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Lionel Messi scored a record-equalling 54th international goal as Argentina outclassed Venezuela 4-1 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario on Saturday. 
 
The Barcelona superstar scored his fourth goal of the tournament in the 60th minute at the Gillette Stadium to equal Gabriel Batistuta&#39;s long-time Argentina international goalscoring record. 
 
Messi also created a goal for Gonzalo Higuain, who scored twice, and second half substitute Erik Lamela as Argentina set up a semi-final against the United States in Houston on Tuesday. 
 
Afterwards Messi played down his goalscoring milestone. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m happy for what it means and it&#39;s nice to be next to &#39;Batigol&#39; (Batistuta), but for me tonight the most important thing is the result,&quot; Messi said. 
 
Messi is determined to lead Argentina to their first trophy in 23 years after a series of agonizing near-misses which include defeats in the finals of last year&#39;s Copa America and the 2014 World Cup final. 
 
&quot;I think people sometimes overlook that we got to two finals, and only focus on the fact that we lost,&quot; Messi said. 
 
&quot;For us to be back in another semi-final of a big tournament like this one is a great achievement for these players.&quot; 
 
Inspirational display 
 
Few would bet against Messi achieving his goal after an inspirational display that left Venezuela chasing shadows in the early part of Saturday&#39;s quarter-final. 
 
Messi&#39;s genius created the opening goal after eight minutes, with the playmaker lofting a sublime curling pass to pick out Higuain&#39;s run into the area. 
 
Napoli forward Higuain still had plenty to do but skillfully directed a first time strike past Venezuela goalkeeper Dani Hernandez for a wonderful goal. 
 
Argentina remained firmly in control but were jolted in the 27th minute when Nicolas Gaitan picked up a needless yellow card for a kick on Alexander Gonzalez that will see him suspended for the semi-final. 
 
Argentina&#39;s dominance clearly had Venezuela rattled, and the Vinotinto&#39;s defensive unease led to the next goal. 
 
A slack backpass from Arquimedes Figuera went straight to Higuain in space, and the striker coolly rounded Hernandez to stroke home his second of the night to make it 2-0 after 29 minutes. 
 
But just when it looked as if the floodgates would open, Venezuela rallied impressively and had Argentina rocking with a series of chances. 
 
Rondon threat 
 
West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon forced a save from Sergio Romero and hit the woodwork in quick succession. 
 
Romero was left scrambling to save once again just before half-time, when fullback Rolf Feltscher&#39;s long-range shot deflected off Gabriel Mercado and looped up and over the Argentina keeper. 
 
Venezuela looked to have a justifiable claim for a penalty when Higuain brought down Josef Martinez in the box but Mexican referee Roberto Garcia was unmoved. 
 
Seconds later though Garcia was pointing to the spot after Romero clumsily bundled over Martinez for a clear penalty. 
 
But Venezuela&#39;s pressure went unrewarded when Luis Manuel Seijas tried a risky &quot;Panenka&quot; down the middle which Romero read and gathered with ease. 
 
Venezuela were unable to renew their period of pressure in the second half, and Messi effectively put the contest to bed with his record-equalling goal in the 60th minute, which came after Argentina pressed high to force a turnover. 
 
Gaitan won the tackle and passed to Messi, who quickly played a one-two with the Benfica winger before poking his finish between Hernandez&#39;s legs. 
 
Rondon pulled a goal back with a header in the 70th minute, but Messi&#39;s response was instant, threading a pass to Lamela whose shot crept in at Hernandez&#39;s near post. 
(AFP)

Messi seems determined to lead Argentina to its first trophy in 23 years after a series of misses

Lionel Messi scored a record-equalling 54th international goal as Argentina outclassed Venezuela 4-1 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario on Saturday. The Barcelona superstar scored his fourth goal of the tournament in the 60th minute at the Gillette Stadium to equal Gabriel Batistuta's long-time Argentina international goalscoring record. Messi also created a goal for Gonzalo Higuain, who scored twice, and second half substitute Erik Lamela as Argentina set up a semi-final against the United States in Houston on Tuesday. Afterwards Messi played down his goalscoring milestone. "I'm happy for what it means and it's nice to be next to 'Batigol' (Batistuta), but for me tonight the most important thing is the result," Messi said. Messi is determined to lead Argentina to their first trophy in 23 years after a series of agonizing near-misses which include defeats in the finals of last year's Copa America and the 2014 World Cup final. "I think people sometimes overlook that we got to two finals, and only focus on the fact that we lost," Messi said. "For us to be back in another semi-final of a big tournament like this one is a great achievement for these players." Inspirational display Few would bet against Messi achieving his goal after an inspirational display that left Venezuela chasing shadows in the early part of Saturday's quarter-final. Messi's genius created the opening goal after eight minutes, with the playmaker lofting a sublime curling pass to pick out Higuain's run into the area. Napoli forward Higuain still had plenty to do but skillfully directed a first time strike past Venezuela goalkeeper Dani Hernandez for a wonderful goal. Argentina remained firmly in control but were jolted in the 27th minute when Nicolas Gaitan picked up a needless yellow card for a kick on Alexander Gonzalez that will see him suspended for the semi-final. Argentina's dominance clearly had Venezuela rattled, and the Vinotinto's defensive unease led to the next goal. A slack backpass from Arquimedes Figuera went straight to Higuain in space, and the striker coolly rounded Hernandez to stroke home his second of the night to make it 2-0 after 29 minutes. But just when it looked as if the floodgates would open, Venezuela rallied impressively and had Argentina rocking with a series of chances. Rondon threat West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon forced a save from Sergio Romero and hit the woodwork in quick succession. Romero was left scrambling to save once again just before half-time, when fullback Rolf Feltscher's long-range shot deflected off Gabriel Mercado and looped up and over the Argentina keeper. Venezuela looked to have a justifiable claim for a penalty when Higuain brought down Josef Martinez in the box but Mexican referee Roberto Garcia was unmoved. Seconds later though Garcia was pointing to the spot after Romero clumsily bundled over Martinez for a clear penalty. But Venezuela's pressure went unrewarded when Luis Manuel Seijas tried a risky "Panenka" down the middle which Romero read and gathered with ease. Venezuela were unable to renew their period of pressure in the second half, and Messi effectively put the contest to bed with his record-equalling goal in the 60th minute, which came after Argentina pressed high to force a turnover. Gaitan won the tackle and passed to Messi, who quickly played a one-two with the Benfica winger before poking his finish between Hernandez's legs. Rondon pulled a goal back with a header in the 70th minute, but Messi's response was instant, threading a pass to Lamela whose shot crept in at Hernandez's near post. (AFP)

Messi scores record goal as Argentina thrash Venezuela

A US judge has delayed until January 27 this week&#39;s planned sentencing of disgraced former Honduran president Rafael Callejas in the sweeping corruption scandal rocking world football. The 72-year-old was scheduled this Friday to become the first defendant sentenced in the FIFA scandal in New York after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering and wire fraud. 
 
But Judge Raymond Dearie has accepted a request from the defence, with consent from government prosecutors, to adjourn until January 27, a court document showed. No reason was publicly stated. 
 
It is the third sentencing to be adjourned, following former FIFA vice president Jeffrey Webb and Argentine-Italian marketing executive Alejandro Burzaco, delayed until November and December respectively. 
 
Callejas has been free on a $4 million bail in the United States since leaving Honduras by private jet last December to face justice. He served as president of Honduras from 1990 to 1994. He was head of the country&#39;s football federation from 2002 to 2015, and is also a former member of FIFA&#39;s Television and Marketing Committee. 
 
He originally faced eight charges of racketeering, fraud and money laundering, to which he pleaded not guilty on December 15. He subsequently pleaded guilty to two counts on March 28. 
 
