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ECQ: Scotland off to a winning start

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Scotland 3 - 0 Cyprus A late double from Scott McTominay secured Scotland a comfortable winning start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign at home to Cyprus. John McGinn's close-range finish was a reward for a dominant first-half display. Substitute McTominay then eased increased nervousness around Hampden Park with a clinical 87th-minute finish. The Manchester United midfielder added his second moments later. Steve Clarke had billed it as a must-win game against Group A's lowest seeds and it was job done in that sense. However, despite their first winning start to a Euros qualifying campaign since 2006, they know that improvement will be needed as Spain visit on Tuesday. Yes, sir, I can boogie The dawn of a new qualifying campaign brought the Tartan Army to Hampden Park full of optimism. The atmosphere was amazing at times and brought back memories of some other incredible nights in Glasgow. Check out this video below. What are the fans saying? Darren McThomas has been

Euro 2024: Poland first team to be knocked out

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Poland 1 - 3 Austria Two late goals secured a hard-fought win for Austria, boosting their chances of reaching the last 16 at Euro 2024, while Poland became the first team to be knocked out. Following Austria’s victory and France's draw with the Netherlands later on Friday, Poland is guaranteed to finish bottom of Group D, even if they win their final game. Both Austria and Poland had lost their opening matches, so they came to Berlin knowing another defeat could end their tournament. The high stakes gave the match a knockout feel, with both sets of fans creating a lively atmosphere at the Olympiastadion, matched by the frantic pace on the pitch. Austria struck first when Gernot Trauner rose at the near post to head in Phillipp Mwene’s cross. Poland struggled to get out of their own half initially but soon improved and pushed for an equaliser. It came after 30 minutes when a cross from the right wasn’t properly cleared, and although Jan Bednarek’s shot was blocked, Krzysztof P

Euro 2024: Belgium progress as Ukraine knocked out

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Ukraine 0 -  0 Belgium Belgium advanced to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 as group runners-up, while Ukraine bowed out of the competition after a goalless draw in Stuttgart. All four teams in Group E began the evening on equal points, each with a shot at progressing. Ukraine's chances were hampered by an inferior goal difference, meaning their fate hinged on the outcome of Slovakia's match against Romania, which ended 1-1. Despite limiting Belgium to few chances, Ukraine struggled to mount a consistent attacking threat until the latter stages of the game. Leicester City's Wout Faes stood out in Belgium's defence, making two crucial blocks late on to deny Artem Dovbyk a shot at goalkeeper Koen Casteels. With Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk injured, Roman Yaremchuk served as Ukraine's sporadic attacking outlet, while Ruslan Malinovskyi almost curled a corner past Casteels and inside the near post. Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne added a touch of class for Bel

Euro 2024: Late drama takes Italy through to last 16

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 Croatia 1 - 1 Italy Mattia Zaccagni scored in the final minute of stoppage time, ensuring that Italy progresses to the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a late equaliser against Croatia. Amazing pre match atmosphere before Italy and Croatia went to battle Luka Modric thought he had secured a victory for Croatia as he scored early in the second half. This came after he had a penalty saved, but Croatia's swift response to that setback appeared to be enough for them. However, Italy levelled in stoppage time when Zaccagni scored in the 98th minute, securing their spot in the last 16 alongside group winners Spain. The result was heartbreaking for Croatia, who had been minutes away from progressing. It is now unlikely that their two points will be enough to secure a place as one of the best third-placed teams. As a result of all this drama, Italy will face Switzerland in the last 16 on Saturday, 29th June. Croatia’s players collapsed to the ground at the final whistle, while their fans sto

ECQ: Kane breaks England record in Italy

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 Italy 1 - 2 England Harry Kane became England's record goalscorer as they opened their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with an away win against Italy. Kane wrote his name into the history books in the 44th minute when he beat Gianluigi Donnarumma from the penalty spot for his 54th England goal. Declan Rice had earlier given England an early lead when he scored from close range after Kane's shot was blocked before the captain put his name in the record books. Italy whistled off at half-time in their first international in Naples for a decade, improved as England became sloppy. England dominated the first half but struggled in the second. Southgate's side were in total control during the first 45 minutes. The only negative was a dreadful miss by Jack Grealish that would have made it 3-0. It would have allowed England to avoid the anxious second half.  The away side then conceded control after the break and Italy looked like more of the side that had become European champio

