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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

Thousands of England and Wales fans gathered in the French town of Lens and Lille for their team&#39;s Euro 2016 soccer showdown today. 
 
Both sets of fans were in good spirits but police were braced to prevent more of the violence that has brought England and Russia the risk of expulsion from the tournament. 
 
French riot police charged and used tear gas to disperse rowdy English soccer fans in the nearby northern city of Lille on Wednesday night. Police said about 50 people were hurt, 16 of them hospitalised. 
 
UEFA said today that it regretted the violence but it stopped short of action to punish the fans or teams. 
 
The governing body of European soccer said it was planning no Executive Committee meeting in the wake of the overnight violence on the streets of Lille. 
 
The decision effectively means England are not under any immediate threat of disqualification over their fans&#39; behaviour as any decision to expel England for crowd disturbances outside the stadium would need to be taken by the executive committee. 
 
Today&#39;s Group B match between England and Wales in the Euro 2016 group has been dubbed &quot;The Battle of Britain&quot;. 
 
Lens Prefect Fabienne Bucchio told reporters the town was quiet so far. Only nine people were detained by police overnight, she said, all in connection with minor incidents of drunkenness. Eight of them were French. 
 
After violence in the Mediterranean port of Marseille before and after England&#39;s 1-1 draw with Russia on Saturday, UEFA warned England that a repetition of fans&#39; violent behaviour could see the team expelled. 
 
UEFA also told Russia that it would be disqualified if there was a repeat of their fans&#39; violent behaviour, which included attacks on England supporters in the stadium as the match ended. 
 
Throughout Wednesday (June 15), 36 people were arrested for various offences as Russia lost to Slovakia in Lille and England prepared to play Wales, police said. 
 
This morning, police checked fans&#39; boarding trains from Lille to Lens to ensure none were travelling with alcohol, leading to long queues. A heavy police team carried out similar checks in pouring rain on arrival 45 minutes later in Lens. 
(Reuters)

Today's match between England and Wales has been dubbed 'The Battle of Britain'

Thousands of England and Wales fans gathered in the French town of Lens and Lille for their team's Euro 2016 soccer showdown today. Both sets of fans were in good spirits but police were braced to prevent more of the violence that has brought England and Russia the risk of expulsion from the tournament. French riot police charged and used tear gas to disperse rowdy English soccer fans in the nearby northern city of Lille on Wednesday night. Police said about 50 people were hurt, 16 of them hospitalised. UEFA said today that it regretted the violence but it stopped short of action to punish the fans or teams. The governing body of European soccer said it was planning no Executive Committee meeting in the wake of the overnight violence on the streets of Lille. The decision effectively means England are not under any immediate threat of disqualification over their fans' behaviour as any decision to expel England for crowd disturbances outside the stadium would need to be taken by the executive committee. Today's Group B match between England and Wales in the Euro 2016 group has been dubbed "The Battle of Britain". Lens Prefect Fabienne Bucchio told reporters the town was quiet so far. Only nine people were detained by police overnight, she said, all in connection with minor incidents of drunkenness. Eight of them were French. After violence in the Mediterranean port of Marseille before and after England's 1-1 draw with Russia on Saturday, UEFA warned England that a repetition of fans' violent behaviour could see the team expelled. UEFA also told Russia that it would be disqualified if there was a repeat of their fans' violent behaviour, which included attacks on England supporters in the stadium as the match ended. Throughout Wednesday (June 15), 36 people were arrested for various offences as Russia lost to Slovakia in Lille and England prepared to play Wales, police said. This morning, police checked fans' boarding trains from Lille to Lens to ensure none were travelling with alcohol, leading to long queues. A heavy police team carried out similar checks in pouring rain on arrival 45 minutes later in Lens. (Reuters)

England and Wales fans gear up for Euro 2016 match

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

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

Chile&#39;s footballers have voted to go on strike, forcing the start of the league season to be postponed. 
 
The players union Sifup is unhappy at a decision to reduce promotion and relegation in the new season, a move which it says has cost 120 players their jobs in the top two divisions. It has also complained about unpaid wages at some clubs. 
 
&quot;The professional players unanimously decided to follow the call to stop the national championship,&quot; said Sifup in a statement. 
 
The Chilean FA (ANFP) has ruled that only one team will relegated and one team promoted between the top tier, known as the Primera Division, and second tier, known as the Primera B, at the end of the 2016-17 season. 
 
Meanwhile, there will be no promotion or relegation at all between the second and third tier, known as the Segunda. 
 
Sifup said the decision had &quot;reduced the competitiveness of the domestic tournaments, where the clubs, who do not see themselves as threatened in case of a poor campaign, have drastically cut the costs of their squads.&quot; 
 
It said that 120 players had seen their contracts terminated in the top two tiers and 300 in the third tier. 
 
The ANFP confirmed that the start of the season at the weekend would be postponed and said that the reduced promotion and relegation was for the upcoming season only. 
 
&quot;We regret Sifup&#39;s decision to ratify the strike, a situation which will have negative efforts on the championship, the fans, the players and the sport in general,&quot; it said. 
 
(Reuters)

The players union Sifup is unhappy at a decision to reduce promotion and relegation in the new season

Chile's footballers have voted to go on strike, forcing the start of the league season to be postponed. The players union Sifup is unhappy at a decision to reduce promotion and relegation in the new season, a move which it says has cost 120 players their jobs in the top two divisions. It has also complained about unpaid wages at some clubs. "The professional players unanimously decided to follow the call to stop the national championship," said Sifup in a statement. The Chilean FA (ANFP) has ruled that only one team will relegated and one team promoted between the top tier, known as the Primera Division, and second tier, known as the Primera B, at the end of the 2016-17 season. Meanwhile, there will be no promotion or relegation at all between the second and third tier, known as the Segunda. Sifup said the decision had "reduced the competitiveness of the domestic tournaments, where the clubs, who do not see themselves as threatened in case of a poor campaign, have drastically cut the costs of their squads." It said that 120 players had seen their contracts terminated in the top two tiers and 300 in the third tier. The ANFP confirmed that the start of the season at the weekend would be postponed and said that the reduced promotion and relegation was for the upcoming season only. "We regret Sifup's decision to ratify the strike, a situation which will have negative efforts on the championship, the fans, the players and the sport in general," it said. (Reuters)

Chilean footballers vote to strike, matches called off

England coach Roy Hodgson&#39;s plan to visit the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing with a few members of his squad have been dashed by Dave Reddin, the Football Association&#39;s(FA) head of performance services, according to British media reports. 
 
