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POL vs NED, EURO 2024: Injury woes keep major stars out as Netherlands faces Poland in Group D opener

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Stripped of their leading lights, the Netherlands and Poland limp to the start line at the European Championship on Sunday when they begin their Group D campaign in Hamburg.

The Dutch must do without playmaker Frenkie de Jong due to an ankle injury and Poland talisman Robert Lewandowski will also miss the opening game.

Poland was already without right back Matty Cash and striker Arkadiusz Milik when forward Karol Swiderski hurt his ankle while celebrating the opening goal in Monday’s friendly against Turkey. He and Lewandowski should, however, be fit for the second group game against Austria.

RELATED: Switzerland sinks Hungary to make strong start in its Euro 2024 campaign

The Dutch injury list also includes Europa League winners Marten de Roon and Teun Koopmeiners as well as defender Sven Botman.

“In principle we still have a strong squad now,” Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said.

“I think that we have been a little unlucky with quite a few injuries during the past year and also for sure a lot of injuries to players who were more than valuable for the national team.”

Poland is likely to suffer more of a morale blow with the absence of 35-year-old Lewandowski who has scored 82 goals in 150 internationals.

“He’s an outstanding player, who has given much to the team in how he helped in every way,” Poland coach Michal Probierz said.

Koeman stirred up controversy before the game by suggesting Lewandowski’s injury might be a bluff to which Probierz responded with irritation.

“If we officially report something like this, it is to remove doubts from our supporters,” he said.

“He (Koeman) may have enormous knowledge of injuries. I don’t and I just have confidence in our medical staff. There is a quote: ‘Tell the truth and people think you are lying’. That applies here.”

ALSO READ: DEN vs SVN, Euro 2024: Familiar foes Denmark and Slovenia meet again in Group C opener

With matches to come against Austria and France, Sunday’s game is viewed as a must-win for both teams.

“The fact that we are seen as underdogs can work to our advantage. Everyone thinks that France and the Netherlands are the favourites in our group. Because few people count on us, we feel little pressure. That is more a signal to show that we have a good team,” said Poland midfielder Jakub Moder.

The Dutch are unbeaten in their last 12 meetings with Poland, last losing to them in 1979.

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Australia v Scotland Dream11 Prediction, T20 World Cup 2024: AUS vs SCO predicted playing XI, fantasy team, full squads

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Australia will look to maintain its spotless record in T20 World Cup 2024 as it takes on Scotland in its final group stage match, in Gros Islet on Sunday.

Australia is assured of a top spot in the group, while Scotland is in a tussle with England for the second ticket for the Super Eight stage.

Fantasy team picks

Wicketkeepers: Matthew Wade

Batters: Mitchell Marsh, David Warner (vc), Travis Head, Richie Berrington

All-rounders: Michael Leask, Marcus Stoinis (c)

Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Brad Wheal

Composition – AUS: 8 | SCO: 3

Probable playing 11s:

AUS: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh(c), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

SCO: George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross (wk), Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Christopher Sole, Safyaan Sharif, Brad Wheal

Squads:

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), David Warner, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserves: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Short

Scotland: Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross, Brad Currie, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal

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Euro 2024: Switzerland beats Hungary 3-1

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Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer gave Switzerland the lead in the first half while Barnabas Varga scored a consolation goal for Hungary but Breel Embolo finished the contest with a stoppage time goal.

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Spain vs Croatia LIVE score, Euro 2024 updates: When, where to watch Group B clash, ESP v CRO, 9:30 PM IST kick-off

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Spain and Croatia begin their Euro 2024 campaigns on Saturday with a rematch of last year’s nervy UEFA Nations League final as they kick off the action in Group B, which also includes European champions Italy and surprise package Albania.

With memories of a heartbreaking shootout defeat to Spain still fresh in their minds, captain Luka Modric’s perennial overachievers seem ready to again challenge the pre-tournament odds in their quest to finally win a major trophy. 

After reaching the 2018 World Cup final and making the semifinals four years later, having fought back to eliminate five-time champion Brazil on penalties at Qatar 2022, the Nations League final loss to Spain was a tough pill to swallow.

Read the full preview ​HERE​

When and where will the Spain vs Croatia Euro 2024 match kick-off?

The Spain vs Croatia Euro 2024 match will kick-off at 9:30 PM IST on Saturday, June 15, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany. 

Where to watch the live telecast of the Spain vs Croatia Euro 2024 match in India?

The Spain vs Croatia Euro 2024 match will be live telecasted on the Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD in English, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD in Hindi, Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD in Tamil & Telugu and Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD in Bengali & Malayalam. 

Where can you live stream the Spain vs Croatia Euro 2024 match in India?

