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Conquer the Copa América: A Guide to the Teams with the Most Titles

Who Holds the Most Copa América Titles? | StarBet

Conquer the Copa América: A Guide to the Teams with the Most Titles

The Copa América, established in 1916, is the oldest international football tournament globally. With an eye on the final of the 2024 edition, let’s delve into the history of the competition, specifically focusing on the teams with the most Copa América titles.

Who Has Won the Most Copa America Titles?

While many countries have participated in the Copa América over the years, two nations stand out as the most decorated: Argentina and Uruguay. Both teams boast an impressive 15 Copa América titles each, solidifying their positions as the competition’s most successful teams.

  • Argentina’s Legacy: Argentina, the current champions, have a long and illustrious history in Copa América. Led by the legendary Lionel Messi, they consistently challenge for the title, adding to their already impressive trophy haul.
  • Uruguay’s Dominance: Uruguay, with their rich football heritage, matches Argentina’s title count. Uruguay, known for its tactical brilliance and tough performances, remains a difficult team to beat at every tournament.
  • Brazil’s Pursuit: While not at the top of the leaderboard, Brazil remains a major contender with 9 Copa América titles. Often referred to as the “Seleção,” they consistently showcase their exceptional footballing talent and ambition to become the continent’s ultimate champion.

A Look at the Champions

Several other countries have etched their names onto the Copa América trophy:

  • Argentina: 15 titles (1921, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1937, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1955, 1957, 1959-I, 1991, 1993, 2021)
  • Uruguay: 15 titles (1916, 1917, 1920, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935, 1942, 1956, 1959-II, 1967, 1983, 1987, 1995, 2011)
  • Brazil: 9 titles (1919, 1922, 1949, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007, 2019)
  • Paraguay: 2 titles (1953, 1979)
  • Chile: 2 titles (2015, 2016)
  • Peru: 2 titles (1939, 1975)
  • Colombia: 1 title (2001)
  • Bolivia: 1 title (1963)

Copa America 2024: The Favorites

The competition will get tougher as we move closer to the end of 2024 edition. These are some of the top contenders:

  • Argentina: With 15 titles and the reigning champions, Argentina starts as the favorite. The Albiceleste, led by Messi, have the experience and talent to secure another victory.
  • Uruguay: Uruguay, under the guidance of coach Marcelo Bielsa, is another strong candidate. Their tactical discipline and determination make them a team to watch.
  • Colombia: Colombia, with their passionate fanbase and talented squad, are the dark horses. They aim to surprise everyone and clinch their second title.

Who Will Rise to the Top?

The 2024 Copa América has already delivered exciting matches and outstanding performances. With Argentina, Canada, Uruguay, and Colombia all in contention, fans eagerly await to see who will be crowned the next champion.

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Football

Predictions 29.06 – 02.07.2024

Predictions 29.06 – 03.07.2024

Paraguay vs Brazil | Copa America (29/06/2024, 02:00)

After a 2-1 loss to Colombia in their opening match, Paraguay faces a critical moment in their Copa América campaign, needing victories in their remaining Group D games to advance. However, their next opponent is Brazil, a team they have struggled against significantly, failing to defeat them in regulation time in their last nine encounters since 2008. In fact, they have not scored against Brazil in their last four matches.

Scoring has been a persistent issue for Paraguay beyond just matches against Brazil. They have only managed to score three times in their last ten matches, with only one goal coming before half-time. Under coach Daniel Garnero, they have won just two out of eight matches, highlighting the challenges they face in this tournament.

Brazil, on the other hand, started their Copa América campaign disappointingly with a goalless draw against Costa Rica, despite dominating with 19 shots and 70% possession. This result extended their unbeaten streak under coach Dorival Júnior (W2, D3), but raised doubts among fans about their ability to reach another Copa América final.

Facing Paraguay might provide Brazil with an opportunity to regain momentum. They comfortably defeated Paraguay 4-0 in their last meeting in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier in February 2022, and have led at half-time in their last two encounters. This history suggests that Brazil may consider an aggressive approach early on in their upcoming match in Las Vegas, aiming to assert their dominance early in the tournament.

 

Form Guide

Paraguay DLDLWL 

Paraguay will seek improvement in their next outing following a 2-1 loss to Colombia in the Copa America.

During that match, Paraguay held 32% possession and managed 12 shots on goal, with 3 on target. Julio César Enciso scored their lone goal in the 69th minute. Colombia, on the other hand, had 11 attempts on goal, with 3 on target, and goals from Daniel Muñoz (32′) and Jefferson Lerma (42′).

Paraguay has struggled offensively in recent games, scoring just 2 goals in their last six matches. Additionally, they have conceded a total of 6 goals during this period against opposing teams.

 

Brazil LWDWDD

In their last Copa America fixture, Brazil played to a goalless draw against Costa Rica.

Brazil dominated possession with 74% and had 19 attempts on goal, but only managed 3 shots on target. Conversely, Costa Rica had 2 shots on goal, none of which were on target.

Recent statistics reveal that Brazil has conceded goals in 5 of their last 6 matches, with opponents scoring a total of 9 goals against them. Defensively, Brazil has shown vulnerabilities and has not been flawless at the back.

 

Paraguay vs Brazil Predicted XI

Paraguay Predicted XI: Morinigo; Velazquez, Balbuena, Alderete, Espinoza; Villasanti, Cubas, Caballero; Almiron, Arce, Enciso

Brazil Predicted XI: Alisson; Arana, Marquinhos, Militao, Danilo; Gomes, Guimaraes; Rodrygo, Paqueta, Raphinha; Junior

 

Prediction

We expect Brazil to score at least once when they face Paraguay, who may struggle to find the back of the net themselves.

Therefore, we predict a comfortable 2-0 victory for Brazil when the full-time whistle blows.

Switzerland vs Italy | Euro 2024 (29/06/2024, 17:00)

The first Round of 16 clash in Euro 2024 takes us to Berlin, where Switzerland, the runners-up of Group A, will face Italy, the second-placed team from Group B. Switzerland’s path to this stage hasn’t been smooth. Their final warm-up match (a 1-1 draw with Austria) marked the beginning of a four-game streak without a clean sheet (W1, D3), though they managed to come from behind to draw twice during this period.

Another draw in this match would lead to extra time and possibly penalties. This might be seen as a positive outcome for Switzerland, considering their previous tournament encounter with Italy ended in a 3-0 defeat during the Euro 2020 group stage. However, it’s worth noting that Switzerland’s last two Euro knockout exits followed 1-1 draws in regular time, eventually losing in penalty shootouts.

Defending champions Italy seemed headed for an early exit from the tournament until Mattia Zaccagni scored a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer against Croatia, securing their spot in second place. This extended Italy’s record to just one loss in their last nine international matches (W5, D3). Despite an underwhelming performance so far, Italy has a solid foundation to build on in their fifth consecutive appearance in the Euro knockout stages.

Italy has never been eliminated in the Round of 16 since its introduction in Euro 2016. Their last exit in the first knockout round was in 2008, following a penalty shootout defeat to Spain. Notably, two of Italy’s three opening knockout games at European Championships since then have required extra time, indicating that this match could be another closely contested affair that goes the distance.

 

Form Guide

Switzerland WWDWDD

Switzerland comes into this match off the back of a 1-1 draw against Germany in Euro 2024.

In that game, Switzerland held 34% possession and managed 4 shots on goal, with 3 on target. Dan Ndoye scored for Switzerland in the 28th minute. Germany, on the other hand, had 18 shots with 3 on target, with Niklas Füllkrug netting a late equalizer in the 92nd minute.

Switzerland has been consistently finding the net, scoring in each of their last six matches. During this period, they have scored 11 goals and conceded 4.

 

Italy WDWWLD

Italy’s most recent outing resulted in a 1-1 draw against Croatia in Euro 2024.

In that match, Italy had 53% possession and took 13 shots at goal, with 3 on target. Mattia Zaccagni scored for Italy in the 98th minute. Croatia had 6 attempts on goal, with 4 on target, and Luka Modrić scored in the 55th minute.

Interestingly, Italy’s recent games have often featured clean sheets for at least one team. In their last six matches, this has been the case five times. Across these games, Italy’s opponents have scored a total of 2 goals, while Italy has netted 5 times.

 

Switzerland vs Italy Predicted XI

Switzerland Predicted XI:  Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Stergiou, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer; Ndoye, Vargas; Embolo

Italy Predicted XI: Donnarumma; Darmian, Mancini, Bastoni; Di Lorenzo, Barella, Jorginho, Pellegrini, Dimarco; Chiesa, Scamacca

 

Prediction

In this scenario, it appears Switzerland will need a concerted team effort to breach Italy’s defense, while Italy is expected to score and maintain their lead. A closely contested match is anticipated, culminating in a 1-0 victory for Italy.

Germany vs Denmark  | Euro 2024 (29/06/2024, 20:00)

Germany, once dismissed earlier this year due to a string of poor results in 2023, have now emerged as serious contenders for the Euro 2024 title as hosts. Under Julian Nagelsmann’s leadership, they convincingly topped Group A. They showcased their versatility throughout the group stage, notably with a resounding 5-1 victory over Scotland, a clinical 2-0 win against Hungary, and a resilient last-minute equalizer in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

Their unbeaten streak now extends to seven games this year, underpinned by a great defense that hasn’t conceded more than once in any of these matches. This solid form positions Die Mannschaft well as they prepare to face Denmark in the Round of 16 at Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park, aiming to reach the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time since Euro 2016.

Denmark, aiming to replicate their Euro 2020 success where they reached the semi-finals, have had a more subdued campaign this time, securing second place in Group C with three draws, narrowly edging out Slovenia on disciplinary grounds after both teams finished level on points, goal difference, and goals scored.

Their reward is a rematch of the 1992 European Championship final against Germany, where they famously won 2-0 to claim their sole major trophy. However, recent head-to-head encounters have not been as favorable for Denmark, with just two wins in eight meetings since that triumph. Recreating history in Dortmund will be a challenging task.

 

Form Guide

Germany WDWWWD

Germany heads into this upcoming match following a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Euro 2024.

In that match, Germany dominated possession with 66% and launched 18 attempts on goal, managing 3 shots on target. Niklas Füllkrug found the net for Germany in the 92nd minute. Switzerland, on the other hand, had 4 shots on goal, with 3 on target, and Dan Ndoye scored in the 28th minute.

Germany’s recent defensive efforts have been commendable. They have been solid at the back, conceding only 4 goals in their last six matches.

 

Denmark WWWDDD

Denmark’s most recent outing in Euro 2024 ended in a goalless draw against Serbia.

During the match, Denmark held 53% possession and registered 10 shots on goal, with 3 on target. Serbia, meanwhile, managed 5 shots on goal, with 1 on target.

Denmark’s defense has shown resilience in recent matches, conceding a total of 4 goals in their last 6 fixtures. In contrast, they have scored 9 goals during the same period, highlighting their balanced approach.

 

Germany vs Denmark  Predicted XI

Germany Predicted XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Rüdiger, Schlotterbeck, Mittelstädt; Andrich, Kroos; Musiala, Gündoğan, Wirtz; Havertz

Denmark Predicted XI: Schmeichel; Andersen, Vestergaard Christensen; Kristiansen, Nørgaard, Eriksen, Højbjerg, Bah; Højlund, Poulsen

 

Prediction

We anticipate that Germany will capitalize on numerous goal-scoring chances. Conversely, Denmark may struggle to score, though we believe they are likely to find the back of the net as well. Therefore, we predict a convincing 3-1 victory for Germany when the final whistle blows.

England vs Slovakia | Euro 2024 (30/06/2024, 17:00)

While England fans harbor hopes of football “coming home,” their path to the final has been perceived as fortuitous, despite lackluster performances in the group stage. Criticism of manager Gareth Southgate has mounted following three below-par displays in Group C, yet the Three Lions managed to top the group and now face Slovakia in the next round.

England and Slovakia have become familiar opponents since the early 2000s, with England boasting a strong record in their six head-to-head encounters. Despite this, memories of Euro 2016 haunt them, where these teams played out a goalless draw in the group stage and England subsequently suffered a shocking elimination at this stage at the hands of Iceland.

Slovakia, playing as underdogs and aiming to advance further in a European Championship than ever before as an independent nation, earned their spot in the knockout stage after finishing third in Group E. Their triumph over a higher-ranked Belgium side in the group opener (1-0) exemplifies their capability. Now facing tournament favorites England in Gelsenkirchen for the first time in this competition, Slovakia seeks their first-ever victory against their opponents.

Throughout Euro 2024, Slovakia has relied on early goals, scoring exactly once in each of their three matches, all within the first half-hour. They will likely need a similar feat against England, relying on their defensive solidity and efficient use of opportunities to secure a historic win.

 

Form Guide

England DWLWDD

England heads into their upcoming fixture following a goalless draw against Slovenia in Euro 2024.

In that match, England dominated possession with 74% and registered 12 shots on goal, with 4 on target. Slovenia, in contrast, managed 4 attempts at goal, with only 1 shot on target.

Recent performances underscore the solidity of England’s defense. They have been tough to breach, conceding just 4 goals in their last 6 matches.

 

Slovakia DWWWLD

In their last Euro 2024 match, Slovakia played to a 1-1 draw against Romania.

Slovakia held 58% possession and took 13 attempts at goal, with 4 on target. Ondrej Duda scored the solitary goal for Slovakia in the 24th minute. Romania, meanwhile, had 9 shots on goal, with 5 on target, and Răzvan Marin found the net in the 37th minute.

Slovakia’s defensive unit has demonstrated resilience in recent fixtures, conceding a total of 4 goals in their last 6 matches. Conversely, their attacking prowess has resulted in 12 goals during the same period.

 

England vs Slovakia Predicted XI

England Predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Guehi, Stones, Trippier; Rice, Mainoo; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Slovakia Predicted XI: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin.

 

Prediction

It appears Slovakia will face significant challenges in scoring against an England team expected to dominate the match.

Therefore, we predict a comfortable 3-0 victory for England by the end of the match.

Spain vs Georgia | Euro 2024 (30/06/2024, 20:00)

Spain, often overlooked in Euro 2024 predictions, emerged as the standout team in the group stage. They navigated through the challenging ‘group of death’, which included Italy and Croatia, with ease by winning all three matches – a feat unmatched by any other team in the tournament. Remarkably, it was the first time in their history at a major tournament that La Roja went through the entire group stage without conceding a goal, establishing themselves as strong contenders for the title as they enter the knockout phase.

Despite their impressive group stage performance, the path to Berlin poses challenges for Luis de la Fuente’s squad. Spain finds themselves in a daunting section of the draw alongside powerhouses like Germany, Portugal, and France. Their first opponent in the Round of 16, however, is Georgia – the lowest-ranked nation at the finals – a team against whom Spain has won all six previous competitive meetings, scoring 19 goals while conceding only 3.

Making their major tournament debut as an independent nation, Georgia has defied expectations by reaching the knockout stage after a thrilling group campaign. Under Willy Sagnol’s guidance, they secured their spot in the Round of 16 with a historic 2-0 victory over a second-string Portugal side, arguably the most significant result in their footballing history.

