European Super Football

Sweden 5 - 1 Northern Ireland Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak delivered a standout performance, scoring one goal and setting up another as Sweden cruised to a 5-1 victory over a young Northern Ireland side in Stockholm. Author - Paul Woods Stadium - Strawberry Arena Isak teed up Emil Holm for the opener in the seventh minute before Benjamin Nygren doubled the lead midway through the first half. Northern Ireland showed more fight after the break, but Sweden struck again when Ken Sema smashed in a rebound after Nygren’s flicked effort came back off the post. Isak then added his name to the scoresheet with a stunning strike from 25 yards into the top corner, before substitute Anthony Elanga tucked home a fifth at the back post. Northern Ireland did manage a late consolation when Isaac Price’s deflected strike from the edge of the box found the top corner, but it was little more than that. Attention now turns to June’s double-header before World Cup qualifying begins in Septemb...

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...

Germany 3 - 1 Northern Ireland Northern Ireland produced a determined display but could not prevent Germany from claiming a first win in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Author | Ed Stadium | RheinEnergieSTADION The under-pressure hosts took an early lead in the seventh minute through Serge Gnabry, but on a tense night in Cologne, Isaac Price's volley 11 minutes before half-time brought Northern Ireland back on level terms against Julian Nagelsmann's side. Northern Ireland held firm until the 69th minute, when Nadiem Amiri took advantage of a rare lapse at the back before a curling free-kick from Liverpool's Florian Wirtz made it 3-1. Closer analysis of what happened Coming off three successive defeats, including Thursday's 2-0 loss in Slovakia to begin their Group A campaign, Germany could hardly have hoped for a stronger start. A heavy touch from centre-back Eoin Toal allowed Newcastle United's new signing Nick Woltemade to nip in and steal the ball, ...

Luxembourg v Northern Ireland preview Northern Ireland will begin another World Cup qualifying campaign with an away game in Luxembourg. Author | Mark Lee Stadium | Stade de Luxembourg The 2026 World Cup will arrive 40 years after Northern Ireland last graced football’s biggest stage, and a decade since their memorable run at Euro 2016 . In the years since, progress has been limited, but the introduction of younger players and a recent Nations League group victory have injected fresh belief. Qualification rules may also work in their favour, with Nations League winners who do not finish in the top two of their groups handed another route into the finals. READ MORE |  Wales resume their attempt to reach the World Cup Michael O’Neill’s side have taken seven wins from their last 15 matches, including a 1-0 friendly victory over Iceland in June, a sign of steady progress under the manager who guided them to France in 2016. While qualifying began for most of Europe back in March,...

Luxembourg 1 - 3 Northern Ireland Northern Ireland began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a win over Luxembourg. Author | Alan White Stadium | Stade de Luxembourg Jamie Reid gave the visitors the lead in the eighth minute, but Luxembourg deservedly equalised through Aiman Dardari after half an hour. Michael O'Neill 's side were much improved after the break and earned victory thanks to first international goals from Shea Charles and Justin Devenny with Luxembourg's Seid Korac shown a second yellow in between. This was a hard-fought three points and gives Northern Ireland a positive start to their campaign on a night where Slovakia beat Germany and potentially gave O'Neill's side more hopes of qualifying.  A closer look at what happened Northern Ireland started on the front foot and twice tested goalkeeper Anthony Moris in the opening three minutes. It was in the build-up to the second opportunity, when Reid was through on goal, that ref...

Northern Ireland 2 - 0 Slovakia Northern Ireland moved level at the top of their World Cup qualifying group after a thoroughly deserved win over Slovakia. Author | Mark Lee Stadium | Windsor Park An own goal from Patrik Hrehovsky put them ahead in the first half, before Trai Hume sealed the result with his first international goal late in the second half. Ultimately, Slovakia didn't deserve anything; Northern Ireland were streets ahead of them. Closer analysis of what happened The hosts began brightly, though clear chances were at a premium until Conor Bradley and Ethan Galbraith combined neatly down the right. Galbraith’s low cross was diverted into his own net by Hrosovsky, giving Northern Ireland a deserved lead. Jamie Reid should have doubled it shortly before half-time but blazed over from close range on his weaker foot. Slovakia were largely subdued and had to wait until the 52nd minute for a real sight of goal, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell reacting sharply to push away Ma...

Northern Ireland 1 - 0 Luxembourg Jamie Donley’s first international goal proved decisive as Northern Ireland closed their World Cup qualifying campaign with a narrow victory over Luxembourg in Belfast. Author |  Mark Lee Stadium |  Windsor Park The Tottenham forward, who previously featured for England at youth level, was making only his second senior start. In a match with little riding on it, he settled the contest from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time. A closer analysis of what happened Michael O’Neill’s side had already secured a place in next summer’s play-off semi-finals through their Nations League performance and were unable to finish above third in Group A. The manager responded by making six changes from the side beaten 1-0 by Slovakia in Kosice, a result that had ended any faint hopes of a top-two finish. Donley was among those recalled and thought he had broken the deadlock inside 20 minutes with a tidy finish into the bottom corner, only for t...

