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Euro 2024: France beat Portugal in tense showdown

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Portugal 0 - 0 France France win 5-3 on penalties Theo Hernandez scored the decisive penalty for France after Portugal's Joao Felix hit the post in the shootout following a goalless draw, sending Didier Deschamps' team into the Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain. This time, there were no tears from Cristiano Ronaldo,  who had been overcome with emotion during Portugal's last-16 victory over Slovenia.  Despite converting his penalty, the 39-year-old's final Euros campaign ended in defeat. He was left to console his outstanding 41-year-old teammate Pepe at the end. Ronaldo was mostly on the periphery of what turned out to be a cautious match. Both teams had chances to win in the second half. France's Mike Maignan made sharp saves to deny Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha and then smothered Ronaldo's backheel attempt. At the other end, Randal Kolo Muani's shot was blocked by Ruben Dias, and Eduardo Camavinga missed from close range. Substitute Ousmane Dembele hit

Euro 2024: Spain knock hosts out

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Spain 2 - 1 Germany Spain kept their dreams of a fourth European Championship alive with a dramatic 119th-minute goal from Mikel Merino, sending them into the semi-finals and knocking out hosts Germany in a thrilling match at Stuttgart Arena. This eagerly anticipated clash saw a resurgent Germany face off against one of the most exciting teams in Spain. It did not disappoint. From the moment Dani Olmo put Spain ahead six minutes into the second half, the match was a relentless spectacle of aggression, tension, and drama. Olmo side-footed in a cross from 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who notched his third assist of the Euros, breaking the deadlock in a previously cautious game. Germany nearly responded through substitute Niclas Fullkrug, who hit the post, but they found their equaliser in the final minute of regular time when Florian Wirtz’s powerful shot went in off the post, sending the home fans into raptures. Euro 2024 news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Time

Transfer News: Raya signs for Arsenal permanently

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Do you think this is a good permanent move Arsenal fans? The Gunners have activated the £27m option to permanently buy Brentford goalkeeper David Raya after his successful loan spell last season. Raya kept 16 Premier League clean sheets for the Gunners to win the Golden Glove, conceding just 16 league goals in the campaign. He did have an underwhelming start to the season. His lowest point came after making two errors in Arsenal's last-gasp 4-3 win over Luton in December. Arsenal already had a settled keeper in Aaron Ramsdale, who had played all 38 league matches the previous season, keeping 14 clean sheets. Still, boss Mikel Arteta opted for a new option. Click here for more Arsenal news and stories He missed only two league matches when he was ineligible to face his parent club Brentford. Raya was praised by Arteta for his passing out from the back ended any doubt about his position in March when he saved two penalties as Arsenal beat Porto in a shootout to reach the quarter-

PL News: United trigger extension to Ten Hag contract

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United are expected to make many personnel changes this summer. The manager won't be one of them.   Manchester United have activated a one-year extension in Erik ten Hag's contract, ensuring he remains with the club until 2026. The Dutch manager's original contract, signed upon his appointment in 2022, was set to expire in 2025. Since joining from Ajax, Ten Hag has secured two trophies in his two years at Old Trafford. In Ten Hag's first season at the club, United finished third in the Premier League and ended a six-year trophy drought by defeating Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final. However, his second season was more challenging, with United finishing eighth in the Premier League and exiting the Champions League at the group stage. A crucial 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final in May was key to Ten Hag retaining his position. Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment last December, the club, led by the co-owner, conducted a review of the season

Euro 2024: Netherlands eventually see off Romania

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Romania 0 - 3 Netherlands Substitute Donyell Malen scored twice, and Cody Gakpo netted his third goal of Euro 2024, guiding the Netherlands to a victory over a determined Romania and securing their first quarter-final berth in 16 years. Liverpool's Gakpo opened the scoring with a superb finish midway through the first half, cutting inside before driving the ball into the bottom corner. The Netherlands squandered several chances after that but ensured they didn't regret it when substitute Malen tapped in late from Gakpo's pass. Malen then sealed what was ultimately an impressive win for the Netherlands, exploiting Romania's forward push by charging towards goal and calmly slotting home. It was a vastly improved performance from the Netherlands, who initially faced intense pressure from a lively Romanian side, backed by their vibrant fans. Romania's early pressing forced errors from the Dutch, nearly capitalising when Dennis Man's shot narrowly missed. Howeve

Transfer News: Chelsea sign Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

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Chelsea's rebuild continues with another new signing. Chelsea have secured the signing of midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City for £30 million. The 25-year-old, who came through Leicester’s academy, has committed to a six-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2030. Dewsbury-Hall will be reunited with manager Enzo Maresca, who took charge at Chelsea this summer after leading Leicester to the Championship title last season. Last season, Dewsbury-Hall was in outstanding form, netting 12 goals and providing 12 assists in 44 league matches. His performances earned him both Leicester’s Player of the Season and Players' player of the Season awards. He becomes Chelsea's fourth summer signing, following the free transfer of defender Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham, the £19 million transfer of midfielder Omari Kellyman from Aston Villa, and the £5 million acquisition of teenage forward Marc Guiu from Barcelona. Read more Chelsea appoint Enzo Maresca as new bo

Euro 2024: Portugal triumph over Slovenia on penalties

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Portugal 0 - 0 Slovenia Portugal won 3-0 on penalties Cristiano Ronaldo's tears turned to joy as Portugal triumphed over Slovenia on penalties to secure a Euro 2024 quarter-final spot against France, despite the 39-year-old missing a crucial penalty in extra time. Ronaldo, who was in tears after Jan Oblak's brilliant save of his penalty in the 105th minute, was consoled by his teammates. Following a gruelling goalless draw, he successfully converted Portugal's first effort in the shootout. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa's saves from Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec, and Benjamin Verbic were instrumental in the victory. Costa's heroics paved the way for Bernardo Silva to score the winning penalty after Bruno Fernandes had also found the net. This came after a similarly crucial save from Benjamin Sesko deep into extra time, as Slovenia came heartbreakingly close to a historic upset. Viva Ronaldo As always, Ronaldo took centre stage in this unforgettable match, though his wai