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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. Tiele...

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...

International Friendly: England and Belgium play out enjoyable draw

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England 2 - 2 Belgium Jude Bellingham late on to secure a draw for England in a friendly against Belgium, preventing a second consecutive defeat at Wembley. More reaction to #ENGBEL coming up on https://t.co/kHngVy25Il https://t.co/SFvnhfj4d4 — European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) March 27, 2024 Having lost at home to Brazil, Gareth Southgate's reshuffled side was a mixed bag. They displayed good potential at times in attack but they were vulnerable at the back, and this was ruthlessly exploited by Belgium before Bellingham's dramatic intervention seconds from time. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a rare error, his first to cost a goal in 60 international appearances, when his poor clearance led to Youri Tielemans putting Belgium ahead after 11 minutes. Ivan Toney scored his first international goal on his first England start, equalizing from the spot just six minutes after he was brought down by Jan Vertonghen. Click here to read more news and stories ...

Heartbreak for Wales in Belgium

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Belgium 4 - 3 Wales Wales produced a stirring fightback in Brussels, recovering from three goals down to draw level with Belgium, only for Kevin De Bruyne to strike late and hand Craig Bellamy his first defeat as manager Author | Mark Milward Stadium | Stade Roi Baudouin Belgium raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening half-hour, with Romelu Lukaku converting from the penalty spot before Youri Tielemans capped a sweeping move and Jeremy Doku added a dazzling third, cutting inside and drilling into the bottom corner. For Wales, it threatened to be a repeat of the 4-0 defeat by Slovakia a year ago that brought an end to Rob Page’s tenure.  But this team, under Bellamy, has shown greater resolve. A penalty from Harry Wilson shortly before the break gave them a foothold, and the comeback gathered pace in the second half. READ MORE | World Cup Qualifying match reports READ MORE | Stories from across Belgium Wilson turned provider to set up Sorba Thomas, who finished coolly for ...

Spain eliminate Belgium from Euro 2025

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Spain 6 - 2 Belgium Alexia Putellas delivered a masterclass in creativity and composure as Spain reinforced their status as Euro 2025 favourites with a commanding win over Belgium Author | Jack L Stadium | Stockhorn Arena Putellas scored twice and provided two assists in a performance that highlighted her enduring class and influence. After making a flying start in their opener against Portugal, Spain took a little longer to find their rhythm in Thun, but once they did, they took full control. She opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a rifled finish following a neat exchange with Vicky Lopez. Belgium responded almost immediately, with Justine Vanhaevermaet rising above the defence to head in Tessa Wullaert’s corner. Spain regained the lead six minutes before the break when Irene Paredes, back in the side after suspension, powered home a header from a set-piece. READ MORE |  What else has been happening at Euro 2025 READ MORE |  England’s Euros defence begins on ...

Euro 2024: France edge past Belgium

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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 ...

Italy start Euro 2025 with a win

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Belgium 0 - 1 Italy Arianna Caruso's fantastic strike gave Italy victory over Belgium in their first match of Euro 2025. Author | Peter Grainger  Stadium | Stade de Tourbillon The first half offered little in the way of clear chances, though Belgium’s Tessa Wullaert came close after turning smartly in the box, only to fire into the side-netting. But with the interval approaching, Caruso latched onto a defence-splitting pass from Lucia Di Guglielmo and calmly guided her finish into the top corner. Italy threatened to extend their lead after the break in Sion. Captain Cristiana Girelli saw her audacious back-heel saved by Lisa Lichtfus, while Michela Cambiaghi squandered a golden chance when clean through on goal. READ MORE | Switzerland 1 - 2 Norway READ MORE | Latest Euro 2025 news, match reports and more The result hands Andrea Soncin’s side a valuable three points in what looks a demanding group that also features world champions Spain, who face Portugal later on Thursda...

Nations League: France ease to comfortable win

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France 2 - 0 Belgium France picked up their first victory of their Nations League campaign with a comfortable win over Belgium.  After losing 3-1 to Italy in their first League A Group 2 match and they faced a tough challenge against Belgium.  Kylian Mbappe, the France captain, started on the bench for this game as he had played the full 90 minutes against Italy.  France's coach, Didier Deschamps, decided to change the entire forward line for this match. Belgium had a bright start but fell behind just before the half-hour mark when Kolo Muani scored his sixth goal for France after pouncing on a loose ball.  Ousmane Dembele, Muani's teammate at Paris St-Germain, made it 2-0 after the break with a well-struck shot. Mbappe came on in the second half and had two good chances but was unable to score. Click here for more news and stories from across France What next for Belgium? They opened their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 win against Israel - with De Bruyn...

