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Football

Spain vs England: Euro 2024 Final prediction (14.07.2024, 20:00)

Spain vs England: Euro 2024 Final prediction (14.07.2024, 20:00)

The month-long football show culminates at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, where Spain and England face off in the Euro 2024 final. Spain, after a remarkable comeback against France in the semi-final, enters the final as the favorites. Their impressive record, having won four out of their five major finals, says a lot.

La Roja is riding high on an eight-match winning streak, their longest since 2012 when they also clinched the European Championship. A victory here would not only secure their fourth Euros title but also elevate them above Germany as the most successful nation in the tournament’s history. Their manager, Luis de la Fuente, seems the perfect fit, having previously led Spain’s under-19 and under-23 teams to European triumphs.

England’s journey to the final has been far more turbulent. Under Gareth Southgate’s leadership, the Three Lions came from behind to defeat the Netherlands, with two substitutes combining for a dramatic last-minute winner. This victory over the Dutch, the highest-ranked team they’ve beaten in a major tournament since overcoming Spain in the Euro 1996 quarter-finals, has bolstered their confidence.

England boasts a perfect head-to-head record against Spain in the Euros, sparking hope that they can avenge their 2020 final loss to Italy. Southgate’s squad will need to bring their best to overcome the skillful Spaniards. However, their resilience is notable, as they are the only team in Euros history to reach the final after trailing in both the quarter-final and semi-final.

 

Form Guide

Spain WWWWWW

Spain aims to build on their momentum following their 2-1 victory over France in the Euro 2024 semi-final.

In that match, Spain dominated with 58% possession and had 6 shots on goal, 2 of which were on target. Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo found the net in the 21st and 25th minutes, respectively. France, on the other hand, had 9 attempts on goal, with 3 on target, and Randal Kolo Muani scored their lone goal in the 9th minute.

Recent results highlight the strength of Spain’s defense. Over their last six matches, they have conceded only 3 goals, underscoring the solidity of their rearguard. 

 

England WDDWDW 

England enters the upcoming clash buoyed by a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in their latest Euro 2024 match.

In that game, England controlled 58% of the possession and had 9 shots on goal, with 5 on target. Harry Kane scored in the 18th minute, and Ollie Watkins netted a last-minute winner in the 91st minute. The Netherlands managed 7 shots on goal, with 2 on target, and Xavi Simons scored for them in the 7th minute.

England’s defense has been commendable recently, conceding only 4 goals in their last 6 matches.

 

Spain vs England Predicted XI

Spain Predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Foden, Kane, Bellingham.

England Predicted XI: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams.

 

Prediction

The ease with which these two teams score suggests that a match full of emotions and goals awaits us, but as is well known, the finals are always tight matches that are decided with episodes. The feeling is that Spain are in extraordinary physical and mental condition.

We believe that England will have a difficult time finding the back of the net against this Spain lineup, as we believe that Spain may very well be able to score themselves in a winning performance and that they will be able to make it difficult for England to find the back of the net.

Assessing the possible performance of the two teams on the basis of what has been done in previous matches could be misleading, but we think the game will be close, with Spain winning 1-0. 

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Football

Africa’s most Popular Sports: An In-Depth Look at the Favorite Games of the Continent

Popular Sports in Africa: A Comprehensive Guide | StarBet
Popular Sports in Africa: A Comprehensive Guide | StarBet

Africa’s most Popular Sports: An In-Depth Look at the Favorite Games of the Continent

Sports have deep historical roots in Africa, weaving themselves into the continent’s rich tapestry alongside its breathtaking scenery. From north to south and east to west, a vibrant array of popular sports transcends cultural and social barriers, unifying Africans through athletic passion. The sporting industry is a significant contributor to the African economy, with the continent now hosting some of the world’s major sporting events. This article explores five of the most popular sports in Africa.

Football: The Undisputed King of Popular Sports in Africa

Undoubtedly, football reigns supreme as Africa’s most beloved sport. Introduced by European colonial powers in the 1800s, the game’s low resource requirement allows participation for everyone, fostering its immense popularity.

African football clubs have thrived for over half a century, with their numbers steadily increasing alongside the professionalization of leagues. Additionally, support from the private sector and governments has further heightened the sport’s acceptance among the people. Today, over a hundred African players showcase their talent in major European, South American, and American leagues.