Euro 2024: Switzerland start campaign with a win

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Hungary 1 - 3 Switzerland Switzerland fought hard to secure a victory over Hungary, marking a successful start to their Euro 2024 campaign in Cologne.  Kwadwo Duah, a surprise inclusion by manager Murat Yakin, scored his first international goal, followed by Michel Aebischer doubling the lead just before half-time. Hungary's Barnabas Varga gave his team hope with 30 minutes remaining, expertly converting Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai's perfectly weighted cross past Yann Sommer. Substitute Breel Embolo sealed the win in stoppage time with a delightful lob over Peter Gulacsi. A closer look at what happened From the outset, Yakin's team controlled possession, leaving Hungary with little to show in attack during the first half. London-born Duah, having played only 45 minutes for Switzerland before this match, was brilliantly set up by Aebischer and finished neatly past Gulacsi in the 12th minute. Just before the break, left wing-back Aebischer cut in on his right

ECQ: Scotland shock Spain

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 Scotland 2 - 0 Spain It was another raucous at Hampden Park as Scotland stunned Spain. Scott McTominay scored a double as the home side took control of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. The Manchester United midfielder, who also netted twice in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Cyprus, fired in the opener at Hampden Park after just seven minutes. This sent the Scotland crowd into an absolute frenzy. Spain looked for an immediate response. Dani Ceballos threaded a pass through to Mikel Oyarzabal but he could not get the ball under control and it rolled out. Scotland were then inches from a second in the 15th minute. John McGinn saw Stuart Armstrong on the edge of the box. However, his shot went just wide of the post. Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes also went close as Spain struggled to make their mark against Steve Clarke's side that looked a different level to the side that missed out on qualification to the World Cup. 🏁 HALF TIME AT HAMPDEN PARK!! @SEFutbol goes to the l

Euro 2024: Ukraine keep hopes alive

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Slovakia 1 - 2 Ukraine Roman Yaremchuk scored a decisive goal for Ukraine, securing a comeback victory against Slovakia, keeping their Euro 2024 hopes alive.  The Valencia striker found the net just 13 minutes after coming on, deftly controlling Mykola Shaparenko’s pass and slipping the ball past Slovakia’s keeper, Martin Dubravka, into the bottom corner. Slovakia initially took the lead in the 17th minute through Ivan Schranz, who netted his second goal in consecutive games. However, Ukraine equalised in the 54th minute when Shaparenko converted Oleksandr Zinchenko’s cross. Yaremchuk then clinched the victory ten minutes before full-time, marking Ukraine’s first comeback win at the Euros since 2012 . Ukraine’s performance was a game of two halves. Despite a shaky start, the team created numerous chances. Goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin, stepping in for Andriy Lunin , made several crucial saves early on, denying Lukas Haraslin and Schranz. He also managed to keep out David Hancko’s fr

Euro 2024 reaction: Two nations respond

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Let's explore the best reaction to Scotland's thrashing against Germany You can read the European Super Football match report here:   Euro 2024: Germany win opening game  Katie, a Scotland fan, said: "In a match where the Scotland players needed to exceed expectations and be nearly flawless, I must admit I am very disappointed. I felt the keeper could have done better with the first goal; it was somewhat of a gift. But overall, Scotland lacked the bravery I expected. "In the qualifying stage against Spain, we saw that they could play bravely. However, this time, it seemed they had an inferiority complex. All the players were below par, and that is what concerns me. The players need to bounce back, but can they? That performance by Germany took the wind out of our sails." Liam, a Manchester United fan, watched the match as a neutral: "Germany were brilliant in the first 20 minutes. They conceded but it’s a good sign from their perspective that their p

Euro 2024: England name final squad for Germany

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England have confirmed their 26-man squad for the European Championships Gareth Southgate has revealed his final 26-man squad, and some notable names are missing. Manchester City's Jack Grealish, Manchester United's Harry Maguire, and Tottenham's James Maddison have all been left out. Burnley's goalkeeper James Trafford, Liverpool's defender Jarell Quansah, Everton's defender Jarrad Branthwaite, and Liverpool's midfielder Curtis Jones, who were part of the initial 33-player shortlist, have also not made the cut. Manchester United's Luke Shaw who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since mid-February, is part of the squad. This has come to the surprise of many but his experience and nature as one of England's best left-backs probably swung that in his favour. Euro 2024 news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) International Friendly: England start Euros prep with a win (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Goalkeepers Dean Henderson (Cr