Iconic Euros Moments: Wales v Belgium (2016)

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 Wales 3 - 1 Belgium (Euro 2016) Let's explore another iconic moment from the European Championships. Wales recorded the greatest night in their football history as they came from a goal down to beat Belgium at Euro 2016. Radja Nainggolan put Belgium ahead in Lille with a stunning 25-yard strike but Wales captain Ashley Williams headed in from a corner to equalise in a breathless first half littered with chances at both ends. Welsh celebrations reached stratospheric levels when Hal Robson-Kanu, a striker without a club at the time, gave them the lead with a divine turn and finish. Iconic Euros Moments: Throwback to England v Scotland (1996) After withstanding late Belgium pressure, Wales sealed victory through a header from substitute Sam Vokes to set up a semi-final against Portugal and what many believed would be a mouth-watering duel between Gareth Bale and his former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. Wales manager Chris Coleman later described the last-eight tie as W...

Women's Euro 2022: Iceland out after France draw

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Iceland 1 - 1 France Iceland saw their Euro 2022 tournament come to an end, despite snatching a late draw against France as Belgium won in the other group game to claim second place in Group D. Dagny Brynjarsdottir converted a penalty in the 12th minute of stoppage time after a spot kick was awarded by the Video Assistant Referee following a tangle inside the area. However, Belgium's 1-0 win against Italy meant it counted for nothing as Iceland finished a point behind them in third place. You can watch highlights in the video below. Footage from BBC Sport.  BBC Sport - YouTube   A much-changed France side made the perfect start in this game as they took the lead after just 46 seconds when Melvine Malard struck, stroking home from Clara Mateo's pass. That scoreline was still enough to see Iceland go through, provided the other game ended goalless, but that hope was extinguished when Tine de Caigny gave Belgium victory against Italy.  A disappointing end to the tourname...

Italy progress despite defeat

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Italy 1 - 3 Spain Esther González continued her impressive form with her fourth goal of Euro 2025 as Spain edged past Italy to maintain their perfect record Author | Ajay Stadium | Stadion Wankdorf Despite the defeat, Italy progressed to the quarter-finals as group runners-up after Portugal slipped to a surprise defeat against already-eliminated Belgium in Friday’s other Group B fixture. A closer look at what happened Italy made a spirited start in Salerno, unsettling the world champions early on. Captain Elena Linari rattled the crossbar with a thumping header before Elisabetta Oliviero struck a fierce left-footed shot beyond Adriana Nanclares to give Le Azzurre a deserved lead. The advantage, however, was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Athenea del Castillo cut through the Italian defence and exchanged passes with Alexia Putellas, who cleverly backheeled the return for Del Castillo to slam home the equaliser. READ MORE | Spain 6 - 2 Belgium READ MORE | What else has bee...

Michelle Agyemang named best young player of Euro 2025

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England fans have a new idol Forward Michelle Agyemang has been named Euro 2025’s young player of the tournament following a series of decisive cameos during the Lionesses’ successful title defence. Author | Olivia T The 19-year-old Arsenal striker featured for just 138 minutes in Switzerland and did not start a single game, yet made a vital impact in key moments.  Her late equalisers against Sweden in the quarter-finals and Italy in the semi-finals proved instrumental in taking England to a dramatic final, where they retained their European crown with a penalty shootout victory over Spain in Basel. Who is Michelle Agyemang? Just a few months ago, Michelle Agyemang was largely unknown to the wider public. At 19, she had been drafted from the England under-19s to step in for Alessia Russo during a Nations League match against Belgium in Leuven. To many reading the headlines when the news was announced, Michelle Agyemang appeared to come from nowhere. A 19-year-old called u...

International break preview

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A quick preview of the upcoming international break. Who needs what to qualify for the Qatar World Cup? England are close England will be looking to confirm their World Cup place this month. They could qualify on Friday if they beat Albania, but they would also need second-placed Poland to fail to beat minnows Andorra. This is unlikely. More realistically, they need four points from the Albania game and then San Marino away three days later. It would be up there with the greatest shocks in England's history if they didn't qualify from this position. Arsenal's Emily Smith Rowe could potentially get first cap for the national side. He said to the media: "I'm always proud to wear the shirt, no matter what age group, and I'm happy to be here." "I'm always proud to wear the shirt, no matter what age group, and I'm happy to be here." 🦁 Love that, @emilesmithrowe 🙌 pic.twitter.com/XHWqfq5yq9 — England (@England) November 10, 2021 Cli...

Ballon d'Or shortlist announced

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The shortlist for Ballon d'Or 2022  has been announced, and there have been some interesting developments. Let's take a look at some of the talking points. No Messi and Neymar! Lionel Messi and Neymar have not been included on the 30-man shortlist for the 2022 Ballon d'Or. The Argentina international has won the most Ballons d'Or in history with seven, but he did not make the list despite scoring 11 goals in 34 matches for Paris Saint-Germain last season. His team-mate Neymar is also not on the list. He played just 28 times for PSG last season in an injury-hit campaign. Kylian Mbappe does make the list. Recognition for the Lionesses  England's Euro 2022 success has been recognised. Millie Bright, Beth Mead and Lucy Bronze have been nominated for the women's Ballon d'Or, awarded to the best female footballer of 2022. Women's Euro 2022: England win after dramatic final (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Who could win it? Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, ...