Top African Football Nations:

  • Nigeria
  • Ghana
  • South Africa
  • Cameroon
  • Tunisia
  • Senegal

Notable Personalities:

  • Samuel Eto’o
  • Didier Drogba
  • Emmanuel Adebayor
  • Yaya Touré

South Africa etched its name in history by hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, marking the first time the prestigious tournament graced African soil.

Rugby: A Rising Star Among Popular Sports in Africa

Rugby is experiencing a surge in popularity across Africa, with Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Namibia leading the charge. This growth is particularly evident in South Africa, boasting over 6,000 registered players alone. The Springboks’ momentous victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup symbolized a turning point after apartheid, fostering racial reconciliation.

Key Moments:

  • 1995 Rugby World Cup: A significant moment for racial reconciliation in South Africa, marked by the Springboks’ victory and Nelson Mandela’s presentation of the trophy.
  • Kenya’s Rugby Growth: The Kenyan national team’s triumph at the IRB Sevens World Series in Dubai and the international participation in the Safari Sevens tournament back home are testaments to the sport’s flourishing presence in the country.

Cycling: Gaining Traction as a Popular Sport in Africa

Africa is making its mark in the world of cycling, a sport often associated with Western territories. The Cape Town Cycle Tour, the world’s largest timed cycling race, attracts over 35,000 participants, highlighting the sport’s significant presence on the continent.

Cycling Statistics in South Africa:

  • 25,600 registered cycling members
  • 2,600 competitive license holders
  • 550 track cyclists
  • 100 paracyclists
  • 400 BMX cyclists

Prominent Cyclists:

  • Greg Minnaar: Three-time UCI Mountain Bike World Cup winner
  • Chris Froome: Launched his professional cycling career in South Africa before conquering the Tour de France

Basketball: A Popular Sport Taking Flight Among African Youth

Basketball has gained popularity, particularly among young people, since it was introduced in the 1960s. The game is widely played in schools and neighborhoods across the continent.

Key Nations:

  • Egypt
  • Tunisia
  • Cameroon
  • Ghana
  • Uganda
  • Kenya
  • Nigeria

Famous Players:

  • Hakeem Olajuwon: Former NBA star born in Nigeria.
  • Dikembe Mutombo: Played 18 NBA seasons, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rankings:

  • Nigeria: 16th globally with 106.2 points.
  • Tunisia: 21st globally with 69.0 points.

Athletics: Africa’s Enduring Strength in Popular Sports

For instance, Africans have dominated athletics since time immemorial, taking charge of all kinds of global sports, including the Olympic Games, among others. Countries like Ethiopia or Kenya are known for their athletic talents.

Historical Achievements:

  • Reggie Walker: First African to win an Olympic gold medal in 1908.
  • Kipchoge Keino: Won the 1500 meters Olympic gold medal in 1968.
  • Abebe Bikila: Two-time Olympic champion from Ethiopia.

Modern Stars:

  • David Rudisha: 800-meter world record holder
  • Julius Yego: 2015 javelin throwing world champion

Conclusion

The sporting landscape of Africa is rich and vibrant, pulsating with a passion that transcends borders and cultures. From the collective roar of a football stadium to the focused determination of a lone runner, Africa’s love for sports is undeniable. As the continent continues to develop, its sporting prowess is certain to rise even further on the global stage.

Categories
Football

Predictions 08 – 12.07.2024

Predictions 08 – 12.07.2024

Spain vs France | Euro 2024 (09/07/2024, 20:00)

Spain pulled off arguably the biggest upset of Euro 2024 on Friday, defeating hosts Germany to secure their place in the semi-finals. The thrilling match, which ended 1-1 in regular time, saw Mikel Merino score a dramatic 119th-minute winner, igniting celebrations and extending Spain’s impressive seven-game winning streak.

Luis de la Fuente’s squad has not only been prolific in front of goal but also formidable defensively. La Roja have conceded just once to an opposing player throughout the tournament and have not allowed more than one goal in any of their last seven victories. This solid defense gives Spain confidence as they face France in the semi-finals, especially since they have limited Les Bleus to a goal or less in seven of their last eight encounters.

France’s form in front of goal has been underwhelming in this tournament. They narrowly advanced past Portugal in a tense, goalless match, winning on penalties after Theo Hernández scored the decisive spot-kick following João Félix’s miss. Remarkably, France has reached the semi-finals without any of their players scoring a goal from open play.