The memorial stands as testament to thousands of British and South African servicemen who died in the Battles of the Somme between 1915 and 1918 and is a three-hour round trip from England&#39;s European Championship base at Chantilly. 
 
The names of 37 footballers, including Evelyn Lintott, a former England player and the first chairman of the Professional Footballers&#39; Association (PFA), are also commemorated here. 
 
Reddin, along with the squad&#39;s sports scientists, said the trip would be too draining and likely to impact on the team&#39;s performance at the tournament, according to the Times. 
 
FA chief executive Martin Glenn will represent the FA and England at Thiepval later on Tuesday. 
 
Midfielder James Milner and goalkeeper Joe Hart made video messages after being blocked from travelling to the memorial. 
 
&quot;Among those who died were football players -- professional and amateur -- and of course football fans. Others were so badly injured they could never again play the game I love,&quot; Milner said. 
 
England, who are in Group B, play their first match of the tournament against Russia in Marseille on Saturday. Wales and Slovakia are the other teams in the group.

Reportedly FA head Dave Reddin believes, the trip to the memorial will be a very exhausting one and may affect the team's performance

England coach Roy Hodgson's plan to visit the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing with a few members of his squad have been dashed by Dave Reddin, the Football Association's(FA) head of performance services, according to British media reports. The memorial stands as testament to thousands of British and South African servicemen who died in the Battles of the Somme between 1915 and 1918 and is a three-hour round trip from England's European Championship base at Chantilly. The names of 37 footballers, including Evelyn Lintott, a former England player and the first chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), are also commemorated here. Reddin, along with the squad's sports scientists, said the trip would be too draining and likely to impact on the team's performance at the tournament, according to the Times. FA chief executive Martin Glenn will represent the FA and England at Thiepval later on Tuesday. Midfielder James Milner and goalkeeper Joe Hart made video messages after being blocked from travelling to the memorial. "Among those who died were football players -- professional and amateur -- and of course football fans. Others were so badly injured they could never again play the game I love," Milner said. England, who are in Group B, play their first match of the tournament against Russia in Marseille on Saturday. Wales and Slovakia are the other teams in the group.

Football Association blocks England squad's plan for Somme homage

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 and 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. 
 
&quot;It was an almost perfect match,&quot; said Hazard. &quot;We scored early and pressed very high up the field. It was what the fans want and what we call a real football match. 
 
&quot;As a team I feel we were really solid today. We made a lot of chances and didn&rsquo;t give them too many,&quot; he added. 
 
Hungary coach Bernd Storck praised Belgium&#39;s performance. &quot;We&#39;ve never played against such a good team,&quot; he said. 
 
 
Impressive De Bruyne 
The Hungarians, who lost key midfielder Lazlo Kleinheisler to injury 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 important contribution - 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. 
 
 
Hazard shines 
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)

'It was an almost perfect match,' said captain Eden Hazard

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 and 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. "It was an almost perfect match," said Hazard. "We scored early and pressed very high up the field. It was what the fans want and what we call a real football match. "As a team I feel we were really solid today. We made a lot of chances and didn’t give them too many," he added. Hungary coach Bernd Storck praised Belgium's performance. "We've never played against such a good team," he said. Impressive De Bruyne The Hungarians, who lost key midfielder Lazlo Kleinheisler to injury 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 important contribution - 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. Hazard shines 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 prove Hazard-ous for Hungary, thump them 4-0

When the final whistle went in Paris, the disappointment of France&#39;s Euro 2016 loss to Portugal could be felt among their fans but after almost 10 years in the wilderness, coach Didier Deschamps has built a side ready to vie for the next World Cup. 
 
Having come into the tournament with few pundits expecting them to go beyond the semi-finals, let alone defeat Germany for the first time in a competitive game in 58 years, they managed to exceed expectations and lay solid foundations. 
 
There is a youthful togetherness, hunger and swagger about this French team that with a few tweaks will make them stronger as they aim for the World Cup title in Russia in two years&#39; time. 
 
The defeat to Portugal, while cruel in its manner, highlighted that France&#39;s young guns still need to mature after coming up against a more savvy opponent. Great teams are often built on such defeats. 
 
&quot;Our disappointment is immense and will take time to digest. We won together, we suffered together and we lost together,&quot; said Deschamps, laying emphasis on the family feel he has nurtured over the last two years. 
 
Twenty-year-old winger Kingsley Coman, France&#39;s youngest player, summed up the disappointment by storming off straight into the tunnel as the whistle went, but after a word from the staff was back to thank the fans. 
 
At 25, Antoine Griezmann proved with his six goals that he is just at the start of his journey as heir to the great French number 10s of Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini. 
 
Perhaps the burden on his shoulders after a 70th match of the season was just too much on the day. 
 
It was ironically France&#39;s main strength in the tournament, their attack, that let them down on the night. They lacked that cutting edge and freshness to get them over the line. 
 
But with Karim Benzema, their best striker absent at the tournament, Lyon&#39;s Alexandre Lacazette waiting in the wings and Anthony Martial still developing, the prospects are bright up front. 
 
Solid Spine 
 
The French midfield trio of Blaise Matuidi, Paul Pogba and Moussa Sissoko were on top for much of Sunday&#39;s match. N&#39;Golo Kante, who did not play in the final, has shown that he can add steel to the French midfield. 
 
Pogba still has to show that he can become the great player he aspires to be. His flashes of brilliance were too intermittent throughout the tournament. 
 
But at 23 he has his best years ahead of him and could be the man that drives this team forward. 
 
Prior to the tournament, France&#39;s Achilles heel was in defence. It has, on the whole, defied those critics. With no caps prior to Euro 2016, 22-year-old Samuel Umtiti has proved that he has a future at this level. 
 
The French team were already lacking their top central defensive partnership in Raphael Varane and Mamadou Sakho but are spoiled for choice at centre-back with Kurt Zouma and Aymeric Laporte among those knocking on the door. 
 
Arguably, Deschamps&#39; biggest headache will be replacing his full backs. 
 
