Luciano Spalletti has taken responsibility for Italy's Euro 2024 exit, though the Azzurri boss feels his limited time to prepare the team contributed to their poor displays.

The defending champions crashed out in the last 16 on Saturday, with Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas scoring as Switzerland claimed a deserved 2-0 victory in Berlin.

Following the Azzurri's defeat, the reigning champions have been eliminated in the round of 16 at three successive editions of the tournament, with Spain going out to Italy in 2016 and Portugal doing so versus Belgium at Euro 2020.

The loss was Italy's first in a knockout game at the Euros since the 2012 final versus Spain (90 minutes only), ending a run of six such matches unbeaten (three wins, three draws).

Spalletti only became Italy coach last September after Roberto Mancini quit to take the Saudi Arabia job, and he used Saturday's post-match press conference to remind reporters of his late appointment.

"I have to say this, even if it may seem like I'm looking for alibis. Before this competition the other coaches had 20 or 30 games," he said.

"I had 10 and I already had a gun pointed at me, saying that I had to win. 

"Then we had several injured players that I was counting on, and today we saw that in terms of the intensity we were inferior. Switzerland qualified in a fair way."

Spalletti was then asked whether he was likely to stay on as Italy coach in the aftermath of their worst Euros performance since 2004's group-stage exit.

The former Napoli boss has no intention of stepping down but admits things must change for the team, responding: "It's a natural question, don't feel guilty for asking me.

"It changes nothing for me in the sense that I take responsibility for what happened. 

"I picked the players. I am not happy with the performance we produced or the performance against Spain.

"I am partially happy with the other two matches we played. This time I rested them up and changed the team. 

"After the previous game, I blamed it on myself, regardless of team selection, for not making too many changes."

Gareth Southgate believes "nobody will care about the group stage" if England enjoy a good run in the Euro 2024 knockout stages, starting with Slovakia on Sunday.

Despite topping Group C, England came under fire for their below-par performances in the group stage after edging past Serbia in the opener before playing out draws with Denmark and Slovenia.

First place in the group means the Three Lions avoided the side of the draw including a lot of the favourites, but even that has not raised morale among the fans.

While Southgate accepted the criticism the team received, he was adamant that the real jeopardy of the tournament starts in the round of 16.

"Reality is that nobody will care about the group stage if you get it right? That is the reality, and of course, we have to deliver it," Southgate said in his press conference.

"The fact is you go into a different mental state. Everybody knows that knockout football is jeopardy. Everybody knows that, on a given day, an opponent can make it really tough for you. You know the quality of the opposition left is high and so it changes the mindset.

"It is about 'how far can we go?' We are trying to achieve something exceptional. But it is a step at a time and tomorrow is a chance to improve aspects of our game, to show composure in moments.

"The game will take us in different directions at different moments, and you've got to be able to respond and react in the right way in all of those moments."

If England do beat Slovakia, they will set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland, who knocked out holders Italy with a 2-0 victory earlier on Saturday.

Southgate said he was not thinking that far ahead, but that his side do not fear of what awaits them in the knockout rounds.

"It could be another brilliant night to create more memories for our supporters," he added.

"I have played in a semi-final of a major tournament, and managed in a semi-final and a final. Tomorrow, it's about the team progressing.

"We shouldn't have a fear of losing, it's about opportunity. We are trying to reach for something which is a challenge.

"We have lost matches before, life goes on. At that point, when you can handle the worst, you are free to try and go and win the game."

Switzerland qualified for the Euro 2024 quarter-finals and ended Italy's title defence with a richly deserved 2-0 victory in Berlin, with Ruben Vargas contributing a goal and an assist.

Vargas curled a wonderful shot home from the corner of the penalty area just 27 seconds into the second half, having earlier supplied the cross from which Remo Freuler opened the scoring.

If anything, the scoreline flattered Italy, who produced another miserable performance after barely scraping through Group B with a 99th-minute equaliser in their last game against Croatia.

The result means Spain remain the only team to win back-to-back European Championships (in 2008 and 2012), with Luciano Spalletti's first tournament as Azzurri boss ending in disappointment.

Switzerland, meanwhile, will face either England or Slovakia in just their second European Championship quarter-final in Dusseldorf next Saturday.

Switzerland dominated from the first whistle and should have gone ahead after 24 minutes, Breel Embolo being denied by a one-on-one save from Gianluigi Donnarumma after latching onto Michel Aebischer's lofted pass.

