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Chile upset favourites Argentina with a penalty shootout victory in the Copa America final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday to retain their title in the world`s oldest continental soccer competition. 
 
Chile earned themselves bragging rights as South America`s dominant team as they beat heavyweights Argentina 4-2 on penalties for a second straight year. 
 
Lionel Messi missed from the spot in the shootout, cutting a dejected figure after the result was sealed and Argentina`s trophy drought had been extended to 23 years. 
 
&quot;We are an historic group and we proved that today,&quot; Chilean striker Eduardo Vargas told TV cameras after the game. 
 
The two sides were deadlocked 0-0 after 90 minutes and also after another half an hour of extra time in a match where both teams were reduced to 10 men in the first half. 
 
Chilean substitute Francisco Silva placed his penalty low and to the right of Sergio Romero to score the decider after Messi and Lucas Biglia missed for Argentina and Arturo Vidal missed for Chile. 
 
The win was the second Copa America in a row for Chile, who won their first Copa title at home last year in exactly the same fashion, beating Argentina on penalties after the teams had drawn 0-0 after extra time. 
 
The excitement of the penalty finish barely made up for a disappointing game in which both teams failed to provide many memorable moments for the announced sellout 82,000 crowd in New Jersey. 
 
The bulk of first half action involved referee Heber Lopes in an overly physical encounter. 
 
The Brazilian sent off Marcelo Diaz on 27 minutes for a second crude challenge on Messi, and then he levelled the sides 15 minutes later when he showed Marcos Rojo a straight red for a harsh tackle on Vidal. 
 
Three others were booked, including Messi for diving inside the box, in a first half that had as many cards as shots on goal. 
 
The second half provided more of the same and although Chile, who have never beaten Argentina in open play in 26 previous Copa America encounters, at least managed to call Romero into action, neither side created any clear cut chances. 
 
The 30 minutes of extra time was more of the same, although Vargas came close for Chile and substitute Sergio Aguero had a nice header tipped over by Claudio Bravo. 
 
The Centenary Copa America was played in the United States for the first time this year to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the inaugural Copa America in 1916. 
 
The tournament was expanded to 16 teams, 10 from South America and six from the CONCACAF region of North and central America and the Caribbean. 
 
(Reuters) 
 
 
(Reuters)

Win on penalties. Both sides were reduced to 10 men in the first half

Chile upset favourites Argentina with a penalty shootout victory in the Copa America final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday to retain their title in the world`s oldest continental soccer competition. Chile earned themselves bragging rights as South America`s dominant team as they beat heavyweights Argentina 4-2 on penalties for a second straight year. Lionel Messi missed from the spot in the shootout, cutting a dejected figure after the result was sealed and Argentina`s trophy drought had been extended to 23 years. "We are an historic group and we proved that today," Chilean striker Eduardo Vargas told TV cameras after the game. The two sides were deadlocked 0-0 after 90 minutes and also after another half an hour of extra time in a match where both teams were reduced to 10 men in the first half. Chilean substitute Francisco Silva placed his penalty low and to the right of Sergio Romero to score the decider after Messi and Lucas Biglia missed for Argentina and Arturo Vidal missed for Chile. The win was the second Copa America in a row for Chile, who won their first Copa title at home last year in exactly the same fashion, beating Argentina on penalties after the teams had drawn 0-0 after extra time. The excitement of the penalty finish barely made up for a disappointing game in which both teams failed to provide many memorable moments for the announced sellout 82,000 crowd in New Jersey. The bulk of first half action involved referee Heber Lopes in an overly physical encounter. The Brazilian sent off Marcelo Diaz on 27 minutes for a second crude challenge on Messi, and then he levelled the sides 15 minutes later when he showed Marcos Rojo a straight red for a harsh tackle on Vidal. Three others were booked, including Messi for diving inside the box, in a first half that had as many cards as shots on goal. The second half provided more of the same and although Chile, who have never beaten Argentina in open play in 26 previous Copa America encounters, at least managed to call Romero into action, neither side created any clear cut chances. The 30 minutes of extra time was more of the same, although Vargas came close for Chile and substitute Sergio Aguero had a nice header tipped over by Claudio Bravo. The Centenary Copa America was played in the United States for the first time this year to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the inaugural Copa America in 1916. The tournament was expanded to 16 teams, 10 from South America and six from the CONCACAF region of North and central America and the Caribbean. (Reuters) (Reuters)

Chile upset favourites Argentina, keep the Copa

Lionel Messi scored his 55th international goal to become his country&#39;s all-time leading scorer as Argentina thrashed hosts the United States 4-0 to ease into the final of the Centenary Copa America on Tuesday. 
 
Many of those in the 70,858 crowd in Houston had come to witness the Barcelona star etch his name in the history books and he did not disappoint, curling a sensational free kick past Brad Guzan after 32 minutes to put Argentina 2-0 ahead. 
 
Messi had been chopped down by Chris Wondolowski 25 yards from goal as he burst forward and the ensuing strike moved him clear of previous record holder Gabriel Batistuta&#39;s 54 goal tally. 
 
&quot;I am happy to have surpassed Batistuta&#39;s record and I want to thank my teammates, it&#39;s theirs as well,&quot; Messi, who turns 29 on Friday, told reporters. 
 
The win, meanwhile, advanced Argentina into Sunday&#39;s final against either Colombia or reigning champions Chile, who meet in Chicago on Wednesday. 
 
&quot;We needed to get back in a final but we can never get ahead of ourselves,&quot; Argentine coach Gerardo Martino assed. &quot;We&#39;ve always taken it one game at a time. We are pleased with our general production (so far).&quot; 
 
Martino started Ezequiel Lavezzi up front in place of the injured Angel Di Maria and it took the China-based winger just three minutes to make his mark when he got on the end of a Messi chip to head over a stranded Guzan. 
 
Argentina dominated the first half and Messi&#39;s goal was just reward for their superiority but if the home side thought they could stage a second-half fightback, they were sadly mistaken. 
 
US coach Jurgen Klinsmann made two changes at the break but Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain scored a third goal just four minutes into the second half. The US enjoyed more possession as the match progressed but never managed a shot on goal for the entire game as Argentina exposed the gulf in class between the very best South American and North American sides. 
 
Messi, who captained the side in his 112th international, almost grabbed a second eight minutes from time but Guzan turned his shot around the post for a corner. 
 
However, the mercurial forward was on hand to have a say in the fourth goal, when his pinpoint pass set up Higuain to complete the rout with a simple tap in after 85 minutes. 
 
The result means Argentina have scored 18 goals in five games and conceded just two as they power towards what they hope will be their 15th Copa America title, and first since 1993, to take them level with all-time leader Uruguay. 
 
The win would also cap Messi&#39;s international career after years of disappointment. Argentina reached the finals of their last two tournaments, the Copa America in 2015, and the World Cup in 2014, but were narrowly beaten in both. 
 
&quot;When you concede a goal after three minutes against such a team... that&#39;s when you&#39;ve already lost your mental battle,&quot; Klinsmann lamented. &quot;Once they have a lead they&#39;re not giving that lead away.&nbsp;It&#39;s a special team Argentina,&quot; he added. &quot;You saw tonight why they are the number one team in the world. I told the guys there&#39;s nothing to be ashamed of.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Argentina routed USA 4-0 in their semi-final encounter which saw Messi become the country's all-time leading scorer

Lionel Messi scored his 55th international goal to become his country's all-time leading scorer as Argentina thrashed hosts the United States 4-0 to ease into the final of the Centenary Copa America on Tuesday. Many of those in the 70,858 crowd in Houston had come to witness the Barcelona star etch his name in the history books and he did not disappoint, curling a sensational free kick past Brad Guzan after 32 minutes to put Argentina 2-0 ahead. Messi had been chopped down by Chris Wondolowski 25 yards from goal as he burst forward and the ensuing strike moved him clear of previous record holder Gabriel Batistuta's 54 goal tally. "I am happy to have surpassed Batistuta's record and I want to thank my teammates, it's theirs as well," Messi, who turns 29 on Friday, told reporters. The win, meanwhile, advanced Argentina into Sunday's final against either Colombia or reigning champions Chile, who meet in Chicago on Wednesday. "We needed to get back in a final but we can never get ahead of ourselves," Argentine coach Gerardo Martino assed. "We've always taken it one game at a time. We are pleased with our general production (so far)." Martino started Ezequiel Lavezzi up front in place of the injured Angel Di Maria and it took the China-based winger just three minutes to make his mark when he got on the end of a Messi chip to head over a stranded Guzan. Argentina dominated the first half and Messi's goal was just reward for their superiority but if the home side thought they could stage a second-half fightback, they were sadly mistaken. US coach Jurgen Klinsmann made two changes at the break but Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain scored a third goal just four minutes into the second half. The US enjoyed more possession as the match progressed but never managed a shot on goal for the entire game as Argentina exposed the gulf in class between the very best South American and North American sides. Messi, who captained the side in his 112th international, almost grabbed a second eight minutes from time but Guzan turned his shot around the post for a corner. However, the mercurial forward was on hand to have a say in the fourth goal, when his pinpoint pass set up Higuain to complete the rout with a simple tap in after 85 minutes. The result means Argentina have scored 18 goals in five games and conceded just two as they power towards what they hope will be their 15th Copa America title, and first since 1993, to take them level with all-time leader Uruguay. The win would also cap Messi's international career after years of disappointment. Argentina reached the finals of their last two tournaments, the Copa America in 2015, and the World Cup in 2014, but were narrowly beaten in both. "When you concede a goal after three minutes against such a team... that's when you've already lost your mental battle," Klinsmann lamented. "Once they have a lead they're not giving that lead away. It's a special team Argentina," he added. "You saw tonight why they are the number one team in the world. I told the guys there's nothing to be ashamed of." (Reuters)

Goal-machine Messi leads Argentina to Copa final

Brazilian striker Neymar will sign a new five-year contract with Barcelona this week, his agents said Thursday, ending speculation over his future at the Spanish champions. 
 
The international forward, 24, is widely regarded as one of the finest talents in the world, and is part of the much-feared attacking trident alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Barcelona. 
 
&quot;The athlete, along with his family, has decided to stay with FC Barcelona and will renew his contract for five more years,&quot; said NN Consultoria, the agency representing the international forward, 24. 
 
&quot;The contract will be formalised this week. The decision puts an end to speculation about the star&#39;s future.&quot; 
 
Neymar wrote on Twitter: &quot;I am very happy to continue living this dream. Long live Barca and long live Catalonia!&quot; 
 
The Catalan club&#39;s president Josep Maria Bartomeu had earlier rejected rumours over Neymar&#39;s possible transfer to another club, with Manchester United among the teams supposedly chasing him. 
 
The prolific Neymar was already under contract until 2018 with Barcelona, having transferred in 2013 from Brazil&#39;s Santos. That transfer deal has haunted the club because of alleged hidden payments that have sparked legal action. 
 
Speculation had mounted around whether or not Neymar would extend his stay at the Camp Nou or make another lucrative move. 
 
Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, United and Manchester City had been named as possible suitors. 
 
&quot;I read that there are many clubs interested in Neymar. It&#39;s normal they are, but Neymar has never said he wants to leave Barca, just the opposite,&quot; Bartomeu said. 
 
&quot;Neymar wants to continue at Barca and Barca wants Neymar to continue with us.&quot; 
 
Neymar transfer woes 
 
Neymar has been a huge success for Barca on the pitch but a judicial nightmare off it. 
 
He helped them win the Spanish league last season for the second year in a row, narrowly beating their fierce rivals Real Madrid. 
 
But he has been investigated in Brazil and Spain over his transfer from Santos. 
 
Barcelona agreed on June 13 to pay a 5.5-million-Euro ($6.2 million) fine over the transfer in a deal with prosecutors that see the club avoid trial on tax evasion charges. 
 
&quot;It was better to accept this agreement than continue on with the uncertainty that has dragged on for a long time over the Neymar case,&quot; Bartomeu told reporters at the time. 
 
Neymar was named on Wednesday as the star of a young Brazil Olympic football squad for next month&#39;s Games in Rio de Janeiro. 
 
Brazil are looking to bounce back from a humiliating group stage exit from the Copa America Centenario this month. 
 
They are also hoping Olympic gold will help soothe the trauma of their devastating 7-1 semi-final loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup on home soil. 
 
&quot;Neymar is different. He is one of the best players in the world. Any national team would want to have a player of his profile,&quot; the Olympic squad&#39;s coach Rogerio Micale told a news conference. 
 
