Euro 2020

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Czech Republic Euro 96 keeper Petr Kouba reflects on going from hero to villain with final blunder vs Germany

      by

      GOALKEEPERS can go from hero to villain in the blink of an eye – and no one knows that better than Petr Kouba.As the Czech Republic’s goalkeeper at Euro 96, his penalty save in a last-four shootout against France helped his newly-formed nation take their fairytale all the way to the final at Wembley.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Petr Kouba was Czech Republic’s goalkeeper at Euro ’96Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Germany striker Oliver Bierhoff scored the winner against the Czechs in the finalCredit: Getty
      But days later, Kouba let Oliver Bierhoff’s shot slip through his fingers, and with it the European Championship, as a major tournament was settled for the first time by a golden goal.
      Kouba, now 52 and part of the Czechs’ Under-21 set up, said: “You just feel helpless: sudden death, the match over, you can’t do anything and we were the first team to experience that.
      “This feeling in the Euro final is really terrible and I don’t wish it on anybody.
      “The goal? It was a silly one, our defender got a bit on the ball and I didn’t cover the shot as I needed to.
      “It looked like my mistake but that was a rather unfortunate goal – the worst I conceded.”
      Kouba’s Bierhoff boob meant the Czechs’ tournament ended as it had begun, with defeat by Germany.
      But in between, the team playing as a separate nation for the first time since the 1993 split with Slovakia created some magical memories.
      After a 2-1 win over Italy at Anfield, the same ground staged a ding-dong clash with Russia in which the Czechs led 2-0, then trailed 3-2 before a late equaliser by Vladimir Smicer that turned out to be crucial.

      EURO 2020 FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Kouba said: “Our match finished a bit earlier than the Italy-Germany game.
      “There were only a couple of guys in our team with mobile phones back in 1996.
      “I don’t know who provided the information about the other match but when we got the news that Italy had drawn, it was crazy.”
      The quarter-final against Portugal was decided by a single, sensational goal – Karel Poborsky’s famous run and extraordinary scoop finish.
      Kouba said: “I didn’t believe that the ball would go in. I said to myself, ‘What the hell is he doing?’
      “I was shocked and thought the only thing you could think, ‘Wow, we’ve seen something very special that will go down in football history.’
      “I felt something similar when Patrik Schick scored that fantastic goal against Scotland.”
      Patrik Schick’s incredible goal for the Czech Republic vs Scotland
      France had the better of the semi final, but it went to penalties.
      Kouba said: “I got a lot of notes from our assistant coach Verner Licka, who played in France.
      “I guessed well with all the takers and almost saved Laurent Blanc’s kick but it went under my body.
      “Reynald Pedros was the only guy I didn’t have any information about on his penalty taking!”
      Kouba saved Pedros’ kick, captain Miroslav Kadlec scored to complete a 6-5 win and the Czechs were in the final.
      But a different kind of sudden death killed the dream as Bierhoff cancelled out Patrik Berger’s second-half penalty and then struck again less than five minutes into extra-time.
      Despite the unfortunate end, Kouba and his team-mates returned to a hero’s welcome.

      He said: “The homecoming was special – Prague airport full, people in the streets and the Old Town Square absolutely packed when we went to greet our fans.
      “Everybody was celebrating a silver medal like a gold one.
      “We promoted our country in the best possible way and showed we could be a part of civilised western Europe!
      “The Czech Republic went crazy for that tournament and our team caused that madness.”
      Now Kouba hopes the current Czech players go on creating their own great memories, starting with tomorrow’s game against England at Wembley.
      He said: “I remember the original, old Wembley stadium. I played there twice and it reminded me of a cathedral.
      “I am happy for our boys that they can play there as well.
      “They will face an extremely difficult match against a well-balanced team, but nothing is impossible!”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Jack Grealish trains with heavy strapping on leg in England injury scare ahead of Euro 2020 clash vs Czech Republic More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2020 final almost certain to stay at Wembley after stoppage-time deal between ministers and Uefa