US prosecutors in New York have indicted 40 football and sports marketing executives over allegedly receiving tens of millions of bribes and kickbacks in the largest corruption scandal in the history of soccer. The corruption investigation precipitated the downfall of longtime FIFA president Sepp Blatter and his former heir apparent, Michel Platini, who have both been banned from the sport for six years for ethics violations. 
 
(AFP)

After pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Callejas was to become the first defendant sentenced in the FIFA scandal on Friday

A US judge has delayed until January 27 this week's planned sentencing of disgraced former Honduran president Rafael Callejas in the sweeping corruption scandal rocking world football. The 72-year-old was scheduled this Friday to become the first defendant sentenced in the FIFA scandal in New York after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering and wire fraud. But Judge Raymond Dearie has accepted a request from the defence, with consent from government prosecutors, to adjourn until January 27, a court document showed. No reason was publicly stated. It is the third sentencing to be adjourned, following former FIFA vice president Jeffrey Webb and Argentine-Italian marketing executive Alejandro Burzaco, delayed until November and December respectively. Callejas has been free on a $4 million bail in the United States since leaving Honduras by private jet last December to face justice. He served as president of Honduras from 1990 to 1994. He was head of the country's football federation from 2002 to 2015, and is also a former member of FIFA's Television and Marketing Committee. He originally faced eight charges of racketeering, fraud and money laundering, to which he pleaded not guilty on December 15. He subsequently pleaded guilty to two counts on March 28. US prosecutors in New York have indicted 40 football and sports marketing executives over allegedly receiving tens of millions of bribes and kickbacks in the largest corruption scandal in the history of soccer. The corruption investigation precipitated the downfall of longtime FIFA president Sepp Blatter and his former heir apparent, Michel Platini, who have both been banned from the sport for six years for ethics violations. (AFP)

Judge delays sentencing for former Honduran president in football scandal

The Portuguese football team led by Cristiano Ronaldo returned home to a heroes welcome today after their upset triumph over France in the Euro 2016 final. 
 
Tens of thousands of fans waited for the team at Lisbon airport when their special flight arrived. There have been joyous nationwide celebrations since the 1-0 win at the Stade de France in Paris on Sunday night. 
 
Two airport fire trucks sprayed jets of water in the green and red national colours as the the plane taxied to the terminal. 
 
Ronaldo and coach Fernando Santos were first to emerge from the plane with the trophy. 
 
Man-of-the-match defender Pepe carried the prize down the steps, where the 23-man squad boarded an open-top bus to start a victory parade for the country&#39;s first major international football honour. 
 
After meeting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the bus was to take Ronaldo and his fellow-conquerors on a tour of the capital. 
 
(AFP)

Tens of thousands of fans waited for the team at Lisbon airport, the city was one huge party pad

The Portuguese football team led by Cristiano Ronaldo returned home to a heroes welcome today after their upset triumph over France in the Euro 2016 final. Tens of thousands of fans waited for the team at Lisbon airport when their special flight arrived. There have been joyous nationwide celebrations since the 1-0 win at the Stade de France in Paris on Sunday night. Two airport fire trucks sprayed jets of water in the green and red national colours as the the plane taxied to the terminal. Ronaldo and coach Fernando Santos were first to emerge from the plane with the trophy. Man-of-the-match defender Pepe carried the prize down the steps, where the 23-man squad boarded an open-top bus to start a victory parade for the country's first major international football honour. After meeting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the bus was to take Ronaldo and his fellow-conquerors on a tour of the capital. (AFP)

Lisbon welcomes its Europe-conquering heroes in style

Albania&#39;s first win at Euro 2016 against Romania on Sunday was the ultimate display of coach Gianni De Biasi&#39;s one-for-all and all-for-one mentality. 
 
The small Balkan nation&#39;s 1-0 victory, which gave them their first three points, meant they still have a chance to reach the knockout phase as the third-placed team behind France and Switzerland. 
 
The encounter was never going to be a goal fest, both teams having qualified thanks to their tight defences. 
 
In his four years as coach, Italian De Biasi has tried various players to find the perfect combination and it seems he found it on Sunday. 
 
He left captain Lorik Cana on the bench despite his comeback from suspension following a red card in their opener. The Italian also brought in Migjen Basha for a packed five-man midfield. 
 
A hard-working 4-5-1 formation soaked up early Romanian pressure before gradually wrenching control as their opponents quickly ran out of ideas. 
 
The outstanding Ledian Memushaj was crucial in keeping the Romanian defence occupied while Armando Sadiku&#39;s header just before halftime was all the motivation the Albanians needed as the door for a last-16 spot cracked open. 
 
Desperately fighting off a late Romanian charge, De Biasi&#39;s players showed the determination that helped them qualify for their first tournament with man-of-the-match centre back Arlind Ajeti leading their defence. 
 
They were left with cramps but aware it was their team work that carried them to their first victory. Albania finally finds itself out of football obscurity with this first win against Romania in 68 years. 
 
It could not be more different for Romania coach Angel Iordanescu, whose 100th game on their bench as coach or assistant coach marked a quick end to their Euro hopes with yet another performance lacking guile and creativity. 
 
They may have scored less than Romania during the tournament, but their focus on defence proved decisive on Sunday as Iordanescu&#39;s men could not find the equaliser that would have given a slim chance to progress. 
 
(Reuters)

This was the side's first win at Euro 2016

Albania's first win at Euro 2016 against Romania on Sunday was the ultimate display of coach Gianni De Biasi's one-for-all and all-for-one mentality. The small Balkan nation's 1-0 victory, which gave them their first three points, meant they still have a chance to reach the knockout phase as the third-placed team behind France and Switzerland. The encounter was never going to be a goal fest, both teams having qualified thanks to their tight defences. In his four years as coach, Italian De Biasi has tried various players to find the perfect combination and it seems he found it on Sunday. He left captain Lorik Cana on the bench despite his comeback from suspension following a red card in their opener. The Italian also brought in Migjen Basha for a packed five-man midfield. A hard-working 4-5-1 formation soaked up early Romanian pressure before gradually wrenching control as their opponents quickly ran out of ideas. The outstanding Ledian Memushaj was crucial in keeping the Romanian defence occupied while Armando Sadiku's header just before halftime was all the motivation the Albanians needed as the door for a last-16 spot cracked open. Desperately fighting off a late Romanian charge, De Biasi's players showed the determination that helped them qualify for their first tournament with man-of-the-match centre back Arlind Ajeti leading their defence. They were left with cramps but aware it was their team work that carried them to their first victory. Albania finally finds itself out of football obscurity with this first win against Romania in 68 years. It could not be more different for Romania coach Angel Iordanescu, whose 100th game on their bench as coach or assistant coach marked a quick end to their Euro hopes with yet another performance lacking guile and creativity. They may have scored less than Romania during the tournament, but their focus on defence proved decisive on Sunday as Iordanescu's men could not find the equaliser that would have given a slim chance to progress. (Reuters)

De Biasi's Albania earn victory for the collective

Bulgarian police detained 45 Red Star Belgrade fans in connection with violence before their Champions League&#39;s third qualifying match&#39;s first leg at Ludogorets today. 
 
Skirmishes broke out in the Black Sea resort of Sunny Beach early today and two police officers sustained injuries, police department in the southeastern town of Burgas said in a statement.&nbsp;Five more citizens, trying to help police restore order, were also injured. Prosecutors in Burgas have opened pre-trial proceedings regarding the incidents. 
 
Ludogorets, who have won five successive Bulgarian league title, host the 1991 European Cup winners Red Star in Razgrad. The return leg will be played in Belgrade next week. 
 
The Eagles, as Ludogorets are known in the Balkan country, have already knocked out a Serbian opposition, Partizan Belgrade, in the Champions League&#39;s third qualifying round on two occasions in the past three years. 
 