&quot;He will mean a lot for the team. I hope he will be able to help the younger players.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The Brazilian football player helped Bacelona win the Spanish league last season for the second year in a row

Brazilian striker Neymar will sign a new five-year contract with Barcelona this week, his agents said Thursday, ending speculation over his future at the Spanish champions. The international forward, 24, is widely regarded as one of the finest talents in the world, and is part of the much-feared attacking trident alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Barcelona. "The athlete, along with his family, has decided to stay with FC Barcelona and will renew his contract for five more years," said NN Consultoria, the agency representing the international forward, 24. "The contract will be formalised this week. The decision puts an end to speculation about the star's future." Neymar wrote on Twitter: "I am very happy to continue living this dream. Long live Barca and long live Catalonia!" The Catalan club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu had earlier rejected rumours over Neymar's possible transfer to another club, with Manchester United among the teams supposedly chasing him. The prolific Neymar was already under contract until 2018 with Barcelona, having transferred in 2013 from Brazil's Santos. That transfer deal has haunted the club because of alleged hidden payments that have sparked legal action. Speculation had mounted around whether or not Neymar would extend his stay at the Camp Nou or make another lucrative move. Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, United and Manchester City had been named as possible suitors. "I read that there are many clubs interested in Neymar. It's normal they are, but Neymar has never said he wants to leave Barca, just the opposite," Bartomeu said. "Neymar wants to continue at Barca and Barca wants Neymar to continue with us." Neymar transfer woes Neymar has been a huge success for Barca on the pitch but a judicial nightmare off it. He helped them win the Spanish league last season for the second year in a row, narrowly beating their fierce rivals Real Madrid. But he has been investigated in Brazil and Spain over his transfer from Santos. Barcelona agreed on June 13 to pay a 5.5-million-Euro ($6.2 million) fine over the transfer in a deal with prosecutors that see the club avoid trial on tax evasion charges. "It was better to accept this agreement than continue on with the uncertainty that has dragged on for a long time over the Neymar case," Bartomeu told reporters at the time. Neymar was named on Wednesday as the star of a young Brazil Olympic football squad for next month's Games in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil are looking to bounce back from a humiliating group stage exit from the Copa America Centenario this month. They are also hoping Olympic gold will help soothe the trauma of their devastating 7-1 semi-final loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup on home soil. "Neymar is different. He is one of the best players in the world. Any national team would want to have a player of his profile," the Olympic squad's coach Rogerio Micale told a news conference. "He will mean a lot for the team. I hope he will be able to help the younger players." (AFP)

Neymar extends Barcelona contract to 2021

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas has given a strong indication that he will retire from international footbal after 16 years. 
 
The 35-year-old did not play in any of Spain&#39;s four games at Euro 2016, with national team coach Vicente del Bosque picking Manchester United&#39;s David De Gea in goal. 
 
Casillas, who made his debut in 2000 and is Spain&#39;s most capped player with 167 appearances, posted a video on his twitter account (@casillasworld) of a Rambo film with the dialogue saying: &quot;I don&#39;t know where but I&#39;m going.&quot; 
 
He then posted a message which said: &quot;I&#39;m proud to feel the love of the people today and as always, everyone together for the national team.&quot; 
 
De Gea made a string of saves to keep Spain within striking distance of Italy on Monday before Antonio Conte&#39;s men got a late second goal for a 2-0 second-round win. 
 
The goalkeeper also expressed hope for the future of the national team. He tweeted on @D_DeGea: &quot;Losing is part of the sport as well as getting up after a defeat. We&#39;ll come back!&quot; 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The 35-year-old did not play in any of Spain's four games at Euro 2016

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas has given a strong indication that he will retire from international footbal after 16 years. The 35-year-old did not play in any of Spain's four games at Euro 2016, with national team coach Vicente del Bosque picking Manchester United's David De Gea in goal. Casillas, who made his debut in 2000 and is Spain's most capped player with 167 appearances, posted a video on his twitter account (@casillasworld) of a Rambo film with the dialogue saying: "I don't know where but I'm going." He then posted a message which said: "I'm proud to feel the love of the people today and as always, everyone together for the national team." De Gea made a string of saves to keep Spain within striking distance of Italy on Monday before Antonio Conte's men got a late second goal for a 2-0 second-round win. The goalkeeper also expressed hope for the future of the national team. He tweeted on @D_DeGea: "Losing is part of the sport as well as getting up after a defeat. We'll come back!" (Reuters)

Spain football veteran Casillas hints at retirement

Hosts France enjoyed an uplifting start to Euro 2016 as Dimitri Payet&#39;s superb last-gasp strike bailed out Les Bleus in a 2-1 victory over a stubborn Romania side at the Stade de France on a peaceful night in the capital on Friday. 
 
Starting the month-long tournament amid strikes to protest against a labour law and terror fears seven months after Islamic attacks on Paris killed 130, the national team lightened the mood thanks to Payet&#39;s 20-metre drive into the top corner. 
 
Didier Deschamps&#39; team seemed to be heading for a gloomy draw but a moment of magic from talismanic West Ham United player Payet left the home fans celebrating a memorable win on a serene Paris evening to get the finals off to a fine start. 
 
There were no incidents reported in and around the stadium, where there was a heavy security presence, or at the fan zone, where some 90,000 people were expected to watch the Group A game on giant screens near the Eiffel tower. 
 
French president Francois Hollande, who last November was rushed away from the stadium with German Chancellor Angela Merkel after suicide bombers detonated devices near the arena, was seen shaking hands with fans on his way out on Friday. 
 
Security was tight at the Stade de France and fans had been urged to arrive early to have time to go through a double security perimeter with two successive security checks under the watchful eyes of armed police with bulletproof vests. 
 
There were only cheers inside the stadium, however, as Payet wrapped up the three points following Olivier Giroud&#39;s headed opening goal for the hosts just before the hour that was cancelled out by Bogdan Stancu&#39;s penalty eight minutes later. 
 
A kitsch opening ceremony, featuring about 100 can-can dancers, a techno cover of Edith Piaf&#39;s &#39;La Vie En Rose&#39; and aerobatics by the Patrouille de France jets, launched the event. 
 
France had not played a competitive game in two years and Romania, who had only conceded twice in the qualifying campaign, were a stern reminder that Les Bleus need to be on their toes if they are to win a first title since their Euro 2000 triumph. 
 
&quot;Had we won by two or three goals that might have misled us slightly whereas the fact we won late in the day, that shows there are going to be no easy matches,&quot; man-of-the-match Payet told reporters. 
 
France, who top the group ahead of Saturday&#39;s clash between Albania and Switzerland, got off to a nervous start, looking a pale shadow of the team who breezed past their recent opponents. 
 
Captain Hugo Lloris had to make a point-blank save early on and France failed to manage a shot on target in the first half. 
 
After 57 minutes Giroud silenced his critics when he headed home from Payet&#39;s cross after Romania keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu completely missed the ball as he jumped with the France striker. 
 
Eight minutes later, however, Stancu coolly converted a penalty after Patrice Evra&#39;s clumsy foul on Nicolae Stanciu. 
 
However, the impressive Payet, who had been behind almost every France opportunity, was on hand to save the day. 
 
Collecting the ball from N&#39;Golo Kante, Payet cut inside and struck a vicious drive into the top corner, sending the crowd into raptures. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s quite easy in football when you can bang it into the top corner. It solves quite a lot of problems,&quot; said Deschamps. 
 
&quot;The opening match of a competition is bit like playing in a cup final so we were maybe just a little bit timid in the opening 25 minutes... we put four attacking players on the pitch to try to grind out the victory.&quot; 
 
France next take on Albania in Marseille on Wednesday after Romania play Switzerland in Paris. 
 
On Saturday England take on Russia in Group B amid fears of trouble between their fans in Marseille, where there was a stand-off between supporters on Friday, 18 years after England followers caused chaos in the Port city at the World Cup.

The hosts downed a stubborn Romanian side 2-1

Hosts France enjoyed an uplifting start to Euro 2016 as Dimitri Payet's superb last-gasp strike bailed out Les Bleus in a 2-1 victory over a stubborn Romania side at the Stade de France on a peaceful night in the capital on Friday. Starting the month-long tournament amid strikes to protest against a labour law and terror fears seven months after Islamic attacks on Paris killed 130, the national team lightened the mood thanks to Payet's 20-metre drive into the top corner. Didier Deschamps' team seemed to be heading for a gloomy draw but a moment of magic from talismanic West Ham United player Payet left the home fans celebrating a memorable win on a serene Paris evening to get the finals off to a fine start. There were no incidents reported in and around the stadium, where there was a heavy security presence, or at the fan zone, where some 90,000 people were expected to watch the Group A game on giant screens near the Eiffel tower. French president Francois Hollande, who last November was rushed away from the stadium with German Chancellor Angela Merkel after suicide bombers detonated devices near the arena, was seen shaking hands with fans on his way out on Friday. Security was tight at the Stade de France and fans had been urged to arrive early to have time to go through a double security perimeter with two successive security checks under the watchful eyes of armed police with bulletproof vests. There were only cheers inside the stadium, however, as Payet wrapped up the three points following Olivier Giroud's headed opening goal for the hosts just before the hour that was cancelled out by Bogdan Stancu's penalty eight minutes later. A kitsch opening ceremony, featuring about 100 can-can dancers, a techno cover of Edith Piaf's 'La Vie En Rose' and aerobatics by the Patrouille de France jets, launched the event. France had not played a competitive game in two years and Romania, who had only conceded twice in the qualifying campaign, were a stern reminder that Les Bleus need to be on their toes if they are to win a first title since their Euro 2000 triumph. "Had we won by two or three goals that might have misled us slightly whereas the fact we won late in the day, that shows there are going to be no easy matches," man-of-the-match Payet told reporters. France, who top the group ahead of Saturday's clash between Albania and Switzerland, got off to a nervous start, looking a pale shadow of the team who breezed past their recent opponents. Captain Hugo Lloris had to make a point-blank save early on and France failed to manage a shot on target in the first half. After 57 minutes Giroud silenced his critics when he headed home from Payet's cross after Romania keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu completely missed the ball as he jumped with the France striker. Eight minutes later, however, Stancu coolly converted a penalty after Patrice Evra's clumsy foul on Nicolae Stanciu. However, the impressive Payet, who had been behind almost every France opportunity, was on hand to save the day. Collecting the ball from N'Golo Kante, Payet cut inside and struck a vicious drive into the top corner, sending the crowd into raptures. "It's quite easy in football when you can bang it into the top corner. It solves quite a lot of problems," said Deschamps. "The opening match of a competition is bit like playing in a cup final so we were maybe just a little bit timid in the opening 25 minutes... we put four attacking players on the pitch to try to grind out the victory." France next take on Albania in Marseille on Wednesday after Romania play Switzerland in Paris. On Saturday England take on Russia in Group B amid fears of trouble between their fans in Marseille, where there was a stand-off between supporters on Friday, 18 years after England followers caused chaos in the Port city at the World Cup.

France start Euro 2016 party with win over Romania

We take a look back at some of the best quotes from the Euro 2016 group stage: 
 
&quot;Iceland didn&rsquo;t try nothing, they just defend, defend, defend, they had two chances and scored a goal, it was a lucky night for them. We&#39;re frustrated, they didn&#39;t try and play. It&#39;s why I think they will do nothing here. In my opinion, it&rsquo;s a small mentality.&quot; 
 
- Cristiano Ronaldo lashes out at Iceland&#39;s defensive approach after a 1-1 draw in their opening Group F match. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s a fantastic footballer, but he&#39;s not a gracious human being and the thing is we almost nicked the win, so him saying we weren&#39;t going for the win contradicts that.&quot; 
 
- Iceland&#39;s Kari Arnason hits back at Ronaldo&#39;s claims. 
 
&quot;I hope Puma does not produce condoms.&quot; 
 
- Xherdan Shaqiri after four Switzerland players&#39; shirts ripped during the 0-0 draw with France. 
 
&quot;I believe 80 per cent of you (journalists) and me as well, sometimes scratch your nuts from time to time.&quot; 
 
- Lukas Podolski defends Joachim Loew after the Germany coach was caught scratching his genitals by television cameras. 
 
&quot;I think we&#39;ve got a lot more passion and pride about us than them. We&#39;ll definitely show that on the day. They big themselves up before they&#39;ve done anything, so we&#39;re going to go there and we believe we can beat them.&quot; 
 
- Gareth Bale on England. 
 
&quot;So that&#39;s football. Sometimes you&#39;re the dog, sometimes you&#39;re the tree. That&#39;s part of the business.&quot; 
 
- Germany&rsquo;s Mario Goetze on criticism of his performances at Euro 2016, two years after his goal won the 2014 World Cup final. 
 
&quot;I would guess we will change the national holiday. It&#39;s normally on June 17, but they will probably change it now.&quot; 
 
- Iceland&#39;s joint coach Heimir Hallgrimsson after their historic 2-1 win over Austria sent the country into the last 16. 
 
&quot;The legend can still deliver.&quot; 
 
- Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic before the tournament. His team crashed out with just a single point as he called time on his international career. 
 
&quot;This is not a street fighting championship, this is football.&quot; 
 
- Russia&#39;s Artem Dzyuba on the violence before his side&#39;s clash with England. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s fine. We locked him up about 25 minutes ago. He&#39;s caged in at this minute, as his beard gets longer, and uglier. But he&#39;s good. He&#39;s the werewolf of Manchester.&quot; 
 
- Republic of Ireland coach Martin O&#39;Neill on his assistant and Manchester United legend Roy Keane. 
 