      by

      THE Euro final is almost certain to stay at Wembley after a stoppage-time deal between ministers and Uefa.Boris Johnson’s team were last night scrambling to stop the last three games of the tournament being switched to Hungary amid a major travel row.
      Wembley stadium looks set to host the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Sun can reveal Downing Street is on the cusp of an agreement with organisers to allow quarantine-free travel for VIPs.
      It could see up to 75,000 fans allowed in to watch the final at the stadium. However last night the Italians threw a spanner in the works by saying it should be stripped from Wembley because of Covid rates.
      PM Mario Draghi said he wanted it played “away from a peak of infections” and hinted the showpiece event should be staged in Rome.
      The Three Lions line up against the Czech Republic tonight, with a win guaranteeing another game at Wembley, against one of France, Germany or Portugal.
      If they come second with a draw, they will have to go to Copenhagen for an awkward clash against Spain, Slovakia, Sweden or Poland.
      A defeat leaves their fate in the lap of the gods.
      Harry Kane will again lead out the side after their drab 0-0 draw with Scotland last week.
      Cheering them on will be NHS heroes from North Middlesex Hospital – just 12 miles from Wembley.
      They treated thousands of Covid patients in the pandemic – and believe bringing the Euro trophy home can be the ultimate reward.
      Matron Laurence Dookie said: “After an incredibly busy and challenging year, the Euros has been something to look forward to and it’s been great to let off a bit of steam.”
      Uefa has demanded 2,500 quarantine-free VIP tickets for the final but Whitehall mandarins are trying to push that down.
      Officials say they will be kept separate from UK-based fans, must sign up to a code of conduct and isolate while away from the ground.
      Talks are also ongoing over increasing the final’s capacity to between 60,000 and 75,000.
      Insiders are confident they will strike a deal within the next 24 hours – staving off any threat of the final being moved to Hungary.

      In Budapest, 61,000-capacity crowds are packing in to the Puskás Aréna with no international quarantine measures.
      Culture minister Baroness Barran said yesterday: “We are not exempting any VIPs or accredited guests from our restrictions. If it’s agreed they should enter the UK, they would only be able to leave isolation for official events and be subject to a very strict code of conduct.”
      However the PM’s sister, journalist Rachel Johnson, said the proposals could be “the final nail in the coffin of the Covid restrictions”.
      Rival Scotland and England fans chant at each other on Wembley Way as cops separate groups More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Memphis Depay joined Manchester United ‘too early’ says Patrick Vieira after Holland star completes Barcelona transfer

      by

      ARSENAL legend Patrick Vieira believes new Barcelona signing Memphis Depay moved to Manchester United ‘too early’ in his career.The 27-year-old endured a tricky spell at Old Trafford between June 2015 and January 2017.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Memphis Depay, 27, has become one of the best forwards in European football after struggling at Man UtdCredit: AP
      Ex-France international Patrick Vieira is a big fan of Barcelona’s new signingCredit: Getty
      Speaking to ITV Sport, Vieira said: “I saw him play with Lyon and he is a terrific talent.
      “He can make things happen – he can score or create.
      “I think the experience at United was too early for him, but I think it makes him learn more about himself.
      “In France he’s one of the top players and now he is signing for Barcelona.
      “He’ll be at a club where he can truly show his talents and I think he’s been at one of the stars of Euro 2020.”
      Depay 27, is part of Holland’s squad for Euro 2020 and has made a good start to the tournament, scoring two goals to help his country reach the last 16 with three wins out of three.

      EURO 2020 FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      The forward was one of Europe’s hottest talents when he signed for United, scoring 22 league goals to help PSV win the Dutch title in 2014-15.
      But he managed just two Premier League goals during his 18-month spell at Old Trafford, struggling to impress under managers Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.
      Depay was allowed to move to Lyon in January 2017 and went on to have an excellent four-and-a-half years in France, scoring 63 goals in 139 Ligue 1 games.

      The Holland international has recently completed a free transfer to Barca after previously confirming his desire to join the Spanish giants.
      Depay had told reporters: “I want to play with Ronald Koeman.”
      The Barcelona boss was also open about the interest, recently admitting: “I wanted to complete the deal in January and if he comes it is great for us.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Lyon star Memphis Depay works out in football training More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny spotted with cigarette in mouth just hours before Euro 2020 draw with Spain

