Canada square off against Uruguay in the 2024 Copa America third-place playoff at the Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina on Sunday.

While the Reds suffered semi-final heartache against Argentina, La Celeste were beaten in their last-four tie by Colombia.

---

Match preview

Canada’s hopes of becoming just the second CONCACAF team after Mexico to reach the Copa America final came to an end at the semi-final stage on Tuesday as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to defending champions Argentina.

After edging past Venezuela on penalties in the quarter-finals, the Reds were condemned to the same two-goal defeat they suffered against La Albiceleste in their opening group-stage fixture just under three weeks ago, with goals either side of half time from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi bringing the curtain down on Canada’s memorable tournament debut.

Despite coming up short, head coach Jesse Marsch believes his players can hold their heads high, as their campaign went “way better than any of us could have scripted”, notably progressing further than CONCACAF pair Mexico and host nation USA, as well as five-time world champions Brazil.

Marsch is “optimistic about what the future can look like” for Canada, who will endeavour to build on what has been a successful Copa America tournament ahead of co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, with the priority there to at least advance from the group stage.

Ranked 48th in the World by FIFA, Canada are now focused on securing third place at the Copa America, but they must come out on top against a Uruguay outfit against whom they suffered a 2-0 friendly defeat in their only previous meeting in September 2022.

After blitzing through the group-stage with a perfect record – scoring nine goals and conceding only one – before showing their defensive nous en route to defeating Brazil on penalties in the quarter-finals, Uruguay were beaten 1-0 by a resilient Colombia outfit who were down to 10 men for the entire second half of a fiery semi-final clash on Wednesday.

Jefferson Lerma headed Colombia into a 39th-minute lead before Crystal Palace teammate Daniel Munoz was sent off in first-half stoppage time. However, Uruguay were unable to take advantage of the extra man after the break and registered only two of their 11 shots on target, failing to score for the second successive game after drawing 0-0 with Brazil in the previous round.

The contest was then marred by unsavoury scenes at full time, with Darwin Nunez seen climbing into the stands and brawling with supporters. Uruguayan players have since claimed to be protecting their friends and families in amongst the heated altercation, while COMNEBOL have released a statement ‘strongly condemning’ the ‘acts of violence’ and a full-scale investigation has been launched.

Uruguay were hoping to go all the way and win an unprecedented 16th Copa America title this summer as well as set up a final showdown with fellow 15-time champions Argentina, but Marcelo Bielsa’s side must instead prepare themselves for their 15th third-placed playoff.

La Celeste, ranked 14th in the world by FIFA, will be confident of success on Sunday as they have won nine of their previous 15 third-placed playoffs, although they have suffered defeat in three of their last four, including a 2007 loss to CONCACAF outfit Mexico.

---

Team News

Canada’s only injury absence is Inter Milan winger Tajon Buchanan who recently underwent surgery after breaking his tibia in training.

Jacob Shaffelburg is therefore set to continue on the left flank, although Marsch may consider moving Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies up from left-back, with versatile Richie Laryea potentially taking his place.

Cyle Larin (29) and Jonathan David (27) are Canada’s top-two all-time record goalscorers and are expected to continue their partnership in attack, while midfield duo Jonathan Osorio and Samuel Piette will be looking to force their way into the first XI ahead of Ismael Kone and Stephen Eustaquio.

As for Uruguay, Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo is ruled out with a muscle injury, while Rodrigo Bentancur has emerged as a doubt after coming off in tears with a leg injury in the first half against Colombia.

Guillermo Varela and Nicolas de la Cruz are both suspended and will miss Sunday’s contest, while Darwin Nunez could also be facing a ban, according to multiple reports, following his involvement in the mass brawl with supporters after the defeat to Colombia.

Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer Luis Suarez (68 goals) could be handed a start up front if Nunez is indeed banned, while Nahitan Nandez is available to return at right-back after serving a suspension in the semi-finals.

Canada possible starting lineup:
Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Miller, Davies; Laryea, Osorio, Eustaquio, Shaffelburg; David, Larin

Uruguay possible starting lineup:
Rochet; Nandez, Gimenez, Olivera, Vina; Valverde, Ugarte; Pellistri, De Arrascaeta, M. Araujo; Nunez

Both hoping to take their first steps towards continental glory, Elfsborg and Pafos FC will meet at Boras Arena for the first leg of their Europa League first-round qualifying clash on Thursday night.

The Yellow Ones are in the midst of their domestic season and come into this match following a handsome victory on the weekend, whilst Pafos are returning to action after a historic 2023-24 campaign.

---

Match preview

Following back-to-back defeats prior to the summer break at the hands of Malmo and IFK Goteborg, Elfsborg returned to winning ways in the Swedish Allsvenskan on Saturday afternoon, when they eased past the challenge of Brommapojkarna, who are slowly sliding towards the relegation places.

Both finding the net for the fifth time in the league term, the Yellow Ones’ leading marksmen Simon Hedlund and striker Michael Baidoo fired the hosts at Boras Arena into a two-goal advantage, before substitute Eggert Aron Gudmundsson arrived off the bench to bag his first of the season.

Elfsborg earned the right to a long shot of Europa League glory this year due to their commendable second-placed finish in the Allsvenskan during 2023, with that placement being the club’s highest in the top tier since they lifted their sixth Swedish crown in 2012.