They had their opener after 37 minutes, though, as Freuler's expert run allowed him to take in Vargas' low cross, his first touch sitting up nicely for a volleyed finish which beat Donnarumma at his near post.

Donnarumma prevented Italy from falling further behind before the break, pushing Fabian Rieder's clever free-kick against his post in first-half stoppage time.

Things got worse for the Azzurri in the first minute of the second period, Nicolo Fagioli carelessly losing possession from kick-off and Vargas curling a fine effort into the top-right corner.

Fabian Schar almost let Spalletti's team back in when he comically headed Fagioli's cross against his right post, and the other upright was struck with 16 minutes remaining.

Gianluca Scamacca could only turn his close-range effort against the woodwork as Italy continued to toil in the final third, and Switzerland almost added further gloss late on as substitute Steven Zuber flashed a low drive across the face of goal and wide.

Italy caught cold

As the players re-emerged for the second half and Spalletti hooked Stephan El Shaarawy in favour of Mattia Zaccagni – the man who sent Italy to the last 16 with his last-gasp equaliser against Croatia – Italy's supporters must have expected an upturn.

The Azzurri registered just one shot in the first half – a Federico Chiesa attempt with an expected goals (xG) value of 0.03. The last time they managed fewer efforts in the first half of a match was in a 2-0 friendly loss to Argentina in March 2018 (none).

Those Italian hopes were not realised, however, as the Azzurri conceded possession cheaply before watching Vargas bend home for one of the goals of the tournament.

Coming 27 seconds into the second half, Vargas' strike was the second-quickest ever scored after half-time in a Euros match, after Marcel Coras for Romania versus West Germany in 1984 (21 seconds).

Vargas the star in memorable win

Having seen Switzerland dump pre-tournament favourites France out at the same stage of Euro 2020, also failing to win two head-to-head meetings in 2022 World Cup qualifying, Italy were surely well aware of their opponents' qualities.

They were second-best in every department as Murat Yakin's team produced a polished display, of which Vargas was the star.

The forward – who plays his club football in Germany with Augsburg – became the first Swiss player on record (since 1966) to both score and assist in a knockout match at a major tournament (World Cup/European Championships).

He is the seventh different player to score for the Swiss at Euro 2024, their most goalscorers at any major tournament in their history.

After two long days without any Euro 2024 action, Saturday brought the start of the knockout round.

But aside from the first two last-16 ties taking place in Berlin and Dortmund, there was plenty else going on around the tournament.

From Belgium's Kylian Mbappe gaffe to Anthony Gordon receiving a tongue-in-cheek gift, here is the best of the social media output from Friday and Saturday at Euro 2024.

Belgium backtrack on Mbappe video

France will take on Belgium in perhaps the most high-profile round-of-16 tie on Monday, and the Red Devils' social media accounts have upped the tensions between the neighbours.

A video posted to Belgium's channels showed comedian Pablo Andres, who works extensively with the Belgian Football Federation, asking; "who will kick Mbappe's shin?"

Midfielder Amadou Onana then answers with his own name.

The video was swiftly deleted and was the subject of an apology from spokesperson Stefan van Loock, who said: "The video was intended to be humorous but has since been taken offline. 

"We would like to apologise to anyone we may have offended. This concludes the matter for us."

The video was not received particularly well in France, and on Monday, we will find out whether it provided Mbappe with any additional motivation… not that any is required.

Birthdays and anniversaries in England camp

It was a big day in the England camp on Saturday, and not just because Gareth Southgate's men were put through their paces for the final time ahead of Sunday's clash with Slovakia.

Both Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze celebrated their birthdays, the former turning 20 years old and the latter 26.  

Saturday was also a big day for the Three Lions for another reason, though, as it represented the three-year anniversary of their memorable Euro 2020 last-16 victory over Germany.

Harry Kane was on target in that match, his diving header giving England a two-goal cushion and clinching their most famous win of recent years.

A repeat performance on Sunday would certainly be welcome.

Buffon still has it

Italy goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon took up a role as delegation chief with the national team last year, succeeding the late, great Gianluca Vialli.

The Azzurri's touchline representatives always look effortlessly cool, and Luciano Spalletti's Armani suit turned heads during the group stage.

Buffon took the style stakes to a new level when he arrived at the Olympiastadion in the Friday evening sunshine, though. 

Food fights continue 

A bit of friendly back-and-forth between opposing groups of fans helps to make a major tournament special, and throughout the group stage, supporters clashed over food.