      by

      WOJCIECH SZCZESNY was spotted with a cigarette in his mouth just hours before facing Spain.The Poland goalkeeper carried a packet of cigs in his hand as he left the team hotel in Sopot before flying for the Euro 2020 game in Seville.
      Wojciech Szczesny was spotted with a cigarette in his hand ahead of Poland vs SpainCredit: Splash
      The goalkeeper popped one ciggy into his mouth while wearing a black capCredit: Splash
      He was pictured carrying a packet outside the national team’s hotelCredit: Splash
      And he popped one ciggy in between his lips in front of team-mates outside the team bus.
      Szczesny, 31, was wearing his Poland national team training gear – a red t-shirt with black tracksuit bottoms – with red Nike trainers and a black cap.
      The ex-Arsenal goalkeeper was caught smoking at least twice during his Gunners career.
      As exclusively revealed by SunSport, Arsene Wenger fined the 6ft 5ins stopper £20,000 after he lit up in the dressing room showers following defeat to Southampton on New Year’s Day in 2015.
      He did not play another Premier League game for the club.
      And then ahead of Poland’s Euro 2016 opener, Szczesny sparked up again.
      The goalkeeper joined Roma on loan from 2015 to 2017 before signing for Juventus on a permanent deal.
      Opening up on the St Mary’s incident on the Arsenal Nation podcast last year, he said: “Back at that time I was smoking regularly and the boss knew it very well.

      EURO 2020 FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Szczesny was wearing the Poland training gear of a red tee and black tracksuit bottomsCredit: Splash
      The photos were taken with the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper outside the team bus before the trip to SevilleCredit: Splash

      “He just didn’t want anybody smoking in the dressing rooms and I knew that also.
      “Because of the emotion of the game, I had a cigarette after the game when the team was still in.
      “I went in the corner of the showers, so it was at the other end of the dressing room and nobody could see me, and I lit one up.
      “Somebody saw me, it wasn’t even the boss himself, and just reported it back to the boss.
      “I saw him a couple of days later, he asked me if that was true and I said ‘yes’.

      “He fined me and that was the end of it.
      “He then said, ‘Look, you’re going to be out of the team for a little bit’, but there was no big bust-ups or big confrontations.
      “I was very professional about it.”
      Szczesny put his Euros curse behind him as Poland earned a 1-1 draw in Spain on Saturday night with Gerard Moreno hitting the post with a penalty.
      The goalkeeper had been sent off, got injured and scored an own goal in his three previous games in the tournament.
      There were team-mates around when the goalie decided to get the cigarette outCredit: Splash
      Szczesny was caught smoking during his time at Arsenal and duly finedCredit: Splash
      He played the full 90 minutes of the 1-1 draw in SevilleCredit: AP
      Wojciech Szczesny smashes free-kick in top corner… and offers to give Cristiano Ronaldo tips More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Ukraine vs Austria LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, score, teams as Arnautovic starts – Euro 2020 latest

      by

      UKRAINE are taking on Austria for the Group C runners-up spot in a winner-take-all Euro 2020 clash.The winner tonight will secure a quarter-final against Italy while the loser will have to wait on other results to see if they can qualify as one of the best third placed teams.
      Should the match end in a draw, Ukraine will progress in second place on goals scored.

      TV channel: ITV 4.
      FREE live stream: ITV Hub.
      Ukraine XI: Bushchan; Karavaev, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Mykolenko; Sydorchuk; Yarmolenko, Shaparenko, Zinchenko, Malinovskyi; Yaremchuk.
      Austria XI: Bachmann, Alaba, Hinteregger, Dragovic, Lainer, Grillitsch, Laimer, Schlager, Sabitzer, Baumgartner, Arnautovic
      Follow all the action from North Macedonia vs Netherlands with our live blog

      UKRAINE 0-0 AUSTRIA
      8. Arnautovic nods the ball into the path of Sabitzer who hits a volley about a mile over the bar from just outside the area.
      UKRAINE 0-0 AUSTRIA
      4. A quick throw releases Yarmolenko down the right. He cuts inside but his cross is claimed by Bachmann. It’s been a lively start.
      UKRAINE 0-0 AUSTRIA
      2. Schlager gets in behind the Ukrainian defence but his cutback is turned behind by Zinchenko.
      UKRAINE 0-0 AUSTRIA
      1. We’re off and under way. It all comes down to this. Whoever wins will progress to the last 16.
      PEEEEEEEEEREEEEEEEEP!HERE WE GO!
      HERE COME THE TEAMS
      There’s good backing for both sides here in Bucharest.
      .Credit: Getty
      HAVE YOUR SAY
      Fancy winning £50 in cash? Just predict the score before kick-off to be in with a chance! If you get it right, you’ll enter our prize draw…