(Reuters)

Skirmishes broke out in the Black Sea resort of Sunny Beach early today and two police officers sustained injuries

Bulgarian police detained 45 Red Star Belgrade fans in connection with violence before their Champions League's third qualifying match's first leg at Ludogorets today. Skirmishes broke out in the Black Sea resort of Sunny Beach early today and two police officers sustained injuries, police department in the southeastern town of Burgas said in a statement. Five more citizens, trying to help police restore order, were also injured. Prosecutors in Burgas have opened pre-trial proceedings regarding the incidents. Ludogorets, who have won five successive Bulgarian league title, host the 1991 European Cup winners Red Star in Razgrad. The return leg will be played in Belgrade next week. The Eagles, as Ludogorets are known in the Balkan country, have already knocked out a Serbian opposition, Partizan Belgrade, in the Champions League's third qualifying round on two occasions in the past three years. (Reuters)

Bulgarian police detain 45 Red Star fans over violence

France ended the group stage of Euro 2016 in the position they wanted but their coach still seems to be looking for the right formula to bring the best out of a team with high expectations. 
 
Didier Deschamps has been tinkering with the team formula since the start of the tournament, making five changes for Sunday&#39;s goalless draw with Switzerland that allowed the host nation to win their group. 
 
France, who have plenty of talent up front, showed potential in the second half against Albania and in the first against Switzerland but they are yet to produce a full-match performance suggesting they could trouble the big guns. 
 
All they have done so far is win one of the weakest groups in the tournament and it remains to be seen how their back four, arguably their weakest point, will hold against more dangerous opponents. 
 
An astute tactician, Deschamps surprised many observers when he left midfielder Paul Pogba and striker Antoine Griezmann, regarded as France&#39;s most dangerous weapons, on the bench for the opening half against Albania. 
 
With his side struggling in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the coach reacted swiftly by sending on Pogba, and then Griezmann and reverting to a 4-3-3 system that eventually wore down Albania&#39;s defence. 
 
There was another surprise on Sunday when Dimitri Payet, who was instrumental in France&#39;s first two wins with a great goal in each, started on the bench, leaving his spot in the starting 11 to Kingsley Coman. 
 
Deschamps will have been pleased with a few things he saw against Switzerland, notably the fact that Pogba, who was all over the pitch in the first half, showed his class at last after subdued displays in his first two outings. 
 
With Pogba in that form and more of the same from Payet, France, will now almost certainly keep relying on a 4-3-3 formation which is working much better for them, and could step up a gear in the knockout stages. 
 
The pair of Laurent Koscielny and Adil Rami now looking safer after showing signs of nerves in warm-up games and against Romania, the defence is less of a worry for Deschamps, even if left back Patrice Evra is looking his age and might be targeted by opponents to come. 
 
Deschamps, who captained France to victory at the 1998 World Cup and at the European Championship two years later, has a reputation for changing everything he touches into gold. 
 
He&#39;s not quite at that level yet at this tournament but there are a few signs suggesting he is moving in the right direction. 
 
(Reuters)

The win ensured that the host nation ended at the top of their group

France ended the group stage of Euro 2016 in the position they wanted but their coach still seems to be looking for the right formula to bring the best out of a team with high expectations. Didier Deschamps has been tinkering with the team formula since the start of the tournament, making five changes for Sunday's goalless draw with Switzerland that allowed the host nation to win their group. France, who have plenty of talent up front, showed potential in the second half against Albania and in the first against Switzerland but they are yet to produce a full-match performance suggesting they could trouble the big guns. All they have done so far is win one of the weakest groups in the tournament and it remains to be seen how their back four, arguably their weakest point, will hold against more dangerous opponents. An astute tactician, Deschamps surprised many observers when he left midfielder Paul Pogba and striker Antoine Griezmann, regarded as France's most dangerous weapons, on the bench for the opening half against Albania. With his side struggling in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the coach reacted swiftly by sending on Pogba, and then Griezmann and reverting to a 4-3-3 system that eventually wore down Albania's defence. There was another surprise on Sunday when Dimitri Payet, who was instrumental in France's first two wins with a great goal in each, started on the bench, leaving his spot in the starting 11 to Kingsley Coman. Deschamps will have been pleased with a few things he saw against Switzerland, notably the fact that Pogba, who was all over the pitch in the first half, showed his class at last after subdued displays in his first two outings. With Pogba in that form and more of the same from Payet, France, will now almost certainly keep relying on a 4-3-3 formation which is working much better for them, and could step up a gear in the knockout stages. The pair of Laurent Koscielny and Adil Rami now looking safer after showing signs of nerves in warm-up games and against Romania, the defence is less of a worry for Deschamps, even if left back Patrice Evra is looking his age and might be targeted by opponents to come. Deschamps, who captained France to victory at the 1998 World Cup and at the European Championship two years later, has a reputation for changing everything he touches into gold. He's not quite at that level yet at this tournament but there are a few signs suggesting he is moving in the right direction. (Reuters)

France home and dry after goalless draw with Switzerland

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Borussia Dortmund&#39;s Henrikh Mkhitaryan after making an &quot;improved offer&quot; for the midfielder, the Bundesliga club&#39;s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has said. 
 
The Armenia international has been linked by British media with a move to Old Trafford under new manager Jose Mourinho. 
 
&quot;The situation is now different. Manchester have made a much improved offer,&quot; Watzke told Sport Bild magazine. 
 
&quot;In situations like this there are always a lot of different things to consider and in the end at one point we have to make a decision. 
 
&quot;As we are back in training on Monday we will decide at the weekend. I have contacted the relevant people and we will weigh things up ...then the board will make the decision.&quot; 
 
The 27-year-old scored 11 goals in 31 league games as Dortmund finished second last season and could be Mourinho&#39;s second signing at United after defender Eric Bailly&#39;s arrival from Villarreal. 
 
(Reuters)

The midfielder displayed good form for the German club which finished second in the Bundesliga last season

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Borussia Dortmund's Henrikh Mkhitaryan after making an "improved offer" for the midfielder, the Bundesliga club's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has said. The Armenia international has been linked by British media with a move to Old Trafford under new manager Jose Mourinho. "The situation is now different. Manchester have made a much improved offer," Watzke told Sport Bild magazine. "In situations like this there are always a lot of different things to consider and in the end at one point we have to make a decision. "As we are back in training on Monday we will decide at the weekend. I have contacted the relevant people and we will weigh things up ...then the board will make the decision." The 27-year-old scored 11 goals in 31 league games as Dortmund finished second last season and could be Mourinho's second signing at United after defender Eric Bailly's arrival from Villarreal. (Reuters)

United make 'improved offer' for Dortmund's Mkhitaryan

Juventus have signed Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli for 90 million euros ($98.89 million), the third highest transfer fee ever paid. 
 
&quot;I can confirm that the contract has been deposited with the League and the deal has been done,&quot; Napoli spokesman Nicola Lombardi told Reuters on Tuesday, adding that the fee will be paid in two installments. 
 
The Turin-based club triggered the release clause for the 28-year-old, who still had two years to run on his contract, Napoli added later on Tuesday in a statement. 
 
Higuain&#39;s transfer fee is the third highest paid, after Gareth Bale moved to Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur for 100 million euros in 2013 and Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Spaniards from Manchester United for 94 million euros in 2009. 
 
Last season Higuain scored a record 36 Serie A goals in 35 games for Napoli, who finished runners-up as Juventus won a fifth consecutive title. He joined Napoli in 2013 after spending six years at Real. 
 