Euro 2024 preview: Players to watch out for

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The players to watch out for at Euro 2024 In the first of several Euro 2024 preview articles, this story will explore some of the players that will be looking to have an impact in Germany. Johan Bakayoko - Belgium  This player began to make a significant contribution to PSV early in 2023, and very quickly, he had managed to score seven goals and provide five assists. With fantastic speed and outstanding one-on-one skills, he is a constant threat to defenders as a traditional right-winger. He recently made his international debut for Belgium in March and could shine for his country in Germany.  Cole Palmer - England Despite scoring in the 2023 UEFA Super Cup, Palmer made a brave decision to leave Manchester City during the summer. This decision has paid off as he is now regularly starting and scoring goals for Chelsea. Palmer is not only important in pressing off the ball but also a creative force on it, whether he is playing centrally or coming off the right flank. You ca...

Club Brugge take narrow first leg lead

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Club Brugge 2 - 1 Atalanta  Gustaf Nilsson won and converted a controversial late penalty as Club Brugge edged past Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off. Author - Peter Grainger Stadium - Jan Breydelstadion The Belgian champions started brightly and got their reward when teenage winger Chemsdine Talbi pounced on a loose pass before setting up Ferran Jutgla, who fired a right-footed shot into the top left corner after 15 minutes. Atalanta hit back just before half-time, with Croatia international Mario Pasalic nodding in Davide Zappacosta’s cross from the left. However, deep into stoppage time, Swedish defender Isak Hien was penalised for holding off his fellow countryman Nilsson with his arm. After a VAR check, Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler upheld his decision to award the penalty. A fascinating encounter in Belgium. eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com youtu.be/ciZwuAcTHgA?... [image or embed] — European Super Football ( @superfootball.bsky.soc...

UEL: Kilmarnock fight back against Belgian side

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Kilmarnock 1 - 1 Cercle Brugge Kilmarnock will head to Belgium on level terms with Cercle Brugge after a comeback draw in the first leg of their Europa League second round qualifier. There was a fantastic atmosphere before the match started After an evenly matched first half at Rugby Park, the visitors burst into action and were rewarded with Kazeem Olaigbe’s powerful finish. However, Kilmarnock equalised when Kyle Vassell’s f licked header deflected off David Watson and into the top corner. This sets the stage for an exciting second leg at the Jan Breydel Stadium next Thursday. The hosts nearly got off to a perfect start in torrential rain when Danny Armstrong appeared to be fouled in the box. Referee Martin Dohal pointed to the spot, but it was later confirmed that the ball had already gone out of play, calming the excitement. The high intensity, possibly aided by the slick surface, persisted throughout most of the first half but didn’t result in many clear-cut chances for Kilmar...

Wales snatch dramatic draw in North Macedonia

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North Macedonia 1 - 1 Wales Wales salvaged a dramatic World Cup qualifying draw in North Macedonia after a chaotic finale, where they conceded in stoppage time only for David Brooks to snatch an equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game. Author - Stephen Chad Stadium - Toše Proeski Arena For 90 minutes, the contest had been edging towards a goalless draw, but a calamitous backpass from substitute Joe Allen gifted Bojan Miovski a golden chance. The Macedonian forward made no mistake, latching onto the loose ball and finishing coolly to send the home crowd into raptures. With defeat looming, Wales threw everything forward. Kieffer Moore rose highest to nod the ball down and Brooks reacted quickest, bundling it home from close range. The visitors erupted in celebration, an odd sight given the frustration that had gripped them only moments earlier. But in the circumstances, this was a dramatic way to extend their unbeaten start to World Cup qualifying and Craig Bellamy’s unble...

De Bruyne moves to Napoli on free transfer

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The Italian champions have strengthened their squad Kevin De Bruyne has joined Napoli on a free transfer following his departure from Manchester City at the end of the Premier League season. Author | Macca De Bruyne playing for Belgium at Euro 2024 The Belgian midfielder links up with Antonio Conte, who guided Napoli to the Serie A title last season. De Bruyne turned down an offer from Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire in order to remain in European competition and is set to feature in the Champions League next term. His exit from City brings an end to a decade of service in which he won 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, after arriving from Wolfsburg in 2015.  READ MORE | Transfer news and rumours from European Super Football READ MORE | The night Napoli won Serie A Manchester City confirmed his departure before the season concluded, and he was given an emotional send-off at the Etihad Stadium following the final home game against Bournemouth. He made ...

Scotland: Celtic keep up perfect start

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Celtic 2 - 0 Hearts Celtic maintained their perfect start to the season as both sides faced contrasting outcomes with VAR for the champions and Hearts. Early in the match, the visitors were initially awarded a penalty in the first half after Lawrence Shankland's header struck Liam Scales' arm. However, the decision was overturned after a VAR review. In the second half, a cross from Nicolas Kuhn made contact with James Penrice's hand, leading to another VAR review. This time, the result was a penalty, and record signing Arne Engels scored his first goal for Celtic from the spot. To seal the victory, Luke McCowan also scored his first goal for Celtic with a late strike.  What about Hearts? Hearts find themselves one point behind at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership. This was an improved performance from the visitors, but the match ultimately ended in a seventh straight defeat in all competitions. Referee Colin Steven had been quick to point to the spot after the Sca...