Albania fans snapped spaghetti in front of their Italian counterparts in one viral clip, while France's baguettes got similar treatment ahead of one of their matches.

On Saturday, the official Euro 2024 account on X attempted to settle some scores by running through the most popular half-time snacks across the continent.

Gordon gets given stabilisers

England and Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon raised a few eyebrows this week when he was seen with a grazed chin, having fallen off his bike during what was supposed to be a recovery ride.

On Friday, he was presented with a pair of stabilisers by the Daily Mail, which Southgate will hope can prevent any further mishaps.

With England crying out for dynamism on the left flank, the last thing they need is another fall for Gordon.

Records tumble as group stage closes

Finally, Saturday saw UEFA publish a summary of the group stage, which many onlookers believe to have been the most entertaining since the Euros expanded to 24 teams for 2016.

From the Tartan Army's short-lived German adventure to the Netherlands' fans painting host cities Oranje, we have seen plenty of outstanding footage from UEFA's fan zones.

A record number of people, between 430,000 and 440,000, attended the zones through the group stage, while the tournament has also made waves online.

UEFA says the tournament's official social media channels accumulated 145 million engagements and 1.35 billion video views in the group stage – both more than in the entirety of Euro 2020!

After Portugal ended the Euro 2024 group stage with a shock 2-0 defeat to Georgia, centre-back Pepe knows more will be required when they face Slovenia in the last 16 on Monday.

That defeat did not stop the Selecao topping Group F and landing a round-of-16 draw against Slovenia, who qualified as one of the best third-placed finishers.

However, they are now on the same side of the knockout bracket as France, Belgium, Germany and Spain, and know they will likely have to beat multiple heavyweights if they are to go all the way.

At their last major tournament, the 2022 World Cup, Portugal set the record for the biggest margin of victory in a last-16 match at the World Cup or Euros, trouncing Switzerland 6-1.

They were, however, beaten 2-0 when they last met Slovenia in a friendly in March, leading Pepe to expect a tough test. 

"Portugal were among the best teams statistically in the group stage," he said. "From the first game here in Germany to the last, the fans have always been with us. 

"We know it's going to be a very difficult game, not least because of our recent history. 

"It's about avoiding making the mistakes we made in that defeat back in March so that we can come out on top.

"We know it's going to be a very difficult journey. It's going to be tough, but we all have to be together."

This will be Slovenia's first-ever match in the knockout stages at a major tournament, and the 26th such match for Portugal. Since their triumphant Euro 2016 campaign, Portugal have lost three of their four knockout matches at major tournaments (one win).

They will once again look to Cristiano Ronaldo to carry the attacking burden, though this is the first major tournament in his career in which he failed to net in the group stage, in his 11th participation overall.

Pepe, however, has told fans not to worry about the form of their captain.

"Cristiano lives for goals, that's a fact. But have you seen his availability on the pitch to help the national team? It's incredible," the 41-year-old said.

"He's the player with the most minutes in our team, at 39 years old.

"He's doing very well. He'll do very well in the final stages of the European Championship. I'm certain he will give us a lot of joy."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo 

Ronaldo has not scored in any of his last seven appearances for Portugal at major tournaments, his longest-ever drought at the World Cup and Euros. He has had 19 shots without netting in those games since scoring versus Ghana at the 2022 World Cup.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has had 12 shots worth 1.32 expected goals (xG) so far at Euro 2024, twice as many attempts as his nearest rival in the Portugal squad – Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes (six).

Nine of his shots have come from inside the box, indicating he is taking up the right positions and is likely to break his goal drought soon. 

He has also created six chances for his team, recording one assist to take the all-time European Championship record outright, with seven in his six participations.

Slovenia – Andraz Sporar

Slovenia have only netted two goals at the tournament thus far, but their strike duo Sporar and Benjamin Sesko have been a handful for defences.

They may both be awaiting their first goal at Euro 2024, but they have registered a combined 12 shots between them (seven for Sporar and five by Sesko).

Five of Sporar's seven efforts have come from inside the area, and he has a total xG figure of 0.98 in his three matches. He has also won 13 duels overall, four of them in the air, demonstrating his willingness to get through plenty of defensive work.

MATCH PREDICTION: PORTUGAL WIN

The Opta supercomputer has given Portugal a 76% chance of progressing to the quarter-finals. Ahead of the first set of knockout fixtures, only England and Spain (both 82%) were seen as more likely qualifiers.

Despite their slip-up against Georgia, which came with a much-changed starting lineup, Portugal ranked second for both possession share (67%) and total shots (53) in the group stage, behind Germany (69%, 57 shots).