The Yellow Ones’ most recent continental adventure was short-lived back in 2022, when the Allsvenskan outfit were pitted up against fellow Scandinavians Molde in the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League, with the Norwegian giants securing a 6-2 success over two legs.

Overall, Elfsborg have played 126 matches in European competition, including 10 in the Champions League, but Oscar Hiljemark’s troops are not considered to be favourites to make the revamped league phase, regardless of their continental pedigree.

Celebrating their 10th birthday this year, Pafos should be in the mood for festivities following their first-ever major honour during the 2023-24 term, when the Paphos-based club lifted the Cypriot Cup following a resounding three-goal win over Omonia Nicosia in the final.

As a result, the side who finished fifth in the top flight of Cyprus last season will now compete in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League for the first time, looking to match the recent achievements of compatriots AEK Larnaca and APOEL Nicosia in reaching the proper phases of European competitions.

Despite their inexperience at this level, Pafos have plenty of attacking talent who will be confident of causing Elfsborg serious issues in the first leg, including Brazilian veteran Jairo, with the 32-year-old netting 34 goals across the last two seasons in the Cypriot first division.

Pafos navigated three friendlies fixtures in the build-up to Thursday night unbeaten, with the Cypriots playing out a goalless draw with Greek giants Panathinaikos last week, with that type of defensive solidity set to be key at Boras Arena against the Yellow Ones.

---

Team News

After being replaced at half time during the league win on the weekend, Sebastian Holmen could drop out of the Elfsborg XI for Thursday’s Europa League clash.

The Yellow Ones have a host of players who are knocking on the door to be promoted from the bench, including midfielder Noah Soderberg and winger Camil Jebara.

Although Jairo is the main man for Pafos in attack, Swedish forward Muamer Tankovic is also a serious threat after netting 16 goals across all competitions last season.

The Cypriots will miss the commanding presence of Adrian Rus in their backline, with 28-year-old returning to parent club Pisa after forming part of Romania’s squad at Euro 2024 in Germany.

Elfsborg possible starting lineup:
Pettersson; Kaib, Henriksson, Yegbe; Hedlund, Ouma, B Zeneli, Hult; Qasem, A Zeneli, Baidoo

Pafos FC possible starting lineup:
Ivusic; Goldar, Kvida, Melluso, Name; Twumasi, Valakari, Dragomir; Jairo, Felipe, Tankovic

After nervously edging through the first two knockout rounds, England now aim to reach successive European Championship finals, as they meet the Netherlands in Wednesday’s second Euro 2024 semi-final.

A high-stakes showdown in Dortmund determines which team progresses to Sunday’s decider, where new favourites Spain will await.

---

Match preview

Through to a third major tournament semi-final in four attempts – but only by the skin of their teeth – England have become a regular fixture at the sharp end of both Euros and World Cups without claiming the prize, so only silverware will do for Gareth Southgate’s squad this summer.

The Three Lions reached a fourth European Championship semi-final overall by seeing off Switzerland in last week’s quarter-finals, despite trailing to a late Breel Embolo goal heading towards the final whistle in Dusseldorf.

Bukayo Saka sensationally equalised to force extra time, and spot kicks were ultimately required to decide the outcome of a finely-balanced battle. England went on to clinically dispatch all five of their penalties and Jordan Pickford saved from Manuel Akanji, so for the second round running, Southgate’s side squeezed through.

Having previously limped through the group phase, then required Jude Bellingham’s stunning strike to spark a fightback against Slovakia, it has been a far from convincing journey to this point – but results are all that matter in knockout football.

Southgate’s 101st game in charge will see England try to become just the sixth team to make consecutive European Championship finals, and a familiar foe stands between them and a place in Sunday’s showpiece in Berlin.

The Three Lions now face a fourth major-tournament meeting with the Netherlands: the Oranje won 3-1 en route to glory at Euro ’88, thanks to a Marco van Basten hat-trick, then a forgettable goalless draw at the 1990 World Cup was followed by a famous 4-1 England win in 1996.

However, having won just one of the nations’ last nine meetings in all competitions, precedent is not on the side of an English team packed with attacking talent but yet to find rhythm or inspire confidence among their fans.

The most recent of those nine encounters also came in a semi-final, with the Netherlands winning 3-1 after extra time in the UEFA Nations League – both Southgate and Ronald Koeman were in the dugouts on that occasion too.

Last weekend, the latter guided his country to a first Euro semi since 2004 by beating a spirited Turkey side at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, and – like England – the Dutch required a comeback to seal their place in the final four.

A goal down and apparently heading for the exit, an unlikely saviour stepped forth, as Stefan de Vrij pulled his team level on 70 minutes, before the lurking threat of tournament specialist Cody Gakpo forced an own goal from Mert Muldur soon after.

Seeking their second European title, after lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy in Germany 36 summers ago, Koeman’s men are making their way through the so-called ‘weaker’ half of the draw, having only emerged from Group D in third place.

Following victory over Poland, a draw with France, and an eventful defeat to Austria, the Oranje were handed a relatively kind last-16 tie against Romania, in which they ultimately ran out 3-0 winners.

However, a squad led by captain Virgil van Dijk will attempt to win just a second European Championship semi-final tie for the Netherlands; and with a dismal record of four losses from the previous five, the burden of history weighs heavily on their shoulders.

