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Showing posts from July 7, 2024

Euro 2024: Watkins sends England to final

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England 2 - 1 Netherlands I know that was then, but it could be again... England will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday following a last-minute goal from substitute Ollie Watkins that secured a win over the Netherlands. The Three Lions looked like they would be facing extra time for the third successive game after Harry Kane's first-half penalty equalised a stunning early strike from Xavi Simon. However, there was to be a dramatic twist. A superb late strike on the turn from the substitute Watkins sent England into their second successive European Championship final on a fantastic night in Dortmund. A chance now for Southgate and England to make history. England will play their first final on foreign soil since. The final of the 1966 World Cup and Euro 2021 took place at Wembley. True to their form in Germany, they reached the stage by coming from behind, enduring some tense moments, and eventually clinching victory through that late goal from Watkins. When

Euro 2024: Spain reach final after classic match

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Spain 2 - 1 France Lamine Yamal's breathtaking goal helped Spain secure a 2-1 victory over France in the Euro 2024 semi-final.  Dani Olmo netted Spain's second goal after Randal Kolo Muani initially put France in the lead. A closer look at what happened Yamal became the youngest player to score at a European Championship or World Cup, surpassing the record previously held by Brazilian legend Pelé. His remarkable goal came when he shifted the ball onto his left foot and curled a stunning shot in off the post from 25 yards out during an electrifying first half. Earlier in the match, France took the lead with Randal Kolo Muani heading in a superb cross from Kylian Mbappé , who played without a mask after recovering from a broken nose sustained earlier in the tournament. Yamal's brilliant strike shifted the momentum in Spain's favour, and the comeback was complete soon after when Dani Olmo fired a low shot into the net off defender Jules Koundé, following excellent cont

Transfer News: Everton reject Branthwaite bid from Man United

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More transfer news from Old Trafford and Goodison Park Everton have turned down a second offer from Manchester United, this time around £45m, for their defender Jarrad Branthwaite . Last month, the Toffees also rejected a £35m bid from United for the 22-year-old England international. It's believed that United's revised offer included potential additional payments if certain targets were achieved. This still falls short of Everton's valuation. Branthwaite has shone as a left-sided central defender at Goodison Park, playing a crucial role in helping the Merseyside club avoid relegation last season despite two points deductions for breaching financial loss rules. United are eager to bolster their central defence options and have been in talks over Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt , who is currently representing the Netherlands at Euro 2024. With Raphael Varane having left the club, there has been no confirmation yet of a new one-year deal for veteran Northern Ireland

News: Craig Bellamy appointed Wales manager

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Craig Bellamy is the new Wales manager The 44-year-old succeeds former team-mate Robert Page, who was sacked in June. Cardiff-born Bellamy won 78 Wales caps and captained the side between 2007-2010. He takes up the role having left Burnley, where he had been acting head coach before Scott Parker's appointment last week. Parker was keen to work with the Welshman, but Bellamy leaves Burnley with the blessings of everyone at the club. Bellamy, back in the day, with a certain Gareth Bale stood behind him.  Reports from across Wales and beyond had suggested that Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Georgia boss Willy Sagnol and surprise contender Des Buckingham, the Oxford United manager, were all spoken to. However, it has now been confirmed that Bellamy was the Football Association of Wales first choice. Bellamy is said to have impressed during discussions - and will now get the chance to lead the side in qualification for the 2026 World Cup. His first game as Wales manager will be a N

Euro 2024: Netherlands set up semi-final against England

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Netherlands 2 - 1 Turkey The Netherlands came from behind to defeat Turkey, setting up a Euro 2024 semi-final against England. An own goal by Mert Muldur, pressured by Cody Gakpo, helped the Dutch take the lead after trailing at half-time. Turkey's centre-back Samet Akaydin had put his team ahead, heading in Arda Guler's cross after an impressive first half. He celebrated by running to the fans, kissing his badge, and kneeling to pray, while the substitutes sprinted down the touchline. However, Turkey's joy was short-lived as the Netherlands, sluggish in the first half, came alive after the break, inspired by substitute Wout Weghorst. Stefan de Vrij equalised with a header, shortly after Weghorst made a crucial defensive interception to prevent Kaan Ayhan from scoring. Turkey nearly extended their lead when Real Madrid's Guler hit the post with a stunning free-kick but failed to capitalise on their opportunities. Now, Ronald Koeman's side will face England in Do

Euro 2024: England fight back yet again

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England 1 - 1 Switzerland England win 5-3 on penalties Trent Alexander-Arnold fired home the winning penalty after Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Ivan Toney had all kept their composure.  Jordan Pickford had previously set the tone by saving Switzerland's first penalty from Akanji, securing a tense shoot-out victory. England, who will now face the Netherlands in the semi-finals on Wednesday, had been at risk of a premature exit from the tournament in normal time. Breel Embolo had put Switzerland ahead in the 75th minute, sneaking past Kyle Walker to tap in Dan Ndoye's deflected cross from close range. Saka equalised shortly afterwards with a superb curling finish in off the post from outside the box, marking England's first shot on target. Gareth Southgate's side struggled during extra-time, enduring nerve-wracking moments as Xherdan Shaqiri hit the woodwork directly from a corner and Zeki Amdouni's shot was parried. The Three Lions find a way ag