The news that he was poised to join Juventus caused anguish among Napoli fans, who gathered in Naples city centre on Saturday to tear up pictures of the Argentine and set fire to replicas of his number nine shirt. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Higuain's transfer fee is the third highest fee ever paid, after those of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo

Juventus have signed Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli for 90 million euros ($98.89 million), the third highest transfer fee ever paid. "I can confirm that the contract has been deposited with the League and the deal has been done," Napoli spokesman Nicola Lombardi told Reuters on Tuesday, adding that the fee will be paid in two installments. The Turin-based club triggered the release clause for the 28-year-old, who still had two years to run on his contract, Napoli added later on Tuesday in a statement. Higuain's transfer fee is the third highest paid, after Gareth Bale moved to Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur for 100 million euros in 2013 and Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Spaniards from Manchester United for 94 million euros in 2009. Last season Higuain scored a record 36 Serie A goals in 35 games for Napoli, who finished runners-up as Juventus won a fifth consecutive title. He joined Napoli in 2013 after spending six years at Real. The news that he was poised to join Juventus caused anguish among Napoli fans, who gathered in Naples city centre on Saturday to tear up pictures of the Argentine and set fire to replicas of his number nine shirt. (Reuters)

Juventus sign Argentina striker Higuain from Napoli for 90 million euros

Pep Guardiola&#39;s Manchester City career got off to a winning start as they beat Sunderland 2-1 on Saturday but the Spaniard knows there is much work to do to build a title-winning team. 
 
Paddy McNair&#39;s late own goal gave the hosts victory on the opening day of the Premier League season after Jermain Defoe&#39;s Sunderland strike had cancelled out Sergio Aguero&#39;s early penalty. 
 
City dominated possession but were short on the incisive attacking play that was a hallmark of Guardiola&#39;s Barcelona and Bayern Munich teams. 
 
&quot;Sometimes you are a little lucky,&quot; City&#39;s new manager told reporters. &quot;We should have been a bit more aggressive but these kind of things have to happen to know how to get better in the next game.&quot; 
 
The match was an intriguing glimpse into what the fans can expect from Guardiola. 
 
He showed his ruthlessness by dropping England goalkeeper Joe Hart to the bench and completely omitting Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure. 
 
&quot;They are professionals,&quot; Guardiola said, &quot;and are going to fight for their places.&quot; 
 
He acknowledged it would take time for City to adapt to his methods although there was evidence of a new approach. 
 
Captain David Silva started in a deeper midfield role from where he was expected to instigate attacking moves while the full backs came inside to congest the middle, in a similar way to Bayern under Guardiola. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m very pleased about the performance,&quot; said the manager. &quot;The second half we played really well. 
 
&quot;Maybe we should attack quicker. We have to learn.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

City dominated possession but were short on the incisive attacking play that was a hallmark of Guardiola's Barcelona and Bayern Munich teams

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City career got off to a winning start as they beat Sunderland 2-1 on Saturday but the Spaniard knows there is much work to do to build a title-winning team. Paddy McNair's late own goal gave the hosts victory on the opening day of the Premier League season after Jermain Defoe's Sunderland strike had cancelled out Sergio Aguero's early penalty. City dominated possession but were short on the incisive attacking play that was a hallmark of Guardiola's Barcelona and Bayern Munich teams. "Sometimes you are a little lucky," City's new manager told reporters. "We should have been a bit more aggressive but these kind of things have to happen to know how to get better in the next game." The match was an intriguing glimpse into what the fans can expect from Guardiola. He showed his ruthlessness by dropping England goalkeeper Joe Hart to the bench and completely omitting Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure. "They are professionals," Guardiola said, "and are going to fight for their places." He acknowledged it would take time for City to adapt to his methods although there was evidence of a new approach. Captain David Silva started in a deeper midfield role from where he was expected to instigate attacking moves while the full backs came inside to congest the middle, in a similar way to Bayern under Guardiola. "I'm very pleased about the performance," said the manager. "The second half we played really well. "Maybe we should attack quicker. We have to learn." (Reuters)

Premier League: Guardiola's City beat Sunderland 2-1, says luck favoured

Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino resigned on Tuesday, deepening the chaos in the frustrated squad a month before the Olympics after its star striker Lionel Messi also quit.&nbsp;In a statement published by the Argentina Football Association (AFA), Martino said he and his coaching staff quit due to management disputes in the body and difficulties in getting the squad together in time for the Olympics. 
 
The blow came less than two weeks after Messi said he was quitting following defeat to Chile in the Copa America Centenario, sparking demonstrations by fans desperate for him to stay.&nbsp;The crisis in the national squad laid bare managerial squabbles in the AFA that are blamed for disrupting the organisation of Argentina&#39;s favourite sport. 
 
Martino&#39;s decision was &quot;due to the lack of clarity in the naming of new leaders for the association and the serious inconveniences in forming a squad to represent the country in the coming Olympic Games&quot;, the statement said. 
 
Argentine media said Martino was frustrated at clubs not releasing players for the national squad. Key players such as Paulo Dybala of Juventus and Mauro Icardi of Inter have not been released. 
 
Former Barcelona coach Martino, 53, took over the Argentina team in the wake of the 2014 World Cup, in which they were beaten 1-0 by Germany after extra time in the final.&nbsp;He guided Argentina to 29 wins, seven draws and three defeats.&nbsp;He led the team to the Copa America final last year and again last month in the centenary edition. They were beaten both times by Chile on penalties. 
 
The June 26 defeat this year was Argentina&#39;s third consecutive loss in a major international final. They have gone 23 years without a major title.&nbsp;&quot;Losing again is too great a pain,&quot; Martino said after that defeat. 
 
Martino comes from the same northern city as Messi, Rosario.&nbsp;As well as clubs in Spain, Ecuador and Chile, he played briefly for Argentina but was eclipsed by his contemporary Diego Maradona.&nbsp;He guided Paraguay as far as the quarter finals of the 2010 World Cup as its national coach. 
 
He returned as coach to his first club, Newell&#39;s Old Boys, and won the Argentine league with them in 2013 before a trophy-free season with Spanish giants Barcelona.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the AFA is in crisis and its management has been criticised by the likes of Messi and Maradona. 
 
Before leaving for the Copa in the United States, Martino said that the AFA owed him six months&#39; pay.&nbsp;Former AFA head Luis Segura quit last week amid a dispute over how the leagues should be organised.&nbsp;Major clubs want to break away and form a &quot;super-league&quot; to get bigger broadcasting revenues. 
 
The president of the Argentine Olympic committee, Gerardo Werthein, warned on the radio shortly before Tuesday&#39;s announcement that there was &quot;50 per cent chance&quot; Argentina would miss the Olympic football competition.&nbsp;The Olympics run from August 5 to 21 in Rio de Janeiro, following which the country will look to the World Cup in Russia in 2018. 
 
Argentina&#39;s great rival Brazil has also switched coaches just ahead of the Olympics.&nbsp;They sacked coach Dunga after their group-stage exit from the Copa America and replaced him with ex-Corinthians boss Tite. But Olympic coach Rogerio Micale will take them to the Games. 
 
(AFP)

Gerardo quit due to management issues in the Argentina Football Association and difficulties in getting a squad together for Rio 2016

Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino resigned on Tuesday, deepening the chaos in the frustrated squad a month before the Olympics after its star striker Lionel Messi also quit. In a statement published by the Argentina Football Association (AFA), Martino said he and his coaching staff quit due to management disputes in the body and difficulties in getting the squad together in time for the Olympics. The blow came less than two weeks after Messi said he was quitting following defeat to Chile in the Copa America Centenario, sparking demonstrations by fans desperate for him to stay. The crisis in the national squad laid bare managerial squabbles in the AFA that are blamed for disrupting the organisation of Argentina's favourite sport. Martino's decision was "due to the lack of clarity in the naming of new leaders for the association and the serious inconveniences in forming a squad to represent the country in the coming Olympic Games", the statement said. Argentine media said Martino was frustrated at clubs not releasing players for the national squad. Key players such as Paulo Dybala of Juventus and Mauro Icardi of Inter have not been released. Former Barcelona coach Martino, 53, took over the Argentina team in the wake of the 2014 World Cup, in which they were beaten 1-0 by Germany after extra time in the final. He guided Argentina to 29 wins, seven draws and three defeats. He led the team to the Copa America final last year and again last month in the centenary edition. They were beaten both times by Chile on penalties. The June 26 defeat this year was Argentina's third consecutive loss in a major international final. They have gone 23 years without a major title. "Losing again is too great a pain," Martino said after that defeat. Martino comes from the same northern city as Messi, Rosario. As well as clubs in Spain, Ecuador and Chile, he played briefly for Argentina but was eclipsed by his contemporary Diego Maradona. He guided Paraguay as far as the quarter finals of the 2010 World Cup as its national coach. He returned as coach to his first club, Newell's Old Boys, and won the Argentine league with them in 2013 before a trophy-free season with Spanish giants Barcelona. Meanwhile, the AFA is in crisis and its management has been criticised by the likes of Messi and Maradona. Before leaving for the Copa in the United States, Martino said that the AFA owed him six months' pay. Former AFA head Luis Segura quit last week amid a dispute over how the leagues should be organised. Major clubs want to break away and form a "super-league" to get bigger broadcasting revenues. The president of the Argentine Olympic committee, Gerardo Werthein, warned on the radio shortly before Tuesday's announcement that there was "50 per cent chance" Argentina would miss the Olympic football competition. The Olympics run from August 5 to 21 in Rio de Janeiro, following which the country will look to the World Cup in Russia in 2018. Argentina's great rival Brazil has also switched coaches just ahead of the Olympics. They sacked coach Dunga after their group-stage exit from the Copa America and replaced him with ex-Corinthians boss Tite. But Olympic coach Rogerio Micale will take them to the Games. (AFP)

Argentina coach Martino resigns over Olympic chaos

England&#39;s football journalists left their readers with no illusions on Tuesday after their side&#39;s Euro 2016 hopes were crushed by Iceland, describing the 2-1 loss as the worst in their history. 
 
Goals from Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson were enough to lead the tiny nation to a quarter-final clash with hosts France, with the loss costing England manager Roy Hodgson his job. 
 
British media held nothing back on Tuesday with the headlines proclaiming the loss as not only &quot;embarrassing&quot; but also &quot;the ultimate humiliation.&quot; 
 
Many referred to England&#39;s shock 1-0 loss to the United States in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil in their post-match reports, though they felt the result in Nice would now surpass that as their worst in international soccer. 
 
&quot;This was England&#39;s most humiliating night in international football: far worse than the 1950 World Cup defeat to the USA in Belo Horizonte,&quot; Paul Hayward wrote in The Telegraph. 
 
&quot;Defeat here in Nice was always going to be a deeper trauma. This one came in the era of the Premier League as global industry.&quot; 
 
The Guardian&#39;s Daniel Taylor also compared Monday&#39;s result to the 1950 loss in Belo Horizonte and suggested England&#39;s allusions to being one of the powerhouses of world football now needed to be questioned. 
 
&quot;Hodgson&#39;s reign will be defined by a result comparable to losing to the United States in the 1950 World Cup,&quot; Taylor wrote. &quot;The now-familiar inquest will begin again in a country that likes to see itself as football royalty.&quot; 
 
The Daily Mail&#39;s Martin Samuel described the loss as a &quot;seismic wave&quot; for English soccer and felt that Hodgson probably should have been sacked after the side&#39;s group phase exit at the 2014 World Cup. 
 
&quot;What a waste the last two years have been,&quot; Samuel wrote. &quot;Hodgson should have gone in 2014, when England lasted two matches at the World Cup. He wasn&#39;t the man then, he isn&#39;t the man now. 
 
&quot;There has been much talk of progress, promise and a strong culture of responsibility, but under pressure, that all evaporated.&quot; 
 
While Hodgson was blamed for having a seemingly incoherent plan for the tournament with no clear idea on his strongest side or how to play the game, the players and the culture of the English Premier League were also criticised. 
 
&quot;The reason why the nation struggles to feel empathy or connections with many of these players is the ego,&quot; Ian Herbert wrote in The Independent. &quot;Too famous, too important, too rich, too high and mighty... that is this England.&quot; 
 
The Guardian&#39;s Dominic Fifield also criticised the more experienced players in the squad, who had not shown any leadership or stepped up to help their younger team members. 
 
&quot;Hodgson had needed his most established players to excel if the team were going to make an impression,&quot; Fifield wrote. &quot;In the end they simply wilted like the rest.&quot; 
 
The BBC&#39;s chief football writer Phil McNulty also felt the players would need to take a look at themselves under a new manager. 
 
&quot;The ultimate responsibility lies with the manager but, make no mistake, he was badly let down by players capable of so much better,&quot; McNulty wrote. 
 
&quot;Hodgson will take the blame and has paid the price but these highly paid Premier League players should not escape criticism.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

British media pulled no punches, calling the loss 'embarrassing' and 'the ultimate humiliation'

England's football journalists left their readers with no illusions on Tuesday after their side's Euro 2016 hopes were crushed by Iceland, describing the 2-1 loss as the worst in their history. Goals from Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson were enough to lead the tiny nation to a quarter-final clash with hosts France, with the loss costing England manager Roy Hodgson his job. British media held nothing back on Tuesday with the headlines proclaiming the loss as not only "embarrassing" but also "the ultimate humiliation." Many referred to England's shock 1-0 loss to the United States in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil in their post-match reports, though they felt the result in Nice would now surpass that as their worst in international soccer. "This was England's most humiliating night in international football: far worse than the 1950 World Cup defeat to the USA in Belo Horizonte," Paul Hayward wrote in The Telegraph. "Defeat here in Nice was always going to be a deeper trauma. This one came in the era of the Premier League as global industry." The Guardian's Daniel Taylor also compared Monday's result to the 1950 loss in Belo Horizonte and suggested England's allusions to being one of the powerhouses of world football now needed to be questioned. "Hodgson's reign will be defined by a result comparable to losing to the United States in the 1950 World Cup," Taylor wrote. "The now-familiar inquest will begin again in a country that likes to see itself as football royalty." The Daily Mail's Martin Samuel described the loss as a "seismic wave" for English soccer and felt that Hodgson probably should have been sacked after the side's group phase exit at the 2014 World Cup. "What a waste the last two years have been," Samuel wrote. "Hodgson should have gone in 2014, when England lasted two matches at the World Cup. He wasn't the man then, he isn't the man now. "There has been much talk of progress, promise and a strong culture of responsibility, but under pressure, that all evaporated." While Hodgson was blamed for having a seemingly incoherent plan for the tournament with no clear idea on his strongest side or how to play the game, the players and the culture of the English Premier League were also criticised. "The reason why the nation struggles to feel empathy or connections with many of these players is the ego," Ian Herbert wrote in The Independent. "Too famous, too important, too rich, too high and mighty... that is this England." The Guardian's Dominic Fifield also criticised the more experienced players in the squad, who had not shown any leadership or stepped up to help their younger team members. "Hodgson had needed his most established players to excel if the team were going to make an impression," Fifield wrote. "In the end they simply wilted like the rest." The BBC's chief football writer Phil McNulty also felt the players would need to take a look at themselves under a new manager. "The ultimate responsibility lies with the manager but, make no mistake, he was badly let down by players capable of so much better," McNulty wrote. "Hodgson will take the blame and has paid the price but these highly paid Premier League players should not escape criticism." (Reuters)

England's worst loss ever

Teams progressing to the latter stages of the FA Cup next season will be allowed to field a fourth substitute in extra time, the English Football Association (FA) announced today. 
 
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game&#39;s law-making body, is carrying out a global study into a proposal for teams to make a fourth replacement during extra time.&nbsp;The FA said as a trial for the study it would introduce the innovation for the quarter finals, semi-finals and final of the FA Cup, subject to IFAB approval. 
 
If the FA gets the go-ahead from the IFAB, clubs that have used three substitutes from the seven players named on their bench during the tournament&#39;s final three rounds will be allowed to introduce a fourth player in extra time. The format was first used in this year&#39;s Copa America. 
 
