European Super Football

Germany is preparing to host and take part in Euro 2024 How far can they go? They are aiming to win their first major title in a decade as they host Euro 2024. Their Group A opener against Scotland marks the beginning of what the country hopes will be a month-long celebration for the country Despite Germany's impressive history of four World Cups and three European Championships, their reputation has been somewhat marred by a string of failures since their 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil. The team is relying on a mix of exceptionally talented young players, such as Jamal Musiala and newly-crowned Bundesliga champion Florian Wirtz, alongside seasoned veterans like 2014 World Cup winners Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Toni Kroos. Challenges in the run-up Between March and September 2023, Germany lost four out of five games against mediocre opponents and failed to secure any wins. Hansi Flick, who also saw his team crash out of the group stages at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar,

Top-flight domestic football is returning after the international break. Let's have a look at some of the latest news from across the continent. AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks set to extend his stay at the club. The Swedish legend re-joined the club in January last year. He is out of contract in the summer but rumours in Italy suggest that he will sign a new contract until June 2023.  Manchester City are once again looking to strengthen their squad. Reports across Europe believe they are close to signing Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong for around £75 million.  With Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in the final year of his contract, the North London club are on the hunt for a replacement. A story in The Telegraph and Mirror believe that manager Antonio Conte is interested in Everton's England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. German media are also suggesting that Spurs also want to sign Bayern Munich and France midfielder Corentin Tolisso. They coul

England 4 - 1 Holland This is another iconic Euros moment for England. The summer of 1996 was a magical one for Englush football fans, even if once again they failed to win a major tournament.  Let's explore what happened when England faced Holland Wembley. Terry Venables decided to mix things up slightly. Despite fielding the same 11 for the third straight game, he made a tactical adjustment in reverting back to the 4-4-2 shape used against Switzerland in the opening game.  English strike pair Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham scored twice. Patrick Kluivert then netted a late goal that sealed progress for Netherlands in dramatic fashion despite this loss. More iconic moments from the European championships.  Were you there? Lauren, a Chelsea fan, was at Wembley for this legendary match. She said: "England were first to every ball, stronger to the second balls. We didn't mess around around when the chances were on. The Dutch also seemed timid compared to how they

 Germany 5 - 1 Scotland There were six goals in the first game of Euro 2024. Unfortunately for Scotland, they only managed one. Pictures from the Euro 2024 Opening Ceremony The atmosphere at Allianz Arena was electric right from the start. Just ten minutes in, Florian Wirtz effortlessly found the net to open the scoring. Shortly after, Jamal Musiala unleashed a powerful shot that almost broke both Angus Gunn’s net and the hearts of the stunned Scottish fans behind the goal. Before half-time, Kai Havertz made it three from the penalty spot, following Ryan Porteous’ red card which left Scotland facing an uphill battle. Substitute Niclas Fullkrug added a fourth for Germany with a high shot into the net, though Antonio Rudiger’s late deflected own goal offered a glimmer of hope for Scotland. Their joy was short-lived, however, as Emre Can silenced the Scottish supporters deep into injury time. This result marked the biggest win in the opening game of a European Championships.  Euro 202

 England 2 - 1 Spain Is it coming home? England are through to the semi-finals of the European Women's Championship after coming from behind to beat pre-tournament favourites Spain in extra time. Georgia Stanway sent the Amex Stadium crazy when she thumped in the winner after Sarina Wiegman's side had trailed up until the 84th minute of normal time. Football's Coming Home broke out in the stands as Stanway sprinted over to the corner to celebrate, with England leading for the first time after 95 minutes. Watch the highlights of the match in the video below. Footage from BBC Sport  Highlights: England into semis after extra-time win over Spain | BBC Sport - YouTube Substitute Ella Toone had volleyed in Manchester United team-mate Alessia Russo's flick-on to cancel out Esther Gonzalez's opener, setting up a nervous ending in stoppage time. England had momentum on their side and capitalised as the crowd in Brighton were on their feet, while Spain continued to threa