A victory against Spain in Cologne would undoubtedly surpass their achievement against Portugal. Despite being clear underdogs in this encounter, Georgia demonstrated their resilience in the win over Portugal, relying on solid defense even with just 28% possession – the lowest possession in a winning effort at the Euros since records began in 1980.

 

Form Guide

Spain DWWWWW

Spain aims to continue their winning streak following a 1-0 triumph over Albania in Euro 2024.

During the match, Spain controlled 59% of possession and registered 16 attempts on goal, with 3 shots on target. Ferrán Torres scored the decisive goal for Spain in the 13th minute. Albania, meanwhile, managed 10 attempts on goal, with 4 shots on target.

Spain has shown formidable attacking prowess recently, scoring a total of 18 goals in their last 6 outings. Conversely, they have conceded just 4 goals during this period.

 

Georgia WDWLDW

Georgia heads into this game on the back of a notable 2-0 victory over Portugal in Euro 2024.

In that match, Georgia had 28% possession and managed 7 attempts on goal, with 3 shots on target. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring early in the 2nd minute, followed by Georges Mikautadze finding the net in the 57th minute. On the contrary, Portugal had 22 shots at goal, with 5 on target.

In their most recent six matches, under Willy Sagnol’s management, Georgia has scored a total of 8 goals, resulting in an average of 1.33 goals per game.

 

Spain vs Georgia Predicted XI

Spain Predicted XI: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams

Georgia Predicted XI: Mamardashvili, Kashia, Kverkvelia, Kakabadze, Dvali, Kochorashvili, Chakvetadze, Tsitaishvili, Mekvabishvili, Kvaratskhelia & Mikautadze

 

Prediction

We believe Spain will likely dominate possession and convert several of their chances into goals.

On the other hand, Georgia may find it challenging to score but could pose occasional threats as well.

Therefore, we predict Spain to secure a solid 3-1 victory by the end of the match.

France vs Belgium | Euro 2024 (01/07/2024, 17:00)

The standout fixture in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024 sees neighboring rivals France and Belgium clashing at Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf on Monday, vying for a place in the quarter-finals. This encounter marks the 76th time these two nations have met, making it the most frequent fixture in France’s international history, where they have generally had the upper hand.

Under Didier Deschamps, France has lost only once in their last six head-to-head matches against Belgium (winning three and drawing two). Belgium, finishing second in Group E, also faced scoring issues. A surprising 1-0 defeat to Slovakia in their opener could have spelled disaster if not for their quick rebound, securing a 2-0 win over Romania. However, their final group game ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw with Ukraine, making Group E the first in Euros history where every team finished on four points.

Belgium’s overall form, however, suggests they might prevail in this match, having lost just once in their last 18 internationals (winning 11 and drawing six). Their solid defense, with 12 clean sheets in those matches, could be crucial, though overcoming the seven goals conceded in their last three encounters with France will be a significant challenge.

 

Form Guide

France WWDWDD

France comes into this match following a 1-1 draw against Poland in their Euro 2024 campaign. In that game, France controlled 58% of the possession and made 19 attempts on goal, with 8 on target. Kylian Mbappé was the lone scorer for France, netting in the 56th minute. Poland, on the other hand, had 10 shots on goal, with 3 on target, and Robert Lewandowski equalized for them in the 79th minute.

Recent results indicate that France’s defense has been particularly robust. Over their last six matches, they have conceded just 3 goals, showcasing the solidity of their backline.

 

Belgium DWWLWD

In their most recent match, Belgium played to a 0-0 draw against Ukraine in the Euro 2024 tournament. Belgium dominated possession with 60% and had 11 shots on goal, 4 of which were on target. Ukraine, meanwhile, had 13 attempts on goal, also with 4 on target.

A trend has emerged in Belgium’s recent games, with at least one team keeping a clean sheet in five of their last six matches. During these encounters, Belgium has conceded just 3 goals while scoring 9, highlighting their strong defensive performances.

 

France vs Belgium Predicted XI

France Predicted XI: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Thuram, Mbappe

Belgium Predicted XI: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Tielemans, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Carrasco; Lukaku

 

Prediction

We believe that Belgium will face a significant challenge in breaking down France’s defense, while France is likely to find the back of the net at least once.

Therefore, we are predicting a closely contested match with France emerging victorious by a narrow 1-0 margin.

Portugal vs Slovenia | Euro 2024 (01/07/2024, 20:00)

A dramatic last-minute victory against the Czech Republic, coupled with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Turkey, propelled Portugal to a strong start in Euro 2024. This allowed manager Roberto Martínez to rotate his squad for the final group match against Georgia, which resulted in a 2-0 loss. Despite this setback, Portugal maintained their perfect record of reaching the knockout stages in every Euro they’ve participated in (9/9), clinching the top spot in their group.

This set the stage for a clash with Slovenia, a team that might unsettle the Portuguese camp after handing Martínez his first defeat as Portugal’s manager back in March with a 2-0 result. Portugal will not only be seeking revenge but also aiming to advance further than they did in the 2020 tournament, where they were knocked out at this same stage. The prospect of a blockbuster quarter-final against either France or Belgium adds to the pressure.

While Portugal is accustomed to reaching this stage, Slovenia made history by securing their first-ever knockout stage appearance after holding England to a 0-0 draw. This extended their unbeaten streak in 2024 to eight matches (three wins and five draws), with their last defeat coming against Denmark in November 2023.

Draws have been a recurring theme for Matjaž Kek’s squad, with their last four matches all ending in stalemates. Slovenia’s record in the Euros includes five draws in six games, resulting in an 83% draw ratio, the highest in the tournament’s history.

 

Form Guide

Portugal WLWWWL

Portugal will be seeking a better outcome following their 2-0 defeat to Georgia in their most recent Euro 2024 match.

In that game, Portugal controlled 72% of the possession and had 22 attempts on goal, with 5 on target. Georgia, on the other hand, had 7 shots on goal, with 3 on target, and goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (2′) and Georges Mikautadze (57′) sealed their victory.

Interestingly, Portugal’s recent matches have been high-scoring affairs, with at least three goals recorded in 5 of their last 6 games. During this period, Portugal has conceded 6 goals while scoring 13 themselves.

 

Slovenia WWDDDD

Previously, Slovenia held England to a 0-0 draw in their Euro 2024 match.

In that game, Slovenia had just 26% possession and 4 attempts on goal, with 1 on target. Meanwhile, England managed 12 shots on goal, with 4 on target.

Slovenia’s defense has been impressive lately, conceding only 4 goals in their last 6 matches. During this same period, they have scored 7 goals.

 

Portugal vs Slovenia Predicted XI

Portugal Predicted XI: Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Pepe, Nuno Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Rafael Leão, Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva

Slovenia Predicted XI: Oblak; Karničnik, Drkušić, Bijol, Balkovec; Stojanović, Elšnik, Gnezda Čerin, Mlakar; Šporar, Šeško

 

Prediction

For this upcoming match, we believe Portugal is likely to score a couple of goals against Slovenia, who may struggle to find the net.

Therefore, we predict a comfortable 2-0 victory for Portugal.

Romania vs Netherlands | Euro 2024 (02/07/2024, 17:00)

Amidst a vibrant sea of yellow in Frankfurt, Romania’s players answered the pre-game rallying cry of manager Edward Iordănescu, achieving what he called “a historic moment” by advancing past the group stage of a European Championship for the first time since 2000. Iordănescu vehemently denied accusations that their 1-1 draw with Slovakia was manipulated to benefit both teams, pointing to the match’s intensity and the total shot count of 22 as proof of a genuine contest.

Thanks to earning points in two of their three group stage matches (W1, D1, L1), all while being considered underdogs, Romania has secured a matchup with the Netherlands – Europe’s fifth-ranked team according to FIFA. Iordănescu’s squad will be aiming to make a better impression than in their 2-0 loss to Belgium in the group stage, which marked their sixth straight defeat against any of FIFA’s top ten teams.

Their Round of 16 opponents, who finished with the same points total (four) as Romania but qualified as the best third-placed team out of six groups, recently saw their five-game unbeaten streak, in competitive play end with a 3-2 loss to Ralf Rangnick’s Austria. This defeat prompted a furious response from head coach Ronald Koeman, who called the performance “appalling” and “awful,” indicating he will take significant measures to prevent a repeat. Reflecting on the previous Euros, where the Dutch were surprisingly knocked out in the Round of 16 by the Czech Republic in 2021, Koeman’s team cannot afford any complacency in this potentially tricky fixture.

 

Form Guide

Romania LDDWLD

Romania enters this game following a 1-1 draw against Slovakia in their Euro 2024 match. In that game, Romania had 42% possession and nine attempts on goal, with five on target. Răzvan Marin scored for Romania in the 37th minute. Slovakia had 13 attempts on goal, with four on target, and Ondrej Duda scored in the 24th minute.

Edward Iordănescu’s team has scored a total of six goals in their last six matches, conceding the same number in those fixtures.

 

Netherlands LWWWDL

After a disappointing loss to Austria in their last Euro 2024 game, the Netherlands and their supporters are eager for a better outcome this time. In that match, the Netherlands had 53% possession and 11 shots at goal, with two on target. Donyell Malen scored an own goal in the 6th minute, while Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay scored in the 47th and 75th minutes, respectively. Austria had nine attempts on goal, with five on target, with goals from Romano Schmid and Marcel Sabitzer.

In five of their last six games, the Netherlands has seen at least three goals scored per match, with an average of 3.17 goals per game. The Dutch have averaged 2.17 goals per game during this period.

 

Romania vs Netherlands Predicted XI

Romania Predicted XI: Nita; Mogos, Dragusin, Burca, Ratiu; R. Marin, S. Marin, Stanciu; Hagi, Dragus, Coman

Netherlands Predicted XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Reijnders, Schouten; Frimpong, Simons, Gakpo; Depay

 

Prediction

We believe the Netherlands will likely generate enough opportunities to score multiple times against Romania, who might find it challenging to score.

Our prediction is a solid 2-0 victory for the Netherlands by the end of the match.

Austria vs Turkey | Euro 2024 (02/07/2024, 20:00)

Few predicted Austria as likely winners of a Euro 2024 group that included the formidable France and the Netherlands. However, Ralf Rangnick’s team stormed through, winning their final two games to secure their place in the knockouts. This is their second visit to this stage, having suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat after extra time to eventual winners Italy in 2021.

Their reward for topping Group B is a match with Turkey, a national team they hammered 6-1 in a friendly in March but haven’t beaten in a competitive fixture since November 1988. However, having just defeated the Netherlands 3-2 and only losing one of their last ten fixtures, Rangnick’s side probably won’t dwell on that historic head-to-head record for too long.

Turkey might draw inspiration from history as they seek the consistency needed to continue in the tournament. In the knockouts for the first time since 2008—when Austria were co-hosts—their late winner against the Czech Republic (2-1) secured second place in Group F, helping them avoid Spain in the last 16.

Manager Vincenzo Montella, part of the Italy squad that reached the Euro 2000 final, praised his players for responding well to criticism after their defeat to Portugal (3-0). However, he’ll want to see more progress following an up-and-down group stage. The Crescent-Stars arrived at the Euros having won none of their previous five games, including that 6-1 humbling in Vienna.

 

Form Guide

Austria WWDLWW

Austria, following their 3-2 Euro 2024 triumph against the Netherlands, will be hoping for more of the same.

In that game, Austria had 47% possession and 9 shots at goal with 5 on target. Goals were scored by Romano Schmid (59′) and Marcel Sabitzer (80′). The Netherlands had 11 shots at goal with 2 on target, with Donyell Malen (6′ own goal), Cody Gakpo (47′), and Memphis Depay (75′) scoring for the Netherlands.

Austria have been conceding frequently lately but have also managed to score themselves. Over their last 6 matches, Austria have conceded in all of them while scoring in 5 of those matches.

 

Turkey LDLWLW

Turkey comes into this encounter after a 2-1 Euro 2024 win against the Czech Republic in their previous game.

In that match, Turkey had 68% possession and 18 shots at goal with 5 on target. Goals were scored by Hakan Çalhanoğlu (51′) and Cenk Tosun (94′). The Czech Republic had 12 attempts at goal with 7 on target, with Tomáš Souček (66′) scoring for them.

In 5 of their previous 6 matches, three or more goals have been scored. The average number of goals per game in that spell is 3.33, with Turkey averaging 1.17 goals per game.

 

Austria vs Turkey Predicted XI

Austria Predicted XI: Pentz; Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Mwene; Seiwald, Grillitsch; Schmid, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic

Turkey Predicted XI: Gunok; Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Yuksek, Yokuslu; Kahveci, Guler, Yildiz; Yilmaz

 

Prediction

Turkey may manage to score against Austria, but they might concede more goals.

Our prediction is a very close game with a 2-1 win for Austria at the end of the 90 minutes. Let’s see how this one goes!

Brazil vs Colombia | Copa America (03/07/2024, 02:00)

Brazil bounced back from a disappointing opening draw with a convincing 4-1 win over Paraguay. They need just a point to secure a quarter-final berth, but will aim for a win to top the group and avoid a potential clash with Uruguay later.

Despite a recent dip in form, Brazil boasts a six-game unbeaten run in 2024 and holds a dominant historical record against Colombia (W21, D11, L4). However, their last meeting in November resulted in a defeat, highlighting Colombia’s growing threat.

Colombia, on the other hand, is riding a remarkable 25-game unbeaten streak dating back to February 2022. Their 3-0 win over Costa Rica secured their passage to the knockout stage and extended their winning run to 10 consecutive matches.

Néstor Lorenzo’s side needs a draw to win the group but will be eager to maintain their momentum. They aim to repeat their 2001 Copa América triumph and have reached the semi-finals twice in recent editions. A win here would be a significant statement against a major rival.

 

Form Guide

Brazil WDWDDW 

Fresh off a dominant 4-1 victory against Paraguay in the Copa America, Brazil seeks another win.

The Seleção controlled the match with 55% possession and peppered the goal with 17 shots, 6 on target. Vinicius Jr. (twice!), Savinho, and Lucas Paquetá found the net for Brazil. Paraguay didn’t go down without a fight, registering 15 shots with 6 on target, and Omar Alderete pulled one back in the second half.

Dorival Jr.’s squad boasts an impressive attacking record, scoring 8 goals in their last 6 games. However, their defense hasn’t been impenetrable, conceding 7 goals in that same period.

 

Colombia WWWWWW

Colombia are riding high after a dominant 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in their last Copa America outing. They controlled the game with a massive 64% possession and peppered the Costa Rican goal with 17 shots, finding the net 5 times. Luis Díaz got them started in the 31st minute, followed by goals from Davinson Sánchez (59′) and Jhon Córdoba (62′).

Colombia’s defense has been a rock in recent matches, conceding only 4 goals in their last 6 games. Meanwhile, their offense has been firing on all cylinders, scoring a whopping 17 goals in that same stretch.