      WE’VE GOT HISTORY
      Ukraine and Austria have faced each other in two friendlies, each side winning once. This is their first encounter at a major tournament.
      The two previous games between Ukraine and Austria produced eight goals, an average of four per match.
      SPECIAL SABITZER
      FourFourTwo went for Marcel Sabitzer as Austria’s main man prior to the tournament.
      They wrote: “The RB Leipzig midfielder, 27, has established himself as one of the finest all-round attackers in the German Bundesliga.
      “With some sensational strikes on the big stage in the Champions League and the knack for a good free-kick, he possesses just the kind of technical quality and flair that this Austria team sorely lacks.”
      .Credit: Getty
      ONE TO WATCH
      FourFourTwo magazine picked Oleksandr Zinchenko as Ukraine’s key man ahead of the tournament.
      The publication wrote: “Though [Andriy] Yarmolenko is Ukraine’s most talked-about star, Zinchenko has become integral to this team.
      “A left-back for Manchester City, the 24-year-old is a central midfield general for his country, making up for his slight build with quick thinking and precise passing.
      “More than that, he’s a leader.”
      .Credit: Getty
      PLAYING FOR A DRAW?
      Austria have insisted they will not consider the option of playing for a draw against Ukraine.
      Back in the 1982 World Cup, Austria lost 1-0 to West Germany in a result that saw both nations through to the next stage at the expense of Algeria.
      An early West Germany goal was followed by a game in which neither team tried to score, in a match dubbed the “Disgrace of Gijon”.
      “I don’t think that it comes down to that,” said the Austrian Football Association president, Leo Windtner. “In every respect it would be the wrong tactic to go out and play for a point.
      “The best thing would be to not even discuss it. That is history. It does not call out for repetition.”
      Action from the “Disgrace of Gijon”
      FODA FOCUSED
      While a draw might be enough for Austria to go through, their coach Franco Foda insists only a win will do.
      He said: “We don’t know if four points would be enough.
      “It’s important that we go into the game from the first minute with the absolute intention of winning: that’s our job.
      “[Reaching the round of 16] would mean a lot to us all.
      “First and foremost, we are playing for our country.
      “We will do everything we can to achieve this goal. That’s a big challenge for us and something that should spur them on.”
      .Credit: Getty
      SHEVCHENKO PREDICTS TIGHT ENCOUNTER
      Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko is expecting a tough test for his men.
      He said: “Austria are a solid team with quality players.
      “They are a compact and athletic side, with a distinctive style.
      “We have huge respect for them and are expecting a good match.
      “Both teams will play to win, even though we know a point will be enough for us.
      “But you won’t go far at this tournament with such a mentality; we will be playing only for a victory.”
      .Credit: Getty
      SWITCHING IT UP
      Austria make two changes as Andreas Ulmer and Michael Gregoritsch make way for Florian Grillitsch and the shy and retiring Marko Arnautovic in what looks like a 4-3-2-1 formation.
      There’s just one change for Ukraine and it comes in midfield where Serhiy Sydorchuk replaces Taras Stepanenko. Ukraine are expected to line-up in a 4-3-3 formation.
      UKRAINE SUBS:
      Pyatov, Trubin, Sobol, Sudakov, Kryvtsov, Stepanenko, Marlos, Makarenjo, Tsygankov, Besedin, Tymchyk, Dovbyk
      AUSTRIA SUBS:
      Schlager, Pervan, Ulmer, Posch, Ilsanker, Gregoritsch, Lienhart, Trimmel, Schaub, Schopf, Onisiwo, Kalajdzic
      UKRAINE XI:
      Bushchan; Mykolenko, Matviyenko, Zabarnyi, Karavayev; Zinchenko, Sydorchuk, Shaparenko; Malinovskiy, Yaremchuk, Yarmolenko
      UKRAINE XI to face AUSTRIA 🇺🇦🇦🇹BushchanMykolenkoMatvienkoZabarnyiKaravayev ZinchenkoSydorchukShaparenkoMalinovskyiYarmolenko Yaremchuk pic.twitter.com/W3gveghPYw— Zorya Londonsk (@ZoryaLondonsk) June 21, 2021

      AUSTRIA XI:
      Bachmann; Lainer, Dragovic, Hinteregger, Alaba (c); Schlager, Laimer, Grillitsch; Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic

      THE TEAMSHEETS ARE IN!
      THE STORY SO FAR
      Ukraine followed a heart-breaking defeat against the Netherlands in a five-goal opener by holding on to beat North Macedonia despite an Ezgjan Alioski penalty and late spot-kick miss from Ruslan Malinovskiy.
      A draw today would suffice for the Ukrainians to finish runners-up behind the Dutch – but Austria, who followed up their success over North Macedonia with defeat by the Oranje, will pip them if they win.
      Austria beat North Macedonia 3-1 in their opener.