(AFP) 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

'I hope Puma does not produce condoms,' said Xherdan Shaqiri

We take a look back at some of the best quotes from the Euro 2016 group stage: "Iceland didn’t try nothing, they just defend, defend, defend, they had two chances and scored a goal, it was a lucky night for them. We're frustrated, they didn't try and play. It's why I think they will do nothing here. In my opinion, it’s a small mentality." - Cristiano Ronaldo lashes out at Iceland's defensive approach after a 1-1 draw in their opening Group F match. "He's a fantastic footballer, but he's not a gracious human being and the thing is we almost nicked the win, so him saying we weren't going for the win contradicts that." - Iceland's Kari Arnason hits back at Ronaldo's claims. "I hope Puma does not produce condoms." - Xherdan Shaqiri after four Switzerland players' shirts ripped during the 0-0 draw with France. "I believe 80 per cent of you (journalists) and me as well, sometimes scratch your nuts from time to time." - Lukas Podolski defends Joachim Loew after the Germany coach was caught scratching his genitals by television cameras. "I think we've got a lot more passion and pride about us than them. We'll definitely show that on the day. They big themselves up before they've done anything, so we're going to go there and we believe we can beat them." - Gareth Bale on England. "So that's football. Sometimes you're the dog, sometimes you're the tree. That's part of the business." - Germany’s Mario Goetze on criticism of his performances at Euro 2016, two years after his goal won the 2014 World Cup final. "I would guess we will change the national holiday. It's normally on June 17, but they will probably change it now." - Iceland's joint coach Heimir Hallgrimsson after their historic 2-1 win over Austria sent the country into the last 16. "The legend can still deliver." - Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic before the tournament. His team crashed out with just a single point as he called time on his international career. "This is not a street fighting championship, this is football." - Russia's Artem Dzyuba on the violence before his side's clash with England. "He's fine. We locked him up about 25 minutes ago. He's caged in at this minute, as his beard gets longer, and uglier. But he's good. He's the werewolf of Manchester." - Republic of Ireland coach Martin O'Neill on his assistant and Manchester United legend Roy Keane. (AFP)

Quotable quotes: The best lines from Euro 2016

Lionel Messi marked his comeback from a short-lived international retirement with a goal that gave Argentina a 1-0 win over Uruguay on Thursday and lifted them to the top of the South American qualifying group for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia. 
 
Messi scored the goal three minutes before half-time while he was surrounded by defenders, his shot from outside the box took a deflection off Jose Maria Gimenez and wrong-footed goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. 
 
Uruguay, who had spent virtually the entire first half defending, took the game to Argentina in the second but hardly troubled goalkeeper Sergio Romero. Their only chance came in the 34th minute when Suarez&rsquo;s long-range free kick beat the Argentine wall only to be gathered safely by Romero. 
 
Messi had dramatically announced the end of his international career in June following Argentina&#39;s Copa America Centenario final defeat to Chile. 
 
Argentina&rsquo;s &nbsp;victory is &nbsp;the first under new coach Bauza but it was a tough one. 
 
The team played &nbsp;the second half with only 10 men after Juventus striker Paulo Dybala was sent off just before halftime after a second yellow card. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

They go top of the South American qualifying group for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia

Lionel Messi marked his comeback from a short-lived international retirement with a goal that gave Argentina a 1-0 win over Uruguay on Thursday and lifted them to the top of the South American qualifying group for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia. Messi scored the goal three minutes before half-time while he was surrounded by defenders, his shot from outside the box took a deflection off Jose Maria Gimenez and wrong-footed goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Uruguay, who had spent virtually the entire first half defending, took the game to Argentina in the second but hardly troubled goalkeeper Sergio Romero. Their only chance came in the 34th minute when Suarez’s long-range free kick beat the Argentine wall only to be gathered safely by Romero. Messi had dramatically announced the end of his international career in June following Argentina's Copa America Centenario final defeat to Chile. Argentina’s victory is the first under new coach Bauza but it was a tough one. The team played the second half with only 10 men after Juventus striker Paulo Dybala was sent off just before halftime after a second yellow card. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Messi returns, scores to give Argentina 1-0 win over Uruguay

Ireland manager Martin O&#39;Neill has warned his side to be prepared for a backlash when they take on a smarting Belgium in their European Championship match in Bordeaux on Saturday. 
 
Belgium, who were at number one in the FIFA rankings for the first three months of 2016 and second since then, suffered a 2-0 loss to Italy and slipped to the bottom of Group E. 
 
In contrast, a spirited Ireland side opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Sweden. 
 
&quot;Belgium are a really fine side, really fine,&quot; O&#39;Neill told reporters in France. 
 
&quot;Individually they are as talented as any side in the competition. They are very dangerous anyway, but even more so now they are a bit of a wounded animal.&quot; 
 
&quot;They will cause us problems so we have to show the same spirit and determination again and try and play as strongly with the ball as we did the other night.&quot; 
 
&quot;I think overall they have the players (to hurt us). If they are disappointed themselves with not playing well against Italy, they will feel they can rectify it.&quot; 
 
Ireland will conclude their group stage campaign against Italy on June 22. 
(Reuters)

Belgium, who were number one in the FIFA rankings for a few months of 2016, suffered a 2-0 loss to Italy and slipped to the bottom of Group

Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has warned his side to be prepared for a backlash when they take on a smarting Belgium in their European Championship match in Bordeaux on Saturday. Belgium, who were at number one in the FIFA rankings for the first three months of 2016 and second since then, suffered a 2-0 loss to Italy and slipped to the bottom of Group E. In contrast, a spirited Ireland side opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Sweden. "Belgium are a really fine side, really fine," O'Neill told reporters in France. "Individually they are as talented as any side in the competition. They are very dangerous anyway, but even more so now they are a bit of a wounded animal." "They will cause us problems so we have to show the same spirit and determination again and try and play as strongly with the ball as we did the other night." "I think overall they have the players (to hurt us). If they are disappointed themselves with not playing well against Italy, they will feel they can rectify it." Ireland will conclude their group stage campaign against Italy on June 22. (Reuters)

O'Neill warns Ireland against 'wounded animal' Belgium

Hawk-Eye technology will be used to decide whether the ball has crossed the goal-line at next month&#39;s Copa America Centenario in the US, the tournament&#39;s organising committee said on Wednesday.

The British&nbsp;camera-based system, utilised widely in tennis and cricket and at the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, will be installed in all 10 stadiums hosting football&#39;s oldest international championship.

Hawk-Eye was also used during the 2015 Women&#39;s World Cup, and in several of the world&#39;s leading football leagues and federations, including UEFA, the English Premier League and Germany&#39;s Bundesliga.

The system uses seven cameras to track the flight of the ball, indicating to the referee via a vibration device whether a goal has been scored. Referees will still be helped by additional assistant referees.

The Copa America is a 16-team version of the South American championship that has expanded by four teams and is being staged outside the South American CONMEBOL nations for the first time.

United&nbsp;States, who will be&nbsp;the host this yead, will launch the tournament with a Group A match against Colombia at Levi&#39;s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on June 3.

The final will be held on June 26 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The technology, which has been widely utilised in tennis and cricket, was also used at the 2014 FIFA World Cup final

Hawk-Eye technology will be used to decide whether the ball has crossed the goal-line at next month's Copa America Centenario in the US, the tournament's organising committee said on Wednesday. The British camera-based system, utilised widely in tennis and cricket and at the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, will be installed in all 10 stadiums hosting football's oldest international championship. Hawk-Eye was also used during the 2015 Women's World Cup, and in several of the world's leading football leagues and federations, including UEFA, the English Premier League and Germany's Bundesliga. The system uses seven cameras to track the flight of the ball, indicating to the referee via a vibration device whether a goal has been scored. Referees will still be helped by additional assistant referees. The Copa America is a 16-team version of the South American championship that has expanded by four teams and is being staged outside the South American CONMEBOL nations for the first time. United States, who will be the host this yead, will launch the tournament with a Group A match against Colombia at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on June 3. The final will be held on June 26 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

At Copa America, Hawk-Eye will tell if a goal has been scored

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs will leave Old Trafford after rejecting Jose Mourinhos offer of a reduced backroom role, according to British media reports today. 
 
Giggs is the most decorated player in United illustrious history and he amassed a record 963 appearances and 35 major trophies before going on to serve as an assistant to David Moyes and Louis van Gaal. 
 
But the 42-year-old is set to quit United because he feels snubbed both by the clubs hierarchy, who reportedly told him he would be offered the chance to succeed van Gaal when the Dutchman left, and Mourinho, who opted not to give him a senior role in his coaching team. 
 
Giggs had one more year on his contract as assistant manager, but Mourinho was said to be concerned the former Wales winger had distanced himself from both Moyes and van Gaal rather than offering public support during the teams struggles in recent years. 
 
Mourinho was also believed to be worried that Paul Scholes, a close friend and former United colleague of Giggs, had become a very vocal critic of Moyes and van Gaal. 
 
Instead of risking a similar scenario during his reign, Mourinho, who officially starts work with United this week after his May appointment, will give the role of assistant manager to his long-time associate Rui Faria. 
 
Mourinhos only concession to Giggs was reported to have been the offer of a position overseeing the connection between United youth teams and the first team. 
 
But, after considering his options on a holiday in Dubai, he decided he was dissatisfied with that role and how the club has been run during the post-Alex Ferguson era.Although United hoped Giggs could be persuaded to stay on in a different role, he has decided to call time on almost three decades with the club. 
 
Giggs, who won two of his four matches as Uniteds caretaker manager following Moyes sacking in 2014, this week worked as a television pundit during Euro 2016. 
 
But, rather than go into the media, he is said to be keen to land a permanent managerial position and, according to the Daily Mail, United are in negotiations with his advisors over a pay-off for the final year of his contract, with an official statement expected in the coming days. 
 
Giggs has passed all his coaching badges, was linked with the managers job at Swansea last season and is unlikely to be short of coaching offers once the first managers are axed next season. Giggs, who joined United on his 14th birthday in 1987, contributed to some of the greatest moments in the clubs history during the golden reign of Ferguson, who was the Welshman`s only club manager until he retired in 2013. 
 
He turned professional aged 17 in November 1990 and made his first team debut against Everton in March 1991. 
 
Eventually becoming the most decorated British player of all time, Giggs won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups, four League Cups, the Club World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, the European Super Cup and nine Community Shields. 
 
(AFP)

The Welsh winger played 963 times for United and won 35 major trophies before serving as an assistant to David Moyes and Louis van Gaal

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs will leave Old Trafford after rejecting Jose Mourinhos offer of a reduced backroom role, according to British media reports today. Giggs is the most decorated player in United illustrious history and he amassed a record 963 appearances and 35 major trophies before going on to serve as an assistant to David Moyes and Louis van Gaal. But the 42-year-old is set to quit United because he feels snubbed both by the clubs hierarchy, who reportedly told him he would be offered the chance to succeed van Gaal when the Dutchman left, and Mourinho, who opted not to give him a senior role in his coaching team. Giggs had one more year on his contract as assistant manager, but Mourinho was said to be concerned the former Wales winger had distanced himself from both Moyes and van Gaal rather than offering public support during the teams struggles in recent years. Mourinho was also believed to be worried that Paul Scholes, a close friend and former United colleague of Giggs, had become a very vocal critic of Moyes and van Gaal. Instead of risking a similar scenario during his reign, Mourinho, who officially starts work with United this week after his May appointment, will give the role of assistant manager to his long-time associate Rui Faria. Mourinhos only concession to Giggs was reported to have been the offer of a position overseeing the connection between United youth teams and the first team. But, after considering his options on a holiday in Dubai, he decided he was dissatisfied with that role and how the club has been run during the post-Alex Ferguson era.Although United hoped Giggs could be persuaded to stay on in a different role, he has decided to call time on almost three decades with the club. Giggs, who won two of his four matches as Uniteds caretaker manager following Moyes sacking in 2014, this week worked as a television pundit during Euro 2016. But, rather than go into the media, he is said to be keen to land a permanent managerial position and, according to the Daily Mail, United are in negotiations with his advisors over a pay-off for the final year of his contract, with an official statement expected in the coming days. Giggs has passed all his coaching badges, was linked with the managers job at Swansea last season and is unlikely to be short of coaching offers once the first managers are axed next season. Giggs, who joined United on his 14th birthday in 1987, contributed to some of the greatest moments in the clubs history during the golden reign of Ferguson, who was the Welshman`s only club manager until he retired in 2013. He turned professional aged 17 in November 1990 and made his first team debut against Everton in March 1991. Eventually becoming the most decorated British player of all time, Giggs won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups, four League Cups, the Club World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, the European Super Cup and nine Community Shields. (AFP)

Ryan Giggs ends 29-year association with Man U on sour note

Roberto Di Matteo has been handed the task of restoring Aston Villa&#39;s fortunes after the seven-times English champions announced the Italian as their new manager today.

The 46-year-old, who won the Champions League during a short spell in charge of Chelsea in 2012, takes over weeks after the club was relegated from the Premier League.
&quot;It&#39;s a wonderful honour for me to become manager of this great football club and I&#39;m looking forward to the challenge of taking Aston Villa back to its rightful place,&quot; Di Matteo said.