Let's have a look at all the reaction from a busy night of international football as England and Scotland both won Moldova 0 - 2 Scotland Scotland clinched a  play-off place with a match to spare thanks to a fairly comfortable win away in Moldova. Nathan Patterson calmed Scottish nerves with his first Scotland goal. He then teed up Che Adams to make it 2-0. Scotland head coach Steve Clarke told Sky Sports: "It was a good performance, aggressive going forward and trying to create chances. "A lot of shots but only two goals. The penalty could have made it nervy but when you need him, Craig [Gordon] is always there. All focus is Denmark now." England 5 - 0 Albania England now require only a point from their final match against minnows San Marino to confirm their place at the 2022 World Cup.  Harry Kane led the romp with a first-half hat-trick as England made light work of Albania. Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson scored the others. England's Kyle Walker tweeted:...

The UEFA Nations League is still a fairly new idea. It is a biennial international football competition contested by the member associations of UEFA. The last edition of the competition was won by France. You can read about it here. UEFA Nations League: Spain 1 - 2 France (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Ahead of a busy year of international football, nations are now preparing for the next edition of the competition. Here are the UEFA Nations League groups in full. We have highlighted some of the more interesting groups. Group A1: Austria, Croatia, Denmark, France. Group A2: Czech Republic, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain. Group A3: Hungary, England, Germany, Italy. England have faced all of these sides in recent times. They beat Germany in a memorable Euro 2020 last-16 match before eventually losing to Italy in the final of the same competition. More recently, they beat Hungary in a World Cup qualifier. England manager Gareth Southgate believes that the tough Nations League group is ...

UEFA has confirmed that the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland will host the 2028 European Championships . The joint bid was unopposed after Turkey withdrew to focus on a bid with Italy for Euro 2032, which was also confirmed at a meeting in Switzerland. Check out this video from  FAI TV - YouTube The UK and Ireland focused on Euro 2028, with UEFA's approval, after they had previously cancelled a plan to be Europe's preferred candidate for the 2030 World Cup. London's Wembley Stadium and Glasgow's Hampden Park hosted games at Euro 2020. Wembley hosted the final after what proved to be a hugely controversial day where there were reports of carnage and hooliganism outside the stadium.  Matches at Euro 2028 are set to be held at 10 different grounds, including Wembley and Hampden Park alongside Cardiff's Principality Stadium and Dublin's Aviva Stadium. Belfast's Casement Park and Everton's Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, the former unbuilt while the ...

England are off to next year's World Cup in Qatar. They have qualified for their seventh consecutive World Cup, their longest ever run of reaching successive World Cup tournaments.  Six goals in the first-half that included four from Harry Kane made the prospect of double figures possible and the England players obliged. One fan who was in San Marino for the match has just told us: "Job done. A lovely trip and nice to see score us a few goals. Is football coming home in time for Christmas 2022?" Watch below to see a video of the 10th goal that England scored on the night. Making it 🔟 @TrentAA 🤜🤛 @BukayoSaka87 pic.twitter.com/6eWRSuaZV0 — England (@England) November 15, 2021 Harry Kane told ITV Sport: "Fantastic. It came to the last game and we were expected to win tonight but we've done a good job. Fantastic to go through." "Every time I wear an England shirt I am proud and when I score goals it is one of the nicest feelings I can have in my ca...

Various nations have discovered their opponents for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers following a draw in Zurich. Are you happy with the draw? Author - Mark Lee England, now led by new head coach Thomas Tuchel, will face Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra in their group. Wales find themselves up against familiar rivals Belgium, alongside North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein. Scotland’s group includes Greece, Belarus, and the loser of the Portugal v Denmark Nations League quarter-final, while Northern Ireland will take on Slovakia, Luxembourg, and the winner of the Germany v Italy Nations League clash. Matches will take place over five international breaks from March to November 2025. Group winners will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, with runners-up heading into play-offs. Scotland and Northern Ireland, drawn in smaller four-team groups, will start their campaigns in September. Meanwhile, Scotland also face Greece in ...

The United Kingdom is set to host the 2035 Women's World Cup  It has been reported via FIFA that the UK bid is the sole valid bidder for the tournament. Author - Craig H Will the UK World Cup build on the growing popularity within women's football Source | European Super Football Flickr England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland submitted a joint expression of interest in March to hold the World Cup across the home nations. Under Fifa rotation rules, the tournament must be in Europe or Africa. Straight away, this made the UK bid one of the favourites to win. The Spainish federation president Rafael Louzan had apparently said last week that they were working on a joint bid alongside Portugal and Morocco. However, the deadline for expressions of interest passed on Monday and FIFA officials have said the UK's bid is the only one received for 2035, while the United States are set to host the 2031 edition. Source | Daniel on Flickr Formal bids for the 2035 World Cup...