The match can be live-streamed on the SonyLIV app and website

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DEN vs SVN, Euro 2024: Familiar foes Denmark and Slovenia meet again in Group C opener

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There will be more than a hint of familiarity, when Denmark takes on Slovenia in its opening Group C, encounter at Euro 2024 in Stuttgart on Sunday, with the Danes having edged out the Slovenians in a thrillingly close qualifying group.

Both sides finished on 22 points and qualified automatically with the Danes topping the group due to a better record against Slovenia but, despite knowing the opponents well, Euro 2020 semifinalist Denmark expects a different challenge in Germany.

“We know exactly what Slovenia are, they have quality as well, so it’s going to be an exciting group,” Denmark assistant coach Morten Wieghorst told Reuters in a recent interview.

“But if you compare them to the qualifying campaign, the games we play in the Euros will be different, they will have a different nature, so it will be a great challenge,” he said.

ALSO READ | SRB vs ENG, Euro 2024: England faces Serbia in opener with weakened defence

Slovenia showed the kind of quality Wieghorst referred to when it drew 1-1 at home to Denmark almost a year ago, but a 2-1 win in Copenhagen in November gave the Danes the advantage they needed to top the standings.

However, it continued to be plagued by the problems that beset it at the Qatar World Cup, where Kasper Hjulmand’s free-flowing side suddenly struggled to break down opponents and create chances before crashing out at the group stage.

In contrast, the Slovenians have gone unbeaten since their defeat in Copenhagen and an excellent 2-0 friendly win over a strong Portugal side in a March friendly shows they will pose a challenge in Group C.

The importance of a good start cannot be underestimated – in its second game, Slovenia takes on a Serbia side that romped to a recent 3-0 friendly win over Sweden, while the Danes face Euro 2020 finalists England, who is among the tournament favourites.

Denmark will again look to talisman Christian Eriksen, who suffered a heart attack in its Euro 2020 opener against Finland before making a successful return to the game several months later, to be the creative force against the Slovenians.

“He has something you can’t train yourself to do, he has a fantastic ability to see the game and find a rhythm,” head coach Hjulmand told broadcaster DR earlier this week.

“I have often said, paradoxically, that he is our heart, he is the pulse of our team,” he added. 

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Rivals Camp Series: Ranking The Best Defensive Linemen

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The 2024 Rivals Camp Series regional stops are finished and the Rivals Five-Star is on the horizon so this week, we are taking a position-by-position look at which prospects impressed us the most at the regional events this year. The defensive linemen are up next.

BEST OF THE RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Top 10 quarterbacks | Top 10 running backs | Top 10 wide receivers | Top 10 tight ends | Top 10 offensive linemen

ROAD TO JACKSONVILLE: Roster | Rivals Five-Star set for Jacksonville | Five Southeast prospects that can boost ranking at Five-Star | Five Florida prospects | Mid-South prospects | Midwest prospects | Northeast prospects

1. Javion Hilson (FSU commit)

DE Javion Hilson, No. 19 in the 2025 Rivals250, put on a clinic at the Rivals Camp Series stop in Miami. The Florida State verbal is explosive off the line with fantastic feet and showcased a nasty counter move this off-season that kept offensive tackles on the left and right side both without answers.

Hilson flies off the edge and moves very easily. The Cocoa (Fla.) blue-chipper is the No. 1 player from the Sunshine State and is a key cog in the Seminoles’ 2025 class.

Texas has emerged as another team to watch in this recruitment.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH FSU FANS AT THEOSCEOLA.COM

*****

2. Jahkeem Stewart

Jahkeem Stewart, the nation’s top-ranked prospect in the class of 2026, was a force across the defensive line at RCS Dallas. The Louisiana defensive lineman moves unfairly at 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds. Stewart, who took snaps against both tackles and guards, saw similar results against both.

His explosive first step and combination of speed and power was too much to contain for opposing linemen. Stewart showed range – taking snaps from a two-point stance and also inside at tackle – and furthered his resume as one of the most physically gifted prospects in America.

LSU is battling Ohio State, USC and Oregon for the five-star DL.

*****

3. Daverin “Deuce” Geralds

DT Daverin Geralds, No. 28 in the 2026 Rivals250, could not be contained at the RCS stop in Atlanta. The Suwanee (Ga.) Collins Hill four-star interior lineman has NFL bloodlines and it showed with devastating first-step quickness and an elite-level motor inside as a pass-rusher.

Geralds, affectionately known as “Deuce,” also possesses strong hands and arms and plays downhill in a big way.

Auburn, LSU and Ole Miss are some SEC programs in the thick of this race.