Former Chelsea team mate and coach Steve Clarke has been appointed as Di Matteo&#39;s assistant.

Di Matteo has previously worked as a manager in the second-tier Championship, gaining promotion with West Bromwich Albion in 2009-10.

Villa will be hoping that their new manager can have a similar impact after a dreadful season in which they finished bottom with only three wins and sacked two managers, Tim Sherwood in October and his replacement Remi Garde in March.

Swiss-born former Italian midfielder Di Matteo played for Lazio and Chelsea. He once scored after 42 seconds in the 1997 FA Cup final against Middlesbrough.

He won two FA Cups, a League Cup and a UEFA Cup Winners&#39; Cup while at Stamford Bridge and returned to Chelsea as assistant manager to Andre Villas-Boas in 2011, stepping up as interim manager when the Portuguese was sacked in March 2012.

Against all expectations, he guided Chelsea to a Champions League semi-final defeat of Barcelona and then beat Bayern Munich on penalties in the final in their own stadium.

Di Matteo was rewarded by being appointed manager on a permanent basis&nbsp;but by November&nbsp;he had fallen out of favour and was sacked after a Champions League defeat by Juventus.

Since then&nbsp;he managed Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga but resigned in May 2015.

Di Matteo's appointment is a result of the club's performance in the Premier League. This former Italian midfielder had won the Champions League and FA Cup with Chelsea in 2012

Roberto Di Matteo has been handed the task of restoring Aston Villa's fortunes after the seven-times English champions announced the Italian as their new manager today. The 46-year-old, who won the Champions League during a short spell in charge of Chelsea in 2012, takes over weeks after the club was relegated from the Premier League. "It's a wonderful honour for me to become manager of this great football club and I'm looking forward to the challenge of taking Aston Villa back to its rightful place," Di Matteo said. Former Chelsea team mate and coach Steve Clarke has been appointed as Di Matteo's assistant. Di Matteo has previously worked as a manager in the second-tier Championship, gaining promotion with West Bromwich Albion in 2009-10. Villa will be hoping that their new manager can have a similar impact after a dreadful season in which they finished bottom with only three wins and sacked two managers, Tim Sherwood in October and his replacement Remi Garde in March. Swiss-born former Italian midfielder Di Matteo played for Lazio and Chelsea. He once scored after 42 seconds in the 1997 FA Cup final against Middlesbrough. He won two FA Cups, a League Cup and a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup while at Stamford Bridge and returned to Chelsea as assistant manager to Andre Villas-Boas in 2011, stepping up as interim manager when the Portuguese was sacked in March 2012. Against all expectations, he guided Chelsea to a Champions League semi-final defeat of Barcelona and then beat Bayern Munich on penalties in the final in their own stadium. Di Matteo was rewarded by being appointed manager on a permanent basis but by November he had fallen out of favour and was sacked after a Champions League defeat by Juventus. Since then he managed Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga but resigned in May 2015.

Roberto Di Matteo is Aston Villa's new manager

New signing Sadio Mane scored one goal and made another as Liverpool slickly defeated Barcelona 4-0 in a one-sided friendly match at a sun-soaked Wembley on Saturday. 
 
A 34 million pounds ($44.5 million, 40.1 million euros) capture from Southampton, Mane struck a 15th-minute opener and then supplied the cross from which former Liverpool player Javier Mascherano scored an own goal. 
 
Divock Origi added a third seconds later and substitute Marko Grujic chipped in with a stoppage-time header as Jurgen Klopp&#39;s side registered their sixth win in eight pre-season games. 
 
&quot;I`m happy with the result and with a lot of the game,&quot; said Klopp, who lost James Milner to a first-half heel injury. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t want to over-estimate this game, but it&#39;s still good for us. We didn&#39;t think that we were lower than Barcelona before the game and we don&#39;t think that we&#39;re higher than them after the game.&quot; 
 
Liverpool play Mainz, one of Klopp&#39;s former clubs, in a friendly in Germany on Sunday before tackling Arsenal in their Premier League opener next weekend. 
 
Barcelona&#39;s defeat meant that Paris Saint-Germain won the International Champions Cup friendly tournament for the second year running. 
 
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique was missing Neymar, who is on duty with hosts Brazil at the Olympics, but fielded both former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, who hit the post in the first half. 
 
Barca play Sampdoria at the Camp Nou in their final pre-season friendly on Wednesday and face Sevilla in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August 14. 
 
&quot;From the beginning we saw two teams with completely different rhythms,&quot; said Luis Enrique. 
 
&quot;It was definitely not our best day. But there&#39;s enough days for us to prepare and there&#39;s no doubt we&#39;ll be competitive.&quot; 
 
The glamour game drew 89,845 spectators to Wembley - the stadium&#39;s second-highest attendance - and it was Liverpool&#39;s fans, comfortably in the majority, who went home with smiles on their faces. 
 
With seven friendly matches behind them to Barcelona&#39;s two, Liverpool were the sharper team and they took the lead with a slick goal. 
 
After winning possession on halfway, Adam Lallana surged forward and exchanged passes with Roberto Firmino before teeing up Mane, whose rising shot beat goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. 
 
Liverpool had to weather a succession of Barcelona chances before half-time. 
 
Suarez, facing his former club for the first time, teed up Messi to roll a shot against the right-hand post, while Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet saved from Arda Turan and Suarez. 
 
Milner, who announced his England retirement on Friday, was again deployed at left-back for Liverpool, but had to give way to Alberto Moreno before half-time. Klopp said he would undergo a scan on Sunday. 
 
Within three minutes of kick-off in the second half, the game was as good as over. 
 
In the 47th minute, Origi&#39;s flick released Mane and his low cross from the right was bundled into the net by Mascherano. 
 
Barely a minute later, Kevin Stewart caught Jeremy Mathieu dawdling on the ball and freed fellow half-time substitute Origi, who coolly beat Barcelona replacement goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. 
 
Grujic, signed from Red Star Belgrade in January, put the cherry on the cake in added time, meeting fellow Serbian Lazar Markovic&#39;s scooped pass with a fine header that looped over Bravo. 
 
(AFP)

Sadio Mane struck a 15th-minute opener and then supplied the cross from which ex-Liverpool player Javier Mascherano scored an own goal

New signing Sadio Mane scored one goal and made another as Liverpool slickly defeated Barcelona 4-0 in a one-sided friendly match at a sun-soaked Wembley on Saturday. A 34 million pounds ($44.5 million, 40.1 million euros) capture from Southampton, Mane struck a 15th-minute opener and then supplied the cross from which former Liverpool player Javier Mascherano scored an own goal. Divock Origi added a third seconds later and substitute Marko Grujic chipped in with a stoppage-time header as Jurgen Klopp's side registered their sixth win in eight pre-season games. "I`m happy with the result and with a lot of the game," said Klopp, who lost James Milner to a first-half heel injury. "I don't want to over-estimate this game, but it's still good for us. We didn't think that we were lower than Barcelona before the game and we don't think that we're higher than them after the game." Liverpool play Mainz, one of Klopp's former clubs, in a friendly in Germany on Sunday before tackling Arsenal in their Premier League opener next weekend. Barcelona's defeat meant that Paris Saint-Germain won the International Champions Cup friendly tournament for the second year running. Barcelona coach Luis Enrique was missing Neymar, who is on duty with hosts Brazil at the Olympics, but fielded both former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, who hit the post in the first half. Barca play Sampdoria at the Camp Nou in their final pre-season friendly on Wednesday and face Sevilla in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August 14. "From the beginning we saw two teams with completely different rhythms," said Luis Enrique. "It was definitely not our best day. But there's enough days for us to prepare and there's no doubt we'll be competitive." The glamour game drew 89,845 spectators to Wembley - the stadium's second-highest attendance - and it was Liverpool's fans, comfortably in the majority, who went home with smiles on their faces. With seven friendly matches behind them to Barcelona's two, Liverpool were the sharper team and they took the lead with a slick goal. After winning possession on halfway, Adam Lallana surged forward and exchanged passes with Roberto Firmino before teeing up Mane, whose rising shot beat goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Liverpool had to weather a succession of Barcelona chances before half-time. Suarez, facing his former club for the first time, teed up Messi to roll a shot against the right-hand post, while Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet saved from Arda Turan and Suarez. Milner, who announced his England retirement on Friday, was again deployed at left-back for Liverpool, but had to give way to Alberto Moreno before half-time. Klopp said he would undergo a scan on Sunday. Within three minutes of kick-off in the second half, the game was as good as over. In the 47th minute, Origi's flick released Mane and his low cross from the right was bundled into the net by Mascherano. Barely a minute later, Kevin Stewart caught Jeremy Mathieu dawdling on the ball and freed fellow half-time substitute Origi, who coolly beat Barcelona replacement goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. Grujic, signed from Red Star Belgrade in January, put the cherry on the cake in added time, meeting fellow Serbian Lazar Markovic's scooped pass with a fine header that looped over Bravo. (AFP)

Liverpool defeats Barcelona 4-0 at Wembley

A late goal by Premier League target Radja Nainggolan earned Belgium a last-16 berth with a 1-0 win over Sweden ending superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic&#39;s international career with a defeat. 
 
The Roma midfielder, reportedly wanted by Chelsea, controlled a cross from Eden Hazard outside the area and powered it into the net in the 82nd minute. 
 
After a poor display against Italy in their group opener, Belgium now take on Hungary in Toulouse on June 26 with the momentum of two wins behind them. 
 
&quot;We have got better since the Italy game, kept two clean sheets in a row,&quot; said Marc Wilmots, Belgium&#39;s coach. 
 
&quot;It will be a complicated game, we watched the last minutes of their game against Portugal, Hungary leave 200 per cent on the field,&quot; said Belgium skipper Eden Hazard who was awarded man-of-the-match. 
 
There was to be no salvation for Sweden, nor one more game for Ibrahimovic. 
 
He battled to the end, almost snatching a late equaliser with a half volley on the turn, but the dying minutes were instead marked by the Belgian fans raucously chanting &quot;Bye Bye Ibrahimovic!&quot; 
 
&quot;It&#39;s heavy, it&#39;s disappointing, but at the same time I enjoyed it, we got the possibility to play at &nbsp;the Euros, and represent Sweden,&quot; said Ibrahimovic. 
 
&quot;At the same time I am proud, this was my last game in the national team, I have many fantastic memories.&quot; 
 
Sweden coach Erik Hamren said Ibrahimovic was a &quot;unique&quot; talent that cannot be replaced. 
 
&quot;I hope we can find another player, not a Zlatan as I don&#39;t think in a small country like Sweden you can find someone like that, he&#39;s really unique,&quot; said Hamren. 
 
Sweden finished bottom of the group and will look back with regret on a flat performance in their opener against Ireland. 
 
&quot;Our two last games were not bad, but we couldn&#39;t finish our chances in either,&quot; added Hamren. &quot;Against Ireland we weren&#39;t very good, maybe in attack we could have been better against Italy. But I can&#39;t ask more from my players, I&#39;m proud of them, even though we lost the game,&quot; he said. 
 
Facing elimination if defeated, both teams pushed forward to attack which produced a pulsating first half hour in balmy Nice. 
 
Chances came thick and fast, Sweden almost grabbing a dream start three minutes in when a goalmouth half-volley by Marcus Berg, in for John Giudetti as strike partner to Ibrahimovic, was batted out by Thibaut Courtois. 
 
Belgium launched regular raids with Kevin De Bruyne through the middle and Hazard, roving from wing to wing, at the heart of the danger. 
 
Midway through the half, a backheel from Hazard let the Man City star fire a shot straight at the Isaksson. 
 
At the other end, Ibrahimovic had little joy, bar the occasional half-chance snapshot or attempt at a spectacular volley. 
 
But none came to anything on an ultimately frustrating night for the Swedish legend who announced his international retirement after Euro 2016 on Tuesday. 
 
It was Belgium who nearly entered the break in front, when Meurier headed an inch-perfect De Bruyne cross just wide of Andreas Isaksson&#39;s post. 
 
As the clock ran down in the second half the temperature began rising again as Belgium wasted a host of chances to kill of Swedish hopes. 
 
Isaksson dived at full length to keep out a De Bruyne drive before a powerful Romelu Lukaku break was foiled by Isakksson who spread his body well to block the shot. 
 
A minute later, an identical run by the Everton striker, this time with a neat finish, was ruled offside. 
 
Time was running out on Ibrahimovic when he went close with a free-kick turned away by Courtois with a quarter hour to go before De Bruyne cleared off the line. 
 
But Nainggolan secured a richly-talented Belgian side&#39;s place on the favourable half of the draw with a rasping drive into the far corner. 
 
