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      Who is Scotland vs Croatia referee Fernando Rapallini? Official from ARGENTINA taking charge of Euro 2020 games

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      FANS watching Euro 2020 this summer will get attuned to the curious sight of a referee from Argentina taking charge of games.Fernando Rapallini is the first South American ever to officiate at a European Championship.
      Fernando Rapallini of Argentina will take charge of Euro 2020 games this summerCredit: Gettty Images
      Here’s all you need to know about him.
      Who is Fernando Rapallini?
      Fernando Rapallini was born in 1978 in La Plata, Argentina.
      He has been on the Fifa Referees List since 2014 and refereed his first international match, between Chile and El Salvador in June 2015.
      Recognised as one of South America’s best officials, Rapallini has refereed some of the biggest finals in his country and on the continent.
      These include the 2013 and 2018 Argentina Super Cups, the 2017 Argentina Cup final, the 2019 Argentina Super League Champions Trophy and the 2020 South American Recopa.

      Why is Fernando Rapallini refereeing at Euro 2020?
      Fernando Rapallini has been appointed as a Euro 2020 official as part of an exchange programme between Uefa and Conmebol.
      This programme will see Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano head in the other direction to take charge of Copa America games this summer.
      Uefa president Alexander Ceferin said: “The exchange of referees with CONMEBOL for our two flagship tournaments will enrich both competitions, and will enhance the experience of top referees.
      “Europe and South America have so much football quality and tradition, including in refereeing.
      “This exchange is a defining part of our cooperation programme, which will help us improve our competitions.”
      Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez added: “Among our permanent objectives at CONMEBOL is making our referees more professional and perfectly trained for the use of technological tools.
      “We are convinced that a cooperation with UEFA in this field will greatly benefit both confederations. This is just the beginning.
      “We will continue working to broaden and strengthen collaboration agreements with our friends at UEFA.”
      Which Euro 2020 games has Fernando Rapallini refereed?
      Fernando Rapallini made his European bow by taking charge of Ukraine vs North Macedonia.
      And both sides kept him busy as he awarded a penalty to each during the game.
      Both spot kicks were missed. More

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      Cech blasts ‘incomprehensible’ decision for Chelsea’s England stars Mount and Chilwell to isolate but not Scotland team

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      PETR CECH has slammed the ‘incomprehensible’ decision forcing Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell to isolate – but NOT the Scotland team.The England pair have been ordered to self-isolate for ten days after they were deemed to have come into close contact with Billy Gilmour, who later tested positive for coronavirus.
      Mount and Chilwell being forced to self-isolate and not Scotland following Gilmour’s positive Covid test has left Cech furiousCredit: Alamy
      Cech slammed the decision forcing Mount and Chilwell to isolate, but not the Scotland squadCredit: Instagram @petrcech
      Cech has been left perplexed at the rules forcing Mount and Chilwell – but not Scotland – to isolateCredit: BBC
      Mount and Chilwell were seen hugging and chatting with the youngster after Friday’s 0-0 draw between the Three Lions and the Scots at Wembley.
      The Scotland squad are being allowed to go ahead as normal, but Mount and Chilwell must quarantine – meaning they miss the final Group D game against Czech Republic and quite probably the last-16 tie.
      And Czech legend Cech has taken to Instagram to ask for help understanding the ‘incomprehensible’ decision to hold his Chelsea team-mates back.
      Cech wrote: “Please could someone help me understand how is it possible Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell – both with negative tests – have to isolate after they got in contact with Billy Gilmour…
      “The entire Scottish team who shared the dressing room, hotel, coach and plane while travelling, dining room, meeting room is allowed to play without any problem because they returned the required negative tests.
      “What is the difference between them returning the same test results?
      “It is incomprehensible…”
      The FA say they have taken the advice of Public Health England and were left with no choice but to send them back to St George’s Park.
      ⚽ BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

      Though the entire Scotland squad has been cleared to continue playing, the FA were pointed to strict PHE guidelines which state if a person has close contact for more than 15 minutes, then they have to isolate.
      Mount and Chilwell will now train alone at St George’s Park while they serve out their quarantine period up until Monday 28 June.
      England’s last-16 match is likely to be played that day or June 29, meaning it is almost certain they will not be considered for the first knockout stage.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Gareth Southgate responds to the news that Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell have been ordered to self isolate following Gilmour Covid result More