While Patrice Evra has played a father figure role in the team, his performances have not justified his place. Layvin Kurzawa and Lucas Digne must now step up. On the right, Bacary Sagna will also step aside, although there is no natural replacement as yet. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m proud of what this group of 23 players achieved. We didn&#39;t get the reward, but we have an exceptional group and that let&#39;s us think that we will have better days,&quot; Deschamps said. 
 
(Reuters)

They might have lost to Portugal but coach Didier Deschamps has built a side ready to vie for the World Cup in two years

When the final whistle went in Paris, the disappointment of France's Euro 2016 loss to Portugal could be felt among their fans but after almost 10 years in the wilderness, coach Didier Deschamps has built a side ready to vie for the next World Cup. Having come into the tournament with few pundits expecting them to go beyond the semi-finals, let alone defeat Germany for the first time in a competitive game in 58 years, they managed to exceed expectations and lay solid foundations. There is a youthful togetherness, hunger and swagger about this French team that with a few tweaks will make them stronger as they aim for the World Cup title in Russia in two years' time. The defeat to Portugal, while cruel in its manner, highlighted that France's young guns still need to mature after coming up against a more savvy opponent. Great teams are often built on such defeats. "Our disappointment is immense and will take time to digest. We won together, we suffered together and we lost together," said Deschamps, laying emphasis on the family feel he has nurtured over the last two years. Twenty-year-old winger Kingsley Coman, France's youngest player, summed up the disappointment by storming off straight into the tunnel as the whistle went, but after a word from the staff was back to thank the fans. At 25, Antoine Griezmann proved with his six goals that he is just at the start of his journey as heir to the great French number 10s of Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini. Perhaps the burden on his shoulders after a 70th match of the season was just too much on the day. It was ironically France's main strength in the tournament, their attack, that let them down on the night. They lacked that cutting edge and freshness to get them over the line. But with Karim Benzema, their best striker absent at the tournament, Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette waiting in the wings and Anthony Martial still developing, the prospects are bright up front. Solid Spine The French midfield trio of Blaise Matuidi, Paul Pogba and Moussa Sissoko were on top for much of Sunday's match. N'Golo Kante, who did not play in the final, has shown that he can add steel to the French midfield. Pogba still has to show that he can become the great player he aspires to be. His flashes of brilliance were too intermittent throughout the tournament. But at 23 he has his best years ahead of him and could be the man that drives this team forward. Prior to the tournament, France's Achilles heel was in defence. It has, on the whole, defied those critics. With no caps prior to Euro 2016, 22-year-old Samuel Umtiti has proved that he has a future at this level. The French team were already lacking their top central defensive partnership in Raphael Varane and Mamadou Sakho but are spoiled for choice at centre-back with Kurt Zouma and Aymeric Laporte among those knocking on the door. Arguably, Deschamps' biggest headache will be replacing his full backs. While Patrice Evra has played a father figure role in the team, his performances have not justified his place. Layvin Kurzawa and Lucas Digne must now step up. On the right, Bacary Sagna will also step aside, although there is no natural replacement as yet. "I'm proud of what this group of 23 players achieved. We didn't get the reward, but we have an exceptional group and that let's us think that we will have better days," Deschamps said. (Reuters)

Better luck next time France

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

Football threw up another unlikely hero on Sunday when journeyman professional Eder scored the goal that won Euro 2016 for Portugal. 
 
Coach Fernando Santos said the &quot;ugly duckling has become beautiful&quot; after Eder, jeered by Portugal fans during a game in March, fired in a long-range goal 11 minutes from the end of extra-time to give Portugal an unexpected 1-0 win. 
 
Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated the Portuguese team for the last decade but, after the three-times world player of the year limped off injured, it was the 28-year-old Eder, born in Guinea-Bissau, who stole the headlines. 
 
Eder played 13 games for English Premier League Swansea City without scoring a goal last season before being loaned to French club Lille. 
 
&quot;I felt that Fernando Santos knows about my qualities ever since the day the squad was named,&quot; Eder told reporters. &quot;He put his confidence in me and today, I paid him back. I&#39;m very happy.&quot; 
 
His presence in the 23-man squad was in doubt until the very last minute and his goal on Sunday was only his fourth in 29 international appearances. 
 
Eder is one of five members of the Portuguese squad who were born outside Europe along with Danilo (Guinea Bissau), Pepe (Brazil), Nani (Cape Verde) and William Carvalho (Angola). 
 
Full name Ederzito Antonio Macedo Lopes, he has never played for any of the big three clubs in his homeland. 
 
After starting his career with third tier side Tourizense, he moved on to Academica Coimbra for four seasons before spending three seasons with slightly less unfashionable Braga. 
 
He made his international debut against Azerbaijan in 2014 but since then has only been a fringe player. 
 
Eder was brought on in the 79th minute of Sunday&#39;s game after Santos decided he needed a more physical presence in attack. 
 
&quot;I understood that Eder was the player who had to come on to hold up the ball in attack and create problems for France in the air,&quot; Santos said. 
 
&quot;When he went on, he said he would score the goal, and he did. He deserves congratulations. The ugly duckling turned into a beautiful one.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Portuguese coach Fernando Santos says of goalscorer Eder, whose presence in the 23-man squad was in doubt till the very last minute

Football threw up another unlikely hero on Sunday when journeyman professional Eder scored the goal that won Euro 2016 for Portugal. Coach Fernando Santos said the "ugly duckling has become beautiful" after Eder, jeered by Portugal fans during a game in March, fired in a long-range goal 11 minutes from the end of extra-time to give Portugal an unexpected 1-0 win. Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated the Portuguese team for the last decade but, after the three-times world player of the year limped off injured, it was the 28-year-old Eder, born in Guinea-Bissau, who stole the headlines. Eder played 13 games for English Premier League Swansea City without scoring a goal last season before being loaned to French club Lille. "I felt that Fernando Santos knows about my qualities ever since the day the squad was named," Eder told reporters. "He put his confidence in me and today, I paid him back. I'm very happy." His presence in the 23-man squad was in doubt until the very last minute and his goal on Sunday was only his fourth in 29 international appearances. Eder is one of five members of the Portuguese squad who were born outside Europe along with Danilo (Guinea Bissau), Pepe (Brazil), Nani (Cape Verde) and William Carvalho (Angola). Full name Ederzito Antonio Macedo Lopes, he has never played for any of the big three clubs in his homeland. After starting his career with third tier side Tourizense, he moved on to Academica Coimbra for four seasons before spending three seasons with slightly less unfashionable Braga. He made his international debut against Azerbaijan in 2014 but since then has only been a fringe player. Eder was brought on in the 79th minute of Sunday's game after Santos decided he needed a more physical presence in attack. "I understood that Eder was the player who had to come on to hold up the ball in attack and create problems for France in the air," Santos said. "When he went on, he said he would score the goal, and he did. He deserves congratulations. The ugly duckling turned into a beautiful one." (Reuters)

The 'ugly duckling has become beautiful'

French police have made more than 1,000 football-related arrests since the start of Euro 2016 and 34 have been ordered expelled, the interior minister said in an interview published on Monday. 
 