---

Team News

As the only specialist left-back in Gareth Southgate’s squad, the return of Luke Shaw has been eagerly awaited: the Manchester United defender missed England’s first four matches while completing his return from a hamstring injury, but after appearing briefly against Switzerland he has now declared himself ready to start.

That remains unlikely, though, as Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka are again expected to occupy either flank.

Having impressed earlier in the tournament, Marc Guehi must now battle it out with Ezri Konsa for a place in central defence upon his return from suspension, though it remains to be seen whether it will be within a three or four-man rearguard – or a hybrid of both.

Harry Kane was taken off during extra time last weekend, but having since confirmed he was only suffering from cramp, the Three Lions’ record goalscorer will be fit to build on a fine record in the European Championship’s knockout phase: no player has ever scored more times in the elimination rounds (five, level with Antoine Griezmann).

Kane was on the scoresheet in the semi-final of Euro 2020 against Denmark, and only two players have ever scored at this stage of consecutive European Championships – Viktor Ponedelnik and Valentin Ivanov, both for the USSR in 1960 and 1964.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, have a major selection call to make in the final third, as the half-time introduction of Wout Weghorst against Turkey turned their quarter-final tie on its head.

Ronald Koeman – who has just announced that he will stay in post until 2026 – has left the door open to the Burnley striker partnering Memphis Depay from the start; however, another impact role from the bench is more probable. Either one or both of Depay and Cody Gakpo have been directly involved in 63.5% of the Oranje’s goal attempts so far this summer, and six of their nine goals.

Due to the contributions of Depay (17 shots, 10 chances created) and Gakpo (13 shots, 11 chances created), the Netherlands are the only team with more than one player in double figures for both shots and chances made at Euro 2024.

Koeman is likely to stick with most of his starting XI, though right-winger Steven Bergwijn has been withdrawn at half time in both knockout rounds and finds his place under threat from Donyell Malen, who plays his club football in Dortmund.

Virgil van Dijk skippers the side from central defence, two days after celebrating his 33rd birthday, while mercurial playmaker Xavi Simons plays a link-up role with the Dutch attack; Jerdy Schouten and Tijjani Reijnders will cover plenty of ground in midfield.

Netherlands possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Reijnders; Malen, Simons, Gakpo; Depay

England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Trippier; Bellingham, Foden; Kane

Just one step away from Berlin, continental heavyweights Spain and France will meet in the Euro 2024 semi-finals on Tuesday.

Boasting a flawless record so far, La Roja made it to Munich by eliminating their hosts in the previous round; meanwhile, Les Bleus reached the final four via a tense penalty shootout win over Portugal.

---

Match preview

Bringing together perhaps the tournament’s two strongest sides, the first quarter-final of Euro 2024 promised much and ultimately delivered, as Spain struck during extra time to claim a 2-1 win in Stuttgart.

After Dani Olmo – who had been introduced for the injured Pedri – put La Roja in front, Germany equalised through Florian Wirtz; but just as a finely-balanced game appeared set for spot kicks, Mikel Merino powered in a header to secure his side’s place in the semis.

A formidable force under Luis de la Fuente, Spain are the only team to have won all five matches thus far, and no nation in European Championship history has won six times in a single finals, or even posted six wins in a row.

Much credit has been handed to the former Under-21 boss, who instigated a tactical change upon taking over from Luis Enrique and is now reaping the rewards: his Spain side have recorded lower possession than their opponents twice this summer (48% vs Germany, 47% vs Croatia), which is more times than across 44 major-tournament matches between the 2006 and 2022 World Cups.

A more diverse approach, featuring quick passing and pace out wide, has proved mightily successful, as since the start of 2023, La Roja have the best win percentage of any European nation, winning 15 of their 19 games under De la Fuente.

Victory in the most recent UEFA Nations League bred faith in the direction of travel, and they are on their best winning run since the glory days of June 2010.

Spain have progressed from four of five European Championship semi-finals to date – though they lost on penalties to eventual winners Italy at this stage three years ago – and will now fight for the right to meet either England or the Netherlands on Sunday.

That would be the Iberian nation’s fifth continental final, and the first since their brief but brilliant reign of dominance was wrapped up with victory at Euro 2012.

Meanwhile, France are aiming to reach a fourth European Championship decider, but only the second played away from French soil.

Didier Deschamps presided over the most recent one – 2016’s defeat to Portugal in Paris – and the double World Cup winner is intent on going one better this time around.

Since being beaten in the last World Cup final, his talented team have started to stutter, and their progress to the semi-finals has been far less fluent than that of Spain, who swept past Croatia, Italy, Albania and Georgia before toppling the tournament hosts.

Having lost out to Austria for top spot in Group D, France were uninspired in their last-16 win over Belgium before edging past Portugal in the quarter-finals.

Goalkeeper Mike Maignan was called upon to make a couple of crucial saves to take the tie into extra time, and it ultimately came down to penalties in Hamburg, where Theo Hernandez hammered home the decisive kick from 12 yards.

Concern over the form and fitness of captain Kylian Mbappe were raised again, as Real Madrid’s newest ‘galactico’ was forced off ahead of the shootout, but Les Bleus once more found a way to get the job done.

With a masked Mbappe misfiring, there have only been four goals scored in their five Euro 2024 matches so far – three for and just one against – and all by way of either penalties or own goals.