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      Why is there a referee from Argentina at Euro 2020? All about Fernando Rapallini

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      ONE of the quirks of this year’s already-disrupted European Championship is the addition of a referee from ARGENTINA.The 43-year-old Fernando Rapallini is certainly not card shy – he averaged a whopping 6.81 yellows per game in sixteen fixtures during last season’s Argentinian Primera Division season.
      Fernando Rapallini has been a FIFA referee since 2014
      Fernando Rapallini showed 111 yellow cards in just sixteen league games last season
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      He’s also shown FIVE red cards in those sixteen league games, as well as thirty-eight yellows and TEN reds in just six games in the Copa Libertadores.
      An exchange programme between Uefa and the South American Football Federation (Conmebol) sees Rapallini and his team join the European group of referees for Euro 2020.
      The referee exchange programme between Uefa and Conmebol also sees Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano and his team head to Argentina and Colombia to officiate in the 2021 Copa America.
      Manzano once refereed a game between Barcelona and Girona in La Liga in which Lionel Messi refused to shake his hand after the final whistle.
      Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano will officiate in the 2021 Copa America
      Which Euro 2020 matches has Fernando Rapallini refereed?
      Fernando Rapallini made his Uefa debut by taking charge of Ukraine vs North Macedonia in Bucharest.
      And he was a busy man on that day, awarding a penalty for both teams – both of which were missed.

      Who are the referees at Euro 2020?

      Felix Brych (Germany)
      Cüneyt Çakır (Turkey)
      Carlos Del Cerro Grande (Spain)
      Andreas Ekberg (Sweden)
      Orel Grinfeeld (Israel)
      Ovidiu Alin Hategan (Romania)
      Sergei Karasev (Russia)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz (Spain)
      Michael Oliver (England)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Artur Manuel Ribeiro Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Fernando Rapallini (Argentina)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Clément Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)

      A select group of Europe’s eighteen finest officials, plus Argentinian Fernando Rapallini, will be the men in the middle when the tournament gets underway on June 11.
      All Euro 2020 officials underwent a course in Istanbul from May 10-13 to prepare for this summer’s tournament.
      The Turkish city will also be the base for all officials until the semi-finals which will see the remaining officials move to London.

      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Stephanie Frappart has experience in both club and national men’s football this season
      Also for the first time ever a female official has been selected for a mens European Championships.
      France’s Stéphanie Frappart has been selected as a support match official, and will act as a fourth official and reserve referee in case of an injury.
      Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor are the two English referees who have been chosen to officiate during Euro 2020 which kicks off on June 11 with Turkey vs Italy.
      Michael Oliver was in charge of the 2021 FA Cup final between Chelsea and Leicester City
      Anthony Taylor refereed the 2020 UEFA Super Cup between Bayern Munich and Sevilla More

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      England QUALIFY for last 16 of Euro 2020 even if they lose to Czech Republic tonight as results go Three Lions way