&quot;With the cup now adopting a straight knockout format from the quarter-finals onwards, the introduction of a fourth substitute in extra time will bring extra intrigue and interest,&quot; FA chief executive Martin Glenn told the governing body&#39;s website. 
 
&quot;Also, from a technical point of view, it will be interesting to see how managers use the chance to make an additional substitution in such high-profile games and the impact it has on the final result. Player welfare and being mindful of the number of games people play at the elite level has also been a consideration.&quot; 
 
The FA Cup begins on August 5, with the final at Wembley in May 2017. 
 
(Reuters)

As a trial, the innovation would be introduced for quarter finals, semi-finals and FA Cup final, subject to IFAB approval

Teams progressing to the latter stages of the FA Cup next season will be allowed to field a fourth substitute in extra time, the English Football Association (FA) announced today. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game's law-making body, is carrying out a global study into a proposal for teams to make a fourth replacement during extra time. The FA said as a trial for the study it would introduce the innovation for the quarter finals, semi-finals and final of the FA Cup, subject to IFAB approval. If the FA gets the go-ahead from the IFAB, clubs that have used three substitutes from the seven players named on their bench during the tournament's final three rounds will be allowed to introduce a fourth player in extra time. The format was first used in this year's Copa America. "With the cup now adopting a straight knockout format from the quarter-finals onwards, the introduction of a fourth substitute in extra time will bring extra intrigue and interest," FA chief executive Martin Glenn told the governing body's website. "Also, from a technical point of view, it will be interesting to see how managers use the chance to make an additional substitution in such high-profile games and the impact it has on the final result. Player welfare and being mindful of the number of games people play at the elite level has also been a consideration." The FA Cup begins on August 5, with the final at Wembley in May 2017. (Reuters)

FA Cup to allow fourth substitute in extra time to bring 'extra intrigue'

Portugal&#39;s Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale headlined a 10-man shortlist announced on Monday for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. 
 
Ronaldo struck the winning spot-kick as Real claimed an 11th Champions League title, beating city rivals Atletico Madrid on penalties in May, before leading his country to Euro 2016 glory. 
 
Fellow Portugal and Real team-mate Pepe also features on the shortlist along with Wales star Bale, who steered his country to the semi-finals of the European Championship in their first appearance at a major finals since 1958. 
 
Ronaldo is favourite to the win the award for a second time, after scooping the honours in 2013-14, which would see him draw level with Barcelona&#39;s Lionel Messi. 
 
Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann was also nominated after his six goals at Euro 2016 earned him the player of the tournament and the Golden Boot, only for France to fall short against Portugal in the final. 
 
Messi was one of two Barcelona players to make the list along with Luis Suarez, while Bayern Munich duo Manuel Neuer and Thomas Mueller, Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and Real midfielder Toni Kroos were also included. 
 
The players were selected by journalists from each of UEFA&#39;s 55 members associations who will vote for a second time on August 5 to determine the three finalists. 
 
The winner of the award will be announced in Monaco on August 25 when the draw for the Champions League group stage is made. 
 
(AFP)

Messi was one of two Barcelona players to make the list along with Luis Suarez

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale headlined a 10-man shortlist announced on Monday for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. Ronaldo struck the winning spot-kick as Real claimed an 11th Champions League title, beating city rivals Atletico Madrid on penalties in May, before leading his country to Euro 2016 glory. Fellow Portugal and Real team-mate Pepe also features on the shortlist along with Wales star Bale, who steered his country to the semi-finals of the European Championship in their first appearance at a major finals since 1958. Ronaldo is favourite to the win the award for a second time, after scooping the honours in 2013-14, which would see him draw level with Barcelona's Lionel Messi. Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann was also nominated after his six goals at Euro 2016 earned him the player of the tournament and the Golden Boot, only for France to fall short against Portugal in the final. Messi was one of two Barcelona players to make the list along with Luis Suarez, while Bayern Munich duo Manuel Neuer and Thomas Mueller, Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and Real midfielder Toni Kroos were also included. The players were selected by journalists from each of UEFA's 55 members associations who will vote for a second time on August 5 to determine the three finalists. The winner of the award will be announced in Monaco on August 25 when the draw for the Champions League group stage is made. (AFP)

Ronaldo, Bale headline UEFA best player list

Belgium captain Eden Hazard produced an inspired performance, including a fine solo goal, to lead his side to a resounding 4-0 victory over Hungary at Euro 2016 on Sunday to set up a quarter-final clash with Wales. 
 
Hazard, who has finally burst into life at the tournament after a disappointing club season with Chelsea, set up one goal and scored another as Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi and Yannick Carrasco completed a comfortable victory. 
 
&quot;If he&#39;s feeling good, he&#39;s the best in the world,&quot; Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said of Hazard. &quot; The only thing we might have done better was kill the match off earlier.&quot; 
 
Belgium dominated the opening stages and took the lead after 10 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne swung an inviting cross into the box where centre back Alderweireld rose at the far post to power a header past keeper Gabor Kiraly. 
 
Substitute Batshuayi tapped home Hazard&#39;s low cross with 12 minutes remaining shortly after coming on before the Belgium skipper cut inside Hungary&#39;s box and rifled home a superb low strike for the third, with Carrasco grabbing a late fourth. 
 
Hungary, shorn of influential midfielder Lazlo Kleinheisler who was injured in the warm-up, ceded the initiative early as Belgium found space and set the tone for a one-sided half. 
 
De Bruyne has improved significantly after being criticised by coach Marc Wilmots and was again at the heart of much that was good about Belgium&#39;s play. 
 
He lofted an early shot over the bar and teed up striker Romelu Lukaku to force a sharp save from veteran Kiraly, before testing the keeper himself from the edge of the box. 
 
Predictably, it was De Bruyne who forged the opening to cap off an excellent opening spell. 
 
After provoking a foul on the left, the 24-year-old curled in the resulting free kick and, while his delivery evaded Lukaku, Alderweireld arrived behind his team mate to head home. 
 
It was De Bruyne&#39;s 11th goal or assist in his last 12 internationals, and represented another decisive contribution for one of the Euro&#39;s leading lights. 
 
Hungary were largely reduced to pot shots from distance, with Gergo Lovrencsics and Balazs Dzsudzsak both hoping in vain for a repeat of the latter&#39;s belter against Portugal. 
 
De Bruyne fired a free kick against the bar in the 34th, while the overworked Kiraly denied Dries Mertens and Hazard from close range as Belgium threatened to extend their lead. 
 
Hungary improved after the break as Dzsudzsak got more of the ball and he fashioned an excellent chance for Adam Szalai, while Adam Pinter&#39;s deflected strike drew a fine save from Courtois and Roland Juhasz sent a low drive just wide. 
 
With Belgium failing to kill off the game, Wilmots turned to Batshuayi, so far unused at the finals, after 76 minutes. 
 
The switch paid off almost immediately as the highly regarded forward scored with his first touch, a simple finish following a sublime cross from Hazard in the 78th. 
 
Just as De Bruyne had imposed himself during the opening stages of the match, so Hazard shone at the finale. 
 
Ninety-four seconds later, the forward killed the game with a magnificent solo effort, cutting in from the left, evading two challenges and thumping the ball home from the edge of the area. 
 
Substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Carrasco combined at the death to add a breakaway fourth as Belgium secured a quarter-final date with Wales in Lille on Friday. 
 