Their defeat on matchday three halted a run of 12 consecutive wins in competitive action. However, they have not lost back-to-back competitive matches since Euro 2008, when they lost 0-2 to Switzerland in the group stage and 2-3 versus Germany in the quarter-finals.

Another player to watch in Selecao colours could be Vitinha, who leads all of his team-mates for line-breaking passes (29) at this tournament. 

His pass completion rate under high pressure is also the highest of any player for his country (90% - minimum 50 attempted). 

The Paris Saint-Germain man is brimming with confidence and his quality could be key against a Slovenia side likely to dig in, just as they did in group-stage draws with Denmark and England.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Portugal - 67%

Slovenia - 19.6%

Draw - 13.4%

France should hold no fear ahead of facing Belgium in the round of 16 at Euro 2024, according to Christophe Dugarry.

Les Bleus, who were among the favourites prior to the tournament in Germany, finished second behind Austria in Group D after some unconvincing performances.

Indeed, their goals came from a Maximilian Wober own goal and a Kylian Mbappe penalty, with France landing themselves in the tougher half of the draw along with Spain, Portugal, hosts Germany and last-16 opponents Belgium, who they play on Monday in Dusseldorf.

That has seen their chances of winning the trophy slip down to 13%, according to Opta's supercomputer, but looking ahead to Monday's clash with Belgium, Duggary, who won the World Cup in 1998 and Euros in 2000, feels France have nothing to fear.

"Of course, they have individuals, but I don't see why we should be afraid," Duggary said in his role as a pundit on Rothen s'ignee on RMC.

"If we are not capable of beating these Belgians, we [will do] nothing at the European Championship."

Dugarry pointed to Belgium's weak defence as a reason for France to be confident.

"[Timothy] Castagne, [Wout] Faes, [Jan] Vertonghen who is 37... They have a midfield with [good] players, but no one defends in this team. For me, they're an enigma.

"[Jeremy] Doku is the same as [Ousmane] Dembele. But given the criticism that we've put on Dembele since the start of the competition, we're not going to say better about Doku.

"I understand the Belgian supporters, who are disappointed. We've been talking to them for years and years about a golden generation. But the golden generation is starting to no longer be golden at all. They have no legs, no aggression."

If France are to take advantage of Belgium's indifferent performances so far, then they will need their forwards to be firing on all cylinders, something defender William Saliba is acutely aware of.

"It’s true we didn't score many goals in the group stage. When you don't score a lot, you have to be focused," Saliba said.

"But that's how it can be when you are playing at the highest level. But I have no doubt that the attackers will be there in the round of 16 and deliver.

"It's clear that we have to be more dangerous with our set-pieces, especially me. I think I haven't even touched one, so we can do better."

Belgium's attackers similarly misfired in Group E. In fact, only Serbia (3.8%) had a poorer shot conversion rate in the group stage than Belgium and France (both 4.2% - two goals from 48 shots).

PLAYERS TO WATCH

France - Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe netted his first ever goal at the Euros when he put away that penalty against Poland. It took his tally to 13 goals across major tournaments, with only Michel Platini (14 in 19 games) ever scoring more for France.

The new Real Madrid forward is also only two goals away from becoming the third French player to score 50 goals in all competitions, after Olivier Giroud (57) and Thierry Henry (51).

Belgium - Kevin De Bruyne

During the group stage, Belgium were the team with the highest share of their line-breaking passes being those that broke the opposition’s defensive line (18%).

And it was De Bruyne who broke the opponent's defensive line on more occasions than any other midfielder (11). If Belgium are to progress, they will need their playmaker on top form.

MATCH PREDICTION: FRANCE WIN

France have drawn five of their last six Euro matches (one win), having only drawn four of their previous 25 games in the competition (14 wins, seven defeats). Their round-of-16 match at Euro 2020 was a 3-3 draw with Switzerland, with Les Bleus eventually going out 5-4 on penalties.

Belgium, meanwhile, have advanced to the knockout stages of a third consecutive Euros, having reached the quarter-finals in 2016 and 2020. The Red Devils have won each of their last four last-16 games at major tournaments since losing to Brazil in the 2002 World Cup (0-2).

However, France have won all four of their previous matches against Belgium at major tournaments, scoring 13 goals and conceding only three.

Their only previous meeting at the Euros was 40 years ago, in 1984 – France won 5-0 in the group stages courtesy of a Platini hat-trick and goals from Alain Giresse and Luis Fernandez.

