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    Portugal 2 Spain 2 (5-3 pens): Tearful Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, wins third international trophy in Nations League thriller

    PORTUGAL tasted Nations League glory for a second time with Cristiano Ronaldo playing a starring role – and Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata the villain.After winning the inaugural 2019 edition, Roberto Martinez’s men are champions once more in a thrilling finale in Munich, fighting back twice to draw level against reigning European champions Spain.Portugal beat Spain 5-3 on penalties in the Nations League finalCristiano Ronaldo lifted the Nations League trophy for the second timeThe 40-year-old broke down in tears after Ruben Neves scored the last spot-kickDiogo Costa saved Alvaro Morata’s penaltyRonaldo netted an ingenious equalising 61st minute volley to make it 2-2 for his 938th career goal and 138th for his country – but the 40-year-old watched the penalties from the bench, along with 17-year-old teenage superstar Lamine Yamal.And Spain’s Morata missed his spot-kick for Ruben Neves to slot home the winner.Both nations were vying to become the first to lift the Nations League twice.A slow start was thrust into life by a Nico Williams whipped curler that just cleared the bar after 17 minutes – and four minutes later the Spaniards were ahead.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSYamal at the heart of it, his delicious cross was made a mess of by a scrambling Portugal defence, allowing soon-to-be Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi to score just his second international goal.Spain were 4-0 up after 55 minutes in their 5-4 semi thriller against France last week, but Ronaldo was not about to let that happen again as he burst in behind to spark an attack.It ended with Mendes firing low into the bottom corner in the 26th minute, but not before a VAR check that judged Ronaldo to have timed his run to perfection.The final say of the first half was Spain’s.Most read in FootballArsenal target Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring in the 21st minuteNuno Mendes levelled the scores within five minutesMikel Oyarzabal made it 2-1 on the stroke of half-timeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPedri with a superb reverse pass to tee up Mikel Oyarzabal in injury time – the man who broke English hearts in the Euros final in Berlin last summer producing another big goal in Munich.Martinez responded by bringing on Neves and Nelson Semedo at the break, and it almost had an instant impact as Bruno Fernandes had a 49th minute strike ruled out for offside.Cristiano Ronaldo’s bodyguard Hichman Bukhari talks about the risks of protecting the football superstar An equaliser was coming and Ronaldo reacted first to a deflected looped cross that bamboozled Marc Cucurella for his eighth Nations League goal of the campaign.He hobbled off with a muscular injury in the 88th minute, while Yamal was subbed in the 106th minute, as the game became niggly with a VAR red-check following a mass melee.Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes all slotted home their penalties before Neves became the hero.Ronaldo equalised in the 61st minute with his 138rd international goalThe 40-year-old limped off injured in the 87th minuteThe footie legend touched his badge during the celebrationsBallon d’Or contender Lamine Yamal endured a quiet night More

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    ‘What should I tell you?’ – Thomas Tuchel claims he is not feeling the pressure after abject England win over Andorra

    THOMAS TUCHEL claims he is not feeling the heat as England boss — despite failing to fire up the nation’s World Cup hopes since taking over.The German slammed his players’ poor attitude and body language after they limped to a 1-0 win away against Andorra.Thomas Tuchel responded to criticism after another boring winCredit: GettyEngland scraped past Andorra 1-0 in World Cup qualifyingCredit: GettyTheir World Cup qualifier in Barcelona followed uninspiring performances in Tuchel’s first two games against Albania and Latvia in March.And despite his Three Lions boasting maximum points from three qualifiers, the team have shown little sign of being in any shape to win the trophy.But ahead of tomorrow night’s friendly against Senegal in Nottingham, Tuchel said: “I always feel pressure as I am not happy with myself.“The biggest pressure comes from myself. We have three wins and three clean sheets and have a friendly match on Tuesday. I have felt more pressure than that.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTuchel pulled no punches after Saturday’s win.Asked if it was a risk attacking his stars so early in his reign, he said: “What risk? You were in the stadium. What should I tell you? “That we played a good match and are happy. The risk is only that you exaggerate it and make something of it that was not there.“Everything I said, I said already to the team. There is no harm done.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We were not happy and no single player will be happy with what we showed against Andorra.“Why would the coach be? And why would we be shy of saying so? If we want to get better, we first need to address that we were not happy with the end of both halves.’They looked bored’ – Roy Keane slams England’s ‘poor attitude’ as Thomas Tuchel admits ‘I didn’t like’ Andorra effort“I didn’t name a single name. We do this as a team. It’s always a ‘we’ — and I just didn’t like how we ended the match and the way that we ended the first half.“I didn’t like the attitude or the energy level and how that dropped. I liked the beginning of the team.“It always includes me. Everything I say, I tell the players.“I didn’t like the attitude in the end. We lacked the urgency at the end.“We played with fire. We didn’t play like we have to play in a World Cup qualifier when we were only 1-0 up.“What did I do wrong? Yes, I am included. But I don’t know. We still won a match. We still won a World Cup qualifier and I am the first one to ask if we could do better.”Senegal will provide Tuchel’s team with much stronger opposition compared to his first three matches.The ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich chief said: “It would have been a good test anyway. No matter how well or not well we played against Andorra.Read More on The Sun“We don’t have lots of matches. We worship every training and match.”Tuchel is set to ring the changes at a sold-out City Ground, with Conor Gallagher, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Declan Rice likely to feature.Harry Kane grabbed the only goal in BarcelonaCredit: ReutersEngland were back in training at St George’s Park on SundayCredit: Getty More

