 2008 and 2012.

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Spain vs. Croatia FREE on Fubo” link=”https://www.fubo.tv/welcome?irad=343747&irmp=1205322&subId1=PSW&subId2=Generic&subId3=2023%2F24″]

Croatia will be led once again by the ageless Luka Modrić, who will be playing at his fifth Euros. Manchester City pair Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić will also be present as they were for the team’s third-place finish at World Cup 2022.

Albania and Italy are also in Group B, promising two more difficult matches for these teams following their opener.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.

Spain vs. Croatia (Euro 2024)

Spain vs. Croatia possible lineups

Spain: Simón: Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Grimaldo: Merino, Rodri, Pedri: Lamine, Morata, Williams

Croatia: Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Pongračić, Gvardiol; Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić, Majer, Budimir, Kramarić

[lawrence-related id=75021,51491,74672]

We recommend interesting sports viewing/streaming and betting opportunities. If you sign up for a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

Hungary vs. Switzerland: How to watch Euro 2024, live stream

The two countries kick off Euro 2024 with a group-stage game in Cologne

Hungary and Switzerland will kick off their Euro 2024 campaigns on Saturday, as the two sides face off at RheinEnergieStadion Cologne.

Hungary has not reached a World Cup since 1986, but will be making its third straight Euros appearance as it looks to get past the group stage like it did in 2016.

Marco Rossi’s side is considered one of the dark horses in this tournament, as a defeat against Ireland in a pre-tournament friendly last week was its first loss since 2022.

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Hungary vs. Switzerland FREE on Fubo” link=”https://www.fubo.tv/welcome?irad=343747&irmp=1205322&subId1=PSW&subId2=Generic&subId3=2023%2F24″]

Switzerland won just four of 10 games in qualifying, but still managed to reach the tournament by finishing in second place behind Romania.

The Swiss have advanced from the group stage in each of the last five European Championships, reaching the quarterfinals at Euro 2020.

Following this match, games against Germany and Scotland will await for both Switzerland and Hungary.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.

Hungary vs. Switzerland (Euro 2024)

  • When: Saturday, June 15
  • Where: RheinEnergieStadion (Cologne, Germany)
  • Time: 9 a.m. ET
  • Channel/streaming: Fubo (Watch FREE), ViX (Watch on Prime Video)

[lawrence-related id=75281,74672,51491]

We recommend interesting sports viewing/streaming and betting opportunities. If you sign up for a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

Germany vs Scotland: How to watch Euro 2024, TV channel, live stream

Euro 2024 kicks off with the host country facing the Tartan Army in Munich

Germany and Scotland will kick off Euro 2024 on Friday, as the host nation faces off against the Tartan Army at Allianz Arena in Munich.

Germany will be under pressure to perform well after early eliminations in three straight major tournaments.

Since taking over as Germany’s head coach in September 2023, Julian Nagelsmann has not quite convinced just yet. Wins over the U.S. men’s national team, France, and the Netherlands have helped his cause, but Die Mannschaft has also stumbled in losses to Turkey and Austria.

Germany’s pre-Euros friendlies were unconvincing as well, with a scoreless draw against Ukraine and a 1-0 win over Greece not the kind of results to build huge confidence ahead of the Euros.

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Germany vs Scotland FREE on Fubo” link=”https://www.fubo.tv/welcome?irad=343747&irmp=1205322&subId1=PSW&subId2=Generic&subId3=2023%2F24″]

For Scotland, the goal is simple: advance past the group stage of a major tournament for the first time ever.

Steve Clarke’s side will have to navigate some injury issues, but will feel that advancement is achievable in a group that also features Hungary and Switzerland.

With the Euros seeing 16 of 24 teams reach the knockout stage, any result against the host nation will see the Tartan Army take a major step toward achieving their aim.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.

Germany vs Scotland (Euro 2024)

  • When: Friday, June 14
  • Where: Allianz Arena (Munich, Germany)
  • Time: 3 p.m. ET
  • Channel/streaming: FOX (Watch FREE on Fubo), ViX (Watch on Prime Video)

[lawrence-related id=71146,75298,51491]

We recommend interesting sports viewing/streaming and betting opportunities. If you sign up for a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.