 

Brazil vs Colombia Predicted XI

Brazil Predicted XI: Alisson; Danilo, Beraldo, Marquinhos, Arana; Guimaraes, Gomes; Savio, Pereira, Rodrygo; Endrick

Colombia Predicted XI: Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Cuesta, Machado; Castano, Uribe, Arias; Sinisterra, Duran, Diaz

 

Prediction

While Brazil is favored to score due to their attacking firepower, Colombia’s defense shouldn’t be underestimated. We anticipate a close encounter with Brazil edging out a 3-1 victory.

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Football

Top African Football Scorers of All Time: An Historical Journey

Top African Football Scorers: A Journey Through History | StarBet

Top African Football Scorers of All Time: An Historical Journey

African football boasts a rich history filled with legendary strikers whose talent and passion have captivated the world. While comparing players across eras can be challenging, let’s explore Africa’s top goal scorers for their national teams.

Kings of the Continent

  • Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon): A Cameroonian legend and top scorer, Eto’o boasts an impressive 56 goals in 118 appearances. He led Cameroon to two Africa Cup of Nations titles and an Olympic gold in 2000. Eto’o also holds the record for most goals scored in the Africa Cup of Nations, netting 18 times between 2000 and 2010.
  • Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast): The iconic Ivorian captain, Drogba, was a top scorer for his nation, accumulating 65 goals in 104 matches. While Ivory Coast never secured a trophy under his leadership, they came very close in the 2006 and 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals, losing both on penalties.
  • Hossam Hassan (Egypt): An Egyptian great and top scorer, Hassan scored 70 goals in 169 appearances. He remains a national hero for his contributions on both the club and international stage.

Beyond the Giants

  • Kinnah Phiri (Malawi): A Malawian icon, Phiri scored 71 goals in 115 matches. His leadership brought Malawi to consecutive Cecafa Cup victories in 1978 and 1979. He became an idol, earning the title of national hero among Malawians.
  • Godfrey Chitalu (Zambia, 108 caps: 79 goals): Zambia’s all-time top scorer, Chitalu, tragically had his career cut short. He scored an impressive 79 goals in 108 appearances. Even after his untimely passing in a plane crash in 1993, his legacy continues to inspire future generations of Zambian footballers.

A Bright Future for African Football

This list offers just a glimpse into Africa’s rich footballing history. The continent consistently produces world-class talent, and the future of African football is undoubtedly bright. With new stars emerging all the time, the race for the top scorer title promises to be an exciting one for years to come.

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Football

African Top 20 FIFA Ranking Evolution: An In-depth Analysis

African Top 20 FIFA Ranking Evolution: Discover the Latest Changes | StarBet

African Top 20 FIFA Ranking Evolution: An In-depth Analysis

The latest FIFA rankings, reflecting the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, have sparked a power shift amongst African football powerhouses. This analysis dives deep into the evolution of the Top 20 African teams in the FIFA rankings, exploring the factors driving their success.

Key Changes in the Latest Rankings

  • Cameroon’s Ascension: Cameroon has ascended by two positions on the global stage to stand 49th, thanks to a remarkable 4-1 win against Cape Verde and a 1-1 draw away to Angola. This performance is proof of their growing strength and strategy on the pitch.
  • Democratic Republic of Congo’s Improvement: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC) also moved up two places, to 61st place. This progress is the consequence of a 1-1 draw with Senegal and a 1-0 win against Togo, which demonstrate their resilience and tactical improvements.
  • Côte d’Ivoire’s Progress: The recent outings, including the victory over Gabon (1-0) and the drawn game with Kenya (0-0), are evidence that CIV emerged as steady improvers with consistent performances.

Top 20 African Teams in FIFA Rankings

  1. Morocco (12th globally)
  2. Senegal (18th globally)
  3. Egypt (36th globally)
  4. Côte d’Ivoire (37th globally)
  5. Nigeria (38th globally)
  6. Tunisia (41st globally)
  7. Algeria (44th globally)
  8. Cameroon (49th globally)
  9. Mali (50th globally)
  10. South Africa (59th globally)
  11. Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) (61st globally)
  12. Ghana (64th globally)
  13. Cape Verde (65th globally)
  14. Burkina Faso (67th globally)
  15. Guinea (77th globally)
  16. Gabon (83rd globally)
  17. Equatorial Guinea (89th globally)
  18. Zambia (90th globally)
  19. Benin (91st globally)
  20. Angola (92nd globally)

Factors Influencing the Rankings: Beyond Wins and Losses

Several factors influence a team’s FIFA ranking beyond just winning or losing matches:

  1. Match Performance: Recent victories and draws can significantly affect standings, as shown by Cameroon, RDC, and Côte d’Ivoire.
  2. Quality of Opponents: Winning against higher-ranked teams results in more points.
  3. Goals Scored and Conceded: The margin with which a team wins or loses greatly affects its ranking.
  4. Consistency: Teams that are consistent performers over time tend to have higher rankings.
  5. Tournament Participation: Participation and performance in crucial events such as the African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers are important.

Conclusion: A Brighter Future for African Football

African Top 20 FIFA ranking evolution captures the fluidity of football across the continent. Such countries as Cameroon, the DRC, and Côte d’Ivoire are at present advancing rapidly, showing much progress in their development and potential, respectively. With these teams’ developments, the African representation will be anticipated to be stronger on the global football scene going forward.

Categories
Football

Predictions 23 – 26.06.2024

Predictions 23 – 26.06.2024

Scotland vs Hungary | Euro 2024 (23/06/2024, 20:00)

The final round of matches in Group A at Euro 2024 is approaching, and both Scotland and Hungary must secure a win to keep their hopes alive for advancing to the knockout stages. Neither team has managed a victory in their first two matches. However, Scotland earned their first point with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Cologne on Wednesday, partially redeeming themselves from their heavy 5-1 loss to Germany in the opener.

Manager Steve Clarke’s approach seemed effective, but Scotland faces challenges heading into this crucial game. They are without key defender Kieran Tierney, who was injured during the match against Switzerland and will miss their first competitive encounter with Hungary. Scotland has a significant opportunity to qualify for the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time in their history, having failed to do so in 11 previous attempts.

Hungary, considered ‘dark horses’ before the tournament with only one loss in 16 matches leading up to Euro 2024 (10 wins, 5 draws), has disappointed with two consecutive two-goal defeats in the finals. Marco Rossi’s team remains hopeful despite their setbacks, drawing on the spirit from their impressive performance in the last Euros, where they narrowly missed advancing from a tough group with France, Portugal, and Germany.

Germany, who defeated Hungary 2-0 on Wednesday, also posed difficulties for them in the past. Rossi expressed frustration over refereeing decisions he perceived as biased, complicating Hungary’s rebound. They now face the challenge of breaking an eight-match winless streak at the Euros, having drawn 4 times and lost 4 times, with three of those losses resulting in them failing to score.

 

Form Guide

Scotland LLWDLD

Scotland go into this match after drawing 1-1 against Switzerland in Euro 2024.

During the game, Scotland held 48% possession and took 12 shots, with 3 on target. Scott McTominay (13′) scored the lone goal for Scotland. On the other hand, Switzerland had 11 attempts on goal, with 4 on target. Xherdan Shaqiri (26′) scored for Switzerland.

It’s been uncommon for Scotland to keep a clean sheet recently. They have conceded goals in 5 of their last 6 matches, totaling 13 goals against them during this period.

 

Hungary WWLWLL

Following their recent defeat to Germany in Euro 2024, Hungary and their fans are eager for a better outcome in their upcoming match.

In that game, Hungary had 31% possession and attempted 11 shots, with 4 on target. Germany, meanwhile, had 19 shots with 7 on target. Jamal Musiala (22′) and İlkay Gündoğan (67′) scored for Germany.

Under Marco Rossi, Hungary has scored a total of 8 goals in their last six matches. They have conceded 7 goals during this period.

 

Scotland vs Hungary Predicted XI

Scotland Predicted XI:  Gunn; Hendry, Hanley, McKenna; Ralston, McGregor, Gilmour, Robertson; McTominay, Adams, McGinn

Hungary Predicted XI: Gulácsi; Fiola, Orbán, Dárdai; Bolla, Á Nagy, Schäfer, Kerkez; Sallai, Szoboszlai, B Varga

 

Prediction

We believe Hungary and Scotland will engage in a closely-contested match.

There shouldn’t be much between them, making a draw a realistic outcome. Our prediction is a hard-fought 1-1 draw at full-time.

 

Switzerland vs Germany | Euro 2024 (23/06/2024, 20:00)

Switzerland has nearly secured a spot in the Euro 2024 knockout phase after collecting four points from their first two matches. One more point guarantees them second place regardless of Scotland’s results. Their strong form extends from a solid record in their last 16 matches (7 wins, 8 draws, 1 loss).

In the previous Euro tournament, Switzerland achieved their best-ever performance by reaching the quarter-finals, defeating the reigning world champions France along the way. This success underscores their capability against top teams on the grand stage. However, facing host nation Germany in Frankfurt poses a significant challenge, not only because Germany has won three Euros—joint-record—but also due to Switzerland’s historical struggle in their head-to-head matchups (9 wins, 8 draws, 36 losses).

Germany started their campaign impressively by thrashing Scotland and comfortably defeating Hungary, securing their spot in the knockout stages with a game to spare. These victories have contributed to the tournament’s high-scoring nature, as four of the last five encounters between Germany and Switzerland saw at least four goals scored in total (Germany: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss).

While young talents like 21-year-olds Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala have showcased their skills, Julian Nagelsmann’s German team boasts an average squad age over 28, potentially making them the oldest Euro champions if they succeed. This mix of youth and experience has been instrumental in their unbeaten record across the last five home games (4 wins, 1 draw), a streak they aim to extend as they pursue a perfect group stage for the first time since 2012.

 

Form Guide

Switzerland DWWDWD

Switzerland enters this match after a 1-1 draw against Scotland in Euro 2024.

During the game, Switzerland had 52% possession and attempted 11 shots, with 4 on target. Xherdan Shaqiri (26′) scored the lone goal for Switzerland. Scotland, meanwhile, had 12 shots, with 3 on target. Scott McTominay (13′) found the net for Scotland.

Switzerland’s recent defensive performances highlight their strength at the back. They have conceded only 3 goals in their last six matches, demonstrating their defensive solidity.

 

Germany WWDWWW 

Germany will enter the match following a 2-0 victory against Hungary in Euro 2024.

In that game, Germany dominated possession with 69% and made 19 attempts on goal, with 7 shots on target. Jamal Musiala (22′) and İlkay Gündoğan (67′) were the scorers for Germany. Hungary, on the other hand, had 11 shots at goal, with 4 on target.

Germany’s defense has been reliable, conceding only 3 goals in their last 6 matches overall. Meanwhile, their attackers have scored a total of 13 goals during this period.

 

Switzerland vs Germany Predicted XI

Switzerland Predicted XI: Sommer; Schär, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas

Germany Predicted XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Rüdiger, Tah, Mittelstädt; Andrich, Kroos; Musiala, Gündoğan, Wirtz; Havertz

 

Prediction

We expect Switzerland to be frustrated if they fail to score against this strong Germany team, but even scoring a goal may not be enough to avoid defeat.

As a result, we predict a tightly contested match with Germany winning 2-1 at the final whistle. Let’s hope it’s an exciting game!

Croatia vs Italy | Euro 2024 (24/06/2024, 20:00)

In Group B, Croatia managed a 2-2 draw against Albania during their second match. This helped them avoid back-to-back losses in the same major tournament for the first time since Euro ’96. However, it offered little comfort for a team that finished in the top three at the last two FIFA World Cups. They suffered a 3-0 defeat from Spain and only salvaged a draw with a last-minute goal against Albania. To advance from the group stage for a third consecutive European tournament, Croatia must now secure a victory in their final group game against defending champions Italy.

Croatia’s poor goal difference could hinder Zlatko Dalić’s team if they end up competing for one of the four best third-place spots. Adding to their challenges, Croatia has not kept a clean sheet in nine consecutive Euro matches, conceding ten goals in their last three games!

Italy, on the other hand, faced a 1-0 loss to Spain due to an own goal from Riccardo Calafiori. They were fortunate not to suffer a more significant defeat, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma displaying excellent form. Italy remains on track to advance if they avoid defeat in their upcoming match, continuing their trend from the last three competitive encounters, all of which ended in 1-1 draws, thanks to Donnarumma and a 2-1 victory over Albania in their first match.

A draw against Croatia would secure Italy’s fifth consecutive appearance in the Euro knockout stages. However, coach Luciano Spalletti remains cautious. His team has failed to keep a clean sheet in six straight Euro finals matches, a streak that began ironically after matchday three of the last tournament, putting pressure on their forwards to perform well in the upcoming game.

 

Form Guide

Croatia DWWWLD

Croatia gets ready for their upcoming game after drawing 2-2 against Albania in Euro 2024.

In five out of the last six matches involving Croatia, there have been at least three goals per game. During these games, Croatia scored a total of 11 goals, while their opponents managed 8 goals.

 

Italy WWDWWL

Italy, following their recent loss against Spain in Euro 2024, aims to bounce back in their upcoming match.

During their last game, Italy maintained possession for 43% of the match and attempted 4 shots, with only 1 hitting the target. The sole goal for Italy came from Riccardo Calafiori (55′ Own goal). Spain, on the other hand, made 20 attempts at goal, with 9 of them on target.

Italy’s defense has been solid, conceding only 2 goals in their last 6 matches combined. In the same span, they scored a total of 7 goals themselves.

 

Croatia vs Italy Predicted XI

Croatia Predicted XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Sucic, Kovacic, Majer, Budimir, Kramaric

Italy Predicted XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca.

 

Prediction

In our opinion, Croatia will need luck to score against Italy. Italy is expected to score themselves and win the game, likely with a 1-0 result after 90 minutes. We predict a close and competitive match.

 

Albania vs Spain | Euro 2024 (24/06/2024, 20:00)

Albania’s late equalizer against Croatia salvaged a 2-2 draw, keeping their hopes alive in Euro 2024. If Sylvinho’s team wins their next match, they can reach four points on matchday four, likely securing a spot in the knockout stages. However, beating Spain for that win would be a huge upset, considering they’ve lost all eight previous matchups by a combined score of 31-3!

Despite a narrow loss to Italy (2-1) and Spain (2-1) in their last encounter, the Red and Blacks find some optimism as they approach their final group game. They’ve earned praise for their determination and perseverance, highlighted by scoring the quickest goal in European Championship history (23 seconds against Italy) and the latest non-extra time equalizer (95th minute against Croatia).

Spain secured their place in the knockout stage with a 1-0 victory over Italy on Thursday, topping their group. Despite dominating the game, they missed opportunities to score more goals against the reigning champions. With four consecutive wins and only one goal conceded, Luis de la Fuente’s team is proving to be a formidable force and is gaining momentum in the tournament.

The coach praised their “fantastic” performance but remains grounded, emphasizing they are taking the tournament step by step and won’t get ahead of themselves. Facing the three-time European champions in the knockout stage will be daunting, especially if Spain extends their perfect record against their opponents to nine wins in the group stage.

 

Form Guide

Albania LLWWLD

Albania enters this match following a 2-2 draw against Croatia in Euro 2024.