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    Tottenham AGREE deal to make Thomas Frank new manager as Spurs negotiate compensation with Brentford

    THOMAS FRANK has agreed to become the new Tottenham manager.SunSport understands that following talks over the weekend, the Brentford boss is close to becoming Ange Postecoglou’s replacement.Brentford manager Thomas Frank is set to replace Ange Postecoglou at the Tottenham Hostpur StadiumSpurs owner Daniel Levy will need to pay a hefty compensation package to BrentfordFrank, 51, wants to make the switch across London which will end his near-seven-year spell with the Bees.It is now down to Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to settle on a compensation package with G-Tech stadium chiefs.Tottenham brutally sacked Postecoglou on Friday despite the Aussie ending their 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League last month.And Levy is moving quickly to appoint the Dane, who guided Brentford to a 10th place Premier League finish this season.READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWSFulham manager Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola have been in the running but Frank is expected to become the fourth permanent Tottenham boss in the last four years.Frank joined Brentford in 2018 and after promotion to the top-flight less than three years later, he has made them an established Prem club.The Dane already wants to bring Bryan Mbeumo, 25, with him to North London with Spurs trying to hijack Manchester United’s proposed deal for the Cameroonian winger.Although that could cost Levy up to £70million with a possible £10m deal for Frank, plus £60m for Mbuemo’s services.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat would test Tottenham’s financial power, especially as Mbeumo is thought to be demanding around £250,000 per week in wages, which would make him the club’s highest-paid player.But Spurs’ victory over United in Bilbao does mean they can offer him Champions League football.Watch Thomas Frank’s incredible Brentford speech after beating Newcastle Frank will also be tasked with a significant improvement in the Premier League following Tottenham’s worst ever finish.Despite Postecoglou’s European success, he oversaw a club-record 22 Prem defeats, which resulted in them coming 17th.Spurs are trying to hijack Man Utd’s move for Bryan Mbeumo More

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    Football team who top league for replica shirt sales revealed as retro kits also make a comeback

    MANCHESTER United may have had one of their worst seasons — but they topped the league for shirt sales at airports.More fans bought Red Devils jerseys than those from the likes of Man City and Liverpool during the Prem season, figures show.The Red Devils’ tops of Bruno Fernandes and Co took top spot overallCredit: APLiverpool may have clinched the title but among shoppers at JD Sports outlets at London Stansted and East Midlands, as well as, unsurprisingly, Manchester, their tops were popular enough only for fourth place.United’s local rivals Man City ranked second, with England shirts third.Retro also appears to be making a revival, with 1990s England shirts in the top 20.While the Red Devils tops of Bruno Fernandes and Co took top spot overall, there were regional variations.Read More on SportArsenal kit was the best-seller at Stansted and the Gunners appeared in the top five across all three airports, owned by Manchester Airport Group.Prem strugglers Tottenham were only eighth at Stansted, their nearest airport.They were the fourth-placed London team, also behind Chelsea and West Ham, and were even beaten by Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan across all airports.At East Midlands, the England shirt was No1.Most read in FootballMAG communications director Adam Jupp said: “Airports are always places where people love to show their football allegiances — whether that’s fans travelling to fixtures at home or abroad, or international visitors coming to watch world famous teams here in the UK.“Despite a dismal season, Man United’s appeal, across the UK and with inbound tourists, appears to be as strong as ever.”Man Utd’s 2024-25 home shirt ‘leaked’ as fans praise retro design and say ‘it’s giving me Vodafone vibes’ More