Austria 0 - 1 France France began their tournament with a composed 1-0 victory over a spirited Austria. The match was decided by a first-half own goal.  Didier Deschamps’ team played within their capabilities, exploiting Austria’s right-side defence whenever Kylian Mbappé, who finished the game with a broken nose, accelerated down the wing. Starting slowly and conserving energy, this French team displayed their confidence and experience. Not much has changed since the 2022 World Cup. They maintained their familiar 4-3-3 formation, embodying Deschamps' philosophy with athleticism and technical prowess in every position. Mbappé remains a constant threat, always poised to deliver a decisive moment. France’s manager will be pleased with the midfield control offered by Adrien Rabiot and the dynamic performance of N’Golo Kanté , who rolled back the years with his display. By the end of the match, one thing was evident: France remains the team to beat. Their victory seems almost inev

 Sweden 0 - 0 USA (Sweden won 5-4 on penalties) USA are out of the Women's World Cup as they were stunned by Sweden on penalties in Melbourne. You can watch the highlights of the match in the YouTube video below.  Highlights: Sweden knock USA out after penalty shootout | Fifa Women's World Cup 2023 - YouTube The USA side dominated two hours of football but they were denied by a fantastic and inspired goalkeeping performance from Zecira Musovic as the match finished 0-0. The drama only increased in the shootout. Three USA players missed, including their footballing icon Megan Rapinoe on her last appearance on the world stage, before Sweden won in remarkable circumstances. USA keeper Alyssa Naeher appeared to have saved Lina Hurtig's effort at the second attempt, having pushed the initial effort up before clawing it out. After checking and consulting with VAR, referee Stephanie Frappart awarded the goal and sparked wild Sweden celebrations. 🌟 Our #SpotlightofTheDay sh

England 8 - 0 Norway England produced an incredible performance against rivals Norway as they progressed to the knockout stages of the European Women's Championship. Brighton was treated to an amazing night as England broke their own tournament record to win 8-0 in what was originally perceived to be their biggest test of the group stages. Norway were outplayed, outclassed and completely stunned by an England team oozing confidence. It was some performance against a side ranked 11th in the world. After an underwhelming opening victory over Austria, England started in slightly cagey fashion but, after Georgia Stanway slotted in a 12th-minute penalty, there was only one winner. Reaction England manager Sarina Wiegman told the media: "We kept playing the way we did in the second half when we were already up 6-0. I’m just really happy with the performance of the whole team." England forward Alessia Russo spoke with BBC Two. She added: "Tonight was really special. Maybe

It's time to explore the career of another football icon Andrés Iniesta is widely considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time.  He was praised by fans and pundits alike for his balance, ball control and agility in close spaces, combined with his skill, composure, and flair on the ball. Iniesta would spend most of his career at Barcelona, where he played a major role in the club's success along with his midfield partners Xavi and Sergio Busquets. One European Super Football contributor told us: "He was one of the greatest midfielders ever. I used to love watching him and I'm not even a Barcelona fan." Iniesta interviewed as a Barcelona player back in 2011. Picture from  Miguel Moro | Flickr A closer look at his career Iniesta started his professional career through La Masia, the Barcelona youth academy, after an early migration from his birthplace, and impressed from an early age. He made his first-team debut aged 18 in 2002. He began playing regula

 Let's have a look at the latest news and stories from across the countries competing at Euro 2024. Lewandowski to miss Poland's first game. Poland's striker Robert Lewandowski will be absent from his team's opening Euro 2024 match against the Netherlands this Sunday due to a thigh injury. The 35-year-old picked up the injury during a 2-1 victory over Turkey on Monday in their final warm-up game before the tournament. Lewandowski had to leave the pitch after just 33 minutes. Poland will face Austria in their second game on 21 June, followed by their final Group D match against France on 25 June. Lewandowski scoring for Poland at Euro 2016 France manager wants to create more history Should Didier Deschamps lead France to glory in Germany, he will become only the second person to win a European Championship as both a player and a manager, after German Berti Vogts, and the first to have achieved the double double.  When he retired from playing in 2001, transitioning int