&quot;Since the start of the competition, (police) have carried out more than 1,000 arrests, leading to 600 custody orders and 56 convictions,&quot; interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve told La Provence newspaper. 
 
Supporter clashes around the England-Russia match in Marseille marked the start of the month-long tournament which runs until July 10. 
 
Cazeneuve said 34 people have been ordered expelled from France. He did not give a breakdown, but said many were linked to the violence before the June 11 game in Marseille at which 35 people were injured. At least 23 Russians have been expelled. 
 
French authorities have mobilised about 90,000 security forces and private guards for Euro 2016. 
 
(AFP)

34 people have been expelled from France and authorities have mobilised about 90,000 security forces and private guards for Euro 2016

French police have made more than 1,000 football-related arrests since the start of Euro 2016 and 34 have been ordered expelled, the interior minister said in an interview published on Monday. "Since the start of the competition, (police) have carried out more than 1,000 arrests, leading to 600 custody orders and 56 convictions," interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve told La Provence newspaper. Supporter clashes around the England-Russia match in Marseille marked the start of the month-long tournament which runs until July 10. Cazeneuve said 34 people have been ordered expelled from France. He did not give a breakdown, but said many were linked to the violence before the June 11 game in Marseille at which 35 people were injured. At least 23 Russians have been expelled. French authorities have mobilised about 90,000 security forces and private guards for Euro 2016. (AFP)

French interior minister: More than 1,000 arrests linked to Euro 2016

France will have the perfect opportunity to avenge their defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup when they take on their old foes in the Euro 2016 semi-finals on Thursday, according to star striker Olivier Giroud. 
 
&quot;It will be a great match, we have a lot of desire to get our own back for the World Cup,&quot; Giroud said after his two goals helped France thrash Iceland 5-2 in Sunday&#39;s quarter-final. 
 
A header from Mats Hummels knocked France out in the quarter-final in Rio de Janeiro two years ago and Germany went on to win their fourth global crown. 
 
But an even more painful elimination at German hands lingers in the French sporting memory - the 1982 World Cup, which featured the infamous flooring of Patrick Battiston by Harald &quot;Toni&quot; Schumacher. 
 
Arsenal forward Giroud said the showdown with Germany in Marseille will be &quot;a completely different match&quot; to the romp against the Icelanders. 
 
&quot;They are the world champions and they are often in the last four of major tournaments,&quot; Giroud said. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m very proud of what this France side is achieving and I hope we&#39;ll come out once again with the right result.&quot; 
 
In contrast to France&#39;s straightforward passage, Germany were given a severe test in their quarter-final. Italy took them to an error-strewn penalty shootout in Bordeaux on Saturday before Joachim Loew&#39;s side triumphed 6-5. 
 
The Germans suffered injuries that ruled out Mario Gomez for the rest of the tournament and left key midfielders Sami Khedira and captain Bastian Schweinsteiger struggling to be fit in time. 
 
Despite those setbacks, France coach Didier Deschamps is in no doubt that Germany are the class act of the tournament. 
 
&quot;Germany are the best team, there is no doubt about that, even if Italy gave them a few scares. But we are there in the final four and we&#39;ll give it our all,&quot; Deschamps said. 
 
&quot;They are one of the rare teams which can control a match. It will be a great game but it won&#39;t be a stroll in the park.&quot; 
 
Home advantage 
 
France striker Antoine Griezmann said taking on the Germans in front of a predominantly French crowd at the Stade Velodrome will help. 
 
&quot;We&#39;ll have to give everything we&#39;ve got, it&#39;ll be a semi-final at home, in front of so many supporters,&quot; he said after his goal against Iceland left him top of the Euro 2016 scorers&#39; charts with four. 
 
Hummels will not be there to torture France again as he did on that stifling hot day in Rio since he has been suspended for the semi-final. 
 
Deschamps withdrew Giroud and key defender Laurent Koscielny during the Iceland game as they were at risk of suffering the same fate. 
 
The match on Thursday takes place almost 34 years to the day since the 1982 World Cup semi-final in Seville which ended in a traumatic defeat for Michel Platini&#39;s team. 
 
Schumacher&#39;s shoulder-charge on Battiston left the French substitute with three broken ribs, broken teeth and cracked vertebrae. The German goalkeeper escaped without even a booking as the referee claimed he had not seen the incident. 
 
France roared to a 3-1 lead in extra-time but the Germans fought back to equalise with goals from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Klaus Fischer. The Germans, inevitably, won the penalty shootout 5-4, but went on to lose to Italy in the final. 
 
(AFP)

France look forward to set right their elimination at German hands in the 2014 World Cup with home ground advantage