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    Uriah Rennie dead: Premier League’s first black referee passes away aged 65 after rare condition left him paralysed

    PREMIER League’s first black referee Uriah Rennie has tragically passed away aged 65.Legend Rennie had recently opened up about a rare condition that left him paralysed from the waist down.Rennie had been diagnosed with a rare neurological conditionRennie has died aged 65Credit: GettyKieran Richardson (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United protest to referee Uriah Rennie in 2006Credit: GettyOnce described as the “fittest” referee in England’s top division, Rennie refereed over 300 top flight matches between 1997 and 2008.But after experiencing intense back pain while on holiday in Turkey last year, Rennie was admitted to Northern General Hospital in October.He told the BBC: “I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn’t go.”By the end of the holiday I couldn’t sleep a wink from the pain, and by the time I got home I could barely walk.read more sport”I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed.”They kept me in hospital until February, they found a nodule pushing on my spine and it was a rare neurological condition so it’s not something they can operate on.”I have had to learn to move all over again, I’m retraining my legs.”He continued: “It was strange – I went from running around the city to in essence being in traction for such a long time.Most read in Football”I didn’t have any previous back problems but quite suddenly I wasn’t able to move and was in a spinal unit.”Having been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned for issues such as improving equality and inclusion in sport, Rennie was on the verge of starting a new role as Sheffield Hallam University chancellor when he first went into hospital.West Ham star Michail Antonio shares footage of himself learning to walk again after escaping death in horror crashHe later spent much of his time in physiotherapy and completing movement exercises at his home.Describing his state of movement a few months ago, he said: “I can move my feet and I can stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair but I need to work on my glutes.”I rock around in my chair doing my exercises, I’m a very good, compliant patient.”It has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable, the hospital was absolutely superb and the university has been exceptional.”Rennie made history in 1997 when he became the Premier League’s first black referee, officiating a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.An FA statement read: “The FA Refereeing Department is saddened to hear of the passing of former FIFA and Premier League referee, Uriah Rennie.”Uriah will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer of the game. Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this time.”Tributes to Rennie have been pouring in, with Sheffield United posting on social media: “Sheffield United are saddened to learn of the passing of popular and trailblazing referee Uriah Rennie. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”And ex-Premier League striker Stan Collymore said: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of referee Uriah Rennie. “A pioneer, trailblazer and a bloody good ref. Rest in peace, Ref.”The Sheffield FA also paid tribute to Rennie, saying: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former Chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie. “Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008.Read More on The Sun”He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come. “Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this difficult time.”Rennie signals during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool in 2003Credit: Getty More

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    Is there extra time in the Nations League final?

    PORTUGAL and Spain are currently battling it out in this year’s Nations League final – and it could go either way.The eagerly awaited showdown between Cristiano Ronaldo and the heir to Lionel Messi’s crown Lamine Yamal has not failed to disappoint.Cristinao Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal face off in a huge Nations League finalCredit: GettyNATIONS LEAGUE FINAL LIVE Yamal is yet to make his mark on the match but Cristiano Ronaldo has got himself on the scoresheet with a superb volley.Spain are looking to secure back-to-back titles after beating Croatia in the 2023 edition.While Portugal are hoping pull off their second triump after winning the first-ever competition in 2019.Read more on Nations LeagueAnd with the way things stand, its impossible to call a winner in this epic match.Is there extra time in the Nations League final?Yes, extra time is used in the Nations League final.Ifthe scores are level after 90 minutes, the final will go to extra-time. And if no one can find a winner after the additional 30 minutes, a penalty shootout will decide the Nations League champions.Most read in FootballWas extra time available in the Nations League third-placed playoff?There was no extra time available in the third-placed playoff match earlier today.However, it wasn’t needed as France ran out 2-0 winners against Germany.Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise got on the scoresheet. More

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    Robert Lewandowski QUITS Poland national team and refuses to play again until manager is sacked