(Reuters)

Belgium captain Eden Hazard produced an inspired performance, including a fine solo goal, to lead his side to a resounding 4-0 victory over Hungary at Euro 2016 on Sunday to set up a quarter-final clash with Wales. Hazard, who has finally burst into life at the tournament after a disappointing club season with Chelsea, set up one goal and scored another as Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi and Yannick Carrasco completed a comfortable victory. "If he's feeling good, he's the best in the world," Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said of Hazard. " The only thing we might have done better was kill the match off earlier." Belgium dominated the opening stages and took the lead after 10 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne swung an inviting cross into the box where centre back Alderweireld rose at the far post to power a header past keeper Gabor Kiraly. Substitute Batshuayi tapped home Hazard's low cross with 12 minutes remaining shortly after coming on before the Belgium skipper cut inside Hungary's box and rifled home a superb low strike for the third, with Carrasco grabbing a late fourth. Hungary, shorn of influential midfielder Lazlo Kleinheisler who was injured in the warm-up, ceded the initiative early as Belgium found space and set the tone for a one-sided half. De Bruyne has improved significantly after being criticised by coach Marc Wilmots and was again at the heart of much that was good about Belgium's play. He lofted an early shot over the bar and teed up striker Romelu Lukaku to force a sharp save from veteran Kiraly, before testing the keeper himself from the edge of the box. Predictably, it was De Bruyne who forged the opening to cap off an excellent opening spell. After provoking a foul on the left, the 24-year-old curled in the resulting free kick and, while his delivery evaded Lukaku, Alderweireld arrived behind his team mate to head home. It was De Bruyne's 11th goal or assist in his last 12 internationals, and represented another decisive contribution for one of the Euro's leading lights. Hungary were largely reduced to pot shots from distance, with Gergo Lovrencsics and Balazs Dzsudzsak both hoping in vain for a repeat of the latter's belter against Portugal. De Bruyne fired a free kick against the bar in the 34th, while the overworked Kiraly denied Dries Mertens and Hazard from close range as Belgium threatened to extend their lead. Hungary improved after the break as Dzsudzsak got more of the ball and he fashioned an excellent chance for Adam Szalai, while Adam Pinter's deflected strike drew a fine save from Courtois and Roland Juhasz sent a low drive just wide. With Belgium failing to kill off the game, Wilmots turned to Batshuayi, so far unused at the finals, after 76 minutes. The switch paid off almost immediately as the highly regarded forward scored with his first touch, a simple finish following a sublime cross from Hazard in the 78th. Just as De Bruyne had imposed himself during the opening stages of the match, so Hazard shone at the finale. Ninety-four seconds later, the forward killed the game with a magnificent solo effort, cutting in from the left, evading two challenges and thumping the ball home from the edge of the area. Substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Carrasco combined at the death to add a breakaway fourth as Belgium secured a quarter-final date with Wales in Lille on Friday. (Reuters)

Belgium overwhelm Hungary 4-0

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has confirmed Sam Allardyce will be hired as England&#39;s next manager at an FA board meeting at Wembley today. 
 
Allardyce has been selected by a three-man panel who decided the Sunderland boss was the best bet on a short-list that also included Hull manager Steve Bruce, Bournemouth chief Eddie Howe and USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann. 
 
It has been reported that the FA&#39;s first choice was Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, but when he snubbed their approach, Allardyce, who had received a strong recommendation from former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, shot to the top of their list of candidates to replace Roy Hodgson. 
 
Dyke is due to step down after three years as FA chairman today but, although he was not involved in the head-hunting process, he will be present as FA chief executive Martin Glenn and vice-chairman David Gill present their reasons for nominating Allardyce. 
 
Asked if Allardyce was the man to take over from Hodgson, who stepped down after England&#39;s humiliating Euro 2016 defeat against Iceland, Dyke told Sky Sports News: &quot;Clearly the three-man group are convinced he&#39;s the right man and I go along with that, yes. 
 
&quot;We appointed a three-man committee to go out and look at all the candidates, come back with a recommendation who they thought was the best man. They&#39;ve taken that decision and obviously we&#39;ll agree with them. I think you&#39;d have to ask them but as far as I understand it that&#39;s the discussion.&quot; 
 
Once that is ratified the business of finalising the details will take precedence, with personal terms still to be settled and a compensation package for Sunderland among the outstanding issues. 
 
All parties would prefer for a swift resolution, with the new Premier League season on the horizon and England&#39;s World Cup qualifying campaign beginning on September 4, but it is possible an official announcement on Allardyce&#39;s appointment could be held up by negotiations. 
 
The Black Cats, who appeared to have found stability in the dugout after several seasons of managerial strife, have already made their unhappiness clear and could hold out for a sizeable pay-off. 
 
Allardyce took charge of Sunderland for what should be the final time during a 3-0 friendly win over Hartlepool on Wednesday, but did not re-emerge for the second half as news of his impending appointment broke. 
 
(AFP)

Football Association's first choice reportedly was Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has confirmed Sam Allardyce will be hired as England's next manager at an FA board meeting at Wembley today. Allardyce has been selected by a three-man panel who decided the Sunderland boss was the best bet on a short-list that also included Hull manager Steve Bruce, Bournemouth chief Eddie Howe and USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann. It has been reported that the FA's first choice was Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, but when he snubbed their approach, Allardyce, who had received a strong recommendation from former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, shot to the top of their list of candidates to replace Roy Hodgson. Dyke is due to step down after three years as FA chairman today but, although he was not involved in the head-hunting process, he will be present as FA chief executive Martin Glenn and vice-chairman David Gill present their reasons for nominating Allardyce. Asked if Allardyce was the man to take over from Hodgson, who stepped down after England's humiliating Euro 2016 defeat against Iceland, Dyke told Sky Sports News: "Clearly the three-man group are convinced he's the right man and I go along with that, yes. "We appointed a three-man committee to go out and look at all the candidates, come back with a recommendation who they thought was the best man. They've taken that decision and obviously we'll agree with them. I think you'd have to ask them but as far as I understand it that's the discussion." Once that is ratified the business of finalising the details will take precedence, with personal terms still to be settled and a compensation package for Sunderland among the outstanding issues. All parties would prefer for a swift resolution, with the new Premier League season on the horizon and England's World Cup qualifying campaign beginning on September 4, but it is possible an official announcement on Allardyce's appointment could be held up by negotiations. The Black Cats, who appeared to have found stability in the dugout after several seasons of managerial strife, have already made their unhappiness clear and could hold out for a sizeable pay-off. Allardyce took charge of Sunderland for what should be the final time during a 3-0 friendly win over Hartlepool on Wednesday, but did not re-emerge for the second half as news of his impending appointment broke. (AFP)

Sam Allardyce set to become England's next manager

Watford have signed striker Jerome Sinclair from Liverpool on a five-year contract, the Premier League clubs confirmed today. 
 
The 19-year-old has made two appearances for Liverpool last season and played one game for Wigan in the Championship during his three-month loan spell during the 2014-15 campaign. 
 
&quot;Watford FC is pleased to confirm it has agreed terms with Liverpool over the transfer of striker Jerome Sinclair,&quot; the club said in a statement on their website. 
 
&quot;The highly-rated forward has penned a five-year deal at Vicarage Road and becomes the Hornets&#39; first new signing ahead of the 2016-17 Premier League campaign.&quot; 
 
Watford finished 13th in the Premier League last season and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup. 
 
(Reuters)

Jerome Sinclair, the 19-year-old footballer, holds the record as the youngest player to have played for Liverpool

Watford have signed striker Jerome Sinclair from Liverpool on a five-year contract, the Premier League clubs confirmed today. The 19-year-old has made two appearances for Liverpool last season and played one game for Wigan in the Championship during his three-month loan spell during the 2014-15 campaign. "Watford FC is pleased to confirm it has agreed terms with Liverpool over the transfer of striker Jerome Sinclair," the club said in a statement on their website. "The highly-rated forward has penned a five-year deal at Vicarage Road and becomes the Hornets' first new signing ahead of the 2016-17 Premier League campaign." Watford finished 13th in the Premier League last season and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup. (Reuters)

Sinclair joins Watford from Liverpool on five-year deal

Poland beat Switzerland 5-4 in a shootout to reach their first European Championship quarter-final, as a riveting clash ended 1-1 after extra time on Saturday, following a brilliant late equaliser by Swiss Xherdan Shaqiri. 
 