This will be France and Belgium's 76th encounter overall. Les Bleus have faced the Belgians nearly twice as often as any other team (39 meetings each with Italy and Switzerland). Meanwhile, Belgium have only faced the Netherlands (129 times) on more occasions than the French.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

France - 58.4%

Belgium - 20.8%

Draw - 20.8%

Eni Aluko believes Harry Kane is somewhat "playing for himself" at Euro 2024, as she urged the England captain to stay upfield rather than dropping deep.

Kane, who scored in England's 1-1 draw with Denmark, has been starved of opportunities so far, with the Three Lions' attack struggling to spark.

The Bayern Munich forward, who scored 44 goals for the Bundesliga giants across all competitions in 2023-24, has had eight shots at the tournament, accumulating 1.06 expected goals (xG).

And former Lioness Aluko, who is a pundit for ITV Sport, suggested Kane, who has managed just 10 touches in the opposition box in total, is dropping too deep, to the detriment of Gareth Southgate's team.

Speaking to Stats Perform at the Home of Adidas football in Berlin, Aluko said: "I have to preface everything I'm about to say by saying Kane is one of the greatest players we've ever seen for England, greatest goal scorers, but I think this tournament has made me realise that he sort of plays for himself a little bit.

"I don't think this is a new conversation about Kane dropping deep I remember doing the World Cup two years ago and having this same conversation. So at some point, I think Harry has to realise that it's not actually helping the team coming in, dropping deep, trying to play as a midfielder when we've got such talented midfielders who can do that.

"I know as a forward, a big part of that role is discipline. A big part of the position is keeping the pitch high, stretching the pitch so that you allow pockets for other people and trusting that they're going to get it to you.

"So I would just like to see Harry play for the team a little bit more. It sounds crazy because it's Harry Kane but I think at this point in his career he must know that it's actually not the best thing for the team to keep dropping in so I'd like to see a little bit more discipline from him."

Kane has been among the England players to hit out at the criticism the team has received from some of those in the media.

Aluko added: "I think as a pundit I always look at it from a very objective point of view. You can critique something and say these are the stats, these are the numbers, this is what I think without being personal.

"That's quite an easy balance to strike, to be honest. I never go into games going, I'm going to go right in on that player. It doesn't serve me to do that. So I think that we have a responsibility as pundits who've been there.

"Part of the reason why we're on these panels and we're talking about football is because we've been in those positions to understand that it's not easy and it's easier said than done. 

"I've seen it gone a bit too far and I like to see the players, to be honest, bite back a little bit. I used to do that as a player a little bit, bite back. But ultimately, the players' right of reply is on the pitch.

"There's no need to try and get soundbites and all that stuff. That's not really our job. Our job is to analyse what's in front of us, critique what's in front of us, use data, stats, to paint a picture for the audience back home to go right. Show people why it's not good rather than sort of get into individuals and get personal."

England face Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday.

Mary Earps has left Manchester United ahead of her anticipated switch to Paris Saint-Germain.

Reports emerged earlier this week that the England goalkeeper, who won FIFA Best awards in 2022 and 2023, would be joining PSG upon the expiration of her contract with United.

Earps joined United in 2019 and has played a key role in their rise up to the upper echelons of the women's game, and helped the club win their first piece of silverware when they thrashed Tottenham in the women's FA Cup final in May.

However, the 31-year-old has turned down a contract offer from United and is now destined to head to France.

Official confirmation of Earps' departure came on Saturday.

She marks the third big name to leave United this off-season, following captain Katie Zelem and forward Lucia Garcia.

Earps made 125 appearances for United in all competitions.

She played in all 22 of United's WSL matches last season, making 60 saves and recording a 65.2% save percentage.

Excluding own goals, Earps conceded 30 times in the competition in 2023-24, from an expected goals on target (xGoT) figure of 30.6.

Omari Kellyman has signed for Chelsea from Aston Villa in a deal reportedly worth up to £19million.

Kellyman, an England youth international, has played six times for Villa's senior side.

He joined the Villans from Derby County in 2022.

However, the lofty fee Chelsea are paying for the 18-year-old has raised questions.

Both Chelsea and Villa are reportedly in risk of breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR), which could result in a points deduction.

But the sale of academy players represents pure profit for the selling club, and Kellyman's move comes a day on from Villa completing the acquisition of Ian Maatsen from Chelsea for a reported £37.5m.