The only team on record to have more than 50 non-penalty shots at a European finals and fail to find the net with any, France may not be as aesthetically pleasing as their Spanish counterparts – who they beat 2-1 in their most recent meeting, the 2021 Nations League final – but very few would bet against them.

---

Team News

Spain’s relatively settled XI – several changes for a Group B dead-rubber against Albania aside – will feature at least three fresh faces on Tuesday evening.

Influential right-back Dani Carvajal and France-born defender Robin Le Normand must both serve suspensions, while Pedri was forced off in the early stages of Friday’s quarter-final, departing the field in tears – the Barcelona midfielder suffered a medial collateral ligament knee sprain and will not play again this summer.

Veteran pair Nacho and Jesus Navas could therefore step into La Roja’s back four, while Dani Olmo’s stellar substitute display against Germany should see the Bundesliga-based star replace Pedri.

Midfield mainstay Rodri has both attempted and completed the most passes of any player set to take part in Euro 2024’s first semi; Aurelien Tchouameni of France ranks second in that regard.

Up front, captain Alvaro Morata will again be supported by Nico Williams and 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, the latter of whom has created 14 chances for his teammates at these finals – the most by any Spanish player at a major tournament since Xavi‘s total of 25 at Euro 2012, and also by any teenager to date.

With the slate wiped clean at this stage, France have no disciplinary issues to worry about, but Kylian Mbappe’s nose injury remains a source of concern for Didier Deschamps, as his team have lacked spark in the final third.

The former Paris Saint-Germain striker has scored only one goal from 20 shots at Euro 2024 thus far; indeed, his overall strike rate at European Championships stands at a meagre 3%. That is in stark contrast to his record at the World Cup, where a tally of 12 goals from 39 shots represents a 31% conversion rate.

By contrast, ‘Magic’ Mike Maignan can boast a save ratio of 94% to this point – the best of any goalkeeper that has played more than one match in Germany and also since Iker Casillas during Spain’s overall triumph in 2012. The AC Milan stopper has kept four clean sheets so far.

Meanwhile, Marcus Thuram and Ferland Mendy should overcome minor injuries, and Adrien Rabiot is back from a one-match ban, but it remains to be seen whether the latter can displace Mbappe’s new Real Madrid teammate Eduardo Camavinga, who deputised in the French engine room against Portugal.

Certain to start in midfield, N’Golo Kante has played the most games in European Championship history without ever finishing on the losing side – winning eight and drawing five – so can be considered Les Bleus’ lucky charm.

Spain possible starting lineup:
Simon: Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Ruiz: Yamal, Morata, Williams

France possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappe

Kristiansund are set to host Fredrikstad at Aker Stadion in Norway’s Eliteserien on Monday, and the result could significantly impact the relegation battle, the chase for European football, and the title race.

The home side are ninth in the table with 14 points and are one above 14th-placed Tromso, who occupy the division’s relegation playoff spot, while the visitors are fourth with 22 points and are eight from first-placed Bodo/Glimt with a game in hand.

---

Match preview

Although the hosts could be relegated at the end of the season given they are only four points clear of 15th-placed Sarpsborg 08, who are second last and in the automatic relegation zone, this is their first season back in the top flight.

As such, the fact they have a realistic chance of survival will no doubt please manager Amund Skiri.

Skiri has coached Kristiansund since August 2023, and this term his side have scored 18 goals and conceded 21, the sixth-best offensive and 11th best defensive records in the league respectively.

Kristiansund’s overall form has been poor considering they have won just once in their last nine league matches and have conceded 16 goals in this period.

As for their home form, they did win 3-1 last time out at Aker Stadion against Sarpsborg 08 on June 2, but this is only their second Eliteserien victory at home in their six games so far.

To Kristiansund’s credit, they have also only lost once in the league at home, which was against reigning champions and current leaders Bodo/Glimt on May 12.

Meanwhile, opponents Fredrikstad have been excellent away from home and have in fact collected 14 out of a possible 21 points on the road, which is the division’s second-best record behind Bodo/Glimt.

However, it should be noted that they did draw their last away league game 1-1 against Rosenborg on June 2 after having lost their prior away game 3-0 to Tromso on May 29.

To add to this, they have failed to win any of their last three matches in the top flight, though they did win the previous five.

Having said that, manager Mikkjal Thomassen will be delighted with his Fredrikstad side considering this is their first season in the top flight since 2012.

Additionally, he will be thrilled with the fact his team currently occupy the division’s final Europa Conference League playoff spot, and that they have two games in hand on second-placed Brann and one game in hand on first-placed Bodo/Glimt, who have 28 and 30 points respectively.

With that being said, Fredrikstad are only ahead of fifth-placed Viking FK due to goal difference.

This season, Fredrikstad have scored 20 goals and conceded 11 times, the league’s fifth best and second best records.

---

Team News

The hosts will be without centre-back Max Normann Williamsen for the remainder of the season after he suffered a cruciate ligament injury in late April.

Kristiansund will also have to contend with the absence of fellow centre-back Marius Berntsen Olsen due to an ankle injury, but he could return sometime later this month.

As for opponents Fredrikstad, midfielders Filip Stensland and Jeppe Kjaer are both expected to be out until mid-July.

Forward Joannes Bjartalid and Mai Traore are also injured, and much like their midfield counterparts, they are also not expected back until mid-July.