(AFP)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored 62 goals in 116 international matches, ends his international career in defeat as Sweden fails to qualify

A late goal by Premier League target Radja Nainggolan earned Belgium a last-16 berth with a 1-0 win over Sweden ending superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic's international career with a defeat. The Roma midfielder, reportedly wanted by Chelsea, controlled a cross from Eden Hazard outside the area and powered it into the net in the 82nd minute. After a poor display against Italy in their group opener, Belgium now take on Hungary in Toulouse on June 26 with the momentum of two wins behind them. "We have got better since the Italy game, kept two clean sheets in a row," said Marc Wilmots, Belgium's coach. "It will be a complicated game, we watched the last minutes of their game against Portugal, Hungary leave 200 per cent on the field," said Belgium skipper Eden Hazard who was awarded man-of-the-match. There was to be no salvation for Sweden, nor one more game for Ibrahimovic. He battled to the end, almost snatching a late equaliser with a half volley on the turn, but the dying minutes were instead marked by the Belgian fans raucously chanting "Bye Bye Ibrahimovic!" "It's heavy, it's disappointing, but at the same time I enjoyed it, we got the possibility to play at the Euros, and represent Sweden," said Ibrahimovic. "At the same time I am proud, this was my last game in the national team, I have many fantastic memories." Sweden coach Erik Hamren said Ibrahimovic was a "unique" talent that cannot be replaced. "I hope we can find another player, not a Zlatan as I don't think in a small country like Sweden you can find someone like that, he's really unique," said Hamren. Sweden finished bottom of the group and will look back with regret on a flat performance in their opener against Ireland. "Our two last games were not bad, but we couldn't finish our chances in either," added Hamren. "Against Ireland we weren't very good, maybe in attack we could have been better against Italy. But I can't ask more from my players, I'm proud of them, even though we lost the game," he said. Facing elimination if defeated, both teams pushed forward to attack which produced a pulsating first half hour in balmy Nice. Chances came thick and fast, Sweden almost grabbing a dream start three minutes in when a goalmouth half-volley by Marcus Berg, in for John Giudetti as strike partner to Ibrahimovic, was batted out by Thibaut Courtois. Belgium launched regular raids with Kevin De Bruyne through the middle and Hazard, roving from wing to wing, at the heart of the danger. Midway through the half, a backheel from Hazard let the Man City star fire a shot straight at the Isaksson. At the other end, Ibrahimovic had little joy, bar the occasional half-chance snapshot or attempt at a spectacular volley. But none came to anything on an ultimately frustrating night for the Swedish legend who announced his international retirement after Euro 2016 on Tuesday. It was Belgium who nearly entered the break in front, when Meurier headed an inch-perfect De Bruyne cross just wide of Andreas Isaksson's post. As the clock ran down in the second half the temperature began rising again as Belgium wasted a host of chances to kill of Swedish hopes. Isaksson dived at full length to keep out a De Bruyne drive before a powerful Romelu Lukaku break was foiled by Isakksson who spread his body well to block the shot. A minute later, an identical run by the Everton striker, this time with a neat finish, was ruled offside. Time was running out on Ibrahimovic when he went close with a free-kick turned away by Courtois with a quarter hour to go before De Bruyne cleared off the line. But Nainggolan secured a richly-talented Belgian side's place on the favourable half of the draw with a rasping drive into the far corner. (AFP)

Belgium seal last-16 berth with 1-0 win over Sweden,  Ibrahimovic bows out

Germany thumped Slovakia 3-0 with goals from Jerome Boateng, Mario Gomez and Julian Draxler to cruise into the Euro 2016 quarter-finals on Sunday and confirm their status as tournament favourites with a sparkling performance. 
 
Central defender Boateng, who had been passed fit after an injury, connected perfectly with a clearance in the eighth minute to volley home from 25 metres for his first international goal as the world champions took control from the start. 
 
The Germans, who next face either holders Spain or Italy, saw Mesut Ozil&#39;s weak 13th minute penalty saved but Gomez made no mistake two minutes from halftime when he tapped home a perfect cut back from the marauding Julian Draxler. 
 
Draxler, coming into the starting lineup for the lacklustre Mario Goetze, was then left with far too much space at the far post to volley in their third just past the hour as the Germans kept a fourth straight clean sheet at the finals. 
 
Comfortable with either foot, the winger utilised his speed and intelligence to good effect, helping his side pin the Slovaks in their own half for much of the opening period. 
 
Boateng opened the scoring with a deflected volley following a corner and ran to celebrate with team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt, who helped him recover from a muscle injury sustained in their last group game with Northern Ireland. 
 
Ozil&#39;s weak penalty, well saved by Matus Kozacik, was one of the few blemishes in an otherwise superb Germany performance. 
 
Slovakia may have got the better of the Germans in a pre-Euro 2016 friendly but, apart from a few forays forward, they were all at sea. 
 
Five minutes before halftime Juraj Kucka forced a flying save from Germany captain Manuel Neuer as he sent Peter Pekarik&#39;s cross toward the top corner. 
 
Germany hit back immediately, Draxler turning Kucka inside out before squaring for Gomez to stab the ball home from close range to make it 2-0. 
 
Slovakia were marginally better in the second half but when the excellent Draxler hooked a volley into the top corner in the 63rd minute there was no way back. 
 
Draxler and Boateng were replaced by Lukas Podolski and Benedikt Hoewedes nine minutes later as the game took on the air of a friendly with Germany&#39;s place in the last eight against Spain or Italy already booked. 
 
(Reuters)

Ozil's weak penalty, well saved by Matus Kozacik, was one of the few blemishes in an otherwise superb Germany performance

Germany thumped Slovakia 3-0 with goals from Jerome Boateng, Mario Gomez and Julian Draxler to cruise into the Euro 2016 quarter-finals on Sunday and confirm their status as tournament favourites with a sparkling performance. Central defender Boateng, who had been passed fit after an injury, connected perfectly with a clearance in the eighth minute to volley home from 25 metres for his first international goal as the world champions took control from the start. The Germans, who next face either holders Spain or Italy, saw Mesut Ozil's weak 13th minute penalty saved but Gomez made no mistake two minutes from halftime when he tapped home a perfect cut back from the marauding Julian Draxler. Draxler, coming into the starting lineup for the lacklustre Mario Goetze, was then left with far too much space at the far post to volley in their third just past the hour as the Germans kept a fourth straight clean sheet at the finals. Comfortable with either foot, the winger utilised his speed and intelligence to good effect, helping his side pin the Slovaks in their own half for much of the opening period. Boateng opened the scoring with a deflected volley following a corner and ran to celebrate with team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt, who helped him recover from a muscle injury sustained in their last group game with Northern Ireland. Ozil's weak penalty, well saved by Matus Kozacik, was one of the few blemishes in an otherwise superb Germany performance. Slovakia may have got the better of the Germans in a pre-Euro 2016 friendly but, apart from a few forays forward, they were all at sea. Five minutes before halftime Juraj Kucka forced a flying save from Germany captain Manuel Neuer as he sent Peter Pekarik's cross toward the top corner. Germany hit back immediately, Draxler turning Kucka inside out before squaring for Gomez to stab the ball home from close range to make it 2-0. Slovakia were marginally better in the second half but when the excellent Draxler hooked a volley into the top corner in the 63rd minute there was no way back. Draxler and Boateng were replaced by Lukas Podolski and Benedikt Hoewedes nine minutes later as the game took on the air of a friendly with Germany's place in the last eight against Spain or Italy already booked. (Reuters)

Germany cruise into last eight with 3-0 Slovakia win

Brazil&#39;s Olympic coach Rogerio Micale called up midfielder Douglas Costa and goalkeeper Fernando Prass on Wednesday to join striker Neymar as the three players over the age of 23 to play with Brazil as they try to win Olympic gold at home at the 2016 Rio Olympics. 
 
Neymar, who was already named to the Olympic squad in a deal reached with Barcelona, is the biggest name on the list of 18 players Micale announced at the Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF) headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. 
 
Micale said he would not hesitate to reach out to Brazil&#39;s new head coach for the national team, Tite, as he steers his team through the Olympics. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s an honour, a joy to have &#39;Professor Tite&#39; on my side. I&#39;m not going to feel any kind of embarrassment leaning on his wisdom, all the soccer experiences he has seen, the victories he&#39;s had all this time. I want to be very close (to him), because whatever can be added right now will be good for my career,&quot; Micale said. 
 
Brazil are thirsty for a gold medal on their home turf after taking silver to Mexico at the London 2012 Games. 
 
Micale said he was forced to leave players he had hoped to count on out of the line-up after their clubs would not free them up for the Olympics, which are not part of the FIFA calendar for national teams. 
 
Micale said most the players on the squad are leaders at their clubs, both domestically and abroad, and that he is confident in his young team adding that they could take some pressure off of Neymar. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s a player with a different kind of profile, an indisputable quality, one of the best players in the world. I think any coach from any national team in the world would like to be able to count on a player with a profile like his. But on the national team we try to add other leaders, we do have them, yes. I don&#39;t think we can put it all on one player even if he has all the qualities he represents in soccer throughout the world. And my expectations are that he will respond. I know how badly he wants a medal, just like the rest of us,&quot; Micale added. 
 
The 2016 Olympics will be Brazil&#39;s first official competition in Brazil since their failed 2014 World Cup in which they lost 7 to 1 to Germany in the semi-finals and then again to the Netherlands 3 to 0 in the third place match. 
 
Brazil will open their campaign in Group A against South Africa (Aug. 8, Brasilia), Iraq (Aug. 7, Brasilia) and Denmark (Aug. 10, Salvador). 
 
(Reuters)

2016 Olympics will be Brazil's first official competition in Brazil since their failed 2014 World Cup in which they lost 7 to 1 to Germany

Brazil's Olympic coach Rogerio Micale called up midfielder Douglas Costa and goalkeeper Fernando Prass on Wednesday to join striker Neymar as the three players over the age of 23 to play with Brazil as they try to win Olympic gold at home at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Neymar, who was already named to the Olympic squad in a deal reached with Barcelona, is the biggest name on the list of 18 players Micale announced at the Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF) headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. Micale said he would not hesitate to reach out to Brazil's new head coach for the national team, Tite, as he steers his team through the Olympics. "It's an honour, a joy to have 'Professor Tite' on my side. I'm not going to feel any kind of embarrassment leaning on his wisdom, all the soccer experiences he has seen, the victories he's had all this time. I want to be very close (to him), because whatever can be added right now will be good for my career," Micale said. Brazil are thirsty for a gold medal on their home turf after taking silver to Mexico at the London 2012 Games. Micale said he was forced to leave players he had hoped to count on out of the line-up after their clubs would not free them up for the Olympics, which are not part of the FIFA calendar for national teams. Micale said most the players on the squad are leaders at their clubs, both domestically and abroad, and that he is confident in his young team adding that they could take some pressure off of Neymar. "He's a player with a different kind of profile, an indisputable quality, one of the best players in the world. I think any coach from any national team in the world would like to be able to count on a player with a profile like his. But on the national team we try to add other leaders, we do have them, yes. I don't think we can put it all on one player even if he has all the qualities he represents in soccer throughout the world. And my expectations are that he will respond. I know how badly he wants a medal, just like the rest of us," Micale added. The 2016 Olympics will be Brazil's first official competition in Brazil since their failed 2014 World Cup in which they lost 7 to 1 to Germany in the semi-finals and then again to the Netherlands 3 to 0 in the third place match. Brazil will open their campaign in Group A against South Africa (Aug. 8, Brasilia), Iraq (Aug. 7, Brasilia) and Denmark (Aug. 10, Salvador). (Reuters)

Neymar, Douglas Costa named in Brazil's Olympic squad

Ryan Giggs has rejected an offer to stay at Manchester United and is ready to end his association with the club after 29 years, a British newspaper reported today.&nbsp; 
 
Giggs, who played 963 times for United after joining the club as a 14-year-old, worked as a coach under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.&nbsp; 
 
But the Daily Mail said he has decided against taking up an offer of a reduced role from new manager Jose Mourinho. 
 
&quot;Giggs representatives are now in negotiations with United over a pay-off for the final year of his contract,&quot; the Mail said.&nbsp; 
 
It was reported that Giggs has not spoken directly to Mourinho, who starts work at United on Monday. 
 
Giggs is likely to be questioned about his future on British television today when he starts work as an ITV pundit ahead of the Euro 2016 quarter-final between Poland and Portugal. 
 
The Welshman had been tipped as a future Manchester United manager but is now expected to seek a role with another club. 
 
(Reuters)

Ryan Giggs played 963 times for United after joining the club as a 14-year-old and also worked as coach under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal

Ryan Giggs has rejected an offer to stay at Manchester United and is ready to end his association with the club after 29 years, a British newspaper reported today. Giggs, who played 963 times for United after joining the club as a 14-year-old, worked as a coach under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal. But the Daily Mail said he has decided against taking up an offer of a reduced role from new manager Jose Mourinho. "Giggs representatives are now in negotiations with United over a pay-off for the final year of his contract," the Mail said. It was reported that Giggs has not spoken directly to Mourinho, who starts work at United on Monday. Giggs is likely to be questioned about his future on British television today when he starts work as an ITV pundit ahead of the Euro 2016 quarter-final between Poland and Portugal. The Welshman had been tipped as a future Manchester United manager but is now expected to seek a role with another club. (Reuters)

Giggs 'set to leave' Manchester United after 29 year of association

Didier Deschamps talented France block the path of Germany&#39;s spluttering juggernaut in Thursday&#39;s Euro 2016 semi-final and the world champions have mounting personnel problems. 
 