Euro 2024: Spain secure quarter-final spot against Germany

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Spain 4 - 1 Georgia Spain secured a highly anticipated quarter-final clash with hosts Germany by overcoming an early own goal to defeat Georgia 4-1 decisively. Spain and Germany have been standout teams in Euro 2024, and they are now set to face each other in the last eight in Stuttgart.  Georgia briefly looked poised to follow up their remarkable win over Portugal by eliminating the 2008 and 2012 winners. For a brief moment, that appeared possible when Robin Le Normand inadvertently redirected a cross into his own net. Giving Georgia the lead against the run of play. Spain, having started the game strongly, remained undeterred and continued to challenge Giorgi Mamardashvili's goal with 17 shots in the first half. Their persistence paid off when Rodri equalised with a precise strike. Kvicha Kvaratskhelia almost restored Georgia's lead with a clever attempt from his own half, but Spain completed their comeback just minutes later. Fabian Ruiz headed in a superb cross from L

Euro 2024: Denmark secure qualification from Group C

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Denmark 0 - 0 Serbia Denmark secured second place in Group C thanks to their superior disciplinary record compared to Slovenia after a lacklustre draw with Serbia. Neither team showcased their full potential, though Denmark were marginally better in a forgettable match in Munich. Denmark and Slovenia ended with identical records, requiring the teams to be separated by their yellow card tally. Both teams received six yellow cards, but Slovenian coach Novakovic Milivoje was also booked in the first game, which UEFA does not include in their disciplinary statistics , ultimately giving Denmark the narrowest of advantages. While Denmark and Slovenia progress to the next round, Serbia are eliminated, despite none of the three teams securing a win in the group stage. Euro 2024 news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Euro 2024: Denmark hold England (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Jonas Wind had a goal disallowed for Denmark in the first half because the ball had gone out of play

Euro 2024: Belgium off the mark in Group E

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Belgium 2 - 0 Romania Kevin De Bruyne led Belgium to a crucial Euro 2024 victory with an exceptional performance in a thrilling match against Romania in Cologne. Belgium, under pressure in Group E after losing their first game to Slovakia, delivered an outstanding attacking display, proving why they are among the favourites in Germany. In a vibrant and colourful atmosphere, Youri Tielemans' low shot put Belgium ahead just 73 seconds into the game, setting the stage for numerous scoring opportunities. Belgium and De Bruyne were unstoppable. The Manchester City midfielder secured the victory with a close-range goal after 79 minutes, leaving Group E finely balanced with all four teams on three points each. Romelu Lukaku was unlucky to have a goal disallowed by the  Video Assistant Referee,  who ruled him offside from De Bruyne’s perfect pass. After the disappointing defeat to Slovakia, Belgium responded impressively in a lively and action-packed encounter on Saturday. Tielemans&

ECQ: Scotland stun Norway with late goals

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Norway 1 - 2 Scotland There was a great finish to give Scotland a classic smash-and-grab victory and send their fans into party mode during a sun-dappled Oslo evening. With three minutes of normal time, Steve Clarke’s side trailed to Erling Haaland’s 59th goal of the season, and they were staring at their first defeat in Euro 2024 qualifying. Unlikely and sensational late goals from Lyndon Dykes and Kenny McLean maintained Scotland's perfect start to Euro 2024 qualifying as Steve Clarke's side stunned Norway in Oslo. Euro 2024 Qualifying (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) A closer look at the match Erling Haaland's goal from the penalty spot just after the hour mark looked to have given the more lively Norwegians a victory which would have revived their Group A hopes. However, out of nothing Dykes pounced on a mistake with three minutes of normal time remaining to snatch what seemed like a brilliant point for Scotland. Then, barely two minutes later substitute McLean sw

International Friendly: Spain thrash Northern Ireland

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Spain 5 - 1 Northern Ireland Northern Ireland's unbeaten streak of three games came to an end with a 5-1 loss to Spain at Son Moix Stadium. Michael O'Neill's team made an early impact with Daniel Ballard's header putting them ahead in the second minute. However, Spain's superior quality shone through, particularly in the first half when they scored four goals. Sixteen-year-old Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal continued to impress, and it was Pedri who equalised for Spain just ten minutes after Northern Ireland's opener. Spain's Alvaro Morata, another goal from Pedri, and Fabián Ruiz had them leading 4-1 by half-time, with substitute Mikel Oyarzabal adding the final goal in the second half. Click here more news and stories from Euro 2024 Iconic moments from previous European Championships  Luis de la Fuente's squad now shift their focus to Euro 2024, starting their campaign on 15 June against Croatia. The match marked the international debut of St Mirr