During the game, Albania held 33% possession and took 15 shots, with 7 on target. Qazim Laçi (11′) and Klaus Gjasula (own goal, 76′) scored for Albania, while Croatia managed 21 shots, 9 of which were on target. Andrej Kramarić (74′) scored for Croatia.

It’s been uncommon for Albania to keep a clean sheet recently. They have conceded goals in 5 of their last 6 matches, totaling 9 goals against them during this period.

 

Spain LDWWWW

Spain will enter their next match after securing a 1-0 victory against Italy in Euro 2024.

 

During that game, Spain controlled 57% of the possession and attempted 20 shots, with 9 on target. Italy, on the other hand, had 4 attempts at goal, with only 1 on target. Riccardo Calafiori (55′) scored an own goal for Italy.

Spain’s recent matches have been characterized by their tendency to produce goals, with a total of 21 goals scored in their last six games—an average of 3.5 goals per match. Their opponents have managed to score 5 goals during these encounters.

 

Albania vs Spain Predicted XI

Albania Predicted XI: Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Gjimshiti, Mitaj; Ramadani, Asllani, Laci; Bajrami, Hoxha, Manaj

Spain Predicted XI: Raya; Navas, Vivian, Laporte, Grimaldo; Merino, Zubimendi, Olmo; Torres, Joselu, Oyarzabal

 

Prediction

In our view, Spain is expected to have numerous shots on goal and capitalize on them effectively.

On the other hand, Albania may struggle to score, but we believe they are likely to find a way to score in this match.

Our prediction is a comfortable 3-1 victory for Spain by the end of the game.

France vs Poland | Euro 2024 (25/06/2024, 17:00)

It’s all up for grabs in Group D on the final matchday, with just one point separating the top three teams. France, with four points, knows a draw will secure a top-two spot. They are in a strong position to advance, but missing the win against their closest rivals, the Netherlands, on Friday night (0-0 draw) means they might have a tougher path in the knockout stages.

France could still finish at the top with various scenarios, but the most likely requires them to win. However, France hasn’t won their final group stage match in the last eight major tournaments (World Cup/Euros) they’ve played. If this streak continues, they can’t top the group.

Adding to France’s final day woes, Poland, already out of the competition, could play spoiler. Lack of playtime for star Robert Lewandowski has hurt Poland, but late-game collapses have been their downfall in Group D, with both losses decided by goals after the 60-minute mark.

The outlook isn’t great for Poland either. They’ve lost three of their last four final group stage matches at the European Championships. Each of these losses came in tournaments where they were eliminated at this stage, suggesting a fourth loss could follow. Additionally, Poland hasn’t beaten France since 1982, making it hard to find much hope for an upset.

 

Form Guide

France LWWDWD

France enters this game following a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 qualifier.

In that match, France controlled 63% of the possession and took 15 shots, with 3 on target. The Netherlands managed 8 shots, with 4 on target.

Recent results highlight the solidity of the French defense, which has conceded only 4 goals in their last six matches, demonstrating their strong defensive performance.

 

Poland WDWWLL

Poland’s recent performance in Euro 2024, particularly their defeat to Austria, has highlighted both their offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities. In the match against Austria, Poland had 47% possession and made 15 attempts on goal, with 3 on target. Krzysztof Piątek was their lone scorer in the 30th minute. Austria, however, proved more clinical with 9 out of their 15 shots on target, resulting in goals from Gernot Trauner (9′), Christoph Baumgartner (66′), and Marko Arnautović (78′).

5 out of their last 6 matches, at least three goals have been scored, with an overall average of 3.33 goals per game. Poland themselves have averaged 2 goals per game during this period.

 

France vs Poland Predicted XI

France Predicted XI: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Thuram; Mbappe

Poland Predicted XI: Szczesny; Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior; Frankowski, Zielinski, Slisz, Moder, Zalewski; Swiderski, Lewandowski

 

Prediction

We think France will create many chances and shots on target.

Poland, on the other hand, might struggle to score. However, they will likely score at least once.

We predict France will win 3-1 when the game ends.

Netherlands vs Austria | Euro 2024 (25/06/2024, 17:00)

The final matchday of Group D at Euro 2024 might not promise much excitement. The Netherlands and Austria face off in Berlin, knowing a draw would likely push both forward. For the Dutch, at the top of the group due to goals scored, a recent goalless draw with France keeps them hopeful. Fans were upset when Xavi Simons’ goal was ruled offside.

Ronald Koeman’s team isn’t too disappointed, as a good result against France extended their strong streak to just one loss in nine matches. They believe they can continue this streak, having won the last seven games against Austria, including one in Euro 2020’s group stage.

Austria has impressed with their two performances, following a close 1-0 loss to France with a 3-1 win over Poland. This was only the second time they scored three times in a single Euros game, showing Ralf Rangnick’s impact as they aim to reach the knockout stages for the second time.

Like the Netherlands, Austria is in great form, losing just one of their last nine matches. They head to the Olympiastadion confident of another positive result, knowing that no third-placed team with four points was eliminated at Euro 2020.

 

Form Guide

Netherlands WLWWWD

Netherlands are getting ready for the match after a 0-0 draw against France in Euro 2024.

In that game, Netherlands had 37% possession. They took 8 shots, with 4 on target. France took 15 shots, with 3 on target.

Their recent results show strong defensive efforts. Netherlands have allowed only 3 goals in their last six matches.

 

Austria WWWDLW

Austria played Poland recently and won 3-1 in the Euro 2024 match.

In that game, Austria had 53% of the ball and took 15 shots, with 9 on target. Gernot Trauner scored at 9 minutes, Christoph Baumgartner at 66 minutes, and Marko Arnautović at 78 minutes for Austria. Poland had 15 shots, with 3 on target. Krzysztof Piątek scored for Poland at 30 minutes.

Austria has allowed goals in 5 of their last 6 games, with 5 goals conceded. They need to strengthen their defense.

 

Netherlands vs Austria Predicted XI

Netherlands Predicted XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Aké; Schouten, Simons, Reijnders; Frimpong, Depay, Gakpo

Austria Predicted XI: Pentz; Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Mwene; Seiwald, Laimer; Wimmer, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Gregoritsch   

 

Prediction

We think Austria might struggle to score against the Netherlands, who will likely dominate.

We predict a close match with a 1-0 win for the Netherlands.

Denmark vs Serbia | Euro 2024 (25/06/2024, 20:00)

Denmark controlled much of their recent match against England. However, they only managed a 1-1 draw. This was the same score as their first game against Slovenia. Now, they need to beat Serbia in their final Group C game to qualify for the knockout rounds.

A draw might be enough to move on if they rank as one of the best third-placed teams. But, having won just one of their last ten group stage games in major tournaments, the pressure is on to secure a win. Denmark is unbeaten in six matches in 2024. Manager Kasper Hjulmand believes his team can beat Serbia again, having won their last three meetings with a total score of 8-1.

Luka Jović’s goal in the 95th minute helped Serbia draw 1-1 with Slovenia. Despite this draw, Serbia sits at the bottom of Group C after losing 1-0 to England in their first game. Unlike Denmark, Serbia must win this game to advance to the Round of 16.

Serbia’s recent form suggests winning will be tough. They’ve won just four of their last 13 internationals in the past year. Their poor defensive record is a major issue, with only two clean sheets in that time. In major tournaments, they haven’t won in seven games, conceding in all of them, which doesn’t inspire confidence.

 

Form Guide

Denmark DWWWDD

Denmark will compete in the upcoming match after drawing 1-1 against England in Euro 2024.

During that game, Denmark held onto the ball for 51% of the time and took 16 shots, with 7 aimed accurately at the goal. Morten Hjulmand (34′) was the lone scorer for Denmark. England attempted 12 shots, with 4 on target, and Harry Kane (18′) scored for them.

Their recent performances clearly show the hard work of Denmark’s defense. They have allowed only 4 goals in their last six matches, indicating strong defensive play.

 

Serbia LWLWLD

In their last match, Serbia played against Slovenia in Euro 2024 and ended with a 1-1 draw.

Serbia held the ball for 61% of the match and made 15 attempts to score, hitting the target 4 times. Luka Jović scored for Serbia in the 95th minute. On the other side, Slovenia managed 11 shots on goal, with 4 being on target. Žan Karničnik scored for Slovenia in the 69th minute.

Over their last 6 games, Serbia, coached by Dragan Stojković, scored a total of 6 goals, averaging 1 goal per game.

 

Denmark vs Serbia Predicted XI

Denmark Predicted XI: Schmeichel; Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard; Bah, Hojbjerg, Hjulmand, Maehle; Eriksen; Hojlund, Wind

Serbia Predicted XI: Rajkovic; Veljkovic, Pavlovic, Milenkovic; Zivkovic, Gudelj, Lukic, Mladenovic; Tadic, Samardzic; Mitrovic

 

Prediction

We think Serbia will get plenty of opportunities to score against Denmark, but not as many as Denmark might score against Serbia.

We predict a close match ending in a 2-1 win for Denmark after 90 minutes. It should be a highly competitive game.

England vs Slovenia | Euro 2024 (25/06/2024, 20:00)

England faces pressure as they enter their last Group C match of Euro 2024 against Slovenia. Despite already securing their place in the knockout stages, lackluster performances in their first two matches against Serbia (1-0) and Denmark (1-1) have drawn severe criticism for manager Gareth Southgate. Southgate now hopes his team can finish strongly and secure the top spot.

The main issue has been England’s disjointed attacking displays, a problem that has persisted in their recent matches and predated the current tournament. They have failed to score more than one goal in each of their last three international games and have only scored multiple goals in two of their last seven fixtures. Recent head-to-head history also suggests low-scoring encounters, with only one goal scored in total between England and Slovenia in their last two meetings in 2016 and 2017 (1 win for England, 1 draw).

Despite being two points behind their opponents, Slovenia’s camp is upbeat after two draws have kept their hopes alive for reaching the knockout phase. This tournament marks their first appearance in the European Championship finals in 24 years. They narrowly missed their first-ever tournament victory when Serbia equalized deep into stoppage time in their last outing (1-1), extending their unbeaten streak to an impressive eight matches (4 wins, 4 draws).

While England will pose tougher opposition compared to Slovenia’s previous opponents in the tournament, Slovenia has demonstrated their ability to compete with top teams. Since the beginning of the year, they have defeated two nations ranked in FIFA’s top 11—USA and Portugal—and notably kept clean sheets in both matches, a statistic that highlights England’s struggles in attack.

 

Form Guide

England LDWLWD

England enters this match on the heels of a 1-1 draw against Denmark in Euro 2024.

In that game, England held 49% of the possession and attempted 12 shots on goal, with 4 of them on target. The lone goal for England came from Harry Kane in the 18th minute. Denmark, on the other hand, took 16 shots, 7 of which were on target, and Morten Hjulmand scored for them in the 34th minute.

Looking at their last six matches prior to this, Gareth Southgate’s England have scored a total of 7 goals, averaging 1.17 goals per match.

 

Slovenia DWWDDD

In their previous Euro 2024 match, Slovenia played to a 1-1 draw against Serbia.

During the game, Slovenia maintained 39% possession and made 11 attempts on goal, with 4 shots hitting the target. Žan Karničnik scored for Slovenia in the 69th minute. Meanwhile, Serbia recorded 15 shots on goal, 4 of which were on target, and Luka Jović scored for them in the 95th minute.

In their last six matches overall, Slovenia have scored a total of 9 goals and have not been held scoreless in any of those games. However, they have conceded 6 goals over that period.

 

England vs Slovenia Predicted XI

England Predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Gallagher, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden, Kane

Slovenia Predicted XI: Oblak; Karnicnik, Blazic, Bijol, Janza; Stojanovic, Gnezda Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko

 

Prediction

Assessing both teams, England is expected to dominate possession and create several scoring opportunities.

On the other hand, Slovenia may find it challenging to generate many shots but could still pose occasional threats.

Based on this analysis, we predict a controlled 3-1 victory for England at the end of the 90 minutes.

Chile vs Argentina | Copa America (26/06/2024, 02:00)

The spotlight of the 2024 Copa América now turns to the match at MetLife Stadium, where Chile and Argentina clash in New Jersey. This fixture carries added significance as it mirrors the 2015 and 2016 finals, both of which Chile won on penalties. For La Roja, the stakes are high following a disappointing goalless draw against rivals Peru in their opening game, intensifying their need for a positive result against Argentina.

Chile’s recent form has been concerning, with just three victories in their last 11 matches (4 draws, 4 losses). Manager Ricardo Gareca faces the urgent task of avoiding defeat in this crucial encounter to steer clear of potential group stage elimination from the Copa América, a fate they haven’t suffered since 2004—a tournament where Argentina famously lost in the final to arch-rivals Brazil on penalties.

Argentina, on the other hand, have enjoyed revenge since those defeats, triumphing over Brazil in the 2021 final to claim their first Copa trophy since 1993. The defending champions began their title defense strongly with a 2-0 victory over Canada in the tournament opener. A win in this fixture would secure their early qualification to the knockout stages, affording manager Lionel Scaloni the luxury of resting players in the final group match.

Historically, Argentina has dominated this fixture with a record of 62 wins, 24 draws, and 8 losses in head-to-head encounters against Chile. Moreover, Argentina boasts an impressive record of 20 wins from their last 21 matches overall, highlighting their strong position to advance in a competition where they have reached the quarter-finals in each of their last 14 appearances.

 

Form Guide

Chile DLWLWD

Chile comes into this match after a goalless draw against Peru in the Copa America.

In that match, Chile controlled 65% of the possession and attempted 11 shots at goal, with only 1 shot on target. Peru, their opponents, managed 7 shots in total, with 4 of them on target.

A notable trend in Chile’s recent matches is the frequency of scoreless outcomes. In their last six games leading up to this one, “Both Teams to Score” would have resulted in a loss in 5 of those matches.

 

Argentina WWWWWW 

Argentina enters the upcoming clash following a 2-0 victory over Canada in the Copa America.

In that match, Argentina dominated possession with 65% and recorded 19 shots on goal, with 9 of them on target. Julián Álvarez scored in the 49th minute, followed by a goal from Lautaro Martínez in the 88th minute. Canada, their opponents, managed 10 attempts at goal, with 2 shots on target.

Argentina’s defense has been solid recently, conceding only 2 goals in their last 6 matches. Meanwhile, their attacking prowess has been evident with their forwards scoring a total of 14 goals over the same period.

 

Chile vs Argentina Predicted XI

Chile Predicted XI: Bravo; Isla, Lichnovsky, Diaz, Suazo; Nunez, Pulgar; Davila, Sanchez, Osorio; Vargas

Argentina Predicted XI:  E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Acuna; De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister, Lo Celso; Messi, Alvarez

 

Prediction

In our view, Chile is likely to score against this Argentina team, but a solitary goal might not be enough to avoid a loss.

Therefore, we predict Argentina will secure a narrow 2-1 victory at the end of the 90 minutes.

 

Ukraine vs Belgium | Euro 2024 (26/06/2024, 17:00)

For the first time in their extensive histories, Ukraine and Belgium will face off in a pivotal clash to conclude Group E of Euro 2024. With all four teams tied on three points each going into the final group stage matchday—a first in European Championship history—both sides are aiming for victory to secure the top spot and the advantageous matchup against a third-placed team in the knockout stage.