Centre-back Sigurd Kvile has not appeared since June 2, and he is a doubt for Monday’s game.

Kristiansund possible starting lineup:
Lansing; Sjatil, Jarl, Hopmark, Rakneberg; Sivertsen, Isaksen, Bruseth, Alte, Gueye; Mikaelsson

Fredrikstad possible starting lineup:
Fischer; Skaret, Aukland, Woledzi; Metcalfe, Magnusson, Segberg, Rafn; Bjorlo, Sorlokk, Olsen

Two European juggernauts seeking to win an unprecedented fourth European Championship title do battle at the MHPArena in Stuttgart on Friday evening, as Spain lock horns with Euro 2024 hosts Germany in the quarter-finals.

The victors of this eagerly-anticipated contest will face the winners of the last-eight tie between Portugal and France in the semi-finals.

---

Match preview

After winning all three group games at a European Championship for the first time since 2008, Spain remain the only nation at Euro 2024 who boast a perfect record from four matches after coming from behind to beat Georgia 4-1 in the last 16 on Sunday.

Spain were stunned in the 18th minute when Robin Le Normand inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net to put Georgia ahead – the first goal that La Roja have conceded at Euro 2024. However, Rodri restored parity on the stroke of half time, before Spain went on to outclass a courageous Georgia outfit in the second half.

Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo were all on the scoresheet to complete the turnaround in prolific fashion and extend Spain’s unbeaten run at the European Championship to 10 matches (excluding penalty shootouts).

Luis de la Fuente’s youthful and energetic side have dazzled their way into the quarter-finals, reaching this stage for the fourth time in their last five Euros appearances, and even Germany’s Joshua Kimmich has admitted that “Spain have been the most impressive side so far” at this summer’s tournament.

Ranked eighth in the world by FIFA, Spain head into Friday’s blockbuster battle having not lost any of their last six competitive meetings (W3 D3) with Germany dating back to 1998, most recently playing out a 1-1 group-stage draw at the 2022 World Cup.

La Roja are sure to reminisce about their 1-0 triumph over Germany in the Euro 2008 final, courtesy of a first-half strike from Fernando Torres, as well as their thumping 6-0 UEFA Nations League victory in November 2020 in which Fernando’s namesake – Ferran Torres – stole the headlines with a memorable hat-trick.

However, Spain have remarkably never beaten the host nation in the knockout rounds of a Euros or World Cup, failing to win any of their last nine such matches dating all the way back to 1934.

Hosts Germany remain on course to win their first European Championship title since 1996 after they battled past a competitive Denmark outfit to win 2-0 in the round of 16 last Saturday.

On a night of high drama, interrupted by a first-half thunderstorm including a fierce series of lightning strikes, and later marred by VAR controversy, Germany prevailed courtesy of second-half goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala – the latter is now one of four players at the top of the Euro 2024 scoring charts with three goals.

After a “wild game” in Dortmund, Julian Nagelsmann claimed that his Germany players are “beginning to realise how good they really are” having now progressed to the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time since Euro 2016 – Friday’s clash with be Germany’s 19th quarter-final across the World Cup (14) and Euros (five), the most of any European nation at these two major tournaments.

Germany rank in the top three for the most goals scored (10), most attacks (265), most attempts on goal (71), highest average possession (62%) and goals conceded (two) heading into the last eight of Euro 2024, and with a vibrant home crowd behind them, Die Mannschaft have become a force to be reckoned with.

Languishing as low as 16th in the FIFA World Rankings amid their recent woes in the pre-Nagelsmann era, Germany have won only two of their last 11 meetings with Spain in all competitions – their last was a slender 1-0 friendly victory in November 2014 thanks to an 89th-minute winner from Toni Kroos.

Germany have reason to be optimistic of success on Friday, though, as they are unbeaten in their last eight games against La Roja on home soil (W5 D3), while no host nation has ever been eliminated from the quarter-final stage of a European Championship.

---

Team News

Spain boss De la Fuente is expected to name an unchanged starting lineup on Friday, with 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal and Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams set to join captain Alvaro Morata in a three-man attack.

Both Olmo and Mikel Merino will be pushing to start ahead of Pedri in centre-midfield, but the latter is still expected to continue in the first XI alongside Rodri and Fabian Ruiz.

Nacho Fernandez has recovered from a minor foot injury to make himself available for selection, but the Al-Qadsiah man is unlikely to displace either of Le Normand or Aymeric Laporte in central defence, while Dani Carvajal and Marc Cucurella should continue as full-backs.

As for Germany, Nagelsmann could once again tinker with his starting lineup and will ponder whether to recall centre-back Jonathan Tah – who served a suspension in the last 16 – at the expense of Nico Schlotterbeck.

Left-back Maximilian Mittelstadt was dropped against Denmark, but he will be looking to force his way back into the first XI ahead of David Raum, while Florian Wirtz could return on the left side of attack at the expense of Leroy Sane, allowing Musiala to move over to the right.

Niclas Fullkrug scored an equaliser in the aforementioned 1-1 draw with Spain at the 2022 World Cup, but he is not expected to displace Kai Havertz as the central striker, while a midfield triumvirate of Kroos, Robert Andrich and Ilkay Gundogan is set to remain intact.