Chesterfield 3 - 0 Boreham Wood Chesterfield secured the National League title and promotion to the English Football League with a comfortable win over Boreham Wood. Check out the scenes as Chesterfield were crowned champions. Footage from  Tom Pike - YouTube Jamie Grimes scored twice and Liam Mandeville scored immediately after halftime as the Spireites remain 21 points clear of nearest challengers Barnet, who defeated Dorking 6-0.  Chesterfield goalkeeper Harry Tyrer made an excellent early save from Tom Whelan's free-kick. However, the hosts took the lead in the 28th minute when captain Grimes headed home Mandeville's corner from near the penalty spot. Less than a minute into the second half, Mandeville scored to make it 2-0 after receiving a cross from Armando Dobra. The crowd of 9,907 was treated to Chesterfield's 100th league goal of the season when Grimes scored his second of the game, with Dobra providing an excellent assist. More reaction to Chesterfield...

Liverpool 1 - 0 Real Madrid Liverpool produced one of their most complete displays of the season to overpower Real Madrid and claim a vital Champions League win. Author |  William G Stadium |  Anfield Arne Slot’s Premier League champions had ended a miserable run of six defeats in seven matches with victory over Aston Villa at the weekend, and the resurgence gathered pace here as Real were swept aside. The scoreline barely reflected Liverpool’s control. Alexis Mac Allister finally made the breakthrough midway through the second half, heading in Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick to reward a dominant performance in which the home side carved out chance after chance. Thibaut Courtois was exceptional in the Real goal, pulling off a series of stunning saves – four from Szoboszlai and another fine reflex stop to deny Virgil van Dijk – to keep the visitors alive far longer than they deserved. Super Local Sports News | Merseyside | Champions League | Five classic matches between Li...

 Evans returns to Manchester United Manchester United confirmed Jonny Evans has returned to the club where he started his career, signing a one-year contract until June 2024. The former United Academy graduate has been capped 102 times for Northern Ireland. In his previous spell at Old Trafford, he won three Premier League titles, two League Cups and also the FIFA World Club Championship. Evans originally signed a short-term deal with the club but proved to Ten Hag that he was worthy of a contract until the end of the 2023/2024 season.  This was just one of many signings for the club on what was a busy transfer deadline day. Explore more:  Deadline Day September 2023 transfers (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Let's explore the best reaction Liam, a Manchester United Season Ticket holder, told us: "I don't care how old he is, this is a great signing for us. He has a lot of experience and will make a difference as we try and see matches out." Olivia T, a Manchester ...

Crystal Palace 2 - 2 Liverpool (Crystal Palace won 3-2 on penalties) Crystal Palace began the season in familiar style, lifting silverware as underdogs at Wembley. Author | William G Stadium | Wembley Stadium The FA Cup holders edged the Premier League champions on penalties after a draw in a pulsating Community Shield. Dean Henderson was the hero, saving from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott before Mohamed Salah blazed over. That left substitute Justin Devenny , introduced in stoppage time, to drive home the decisive kick past Alisson. Palace, without a major trophy before this year, have now claimed two in three months at Wembley, having beaten Manchester City in May. They are also the first club to win the Shield on debut for 50 years, matching Derby County ’s feat in 1975 . A new hero emerges for Palace  Amid the frenetic scenes at Wembley, Crystal Palace found an unlikely hero in 21-year-old Northern Ireland midfielder Justin Devenny. Brought on in second-half st...

There will be some international football this summer Let's look ahead to UEFA Women's Euro 2022 The 2022 UEFA European Women's Football Championship, commonly referred to as UEFA Women's Euro 2022, will be the 13th edition of the UEFA Women's Championship, the quadrennial international football championship organised by UEFA for the women's national teams of Europe. It will be the second edition since the number of teams increased to 16.  𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗙 𝗔 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗗 🎟️ 🎉 Record-breaking sales 🎉 More than double #WEURO2017 🎉 Purchasers across 99 countries Don't miss out - get yours now! 👇 #WEURO2022 — UEFA Women's EURO 2022 (@WEURO2022) July 1, 2022 The final tournament will be hosted by England and was originally scheduled to take place from 7 July to 1 August 2021. England last hosted the tournament in 2005. The  Netherlands will be the defending champions, and Northern Ireland will participate in a UEFA Women's Eu...

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 ...

Opinion: We think he's a worthy winner Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior has been crowned Men’s Player of the Year at the FIFA Best Awards. Author - Jack L Picture from  Real Madrid | Flickr Vinícius was instrumental in Real Madrid’s success during their 2023-24 campaign, which saw them clinch both the Champions Leagu e and La Liga titles. He contributed an impressive 24 goals and 11 assists over the season. Earlier in the evening, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí was named Women’s Player of the Year, securing the award for the second consecutive year. This marks Vinícius’ first win at the FIFA Best Awards, offering a more positive end to the season following October’s Ballon d’Or snub. The Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best Awards are widely regarded as the two most prestigious accolades in football. Prior to this year, Lionel Messi had claimed the FIFA Best title for two consecutive years, with Robert Lewandowski winning the two before that. This award, covering performances between August...