      TEAM NEWS
      Ukraine are missing Oleksandr Zubkov after he went off injured against the Netherlands.
      They could also be without injured defender Denys Popov, who has a calf problem.
      The Dynamo Kiev player was on the bench for his side’s loss to the Netherlands and missed the second match against North Macedonia.
      Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko said: “There’s a high chance he [Popov] won’t be playing.”
      Austria welcome back Marko Arnautovic from a one-game ban after his controversial celebration against North Macedonia.
      Austria coach Franco Foda has already confirmed that the forward will start against Ukraine.
      “We decided that Marko will play from the start,” he said.
      “That means our opponents know that now and can prepare for it, but we are happy that he can play again.
      “But we are not dependent only on Marko. He has his ability and quality, but many players have to take on responsibility.”

      GOOD AFTERNOON FROM BUCHAREST
      Austria and Ukraine meet in a crucial clash to determine who finishes second in Group C. A guaranteed spot in the last 16 of Euro 2020 awaits the winner of today’s game.
      Both nations have three points, but Ukraine are better placed courtesy of having scored more goals so far, meaning they will finish second if they avoid defeat.
      Austria must win to finish second, or they’ll have to rely on being one of the best four third-place finishers.
      The Netherlands have already sealed top spot in the group, while North Macedonia are certain to finish bottom.
      Both sides have one win and one defeat from their opening two games after beating North Macedonia and losing to the Netherlands.
      We’ll have team news and much more in the build-up to the 5pm kick-off.

      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      North Macedonia vs Netherlands LIVE: Stream FREE, score, TV channel as match UNDERWAY – Euro 2020 latest updates

      by

      HOLLAND take on North Macedonia as Euro 2020 Group C comes to a conclusion tonight.
      TV channel: ITV1
      Live stream FREE: ITV Hub
      North Macedonia XI: Dimitrievski, Alioski, Musliu, Bardhi, Ademi, Ristovski, Trickovski, Trajkovski, Velkovski, Elmas, Pandev.
      Netherlands XI: Stekelenburg, Dumfries, Blind, de Vrij, de Ligt, van Aanholt, Wijnaldum, de Jong, Gravenberch, Malen, Depay.

      Follow ALL the build-up and latest with our live blog below…

      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: GET £10 FREE BONUS WITH NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED

      NORTH MACEDONIA 0-0 NETHERLANDS
      6. Trickovski hasn’t quite had the same fanfare around his expected departure as Pandev, and he certainly isn’t getting any special treatment from Blind.
      The former Man Utd man absolutely powers into the back of the forward, and leaves him on the turf looking around for a foul that never comes.
      NORTH MACEDONIA 0-0 NETHERLANDS
      4. It’s Clive and Ally on commentary, by the way, so even if the game is lousy (which I don’t think it will be) we should have plenty to keep us entertained.
      NORTH MACEDONIA 0-0 NETHERLANDS
      2. It didn’t take long for Gravenberch to make himself known to an English audience.
      The teenager is quickest to a loose ball in midfield, pushes forward, and swerves a 25-yarder just over the crossbar with his instep.
      NORTH MACEDONIA 0-0 NETHERLANDS
      1. Fittingly, it’s Pandev that gets his final international match underway for the North Macedonians, all in white and kicking from left to right.
      The Netherlands may be playing in Amsterdam in front of a huge support, but are officially classified as the away team, and subsequently are wearing black.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!GAME ON IN AMSTERDAM!
      HERE COME THE TEAMS!
      For one final time, Goran Pandev leads our North Macedonia for an international fixture, crossing himself as he steps over the touchline.
      An estimated 15,000 supporters then greet the Dutch side to the field. Georginio Wijnaldum, newly of Paris Saint-Germain, is the country’s captain but it’s Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong that’s most adored by the locals around here.
      Please stand for the national anthems.
      Oh god 😭😭😭 Watching Pandev sing the anthem one last time #MKD— 🇲🇰Cousin of Goran Pandev🇲🇰 (@ckfourfive) June 21, 2021

      HAVE YOUR SAY
      Fancy being in with a chance of winning £100 in cash? Guess the score before kick-off to enter… If you get it right, you’ll be put into our prize draw, so good luck!