Villa last week purchased Lewis Dobbin from Everton for £10m, after selling midfielder Tim Iroegbunam to the Toffees for £9m.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have also confirmed the departure of Hakim Ziyech, who has joined Galatasaray on a permanent basis after a successful spell on loan last season.

Ziyech has signed on a free transfer, with Gala able to activate that move if certain conditions were met.

The Moroccan international joined Chelsea from Ajax in 2020, penning a five-year contract, though was never able to nail down a consistent starting spot at Stamford Bridge.

He played 64 times in the Premier League, scoring six goals, setting up nine and creating 72 chances, registering an expected assists (xA) figure of 7.78.

New York City FC snapped a three-game losing streak in emphatic fashion as they came out on top 4-2 in a six-goal thriller against Orlando City.

Goals from Dagur Thorhallsson and Duncan McGuire set up a grandstand finale at Yankee Stadium, with Orlando hitting back from 3-0 down.

Santiago Rodríguez, Hannes Wolf and Agustin Ojeda had put the hosts in complete control in the first half.

But ultimately Nick Cushing's team had to grab a fourth to settle the contest deep in second-half stoppage time, with substitute Mounsef Bakrar netting to end Orlando's comeback hopes.

The victory moves NYCFC into fourth place in the Eastern Conference, while Orlando are 11 points back in 10th.

Data Debrief: Six and out

There was no room on the scoresheet for Adrian Alonso Martinez, despite the forward attempting six shots, which is the highest total in a single match for any NYCFC player this season.

Tayvon Gray, meanwhile, provided two assists, moving his tally for the season up to four.

Dorival Junior labelled Vinicius Junior's display against Paraguay as "almost perfect" after the Real Madrid star scored twice in a 4-1 victory for Brazil.

Vinicius' first-half double, along with efforts from Savinho and Lucas Paqueta, sealed an emphatic win for the Selecao, who bounced back from a disappointing 0-0 draw with Costa Rica in their first Copa America match.

The 23-year-old had three shots and accumulated 0.81 expected goals (xG), while attempting 17 dribbles, the second-most by a Brazilian player at the Copa America since Opta began collecting such data in 2011, after Neymar (19 against Peru in 2015).

"Today he played a very important role," Dorival said of Vinicius, who became the first Brazil player to net a first-half double in a Copa America group-stage match since Philippe Coutinho against Haiti in 2016.

"He played an almost perfect match, he created very good situations and opportunities. He was dynamic, very effective and straightforward and direct.

"He played well with other players and teamed up nicely, he has great capacity."

Brazil sit second in Group D on four points, two behind Colombia, who booked their progress to the quarter-finals by defeating Costa Rica 3-0 in Friday's other game.

Colombia, who are on a 25-game unbeaten streak, are Brazil's next opponents, with the Selecao requiring a victory to claim top spot.

"I think that we'll have a match of a very high level, with players that know each other, that usually play against each other," Dorival added.

"I have no doubts that Brazil will perform at the highest level, and I expect that it will be better than these two first matches."

Paraguay, on the other hand, are now out of the competition, having suffered their first Copa America loss to Brazil since 2001.

BrazIl ended the match having amassed 3.86 xG, though Paraguay coach Daniel Garnero felt his team were in it until Savinho put the nine-time Copa America champions 2-0 up in the 43rd minute, becoming the third youngest player to score for Brazil in the competition in the 21st century, after Neymar and Gabriel Barbosa.

"In particular the first half, up to the 40 minutes, it was very even," Garnero told reporters, having seen his team force Brazil shot-stopper Alisson into five saves, the most by a Brazilian goalkeeper in a Copa America match since detailed data began being recorded in 2011.

"I think we created some opportunities. Unfortunately, in the three minutes we got a bit distracted and they scored two goals that made a great difference in the result. And Vinicius is an elite player, no doubt about it."

Nestor Lorenzo allayed any concerns over James Rodriguez's fitness after Colombia's 3-0 victory over Costa Rica at the Copa America.

Colombia made light work of Costa Rica at State Farm Stadium on Friday, securing their progression from Group D in the process.

A point in Colombia's final group match, against Brazil, will ensure they finish ahead of the Selecao, who are all but through after hammering Paraguay 4-1.

James was hugely influential for Lorenzo's team, creating a game-leading five chances and providing an exquisite assist for Jhon Cordoba to slot in and make it 3-0 in the 62nd minute following earlier goals from Luis Diaz and Davinson Sanchez.

