The 17th edition of the European Championship started with a bang as the host, Germany, thrashed Scotland 5-1 in the opening match, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The Euro 2024 is living up to its promise of high-quality football. Following are the matches that are scheduled to be played on June 23:
- Switzerland vs Germany – June 24, 12:30 AM IST; 9:00 PM local time (CET); 8:00 PM BST
- Scotland vs Hungary- June 24 12:30 AM IST; 9:00 PM local time (CET); 8:00 PM BST
SWITZERLAND VS GERMANY
Germany is enjoying its best start to a tournament in more than a decade, but the Euro 2024 host wants to make it three wins from three when it faces Switzerland on Sunday to seal top spot in Group A and get a potentially easier opponent in the last 16.
Its two opening victories mark an even better start than it had at the 2014 World Cup when it last won a major international title.
Germany requires at least a draw against the Swiss, who has yet to book its spot in the next round, in order to avoid finishing second in the group and having to play the second-placed team from Group B.
That could lead to a tricky round of 16 match against a team from a group featuring Italy, Spain, Croatia and Albania.
ALSO READ | Germany looks to lock up top spot in group against Switzerland
SCOTLAND VS HUNGARY
Scotland and Hungary’s final Group A match on Sunday is effectively a knockout tie, with both teams needing a win to have any chance of reaching the next stage of Euro 2024.
Scotland has a slight advantage in that it has secured a valuable point already as it chases one of the four best-third-place group finishes – or even second place if Switzerland loses heavily to Germany.
Hungary is bottom of the standings having lost both its opening games but still has hope, having performed well at times in its 2-0 defeat to host Germany who had thrashed Scotland 5-1 in the tournament opener.
Marco Rossi’s side came through its two matches largely unscathed, physically, but cannot afford to make any of the same mistakes that led to its 3-1 loss to Switzerland and then for the first goal against Germany.
ALSO READ | Scotland and Hungary aim to oust the other in must-win encounter
(With inputs from REUTERS)