*****

4. Aiden Harris

DE Aiden Harris passed the eye test in a big way at RCS Charlotte. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder went to work inside and also off the edge overpowering opposing tackles and also using his hands well with an array of pass-rush moves to win.

Harris is long – with a 79.5-inch wingspan – and his blend of length and power was devastating in use from multiple spots across the front.

Georgia, Oregon and Ohio State are all in play here.

*****

5. Ethan Utley (Tennessee commit)

Ethan Utley

Ethan Utley

Tennessee four-star DE commitment Ethan Utley popped in a big way during RCS Indianapolis. Utley carries 275 pounds extremely well for a pass-rusher who thrives off the edge.

During camp, the future Vol out of Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth High showcased an array of different pass-rush moves and was extremely twitchy and forceful working inside and out. He plays downhill and flies around the bend.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH TENNESSEE FANS AT VOLREPORT.COM

*****

6. James “Tank” Carrington

DT James Carrington was a force working off the edge during RCS Los Angeles. The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder from Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman plays downhill and has strong hands, and was really impressive jumping off the ball and also bending around the edge in L.A.

The No. 2 defensive tackle in next year’s recruiting cycle, Carrington is position versatile and pops in a big way.

Florida State is battling Oregon and a few others for Carrington, also affectionately known as “Tank.”

*****

7. Zion Grady

Zion Grady

Zion Grady

DE Zion Grady was right in the thick of the MVP discussion after turning heads with his performance at RCS Atlanta. One of the nation’s best out of the Yellowhammer State was firing off the line from a two-point stance and multiple spots up front with his hand in the dirt.

He plays downhill at 100 mph with an array of different pass-rush moves at his disposal. Grady is twitchy and position-versatile, and in this setting, was consistently forcing the issue.

Florida State, Miami and Auburn have all hosted Grady for official visits in June. Tennessee and Ohio State are next up.

*****

8. Zion Elee

Zion Elee

Zion Elee

DE Zion Elee was a sight to be seen at RCS Charlotte. One of the top pass-rushers in next year’s cycle out of Joppa (Md.) Joppatowne High, Elee checks off a ton of critical boxes in terms of frame (6-foot-3, 220 pounds), length (80-inch wingspan) and get-off. Elee showcased that explosive first step from a two-point stance and also with a hand in the dirt.

He changes direction with ease and is sudden, making it look seamless for the EDGE defender.

Penn State just had Elee on campus. Alabama and Ohio State will get him in town next.

*****

9. Josiah Sharma

Josiah Sharma

Josiah Sharma

Rivals250 DT Josiah Sharma was a stock-up performer after showing out at RCS LA earlier this spring. Sharma is every bit of 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds with the frame and build to command attention in the middle of the defensive line.

The No. 12 DT out of Folsom (Calif.) moves well for his size and has good body control. He used his immense power to his advantage against guards and centers.

Miami, Alabama and Texas are all in play here.

*****

10. Dylan Berymon

Dylan Berymon

Dylan Berymon

After turning heads as a powerful interior pass-rusher at RCS Dallas, Dylan Berymon made the leap into the Rivals250 for the 2026 class. Berymon, who hails from Monroe (La.) Ouachita in North Louisiana, is a massive bull in the middle of the defensive front.

At 6-foot-2 and 300 pounds, Berymon fires off the ball and plays low. He’s constantly causing problems behind the line of scrimmage, forcing the issue with a very physical play style.

Oregon, Texas and LSU headline the early favorites for the bull-dozing DT from The Boot.

*****

RIVALS CAMP SERIES REGIONAL COVERAGE

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T20 World Cup 2026 Automatic Qualification: Which teams have qualified automatically for tournament in India and Sri Lanka?

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The 2026 T20 World Cup, to he held in India and Sri Lanka, will also be a 20-team tournament, just like the 2024 edition. A total of 12 teams will qualify for the tournament automatically, including hosts India and Sri Lanka.

All the teams that qualify for the Super Eight stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament, while the other spots will be decided based on the ICC rankings as of June 30, 2024.

So far, United States of America, Australia, Afghanistan, West Indies and South Africa have qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026 by virtue of making it to the Super Eight of the 2024 edition. By the time all the Super Eight spots are booked, nine teams will have secured automatic qualification (Super Eight teams + Sri Lanka). The Lankans failed to make it to the Super Eight but have qualified for the next T20 World Cup by virtue of being co-host.

With nine automatic spots booked, three teams will rely on ICC T20I rankings for qualifying for the next event.

The rest of the eight spots will be decided via the regional qualifiers tournaments.