Ukraine approaches qualification with a sense of expectation rather than mere hope, having appeared in their fourth consecutive Euro finals and achieving their best-ever performance by reaching the quarter-finals in the 2020 edition. Their resilient spirit and comeback prowess were evident once again in their second group game against Slovakia, where they came from behind to win 2-1 after initially trailing 1-0.

Belgium, meanwhile, needs just a draw to secure their place in the top two of Group E, but they are aiming for victory to top the group and advance to the knockout phase for the third consecutive European Championship. The current squad aims to surpass the achievements of the much-vaunted ‘Golden Generation,’ who fell short at the quarter-final stage in their last two major tournaments.

Despite Belgium never having played at Stuttgart before, their new manager Domenico Tedesco has fond memories of the venue, having achieved victories by two-goal margins in three of his last four visits with his previous club (3 wins, 1 draw). This trend mirrors Belgium’s recent performance in Euro 2024, where they secured a 2-0 victory over Romania by scoring in both halves, continuing a pattern seen in their last four international wins.

 

Form Guide

Ukraine WDLWLW

Ukraine, coming off a victory in their previous match, will aim for a similar outcome following a 2-1 win against Slovakia in Euro 2024.

In that game, Ukraine held 44% possession and attempted 13 shots on goal, with 5 of them on target. Mykola Shaparenko (54′) and Roman Yaremchuk (80′) were the scorers for Ukraine. Slovakia, on the other hand, registered 14 shots at goal, with 5 on target, and Ivan Schranz (17′) found the net for them.

In five out of the last six matches involving Ukraine, at least three goals were scored per game. During this period, Ukraine conceded 8 goals while scoring a total of 9 themselves.

 

Belgium DDWWLW

Belgium enters this match after securing a 2-0 victory over Romania in Euro 2024.

In that game, Belgium controlled 55% of the possession and attempted 20 shots on goal, with 9 shots on target. Youri Tielemans opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, followed by a goal from Kevin De Bruyne in the 80th minute. Romania, their opponents, managed 14 attempts at goal, with 5 shots on target.

Belgium’s defense has been solid recently, conceding only 3 goals in their last 6 matches combined. Meanwhile, their forwards have scored a total of 8 goals over the same period.

 

Ukraine vs Belgium Predicted XI

Ukraine Predicted XI: Trubin; Tymchyk, Zabarnyi, Svatok, Matviyenko, Mykolenko; Tsygankov, Shaparenko, Brazhko, Mudryk; Yaremchuk

Belgium Predicted XI: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Tielemans, Onana, De Bruyne; Doku, Lukaku, Bakayoko  

 

Prediction

We believe Ukraine could face a challenge scoring against Belgium’s lineup, which we expect to secure a hard-fought victory.

Therefore, our prediction is a closely contested match with Belgium clinching a 1-0 win at the end of the 90 minutes

Slovakia vs Romania | Euro 2024 (26/06/2024, 17:00)

Group E presents the most intriguing scenario in terms of outcomes at this UEFA European Championship going into matchday three, with all four teams level on three points each. Slovakia currently sits third and must secure a victory against Romania. Alternatively, a draw could see them qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Their path would have been simpler if they hadn’t lost 2-1 to Ukraine in their second match after taking the lead, which dampened the momentum from their surprising 1-0 upset over Belgium.

Francesco Calzona’s team has consistently scored early in their recent matches, including both goals in this tournament, with three of those goals coming within the first 20 minutes. Another fast start in this crucial match could propel the Falcons towards advancing from the group stage for the second time in three appearances as an independent nation at the Euros.

Romania, on the other hand, hasn’t progressed from the group stage of the Euros since 2000 and must avoid defeat against Slovakia to ensure advancement to the round of 16. A win could even see them top the group, while a loss would require them to hope for a Belgium victory to finish third. Following their surprising 3-0 win over Ukraine in their opener, Romania suffered a 2-0 defeat against Belgium in their second match. Those three goals against Ukraine remain Romania’s only goals in their last four matches (1 win, 2 draws, 1 loss), highlighting their struggle to score consistently.

Historically, Romania has struggled to find the net at Euros finals, failing to score in five of their last nine such matches (1 win, 3 draws, 5 losses). Moreover, they have lost four of their last five matchday-three fixtures in Euros finals (1 win), with their only victory coming in 2000 against England (3-2), propelling them to the quarter-finals.

 

Form Guide

Slovakia LDWWWL

Slovakia will aim to bounce back from their recent performance following a 1-2 defeat in Euro 2024 against Ukraine.

In that match, Slovakia held 56% possession and made 14 attempts on goal, with 5 shots on target. In the 17th minute, Ivan Schranz scored the goal for Slovakia. Ukraine, meanwhile, had 13 attempts on goal, with 5 shots on target, and scored through Mykola Shaparenko (54′) and Roman Yaremchuk (80′).

Under Francesco Calzona, Slovakia has seen their attacking efforts rewarded with a total of 11 goals in their last six matches. They have conceded 5 goals during the same period.

 

Romania DLDDWL

Following their loss against Belgium in Euro 2024, Romania will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming match.

In that game, Romania had 45% possession and managed 14 shots on goal, with 5 on target. Belgium, their opponents, had 20 attempts on goal, hitting the target 9 times. Youri Tielemans scored early in the 2nd minute, and Kevin De Bruyne added another goal in the 80th minute for Belgium.

Under Edward Iordănescu, Romania has scored a total of 6 goals in their last six matches. Defensively, they have conceded 5 goals over the same period.

 

Slovakia vs Romania Predicted XI

Slovakia Predicted XI: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozeník, Haraslin

Romania Predicted XI: Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; R Marin, M Marin, Stanciu; Man, Dragus, Mihaila

 

Prediction

We anticipate a closely contested match between Romania and Slovakia, where both teams have a good chance of scoring.

Given the balanced nature of this matchup, a draw seems likely, reflecting the parity between the teams. Therefore, we predict a tight game ending in a 1-1 draw at the final whistle.

Georgia vs Portugal | Euro 2024 (26/06/2024, 20:00)

If Saba Lobzhanidze had shown more composure with his last-minute chance against the Czech Republic, Georgia could have celebrated their first-ever win at a major tournament as an independent nation. Instead, they settled for a 1-1 draw, leaving them at the bottom of the group. Despite this, the lowest-ranked nation at UEFA Euro 2024 still has a chance to advance with a victory.

Securing a win against Portugal, one of the tournament favorites, appears daunting. However, Portugal’s already secured group victory might play into Georgia’s hands. Under Willy Sagnol, Georgia has demonstrated a significant goal-scoring threat, finding the net in all but one of their last 11 international matches. Scoring first could be pivotal for Georgia, who have avoided defeat in the last 18 matches when opening the scoring (16 wins, 2 draws).

After completing two rounds of group matches at Euro 2024 with a flawless record, Portugal stands among the three teams with a 100% record, having defeated Turkey and the Czech Republic. They now have an opportunity to finish the group stage undefeated at a major tournament for the first time since the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, where they reached the semi-finals.

Anything short of matching that achievement would likely be viewed as a disappointment for Portugal, given the exceptional talent within their squad. Roberto Martínez has the chance to rotate his squad and showcase their depth on the final matchday of the group, potentially giving playing time to players like Danilo Pereira, Matheus Nunes, João Félix, and Gonçalo Ramos, who have yet to feature in the tournament.

 

Form Guide

Georgia LWDWLD

Georgia enters this match after a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Euro 2024.

In that game, Georgia held 38% possession and managed 5 shots at goal, with 1 shot on target. Georges Mikautadze scored the only goal for Georgia just before halftime (45′). The Czech Republic, on the other hand, attempted 27 shots at goal, hitting the target 12 times. Patrik Schick found the net for the Czech Republic in the 59th minute.

Under Willy Sagnol, Georgia has scored a total of 8 goals in their last six matches. They have also conceded 8 goals.

 

Portugal LWLWWW

Portugal enters this matchup after a convincing 3-0 victory over Turkey in Euro 2024.

In that game, Portugal controlled 57% of possession and registered 12 shots on goal, with 3 on target. Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the 21st minute, followed by a goal from Bruno Fernandes in the 56th minute. Turkey contributed an own goal scored by Samet Akaydin in the 28th minute. They managed 11 shots at goal, with 3 on target.

The statistics reveal that Portugal has conceded goals in 5 of their last 6 matches, with opposing teams scoring a total of 9 goals against them during that period. Defensively, Portugal has shown vulnerabilities recently.

 

Georgia vs Portugal Predicted XI

Georgia Predicted XI: Mamardashvili; Kverkveliya, Kashia, Dvali; Kakabadze, Mekvabishvili, Kochorashvili, Tsitaishvili; Davitashvili, Kvaratskhelia; Mikautadze

Portugal Predicted XI: Costa; Semedo, A Silva, Dias, Cancelo; Neves, Palhinha; B Silva, Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo

 

Prediction

We believe Georgia has the capability to score against this Portugal team, but scoring just one goal might not be sufficient to avoid defeat.

As such, our prediction is a 2-1 victory for Portugal after 90 minutes.

Czech Republic vs Turkey | Euro 2024 (26/06/2024, 20:00)

After a loss to Portugal in their opener and a draw against Georgia in their second match, the Czech Republic must secure at least a point against Turkey to keep their hopes alive in Group F of Euro 2024. Failing to do so would result in them exiting the group stage without a victory for only the second time in their Euros history, the first instance being in 2016 when they also faced Turkey in their final group game and lost 2-0 in Lens.

Historically, the Czechs have faced Turkey several times, winning just two out of the last eight encounters (with one draw and five losses). By the time their match kicks off on Wednesday, Ivan Hašek’s team will have the advantage of knowing exactly what they need to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, with all other groups having concluded.

Turkey, meanwhile, also have their sights set on advancing to the knockout rounds, buoyed by their three points earned so far. Before the tournament, they had endured a run of five winless games (two draws and three losses), making their current position promising. Their Euro 2024 campaign began with a strong 3-1 victory over Georgia, raising hopes of emulating their 2008 team that reached the semi-finals. However, they were brought back to earth by a 3-0 defeat to Portugal in their second match.

Coach Vincenzo Montella will be aware of Turkey’s recent struggle to score, having failed to net more than one goal in six of their last seven matches. Nevertheless, a draw in this upcoming game against the Czech Republic would secure Turkey a top-two finish in the group.

 

Form Guide

Czech Republic WWWWLD

The Czech Republic enters this match on the heels of a 1-1 draw against Georgia in their Euro 2024 qualifier.

In that game, the Czech Republic dominated possession with 62% and took 27 shots, 12 of which were on target. Patrik Schick scored for the Czech Republic in the 59th minute. Georgia, on the other hand, managed 5 shots, with only 1 on target, and Georges Mikautadze scored for them in the 45th minute.

The Czech Republic has struggled to maintain clean sheets recently, conceding in each of their last six games and allowing a total of seven goals.

 

Turkey LLDLWL

After their recent defeat to Portugal in the Euro 2024 competition, Turkey is eager to bounce back.

In that match, Turkey held 43% possession and made 11 attempts on goal, with 3 on target. Unfortunately, they scored an own goal by Samet Akaydin in the 28th minute. Portugal, with 12 shots and 3 on target, saw goals from Bernardo Silva (21′) and Bruno Fernandes (56′).

Turkey’s defensive struggles are evident, as they have conceded in 5 of their last 6 games, allowing a total of 11 goals.

 

Czech Republic vs Turkey Predicted XI

Czech Republic Predicted XI: Stanek; Holes, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Soucek, Provod, Doudera; Barak, Hlozek; Chytil

Turkey Predicted XI: Bayindir; Muldur, Demiral, Ayhan, Kadioglu; Yuksek, Calhanoglu; Akturkoglu, Guler, Yildiz; Yilmaz

 

Prediction

We believe the Czech Republic may struggle to break down this resilient Turkey team, who we expect to grind out a victory.

Our prediction is for a hard-fought match, concluding with a 1-0 win for Turkey at the end of the 90 minutes.

Categories
Football

African Football Stars: Champions League Winners

African Players Champions League: Ultimate Winners List | StarBet

African Football Stars: Champions League Winners

All African players who have won the Champions League are listed in full below. More than a few African players have managed to write their names in golden letters on the pages of the UEFA Champions League, the greatest football club competition, throughout its history. This article is dedicated to those outstanding African football players who won the biggest competition in Europe.

African Beginnings in European Soccer

The first African player to win the European Cup which was later renamed as UEFA Champions League was Zimbabwean goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar. Born in Durban, South Africa, Grobbelaar played international football for Zimbabwe and lifted Liverpool to victory in the 1983/84 season of the European cup.

Before Grobbelaar made history, four other Africans had bagged a title with SL Benfica which happened during 1960/61 season. However, Alberto Costa Pereira, Joaquim Santana José Águas and Mário Coluna were from Portugal as they played for Portuguese national team.

African Champions League Winners: A Comprehensive List

Since then there has been a number of African players who have enjoyed winning the prestigious Champions League title. These talented Africans have been featured, including their clubs and countries, when they won this coveted title.

1980s:

  • 1983/84: Bruce Grobbelaar (Zimbabwe) – Liverpool
  • 1986/87: Rabah Madjer (Algeria) – FC Porto

1990s:

  • 1992/93: Abedi Pele (Ghana) – Olympique de Marseille
  • 1994/95: Finidi George (Nigeria) & Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria) – Ajax Amsterdam
  • 1996/97: Ibrahim Tanko (Ghana) – Borussia Dortmund
  • 1999/00 & 2000/01: Geremi (Cameroon) & Samuel Kuffour (Ghana) – Real Madrid & Bayern Munich

2000s:

  • 2003/04: Benni McCarthy (South Africa) – FC Porto
  • 2004/05: Djimi Traoré (Mali) – Liverpool
  • 2005/06, 2008/09, & 2009/10: Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – FC Barcelona & Inter Milan
  • 2008/09: Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast) & Seydou Keita (Mali) – FC Barcelona
  • 2009/10: Sulley Muntari (Ghana) & McDonald Mariga (Kenya) – Inter Milan
  • 2011/12: John Obi Mikel (Nigeria), Salomon Kalou (Ivory Coast), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), & Michael Essien (Ghana) – Chelsea

2010s & 2020s:

  • 2017/18: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – Real Madrid
  • 2018/19: Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Sadio Mané (Senegal), Joel Matip (Cameroon), & Naby Keita (Guinea) – Liverpool
  • 2020/21: Edouard Mendy (Senegal) & Hakim Ziyech (Morocco) – Chelsea

The Future of African Footballers in the Champions League

The list of African players who won the Champions League is a testament to the continent’s immense footballing talent. From legends like Bruce Grobbelaar to modern-day stars such as Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané; African players made an impact on the history of the UEFA champion league. As this competition continues developing we can only be sure that best talents from this continent will always find themselves on grandest stages of Europe adding into already rich tapestry of Africans success stories in UCL.