France will have the perfect opportunity to avenge their defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup when they take on their old foes in the Euro 2016 semi-finals on Thursday, according to star striker Olivier Giroud. "It will be a great match, we have a lot of desire to get our own back for the World Cup," Giroud said after his two goals helped France thrash Iceland 5-2 in Sunday's quarter-final. A header from Mats Hummels knocked France out in the quarter-final in Rio de Janeiro two years ago and Germany went on to win their fourth global crown. But an even more painful elimination at German hands lingers in the French sporting memory - the 1982 World Cup, which featured the infamous flooring of Patrick Battiston by Harald "Toni" Schumacher. Arsenal forward Giroud said the showdown with Germany in Marseille will be "a completely different match" to the romp against the Icelanders. "They are the world champions and they are often in the last four of major tournaments," Giroud said. "I'm very proud of what this France side is achieving and I hope we'll come out once again with the right result." In contrast to France's straightforward passage, Germany were given a severe test in their quarter-final. Italy took them to an error-strewn penalty shootout in Bordeaux on Saturday before Joachim Loew's side triumphed 6-5. The Germans suffered injuries that ruled out Mario Gomez for the rest of the tournament and left key midfielders Sami Khedira and captain Bastian Schweinsteiger struggling to be fit in time. Despite those setbacks, France coach Didier Deschamps is in no doubt that Germany are the class act of the tournament. "Germany are the best team, there is no doubt about that, even if Italy gave them a few scares. But we are there in the final four and we'll give it our all," Deschamps said. "They are one of the rare teams which can control a match. It will be a great game but it won't be a stroll in the park." Home advantage France striker Antoine Griezmann said taking on the Germans in front of a predominantly French crowd at the Stade Velodrome will help. "We'll have to give everything we've got, it'll be a semi-final at home, in front of so many supporters," he said after his goal against Iceland left him top of the Euro 2016 scorers' charts with four. Hummels will not be there to torture France again as he did on that stifling hot day in Rio since he has been suspended for the semi-final. Deschamps withdrew Giroud and key defender Laurent Koscielny during the Iceland game as they were at risk of suffering the same fate. The match on Thursday takes place almost 34 years to the day since the 1982 World Cup semi-final in Seville which ended in a traumatic defeat for Michel Platini's team. Schumacher's shoulder-charge on Battiston left the French substitute with three broken ribs, broken teeth and cracked vertebrae. The German goalkeeper escaped without even a booking as the referee claimed he had not seen the incident. France roared to a 3-1 lead in extra-time but the Germans fought back to equalise with goals from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Klaus Fischer. The Germans, inevitably, won the penalty shootout 5-4, but went on to lose to Italy in the final. (AFP)

France's Giroud eyes Germany revenge

Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed to come back stronger for the coming season after suffering a knee injury in Portugal&#39;s triumphant Euro 2016 final earlier this month. 
 
The Real Madrid forward, who is in this year&#39;s Best Player in Europe shortlist, was carried off the pitch on a stretcher after 25 minutes in the final against hosts France. 
 
&quot;I just wanted to thank all my fans,&quot; Ronaldo said in a video on his Instagram account. 
 
&quot;I wanted to tell them that all is well and that I will come back much stronger. Thank you, long live Portugal.&quot; 
 
The thirty-one-year-old, who racked up 51 goals in 48 games last season, scored the decisive penalty to seal Real&#39;s second Champions League final success over local rivals Atletico Madrid in three years. 
 
La Liga runners-up Real begin their 2016-17 campaign, in what will be manager Zinedine Zidane&#39;s first full season in charge, away to Real Sociedad on August 21. 
 
(Reuters)

The Portuguese forward was forced to leave the field due to an injury after 25 minutes in the 2016 Euro final

Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed to come back stronger for the coming season after suffering a knee injury in Portugal's triumphant Euro 2016 final earlier this month. The Real Madrid forward, who is in this year's Best Player in Europe shortlist, was carried off the pitch on a stretcher after 25 minutes in the final against hosts France. "I just wanted to thank all my fans," Ronaldo said in a video on his Instagram account. "I wanted to tell them that all is well and that I will come back much stronger. Thank you, long live Portugal." The thirty-one-year-old, who racked up 51 goals in 48 games last season, scored the decisive penalty to seal Real's second Champions League final success over local rivals Atletico Madrid in three years. La Liga runners-up Real begin their 2016-17 campaign, in what will be manager Zinedine Zidane's first full season in charge, away to Real Sociedad on August 21. (Reuters)

Cristiano Ronaldo pledges to come back stronger after knee injury

A Ciaran Clark own goal earned Sweden a fortunate 1-1 draw against a spirited Ireland side in their Euro 2016 Group E opener at the Stade de France on Monday. 
 
Returning to the scene of Thierry Henry&#39;s infamous handball for France that crushed their 2010 World Cup qualifying dreams in an unforgettable playoff, Ireland were the better side for most of the game. 
 
They were rewarded for their domination three minutes into the second period when Wes Hoolahan scored with a splendid half-volley. 
 
However, they then lost their composure under Swedish pressure and centre back Clark headed a Zlatan Ibrahimovic cross into his own net in the 71st minute. 
 
&quot;The boys were unlucky but we&#39;ll take the point. We created a lot of chances&quot;, said Hoolahan. 
 
&quot;In the first half, we were excellent and at the start of the second as well. The boys should be proud of themselves, it&#39;s a great point in the end.&quot; 
 
Drawn in a tough group that also features Belgium and Italy, who meet in Lyon later on Monday, the two sides now face a battle to reach the last 16. 
 
After both were eliminated in the first round at the 2012 European Championship, Sweden and Ireland had a point to prove. 
 
The Irish had the first clear chance in the 10th minute when Jeff Hendrick&#39;s attempt from just outside the box was saved by Andreas Isaksson. 
 
John O&#39;Shea, in front of an open goal, then missed the ball by millimetres after Clark headed on a corner. 
 
Sweden were toothless in attack and misplaced several routine passes. 
 
Ireland came close again on the half-hour, Robbie Brady&#39;s missile from 18 metres shaving the bar. 
 
Three minutes later Hendrick&#39;s curled effort smashed against the woodwork as Ireland built some momentum but they could not make their domination count. 
 
They continued to push forward after the break and in the 48th minute half of the Stade de France roared with joy as Hoolahan produced a delightful shot from Seamus Coleman&#39;s centre. 
 
It spurred Sweden into action and Ireland defended stoutly until Ibrahimovic broke down the left, a rare foray by the striker, and his cross was nodded into the net by Clark. 
 
With 10 minutes left Irish coach Martin O&#39;Neill sent on Robbie Keane for Hoolahan as his men refused to settle for a draw. 
 
Ibrahimovic then went close in the 83rd minute, failing to connect with Martin Olsson&#39;s cross. 
 
Sweden, who remained unbeaten against Ireland in seven competitive matches, next face Italy on Friday.