Ahead of the September 14th Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester United... European Super Football explored this classic encounter from September 2012 A closer look at what happened on this day Robin van Persie's stoppage-time header completed a memorable hat-trick and helped Manchester United secure a victory over Southampton in an intense match.  Rickie Lambert scored a header to put Southampton in the lead, but Van Persie equalised with a classy volley. Southampton regained the lead with a header from Morgan Schneiderlin, and then Van Persie missed a dinked penalty, which was well saved by Kelvin Davis. Robin van Persie's stoppage-time header completed a memorable hat-trick to rescue Manchester United to a victory over Southampton in a pulsating encounter. Oh Robin van Persie Van Persie would be a crucial part of United's campaign that resulted in a 20th league title. In this match, he helped United surge forward. The Netherlands striker se

Ajax 0 - 1 Panathinaikos It finished 1-1 on aggregate with Ajax winning 13-12 on penalties Ajax beat Panathinaikos on penalties after an epic shootout featuring 34 spot-kicks to reach the Europa League qualifying play-off round. Ajax Goalkeeper Remko Pasveer saved five penalties and scored one, while defender Anton Gaaei scored the winning kick for Ajax. The Dutch side won despite Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey missing two spot-kicks, with Bertrand Traore and Youri Baas were also off target for the home side.  This was the second-highest penalty shootout score in a European competition, just behind Glentoran's 14-13 loss to Gzira United in last season's Conference League qualifiers. The match went to penalties after the Greek team secured a 1-0 win in Amsterdam, bringing the overall score to 1-1. Tete's goal in the 89th minute forced extra time. The match ultimately ended without any further goals. Best reaction William, a Liverpool fan from Bradford, watched the

England 4 - 0 Sweden A few words 24 hours after an amazing night in Sheffield. England reached their first major women's tournament final since 2009 in emphatic fashion as they put four past Olympic finalists Sweden at Euro 2022 in Sheffield. The Lionesses extended their unbeaten run to 19 games under manager Sarina Wiegman. It was a senstational match from start to finish in Sheffield as Sweden piled on the pressure in the opening 25 minutes. England quickly dismantled them with ruthless finishing and a touch of class. Substitute Alessia Russo once again produced a moment of magic when her instinctive backheel made it 3-0 to England only 11 minutes after her introduction. Check out some of the best reaction to that backheel: One fan told us: "That was amazing. The best moment of the tournament so far. Another tweeted: "Did that just happen? This Twitter user added: "Still not over the AUDACITY of this. Think women can’t play football? How about a backheel nutmeg

 Let's explore some of the biggest talking points from across Europe over the last 24 hours. It has been another busy day. Netherlands: Ruud van Nistelrooy leaves PSV  with immediate effect PSV Eindhoven head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has left before the final game of the season because of "a lack of support within the club", a club statement said. Van Nistelrooy won the Dutch Cup and Dutch Super Cup after taking over the role in March 2022. PSV said talks about his future were set for Sunday, but the 46-year-old subsequently resigned. They are 10 points behind leaders Feyenoord and three points ahead of third-placed Ajax. They just need to avoid defeat to AZ Alkmaar at the weekend to secure a spot in the Champions League qualification stage. Footage from his last press conference -  Ruud van Nistelrooij en Luuk de Jong reageren op grote teleurstelling - YouTube Spain: Barcelona agrees to cancel Alba's contract. It has been announced that Jordi Alba will leave Ba

 Lionel Messi has been named men's player of the year at the 2022 Best Fifa Awards. The World Cup winner beat French forwards Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema to the prize. He captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, and scored 27 goals in 49 games for club and country in 2021-22. Liam, a Manchester United fan, told us: "You have to say, he deserves it. The World Cup was the crowning glory of this career." In a long statement, Messi told the media: "It's amazing. It's an honour for me to be here tonight and win this award. Without my team-mates I wouldn't be here. It was an amazing year and I achieved the dream that I've been hoping for so long and finally, I managed to achieve it." Manuel, a PSG fan, was delighted with Messi winning the award: "He deserves this award. However, more for his performances with Argentina then PSG sadly. I don't think we have seen the best of him in Paris." This is a full list of the other wi