      SLAP AND GIGGLE
      Out but not down, the North Macedonian players looked in high spirits earlier today if this video of their light training session is anything to go by.

      DUMFRIES AND GOAL-OWAY
      Of all the players at the European Championships named after Scottish towns, Denzil Dumfries is proving himself to be the most exciting.
      The rampaging right-back has found the net in each of his first two appearances at the tournament so far, having not scored in his first 19 caps for the Netherlands.
      Will he make it a hat-trick of sorts this afternoon? The only Dutchman to score in their first three matches at the Euros was Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2004.

      KICK-OFF APPROACHING
      The Johan Cruyff Arena is beginning to fill up, and supporters of both nations are determined to enjoy themselves.

      PAND OF GOD
      Goran Pandev had already cemented his status as a North Macedonian football legend long before he scored his country’s first ever goal at a major tournament at the age of 37 against Austria eight days ago.
      Widely accepted to be North Macedonia’s greatest ever played, Pandev has confirmed that he will retire from international football after today’s game which will be his 122nd cap.
      Pandev first represented his country 2001, and has scored a record 38 goals for them in the two decades since, including North Macedonia’s first ever goal against the Dutch in a 2-2 draw back in 2004.
      He had originally planned to retire from international football in 2015, but was talked into a return by the current coach Igor Angelovski in 2016. The North Macedonia boss is also expected to vacate his role following today’s game.

      DUTCH ON A ROLL
      Spearheaded by Memphis Depay, Netherlands find themselves in a rich vein of goalscoring form coming into today’s contest with North Macedonia.
      The Dutch have scored two or more goals in each of their last nine games in all competitions, their longest run since May 1935 where they also netted 2+ in nine fixtures in a row).
      They have never managed to scored two or more goals in ten consecutive games in all competitions.

      NETHERLANDS SUBSTITUTES
      13 Krul, 23 Bizot, 2 Veltman, 4 Ake, 7 Berghuis, 9 De Jong, 11 Promes, 14 Klaassen, 19 Weghorst, 24 Koopmeiners, 25 Timber, 26 Gakpo
      NETHERLANDS XI
      It’s two changes also for Frank de Boer, who brings in 19-year-old midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, and Donyell Malen, PSV Eindhoven’s 22-year-old forward; dropping to the bench are Marten De Roon and Wout Weghorst. It’s another 3-5-2 formation for the dutch which will allow Frenkie De Jong and skipper Georginio Wijnaldum to flourish in midfield, and Denzel Dumfries and Patrick van Aanholt to rampage down the flanks.
      1 Stekelenburg; 6 De Vrij, 3 De Ligt, 17 Blind; 22 Dumfries, 21 De Jong, 8 Wijnaldum, 16 Gravenberch, 12 Van Aanholt; 10 Depay, 18 Malen

      NORTH MACEDONIA SUBSTITUTES
      12 Jankov, 22 Siskovski, 3 Zajkov, 4 Ristevski, 11 Hasani, 15 Kostadinov, 16 Nikolov, 18 Stojanovski, 19 K Velkovski, 20 Spirovski, 24Avramovski, 25 Churlinov
      NORTH MACEDONIA XI
      Igor Angelovski makes two changes for North Macedonia’s final game of Euro 2020, and reverts to a back four as he goes with a 4-2-3-1 against the Dutch. Boban Nikolov and Stefen Spirovski drop out, and in comes Aleksandar Trajkovski and Ivan Trickovski; like captain Goran Pandev, the latter has also announced that this will be his last appearance for the national side. The legend himself, meanwhile, wears 10 and leads the line.
      1 Dimitrievski; 13 S Ristovski, 14 D Velkovski, 6 Musliu, 8 Alioski; 17 Bardi, 5 Ademi; 7 Trickovski, 21 Elmas, 9 Trajkovski; 10 Pandev