Ireland scores within 3 minutes of second half, but lose composure under Swedish pressure

A Ciaran Clark own goal earned Sweden a fortunate 1-1 draw against a spirited Ireland side in their Euro 2016 Group E opener at the Stade de France on Monday. Returning to the scene of Thierry Henry's infamous handball for France that crushed their 2010 World Cup qualifying dreams in an unforgettable playoff, Ireland were the better side for most of the game. They were rewarded for their domination three minutes into the second period when Wes Hoolahan scored with a splendid half-volley. However, they then lost their composure under Swedish pressure and centre back Clark headed a Zlatan Ibrahimovic cross into his own net in the 71st minute. "The boys were unlucky but we'll take the point. We created a lot of chances", said Hoolahan. "In the first half, we were excellent and at the start of the second as well. The boys should be proud of themselves, it's a great point in the end." Drawn in a tough group that also features Belgium and Italy, who meet in Lyon later on Monday, the two sides now face a battle to reach the last 16. After both were eliminated in the first round at the 2012 European Championship, Sweden and Ireland had a point to prove. The Irish had the first clear chance in the 10th minute when Jeff Hendrick's attempt from just outside the box was saved by Andreas Isaksson. John O'Shea, in front of an open goal, then missed the ball by millimetres after Clark headed on a corner. Sweden were toothless in attack and misplaced several routine passes. Ireland came close again on the half-hour, Robbie Brady's missile from 18 metres shaving the bar. Three minutes later Hendrick's curled effort smashed against the woodwork as Ireland built some momentum but they could not make their domination count. They continued to push forward after the break and in the 48th minute half of the Stade de France roared with joy as Hoolahan produced a delightful shot from Seamus Coleman's centre. It spurred Sweden into action and Ireland defended stoutly until Ibrahimovic broke down the left, a rare foray by the striker, and his cross was nodded into the net by Clark. With 10 minutes left Irish coach Martin O'Neill sent on Robbie Keane for Hoolahan as his men refused to settle for a draw. Ibrahimovic then went close in the 83rd minute, failing to connect with Martin Olsson's cross. Sweden, who remained unbeaten against Ireland in seven competitive matches, next face Italy on Friday.

Clark own goal earns Sweden lucky 1-1 tie against Ireland

A man has been jailed for four weeks after attempting to break into Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho&#39;s London home, British police said today. 
 
Gabor Roman, a 25-year-old of no fixed address, was arrested on July 10 in the plush London street where the Portuguese boss lives.&nbsp;He appeared before a London court on Tuesday charged with attempted burglary. 
 
&quot;He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four weeks in prison,&quot; London&#39;s Metropolitan Police said in a statement. 
 
The Sun newspaper, which carried the story on its front page, said the incident took place while Mourinho was watching Portugal win the European Championships on television. 
 
The tabloid said his maid screamed as she saw Roman trying to get in a basement door.&nbsp;A private security guard hired by local residents noticed his unusual behaviour, going from house to house trying the doors.&nbsp;Following the scream, the guard blocked Roman as he tried to get away, The Sun said. 
 
It had a picture of Mourinho and his wife looking out of the window as Roman was arrested. 
 
(AFP)

Gabor Roman pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four weeks in prison. The incident happened when Mourinho was watching the Euro 2016 final

A man has been jailed for four weeks after attempting to break into Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho's London home, British police said today. Gabor Roman, a 25-year-old of no fixed address, was arrested on July 10 in the plush London street where the Portuguese boss lives. He appeared before a London court on Tuesday charged with attempted burglary. "He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four weeks in prison," London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement. The Sun newspaper, which carried the story on its front page, said the incident took place while Mourinho was watching Portugal win the European Championships on television. The tabloid said his maid screamed as she saw Roman trying to get in a basement door. A private security guard hired by local residents noticed his unusual behaviour, going from house to house trying the doors. Following the scream, the guard blocked Roman as he tried to get away, The Sun said. It had a picture of Mourinho and his wife looking out of the window as Roman was arrested. (AFP)

Man jailed for attempting to break into Mourinho's home

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

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

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

Football tensions mounted and patriotic hopes rose Sunday ahead of the Euro 2016 final between hosts France and Portugal that will unleash a clash between one of the world&#39;s greatest ever players Cristiano Ronaldo and would-be pretender Antoine Griezmann. 
 
After 50 matches over a month of football that has seen stunning shocks by Iceland and Wales, Ronaldo is counting on his side to produce one more upset so he can finally win an international trophy. 
 
Portugal will have to beat a French side who have found new inspiration from Griezmann, the tournament&#39;s leading scorer with six goals and will be willed on by a nation longing to rediscover the feelgood factor. 
 
With the country still on terrorist alert after the November 13 attacks in which 130 people died, more than 3,400 police will be on the Champs Elysees in Paris alone when the match starts at the Stade de France at 1900 GMT. 
 
National flags hung from apartment blocks and homes in cities across France and Portugal as football fever mounted. 
 
The buildup to Euro 2016 was clouded by fears that the tournament would be targeted by jihadists after 130 people were killed in terror attacks on Paris in November. 
 
&quot;The French people needed to find their way again,&quot; President Francois Hollande said in a commentary on the wave of support for the national team that has been in disgrace in recent years. 
 
&quot;We saw it at the time of the attacks. We came together in the dramas, we had to find ourselves in the happiness, to come together.&quot;Rival coaches Didier Deschamps of France and Fernando Santos of Portugal have been desperately trying to shield their teams from the sky-high hopes of their nations. 
 
Deschamps, who captained the French side that won the 1998 World Cup and the Euro title in 2000, said he could feel the adrenaline pumping. 
 
&quot;It`s an exceptional moment, a privilege, a unique chance because there is a title at the end,&quot; Deschamps said of the final. 
 
&quot;What you need to do is approach it as relaxed as possible while being at the same time totally focused on the match,&quot; he added. 
 
&quot;On the bench, there is a frustration in not taking part, but I can&#39;t do that anyway. But I&#39;m fine, I don&#39;t feel any pressure, no stress, just adrenaline and that&#39;s positive.&quot; 
 
France have put in some stylish performances, including their 5-2 win over Iceland to end the giant-killing run of the team that dumped England out of the contest. 
 
France captain Hugo Lloris said the team wants to put their name in the history books to redeem themselves for a player revolt at the 2010 World Cup that made them a national disgrace. 
 
The troubles were worsened by the exclusion of star striker Karim Benzema over an alleged sextape blackmail attempt. 
 
&quot;We have come through a crisis in French football,&quot; the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper said. &quot;We have climbed back up the slope, we have done it step by step.&quot; 
 
Lloris said Sunday&#39;s final is &quot;the chance to go into French football history.&quot; 
 
France, with home advantage in the 85,000-capacity stadium, and with Griezmann, star midfielder Paul Pogba and the calming influence of Lloris, start as favourites. 
 