    LEGEND Robert Lewandowski has sensationally quit playing for Poland – “until” the manager is sacked.The Barcelona striker blamed a “loss of trust” in Michał Probierz after the national coach stripped him of the captaincy. Robert Lewandowski went on social media for his shock announcementCredit: GettyLewandowski, 36, has hit 85 goals in 158 internationals.He posted on social media: “Considering the circumstances and the loss of trust in the coach of the Polish National Team, I decided to resign from playing in the Polish National Team until he is [not] the coach. “I hope that I will be able to play for the best fans in the world.”But despite his iconic status in his home country, some Polish fans have criticised Lewandowski for missing recent matches.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSProbierz then replaced him as skipper with Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski.But Lewandowski’s hard-hitting announcement as he retired from the international game has shocked the football world.He’s arguably Poland’s greatest-ever player, having made his debut in 2008.Club-wise, the former Lech Poznan starlet won the Bundesliga twice with Borussia Dortmund and eight times with Bayern Munich, where he also tasted Champions League glory in 2020.Most read in FootballThe frontman has scored 85 goals in 158 internationalsCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSince then, Lewandowski has picked up two LaLiga crowns after moving to Barca three years ago.But fans on social media seemed split over Lewandowski’s decision to stop playing for Poland.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starMany reckon it proved 52-year-old coach Probierz should be axed after two years in charge.One posted: “Robert, you deserve much better treatment.”Another wrote: “How can you have a problem with Robert, who is undoubtedly the best Polish footballer in history who has achieved more than all the others put together, that he will not play for Probierz again.”But other supporters criticised Lewandowski for “abandoning” his national team.One put: “[Jakub] Blaszczykowski did not give up playing in the national team after losing the captain’s armband, just saying”And another wrote: “But when the armband was there, there was some trust, but then it was lost and you say bye-bye. In such a situation, the player should choose the coach? Now, maybe at least some players will show what they are capable of without one star.” More

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    Hayden Hackney lifts lid on emotional final words from Man Utd legend Michael Carrick after Boro sacking ahead of Euros

    HAYDEN HACKNEY admits it was bittersweet getting his European Championship call-up 24 hours after Middlesbrough mentor Michael Carrick was axed.He also revealed the encouraging final words his former boss had for him ahead of him flying out with the Young Lions to try and retain their Euro crown.Hayden Hackney is part of the England U21 European Championship squadCredit: AlamyMiddlesbrough sacked Michael Carrick as boss this weekCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old Hackney, who SunSport exclusively revealed is being tracked by Tottenham, is in Slovakia preparing for England U21s’ first group game against Czechia on Thursday.The midfielder has become one of the most-sought after players in the Championship after being handed a chance to blossom at his hometown club under Carrick.Hackney is chomping at the bit now to make his mark on the international stage after being selected by Lee Carsley – though he admitted that the news of the Manchester United legend’s sacking soured it a little.He said: “I found out Thursday I was in the squad and told my mum and dad and yeah I was buzzing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“But also, yeah I was gutted about Michael Carrick to be honest. He’s done loads for me.”He put his trust in me to play the majority of games and helped me so much with everything really. I can’t thank him enough for that.“I text him straight away wishing him all the best in the future and he replied wishing me good luck for going away with England. It was nice.“It’s probably the first manager that I’ve lost and I just wanted to thank him for everything. But now a new guy will come in, whoever that may be, and as a squad we’ll go from there.”Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesHackney finds himself alongside some big names from huge clubs all across the Continent in the England set-up.But the shy-Teessider admitted that after Carsley initially helped him settle into the camp, he now feels that he belongs on this stage too.Five EFL Championship stars destined for the Premier LeagueHackney, who previously represented Scotland U21s before switching and making his Young Lions debut in 2023, said: “Lee Carsley was welcoming when I first came in.”When I’m on a training ground, he gives me tips and he’s just put his trust in me to go out there and play.“Oviously, when I first came in, I didn’t know what to expect but once the first session was out of the way, you get into it. It’s really good. We’re all good mates and really get on with each other.“Now my main goal at this tournament is just to play really. Grasp the experience, take it all in and do as well as we can and obviously the main objective is to win it.“That’d be unbelievable. Obviously there’s a long way to go but if we could do that then it’d be special.”And he doesn’t have to look far for much inspiration.Fellow Teessider, Boro man and big pal Dael Fry, 27, won both the U17 European Championship and U20 World Cup with England.Hackney added: “Dael at Boro still speaks a lot about his time with England. He says how much he enjoyed the whole experience of it all, all the competitions and some of the players he played with have gone on to do some unbelievable stuff.“He has just said how it’s a great experience and to savour it.”Read More on The SunEngland kick-off their Euro campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday.They then face Slovenia three days later and finish the group stage against Germany on Wednesday 18 June with all of the Young Lions’ matches being broadcast on Channel 4.Hayden Hackney celebrates after scoring against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final last seasonCredit: Getty More