Manager Didier Deschamps acknowledged the need for improvement in their attacking play after the win. Despite this, his reputation as a consistent winner continues to grow. Since his appointment in 2012, Deschamps could be on the verge of reaching his fourth major final out of six possible tournaments, aiming to become only the second person after Germany’s Berti Vogts to win a European Championship both as a player and a manager.

 

Form Guide

Spain WWWWWW 

Spain will be looking to replicate their 2-1 Euro 2024 victory over Germany.

In that match, Spain held 49% possession and made 18 attempts on goal, with 6 on target. Dani Olmo scored in the 51st minute and Mikel Merino netted the decisive goal in the 119th minute. Germany had 23 shots on goal, with 5 on target, and Florian Wirtz equalized for them in the 89th minute before Spain clinched the win in extra time.

Spain has been prolific in front of goal, scoring in each of their last 6 matches. Over this period, they have scored 16 goals while conceding only 3.

 

France DWDDWD 

Previously, France played to a 0-0 draw against Portugal in their Euro 2024 match.

In that game, France controlled 40% of the possession and made 19 shots on goal, with 5 on target. Portugal had 14 shots on goal, with 3 on target. The match was ultimately decided in a dramatic penalty shootout, which France won 5-3.

In each of their last 6 games, France has been involved in matches with notably few goals. The average goals per game during this period is just 0.67, with France averaging only 0.5 goals per game.

 

Spain vs France Predicted XI

Spain Predicted XI: Unai Simón: Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Morata, Williams

France Predicted XI: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernández; Kanté, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappé

 

Prediction

It appears that both France and Spain will have enough opportunities to find the back of the net, making it difficult to predict a clear winner.

Given the circumstances, we anticipate a very close match that could end with the scores level. Therefore, we foresee a score draw once the final whistle blows.

Argentina vs Canada | Copa America (10/07/2024, 01:00)

East Rutherford sets the stage for the first of two enticing Copa América semi-finals, with reigning world champions Argentina aiming to secure their third consecutive final appearance at a major tournament. Argentina has been impressive, winning all three of their group games without conceding a goal, including a 2-0 victory over Canada. Their only defensive lapse occurred during a 1-1 draw against Ecuador, which they won on penalties.

With no extra time allowed in this tournament, securing a win in regulation time is crucial for Lionel Scaloni’s squad. An upset here would send shockwaves across the continent, particularly given Argentina’s dominant record against Canada, having scored seven unanswered goals in their last two encounters. Moreover, Argentina has won ten consecutive Copa América matches, keeping a clean sheet in seven of those.

Canada, led by American coach Jesse Marsch, has defied expectations by reaching the semi-finals. As one of six CONCACAF nations invited to join the regular CONMEBOL participants, Canada has already outperformed their regional rivals Mexico and the USA, earning the title of the best CONCACAF team in the tournament.

Despite being long shots to reach their first-ever major final outside of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Canada must believe they can overcome the only team that has defeated them in this tournament. In two of their last three matches, Canada struck first but were taken to penalties by Venezuela in their most recent game, showing that a strong start doesn’t always guarantee success.

 

Form Guide

Argentina WWWWWD

Argentina enter this match following a 1-1 draw against Ecuador in the Copa America.

In that game, Argentina had 51% possession and made 8 attempts on goal, with 2 on target. Lisandro Martínez scored for Argentina in the 35th minute. Ecuador, on the other hand, had 9 shots on goal, with 2 on target, and Kevin Rodríguez equalized in the 92nd minute. Argentina eventually triumphed 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Argentina have consistently found the back of the net in their last 6 matches, scoring a total of 11 goals while conceding just 2.

 

Canada LDLWDD

In their previous Copa America match, Canada played to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela.

During the game, Canada held 45% possession and registered 16 shots on goal, with 7 on target. Jacob Shaffelburg was the sole scorer for Canada, finding the net in the 13th minute. Venezuela, on the other hand, had 16 shots on goal, with 3 on target, and Salomón Rondón scored for them in the 65th minute. Following a tense penalty shootout that ended 4-3, Canada emerged victorious.

Canada has struggled to find goals in their last six matches, managing only 2 in total. During this period, they have also conceded 7 goals.

 

Argentina vs Canada Predicted XI

Argentina Predicted XI:  E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Lo Celso, Gonzalez; Messi, La. Martinez

Canada Predicted XI: Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Osorio, Eustaquio; Laryea, David, Shaffelburg; Larin

 

Prediction

It appears that Canada will face a challenging task to score even a single goal against Argentina, who appear poised to generate numerous scoring opportunities and capitalize on them.

