The Three Lions won only one major trophy, the World Cup in 1966, held on their home turf. On top of that, that title is widely recognized as controversial because of the infamous Geoff Hurst’s goal in the final against West Germany, when, according to many, the ball didn’t fully cross the line. Hence, whenever some national team manager wants to justify themselves and their bad results, they refer to England’s results and use their failures as excuses for their own. After a devastating defeat against Spain 3-0 in the first round of EURO 2024, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić opted for the same tried and tested tactic.Stormy in Hamburg. Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic’s presser was stormy too: “In the past 6 years, we have won 3 medals. Croatia deserves greater respect. England are a good team, but they have won 1 trophy in almost 60 years, yet it is us who hasn’t achieved enough.”@TheSunFootball pic.twitter.com/HBHCijljAC— Jordan Davies (@jordandaviesj) June 18, 2024 “It’s never good to lose the first game in the tournament, and it’s not a nice feeling. However, we have never been supported properly. We have always been underestimated and considered untrustworthy, although we have won three medals in six years (including the UEFA Nations League). Besides France, I don’t know who else managed to do something similar, and I always say that Croatia deserves more respect. We have three medals, and England has only one in 58 years, and now they are the “golden ones”, and we are the bad ones,” argued the 57-year-old.Nigeria lost another gem – Folorunsho is with Italy at the EUROAfter a humbling defeat against La Furia Roja, the Croats will have to redeem themselves in a clash with the group’s underdog – Albania. Nevertheless, the Red and Blacks fought very hard against Italy in the first round, losing “only” 2-1, and will have a great motive to win today, given that the eventual loss would probably mean the end of the tournament for them.EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – GROUP STAGETuesdayTurkey – Georgia 3-1 (1-1)/Muldur 25, Guler 65, Akturkoglu 90+7 – Mikautadze 32/Portugal – Czech R. 2-1 (0-0)/Hranac (og) 69, Conceicao 90+4 – Provod 62/Wednesday16.00: (1.53) Croatia (3.90) Albania (7.00)19.00: (1.35) Germany (4.90) Hungary (9.50)22.00: (3.70) Scotland (3.40) Switzerland (2.05)Thursday 16.00: (4.10) Slovenia (3.50) Serbia (2.00)19.00: (5.60) Denmark (3.70) England (1.65)22.00: (2.30) Spain (3.30) Italy (3.20)***odds are subject to change***