Grezgorz Krychowiak drilled in the winning spot-kick after Granit Xhaka had missed Switzerland&rsquo;s second penalty to send the Polish fans at the Geoffroy Guichard stadium into raptures. 
 
The Poles will meet Croatia or Portugal, who play later on Saturday, for a berth in the semis. 
 
Jakub Blaszczykowski had given Poland a 39th-minute lead, before Shaqiri levelled with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 82nd, to send the contest into a dramatic climax. 
 
&quot;We were prepared for this kind of battle,&quot; Poland coach Adam Nawalka said. &quot;The Swiss are a world class side and it was no surprise that they came storming back in the second half. 
 
&quot;But the important thing is that my team showed potential after conceding the equaliser. We are mentally prepared for the quarter-final match in Marseille on Thursday.&quot; 
 
Man of the match Shaqiri, who was superb in the second half and extra time, said the goal meant little after a painful loss. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s a great disappointment, we could have achieved something very big,&quot; the 24-year old forward told a news conference. 
 
&quot;It was a beautiful goal and I am always proud to score for my country, but we are out.&quot; 
 
Gaping goal

Poland dominated the first half and should have gone ahead inside the first minute, when Arkadiusz Milik sent his shot over a gaping goal, following a calamitous defensive mix-up. 
 
With striker Robert Lewandowski subdued, the Poles created had to rely on chances created by livewire left winger Kamil Grosicki and the impressive Blaszczykowski on the other flank. 
 
Switzerland captain Stephan Lichsteiner could not keep up with Grosicki, who fired over the bar from 18 metres after a clever run through the middle. 
 
Blaszczykowski broke the deadlock with a composed finish from 10 metres after a darting run by Grosicki and a dummy from Milik gave the winger time and space to pick his spot. 
 
With Shaqiri and striker Haris Seferovic stifled by Poland&rsquo;s rock-solid defence, the Swiss created little in the opening period despite roaring &ldquo;Go Suisse&rdquo; chants by their supporters. 
 
They came out with renewed purpose in the second half and Shaqiri finally showed a glimpse of his talent with a dazzling solo run and a stinging shot which Lukasz Fabianski parried. 
 
Blaszczykowski had Yann Sommer at full stretch as the pace increased with Switzerland throwing men forward. 
 
Shaqiri produced a moment of magic with one of the best goals of the tournament in the 82nd minute, twisting his body in the air to unleash a fierce shot, which gave Fabianski no chance as it went in off the post. 
 
Galvanised by the goal, Switzerland took the upper hand and dominated extra time, forcing several desperate clearances by a defence which had conceded in only one other match in 2016. 
 
Substitute Eren Derdiyok missed a sitter for the Swiss when Fabianski kept out his close-range header and they paid the price as a rattled Poland held on to force the shootout. 
 
(Reuters)

Poland beat Switzerland 5-4 in a shootout to reach their first European Championship quarter-final, as a riveting clash ended 1-1 after extra time on Saturday, following a brilliant late equaliser by Swiss Xherdan Shaqiri. Grezgorz Krychowiak drilled in the winning spot-kick after Granit Xhaka had missed Switzerland’s second penalty to send the Polish fans at the Geoffroy Guichard stadium into raptures. The Poles will meet Croatia or Portugal, who play later on Saturday, for a berth in the semis. Jakub Blaszczykowski had given Poland a 39th-minute lead, before Shaqiri levelled with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 82nd, to send the contest into a dramatic climax. "We were prepared for this kind of battle," Poland coach Adam Nawalka said. "The Swiss are a world class side and it was no surprise that they came storming back in the second half. "But the important thing is that my team showed potential after conceding the equaliser. We are mentally prepared for the quarter-final match in Marseille on Thursday." Man of the match Shaqiri, who was superb in the second half and extra time, said the goal meant little after a painful loss. "It's a great disappointment, we could have achieved something very big," the 24-year old forward told a news conference. "It was a beautiful goal and I am always proud to score for my country, but we are out." Gaping goal Poland dominated the first half and should have gone ahead inside the first minute, when Arkadiusz Milik sent his shot over a gaping goal, following a calamitous defensive mix-up. With striker Robert Lewandowski subdued, the Poles created had to rely on chances created by livewire left winger Kamil Grosicki and the impressive Blaszczykowski on the other flank. Switzerland captain Stephan Lichsteiner could not keep up with Grosicki, who fired over the bar from 18 metres after a clever run through the middle. Blaszczykowski broke the deadlock with a composed finish from 10 metres after a darting run by Grosicki and a dummy from Milik gave the winger time and space to pick his spot. With Shaqiri and striker Haris Seferovic stifled by Poland’s rock-solid defence, the Swiss created little in the opening period despite roaring “Go Suisse” chants by their supporters. They came out with renewed purpose in the second half and Shaqiri finally showed a glimpse of his talent with a dazzling solo run and a stinging shot which Lukasz Fabianski parried. Blaszczykowski had Yann Sommer at full stretch as the pace increased with Switzerland throwing men forward. Shaqiri produced a moment of magic with one of the best goals of the tournament in the 82nd minute, twisting his body in the air to unleash a fierce shot, which gave Fabianski no chance as it went in off the post. Galvanised by the goal, Switzerland took the upper hand and dominated extra time, forcing several desperate clearances by a defence which had conceded in only one other match in 2016. Substitute Eren Derdiyok missed a sitter for the Swiss when Fabianski kept out his close-range header and they paid the price as a rattled Poland held on to force the shootout. (Reuters)

Poland beat Switzerland 5-4 on penalties

UEFA began disciplinary proceedings today against Portugal, Hungary and Belgium for incidents in their Euro 2016 matches the previous day. 
 
Portugal is charged with allowing a pitch invasion, Hungary for allowing crowd disturbances and other offences and Belgium for its fans setting off fireworks and throwing objects. 
 
A fan ran on to the pitch in Portugal&#39;s 0-0 draw with Austria at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday and posed for a selfie with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. 
 
In Marseille, Hungarian fans clashed with stewards in the Stade Velodrome as they tried to climb a fence to join up with another group of Hungarians before the 1-1 draw with Iceland. 
 
Hungary is also accused of allowing its fans to set off fireworks and throwing objects. 
 
The punishment in that case will be announced on Tuesday. 
 
Belgium also faces charges that its supporters threw fireworks and other objects during the 3-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in Bordeaux. 
 
UEFA said it was yet to decide a date for its disciplinary committee to meet on the cases of Belgium and Portugal. 
(AFP)

A fan ran on to the pitch after Portugal's 0-0 draw with Austria in Paris and posed for a selfie with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo

UEFA began disciplinary proceedings today against Portugal, Hungary and Belgium for incidents in their Euro 2016 matches the previous day. Portugal is charged with allowing a pitch invasion, Hungary for allowing crowd disturbances and other offences and Belgium for its fans setting off fireworks and throwing objects. A fan ran on to the pitch in Portugal's 0-0 draw with Austria at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday and posed for a selfie with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. In Marseille, Hungarian fans clashed with stewards in the Stade Velodrome as they tried to climb a fence to join up with another group of Hungarians before the 1-1 draw with Iceland. Hungary is also accused of allowing its fans to set off fireworks and throwing objects. The punishment in that case will be announced on Tuesday. Belgium also faces charges that its supporters threw fireworks and other objects during the 3-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in Bordeaux. UEFA said it was yet to decide a date for its disciplinary committee to meet on the cases of Belgium and Portugal. (AFP)

UEFA opens disciplinary probes against Portugal, Hungary and Belgium

'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that,' the legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly had said. The words -- perhaps the most famous football quote -- would appear to be true.

A Matter of Life and Death

The Copa America started all the way back in 1916. A full century later, the tournament this year is being played in the United States of America, we look not only at the football played in sun and shadow (the line is taken from the Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano's popular book) but also at the most colourful part of the game -- the fans.

Football in Sun and Shadow

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