Our prediction is a 3-0 victory for Argentina once the match concludes.

Netherlands vs England  | Euro 2024 (10/07/2024, 20:00)

After a lackluster group stage where they advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, the Netherlands have shown remarkable improvement in the knockout phase of Euro 2024. They staged a comeback to defeat Turkey 2-1 in Berlin on Saturday, earning a spot in their first major tournament semi-final in a decade – their first at the Euros since 2004. Their next challenge awaits against tournament favorites England in Dortmund.

Dortmund hosts their first meeting at either the Euros or World Cup since 1996, with the Netherlands aiming for a different outcome after a 4-1 defeat on that occasion. Since then, the Oranje have lost just once in nine encounters against England, a record Ronald Koeman hopes will propel his side to their first Euros final since their 1988 triumph, coincidentally the last time the finals were held in Germany.

England, under Gareth Southgate, are more accustomed to this stage, contesting their third major tournament semi-final out of four attempts. They advanced dramatically by defeating Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-finals. Despite an improved performance in that match, they have only managed one victory in normal time in five games at these finals, suggesting another tense affair may be in store.

Southgate commended his squad’s “unbelievable character and resilience” after overcoming Switzerland, highlighting England’s difficult-to-beat nature. Their last competitive defeat dates back to the 2022 World Cup against France. Defensive solidity has been a key asset, as they have not conceded multiple goals in a competitive match since then, boosting their chances of reaching a second consecutive Euros final, a remarkable achievement after failing to reach the final in their first nine attempts.

 

Form Guide

Netherlands WWDLWW

Netherlands, coming off a victory in their previous match, will aim for a similar outcome following a 2-1 triumph over Turkey in Euro 2024.

In that game, Netherlands held 59% possession and registered 11 attempts on goal, with 4 on target. Stefan de Vrij was the sole scorer for Netherlands, finding the net in the 70th minute. On the other hand, Turkey had 15 shots on goal, with Samet Akaydin scoring in the 35th minute and Mert Müldür adding an own goal in the 76th minute.

In five of their last six matches, Netherlands have been involved in games with three or more goals. During this period, they scored a total of 13 goals while conceding 5.

 

England LWDDWD

Previously, England played to a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Euro 2024.

In that match, England had 51% possession and took 13 shots at goal, with 3 on target. Bukayo Saka scored the only goal for England in the 80th minute. On the other hand, Switzerland had 10 shots at goal, and Breel Embolo scored in the 75th minute. The match proceeded to penalties, where England emerged victorious with a 5-3 scoreline.

England’s defensive unit has displayed resilience in recent matches, conceding a total of 4 goals in their last 6 games. During this period, their offensive efforts have resulted in 5 goals scored.

 

Netherlands vs England Predicted XI

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

England Predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Foden, Bellingham; Kane

 

Prediction

We believe that both England and the Netherlands will have ample chances to score, even though it’s tough to distinguish between them.

It will be fascinating to watch this match unfold, as a draw seems quite likely. Thus, we anticipate a tightly contested game ending in a 1-1 tie.

Uruguay vs Colombia | Copa America (11/07/2024, 01:00)

Uruguay and Colombia are on the brink of the Copa América final, a stage Uruguay last reached in 2011 and Colombia in 2001. Uruguay, having edged out Brazil on penalties in a gripping quarter-final, come into this semi-final buoyed by three consecutive wins without conceding and an impressive streak of eight competitive matches unbeaten.

This unbeaten run began with a 2-2 draw in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in October 2023, marking the third consecutive meeting between these teams that ended level after regulation time. This includes a 0-0 draw in the previous Copa América edition, a match Uruguay eventually lost on penalties. Such history suggests another tightly contested encounter, possibly extending to the full distance as three of the four quarter-finals in the United States did.

Colombia’s quarter-final was the only match decided in regular time, as they cruised to a 5-0 victory over Panama, extending their remarkable unbeaten run to 27 internationals. Recent games for Los Cafeteros have been action-packed, with six of their last seven matches producing more than 2.5 goals, except for a 1-1 draw against Brazil in the group stage.

Head coach Néstor Lorenzo attributes their success to the team’s cohesion, which has been crucial in their journey to the semi-finals. With only one loss in their last five head-to-heads against Uruguay, Colombia can approach this match with confidence. They are familiar with reaching the semi-finals, having done so in three of the last four Copa América tournaments, although they were eliminated at this stage in the previous two editions.