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      ENGLAND are through to the Euro 2020 knockout stages – even if they lose to Czech Republic tonight.Despite an uninspring start to the tournament, Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions have four points from their two Group D games.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Gareth Southgate’s England are into the last 16 of Euro 2020 with a game to spareCredit: Getty
      The Three Lions can afford to lose to the Czech Republic and still advance to the knockoutsCredit: Getty
      England currently have four points, meaning they would be guaranteed a knockout spot, even if they finish third in their group
      Croatia play Scotland tomorrow, meaning England are at least guaranteed to finish third.
      So even with a shock defeat for Southgate’s men against the Czechs at Wembley, they have done enough to progress through the group stages.
      That is because in two of the three completed groups, the third-placed team have only managed three points.
      And with the four best third-placed sides qualifying, that guarantees England progression.
      IF THEY WIN TONIGHT…
      If England beat the Czech Republic they will win Group D and face the runners-up from Group F at Wembley at 5pm on Tuesday 29 June.
      All four teams in the group of death could finish second, but currently it’s GERMANY.
      If both of the final group games go to form – Germany beat Hungary and France beat Portugal – then it will be the Germans who play England in the last 16.
      IF THEY DRAW…
      A draw tonight sees England finish second in the group behind Czech Republic – and they would play the Group E runners-up in Copenhagen at 5pm on Monday 28 June.
      All four teams in Group E could still win the group and right now it’s SLOVAKIA in second place, but it might be Spain.
      As it stands in Group D, with England and the Czech Republic guaranteed qualification alrady
      AND IF THEY LOSE…
      If the Czechs win, then England will still probably finish second, and play the Group E winners.
      But if Scotland also beat Croatia and overhaul England’s goal difference – currently three better than Steve Clarke’s side – the Three Lions could finish third.
      Then it gets really complicated. But it could be HOLLAND in Budapest at 5pm on Sunday 27 June.
      Or BELGIUM in Sevillle at 8pm the same day.
      Or the winners of Group E, who are likely to be SWEDEN, on Tuesday June 29 at 8pm in Glasgow.

      Pubs are expected to be packed tonight for England’s head-to-head with Czech Republic as Three Lions fans cheer them on.
      The pandemic-ravaged economy is expected to get a boost thanks to the Euro 2020 with an expected £1billion boost as Brits splurge on beers and barbecues.
      Emma McClarkin of the British Beer and Pub Association said: “The Euros are a chance for people to get back to their local and as they support the home nations.”
      And Joshua Bamfield, for the Centre of Retail Research, which tracks high street spending, said: “It’s bound to lead a big surge in sales of TV sets and replica shirts and a fantastic amount of souvenirs such as flags.”
      Switzerland have also booked their spot in the knockout rounds after finishing third in Group A on four points.
      Finland from Group B and Group C’s Ukraine face anxious waits because they are at risk of being the two worst-ranked third-placed teams who would therefore miss out on the last 16.
      Denmark’s 4-1 win over Russia ensured they grabbed second in Group B with Finland third after a 2-0 defeat to Belgium.
      Those results mean Belgium fly through with nine points from nine and Denmark top a mini league with the remaining teams all on three points.
      Earlier, Ukraine lost 1-0 to Austria to come third on three points.

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      There were emotional scenes in Copenhagen as the Danes secured an emphatic victory – helped by wondergoals from Mikkel Damsgaard and Andreas Christensen.
      England are currently second in their group with Czech Republic top on goal difference.
      A victory for the Three Lions will ensure they finish top and take on the runners-up in Group F – likely France, Germany or Portugal – in the last 16.
      A draw would see England come second and take on Group E’s second-placed team with Sweden, Slovakia, Poland and Spain battling it out.
      A defeat would mean finishing second or third, depending on the outcome of the Scotland vs Croatia clash at Hampden Park.
      Southgate may be without Chelsea stars Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount for the Czech game, though.
      The pair were forced to self-isolate after hugging Billy Gilmour on Friday night with the Scotland hero providing a positive Covid-19 test today.
      As a result, Chilwell and Mount are currently in quarantine as England discuss their options with Public Health England.
      The Three Lions have been making their final preparations to take on the Czechs at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell may be forced to sit out of the game after coming into contact with Billy GilmourCredit: The Sun
      Manager Southgate admitted there is ‘quite a doubt’ over their availability for tomorrow’s game.
      He said: “We don’t know at the moment. There’s obviously got to be quite a doubt.
      “There’s still a lot of discussions and investigations going on behind the scenes.
      “They’re isolating at the moment and we have to find out over the next 12 hours or so.”
      The entire England team were tested with lateral flow tests on Monday with all returning negative results.
      Gilmour, 20, will miss his team’s Group D decider against Croatia while self-isolating for ten days.
      Denmark finished second in Group B with a 4-1 win over RussiaCredit: Getty
      Romelu Lukaku grabbed another goal as he helped Belgium beat FinlandCredit: AFP
      Teemu Pukki and Finland face an anxious wait to see if they will get through to the knockout stagesCredit: AP
      Sun super dog Willow predicts result of Euro 2020 England v Czech Republic game More

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      Who is England vs Czech Republic referee Artur Soares Dias and which Euro 2020 matches is he officiating?