ECQ: France start as they mean to go on

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 France 4 - 0 Netherlands Kylian Mbappe scored his first goals as France captain. The World Cup finalists began their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a fine win against the Netherlands. France were ahead after just two minutes when Antoine Griezmann curled in from Mbappe's pass. Defender Dayot Upamecano made it 2-0 six minutes later as he bundled in. Mbappe then scored again for France when he drove in, before powering home his second late on. Griezmann had reportedly been unhappy at being overlooked for the captaincy role given to Mbappe, but there were no signs of friction between the pair as they celebrated Mbappe's first of the night in the 21st minute. There is a lot of positive team spirit amongst these players.  We can also see that they have recovered from the heartbreak of losing the World Cup Final.  World Cup: Argentina triumph after classic final (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Kylian Mbappé has now scored more goals for France than Karim Benzema. He's

Premier League: City champions. Arsenal finish in 2nd

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 Arsenal 2 - 1 Everton Manchester City 3 - 1 West Ham United Manchester City are the 2023/2024 Premier League champions Arsenal narrowly missed out on their first Premier League title since 2004, despite securing a victory over Everton, as Manchester City ultimately clinched the title. For Arsenal to have been crowned champions, they needed to defeat Everton and hope that City failed to win against West Ham. 🎶 @LouisDunford ’s ‘The Angel’ rings around the Emirates Stadium before kick-off. 🎶 North London Forever 🎶 🎥 @jamesbenge pic.twitter.com/HFOGqwPOCg — afcstuff (@afcstuff) May 19, 2024 Arsenal faced an early setback when Idrissa Gueye’s deflected free-kick gave Everton the lead. However, Takehiro Tomiyasu equalised just three minutes later. While Arsenal eventually fulfilled their part with Kai Havertz's late winner, City's victory over West Ham dashed their title hopes. How the action unfolded in North London and East Manchester Phil Foden’s early brace for City a

Transfer News: Arsenal sign Riccardo Calafiori

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The Gunners have made a new signing They have brought in Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, with the fee potentially rising to £42million, including add-ons. The 22-year-old, who featured in all three of Italy's group games at Euro 2024, has committed to a five-year contract with Mikel Arteta's squad. Calafiori has already joined his new teammates in Philadelphia on their pre-season tour.   Capable of playing as a central defender or left-back, and having experience on the left wing, Calafiori brings versatility to the team. Last season, he made 30 appearances for Bologna in Serie A, scoring twice and providing five assists, helping them secure a fifth-place finish and a Champions League spot. Click here for more transfer news Premier League: Summer 2024 news and stories  Arsenal fan reaction DJ, an Arsenal fan, told us: "Our new signing was one of the breakout stars of Euro 2024, but you'd have to say this latest signing is not just a post-tourname

Euro 2024: Spain secure spot in the last 16

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Spain 1 - 0 Italy Spain secured their spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a scintillating performance against defending champions Italy in Gelsenkirchen. They created countless chances and were utterly dominant, but won by a narrow scoreline thanks to an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori in the second half. After being kept at bay by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for almost an hour, Alvaro Morata's flick-on was poked in by the knee of the unfortunate Calafiori. There was no response from Italy, who were comfortably second best, despite playing their part in a captivating match. Two European giants meeting in the group stage of the tournament meant there were high hopes and it lived up to its billing with an electric opening half. Spain delivered most of the eye-catching play, moving the ball around beautifully with intensity and creativity, while Italy succeeded in keeping them out - but only just. At the Arena AufSchalke (Veltins-Arena) this evening, watching the Spain v

Euro 2024: Germany leave it late to secure top spot

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Switzerland 1 - 1 Germany Substitute Niclas Füllkrug saved the day for Germany with a late equaliser, ensuring a 1-1 draw with Switzerland and securing the top spot in Group A. Switzerland looked set to progress to the last 16 as group winners after Dan Ndoye's early strike, but Füllkrug's header changed the narrative. The goal ignited celebrations among the German fans behind the goal, as their team preserved their unbeaten record in Euro 2024. For Switzerland, it was a heartbreaking turn of events after they had defended valiantly for over 90 minutes. Nevertheless, they advance to the knockout stages. Murat Yakin's side knew a win would see them surpass Germany, and they almost achieved this feat in Frankfurt, only to succumb to the relentless pressure in stoppage time. Germany had largely frustrated their home supporters with a lacklustre performance, but a late surge of opportunities finally bore fruit. Earlier, Swiss fans were jubilant, celebrating Ndoye’s superb f