With an element of revenge in the air, France can expect near-fanatical support from home fans in Marseille as they seek a place in Sunday&#39;s Paris final. 
 
The hosts are buoyed by a 5-2 quarter-final thumping of plucky minnows Iceland when Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet all netted at the Stade de France. 
 
Germany are also confident mood, despite missing key players with injury and suspension after their penalty shoot-out win over Italy in the last eight. 
 
France are unbeaten in their last nine games, while Germany have not lost in their last six. 
 
&quot;For us, there is no fear. We know that France are loaded with good individual players, but they are under pressure as hosts,&quot; said Germany forward Thomas Mueller. 
 
&quot;Iceland didn`t look so happy with the goals they conceded. 
 
&quot;They have our respect, but I am optimistic that we will find solutions (to the injury problems).&nbsp;For us there is no loss of quality.&quot; 
 
Germany&#39;s tense penalty shoot-out win in Bordeaux came at a high price. 
 
Centre-back Mats Hummels picked up a yellow card which sees him suspended in Marseille. 
 
Striker Mario Gomez and midfielder Sami Khedira picked up thigh and groin injuries respectively which rule them out of the semi-final. 
 
To compound their problems, Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger is highly doubtful with a knee strain. 
 
Germany coach Joachim Loew is set to resort to a 4-2-3-1 formation having used a 3-5-2 against Italy. 
 
With Gomez out, World Cup-winner Mario Goetze is set to start up front, but Loew said he may play his Bayern Munich team-mate Thomas Mueller alongside him in attack. 
 
Gomez&#39;s thigh tear means he will also miss the final, should Germany progress. 
 
With Hummels suspended, Shkodran Mustafi or Benedikt Hoewedes will partner Jerome Boateng at centre-back with Joshua Kimmich at right-back and Jonas Hector on the left. 
 
Loew has said he expects to introduce a new face into the midfield with Liverpool`s Emre Can or Julian Weigl of Borussia Dortmund set to partner Toni Kroos in the defensive midfield. 
 
France striker Giroud has scored against Manuel Neuer in each of the last three games for France and Arsenal, a threat the Germans must counter.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;He is a very dangerous poacher inside the box,&quot; said Neuer. 
 
&quot;He is strong in the air, he is dangerous for central defenders. 
 
&quot;But we know him and can prepare for him and they have a lot of other quality players.&quot; 
 
For France, defender Adil Rami and midfielder N`Golo Kante are back in contention after missing the win over Iceland through suspension. 
 
The French camp is full of praise for the world champions, but the message is clear. 
 
&quot;We&#39;d like to write another chapter in French football history,&quot; said Giroud while French sports daily L`Equipe ran the front-page headline `Thirsty for Revenge` on Tuesday. 
 
Just as it was for the Germans against Italy, the semi-final is a fixture steeped in history. 
 
Les Bleus lost to Germany in the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals at Rio de Janeiro&#39;s Maracana, thanks to Hummels` first-half header. 
 
And France has never fully forgiven Germany for their penalty shoot-out defeat in a bitterly contested World Cup semi-final in Spain in 1982. 
 
An epic 3-3 draw, with four goals scored in extra-time, came down to a penalty shoot-out which Germany won 5-4, but the match in Seville is remembered for a brutal incident. 
 
France&#39;s Patrick Battiston was knocked unconscious, with two teeth missing and three cracked ribs, after a collision with the German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher. 
 
However, the German camp has been eager to play down the historical significance to focus on the here and now. 
 
&quot;The chance to win two titles back-to-back is not something you get everyday. We`re looking forward to it,&quot; said Mueller as Germany look to add the European crown to their world title. 
 
(AFP)

France has never fully forgiven Germany for their penalty shoot-out defeat in a bitterly contested World Cup semi-final in Spain in 1982

Didier Deschamps talented France block the path of Germany's spluttering juggernaut in Thursday's Euro 2016 semi-final and the world champions have mounting personnel problems. With an element of revenge in the air, France can expect near-fanatical support from home fans in Marseille as they seek a place in Sunday's Paris final. The hosts are buoyed by a 5-2 quarter-final thumping of plucky minnows Iceland when Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet all netted at the Stade de France. Germany are also confident mood, despite missing key players with injury and suspension after their penalty shoot-out win over Italy in the last eight. France are unbeaten in their last nine games, while Germany have not lost in their last six. "For us, there is no fear. We know that France are loaded with good individual players, but they are under pressure as hosts," said Germany forward Thomas Mueller. "Iceland didn`t look so happy with the goals they conceded. "They have our respect, but I am optimistic that we will find solutions (to the injury problems). For us there is no loss of quality." Germany's tense penalty shoot-out win in Bordeaux came at a high price. Centre-back Mats Hummels picked up a yellow card which sees him suspended in Marseille. Striker Mario Gomez and midfielder Sami Khedira picked up thigh and groin injuries respectively which rule them out of the semi-final. To compound their problems, Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger is highly doubtful with a knee strain. Germany coach Joachim Loew is set to resort to a 4-2-3-1 formation having used a 3-5-2 against Italy. With Gomez out, World Cup-winner Mario Goetze is set to start up front, but Loew said he may play his Bayern Munich team-mate Thomas Mueller alongside him in attack. Gomez's thigh tear means he will also miss the final, should Germany progress. With Hummels suspended, Shkodran Mustafi or Benedikt Hoewedes will partner Jerome Boateng at centre-back with Joshua Kimmich at right-back and Jonas Hector on the left. Loew has said he expects to introduce a new face into the midfield with Liverpool`s Emre Can or Julian Weigl of Borussia Dortmund set to partner Toni Kroos in the defensive midfield. France striker Giroud has scored against Manuel Neuer in each of the last three games for France and Arsenal, a threat the Germans must counter. "He is a very dangerous poacher inside the box," said Neuer. "He is strong in the air, he is dangerous for central defenders. "But we know him and can prepare for him and they have a lot of other quality players." For France, defender Adil Rami and midfielder N`Golo Kante are back in contention after missing the win over Iceland through suspension. The French camp is full of praise for the world champions, but the message is clear. "We'd like to write another chapter in French football history," said Giroud while French sports daily L`Equipe ran the front-page headline `Thirsty for Revenge` on Tuesday. Just as it was for the Germans against Italy, the semi-final is a fixture steeped in history. Les Bleus lost to Germany in the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana, thanks to Hummels` first-half header. And France has never fully forgiven Germany for their penalty shoot-out defeat in a bitterly contested World Cup semi-final in Spain in 1982. An epic 3-3 draw, with four goals scored in extra-time, came down to a penalty shoot-out which Germany won 5-4, but the match in Seville is remembered for a brutal incident. France's Patrick Battiston was knocked unconscious, with two teeth missing and three cracked ribs, after a collision with the German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher. However, the German camp has been eager to play down the historical significance to focus on the here and now. "The chance to win two titles back-to-back is not something you get everyday. We`re looking forward to it," said Mueller as Germany look to add the European crown to their world title. (AFP)

France take on Germany, thirsting for revenge

Southampton striker Shane Long has signed a new four-year contract that will keep him at St Mary&#39;s until 2020, the Premier League club have said. 
 
The 29-year-old, who joined Southampton from Hull City in 2014, was instrumental for the side last season, scoring 13 goals in all competitions and helping them qualify for the Europa League. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m delighted. I&#39;m excited to be part of what could be a big future in the next four years for this,&quot; the Ireland international told the club&#39;s website. 
 
&quot;I love it here, the set-up, the training ground, the lads as well everyone around the club. It&#39;s a real family feel, and I feel like I&#39;m a big part of that and I feel like I&#39;m playing my best football here as well.&quot; 
 
Long played all four games of Ireland&#39;s Euro 2016 campaign, where they lost to finalists France in the last 16. 
 
Southampton continue to tie up key players on long-term deals after handing new contracts to Ryan Bertrand, Virgil van Dijk, Fraser Forster, James Ward-Prowse and Steven Davis in recent months. 
 
(Reuters)

Shane Long joined Southampton from Hull City in 2014 and was instrumental in helping them to qualify for Europa League

Southampton striker Shane Long has signed a new four-year contract that will keep him at St Mary's until 2020, the Premier League club have said. The 29-year-old, who joined Southampton from Hull City in 2014, was instrumental for the side last season, scoring 13 goals in all competitions and helping them qualify for the Europa League. "I'm delighted. I'm excited to be part of what could be a big future in the next four years for this," the Ireland international told the club's website. "I love it here, the set-up, the training ground, the lads as well everyone around the club. It's a real family feel, and I feel like I'm a big part of that and I feel like I'm playing my best football here as well." Long played all four games of Ireland's Euro 2016 campaign, where they lost to finalists France in the last 16. Southampton continue to tie up key players on long-term deals after handing new contracts to Ryan Bertrand, Virgil van Dijk, Fraser Forster, James Ward-Prowse and Steven Davis in recent months. (Reuters)

Long signs new four-year deal with Southampton

AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca scored the only goal as Colombia defeated the United States 1-0 to clinch third place in the Copa America Centenario on Saturday. 
 
Bacca, 29, bundled home the winner on 31 minutes, nudging in from close range to settle a hard-fought contest. 
 
The US, beaten 4-0 by Argentina in the semi-finals on Tuesday, rallied desperately to get back into the game but ultimately were frustrated by some superb goalkeeping from David Ospina. 
 
It was the second time the US had been beaten by Colombia in this tournament. The Colombians also defeated them 2-0 in the tournament&#39;s opening match. 
 
US coach Jurgen Klinsmann had blamed his side for being &quot;too nice&quot; against Argentina in the semi-finals, when they failed to register a single shot either on or off target. 
 
However they were unlucky not to score during an entertaining game in Arizona. 
 
Colombia had gone closest to scoring first, Real Madrid star James Rodriguez being denied by a fine Tim Howard save on 12 minutes. 
 
Rodriguez was the architect for Colombia&#39;s goal just after the half hour mark, chipping a wonderful pass into the path of Santiago Arias, who headed across the six yard box for Bacca to score. 
 
The US responded gamely to the setback however, with Jermaine Jones almost equalising when his low shot deflected off Arias and just missed the target. 
 
Seattle Sounders veteran Clint Dempsey, arguably the best US player of the tournament, had another good game but was unable to add to his Copa tally of three goals and three assists. 
 
Dempsey almost laid on a goal for Hamburg&#39;s Bobby Wood, but the Bundesliga-based striker was unable to get his shot away cleanly. 
 
Dempsey produced the best American chance of the second half, with his long-range curling free-kick drawing a brilliant save from Ospina, clawing the ball away one-handed as it rocketed towards the top corner. 
 
US coach Klinsmann later bemoaned his team&#39;s inability to finish off any of the several chances created throughout. 
 
&quot;Ultimately they were clinical,&quot; Klinsmann told reporters. 
 
&quot;They took their one chance in the first half -- we couldn&#39;t take ours. There were enough chances for us to put one in but we just weren&#39;t clinical enough and the players know that.&quot; 
 
However Klinsmann was satisfied with what he described as a successful campaign. 
 
&quot;The players realised tonight that if they raise the level of commitment and aggressiveness they can compete with these kinds of teams,&quot; Klinsmann said. 
 
&quot;Getting in the final four of such a huge competition is a wonderful achievement and they should be very proud of themselves.&quot; 
 
The final of the Copa America takes place on Sunday, with Argentina facing Chile in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 
 
(AFP)

The US rallied desperately after losing 4-0 in the semi-final to Argentina but were frustrated by some superb goalkeeping from David Ospina

AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca scored the only goal as Colombia defeated the United States 1-0 to clinch third place in the Copa America Centenario on Saturday. Bacca, 29, bundled home the winner on 31 minutes, nudging in from close range to settle a hard-fought contest. The US, beaten 4-0 by Argentina in the semi-finals on Tuesday, rallied desperately to get back into the game but ultimately were frustrated by some superb goalkeeping from David Ospina. It was the second time the US had been beaten by Colombia in this tournament. The Colombians also defeated them 2-0 in the tournament's opening match. US coach Jurgen Klinsmann had blamed his side for being "too nice" against Argentina in the semi-finals, when they failed to register a single shot either on or off target. However they were unlucky not to score during an entertaining game in Arizona. Colombia had gone closest to scoring first, Real Madrid star James Rodriguez being denied by a fine Tim Howard save on 12 minutes. Rodriguez was the architect for Colombia's goal just after the half hour mark, chipping a wonderful pass into the path of Santiago Arias, who headed across the six yard box for Bacca to score. The US responded gamely to the setback however, with Jermaine Jones almost equalising when his low shot deflected off Arias and just missed the target. Seattle Sounders veteran Clint Dempsey, arguably the best US player of the tournament, had another good game but was unable to add to his Copa tally of three goals and three assists. Dempsey almost laid on a goal for Hamburg's Bobby Wood, but the Bundesliga-based striker was unable to get his shot away cleanly. Dempsey produced the best American chance of the second half, with his long-range curling free-kick drawing a brilliant save from Ospina, clawing the ball away one-handed as it rocketed towards the top corner. US coach Klinsmann later bemoaned his team's inability to finish off any of the several chances created throughout. "Ultimately they were clinical," Klinsmann told reporters. "They took their one chance in the first half -- we couldn't take ours. There were enough chances for us to put one in but we just weren't clinical enough and the players know that." However Klinsmann was satisfied with what he described as a successful campaign. "The players realised tonight that if they raise the level of commitment and aggressiveness they can compete with these kinds of teams," Klinsmann said. "Getting in the final four of such a huge competition is a wonderful achievement and they should be very proud of themselves." The final of the Copa America takes place on Sunday, with Argentina facing Chile in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AFP)

Colombia beat America 1-0, take Copa third spot

He has won it all at club level and has three world player of the year awards but on Sunday Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated as never before, with tears of joy streaming down his face after his Portugal beat France 1-0 to win the European Championship. 
 