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      ARTUR SOARES DIAS has been selected as a referee for this summer’s Euro 2020.The Portuguese had served as a VAR official at the 2018 World Cup, so comes into the competition having been at a big one.
      Artur Soares Dias refereed England’s match against Brazil in 2017Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Who is Artur Soares Dias?
      Soares Dias has been refereeing since 2010.
      The star refereed England’s friendly match against Brazil in November 2017, which ended 0-0.
      He kept his cards close to his chest that night and only booked Jake Livermore for a late tackle on Neymar.

      The 41-year-old has been used an additional assistant referee for several Champions League games.
      He refereed a number of Europa League matches during the 2012/13 season.
      In 2017, the Portuguese official and his family received death threats before he was due to officiate the Primeira Liga match between Paco de Ferreira and FC Porto.
      He is also very experienced in games between English club sides and not shy to make the big decisions.
      In April 2021 he took charge of Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at Villarreal, sending off a player from both sides and awarding the Gunners a penalty.
      What other matches has he refereed at Euro 2020?
      Artur Soares Dias has taken charge of one other Euro 2020 game so far – Turkey vs Wales in Baku.
      In that fixture he awarded the Welsh a penalty in front of a hostile Turkish crowd, but Gareth Bale squandered the opportunity by blasting it over the bar. More

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      Euro 2020 pitch invader advertises WTF coin cryptocurrency in skimpy outfit during Belgium’s match with Finland

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      A EURO 2020 pitch invader advertised cryptocurrency during Belgium’s clash with Finland.A woman ran onto the pitch wearing a T-shirt saying WTF Coin.
      The pitch invader interrupted Belgium’s win over FinlandCredit: Reuters
      A pitch invader advertised cryptocurrency during Belgium’s clash with FinlandCredit: AP
      She was quickly escorted awayCredit: AFP

      The woman made it to the halfway line before being apprehended by securityCredit: Reuters
      She almost made it to the halfway line in the group stage battle.
      But the woman was then apprehended by security.
      The invader’s black top included a link to a website for a Bitcoin rival called WTF Coin.
      A number of digital currencies have sprung up over the years with people able to trade on them just like the stock exchange.
      However, the incident didn’t detract from the quality of football on show.
      Belgium finished top of their group by beating the Fins 2-0.
      The game was 0-0 before a dramatic final 15 minutes.
      Finland goalie Lukas Hradecky committed a brutal own-goal to give Belgium the lead.

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      The game stopped momentarily as the woman was escorted off the pitchCredit: Getty
      A number of digital currencies have sprung up over the years with people able to trade on them just like the stock exchangeCredit: Reuters

      Romelu Lukaku then sealed the win for Roberto Martinez’s men with a fearsome effort in the 81st minute.
      There was a pitch invader in the other group game between Russia and Denmark.
      A man wearing a Russia shirt made it onto the pitch, but he too was quickly taken down by security.
      A man invaded the Russia vs Denmark game
      He was quickly taken down by security
      North Macedonia stars give Goran Pandev guard of honour as 37-year-old subbed off in last ever international game More

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      Who will England play in Euro 2020 last 16? Next opponents if they win, lose or draw tonight vs Czech Republic

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      FANS might need to get their calculators out as England go into their final Euro 2020 group game against Czech Republic.The Three Lions are open to facing a whole host of possible opponents as it stands, depending on their final result against the resurgent Czechs.
      England’s 0-0 draw with Scotland opens up multiple possibilities for the round of 16Credit: Getty
      And there is an ideal result for many fans, with some surprising opponents in store.
      Here is how things currently stand in Group D:

      Who will England play in the last 16 if they beat Czech Republic?
      With a victory, Gareth Southgate’s side will leapfrog the Czechs, who are leading Group D on goal difference.
      As group winners England WOULD play in London against the second-placed team from Group F.
      The problem is, that could be any of France, Germany or Portugal – and also Hungary.
      England could face either Germany or Portugal if they win the groupCredit: Reuters

      Joachim Low’s side are currently second behind France in Group F, only ahead of the Portuguese on head-to-head record.
      The final games in Group F are: Portugal vs France and Germany vs Hungary, so anything could still happen if Portugal beat France.
      When and where would this match take place?