"Yes sir, I can boogie..." Can Scotland achieve what they've never done before by advancing from the group stage in a major tournament? After successfully qualifying from a challenging group that included Spain and Norway, hopes were high for such an achievement. However, Steve Clarke’s team then endured a run of seven games without a win (before a hard-fought victory against Gibraltar). While defeats to France, England, the Netherlands, and Spain were expected, losing to Northern Ireland was more concerning. For the first time in a while, the team appeared deflated. This dip in confidence might not be entirely detrimental. Overconfident Scots often struggle. In 1978, the team left for the World Cup amid great fanfare but failed to deliver. Clarke has assembled a capable side that should believe they can finish above Hungary and Switzerland, though they still lag behind the group’s standout team, Germany, in terms of overall ability. ECQ: Scotland shock Spain (eur

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has been announced as the new manager of Rangers. He will replace Steven Gerrard, who had left for Aston Villa in the Premier League. This is all subject to him being granted a work permit The Dutchman played for Rangers between 1998 and 2001. He won five trophies including two league titles. He went on to win more with Arsenal and Barcelona, including the Champions League with the latter. He has also coached Feyenoord to the Dutch title. The midfielder won over 100 caps, captaining the Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup final. This was his final match in a wonderful career. After leaving his country back in 2019, Van Bronckhorst spent a year in Chinese football in charge of Guangzhou R&F.  Latest reaction Gio van Bronckhorst tweeted: "I am very excited and proud to be returning to Rangers as the club’s new manager. I can’t wait to meet all of you." I am very excited and proud to be returning to Rangers as the club’s new manager. I can’t wait

France 1 - 0 Belgium A late own goal by Jan Vertonghen sent France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at Belgium's expense. A game that had lacked quality and excitement for much of its duration seemed destined for extra time. However, a shot by substitute Randal Kolo Muani deflected off Vertonghen with five minutes remaining, ultimately sealing a French victory at Düsseldorf Arena. There was a fantastic atmosphere before the match France had missed several opportunities before that, with their lack of finishing touch once again letting them down. Even captain Kylian Mbappe squandered chances that he would normally convert. Belgium nearly took the lead themselves before France's late goal. Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne charged into space through the middle, but his shot was pushed behind by Mike Maignan. That had been the underwhelming Belgians' only decent opportunity as France saw out the final few minutes to progress to the last eight, where they will

Another day and another look at a football icon.  This time it's Edgar Davids. The Dutch midfielder won several trophies throughout an eventful career. Summary of his career After beginning his career with Ajax, winning several domestic and international titles, he subsequently played in Italy for Milan, and later enjoyed a successful spell with Juventus, before being loaned out to Barcelona in 2004. He went on to play for Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur before returning to Ajax. Having struggled with injuries for two years, Davids returned to competitive football during a brief spell with Crystal Palace before retiring at the age of 37. In 2012, he was appointed player-manager at the English League Two club Barnet. He resigned by mutual agreement as a manager in January 2014.  He was capped 74 times by the Netherlands. He also scored six goals for his country represented his country at major tournaments.  Davids is regarded as one of the greatest and most recognisable player

 After a busy few days of international football, the focus is about to placed back on the club game again. Let's have a look at all the latest news and gossip. It is being reported across Spanish media that Real Madrid will not try to sign Kylian Mbappe in January.  They will instead target the  striker next summer, when he is out of contract with PSG.  Similar outlets in Spain are also reporting that Philippe Coutinho will snub Newcastle United in January. Many believe he has no intention of leaving Barcelona.  Wolves are ready to sell Spain winger Adama Traore in January as talks over a new deal continue to stall. His former club Barcelona could rival Liverpool for the 25-year-old's signature.  Wayne Rooney is set to remain in charge of Derby County despite the Rams being deducted a further nine points and facing almost certain relegation after admitting breaches of accounting rules.  More Transfer news can be found here Real Madrid could move for Manchester United's