Categories
Football

Euro 2024 New Players to Watch: Rising Stars to Keep an Eye On

Top 6 new players to watch at Euro 2024 | StarBet

Euro 2024 New Players to Watch: Rising Stars to Keep an Eye On

The stage is set for Euro 2024, and with it comes the exciting emergence of a new wave of young talent ready to make their mark on the biggest European football tournament. These six Euro 2024 new players to watch are primed to announce themselves on the international stage:

  1. Warren Zaire-Emery (18, France)

At just 18, Warren Zaire-Emery is already a well-known name in France. The youngest player to debut and score for Les Bleus in over a century, he was nicknamed “The Robot” for his incredible work ethic at Paris Saint-Germain. After winning the UNFP Young Player of the Year award, Euro 2024 is his chance to display his skills to millions of viewers.

  1. Benjamin Sesko (21, Slovenia)

They call him “Iceman” for a reason. Benjamin Sesko, the 21-year-old striker taking the Bundesliga by storm with RB Leipzig, is calm under pressure and has an extra sense for goal. Several top clubs want him, but first, Sesko has a chance to lead Slovenia’s exciting young generation to glory at Euro 2024.

 

  1. Florian Wirtz (21, Germany)

Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is a magician with the ball at his feet. His vision and game-changing abilities are a joy to watch, and after missing the World Cup through a knee injury, his career may take off at the European Championship this year.

  1. Giorgi Mamardashvili (23, Georgia)

Georgia is lucky to have Giorgi Mamardashvili, one of Europe’s finest young goalkeepers. This 23-year-old shot-stopper is a key figure for Valencia and could be the difference between success and failure for Georgia at Euro 2024.

  1. Lamine Yamal (16, Spain)

Lamine Yamal might be the youngest player at the Euros, but don’t let his age fool you. The Spanish superstar can snatch away this event if he continues to keep his good performance for Barcelona.

This 16-year-old prodigy has already broken records at Barcelona and become the youngest player ever to score for Spain. Keep your eye on him – he could steal the show this summer.

  1. Arda Guler (19, Turkey)

Arda Guler has been nicknamed “The Turkish Messi” for his amazing skills. After leaving Fenerbahce for Real Madrid, he’s already making an impact despite battling early-season injuries. Guler looks set to be Turkey’s star player at Euro 2024.

 

Conclusion

With these Euro 2024 new players to watch ready to take center stage, the tournament promises to be a showcase of young talent alongside established stars. Keep an eye on Zaire-Emery, Sesko, Wirtz, Mamardashvili, and Guler as they strive to etch their names in European football history.

Categories
Football

Predictions 19 – 22.06.2024

Predictions 19 – 22.06.2024

Croatia vs Albania | Euro 2024 (19/06/2024, 14:00)

After a heavy 3-0 defeat to Spain in their opening group game, Croatia is reeling from a tough stretch, having lost three of their last five competitive matches. This is quite a contrast for Zlatko Dalić’s squad, who previously only lost three out of 29 such games. However, it’s worth noting that the loss to Spain marked Croatia’s first defeat in their last seven matches overall, and the first time they conceded more than three goals since the World Cup semi-final in 2022.

Albania kicked off their campaign with a bang, scoring the fastest goal in Euro finals history, just 23 seconds into their match against Italy. Despite this explosive start, they eventually lost 2-1 to the defending champions. This defeat snapped a seven-game unbeaten streak in competitive matches for Albania, but the team has shown resilience, not losing consecutive competitive matches since September 2022.

Despite their setback, Albania remains hopeful of securing points in Group B. They’ve previously beaten higher-ranked teams during the qualifiers, although they haven’t triumphed over a top-ten team since their victory against France in June 2015.

In conclusion, as Croatia and Albania prepare to face off, both teams will be striving for a crucial victory. Croatia looks to bounce back from a disappointing loss, while Albania hopes to build on their spirited performance against Italy.

 

Form Guide

Croatia WDWWWL

Croatia aims to bounce back after a tough 3-0 loss to Spain in their Euro 2024 opener. Despite the defeat, Croatia showed promise with 53% possession and 16 shots, five of which were on target. Spain capitalized on their chances with goals from Álvaro Morata (29′), Fabián Ruiz (32′), and Dani Carvajal (45′).

In their last six games, Croatia has scored 10 goals but conceded six, highlighting a need for defensive improvement. Their attacking capabilities are evident, but defensive lapses have cost them crucial points.

In conclusion, while the 3-0 loss to Spain was a setback, Croatia’s potential remains. With strategic adjustments, they can still push for qualification and perform strongly in upcoming matches.

 

Albania DLLWWL

Following a tough 2-1 loss to Italy in their Euro 2024 match, Albania is eager to bounce back. Despite managing just 32% possession, Albania had 8 attempts on goal, with Nedim Bajrami scoring in the first minute. Italy, however, proved more efficient with 17 shots, five on target, and goals from Alessandro Bastoni (11′) and Nicolò Barella (16′).

Under Sylvinho Mendes Campos, Albania has shown a promising attacking side, scoring 7 goals in their last six matches. However, their defense has been less solid, conceding 6 goals over the same period.

In conclusion, Albania’s 2-1 defeat to Italy was a setback, but their attacking prowess offers hope. With strategic adjustments and stronger defensive play, they can aim for better outcomes in the remaining Euro 2024 fixtures.

 

Croatia vs Albania Predicted XI

Croatia Predicted XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Sucic, Kovacic, Majer, Budimir, Kramaric

Albania Predicted XI: Berisha; Balliu, Ismailaj, Djimsiti, Mitaj, Asllani, Bajrami, Ramadani, Laci, Manaj, Asani

 

Prediction

Considering Croatia’s form and attacking prowess, a victory for Croatia seems a likely outcome. Albania’s defensive vulnerabilities and their difficulty in creating scoring chances could result in a clean sheet for Croatia.

In conclusion, as Croatia takes on Albania, fans can expect a dominant performance from Croatia. With their ability to create and convert chances, Croatia is well-positioned to secure a 2-0 win, boosting their prospects in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Germany vs Hungary | Euro 2024 (19/06/2024, 17:00)

Germany couldn’t have asked for a better start to Euro 2024, demolishing Scotland 5-1 on Friday to kick off their tournament in style. However, their upcoming match against Hungary may be more subdued, given that only one of their last four head-to-heads has produced more than three goals.

Hungary, on the other hand, is looking to rebound from a 3-1 defeat to Switzerland. They haven’t won any of their last seven matches at the Euro finals, with each of those three losses seeing them concede at least three goals.

While Germany is favored, they can’t forget that Hungary won their last head-to-head in Germany, a 1-0 victory in the UEFA Nations League in September 2022. Despite this, Hungary’s recent form and Rossi’s critical remarks about his squad suggest they have an uphill battle ahead.

In conclusion, while Germany appears poised to continue their strong start, Hungary will be fighting to defy the odds and end their winless streak at the Euro finals. Expect a competitive match, with Germany aiming to maintain their momentum and Hungary striving for a significant upset.

 

Form Guide

Germany LWWDWW

Germany will be hoping to replicate their recent 5-1 triumph over Scotland as they continue their Euro 2024 campaign. In that match, Germany showcased their dominance with 73% possession and 20 shots on goal, 10 of which were on target. The goals came from Florian Wirtz (10′), Jamal Musiala (19′), Kai Havertz (45′), Niklas Füllkrug (68′), and Emre Can (93′). An own goal by Antonio Rüdiger (87′) was the only dark spot on their performance. Scotland, on the other hand, managed only one shot, which was off target.

Julian Nagelsmann’s squad has been in fine form, scoring 11 times in their last six outings. However, they’ve also conceded five goals in those matches, indicating some room for defensive improvement.

In conclusion, Germany’s impressive performance against Scotland sets a high standard as they advance in the Euro 2024 tournament. With a balanced focus on attack and defense, they are poised to continue their winning streak.

 

Hungary WWWLWL

Hungary will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 3-1 loss to Switzerland in their Euro 2024 match. Despite holding 50% possession, Hungary managed only 6 shots on goal, with Barnabás Varga scoring their lone goal in the 66th minute. Switzerland, in contrast, had 15 attempts on goal, 7 of which were on target, resulting in goals from Kwadwo Duah (12′), Michel Aebischer (45′), and Breel Embolo (93′).

Under Marco Rossi, Hungary has shown the ability to find the back of the net, averaging 1.67 goals per game over their last six matches. However, defensive challenges have seen them concede goals, as evidenced by their performance against Switzerland.

In conclusion, while the defeat to Switzerland was a setback, Hungary’s ability to score goals offers hope for improvement. With adjustments and a renewed strategy, they can aim to turn their Euro 2024 campaign around and compete more effectively in future matches.

 

Germany vs Hungary Predicted XI

Germany Predicted XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Mittelstadt, Andrich, Kroos, Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz, Havertz

Hungary Predicted XI: Gulacsi; Lang, Orban, Szalai; Nego, A. Nagy, Styles, Kerkez; Sallai, Szoboszlai; Varga

 

Prediction

Hungary faces a difficult task against Germany, who are expected to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. Given Hungary’s recent struggles in defense and Germany’s strong attacking form, it appears unlikely that Hungary will find the net in this matchup.

Considering Germany’s form and Hungary’s defensive struggles, a commanding 3-0 victory for Germany seems a likely outcome.

Scotland vs Switzerland | Euro 2024 (19/06/2024, 20:00)

Scotland endured a tough start to Euro 2024 with a resounding 5-1 defeat against Germany, setting a challenging tone ahead of their upcoming clash against Switzerland.  Steve Clarke’s squad has struggled to find form recently, securing just one victory in their last ten matches which came against Gibraltar. Their vulnerability in late stages is evident, having conceded seven goals after the 70th minute across their last six games, a weakness they must address to avoid further setbacks.

In contrast, Switzerland started their Euro 2024 campaign impressively with a 3-1 win over Hungary, capped by Breel Embolo’s stoppage-time goal. Coach Murat Yakin’s team looks to build on their quarter-final appearance in the 2020 tournament, buoyed by a solid record of one defeat in their last 15 matches.

As Scotland faces Switzerland, they must shore up their defense and capitalize on scoring opportunities to overcome a formidable opponent. A positive outcome is crucial for Scotland to revive their Euro 2024 ambitions, while Switzerland seeks to solidify their position in the knockout stages.

 

Form Guide

Scotland DLLWDL

Scotland will be eager to bounce back following their heavy 5-1 defeat against Germany in Euro 2024.

In their last match, Scotland struggled with just 27% possession and managed only 1 shot, none of which were on target. Meanwhile, Germany dominated with 20 attempts on goal, 10 of which tested the Scottish defense. Goals from Florian Wirtz (10′), Jamal Musiala (19′), Kai Havertz (45′), Niklas Füllkrug (68′), and an own goal by Antonio Rüdiger (87′) and Emre Can (93′) sealed Scotland’s fate.

Scotland faces a critical juncture in Euro 2024, needing to address defensive lapses and enhance their overall performance to compete effectively in their upcoming matches.

 

Switzerland LDWWDW

Switzerland heads into their next match with confidence after securing a 3-1 victory against Hungary in Euro 2024.

In their recent game, Switzerland controlled possession with 50% and fired off 15 shots, 7 of which were on target. Kwadwo Duah (12′), Michel Aebischer (45′), and Breel Embolo (93′) found the net for Switzerland, sealing their win. Hungary managed 6 attempts on goal, with Barnabás Varga (66′) scoring their lone goal.

As Switzerland prepares for their upcoming fixture, they will look to build on their solid defensive performances and capitalize on their scoring opportunities. With their recent form and momentum, Switzerland aims to continue their positive run in Euro 2024.

 

Scotland vs Switzerland Predicted XI

Scotland Predicted XI: Gunn; Hendry, Hanley, Tierney, Ralston, Gilmour, McTominay, Robertson, McGinn, Christie, Shankland

Switzerland Predicted XI: Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez, Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer, Vargas, Ndoye, Duah

 

Prediction

Based on current form and expectations, we anticipate a tightly contested match between Scotland and Switzerland, with Switzerland likely to edge ahead with at least one goal.

Fans can expect an intense and closely fought encounter, with Switzerland aiming to maintain their positive momentum in Euro 2024. The outcome hinges on both teams’ ability to execute their game plans effectively, setting the stage for an exciting match.

In summary, while Scotland will strive to deliver an improved performance, Switzerland’s balanced approach gives them the edge to clinch a 1-0 win in this crucial Euro 2024 clash.

Slovenia vs Serbia| Euro 2024 (20/06/2024, 14:00)

When the two dark horses of Group C, Slovenia and Serbia, look at their schedules, this match stands out as their golden ticket to extend their stay in the European Championship finals. Slovenia, buoyed by their surprising 1-1 draw against Denmark, now have bigger dreams.

Their first major tournament appearance since the 2010 FIFA World Cup saw a shaky start, with Slovenia falling behind within 20 minutes. The team remains unbeaten in 2024 as underdogs, following impressive wins against Portugal (2-0) and the USA (1-0) in friendlies. This string of victories shows they can compete with higher-ranked teams.

Serbia also eased into their tournament debut but didn’t quite get the result they wanted. Known for their strong defense, having conceded just nine goals in their eight qualifying matches, Serbia managed only one shot on target in a 1-0 loss to pre-tournament favorites, England.

Despite both teams qualifying as runners-up in their respective groups, Serbia enters this contest as the slight favorite. This edge comes partly from their previous encounters in the UEFA Nations League in 2022, where Serbia took points from Slovenia twice (2-2 away, 4-1 home).

This game promises to be a fascinating clash of two teams eager to prove themselves on the big stage. Slovenia’s recent form suggests they are ready to take on more established teams, while Serbia’s strong defense and previous success against Slovenia give them confidence.

 

Form Guide

Slovenia WDWWDD

Slovenia walked away from their recent Euro 2024 qualifier against Denmark with a 1-1 draw.

In this face-off, Slovenia held the ball for just 32% of the match and managed 11 shots, with only 2 hitting the target. Erik Janža was the hero for Slovenia, finding the net in the 77th minute. On the other side, Denmark was far more aggressive, with 16 attempts and 4 on target. Their star, Christian Eriksen, scored early in the 17th minute.

Over this period, they’ve racked up nine goals while conceding only five. This consistency in scoring highlights their offensive capabilities and resilience on the field.

 

Serbia DLWLWL

After losing their last game against England in Euro 2024, Serbia and their fans hope for a better result this time.

In that match, Serbia had 47% possession and made 6 attempts at goal, with 1 on target. England, on the other hand, had 5 attempts with 3 on target. Jude Bellingham scored for England at the 13-minute mark.

In their last 6 matches, Dragan Stojković’s Serbia has scored 7 goals. This averages to 1.17 goals per game.

 

Slovenia vs Serbia Predicted XI

Slovenia Predicted XI: Oblak; Karnicnik, Blazic, Bijol, Janza; Stojanovic, Gnezda Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko

Serbia Predicted XI: V. Milinkovic-Savic; Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, S. Milinkovic-Savic, Gudelj, Mladenovic; Tadic; Vlahovic, Mitrovic

 

Prediction

Our view is that Slovenia might struggle to score against Serbia. We think Serbia will score and might also keep a clean sheet.

