Football: Italy book Euro semi-final spot with 2-1 win over Belgium

MUNICH, GERMANY (REUTERS) – Italy set up a Euro 2020 semi-final clash against Spain after first half goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne led the Azzurri to a 2-1 win over Belgium on Friday (July 2) in an entertaining encounter in which both sides created a number of chances. Italy – who will face... » read more

Football: Sweden top Euro group in last-gasp 3-2 win sending Poland home

ST PETERSBURG (REUTERS) – Sweden cruised into a two-goal lead against Poland on Wednesday (June 23) before being pegged back by a Robert Lewandowski brace then notching a last-ditch winner to top Group E and send their opponents home from Euro 2020. Winger Emil Forsberg set the Swedes on their way with two goals, including... » read more

Football: Sterling strikes as England beat Czechs to top Euro 2020 group

LONDON (AFP) – England found an attacking spark to beat the Czech Republic 1-0 at Wembley on Tuesday (June 22) and clinch top spot in Group D at Euro 2020. Raheem Sterling, who kept his place alongside Harry Kane in a rejigged attack, settled fans’ nerves with an early headed goal, which ultimately proved decisive.... » read more

Football: Barcelona’s Dembele needs surgery for Euro injury

BUDAPEST (AFP) – Winger Ousmane Dembele, who was hurt playing for France at Euro 2020, will need surgery his club, Barcelona, said on Tuesday (June 22). The club said on their website that tests on Tuesday had shown “a dislocation of the biceps tendon in his right knee” requiring an operation. Dembele, who left the... » read more

Football: Switzerland beat Turkey 3-1 to keep Euro 2020 hopes alive

BAKU (REUTERS) – Xherdan Shaqiri scored twice to lead Switzerland to a 3-1 win against Turkey on Sunday (June 20) in their Euro 2020 Group A match that kept their hopes of reaching the knockouts alive. Turkey exit the competition after a third straight defeat while the Swiss hope to progress to the last 16... » read more

Football: Portugal’s Santos shoulders blame for big loss to resurgent Germany

MUNICH (REUTERS) – Portugal were outnumbered in midfield and failed to keep up with experienced Germany duo Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan in their Euro 2020 group game, coach Fernando Santos said as he took full responsibility for Saturday’s (June 19) humbling 4-2 defeat. Cristiano Ronaldo had put defending champions Portugal ahead inside 15 minutes... » read more

Football: Ronaldo breaks Euro goalscoring record as Portugal beat Hungary

BUDAPEST (AFP) – Ronaldo netted a double to become the European Championship’s all-time leading scorer as Portugal struck three times late on to beat a stubborn Hungary 3-0 in their Euro 2020 opener at a packed Puskas Arena on Tuesday (June 15). The holders, who appear to have a much stronger squad than when they... » read more

Football: Netherlands edge out Ukraine in five-goal Euro thriller

AMSTERDAM (AFP) – Denzel Dumfries scored a dramatic late winner as the Netherlands marked their long-awaited return to a major tournament with a 3-2 victory over Ukraine in a remarkable Euro 2020 game in Amsterdam on Sunday (June 13). Dumfries, the PSV Eindhoven full-back, headed in a cross from substitute Nathan Ake to complete a... » read more

Football: England’s Alexander-Arnold ruled out of Euro 2020

LONDON (AFP) – England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss Euro 2020 with a thigh injury suffered in Wednesday’s friendly against Austria. Alexander-Arnold limped off in the closing stages of England’s 1-0 win after sustaining the injury while clearing the ball. The Liverpool right-back looked emotional as he was helped around the pitch and England manager... » read more

Football: Lingard among six dropped by England from final Euro squad

(REUTERS) – England manager Gareth Southgate named four rightbacks in his final 26-man squad for the European championship on Tuesday (June 1) after dropping six players including in-form attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard. Others who failed to make the cut were defenders Ben Godfrey and Ben White, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, forward Ollie Watkins and midfielder James... » read more

Football: Italy to host Euro 2020 games with stadium at 25 per cent capacity
Football: Italy to host Euro 2020 games with stadium at 25 per cent capacity

ROME (AFP) – Italy has agreed to host Euro 2020 matches at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico filled by “at least 25 per cent” of its regular capacity, the country’s football federation FIGC said on Tuesday (April 13). No supporters are currently permitted into football stadiums in Italy, but the country was under strong pressure from Uefa... » read more