But they acknowledge the omnipresent danger of Ronaldo on the pitch. 
 
Santos has succeeded by building a team around the superstar striker and winning &quot;ugly&quot; when necessary to get to the next round. 
 
Portugal&#39;s 2-0 win over Wales in the semi-final was their first in the tournament achieved within 90 minutes. 
 
Veterans such as defender Pepe and Ricardo Quaresma have played lynchpin roles on days when Ronaldo has failed to fire.Portugal have been criticised for some of their European Championship performances but Santos said he does not care. 
 
He also says France are the favourites but believes Portugal can win. 
 
&quot;Let them carry on saying that Portugal won without deserving it,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;I will be very happy if they say that again tomorrow. I will go home very happy.&quot; 
 
Portugal have never fully recovered from losing the 2004 Euro final to Greece when they hosted the tournament. 
 
Ronaldo, who shed tears as a 19-year-old at that match, said this week he wants to be &quot;crying with joy&quot; today. 
 
Ronaldo&#39;s Real Madrid teammate Pepe is fully fit again after missing the semi-final through injury. Pepe said Portugal were strong because they want to win. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve been at a very demanding club for 10 years and I`ve been playing for Portugal since 2008,&quot; he said when asked about his own ambition to win at the age of 33. 
 
&quot;I have three European Championship and two World Cup campaigns to my name. 
 
&quot;I have always been very demanding of myself. I don`t like to lose, I want to help my team. That makes me play at the highest level and to be recognised at the highest level.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

France Captain Hugo Lloris said Sunday's final is 'the chance to go into French football history'

Football tensions mounted and patriotic hopes rose Sunday ahead of the Euro 2016 final between hosts France and Portugal that will unleash a clash between one of the world's greatest ever players Cristiano Ronaldo and would-be pretender Antoine Griezmann. After 50 matches over a month of football that has seen stunning shocks by Iceland and Wales, Ronaldo is counting on his side to produce one more upset so he can finally win an international trophy. Portugal will have to beat a French side who have found new inspiration from Griezmann, the tournament's leading scorer with six goals and will be willed on by a nation longing to rediscover the feelgood factor. With the country still on terrorist alert after the November 13 attacks in which 130 people died, more than 3,400 police will be on the Champs Elysees in Paris alone when the match starts at the Stade de France at 1900 GMT. National flags hung from apartment blocks and homes in cities across France and Portugal as football fever mounted. The buildup to Euro 2016 was clouded by fears that the tournament would be targeted by jihadists after 130 people were killed in terror attacks on Paris in November. "The French people needed to find their way again," President Francois Hollande said in a commentary on the wave of support for the national team that has been in disgrace in recent years. "We saw it at the time of the attacks. We came together in the dramas, we had to find ourselves in the happiness, to come together."Rival coaches Didier Deschamps of France and Fernando Santos of Portugal have been desperately trying to shield their teams from the sky-high hopes of their nations. Deschamps, who captained the French side that won the 1998 World Cup and the Euro title in 2000, said he could feel the adrenaline pumping. "It`s an exceptional moment, a privilege, a unique chance because there is a title at the end," Deschamps said of the final. "What you need to do is approach it as relaxed as possible while being at the same time totally focused on the match," he added. "On the bench, there is a frustration in not taking part, but I can't do that anyway. But I'm fine, I don't feel any pressure, no stress, just adrenaline and that's positive." France have put in some stylish performances, including their 5-2 win over Iceland to end the giant-killing run of the team that dumped England out of the contest. France captain Hugo Lloris said the team wants to put their name in the history books to redeem themselves for a player revolt at the 2010 World Cup that made them a national disgrace. The troubles were worsened by the exclusion of star striker Karim Benzema over an alleged sextape blackmail attempt. "We have come through a crisis in French football," the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper said. "We have climbed back up the slope, we have done it step by step." Lloris said Sunday's final is "the chance to go into French football history." France, with home advantage in the 85,000-capacity stadium, and with Griezmann, star midfielder Paul Pogba and the calming influence of Lloris, start as favourites. But they acknowledge the omnipresent danger of Ronaldo on the pitch. Santos has succeeded by building a team around the superstar striker and winning "ugly" when necessary to get to the next round. Portugal's 2-0 win over Wales in the semi-final was their first in the tournament achieved within 90 minutes. Veterans such as defender Pepe and Ricardo Quaresma have played lynchpin roles on days when Ronaldo has failed to fire.Portugal have been criticised for some of their European Championship performances but Santos said he does not care. He also says France are the favourites but believes Portugal can win. "Let them carry on saying that Portugal won without deserving it," he said. "I will be very happy if they say that again tomorrow. I will go home very happy." Portugal have never fully recovered from losing the 2004 Euro final to Greece when they hosted the tournament. Ronaldo, who shed tears as a 19-year-old at that match, said this week he wants to be "crying with joy" today. Ronaldo's Real Madrid teammate Pepe is fully fit again after missing the semi-final through injury. Pepe said Portugal were strong because they want to win. "I've been at a very demanding club for 10 years and I`ve been playing for Portugal since 2008," he said when asked about his own ambition to win at the age of 33. "I have three European Championship and two World Cup campaigns to my name. "I have always been very demanding of myself. I don`t like to lose, I want to help my team. That makes me play at the highest level and to be recognised at the highest level." (AFP)

France, Portugal head for Euro 2016 final showdown

Seeking to win an unprecedented third consecutive European Championship, Vicente del Bosque&#39;s Spain will once again have to see off Italy to retain their crown.

Before winning back-to-back Euros and a maiden World Cup in 2010, Spain suffered an inferiority complex with Italy having never beaten them in five tries at major finals.

A quarter-final clash between the two in Vienna in 2008 changed that. Spain -- who had previously suffered a terrible record on penalties -- went through in a shootout before going on to win the tournament.

&quot;That is the most important day in the history of the Spanish national team,&quot; said captain Iker Casillas.

After winning the World Cup, Spain had to face Italy twice more in retaining the Euros four years ago.

A 1-1 draw in the opening match was long forgotten as del Bosque&#39;s men thrashed Italy 4-0 in the final. 
 