That’s why we predict a tough match with a 1-0 win for Serbia at full-time.

Denmark vs England | Euro 2024 (20/06/2024, 17:00)

Denmark had a rough start to Euro 2024, ending in a 1-1 draw with Slovenia in Stuttgart. Kasper Hjulmand’s team controlled much of the game but couldn’t secure the win, putting them under pressure as they prepare to face England in Frankfurt.

Danish fans are anxious, recalling the Euro 2020 semi-final. Denmark has only one win in their last six group stage matches. They also didn’t win a group game at the last World Cup. However, they can be encouraged by their recent games against England, as they haven’t lost in the last three meetings after 90 minutes.

England started their Euro 2024 journey with a 1-0 win over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen. However, their shaky second half left many wondering about Gareth Southgate’s team. Southgate praised their “resilience” under late pressure but knows they need to improve to secure consecutive wins for the first time since November.

England hasn’t lost a group game at the Euros since a 2-1 defeat to France in 2004. This success is built on a strong defense, last conceding at this stage to Wales’ Gareth Bale in 2016.

 

Form Guide

Denmark LDWWWD

Denmark goes into this game after a 1-1 draw against Slovenia in the Euro 2024 debut match.

In that match, Denmark had 68% possession and made 16 attempts at goal, with 4 on target. Christian Eriksen scored for Denmark at 17 minutes. Slovenia made 11 attempts at goal, with 2 on target. Erik Janža scored for Slovenia at 77 minutes.

In their last six games, Kasper Hjulmand’s Denmark scored a total of 8 goals. This gives them an average of 1.33 goals per match.

 

England DLDWLW

England is heading into this game after a 1-0 win against Serbia in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

In that match, England had 53% possession and took 5 shots on goal, with 3 on target. Jude Bellingham scored the only goal for England at the 13-minute mark. Serbia had 6 attempts, with only 1 on target.

In their last 6 games, Gareth Southgate’s team scored 8 goals. This gives them an average of 1.33 goals per game.

 

Denmark vs England Predicted XI

Denmark Predicted XI: Schmeichel; Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard; Bah, Hjulmand, Hojbjerg, Kristiansen; Eriksen; Wind, Hojlund

England Predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane

 

Prediction

In our opinion, Denmark is likely to score against this England team, but one goal might not be sufficient to avoid losing.

As a result, we predict a closely contested match that will end with England securing a 2-1 victory when the referee concludes the game.

Spain vs Italy | Euro 2024 (20/06/2024, 20:00)

Spain and Italy, two top UEFA teams, face off in Gelsenkirchen. It’s the fifth consecutive European Championship where they meet. Spain, with three past titles, aims for revenge after Italy eliminated them in the last two finals, a notable 3-0 win over Croatia kicking off their campaign.

Spain’s strong qualifying form led to their opening victory. Winning here would secure Spain a fifth straight knockout phase early. However, four of their seven Euro encounters with Italy ended in draws.

A draw in this match could see both teams advance early. Italy, two-time champions, won’t hold back. They overcame Albania in their opener with a comeback, maintaining hopes of topping the group, much like they did in Euro 2020.

Italy, appearing in their eighth consecutive finals, seeks a fifth straight knockout round entry with a win. Their recent record (five wins in seven matches, draw 2) boosts confidence, although they’ve often scored fewer than three goals in their last seven encounters before this match.

 

Form Guide

Spain WLDWWW

Spain, boosted by their recent win, are aiming for a repeat performance following their 3-0 victory against Croatia at Euro 2024.

During that match, Spain held onto the ball for 47% of the time and made 11 attempts at scoring, with 5 shots hitting the target. Scoring for Spain were Álvaro Morata (29′), Fabián Ruiz (32′), and Dani Carvajal (45′). Conversely, Croatia attempted to score 16 times, getting 5 on target.

In five out of the last six games involving Spain, three or more goals were scored per game. Over this period, their opponents scored a total of 6 goals, while Spain netted 19 times.

 

Italy DWWDWW

Italy enters the upcoming meeting fresh off a 2-1 victory against Albania in Euro 2024.

In their last game, Italy controlled the match with 68% possession and attempted 17 shots, 5 of which were on target. Alessandro Bastoni (11′) and Nicolò Barella (16′) scored for Italy. Albania managed 8 shots, with only 1 on target, and Nedim Bajrami (1′) scored their goal.

Italy’s defense has been solid recently, conceding only 2 goals in their last 6 matches. Meanwhile, they have scored 7 goals during this period.

 

Spain vs Italy Predicted XI

Spain Predicted XI: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams

Italy Predicted XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca

 

Prediction

Italy might feel let down if they fail to score against this Spain team, but they probably won’t score as much as Spain will against them.

Our prediction is that it will be a close game, with Spain winning 2-1 after 90 minutes.

Slovakia vs Ukraine | Euro 2024 (21/06/2024, 14:00)

Slovakia, caused a major upset at Euro 2024, defeating Belgium 1-0 in their opening match. This victory places them in a strong position to advance from Group E. Although they relied on VAR decisions to clinch the win against Belgium, it extended their impressive record under coach Francesco Calzona.

Since taking charge in August 2022, Slovakia has only lost four out of 19 games (won 10, drawn 5). They entered the tournament after just two losses in qualifying (won 7, drawn 1), both against group winners Portugal. Four of those seven qualifying victories were clean sheets. With three consecutive shutouts, Calzona will likely depend on his disciplined defense once more in Düsseldorf.

In contrast, Ukraine suffered a 3-0 defeat to Romania in their opening group match. The positive aspect for Serhiy Rebrov’s team is their record of not losing consecutive games since November 2020. They must maintain this streak to avoid a tough road in the final group stage matches.

Quarter-finalists in the 2021 Euros, Ukraine has an impressive overall record, losing only six times in 30 matches since then (won 13, drawn 11). Significantly, in each of those six losses, including against Romania, Ukraine conceded the first goal, with four ending in clean sheet defeats. This underscores the importance of scoring first for both teams in this crucial matchup.

 

Form Guide

Slovakia WLDWWW

Slovakia aims to replicate their 1-0 victory against Belgium in Euro 2024.

During that game, Slovakia held onto the ball for 39% of the time and took 10 shots, with 4 aimed directly at the goal. The lone scorer for Slovakia was Ivan Schranz, who netted the ball in the 7th minute. On the opposite side, Belgium attempted to score 16 times, with 6 shots hitting their mark.

Recent matches involving Slovakia have been quite exciting, promising plenty of goal-scoring opportunities. In their last six encounters alone, a total of 21 goals have been scored between both teams, averaging 3.5 goals per game, with Slovakia claiming 15 of those goals.

 

Ukraine WWDLWL

After a disappointing loss against Romania in Euro 2024, Ukraine aims to bounce back in their upcoming match.

During the game, Ukraine held the ball for 71% of the time and made 13 attempts to score, hitting the target twice. On the contrary, Romania had 9 shots on goal, with 5 finding their mark. Nicolae Stanciu (29’), Răzvan Marin (53’), and Denis Drăguş (57’) scored goals.

In 5 of their last 6 matches, Ukraine has seen three or more goals scored. Their games have averaged 2.83 goals, with Ukraine averaging 1.5 goals per match.

 

Slovakia vs Ukraine Predicted XI

Slovakia Predicted XI: Dubravka, Hancko, Skriniar, Vavro, Pekarik, Duda, Lobotka, Kucka, Haraslin, Bozenik, Schranz

Ukraine Predicted XI: Lunin, Mykolenko, Matvienko, Zabarnyi, Konoplya, Zinchenko, Brazhko, Mudryk, Sudakov, Tsygankov, Yaremchuk

 

Prediction

We believe Ukraine might struggle to break through Slovakia’s defense. We expect Slovakia to score and take the lead.

As a result, we anticipate a close match ending with Slovakia ahead 1-0.

Poland vs Austria | Euro 2024 (21/06/2024, 17:00)

Poland and Austria, after losing their first Group D match, now face a crucial moment where a draw might not be beneficial for either team. Both were considered less likely to advance compared to their French and Dutch competitors. However, with four third-place finishers moving forward, a victory in this match would put one team in a favorable position.

Michał Probierz suffered his first defeat as Poland’s head coach in a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands, their sixth loss in ten recent World or European Championship games. Despite this, there were positives, such as Adam Buksa scoring the opening goal in place of the injured Robert Lewandowski.

Under Ralf Rangnick, Austria’s aggressive pressing style has been successful, despite their narrow 1-0 loss to second-ranked France due to an unfortunate own goal. Looking forward, they have less challenging opponents on paper, which should boost their confidence after the close defeat.

Rangnick highlighted Austria’s strong form, with only losses to France and Belgium in their last 17 matches since the previous UEFA Nations League. Additionally, Austria enters this match as favorites on a seven-game winning streak since November 2022, suggesting high expectations as they aim to replicate or exceed their Euro 2020 Round of 16 performance.

 

Form Guide

Poland WWDWWL

Poland aims to do better than their last performance after their 1-2 defeat in Euro 2024 against the Netherlands.

During that match, Poland held onto the ball for 34% of the time and attempted to score 12 times, hitting the target 7 times. Adam Buksa (16′) scored the lone goal for Poland. Netherlands, on the other hand, took 21 shots, with 4 on target. Cody Gakpo (29′) and Wout Weghorst (83′) netted for the Netherlands.

Under coach Michał Probierz, Poland has scored a total of 13 goals in their last six matches, while conceding only 5 goals during the same period.

 

Austria WWWWDL

After losing their last match against France in Euro 2024, Austria is determined to bounce back.

During that game, Austria controlled the ball for 52% of the time and made 6 attempts to score, with 3 hitting the mark. The only goal credited to Austria came from Max Wöber (38′ Own goal). Meanwhile, France attempted 14 shots, 3 of which were on target.

In their last six games, Austria has scored a total of 15 goals and has managed to score in every single one of those matches. However, they’ve also conceded 3 goals during that period.

 

Poland vs Austria Predicted XI

Poland Predicted XI: Szczęsny; Bednarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior; Slisz; Frankowski, Zieliński, Piotrowski, Szymański, Zalewski; Świderski

Austria Predicted XI: Lindner; Wober, Danso, Mwene, Seiwald, Posch, Laimer, Sabitzer, Schlager, Gregoritsch, Baumgartner

 

Prediction

It seems Poland will have to try their best to score against Austria, who we believe will manage to score and might also prevent Poland from scoring.

Therefore, we predict Austria will win 1-0 after the full 90 minutes

Netherlands vs France | Euro 2024 (21/06/2024, 20:00)

The Netherlands began their UEFA Euro 2024 journey with a tough 2-1 victory over Poland. They had to come from behind for the win, with substitute Wout Weghorst scoring the winning goal with his first touch of the ball. Manager Ronald Koeman will have plenty to correct, despite the Oranje winning each of their last four Euro group stage games and seven of their last eight internationals.

As Koeman weighs whether Weghorst should play a bigger role against France, he faces a challenge. The Dutch have won only one of their last eight encounters with France, losing the other seven, including two in the qualifiers for this tournament. They are well aware of the task ahead against the two-time European champions.

France defeated Austria 1-0 on Monday evening, making a win crucial for them to top the group. Their third consecutive clean sheet suggests strength in defense under Didier Deschamps. However, captain Kylian Mbappé suffered a broken nose from an aerial clash and was later booked for time-wasting.

Despite Mbappé’s quest for a first European Championship goal, France aims to extend their streak of not losing a Euro game in regulation since 2012 (. However, France has never defeated the Dutch without extra time or penalties in the Euros. Deschamps led the team that won in penalties at Euro 1996 in England, the last time they faced off in such a situation.

 

Form Guide

Netherlands WWLWWW

The Netherlands, encouraged by their recent win, aim for a repeat after their 2-1 victory against Poland in Euro 2024.

In that match, the Netherlands controlled the ball 66% of the time and took 21 shots, 4 of which were on target. Cody Gakpo (29′) and Wout Weghorst (83′) scored for the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Poland managed 12 shots, with 7 on target, and Adam Buksa (16′) netted their goal.

In six of their last six games, the Netherlands have seen at least three goals per match. Their opponents scored 3 of those goals, while the Netherlands totaled 21.

 

France DLWWDW

France enters the upcoming match after securing a 1-0 victory against Austria in Euro 2024.

During their last game, France controlled the ball for 48% of the match and made 14 attempts to score, hitting the target thrice. Austria, on the other hand, managed 6 shots with 3 on goal. The lone goal for Austria came from Max Wöber (38′).

In their recent 6 matches, France has been involved in high-scoring games, with a total of 28 goals, averaging 4.67 goals per match. Their opponents contributed 6 goals to this tally.

 

Netherlands vs France Predicted XI

Netherlands Predicted XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Veerman, Schouten; Malen, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay

France Predicted XI: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Coman; Thuram

 

Prediction

Here’s a game where the Netherlands might find it tough to score against France. We think France will win narrowly, 1-0, by the end of the game.

Argentina vs Canada | Copa America (21/06/2024, 01:00)

Football fans worldwide will eagerly watch the first match of the 2024 Copa América hosted in the USA. Argentina, the current title holders and World champions, will take on Canada. Argentina not only dominates globally but also across the Americas, boasting a joint-record 15 Copa América titles and making their 44th tournament appearance since its inception in 1916 – another record.

Coach Lionel Scaloni has selected a strong squad for their title defense, featuring Lionel Messi. This might be Messi’s final Copa América. If so, he aims to help Argentina win back-to-back titles. Argentina heads into this match with a seven-game unbeaten streak in the tournament (6 wins, 1 draw) and hasn’t lost to a North American team since 2004, making them favorites for a strong start.

With new rules allowing more than just CONMEBOL nations, Canada gets their first chance at Copa América glory. However, facing Argentina could prove challenging for Jesse Marsch’s men. The American coach is yet to see his team score a goal under his leadership (1 draw, 1 loss), though those matches were against top-ten FIFA ranked teams France and the Netherlands.

While Canada’s squad lacks star power compared to Argentina’s, notable players like Bayern’s Alphonso Davies and Lille’s Jonathan David could pose challenges. Canada, co-hosting the upcoming World Cup, will need to adapt to playing against top-tier opponents. They reached this stage with a 2-0 victory against Trinidad & Tobago.

 

Form Guide

Argentina LWWWWW 

Argentina supporters hope for a repeat of their last game, which ended in a 4-1 victory over Guatemala in International Friendlies.

In that match, Lisandro Martínez scored an own goal in the 4th minute, Lionel Messi netted twice (in the 12th and 77th minutes), and Lautaro Martínez scored in the 39th and 66th minutes.

Recent matches indicate that Argentina’s defensive strategy is working well. They have only conceded 4 goals in their last 6 games, showing their strong defensive performance.

 

Canada DWDLLD

In their recent International Friendlies match, Canada played to a 0-0 draw against France.

Over their last six matches, Canada scored a total of 7 goals. However, they also conceded 12 goals during this period.

