European Super Football

Just how good are the 2018 winners? France look increasingly like a side that will take something extraordinary to prevent them reaching a third consecutive World Cup final. Author | Jack L Les Bleus have negotiated a two-hour storm delay in Philadelphia, Didier Deschamps' absence for one match after he returned to France following the death of his mother, and Paraguay's disruptive tactics to book their place in the last eight. They have been one of the outstanding teams of the tournament, none more so than in their last 32 victory over Sweden, when they produced 25 attempts on goal. The ominous prospect for the rest of the field is that they still appear capable of raising their level even further. It is not simply about Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele, who have combined for 20 goal involvements. France have not trailed at any stage of the competition. They have conceded only twice in five matches, once after opening up a 3-0 lead against Senegal and again whe...

The Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed the departure of Roberto Martinez following Portugal's last-16 loss to Spain. Martinez had already announced that he would be leaving the role he had held since January 2023. Author | Ed Portugal finished second in their World Cup group, drawing with Colombia and DR Congo and beating Uzbekistan 5-0, and defeated Croatia in the last-32 before Monday's tournament exit. The last moments of the Portugal/Martinez era Martinez, 52, led Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025, but his side departed Euro 2024 at the quarter-final stage with a penalty shootout defeat to France. His decision to consistently start Cristiano Ronaldo has come under considerable scrutiny in the past two global tournaments, with a TV pundit saying the Spaniard was "pandering" to the 41-year-old forward. Speaking after the 1-0 loss to Spain, Martinez said: "I came to Portugal with the objective of winning the World Cup, and because I hav...

If you're an England fan, this was one of the most iconic wins since 1966 Did you stay up and watch it? Author | Ben A England's players sank to their knees in a mixture of elation and exhaustion after producing a performance worthy of the occasion as they became one of the few visiting sides to conquer Mexico's formidable Azteca Stadium. On a night filled with drama, emotion and sporting theatre in one of football's most iconic arenas, England secured one of the finest World Cup victories in their history. Indeed, it ranks among their greatest wins of any kind. Arguably their finest since lifting the World Cup at Wembley in 1966. Head coach Thomas Tuchel, who embraced two-goal hero Jude Bellingham with unrestrained delight after the final whistle before the pair collapsed into each other's arms, had delivered precisely the type of victory the Football Association envisioned when appointing him. England's 3-2 victory set up a quarter-final against Norway in Miam...

France v Paraguay further analysis This last-16 tie brought together two sides at opposite ends of the footballing spectrum. Author | Jack L France's attack, which has been at its fluent best throughout this tournament, came up against a Paraguay side intent on disrupting their rhythm through physicality, aggression and disciplined defending. Breaking them down proved far from straightforward for Didier Deschamps' side in a contest that became only the third World Cup knockout match since 1966 not to produce a shot on target in the first half. But once again it was Mbappe who provided the defining moment, this time sending Les Bleus into the quarter-finals while ending Paraguay's impressive run. The France captain kept his composure from the penalty spot after some superb footwork from Doue tempted the foul, in a match where France found themselves frustrated not only by Paraguay's resilience but also by a series of refereeing decisions that went against them. Alfaro...

All change for Germany following World Cup exit The German football association is seeking talks with Jurgen Klopp about becoming the men's national team coach after Julian Nagelsmann resigned. Author | Ed Nagelsmann requested to be relieved of his duties on Thursday following the team's early exit from the World Cup. The German FA (DFB) has now accepted that request and immediately terminated its contractual relationship with the 38-year-old former Bayern Munich manager. Germany's World Cup campaign came to an end on Monday when the four-time champions were beaten on penalties by Paraguay in the last 32. The defeat sparked widespread debate in the German media over the changes needed to restore the national side's ability to compete at the highest level once again. Initially Nagelsmann, who was appointed in 2023, was determined to remain in charge, saying after the game: "I'm not someone who runs away." Some immediate reaction to Germany's exit earlie...

England's World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico will kick off as scheduled at 01:00 BST on Monday  This announcement comes after Fifa reversed plans to bring the match forward. Author | George B Football's world governing body held talks with the English and Mexican football associations on Friday after proposing the fixture be moved to 19:00 BST on Sunday (12:00 local time). Weather forecasts indicated there could be thunderstorms at that time, although Fifa did not provide an explanation for the proposed change. Sources told different media outlets that Fifa had been preparing to reschedule the match and confirm the decision in a statement, but the proposal prompted a strong reaction from officials representing both England and Mexico. The Football Association requested additional time to examine the weather forecast in greater detail. As discussions continued, concerns were raised over the impact on player preparation, supporter travel and the logistical challenges of rearran...

Four games from immortality As Harry Kane raced towards the corner of Atlanta's futuristic stadium, England head coach Thomas Tuchel followed him on to the pitch in celebration. Author | Ben A Kane, the captain, leader and undisputed world-class striker, had rescued a World Cup campaign that had been drifting towards one of the darkest moments in England's history. Harry Kane leads the post match team talk after dramatic win over DR Congo. youtube.com/shorts/bu7BD... [image or embed] — SuperNews ( @supernews12.bsky.social ) 2 July 2026 at 10:05 Beneath the closed roof, away from Atlanta's searing heat and suffocating humidity, England and perhaps Tuchel's reign were fading fast as they trailed DR Congo until one of the country's greatest-ever players came to their rescue. There is no doubt England were heading for an embarrassment to rival the Euro 2016 last-16 defeat by Iceland and the shock World Cup loss to the United States in 1950 until Kane, as he has do...