      1D vs 2F
      Tuesday, June 29 at 6pm
      Wembley Stadium, London

      Who will England play in the last 16 if they draw?
      If England don’t beat the Czech Republic and draw, they will finish SECOND in Group D.
      That means they will face the runners up in Group E, which is currently Slovakia – is this the worst draw in the world?
      England could face either Spain or Sweden if they finish second in the group, with Slovakia another possibilityCredit: Reuters
      Sweden are currently top of Group E, and Spain and Slovakia can still mathematically win it as well, with the Swedes facing Poland in their final group game.
      The underwhelming Spaniards NEED to beat Slovakia in order to realistically qualify for the knockout stages and are even in danger of missing out on a third-place qualifier.
      When and where would this match take place?

      2D vs 2E
      Monday, June 28 at 6pm
      Parken Stadium, Copenhagen

      Spain are currently in danger of failing to qualify for the knockout stages even if they finish third in Group E
      Who will England play if they lose?
      Should Southgate’s side slip up in their final group game and lose to the Czech Republic they could either finish second or third.
      That depends if there is a winner from the Scotland vs Croatia clash.
      Croatia cannot finish above England – as even if England lose and Croatia win, they would be level on four points and it would come down to head-to-head record, with England having won their meeting 1-0.

      However, Scotland could still trump England.
      If the Three Lions lose 1-0 against Czech Republic and Scotland beat Croatia 2-0, with both sides on four points and level on goal difference, the Scots would finish second due to having scored more goals.
      If England do finish third in their group they could either play Belgium, Holland or Sweden as things stand.
      But there are many possibilities that could arise, as you can see in the graphic above, depending on the last lot of group stage results.
      When and where would this match take place?
      There are multiple possibilities, including:

      Holland vs 3D/E/F – 6pm, Budapest
      Belgium vs 3A/D/E/F – 9pm, Seville
      1E vs 3A/B/C/D – 9pm, Glasgow

      Round of 16 – fixtures so far
      Saturday, June 26

      Wales vs Denmark, 5pm
      Italy vs Austria, 8pm

      Sunday, June 27

      Holland vs 3rd Group D/E/F, 6pm
      Belgium vs 3rd Group A/D/E/F, 8pm

      Monday, June 28

      Match five – Runner-up Group D vs Runner-up Group E, 6pm
      Match six – Winner Group F vs 3rd Group A/B/C. 8pm

      Tuesday, June 29

      Match seven – Winner Group D vs Runner-up Group F, 6pm
      Match eight – Winner Group E vs 3rd Group A/B/C/D, 8pm More

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      How can Spain qualify for Euro 2020 last 16 when they play Slovakia?

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      SPAIN were expected to breeze through the Euro 2020 group stage as group winners, but not all is going to plan.Powder puff attacking displays against Sweden and Poland have seen La Roja languishing in third and staring down the barrel at a shock elimination.
      Spain are staring down the barrel at a surprise elimination from Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
      But they still have the opportunity to save themselves. Here’s what they have to do.
      How can Spain qualify for the Euro 2020 last 16?
      If Spain beat Slovakia, they will qualify for the Euro 2020 last 16 no matter what happens elsewhere.
      A draw will be enough to progress as one of the best four third placed teams provided Poland do not beat Sweden.
      If Poland do beat Sweden, a draw will see Spain finish fourth in Group E and get knocked out of the tournament.
      A defeat will see Spain knocked out regardless of the Poland vs Sweden result.
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest Spain news and updates from Euro 2020

      Who can Spain play if they qualify for the Euro 2020 last 16?
      If Spain qualify as Group E winners, they will play a third placed team at Hampden Park on Tuesday, June 29.
      That currently looks like being Scotland or Croatia, but could be Ukraine if the third placed team from Group E is eliminated or if Scotland vs Croatia ends in a draw.
      Should Spain finish second, they will head to Copenhagen to play the runner-up in Group D.
      And if Spain finish third, they are likely to stay in Seville to host Belgium. More