Two hours earlier, there had been very different tears after he had been taken out of the game on a stretcher, just 25 minutes into the final at the Stade de France, his night over and his team left to fight on without their talisman. 
 
Portugal&rsquo;s triumph, thanks to a long-range goal in the second period of extra time by substitute striker Eder, was their first major trophy and will ease the memory of their painful loss to Greece in the Euro 2004 final, on home turf in Lisbon. 
 
A 19-year-old Ronaldo had played on the wing in that defeat and he must have wondered if he would ever get a chance to make amends. 
 
&quot;I am very happy. I have been looking for this for a long time, since 2004. I asked God for another chance at this because we deserved it,&rdquo; he told reporters. 
 
&ldquo;Today I was unfortunate, I was injured but I always believed that these players, together with the strategy, would be strong enough to beat France,&quot; the Real madrid forward added. 
 
&quot;This is one of the happiest moments in my career, I always said I&#39;d like to win something with Portugal. For me this is an amazing unique moment for all Portuguese.&quot; 
 
Ronaldo&rsquo;s career has been a glittering combination of individual brilliance, multiple success at club level and constant comparisons with the other great player of his generation, Barcelona&rsquo;s Argentine forward Lionel Messi. 
 
Messi has famously never won a major trophy with his country and just a few weeks ago announced he was quitting his national team after their latest disappointment -- a Copa America defeat on penalties to Chile, with Messi missing his spot-kick. 
 
Now to add to three Premier League titles and a Champions League win from his time with Manchester United, a Spanish league crown and two Champions League triumphs with Real Madrid, Ronaldo has a major trophy with Portugal. 
 
He was right to credit his team mates and coach Fernando Santos&rsquo;s because while he may have been the man who got them to the final with his goal and assist in the last-four win over Wales, it was the squad who delivered his medal. 
 
&quot;It was tough to lose our main man,&rdquo; defender Pepe said. 
 
&ldquo;The man who could at any moment score a goal. He could make the difference but we were warriors on the pitch. We said we would win it for him and we managed to do that.&quot; &nbsp; 
 
Ronaldo had been on the field before extra time encouraging his team mates and goalscorer Eder said had made an impact. 
 
&ldquo;Cristiano told me I would be scoring the winning goal. He and all my team mates,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;He gave me strength and positive energy. And that goal was really important,&rdquo; he said. 
 
Ronaldo&rsquo;s critics have often pointed to his ego but Santos said his behaviour after suffering his injury had been exemplary.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Cristiano is an amazing example. Today he tried to remain on the pitch. He was very strong in the locker room, he helped all of the boys, that &#39;s the definition of teamwork.&rdquo; 
 
(Reuters)

He cried as he was stretchered off 24 minutes into the game, and again when he lifted the trophy

He has won it all at club level and has three world player of the year awards but on Sunday Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated as never before, with tears of joy streaming down his face after his Portugal beat France 1-0 to win the European Championship. Two hours earlier, there had been very different tears after he had been taken out of the game on a stretcher, just 25 minutes into the final at the Stade de France, his night over and his team left to fight on without their talisman. Portugal’s triumph, thanks to a long-range goal in the second period of extra time by substitute striker Eder, was their first major trophy and will ease the memory of their painful loss to Greece in the Euro 2004 final, on home turf in Lisbon. A 19-year-old Ronaldo had played on the wing in that defeat and he must have wondered if he would ever get a chance to make amends. "I am very happy. I have been looking for this for a long time, since 2004. I asked God for another chance at this because we deserved it,” he told reporters. “Today I was unfortunate, I was injured but I always believed that these players, together with the strategy, would be strong enough to beat France," the Real madrid forward added. "This is one of the happiest moments in my career, I always said I'd like to win something with Portugal. For me this is an amazing unique moment for all Portuguese." Ronaldo’s career has been a glittering combination of individual brilliance, multiple success at club level and constant comparisons with the other great player of his generation, Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi. Messi has famously never won a major trophy with his country and just a few weeks ago announced he was quitting his national team after their latest disappointment -- a Copa America defeat on penalties to Chile, with Messi missing his spot-kick. Now to add to three Premier League titles and a Champions League win from his time with Manchester United, a Spanish league crown and two Champions League triumphs with Real Madrid, Ronaldo has a major trophy with Portugal. He was right to credit his team mates and coach Fernando Santos’s because while he may have been the man who got them to the final with his goal and assist in the last-four win over Wales, it was the squad who delivered his medal. "It was tough to lose our main man,” defender Pepe said. “The man who could at any moment score a goal. He could make the difference but we were warriors on the pitch. We said we would win it for him and we managed to do that." Ronaldo had been on the field before extra time encouraging his team mates and goalscorer Eder said had made an impact. “Cristiano told me I would be scoring the winning goal. He and all my team mates," he said. "He gave me strength and positive energy. And that goal was really important,” he said. Ronaldo’s critics have often pointed to his ego but Santos said his behaviour after suffering his injury had been exemplary. "Cristiano is an amazing example. Today he tried to remain on the pitch. He was very strong in the locker room, he helped all of the boys, that 's the definition of teamwork.” (Reuters)

The agony and the ecstasy (of Cristiano)

Portugal&#39;s press gave a big salute to Cristiano Ronaldo and the entire national team on Thursday after their 2-0 win over Wales clinched a return to the European Championship final for the first time in 12 years. 
 
Daily sports newspaper, A bola, has a photograph of Ronaldo celebrating after scoring with the headline: &quot;Portugal, je t&#39;aime - heroic Selecao, reaches the final in Paris.&quot; 
 
Ronaldo&#39;s impressive header early in the second half put Portugal on their way before the Real Madrid superstar saw his shot turned in by Nani soon after for the team&#39;s second goal. 
 
Fernando Santos&#39;s side had not won a single game in the tournament over 90 minutes until Wednesday&#39;s dominant performance in Lyon. 
 
Ronaldo scored 51 goals in 48 games in all competitions for Real this season and delivered the decisive spot-kick in the penalties during the Champions League final win against Atletico Madrid. But he had been under scrutiny after a poor start to the tournament in France. 
 
His struggles are now in the past, with Lisbon-based Correio da Manha national newspaper shouting in a front headline: &quot;Ronaldo flies to the final.&quot; 
 
Wednesday&#39;s goal, his third of the tournament, saw the 31-year-old equal Michel Platini&#39;s record of nine in European Championship finals. 
 
Sports dailies Record and Ojogo both had photographs of Ronaldo jumping higher than Wales centre-back James Chester to break the deadlock, with the former applauding Ronaldo in a headline that says: &quot;Again he is the man of the match.&quot; 
 
Online national newspaper Diario de Noticias shows Ronaldo celebrating on their front page with a quote from the captain that says: &quot;The dream is here. I believe.&quot; 
 
Ronaldo started in Portugal&#39;s 1-0 defeat to Greece in the final of Euro 2004 and also when the team reached the semi-finals four years ago but were eliminated by Spain on penalties. 
 
The Publico national daily newspaper has a photograph of Ronaldo celebrating with his team mates on its front page with the headline: &quot;All that is left is the Cup.&quot; 
 
According to Ojogo, Ronaldo is showing more determination and resolve than ever before in the hope of leading Portugal to their first European title. 
 
The Sports daily includes a quote from Ronaldo on their front page which reads: &quot;I believe we will win in Paris.&quot; 
 
Portugal will meet hosts France or Germany in Sunday&#39;s final in Paris. 
 
(Reuters)

He had been under scrutiny after a poor start to the Euro

Portugal's press gave a big salute to Cristiano Ronaldo and the entire national team on Thursday after their 2-0 win over Wales clinched a return to the European Championship final for the first time in 12 years. Daily sports newspaper, A bola, has a photograph of Ronaldo celebrating after scoring with the headline: "Portugal, je t'aime - heroic Selecao, reaches the final in Paris." Ronaldo's impressive header early in the second half put Portugal on their way before the Real Madrid superstar saw his shot turned in by Nani soon after for the team's second goal. Fernando Santos's side had not won a single game in the tournament over 90 minutes until Wednesday's dominant performance in Lyon. Ronaldo scored 51 goals in 48 games in all competitions for Real this season and delivered the decisive spot-kick in the penalties during the Champions League final win against Atletico Madrid. But he had been under scrutiny after a poor start to the tournament in France. His struggles are now in the past, with Lisbon-based Correio da Manha national newspaper shouting in a front headline: "Ronaldo flies to the final." Wednesday's goal, his third of the tournament, saw the 31-year-old equal Michel Platini's record of nine in European Championship finals. Sports dailies Record and Ojogo both had photographs of Ronaldo jumping higher than Wales centre-back James Chester to break the deadlock, with the former applauding Ronaldo in a headline that says: "Again he is the man of the match." Online national newspaper Diario de Noticias shows Ronaldo celebrating on their front page with a quote from the captain that says: "The dream is here. I believe." Ronaldo started in Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Greece in the final of Euro 2004 and also when the team reached the semi-finals four years ago but were eliminated by Spain on penalties. The Publico national daily newspaper has a photograph of Ronaldo celebrating with his team mates on its front page with the headline: "All that is left is the Cup." According to Ojogo, Ronaldo is showing more determination and resolve than ever before in the hope of leading Portugal to their first European title. The Sports daily includes a quote from Ronaldo on their front page which reads: "I believe we will win in Paris." Portugal will meet hosts France or Germany in Sunday's final in Paris. (Reuters)

Portuguese press hails goal hero Ronaldo

Defying pouring rain, France supporters at the official fan zone at the foot of the iconic Eiffel Tower celebrated their team&#39;s crushing 5-2 defeat of underdogs Iceland on Sunday. 
 
Hosts France brought Iceland&#39;s dream Euro 2016 run to a grinding halt when they demolished the outsiders in their Euro 2016 quarter-final, setting up a match against Germany. 
 
&quot;The French played really well tonight, they got better since last time, they&#39;re doing better and better and I think they can win against Germany,&quot; said Chloe, a France supporter. 
 
For many of those at the fan zone, the victory was a relief from the aftermath of the November 2015 Islamic State attacks in Paris which killed 130 people and prompted the government to impose an emergency rule. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s a good answer to everything that happened in France this year, especially the attacks. We showed tonight that we are here, all together, all united,&quot; said another fan. 
 
Iceland&#39;s resistance was broken after 12 minutes when Blaise Matuidi&#39;s pass over Iceland&#39;s defence sent Olivier Giroud clear and he placed an angled shot past keeper Hannes Halldorsson. 
 
Paul Pogba headed the second in the 20th minute and France ended Iceland&#39;s hopes when Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann scored twice in three minutes to put the hosts 4-0 ahead at halftime. 
 
Kolbeinn Sigthorsson turned in Gylfi Sigurdsson&#39;s cross in the 56th for Iceland but Giroud then scored his second when he headed in Payet&#39;s free kick three minutes later. Iceland&#39;s Birkir Bjarnason got a consolation goal six minutes from time. 
 
(Reuters)

France will now play Germany in the semi-finals

Defying pouring rain, France supporters at the official fan zone at the foot of the iconic Eiffel Tower celebrated their team's crushing 5-2 defeat of underdogs Iceland on Sunday. Hosts France brought Iceland's dream Euro 2016 run to a grinding halt when they demolished the outsiders in their Euro 2016 quarter-final, setting up a match against Germany. "The French played really well tonight, they got better since last time, they're doing better and better and I think they can win against Germany," said Chloe, a France supporter. For many of those at the fan zone, the victory was a relief from the aftermath of the November 2015 Islamic State attacks in Paris which killed 130 people and prompted the government to impose an emergency rule. "It's a good answer to everything that happened in France this year, especially the attacks. We showed tonight that we are here, all together, all united," said another fan. Iceland's resistance was broken after 12 minutes when Blaise Matuidi's pass over Iceland's defence sent Olivier Giroud clear and he placed an angled shot past keeper Hannes Halldorsson. Paul Pogba headed the second in the 20th minute and France ended Iceland's hopes when Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann scored twice in three minutes to put the hosts 4-0 ahead at halftime. Kolbeinn Sigthorsson turned in Gylfi Sigurdsson's cross in the 56th for Iceland but Giroud then scored his second when he headed in Payet's free kick three minutes later. Iceland's Birkir Bjarnason got a consolation goal six minutes from time. (Reuters)

France end Iceland's dream Euro 2016 run

As soccer greats show off their skills in France for UEFA Euro 2016, children at a soccer camp in the Baltic state of Estonia learn how to use an oak tree which sits in the middle of their pitch, to gain an advantage. 
 