The former Real Madrid playmaker was taken off in the 72nd minute, but coach Lorenzo said it was a precaution.

"James is fine," Lorenzo told the media. "He wanted to continue, but thinking of what is coming, it seemed prudent to change him."

James, who was left out of Colombia's squad in 2021, has already registered three assists across his two matches at this edition of the Copa America.

Since such data has been recorded (from 2011), only Lionel Messi has set up more goals in a single edition of the tournament (five in 2021, four in 2016).

Colombia have now gone 25 matches without defeat (20 wins, five draws), marking the second-longest unbeaten streak in their history, behind a 27-match run (13 wins, 14 draws) between 1992 and 1994.

"I think we have played good games against great rivals," Lorenzo added, after seeing Colombia record their 11th win over Costa Rica from what was a 14th meeting.

"There was a more pronounced and continued dominance. The boys played a great game."

Should they seal top spot in Group D, Colombia are likely to avoid going up against Marcelo Bielsa's in-form Uruguay in the last eight.

Vinicius Junior played a starring role as Brazil kick-started their Copa America campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over 10-man Paraguay, who were eliminated from the competition.

The Real Madrid forward scored twice for the Selecao, who opened the tournament with a drab goalless draw against Costa Rica on Monday, while Savinho and Lucas Paqueta were also on target at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. 

Dorival Junior's side subsequently closed in on a quarter-final spot by moving onto four points in Group D – two behind leaders Colombia, who they will join in the last eight with a draw when the nations meet in their final group outing on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Omar Alderete's wonderful long-range strike proved academic for Paraguay, as La Albirroja bowed out following their second successive defeat, which was compounded by a late Andres Cubas red card.

Brazil were presented with a golden opportunity to break the deadlock on the half-hour mark. Referee Piero Maza Gomez pointed straight to the penalty spot as Paqueta's shot struck Cubas' arm, but the West Ham midfielder could only fire wide from 12 yards out.

Nevertheless, Brazil broke through four minutes later as a lovely move culminated in Vinicius latching onto Paqueta's throughball, and drilling under Rodrigo Morinigo's dive.

The Selecao doubled their lead when Savinho tapped home in the 43rd minute, and it was 3-0 in stoppage time - albeit in fortunate circumstances - as Alderete's attempted stabbed clearance ricocheted back into the net off the onrushing Vinicius.

The Paraguay centre-half atoned for his mistake in spectacular fashion three minutes after the restart, with a superb 25-yard volley reducing the deficit.

Alisson Becker then pushed Julio Enciso's dangerous curling strike away during an impressive spell by Daniel Garnero's side.

However, any hopes they had of a fightback were quashed in the 64th minute when Mathias Villasanti was adjudged to have handled Savinho's shot, with Paqueta making no mistake from the spot this time.

Paraguay's misery was compounded with nine minutes remaining, when Cubas was given his marching orders for lashing out at Douglas Luiz.

Vinicius at the double in Brazil victory

This had the potential to be awkward for Brazil, who were winless in their last five Copa America meetings with Paraguay, and they were fresh from that disappointing draw with Costa Rica.

The Selecao enjoyed 74% of possession, completed 695 passes and registered 19 shots in their opener, but to no avail.

However, they scored from four of their six attempts on target today to tighten their grip on second place in Group D, and all but secure their quarter-final spot - with third-place Costa Rica requiring a six-goal swing to displace Dorival's side.

Having recorded the lowest tallies of touches (45) and passes (23) by any outfield starter for Brazil on matchday one, Vinicius looked back to his best here with the most goals (two), dribbles (17), duels (21) and touches in opposition box (11).of any player.

Savinho - brought into the starting line-up after his impressive cameo from the bench against Costa Rica - also got in on the act with his first senior international goal.

Powerless Paraguay bow out

Paraguay do have pedigree when it comes to the Copa America. Two-time winners in 1953 and 1979, they arrived in the United States having only suffered two group-stage exits in the 21st century.

However, it was La Albirroja's overall record that was the concern, having only registered three wins from a possible 15 heading into this game.

They had also lost each of their 18 previous matches when conceding the first goal, so things looked fairly ominous when Vinicius broke through and paved the way for Brazil's late first-half flurry.

To their credit, Paraguay responded well after the break with Alderete's wonderful goal and Enciso testing Alisson, and they managed to match the Selecao's six shots on target throughout the contest.

Nevertheless, overturning such a deficit was always going to be a tough ask, and Brazil eventually got back on track to see out a comfortable victory, which means Garnero's side join Jamaica in the departure lounge.