Spain possible starting lineup:
Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams

Germany possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Raum; Kroos, Andrich; Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz; Havertz

In a rematch from the 2021 Copa America quarter-finals, the reigning champions Argentina square off with Ecuador at NRG Stadium in Houston on Thursday, with a spot in the last four at stake.

La Seleccion topped Group A with a 100% record, winning their previous match 2-0 against Peru, while Ecuador held Mexico to a 0-0 draw, finishing second in Group B.

---

Match preview

Statistically speaking, the opening phase of this tournament was nearly flawless for Lionel Scaloni’s men, who won their three encounters and did not concede.

All five of their goals scored in the opening phase came in the second half, and they have not fallen behind in a Copa America match since the 2019 semi-finals (2-0 loss versus Brazil).

The Argentines have won eight consecutive matches across all competitions and have only conceded two goals over that stretch.

Their last three appearances in the quarter-finals of this tournament have been a breeze, with Argentina winning those encounters by a combined margin of 9-1.

Only once in this century have we seen them lose a quarter-final fixture at this tournament, when they hosted this event in 2011 and were beaten on penalties by Uruguay (5-4).

Argentina have never lost to Ecuador at the Copa America, winning their 2021 quarter-final meeting against them 3-0, while the World Cup holders have advanced beyond this stage on four successive occasions.

Despite being on the back foot for a good portion of their previous encounter, Ecuador did enough to hold off the Mexicans and claim a spot in the knockout phase on goal difference.

It is the second successive time that La Tri have qualified for the last eight of this tournament, while they have now made the quarter-finals in three of the previous four Copa Americas.

Felix Sanchez has a chance to guide this team into the semi-finals of this competition for the first time since 1993, with the Ecuadorians losing three successive Copa America fixtures in the last eight.

Ecuador have yet to concede a first-half goal in this competition, though they have only netted once in the opening 45 minutes when they lost 2-1 to Venezuela.

The last time they scored first in a quarter-final fixture at this tournament was in 1997 when they were beaten 4-3 on penalties against Mexico after that match ended in a 1-1 draw.

They have lost six of their previous seven competitive fixtures versus Argentina, with their last victory against them occurring in 2015 (2-0).

---

Team News

Argentine captain Lionel Messi missed their final group fixture with hamstring discomfort, though he took part in full practices this week and is expected to feature on Thursday.

Messi, Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Rodrigo De Paul were among the numerous players that Scaloni rested on matchday three.

Lautaro Martinez scored for a fourth match running, as his brace propelled Argentina to a victory over Peru, while Emiliano Martinez has posted four consecutive clean sheets at this tournament dating back to 2021.

After missing their previous encounter through suspension, Ecuador’s record goalscorer Enner Valencia played the full 90 minutes on matchday three, replacing John Yeboah.

That was the one change made to their starting 11 on Sunday, while Jose Hurtado was the only newcomer to see the field for them, coming on for Angelo Preciado in second-half stoppage time.

Alexander Dominguez stopped four Mexican shots to collect his first clean sheet at the Copa America this year and his first with La Tri since March (2-0 win over Guatemala).

Argentina possible starting lineup:
E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; Di Maria, De Paul, Mac Allister; Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez

Ecuador possible starting lineup:
Dominguez; Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapie; Franco, M. Caicedo; Yeboah, Paez, Sarmiento; Valencia

Two sides embroiled in a relegation battle in the Norwegian Eliteserien do battle on Wednesday as bottom-of-the-league Sandefjord face 14th-placed Tromso IL at the Komplett Arena.

The hosts are 16th in the league with just nine points from 12 matches and trail safety by four points, while the visitors are one point better off in 14th place.

---

Match preview

Having escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth in the last two seasons, winning the relegation/promotion playoff in 2022 and securing safety on the final day in 2023, Sandefjord are once again set to battle for their survival this campaign.

Hans Erik Odegaard and Andreas Tegstrom, who have co-managed Sandefjord since 2021, have guided their side to just two victories in the 12 league matches this year, the fewest of any side in the division.

They have failed to come out victorious in the league since remarkably recording back-to-back victories over Molde FK and Sarpsborg 08 in early May, leaving them on a run of six games without a win in the Norwegian Eliteserien heading into this one.

A 4-2 friendly victory over fourth-placed Fredrikstad FK, following two successive draws in the league, seemed to signal a run of form for Sandefjord, but a disappointing 2-1 loss to relegation rivals HamKam followed, seeing them fall further away from safety.

A second match in a row against a relegation-battling side is set to come on Wednesday, giving Sandefjord the chance to climb away from the bottom of the table if they secure a victory.

Their opponents Tromso could, however, move four points clear of the hosts if they take all three points in their trip to the Komplett Arena, although they have not picked up a win at this stadium since 2010.

After struggling in the opening weeks of the season, losing all of their first five league matches, Tromso have been much improved in recent weeks with three wins and a draw in their last seven outings.

They will be looking to keep that improved run going with a first away win of the campaign in this one as they look to avoid recording their first bottom-half finish since securing promotion back to the top flight ahead of the 2021 season.

While Tromso have struggled in their visits to Sandefjord in recent years, they have gone unbeaten in the last five meetings between these two sides, giving them plenty of confidence ahead of this one.

---

Team News

The hosts are set to be without no fewer than two players for this relegation six-pointer as both Aleksander Nilsson and Darrell Tibell continue their spells on the sidelines.

