Thuram launches France, Dumfries’ trio of assists against Greece. Ok Finland and Slovenia, equal to Albania in the Czech Republic. San Marino with no escape in Denmark. Krstovic, De Roon and Bajrami scored
Milan’s apprehension, Inter’s enthusiasm: just ten days before the Derby della Madonnina, the first evening of the Euro2024 qualifying matches gives mixed emotions to the Milanese. The Rossoneri will have to deal with Giroud’s injury. The Nerazzurri, on the other hand, celebrated Thuram’s first goal (replacing Pioli’s centre-forward) with the national team. In the match against Ireland, France won 2-0, but was forced to do without the 36-year-old goalscorer, who was replaced in the 26th minute due to a blow to his ankle. In the other matches, Dumfries (three assists in Holland-Greece 3-0), Krstovic, De Roon and Bajrami (all on target) excelled, while Italian Marco Rossi’s Hungary overcame Serbia and took first place in Group G Fourth success in five games for Finland, leaders in Group H after the 1-0 in Kazakhstan, which remains ahead of Denmark (4-0 against San Marino) and Slovenia (4-2 against Northern Ireland) .
group b
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France’s dominance continues, as does Marcus Thuram’s excellent form. There is concern, however, about the condition of Olivier Giroud, who had to leave the pitch in the 26th minute after suffering a blow to his ankle. Deschamps’ national team beat Ireland 2-0 and remained at the top of the group with maximum points. Maignan, Theo and Rabiot took to the pitch in the 1st minute, Tchouameni opened the ball with a long-range shot in the 10th minute. The second goal came at the start of the second half with Thuram, who replaced Giroud, who scored his first goal for Les Bleus with a quick turn after a rebound in the penalty area. The Netherlands also wins (3-0 against Greece), driven by a super Dumfries, who provides three assists in the first half. The Inter player is the protagonist first with a cross for De Roon, author of the 1-0 following the development of a corner, then with two kissing crosses for Gakpo and Weghorst.
group and
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The Czech Republic and Albania are not hurt and remain in first and second place respectively in the group, separated by just one point in the standings. The Balkans are also focusing heavily on the block made up of Serie A players, with 7 in the starting eleven: Berisha, Hysaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Ramadani, Asllani and Bajrami. The hero of the day is precisely the latter, who ten minutes after the 1-0 of the Czechs (goaled in the 56th minute by Cerny) brought the match back to a draw with a Eurogoal from the midfield. Poland, on the other hand, rose to third place after the 2-0 against the Faroes (a brace from Lewandowski), but suffered terribly: the 1-0 came from a penalty in the 72nd minute.
G GROUP
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Hungary and Serbia remain ahead, while Montenegro sees their chance of reaching second place in the standings disappear in full recovery. Vice-coach Mirko Vucinic’s national team draws (2-2) against Lithuania: after Paulauskas’s initial lead, Lecce’s Krstovic (3 goals in the last 3 matches) makes it 1-1 in the 78th minute with a shot to the flight on assist from Marusic. Ten minutes later, captain Savic also scored 1-2, but in the 95th minute Lithuania made it 2-2 with a long-range shot from substitute Cernych. However, Hungary coached by Marco Rossi is smiling, beating the “Italians” Serbia 2-1. Milinkovic-Savic, Radonjic, Kostic and Vlahovic started and in the 10th minute they took the lead thanks to a shot by Mitrovic deflected towards goal by Szalai, but they were caught up in two minutes. Varga (in the 34th minute) and Orban (in the 36th minute) signed the turnaround, launching Hungary at the top of the table (10 points, +3 over Serbia).
GROUP H
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Fourth victory in five games for the Finland of Venetian Pohjanpalo, at the top of the group and +2 on Denmark. A goal from Antman is enough for coach Kanerva’s national team to achieve a narrow success in Kazakhstan. Slovenia also did well, winning 4-2 against Northern Ireland thanks to the flashes of the usual Sesko (goal and two assists for Sporar), helped by Sampdorian Stojanovic (he doubled the lead in the 17th minute). Oblak and his teammates are now third, but have the same points as Denmark (second), fresh from the 4-0 against San Marino: Hojberg, Maehle (Eriksen’s no-look assist), Wind and Poulsen scored.
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