The more than 150-year-old oak tree has kept centrestage since the park was made into a sports ground in the late 1940s, in the coastal town of Orissaare on the Island of Saaremaa. 
 
The tree remains despite an attempt by two Soviet tractors to pull it down. The cables broke, the tree stood strong. 
 
The oak, which is about 15 metres high, won the European Tree of the Year vote in 2015 with over 50,000 votes. It dominates one half of the pitch. 
 
&quot;I think it might be a strange sight for others, a tree in the middle of the football field,&quot; said local coach Mati Ruutel. 
 
&quot;I have been here since my childhood, so for me it is perfectly ordinary that it is in the middle of the pitch.&quot; 
 
On this windy day, 40 children aged between 7 and&nbsp;12 were at a soccer camp, keeping their water bottles cool in the tree&#39;s shade as they got on with their training drills. 
 
When a match is on players make use of the tree to help pass the ball and make it harder for opposing players to get possession. 
 
&quot;It is good for training ... if you need to learn passing your opponent with the ball, then it is good,&quot; said ten-year-old Anette Ige.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Like when the opponent comes from the other side of the tree, then you can come here and she will not guess from which side you are coming, so you have the opportunity to take the ball.&quot; 
 
When asked how would their favourite soccer stars play with such an addition to the pitch, Hendrik Ellar, 7, said his favourite player, Ronaldinho, &quot;would come running, kick the ball against the tree, and he would get the pass back and kick into goal.&quot; 
(Reuters)

The oak, which is about 15 metres standing high in the soccer pitch, won the European Tree of the Year vote in 2015 with over 50,000 votes.

As soccer greats show off their skills in France for UEFA Euro 2016, children at a soccer camp in the Baltic state of Estonia learn how to use an oak tree which sits in the middle of their pitch, to gain an advantage. The more than 150-year-old oak tree has kept centrestage since the park was made into a sports ground in the late 1940s, in the coastal town of Orissaare on the Island of Saaremaa. The tree remains despite an attempt by two Soviet tractors to pull it down. The cables broke, the tree stood strong. The oak, which is about 15 metres high, won the European Tree of the Year vote in 2015 with over 50,000 votes. It dominates one half of the pitch. "I think it might be a strange sight for others, a tree in the middle of the football field," said local coach Mati Ruutel. "I have been here since my childhood, so for me it is perfectly ordinary that it is in the middle of the pitch." On this windy day, 40 children aged between 7 and 12 were at a soccer camp, keeping their water bottles cool in the tree's shade as they got on with their training drills. When a match is on players make use of the tree to help pass the ball and make it harder for opposing players to get possession. "It is good for training ... if you need to learn passing your opponent with the ball, then it is good," said ten-year-old Anette Ige. "Like when the opponent comes from the other side of the tree, then you can come here and she will not guess from which side you are coming, so you have the opportunity to take the ball." When asked how would their favourite soccer stars play with such an addition to the pitch, Hendrik Ellar, 7, said his favourite player, Ronaldinho, "would come running, kick the ball against the tree, and he would get the pass back and kick into goal." (Reuters)

Oak tree sits in middle of soccer pitch, what would Ronaldinho do?

The Football Association (FA) might struggle to convince top managers to take the England job, chairman Greg Dyke has said. 
 
Former manager Roy Hodgson resigned following the team&#39;s ignominious Euro 2016 exit to Iceland on Monday. A three-man panel of FA staff has begun the job of finding his successor. 
 
England under-21 coach Gareth Southgate has been linked by British media with the job, amongst a list that includes Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, Bournemouth`s, Eddie Howe, Hull City&#39;s, Steve Bruce, and former England manager, Glenn Hoddle. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s got to be somebody who really knows English football,&quot; Dyke, whose term ends in July, told British media. 
 
&quot;But there&#39;s loads of them now, more of them than there are English. The harder question is why anybody would want it. 
 
&quot;They get media pressure that no one else in football gets.&quot; 
 
However, David Bernstein, a former FA chairman, backed Sunderland manager, Sam Allardyce, to succeed Hodgson. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m not saying we should have an English manager. But, of the English managers, I actually would go for Sam Allardyce,&quot; Bernstein said. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s a very powerful character. I think he has got the personality, the strength, he&#39;s a good technical manager, he&#39;s very experienced and he&#39;s someone who perhaps could imbue confidence.&quot; 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

After the harsh defeat against Iceland and coach Roy Hodgson's resignations, England struggles to find its new manager

The Football Association (FA) might struggle to convince top managers to take the England job, chairman Greg Dyke has said. Former manager Roy Hodgson resigned following the team's ignominious Euro 2016 exit to Iceland on Monday. A three-man panel of FA staff has begun the job of finding his successor. England under-21 coach Gareth Southgate has been linked by British media with the job, amongst a list that includes Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, Bournemouth`s, Eddie Howe, Hull City's, Steve Bruce, and former England manager, Glenn Hoddle. "It's got to be somebody who really knows English football," Dyke, whose term ends in July, told British media. "But there's loads of them now, more of them than there are English. The harder question is why anybody would want it. "They get media pressure that no one else in football gets." However, David Bernstein, a former FA chairman, backed Sunderland manager, Sam Allardyce, to succeed Hodgson. "I'm not saying we should have an English manager. But, of the English managers, I actually would go for Sam Allardyce," Bernstein said. "He's a very powerful character. I think he has got the personality, the strength, he's a good technical manager, he's very experienced and he's someone who perhaps could imbue confidence." (Reuters)

'Finding new coach for England not an easy job'

Belgium sacked national coach Marc Wilmots today after their highly fancied team of talents failed to advance beyond the quarter-finals at Euro 2016 this month, Belgian Football Association president Francois De Keersmaecker said. 
 
&quot;The objectives set for the Euros were not achieved. We need a new momentum,&quot; he told a news conference. 
 
A search was under way for a coach with international experience to take over before a friendly against Spain on September 1 ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. 
 
He thanked Wilmots for his achievements over the past four years and said an understanding had been reached over Wilmots contract, which had a compensation clause if he were sacked. 
 
The former Schalke midfielder, 47, took the Red Devils to the quarter-finals of the last World Cup and top of FIFAs world ranking chart with a team built around Chelseas Eden Hazard and Manchester City pair Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne. 
 
But a clueless and disjointed 3-1 defeat to Wales in the Euro 2016 quarters left critics calling for Wilmotshead and Belgian fans wondering what happened to the team that many had hoped would deliver the countrys first major trophy. 
 
(Reuters)

A search is under way for a coach with international experience to take over on September 1 ahead of the World Cup qualifiers

Belgium sacked national coach Marc Wilmots today after their highly fancied team of talents failed to advance beyond the quarter-finals at Euro 2016 this month, Belgian Football Association president Francois De Keersmaecker said. "The objectives set for the Euros were not achieved. We need a new momentum," he told a news conference. A search was under way for a coach with international experience to take over before a friendly against Spain on September 1 ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. He thanked Wilmots for his achievements over the past four years and said an understanding had been reached over Wilmots contract, which had a compensation clause if he were sacked. The former Schalke midfielder, 47, took the Red Devils to the quarter-finals of the last World Cup and top of FIFAs world ranking chart with a team built around Chelseas Eden Hazard and Manchester City pair Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne. But a clueless and disjointed 3-1 defeat to Wales in the Euro 2016 quarters left critics calling for Wilmotshead and Belgian fans wondering what happened to the team that many had hoped would deliver the countrys first major trophy. (Reuters)

Belgium sack coach Wilmots after Euro disappointment

A 90th-minute header by substitute striker Antoine Griezmann and a stoppage-time special by Dimitri Payet secured France a heartstopping 2-0 win over Albania on Wednesday that sent the hosts through as the first team into the last 16 of Euro 2016. 
 
France had struggled to make any impression on a determined Albanian defence and as the clock ticked into the last minute neither team had managed a single shot on target, though both had hit a post. 
 
France had needed an 89th-minute Payet goal to beat Romania in their first game. Against Albania, it came even later when centre back Adil Rami swung in a hopeful cross that Griezmann guided home expertly. 
 
The 67,000 Stade Velodrome crowd, minus 20,000 stunned Albanians, erupted in jubilation, which was repeated five minutes later when Payet cut inside to smash in the second. 
 
With six points France are guaranteed to finish in the top two of Group A, with Switzerland, who are on four points after drawing with Romania earlier, favourites to join them in the knockout phase. 
 
Once the euphoria of the moment had elapsed, Payet was able to take a broad view. &quot;It would be good if we could avoid that type of crazy scenario,&quot; he said after picking up his second successive man of the match award. &quot;What we have to do is start matches the way we started the second half. With Paul (Pogba) and Griezou (Griezmann) coming on and a different system, it worked a lot better.&quot; 
 
It needed to. 
 
France were hesitant and risk-averse in a forgettable first half as the ploy of using the speed of Kingsley Coman and Anthony Martial out wide failed to pay dividends. 
 
Albania, desperate to make their mark in their first major tournament defended with gusto and almost went ahead early in the second half when French full back Bacary Sagna bundled the ball against his own post. 
 
With the halftime introduction of Pogba, and then Griezmann, France eventually got moving as Olivier Giroud sent a header wide then thumped another against the post. 
 
However, with Albania taking every opportunity to slow the game, half the team taking it in turns to go down with cramp, it was looking as if France were going to have to settle for a point. 
 
Griezmann, however, who had a fantastic season for Atletico Madrid, showed Giroud how to connect with a header. Payet seemed only too happy to cap off another enterprising display by adding the icing after a quickfire break. 
 
Relieved France coach Didier Deschamps accepted his original approach had not worked but was pleased that the tactical switches paid off. 
 
&quot;We didn&#39;t do enough in the first half but the second half was a lot better,&quot; he said. &quot;The players who came on made a difference. We are not stuck with one format we can switch things, we had a much better balance in the second half. The big teams here are having problems. There are no easy opponents, as you could see again tonight.&quot; 
 
That was certainly true of Albania, who grew in confidence as the night went on. 
 
&quot;We didn&#39;t just defend, we had clear-cut chances,&quot; said their coach Gianni De Biasi. &quot;But if you don&#39;t score, you don&#39;t win.&quot;

A last-gasp finish over Albania sealed the deal for the hosts

A 90th-minute header by substitute striker Antoine Griezmann and a stoppage-time special by Dimitri Payet secured France a heartstopping 2-0 win over Albania on Wednesday that sent the hosts through as the first team into the last 16 of Euro 2016. France had struggled to make any impression on a determined Albanian defence and as the clock ticked into the last minute neither team had managed a single shot on target, though both had hit a post. France had needed an 89th-minute Payet goal to beat Romania in their first game. Against Albania, it came even later when centre back Adil Rami swung in a hopeful cross that Griezmann guided home expertly. The 67,000 Stade Velodrome crowd, minus 20,000 stunned Albanians, erupted in jubilation, which was repeated five minutes later when Payet cut inside to smash in the second. With six points France are guaranteed to finish in the top two of Group A, with Switzerland, who are on four points after drawing with Romania earlier, favourites to join them in the knockout phase. Once the euphoria of the moment had elapsed, Payet was able to take a broad view. "It would be good if we could avoid that type of crazy scenario," he said after picking up his second successive man of the match award. "What we have to do is start matches the way we started the second half. With Paul (Pogba) and Griezou (Griezmann) coming on and a different system, it worked a lot better." It needed to. France were hesitant and risk-averse in a forgettable first half as the ploy of using the speed of Kingsley Coman and Anthony Martial out wide failed to pay dividends. Albania, desperate to make their mark in their first major tournament defended with gusto and almost went ahead early in the second half when French full back Bacary Sagna bundled the ball against his own post. With the halftime introduction of Pogba, and then Griezmann, France eventually got moving as Olivier Giroud sent a header wide then thumped another against the post. However, with Albania taking every opportunity to slow the game, half the team taking it in turns to go down with cramp, it was looking as if France were going to have to settle for a point. Griezmann, however, who had a fantastic season for Atletico Madrid, showed Giroud how to connect with a header. Payet seemed only too happy to cap off another enterprising display by adding the icing after a quickfire break. Relieved France coach Didier Deschamps accepted his original approach had not worked but was pleased that the tactical switches paid off. "We didn't do enough in the first half but the second half was a lot better," he said. "The players who came on made a difference. We are not stuck with one format we can switch things, we had a much better balance in the second half. The big teams here are having problems. There are no easy opponents, as you could see again tonight." That was certainly true of Albania, who grew in confidence as the night went on. "We didn't just defend, we had clear-cut chances," said their coach Gianni De Biasi. "But if you don't score, you don't win."

France first to seal last 16 spot at Euro 2016

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