Eman Markovic has scored in two of his last three competitive appearances for the side and is expected to start alongside Alexander Ruud Tveter and Jakob Dunsby here.

The visitors are also unable to call upon the services of two players with both Miika Koskela and Vegard Erlien absent through injuries.

Lasse Selvag Nordas is Tromso’s top scorer with four goals this season and the forward is expected to start once again here, with his side looking to make to make the difference.

Sandefjord possible starting lineup:
Keto; Egeli, Bergile, Gjone, Cheng; Mork, Ottosson, Amin; Dunsby, Tveter, Markovic

Tromso IL possible starting lineup:
Haugaard; Paintsil, A Jenssen, Guddal, Skjaervik, Norheim; Nordas, Hjerto-Dahl, R Jenssen, Antonsen; Romsaas

Both into the last 16 following an eventful climax to their group-stage campaign, Euro 2024 dark horses Austria and Turkey convene in Leipzig on Tuesday evening.

The nations’ first major-tournament meeting features a substantial prize: the winner will qualify for a quarter-final against either Netherlands or Romania.

---

Match preview

Having arrived in neighbouring Germany as one of Europe’s form sides, Austria qualified for the knockout rounds of Euro 2024 as Group D winners by beating Netherlands 3-2 in a thrilling contest at Berlin’s Olympiastadion last Tuesday.

Ralf Rangnick’s men were handed a tough draw alongside the Oranje and favourites France, but they accrued six points from a possible nine to finish top of the pile, ahead of Les Bleus, who were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw by already-eliminated Poland.

After they twice lost the lead, Austria captain Marcel Sabitzer struck an 80th-minute winner to snatch first place, following an opening defeat to France and a 3-1 win over Poland.

The Austrians failed to pass the group stage at their first two Euros – as hosts in 2008, and then again eight years later – so getting this far already represents an impressive achievement.

Indeed, Das Team have qualified for the knockout phase of a major tournament for only the fourth time ever, also doing so at the 1934 and 1954 World Cups and Euro 2020.

Rangnick’s high-energy side are now trying to reach Austria’s first European Championship quarter-final, and recent results suggest they could be ready to break new ground: they have now won 14 of their last 19 matches, losing just two.

Since Rangnick took charge in June 2022, only three European nations – Portugal, Netherlands and Spain – can boast a higher win percentage, with one notable victory taking place in a friendly fixture just over three months ago.

Austria smashed Turkey 6-1 in Vienna during the spring international period, when Michael Gregoritsch helped himself to a hat-trick before the hour mark at Ernst Happel Stadion.

In competitive meetings, though, Turkey are unbeaten in their last five games against Tuesday’s opponents, keeping a clean sheet on each occasion; albeit this will be the first such encounter since a 0-0 draw in Euro 2012 qualifying.

The Crescent-Stars set up this latest clash by claiming a dramatic 2-1 win over Czech Republic in their final Group F game on Wednesday evening, when veteran striker Cenk Tosun struck in second-half stoppage time to seal a place in the last 16.

Though Vincenzo Montella’s men knew that a point would be enough – and they played most of the match with a one-man advantage – conceding not long after Hakan Calhanoglu’s 51st-minute piledriver put them in front had left their progress in some jeopardy.

Tosun’s late strike not only sparked a chaotic conclusion that saw several cards brandished but also meant Turkey finished second in the standings, having begun their Group F campaign with an eventful 3-1 win over debutants Georgia and then lost 3-0 to Portugal.

Montella’s youthful squad – who had the second-youngest starting XI on average during the group stage – have therefore taken their nation into the latter stages of the Euros for just a third time ever, and the first since 2008, when Turkey memorably made the semi-finals.

Now, their Euro 2024 adventure continues, and despite Austria’s proximity to the host nation, the Crescent-Stars are sure to have a bigger backing, with many thousands of Turkish emigrants having settled in Germany over the past 60 years.

---

Team News

Ralf Rangnick’s return to Leipzig, where he experienced several years of success as a club coach and advisor, will see the 66-year-old make at least one change to a winning side, as Wolfsburg winger Patrick Wimmer must serve a suspension.

Either Konrad Laimer or Christoph Baumgartner – the latter of whom has been directly involved in nine goals across his last eight international appearances – should therefore step up from the bench.

Record caps-holder Marko Arnautovic again battles it out with Michael Gregoritsch to spearhead an aggressive attack, while any two from Max Wober, Kevin Danso, Gernot Trauner and Philipp Lienhart will start in central defence.

Vincenzo Montella, meanwhile, must do without influential captain Hakan Calhanoglu and centre-back Samet Akaydin on Tuesday, after both picked up their second bookings of the tournament against Czech Republic.

Abdulkerim Bardakci is back from suspension and should join Merih Demiral at the heart of Turkey’s back four, with Okay Yokuslu, Kaan Ayhan and Orkun Kokcu vying to replace Calhanoglu in midfield.

First-choice goalkeeper Mert Gunok is still troubled by a knee injury that kept him out of the loss to Portugal but has trained and should start between the posts.

Should Juventus star Kenan Yildiz (19 years and 59 days) and Real Madrid’s Arda Guler (19 years and 128 days) both be selected, it will be just the second time any nation has started two teenagers in a knockout game at the Euros – and the first since 1964.