A defiant Vanni Sartini believes Vancouver Whitecaps are on the right track, but called for more confidence and courage when St. Louis City visit in MLS.

The Whitecaps endured a disappointing two-game road stretch, culminating in their 2-0 defeat to Portland Timbers last time out.

That loss saw Vancouver drop to ninth in the Western Conference standings, only clinging onto the final playoff spot by way of a superior goal difference over Seattle Sounders.

Sartini acknowledged the frustrations of the last two showings, though suggests the Whitecaps can get back on course at BC Place.

"The concerns are always there, even if you win," Sartini said at pre-match media availability.

"It sounds very easy to say, but we just need to be a little better. That means a lot of things, however. Our performance hasn't gone down dramatically.

"The efficiency of our performances has gone down dramatically, though. We need to be better at finishing our chances, and being mentally stronger.

"The last couple of games before the break, we had two strong mental performances [in Kansas and Colorado]. Even though we weren't playing amazingly, we weren't making mistakes.

"The last two games away, we created more chances than in the games before, but we have been too easy to beat, we get a little flat when we hit the first trouble of those matches.

"We need to be more confident, courageous and more like: 'let's focus on the task'. If we are doing this, then the margin to make a lot of points is shorter."

Bradley Carnell's visitors are winless in their last eight domestic outings following a 1-1 draw with Atlanta United in their most recent fixture.

St. Louis are just three places behind the Whitecaps, though, with this the chance to strike a blow to their hosts' playoff hopes.

Carnell must arrest a poor spell in front of goal, however, as St. Louis have scored the second-fewest goals in the West this season (24).

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Vancouver Whitecaps – Ryan Gauld

Ryan Gauld has followed up his 11-goal 2023 with nine goals already this season.

With one more goal, Gauld will become the third Whitecaps player with multiple 10-goal seasons (Camilo Sanvezzo, Brian White) and the first to do so in consecutive campaigns.

St. Louis City – Indiana Vassilev

Indiana Vassilev scored his fifth regular-season goal for St. Louis on Saturday, becoming the sixth different player to hit the mark for the club in league play.

Only three teams have more players with five or more regular-season goals than St. Louis since they joined the league in 2023 (Real Salt Lake, Minnesota United, FC Cincinnati – seven each).

MATCH PREDICTION – VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN

The Whitecaps are the likely favourites for a narrow victory in this one, owing to St. Louis' woeful away form.

Carnell's side have managed only three wins in 26 games on the road in all competitions (drawn eight, lost 15) since winning their first three away matches in club history between February and March 2023.

Yet, it will be by no means straightforward for Vancouver.

They have lost consecutive matches following the defeat to Portland on Saturday, but Vancouver have not suffered three straight defeats within a single regular season since August-September 2022.

There is little to split these two teams in terms of the head-to-head record, with each side recording a home win against the other in two meetings between Vancouver and St. Louis City last season.

The hosts scored three goals in each game, while Brian White scored in both outings for the Whitecaps.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Vancouver Whitecaps win – 51.1%

Draw – 24.8%

St. Louis City win – 24%

Christian Eriksen acknowledges "it doesn't get any bigger" for Denmark as they prepare to take on host nation Germany in the Euro 2024 round of 16.

Kasper Hjulmand's side, who reached the Euro 2020 semi-finals, are appearing in the knockout stages of successive European Championships for the first time, having finished as Group C runners-up behind England.

Eriksen played a key role as the Danes went unbeaten in their opening three matches.

The Manchester United midfielder scored against Slovenia, and became the first Denmark player to register 10 or more shots (10) and create 10 or more chances (13) in a single edition of a major tournament.

Denmark have lost all five of their previous European Championship matches against the host nation, though they do boast fond memories of their victory over Germany in the 1992 final.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Eriksen said. "A knockout game against Germany in Germany; it doesn't get any bigger than that.

"A lot of people seem to think that we've lost already, so we can play freely and give our all. I'm looking forward to showing that we can rub shoulders [with the best teams] in this tournament.

"I believe we can beat the Germans, but many things will have to come together for us."

Eriksen has also become Denmark's most-capped player after taking his tally of senior international appearances to 133 - one ahead of team-mate Simon Kjaer.

"I'm very proud to have won so many international caps," the 32-year-old added. "It's a bit of a strange feeling because a lot of the players who are up there are all-time greats of Danish football.

"To be there alongside them is something I will look upon fondly when I'm done playing, with a big smile on my face."