TEAMS THAT HAVE QUALIFIED FOR T20 WORLD CUP 2026

India, Sri Lanka, United States of America, Australia, Afghanistan, West Indies and South Africa.

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BEL vs SVK, Euro 2024: Belgium keeps injuries under wrap ahead of Slovakia clash

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Belgium remained tight-lipped over its injury woes in defence but let slip the fact that Axel Witsel had returned to individual training ahead of its Euro 2024 Group E opener against Slovakia in Frankfurt on Monday.

Belgium held a closed training session on Saturday and journalists were asked not to pose questions about the players’ fitness at a media conference later in the day, though right back Timothy Castagne confirmed that Witsel, who had pulled out of training on Friday, had done an individual session.

Witsel was called out of retirement for the tournament as a centre back having been converted from midfield at Atletico Madrid this season.

There was no response to questions about the fitness of Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate and their absence, along with Witsel’s, poses a potential crisis at the back for coach Domenico Tedesco.

READ MORE: Belgium in EURO 2024: Team guide, full squad, match timings, live streaming info, preview

“I’m not worried about the fact that there are some absentees. Everyone who will play is ready, there is enough quality,” Castagne told reporters.

Wout Faes and 20-year-old Zeno Debast are the other specialist centre backs in the squad and Castagne, with 43 caps since 2018, is ready to take a leadership role in defence.

“I’m the most experienced player at the back. I always talk, but now I must do so even more. Of course, when I’m on the right, I can’t talk to the left back. When there is a pause in the game I use that time to make adjustments.”

Castagne said there was no instruction from Tedesco to take things easy in training but admitted that the last thing the team needed were more injury problems.

“We give it our all, we were not extra careful because there are a lot of injured players. But of course, we won’t do stupid things. There’s no point in making unnecessary tackles.”

Even with a depleted backline, Castagne believes there is enough quality in the Belgium side for them to win a maiden Euro title, having been runners-up to West Germany in 1980.

“The group is a good mix of experience and youth. I’m not here to prove to you that we have a chance, it has to happen on the pitch.

“We don’t care if the outside world see us as a favourite (or not). The most important thing is that we believe that we can achieve something beautiful.”

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Ex-Patriots coach Bill Belichick, 72, dating 24-year-old former cheerleader: report

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It seems like Bill Belichick will be doing just fine off the NFL sidelines this season.

After he spent the previous 24 seasons as the New England Patriots head coach, the two sides parted ways earlier this year.

Belichick went on interviews in the offseason, but ultimately it led to nothing, and he will be off the field for the first time since 1975.

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Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson

Bill Belichick, 72, is reportedly dating 24-year-old Jordon Hudson. (Instagram/Getty Images)

However, the good news is that something at home will keep him young: his reported 24-year-old girlfriend.

TMZ reports that Belichick is dating a former cheerleader, Jordon Hudson.

The outlet says they have been linked since his breakup with Linda Holliday in 2022, and they apparently met on a flight to Boston the year prior.

After chatting it up, the two exchanged contact information and became a bit more serious recently.

Belichick was spotted at a cheerleading competition in National Harbor, Maryland, apparently in support of Hudson.

He did not immediately respond to a request for comment or confirmation of the relationship.

Bill Belichick looks on from podium

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during a press conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on January 11, 2024. Belichick, the NFL mastermind who guided the New England Patriots to a record six Super Bowl titles as head coach, parted ways with the team after 24 seasons.  (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)

Hudson was at Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony earlier this week.

Hudson is a “philosopher” and “entrepreneur,” according to her Instagram bio.

Perhaps this relationship is something Rob Gronkowski was foreshadowing at the Brady roast.

“Coach, you used to talk about Foxborough High School when we sucked, but now I know why you were so obsessed with Foxborough High School,” Gronk began. “You were scouting … your new girlfriend!”

Julian Edelman let out quite the gasp, while Belichick couldn’t help but laugh.

EX-PATRIOTS COACH BILL BELICHICK LANDS NEW GIG WITH ‘MANNINGCAST’

“My joke wasn’t f—ed up – that’s f—ed up.”

The two have not publicly commented on whether they are officially an item or not, but they’ve been spotted together before, and now it seems like lots of the jokes flew over everyone’s heads.

Bill Belichick prepares

View of New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium. (Simon Bruty /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

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Belichick will be on “The Pat McAfee Show” throughout the NFL season and will be a more prominent guest on ESPN’s “ManningCast” with Peyton and Eli Manning.

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Hungary vs Switzerland, Euro 2024: Who is Milos Kerkez, youngest player to play for Hungary in Euros in 60 years?

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At just 20 years and 221 days old, Milos Kerkez became the youngest player to appear for Hungary at the Euros in 60 years.

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