Adam Wharton's meteoric climb from Blackburn Rovers academy graduate to Crystal Palace's midfield dynamo has become one of English football's most gripping stories. Wharton, 21, has already won the FA Cup and played a key role in an Eagles team that is rewriting the club's history. His mix of technical proficiency, vision, and mental maturity has drew the notice of Europe's elite, establishing him as one of the continent's most sought-after young talents. This blog delves into Wharton's rise to prominence, the characteristics that have contributed to his success, his tactical role, and why he has become a target for the world's biggest clubs. Foundations: Blackburn Roots and Early Breakthrough Adam James Wharton’s footballing journey started at Blackburn Rovers, where he joined the academy at just six years old. Growing up supporting the club, Wharton rapidly ascended their youth ranks, making his professional debut in an EFL Cup match at 18. His c...
The final set of EURO 2024 groupings was completed on Wednesday.
Here's a recap of the action from day 13.
All four countries started the day with three points apiece, and after a goalless draw between Belgium and Ukraine and a 1-1 tie between Slovakia and Romania, the teams concluded with four points each for the first time in Euros history.
As a result, Ukraine was eliminated from the competition based on goal differential.
In the evening kick-offs, Georgia upset Portugal with a 2-0 victory, while Turkey advanced to the European Championship knockout rounds for the first time since 2008, defeating Czech Republic 2-1.
Earlier today, Napoli manager Antonio Conte told reporters that retaining Kvara Kvaratskhelia was a must for him.
That mission may be about to get much more difficult, as the Georgian sensation had all eyes on him when he handed his team the most unlikely of leads against Portugal after only 93 seconds.
In Naples, the man known as 'Kvaradona' not only scored the game-winning goal, but he also completed nine of nine passing attempts, two of two dribbles, recovered the ball five times, and was fouled four times, making a nuisance of himself at every turn.
Despite his efforts, the number seven was removed by manager Roberto Martínez after 66 minutes of ineffective play.
Ronaldo, visibly agitated and frustrated, lashed out at the hoardings when he was substituted, which is understandable given that he is not used to failing to score.
Ronaldo has never failed to score in the group stages of a major tournament before.
Is Father Time finally catching up to him?
11 years later, that young guy is scoring against him in one of the most shocking upsets in the European Championship.
You could not make it up.
What happened? 📝.
As a result, Ukraine was eliminated from the competition based on goal differential.
In the evening kick-offs, Georgia upset Portugal with a 2-0 victory, while Turkey advanced to the European Championship knockout rounds for the first time since 2008, defeating Czech Republic 2-1.
Player of the day! 🔥
That mission may be about to get much more difficult, as the Georgian sensation had all eyes on him when he handed his team the most unlikely of leads against Portugal after only 93 seconds.
In Naples, the man known as 'Kvaradona' not only scored the game-winning goal, but he also completed nine of nine passing attempts, two of two dribbles, recovered the ball five times, and was fouled four times, making a nuisance of himself at every turn.
Moment of the day! 😍
Before the competition began, few people knew Georges Mikautadze, but now many do. When he converted the penalty to give Georgia a 2-0 lead, he performed his now-familiar celebration.
Who could have expected this?
Who could have expected this?
Photo of the day: 📸
When Cristiano Ronaldo was picked to a largely rotated Portugal squad, it was evident he wanted to contribute with a goal.
Despite his efforts, the number seven was removed by manager Roberto Martínez after 66 minutes of ineffective play.
Ronaldo, visibly agitated and frustrated, lashed out at the hoardings when he was substituted, which is understandable given that he is not used to failing to score.
Ronaldo has never failed to score in the group stages of a major tournament before.
Is Father Time finally catching up to him?
Stat of the day 📊
Perhaps this is stretching the concept of'stat a little, but we couldn't leave out this bizarre throwback to 2013, when Ronaldo was photographed with Kvaratskhelia in a Georgian football academy.
11 years later, that young guy is scoring against him in one of the most shocking upsets in the European Championship.
You could not make it up.
What this means: 🤔
Ukraine is eliminated, while Belgium, who finished second in their group, will face France in the Round of 16.
Slovakia will face England in the following round, while Romania will take on the Netherlands.
Turkey's late victory will pit them against Ralf Rangnick's Austrian team, while Portugal will face Slovenia.
Turkey's late victory will pit them against Ralf Rangnick's Austrian team, while Portugal will face Slovenia.
What they said: 🗣️
Belgium forward Kevin De Bruyne responded to criticism following the dismal draw: "We attempted to win the match and had scoring opportunities until the 90th minute. But we didn't want to take any chances with the corner because we knew if we conceded a goal, we'd be out of the EURO. Sometimes you need to take risks, and sometimes you need to be clever; today I wanted to be smart."
Ukraine defender Illia Zabarnyi described the terrible disappointment of going out: "I'm empty. It is very difficult to let our folks down. We wanted to make them feel good, but we didn't do enough. We performed well, but it wasn't enough. It's unfortunate that we were eliminated with four points, but we missed our opportunity in the first game against Romania."
Portugal's manager, Roberto Martínez, expressed disappointment after their defeat against Georgia. We started with low effort and conceded early, which was exactly what Georgia needed. We were not clear-headed enough with the final pass and in front of goal, and their goalie gave an outstanding effort. We tried but couldn't score, which made Georgia believe even more. "They deserved to win."
Ukraine defender Illia Zabarnyi described the terrible disappointment of going out: "I'm empty. It is very difficult to let our folks down. We wanted to make them feel good, but we didn't do enough. We performed well, but it wasn't enough. It's unfortunate that we were eliminated with four points, but we missed our opportunity in the first game against Romania."
Portugal's manager, Roberto Martínez, expressed disappointment after their defeat against Georgia. We started with low effort and conceded early, which was exactly what Georgia needed. We were not clear-headed enough with the final pass and in front of goal, and their goalie gave an outstanding effort. We tried but couldn't score, which made Georgia believe even more. "They deserved to win."
What happens next? ⏭️.
Those who are enjoying EURO 2024 may be a little disappointed during the next two days, since the group stage is concluded, resulting in two rest days for all teams.
On the bright side, the knockout stage will begin on Saturday with Italy against Switzerland, followed by hosts Germany facing Denmark.
On the bright side, the knockout stage will begin on Saturday with Italy against Switzerland, followed by hosts Germany facing Denmark.
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