La Roja then also won another shootout between the two in the Confederations Cup semi-finals in 2013. Indeed, the European champions have lost just one of their last 11 meetings with Italy - a 2-1 friendly defeat in 2011.

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been a constant menace to the Azzurri. He scored the winning penalty in 2008, Spain&#39;s equaliser in the 2012 opening game and set up David Silva&#39;s opener in the final.

Fabregas will also be coming up against his future manager as Italian boss Antonio Conte will take over at Stamford Bridge next season. 
 
Tough route

&quot;The way they play will demand the absolute most of us,&quot; Fabregas told Spanish sports daily Marca.

Spain started the tournament in great form, sweeping aside the Czech Republic and Turkey.

However, a shock 2-1 defeat to Croatia in Bordeaux on Tuesday cost del Bosque&#39;s men top spot in Group D and a much easier route to the final.

Even if they see off Italy, Spain will have to beat world&#39;s&nbsp;champions Germany and&nbsp;France for the right to defend their title in Paris on July 10.

&quot;We need to get back to playing our best football because they will not stop running and fight for every ball,&quot; added Fabregas.

&quot;They have a very strong defence and they know how to take their chances.&quot;

Italy have been dealt a huge blow with influential midfielder Antonio Candreva ruled out due to a groin injury.

Conte&#39;s men have been unfortunate to find themselves on the tougher side of the draw despite beating the highly-fancied Belgium to top Group E.

&quot;There is a crazy imbalance in the draw for the second round, but those are the rules and we have to respect them,&quot; said Conte.

The former Juventus boss made eight changes for the 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday with qualification to the last 16 already assured.

Juventus stalwart Giorgio Chiellini will return to partner club teammates Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci.

And Chiellini is hopeful Italy can reverse their recent run against Spain.

&quot;In a way, they&#39;re our bogey team,&quot; he said.

&quot;But let&#39;s keep things in perspective. The Ireland match, with all respect to them, didn&#39;t really count for us.&quot;

&quot;And if we play to our potential, give it everything and limit them where they are strong, I think we can create something special.&quot;

Chiellini will also come head-to-head with another former Juventus teammate Alvero Morata, who Real Madrid exercised a buyback clause on last week.

&quot;I wish him well for the rest of his career but I hope he has a bad match on Monday,&quot; joked Chiellini.

&quot;He&#39;s a special kind of guy and a player who, as well as having great skills, is only going to get better.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Before Spain's maiden victory in World Cup 2010, it had suffered an 'inferiority complex' for having not beaten Italy in 5 tries at finals

Seeking to win an unprecedented third consecutive European Championship, Vicente del Bosque's Spain will once again have to see off Italy to retain their crown. Before winning back-to-back Euros and a maiden World Cup in 2010, Spain suffered an inferiority complex with Italy having never beaten them in five tries at major finals. A quarter-final clash between the two in Vienna in 2008 changed that. Spain -- who had previously suffered a terrible record on penalties -- went through in a shootout before going on to win the tournament. "That is the most important day in the history of the Spanish national team," said captain Iker Casillas. After winning the World Cup, Spain had to face Italy twice more in retaining the Euros four years ago. A 1-1 draw in the opening match was long forgotten as del Bosque's men thrashed Italy 4-0 in the final. La Roja then also won another shootout between the two in the Confederations Cup semi-finals in 2013. Indeed, the European champions have lost just one of their last 11 meetings with Italy - a 2-1 friendly defeat in 2011. Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been a constant menace to the Azzurri. He scored the winning penalty in 2008, Spain's equaliser in the 2012 opening game and set up David Silva's opener in the final. Fabregas will also be coming up against his future manager as Italian boss Antonio Conte will take over at Stamford Bridge next season. Tough route "The way they play will demand the absolute most of us," Fabregas told Spanish sports daily Marca. Spain started the tournament in great form, sweeping aside the Czech Republic and Turkey. However, a shock 2-1 defeat to Croatia in Bordeaux on Tuesday cost del Bosque's men top spot in Group D and a much easier route to the final. Even if they see off Italy, Spain will have to beat world's champions Germany and France for the right to defend their title in Paris on July 10. "We need to get back to playing our best football because they will not stop running and fight for every ball," added Fabregas. "They have a very strong defence and they know how to take their chances." Italy have been dealt a huge blow with influential midfielder Antonio Candreva ruled out due to a groin injury. Conte's men have been unfortunate to find themselves on the tougher side of the draw despite beating the highly-fancied Belgium to top Group E. "There is a crazy imbalance in the draw for the second round, but those are the rules and we have to respect them," said Conte. The former Juventus boss made eight changes for the 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday with qualification to the last 16 already assured. Juventus stalwart Giorgio Chiellini will return to partner club teammates Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. And Chiellini is hopeful Italy can reverse their recent run against Spain. "In a way, they're our bogey team," he said. "But let's keep things in perspective. The Ireland match, with all respect to them, didn't really count for us." "And if we play to our potential, give it everything and limit them where they are strong, I think we can create something special." Chiellini will also come head-to-head with another former Juventus teammate Alvero Morata, who Real Madrid exercised a buyback clause on last week. "I wish him well for the rest of his career but I hope he has a bad match on Monday," joked Chiellini. "He's a special kind of guy and a player who, as well as having great skills, is only going to get better." (AFP)

Euro 2016: To settle scores with its 'old foe', Spain aims reversal of fortune with Italy

Wales reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland on Saturday, thanks to an own goal by Gareth McAuley in a poor encounter at the Parc des Princes.

Centre back McAuley turned a Gareth Bale cross into his own net 15 minutes from time in the all British last-16 clash.

The Irish had their best chance in the first half when Stuart Dallas&#39;s fierce strike was parried away by goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

Wales will play Belgium or Hungary, who meet on Sunday, for a place in the semi-finals next Friday in Lille. 
 
(Reuters)

The Welsh will play Belgium or Hungary for a place in the semi-finals next Friday

Wales reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland on Saturday, thanks to an own goal by Gareth McAuley in a poor encounter at the Parc des Princes. Centre back McAuley turned a Gareth Bale cross into his own net 15 minutes from time in the all British last-16 clash. The Irish had their best chance in the first half when Stuart Dallas's fierce strike was parried away by goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. Wales will play Belgium or Hungary, who meet on Sunday, for a place in the semi-finals next Friday in Lille. (Reuters)

Northern Ireland own goal seals it for Wales, sends it to quarter-finals

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