Argentina vs Canada Predicted XI

Argentina Predicted XI: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, Gonzalez, Alvarez

Canada Predicted XI: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Kone, Millar; David, Larin

 

Prediction

Argentina will probably control the ball a lot and get some good chances.

Meanwhile, Canada might struggle to score, but we think they’ll manage to score at least once.

So, we expect Argentina to win comfortably, with a final score of 3-1.

Georgia vs Czech Republic | Euro 2024 (22/06/2024, 14:00)

Georgia, appearing for the first time in the tournament, holds the lowest FIFA rank at UEFA Euro 2024. They kicked off their campaign with determination despite a 3-1 loss to Turkey on Tuesday. The margin widened due to a last-minute goal scored into an empty net after goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili had moved forward in a last-ditch effort to equalize. Their next match against the Czech Republic becomes crucial as both teams are coming off recent defeats, complicating their chances to advance from Group F, even as one of the top four third-placed teams.

Tuesday’s defeat was Georgia’s first in four matches, so manager Willy Sagnol remains optimistic. However, those wins were against lower-ranked teams, highlighting the urgent need to elevate their performance against the 34th-ranked Czech team.

Participating in their eighth consecutive European Championship since gaining independence, the Czech Republic did not start as hoped, losing 2-1 to Portugal with a 92nd-minute goal, despite initially taking the lead. This result marked their first loss under new coach Ivan Hašek. They aim to bounce back quickly in their first-ever encounter against Georgia, aiming to enhance their record of advancing to the knockout stages in four of their previous seven Euros appearances.

Although not the desired outcome against Portugal, the defeat wasn’t entirely unexpected, given the Czechs’ recent record of winning just one of their last seven group-stage Euro matches. To improve their chances of progressing beyond the group stage, they must achieve something they’ve never done before: win at the Volksparkstadion. Previous matches there resulted in losses—2-0 to Italy in 2006 and 3-0 to Germany in 2016.

 

Form Guide

Georgia DLWDWL 

Georgia aims for a better outcome following a 3-1 defeat to Turkey in their recent Euro 2024 match.

During that game, Georgia held possession for 44% of the time and attempted to score 14 times, hitting the target with 5 shots. The sole scorer for Georgia was Georges Mikautadze (32′). Turkey, on the other hand, took 22 shots at goal, with 8 hitting their mark. Mert Müldür (25′), Arda Güler (65′), and Kerem Aktürkoğlu (97′) found the net for Turkey.

In their last six matches, under Willy Sagnol’s leadership, Georgia has scored a total of 9 goals, averaging 1.5 goals per game.

 

Czech Republic WWWWWL

After losing their last match against Portugal in Euro 2024, Czech Republic and their fans traveling with them are hoping for a better outcome this time.

During that game, Czech Republic had possession of the ball only 26% of the time and took 5 shots, with only 1 hitting the target. Lukáš Provod scored in the 62nd minute, and Robin Hranáč added an own goal in the 69th minute. Portugal, on the other hand, attempted 19 shots with 8 on target, and Francisco Conceição scored in the 92nd minute.

Known for their exciting games, Czech Republic has seen a total of 22 goals in their last 6 matches, averaging 3.67 goals per game. Their opponents scored 5 of these goals.

 

Georgia vs Czech Republic Predicted XI

Georgia Predicted XI: Mamardashvili, Kashia, Kverkvelia, Kakabadze, Dvali, Kochorashvili, Chakvetadze, Tsitaishvili, Mekvabishvili, Kvaratskhelia & Mikautadze

Czech Republic Predicted XI: Staněk, Coufal, Holeš, Krejčí, Douděra, Hranáč, Provod, Souček, Šulc, Schick & Kuchta

 

Prediction

Based on the matchup between these two teams, it seems Georgia could struggle to breach Czech Republic’s defense. We expect Czech Republic to score at least once, giving them the edge.

Therefore, we predict a closely contested game, with Czech Republic leading 1-0 when the referee ends the match.

Turkey vs Portugal | Euro 2024 (22/06/2024, 17:00)

Two teams who won their first matches face off in Group F’s second round, with Turkey looking to build on their 3-1 victory over Georgia against Portugal. Despite the scoreline suggesting an easy win, Vincenzo Montella’s team needed two exceptional goals to secure victory. Nonetheless, they’re delighted to be on the verge of reaching the Euro knockouts for the first time since 2008.

A win here could secure Turkey’s place in the knockouts, but they’ve never beaten Portugal at a Euro finals (lost 3 times). In fact, they’ve failed to score in all three of those encounters. However, Turkey have scored in 11 of their last 13 international matches, giving them confidence to break their goal drought against Portugal at the Euros.

Portugal didn’t impress in their opener, needing a stoppage-time goal to overcome the Czech Republic 2-1. Manager Roberto Martínez claimed they controlled the game and deserved the win, but he’s worried about their defense, which kept nine clean sheets in ten qualifying matches but has now conceded in five of the last six games.

Like Turkey, Portugal can secure a spot in the knockouts with a win, but they’ve struggled on matchday two in recent Euros, failing to win their second group game in the last two tournaments (drew 1, lost 1). They should be confident of improving that record, having not lost to a team outside FIFA’s top-20 at a Euro final since their defeat to Greece in the 2004 final.

 

Form Guide

Turkey DLLDLW

Turkey aims to win again following their recent performance, a 3-1 victory against Georgia in Euro 2024.

During that game, Turkey controlled 56% of the possession and made 22 attempts on goal, with 8 shots on target. The scorers for Turkey were Mert Müldür (25′), Arda Güler (65′), and Kerem Aktürkoğlu (97′). On the other hand, Georgia had 14 shots at goal, with 5 on target, and Georges Mikautadze (32′) scored for them.

Lately, Turkey has struggled to maintain a clean sheet for the full 90 minutes in matches. In fact, they have conceded goals in 5 of their last 6 games, allowing a total of 11 goals during this period.

 

Portugal WLWLWW

Portugal heads into their next game after securing a 2-1 victory against Czech Republic in Euro 2024.

During that game, Portugal controlled the ball 74% of the time and made 19 attempts to score, hitting the target 8 times. Francisco Conceição (92′) was the sole scorer for Portugal. Meanwhile, Czech Republic had 5 goal attempts, with only 1 finding its mark. Lukáš Provod (62′) and an own goal by Robin Hranáč (69′) contributed to Czech Republic’s score.

Portugal has shown a knack for action-packed matches, with 23 goals in their last 6 games, averaging 3.83 goals per match. Their opponents managed to score 8 of these goals.

 

Turkey vs Portugal Predicted XI

Turkey Predicted XI: Gunok; Celik, Akayadin, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Ayhan, Kocku; Guler, Yildiz, Yilmaz

Portugal Predicted XI: Costa; Dalot, Dias, Pepe, Cancelo; Vitinha, J. Neves, Fernandes; Jota, Ronaldo, Silva

 

Prediction

It seems Turkey might score against Portugal, but one goal likely won’t be enough to avoid losing.

We predict a close match ending in a 1-2 victory for Portugal by the end. Let’s hope it’s an exciting game!

Belgium vs Romania | Euro 2024 (22/06/2024, 20:00)

Belgium faced a surprising upset in the first round of Euro 2024 matches, losing 1-0 to Slovakia. This defeat marked manager Domenico Tedesco’s first loss since taking charge of the Red Devils in February 2023. It was also only the second time they failed to score under his leadership.

The scoreline doesn’t show everything. Belgium controlled most of the game stats, and VAR canceled two goals, which midfielder Amadou Onana highlighted. However, they can’t afford another mistake. Belgium has a weak historical record against Romania, winning only one of the last five encounters, though the most recent match was in November 2012.

Romania also caused a stir on matchday one with a convincing 3-0 victory over Ukraine, their largest win in European Championship history. This win places Romania strongly to qualify for the knockout phase for the second consecutive Euro Championship.

Before Monday, Romania had an unimpressive record this summer, not winning any of their previous four matches. They ended that streak with two clean sheets and added another against Ukraine. They aim for their first four-game clean sheet run since September 2015, but stopping Belgium’s offense will be a tough challenge.

 

Form Guide

Belgium WDDWWL

Belgium aims to do better than their last performance after losing 0-1 in Euro 2024 against Slovakia.

During that match, Belgium controlled 61% of the game and took 16 shots, 6 of which were on target. Slovakia, on the other hand, attempted 10 shots, with 4 on target. Ivan Schranz (7′) scored Slovakia’s goal.

Recent games highlight Belgium’s strong defense. In their last six matches, only 3 goals have gone past their goalkeeper.

 

Romania WDLDDW

Romania enters this match following a 3-0 victory over Ukraine in Euro 2024.

In that game, Romania only had 29% of the possession and took 9 shots, with 5 hitting the target. Nicolae Stanciu (29′), Răzvan Marin (53′), and Denis Drăguş (57′) scored for Romania. On the other side, Ukraine had 13 attempts on goal, but only 2 were on target.

Romania’s defenders have been solid, conceding just 4 goals in their last 6 matches. Meanwhile, their attackers have scored a total of 7 goals during this period.

Belgium vs Romania Predicted XI

Belgium Predicted XI: Casteels, Castagne, Faes, Debast, De Cuyper, Mangala, Onana, Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku, Lukaku

Romania Predicted XI: Nita, Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu, Marin, Man, Marin, Stanciu, Coman, Dragus

 

Prediction

Belgium seems likely to score twice against Romania. Romania might struggle to score at all.

As a result, we predict Belgium will win 2-0 by the end of the game.

Categories
Football

The Top 9 Best Stadiums Worldwide: A Comprehensive Ranking

Best Stadiums Worldwide: Top 9 Iconic Venues | StarBet

The Top 9 Best Stadiums Worldwide: A Comprehensive Ranking

Deciding the best stadiums worldwide is subjective, but factors like capacity, fan experience, social media buzz, and historical significance all play a role. This guide explores some of the most iconic and best stadiums across the globe.

Legendary Venues With Legendary Reputations 

  • Estadio Azteca (Mexico City): It has one of the highest holding capacities (87,000) worldwide and an atmosphere that cannot be replicated. By hosting two FIFA World Cup finals, it solidified its reputation as a footballing temple.
  • Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro): Maracanã is not just a stadium; it’s synonymous with Brazilian football. The World Cup final has always had a magical effect on fans, from 1950 to 2014.

Modern Marvels with Passionate Fans

  • Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid): Despite recent renovations impacting accessibility, Real Madrid’s home ground remains a formidable fortress. Modern facilities, intense Madridista support, and a captivating atmosphere solidify its reputation as one of the best stadiums in the world.
  • San Siro (Milan): Shared by AC Milan and Inter Milan, San Siro excels in social media engagement and offers fascinating tours. Nicknamed “The Scala of Football” because of its architecture, it boasts an electric atmosphere on matchdays.
  • Signal Iduna Park (Dortmund): Home to the legendary “Yellow Wall,” Signal Iduna Park boasts one of the most intimidating fan sections in football. The passionate support and unmatched fan experience make it a true legend.
  • Anfield (Liverpool): Anfield is steeped in history as it serves as an iconic home to Liverpool FC. Its unique atmosphere and iconic anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” resonate with fans worldwide, making it a social media favorite.

Architectural Wonders and Engaged Supporters

  • Allianz Arena (Munich): This architectural masterpiece stands out among modern stadiums. The innovative light-changing facade keeps supporters enthralled, and impressive fan engagement contributes to its high ranking.

Iconic Grounds with Rich History

  • Old Trafford (Manchester): Popularly known as the “Theatre of Dreams,” Old Trafford is Manchester United’s iconic ground. This team is a cornerstone of English football because of its long past and fiercely loyal fans.
  • The Grand Dame: Camp Nou (Barcelona): Claiming the top spot is Camp Nou, the majestic home of FC Barcelona. Europe’s largest stadium (over 99,000 seats) adds to its grandeur. High online searches showcase its global popularity, attracting fans (Blaugrana) worldwide.

Conclusion: Where Legends are Made

From the historic echoes of Maracanã to the futuristic Allianz Arena, these nine best stadiums provide captivating experiences for fans globally. Thus whether it be adrenaline-pumping support at Signal Iduna Park or awe-inspiring beauty Santiago Bernabéu or even more than mere venues where people watch games being played; they are sacred grounds where legends are born and history unfolds.

Categories
Football

From Kickball to Champions: The Inspiring Journey of Liberia’s Shaita Angels

Shaita Angels - Liberian Football Champions | StarBet

From Kickball to Champions: The Inspiring Journey of Liberia's Shaita Angels

Shaita Angels’ journey is a fascinating tale of the remaking and endurance of women’s football in Liberia. It started as a kickball team and has become champions at the Liberia Football Association’s (LFA) Orange Cup, emphasizing the increasing popularity and potential of women’s football in this region.

The Birth of Shaita Angels

In 2017, the installation of artificial turf at the George Weah Technical Center in Careysburg marked a turning point for the Shaita Angels. Originally a kickball team, they were forced to transition to football to continue using the facility, which was upgraded with support from FIFA.

The Transition to Football

Women’s football is still developing in Liberia, with kickball traditionally being more popular. However, the Shaita Angels embraced the challenge. “We built the turf for football,” explained G. Nelson Meanyeah, LFA’s stadium manager. This decision catalyzed their transformation and laid the foundation for their future success.

Building a Team and Overcoming Challenges

To support their new venture, the team needed football equipment and technical staff. With assistance from Henry Browne, who was then the technical director for LFA, as well as local coaches Rusfus Kolo and Edwin Knuckles, the Shaita Angels rapidly mobilized for registration into the women’s lower league during the 2019–20 season. Despite their earlier setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they remained determined to succeed.

Achievements and Setbacks

In their first ever full competitive season, Shaita Angels earned promotion to the top-flight league. The team ended up second in the 2020–2021 women’s second division, thus sealing its place in the 2021–22 women’s top flight. However, their maiden campaign at the top tier proved to be challenging, leading to their relegation. Vice President Benita Urey viewed this setback as an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen the team.

The Role of Benita Urey

Benita Urey, a businesswoman and influencer from Careysburg, became the team’s vice president without prior football experience. Her involvement brought new energy and resources to the club. “It was a way of giving back to the community and empowering women through sport,” Urey said. Despite a difficult first season, her leadership proved pivotal in the team’s resurgence.

The Road to the Top Flight

By the end of the 2022–23 season, the Shaita Angels had clinched the women’s lower tier championship, winning 18 matches, drawing three, and losing only one of 22 league games. Key players like striker Erica Parsons, goalkeeper Albertha Pratt, and midfielder Malusu Blama received top honors, showcasing the team’s talent and determination.

Recent Successes and Future Goals

Returning to the top league, Shaita Angels made strategic signings, including Nigerian defenders and Ghanaian midfielder Mary Nunoo. Under the leadership of new head coach Monroe Winn, the team finished second in the league and won its first Orange Cup title. Urey, now the club’s CEO and president, has set her sights on ending Determine Girls’ dominance in Liberian women’s football and bringing the CAF Women’s Champions League trophy to Liberia.

Conclusion

Shaita Angels’ story is one of resilience, transformation, and ambition. Their journey from a kickball team to football champions serves as an inspiration to many and highlights the growing potential of women’s football in Liberia.