 

Form Guide

Uruguay DWWWWD

Uruguay head into this fixture following a 0-0 draw against Brazil in the Copa América. In that match, Uruguay held 41% possession and made 12 attempts on goal, with only one on target. Brazil, on the other hand, had 7 attempts with 3 on target. After a tense 4-2 penalty shootout, Uruguay emerged victorious.

A notable trend in recent Uruguay games has been the frequent occurrence of a zero in the scoreline. In five of their last six matches, a bet on “Both Teams to Score” would have been a losing one.

 

Colombia WWWWDW

Colombia will enter this encounter following a commanding 5-0 Copa América win against Panama. In that game, Colombia enjoyed 52% possession and had 7 shots on goal, with 5 on target. The goals were scored by Jhon Córdoba (8′), James Rodríguez (15′), Luis Díaz (41′), Richard Ríos (70′), and Miguel Borja (94′). Panama managed 14 attempts on goal with 3 on target.

Colombia’s attacking prowess has been on full display in their last six games, where they have netted a total of 19 goals, averaging an impressive 3.17 goals per match. However, this high-scoring trend might not continue into their next game.

 

Uruguay vs Colombia Predicted XI

Uruguay Predicted XI: Rochet; Varela, Gimenez, Olivera, Vina; Valverde, Ugarte; Pellistri, De la Cruz, Araujo; Nunez

Colombia Predicted XI: Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; J. Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba

 

Prediction

We anticipate that both Colombia and Uruguay will score in what should be a closely contested match. This game is too close to call, and we predict a tight encounter resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Categories
Football

Don’t Miss the Excitement! AFCON 2025 Kicks Off in December

AFCON 2025 Date | StarBet
AFCON 2025 Date | StarBet

Don't Miss the Excitement! AFCON 2025 Kicks Off in December

The excitement is building for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, the premier football tournament for African nations, set to kick off in Morocco on December 21st, 2025, and run until January 18th, 2026. This strategic shift ensures a smooth running of the competition by avoiding scheduling conflicts with FIFA’s inaugural Club World Cup and the crucial European club seasons.

AFCON 2025: A Month of Top-Tier Football in Morocco

AFCON 2025 will now take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The best football teams from all over Africa will be playing in Morocco during this time, giving football fans a whole month of top-level games.

Several factors contributed to the shift from June to December. The need for another date arose because FIFA’s inaugural Club World Cup, also scheduled for June 2025, would clash with it. Also, it was not practically possible to hold it within January–February since it seemed unacceptable, as many European club sides never liked allowing African players off during their peak campaigns.

Impact on Clubs and Players

European clubs play a significant role in the timing of AFCON. Many African players are key members of European teams, and their absence during the season can impact club performances. The December-January schedule aims to balance national and club commitments, ensuring minimal disruption.

The Road to Morocco: Qualifiers and Groups

The qualifiers for AFCON 2025 will follow this schedule:

  • First and Second Days: September 2 to 10, 2024
  • Third and Fourth Days: October 7 to 15, 2024
  • Fifth and Sixth Days: November 11 to 19, 2024

The AFCON 2025 Qualifiers draw was conducted in Johannesburg this Thursday, unveiling the 12 groups.

In this qualifying round, 48 teams have been sorted into 12 groups with four teams in each group.

Only the top two teams from each group will earn a ticket to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Morocco, with the host nation already securing their place.

Groups:

Group A: Tunisia, Madagascar, Comoros, Gambia
Group B: Morocco, Gabon,Central Africa Republic, Lesotho 
Group C: Egypt, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Botswana
Group D: Nigeria, Benin Libya, Rwanda 
Group E: Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Togo, Liberia
Group F: Ghana, Angola, Sudan, Niger
Group G: Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Chad
Group H: DR Congo, Guinea, Tanzania, Ethiopia
Group I: Mali, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Eswatini
Group J: Cameroon, Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe
Group K: South Africa, Uganda, Congo, South Sudan
Group L: Senegal, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Burundi

Don’t Miss Out on the AFCON Spectacle!

Now AFCON will take place from December 21st, 2025, until January 18th, and this year it will be played in Morocco. During that period, top football teams across Africa will play their matches in Morocco, giving football lovers an entire month of top-class games.

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Football

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

Who Holds the Most Copa América Titles? | StarBet
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.

Categories
Football

Top African Football Scorers of All Time: An Historical Journey

Top African Football Scorers: A Journey Through History | StarBet
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.

Categories
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: 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 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.

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