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...

Republic of Ireland 0 - 2 England Lee Carsley started his time as England’s interim manager with a win in the UEFA Nations League against the Republic of Ireland. Declan Rice and Jack Grealish both scored against the team they once represented. Carsley, who also played for the Republic of Ireland during his career, will oversee England for at least two matches following Gareth Southgate's departure after Euro 2024. He had a smooth start as the Three Lions triumphed in a vibrant atmosphere at a packed Dublin stadium. Rice, who earned three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland before switching allegiance in 2019, quietened the home fans with a goal in the 11th minute after Harry Kane’s shot was blocked. Rice opted not to celebrate. However, former Irish youth player Jack Grealish put his fingers in his ears in response to scoring on his return to the England squad, following his exclusion from Southgate’s Euro 2024 team. Does an exciting new era await? When Lee Carsley walk...

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...

France 2 - 0 Republic of Ireland The Republic of Ireland's slim hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024 were dented as France ran out comfortable winners at Parc des Princes. Aurelien Tchouameni's stunning 19th-minute goal put the hosts ahead at the break. Substitute Marcus Thuram ensured a home victory early in the second half as the French made it five wins from five. For the Republic,  it is the third defeat in four games, leaving them fourth in the group. The chances of the Irish qualifying for next summer's finals in Germany are remote, but they must regroup quickly and look to revive their campaign against the Netherlands on Sunday. Euro 2024 Qualifying When France visited Dublin in March, Didier Deschamps' side escaped with a 1-0 win. They were put under intense pressure by a spirited Republic team, with French goalkeeper Mike Maignan in inspired form. But it was a different story in Paris with Thuram's goal taking the sting out of the game and paving the way...

 Republic of Ireland 2 - 1 Hungary John O'Shea strengthened his bid to become the permanent Republic of Ireland manager following a 2-1 victory over Euro 2024-bound Hungary. In a close encounter at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, Troy Parrott netted a last-minute winner, securing O'Shea's first win as interim manager. Adam Idah opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a header, only for Adam Lang to equalise four minutes later from close range. Parrott took advantage of several defensive errors to score in the 92nd minute, handing Hungary their first defeat in 14 matches. The first 30 minutes of the game were lacklustre, marked by loose passes and weary legs in Dublin. Hungary initially had the upper hand, with Loic Nego curling an early effort over and Andras Schafer shooting wide. Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was called into action to save a shot from Milos Kerkez before the hosts took the lead against the run of play. Just ten days after scoring the winner fo...

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 ...

 The Women's World Cup has started! There has been some great action on display already, let's explore some of the interesting stories that are already developing. Before the tournament started, we published this preview:  Women's World Cup: Preview (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Spain 3 - 0 Costa Rica Spain dominated Costa Rica in their Women's World Cup opener in Wellington. They took the lead through Valeria del Campo's own goal, followed by Aitana Bonmati's second goal two minutes later. After Jennifer Hermoso headed against the crossbar, Esther Gonzalez added a third after Daniela Solera saved a penalty. Spain scored three goals despite several fine saves from Solera and Olga Carmona.Their dominance was evident in the match stats, as they attempted 46 shots at goal, including 12 on target, while Costa Rica, ranked 36th in the world, only attempted one shot. You can find more Spanish football news here Additionally, Spain had 80% possession and 22 corner...

England 5 - 0 Republic of Ireland England sealed their return to the top tier of the Nations League in stunning fashion, thrashing the Republic of Ireland at Wembley in Lee Carsley’s final game as interim manager. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football Lee Carsley now hands the reins to Thomas Tuchel, who takes charge from 1 January. During his tenure, Carsley guided England to five wins in six matches, with his team delivering a commanding second-half display here after a lacklustre opening 45 minutes. Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot eight minutes into the second half. The England captain's brilliant through-ball set Jude Bellingham free, only for Bellingham to be brought down by Liam Scales, earning the defender a second yellow card and a sending-off. What's the point of the UEFA Nations League? With the Republic reduced to ten men, England took full advantage. Anthony Gordon netted his first senior international goal just two minutes later, tappi...

Roy Keane is another football icon. He is someone that won a number of team and individual honours during a hugely successful playing career. Read about more icons A brief overview He is the joint most successful Irish footballer of all time, having won 19 major trophies in his club career, 17 of which came during his time at Manchester United. Many regard him as one of the best midfielders of his generation. In 2004. he was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players.  In his 18-year playing career, Keane played for Cobh Ramblers, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United before ending his career at Celtic. He was a dominating box-to-box midfielder noted for his aggressive and highly competitive style of play. This was an attitude that helped him excel as captain of Manchester United from 1997 until his departure in 2005. Keane helped United achieve sustained success during his 12 years at the club. He then signed for Celtic, where he won a domesti...

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 ...

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 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...

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 ...

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...

Is this all about desperation or a good chance to sign a bargain? This article will explore some of the best signings from the the January Transfer Window. Is it a good time to sign players or not? Author - Liam C Seamus Coleman There will be players on this list with a higher profile but very few that work out at better value for money than Coleman. Everton signed him from the Irish side Sligo Rovers in 2009. He has eclipsed 350 first-team appearances for the Merseysiders and has captained the team in recent times. The player has been an excellent servant for the Blues and has shown there is no shortage of talent across the top flight in Ireland. Patrice Evra In December 2005, French sources revealed that Manchester United was interested in signing Evra. Despite rumours that Monaco had reached a transfer agreement with Internazionale. On the 3rd of January 2006, Evra revealed he preferred to move to England to join Manchester United. He finally moved to Old Trafford a few days lat...

Brighton & Hove Albion 3 - 1 Newcastle United Evan Ferguson scored a hat-trick against Newcastle to show off his extraordinary potential and has potentially set the stage for another memorable Premier League season for Brighton. After overachieving last season, both teams discovered their European groups this week, and Albion appears to be much better positioned than the Magpies to contend for a Champions League spot this time around. More Premier League news and stories can be found here:  Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024  What happened in the match? Solly March, Kaoru Mitoma and Lewis Dunk all had a chance to score before Ferguson's hat-trick made him the first non-English player to score 10 Premier League goals before his 19th birthday.  After Nick Pope mishandled Billy Gilmour's long-range attempt, the Republic of Ireland striker Ferguson pounced from close range. The 18-year-old scored a stunning strike from 25 yards out to make it 2-0 before add...

 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 ...

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 ...