Austria possible starting lineup:
Pentz; Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Mwene; Seiwald, Grillitsch; Schmid, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic

Turkey possible starting lineup:
Gunok; Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Yuksek, Yokuslu; Kahveci, Guler, Yildiz; Yilmaz

A reunion of 2018 World Cup semi-final foes headlines the Euro 2024 last-16 ties, as France and Belgium cross paths in Dusseldorf on Monday evening.

Neither nation showed what they are truly capable of in the group phase, being condemned to unexpected second-placed finishes owing to disappointing final-day draws.

---

Match preview

With his protective mask in tow, Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe finally broke his Euros duck at the third time of trying in France’s recent showdown with Poland in Group D, crashing home a spot kick early in the second half before the Poles were presented with a 12-yard opportunity of their own.

While Mike Maignan initially denied the stopping-and-starting Robert Lewandowski, the AC Milan shot-stopper was penalised for coming off his line, allowing his Barcelona counterpart to take the same run-up, aim for the same corner and achieve a different, desired outcome in a low-key 1-1 stalemate.

A miffed Maignan was left to vent his frustrations on social media – taking aim at the rules regarding penalties as Lewandowski made his “87th stutter” – as Didier Deschamps’s men were forced to accept the runners-up place thanks to Austria’s sensational beating of the Netherlands.

As Ralf Rangnick’s side prepare to take on Turkey in the friendlier side of the draw, an under-performing France have several gargantuan obstacles in their way just to reach the final; Portugal, Germany and Spain are all in the same last-16 bracket.

Furthermore, France went through the entire group stage without scoring a single goal from open play – having 47 such attempts without making the net bulge – and five of their last six matches at the European Championships have ended level after 90 minutes.

Nevertheless, one goal conceded across the group stage was the joint second-best defensive record of its kind – only behind an unbroken Spain – and Lewandowski’s retaken spot kick is the only effort that Deschamps’s men have shipped in their last five games across all tournaments.

Such praiseworthy defensive statistics make for grim reading for a Belgium side who failed to score in two of their three affairs in Group E, where all four sides incredibly finished on the same amount of points, unsurprisingly a European Championship first in the men’s game.

Domenico Tedesco’s men appeared to have rediscovered their attacking touch in a 2-0 beating of Romania on matchday two, only to be stunted in a goalless draw versus Ukraine on Wednesday, where they had both Koen Casteels and their visitors’ wastefulness to thank for saving their Euros bacon.

As the eliminated Blue and Yellow departed in dejection, Belgium sneaked through in second spot behind Romania and their superior goal difference, but Tedesco has many an attacking conundrum to solve after his side managed just two goals across the group stage; only one-strike Serbia netted fewer.

While Mbappe may finally be off the mark, the luckless Romelu Lukaku has yet to open his Euro 2024 account but can take solace from the fact that only one of the Red Devils’ last 18 matches in all tournaments has ended in defeat, even if that did come just a fortnight ago to the plucky Slovakians.

A third-straight Euros knockout appearance now awaits the Belgians, who have progressed from each of their last four last-16 games at major tournaments since being eliminated by eventual winners Brazil at the 2002 World Cup; a positive omen for Deschamps’s squad if they can prevail on Monday.

Frequent foes of France over the past century, Belgium suffered 2018 World Cup semi-final heartbreak in a 1-0 loss before also going down 3-2 to Deschamps’s men in a 2021 Nations League semi-final, but Portugal or Slovenia will await the Red Devils if they can avenge those Bleus blues.

---

Team News

Having completed 90 minutes against Poland with no ill-effects, Mbappe will undoubtedly be fine to spearhead the France charge here, and Deschamps is expected to have every single one of his troops available to him.

The France boss opted to demote Antoine Griezmann to the bench for the final Group D draw, but an immediate return to the first XI is on the cards for the Atletico Madrid man, whose reinstatement should see France revert to their 4-2-3-1 shape.

Who is sacrificed for Griezmann is the subject of much speculation, but Adrien Rabiot has reportedly been rehearsing on the left during training, so Bradley Barcola will likely be demoted to the bench.

In addition, Deschamps is also expected to axe the under-performing Ousmane Dembele and instead go for a 4-3-1-2 formation, which would see Marcus Thuram reinstated to the tip of the attack alongside Mbappe.

Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate suffered a recent knee injury scare, but there would have been no chance of the defender displacing William Saliba or Dayot Upamecano either way.

Sticking with the theme of wingers, Belgium head coach Tedesco will have Dodi Lukebakio back at his disposal on Monday following his suspension and could recall the Sevilla man to the XI at the expense of Leandro Trossard, who was ineffective against Ukraine, but Yannick Carrasco was a threat last time out and is a contender too.

Axel Witsel (adductor) and Thomas Meunier (thigh) remain the only two injury concerns for Tedesco to contend with, and while both are heading in the right direction with their respective recoveries, neither should be involved in Dusseldorf.

Tedesco’s defensive dilemma would be further complicated if Wout Faes picks up a suspension-inducing yellow card on Monday, but the Leicester City man did himself justice last week with a goal-saving block to deny Ukraine’s Artem Dovbyk and is a guaranteed starter regardless.

France possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Thuram, Mbappe

Belgium possible starting lineup:
Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Tielemans, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Carrasco; Lukaku