      THE TEAMSHEETS ARE IN!
      GOEDENMIDDAG
      Welcome to Amsterdam for our live Euro 2020 coverage of North Macedonia against Netherlands, one of the ties in this final round of games in Group C.
      The immediate destinies of these two countries may be confirmed, but there remains more than pride to play for at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
      With two wins from two, the Dutch have already sealed top spot and a Last 16 date in Budapest on June 27.
      However, a third victory on the spin will have the Oranje faithful believing they are more than just makeweights this time around, and will head to Hungary hungry for success.
      North Macedonia, meanwhile, are already packed for the return home, having lost their opening two matches in their inaugural international tournament – but this afternoon offers the chance for a fledgling nation to say goodbye to a legend.
      After two decades, 121 caps, and 38 goals, Goran Pandev is hanging up his international football boots (again) immediately after this fixture.
      The 37-year-old will want to head out on a high, and, having been part of the North Macedonia team that won in Germany three months ago, will know that the Lynxes have what it takes to upset Europe’s big guns in their own backyard.
      Ukraine and Austria will be battling it out simultaneously for second spot in Group C, and we’ll also have all the action from their fixture in Bucharest in a separate blog.
      But first it’s the all-important team news from Amsterdam, as well as more build-up ahead of the 5pm kick-off.

      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mayor of Munich asks Uefa to light up Allianz Arena with rainbow colours in protest against Hungary’s anti-gay policy

      by

      MAYOR of Munich Dieter Reiter has written to Uefa to ask that the Allianz Arena be lit up in rainbow colours in protest against a homophobic and trans-phobic policy recently passed in Hungary.Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Hungarian government have passed a law banning mentions of homosexuality or gender reassignment to Under-18s, including in the national curriculum.
      Munich’s City Council want the Allianz Arena to look like this on Wednesday nightCredit: Getty
      Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter wants to show solidarity with the Hungarian LGBTI communityCredit: Getty
      Germany have been throwing their weight behind Pride Month, with goalkeeper and skipper Manuel Neuer having worn a rainbow coloured captain’s armband throughout Euro 2020.
      And with Hungary coming to town on Wednesday, Germany want to go one step further in their support of the LGBTI community.
      Munich’s City Council is determined to stand against Hungary’s ‘homophobic and transphobic legislation’.
      Their application to Uefa accuses Hungary of ‘following the example of Russia’s homophobic and transphobic legislation.’
      It then adds: “This legislation represents a new mark in the invisibility and disenfranchisement of lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (LGBTI) and adds to the systematic restriction of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms that practised for years in Hungary.
      “It is important for the state capital, Munich, to set a visible sign of solidarity with the LGBTI community in Hungary.”
      President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen is said to be ‘very concerned’ at Hungary’s new policy – and is even examining its legality.
      Uefa’s initial response to Neuer’s wearing of a rainbow coloured armband was to launch a formal investigation – with a potential fine having even been on the table.
      Manuel Neuer has been wearing a rainbow armbandCredit: EPA

      But European football’s governing body eventually came to their senses, dropping the investigation.
      They later wrote: “Uefa looked into the armband worn by the player in question and, considering that it was promoting a good cause, i.e. diversity, the team will not face disciplinary proceedings.”
      Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena has been lit up in rainbow colours before, most notably to celebrate the country’s capital’s Berlin Pride event.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Glaswegians chant ‘get to f***’ at anti-LGBTQ+ preacher in city centre More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2020 Group C LIVE TABLE AND STANDINGS: Austria face Ukraine for Italy tie at Wembley as Netherlands secure top spot

      by

      GROUP C heads into round three of fixtures as the most clear cut of the six groups.The Netherlands have secured top spot no matter what they do in their final game against North Macedonia.
      Netherlands will finish top of Group C no matter what happens in their final matchCredit: AFP
      And despite a brave effort, the North Macedonians are out of the tournament.
      Austria and Ukraine meanwhile face off for second place and a trip to Wembley to face Italy, with the Austrians needing a win and the Ukrainians a draw.
      Euro 2020 Group C live table

      How many teams qualify from Euro 2020 Group C?
      A minimum of two teams will qualify from Euro 2020 Group C.
      The best four third placed teams will also progress to the knockout stages.

      Group C fixtures and results
      Sunday, June 13
      Austria 3 North Macedonia 1
      Netherlands 3 Ukraine 2
      Thursday, June 17
      Ukraine 2 North Macedonia 1
      Netherlands 2 Austria 0
      Monday, June 21
      North Macedonia vs Netherlands (5pm) – Amsterdam
      Ukraine vs Austria (5pm) – Bucharest More