More stories

  • in

    Euro 2024 fix fears as fans spot a draw will send both teams through and even former star claims result is ‘arranged’

    FANS are preparing for a Euro 2024 ‘fix’ storm with a draw suiting both Romania and Slovakia ahead of Wednesday’s clash.All four teams in Group E, which also includes Belgium and Ukraine, are on three points going into the final games.Romania are closing in on a spot in the last 16Credit: RexSlovakia also have a great chance to make it throughCredit: APEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYFour of the six third-placed teams in the tournament going through to the last-16.With Hungary and Croatia already finishing third with three and two points respectively, it is now GUARANTEED four points will be enough for both Romania and Slovakia.And former Romania star Danut Lupu, 57, claims that a convenient draw has been “arranged” between the two sides.Per AS.Ro, Lupu, who played 14 times for Romania between 1989 and 1998, said: “We will qualify, draw with Slovakia.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s arranged, it would be a shame if we both didn’t go. Why risk it? Would be a shame! “At that level the players get along very well! Why risk it? Why get in an accident?”There has been no indication that Lupu’s comments are supported by either country.And Romania forward Valentin Mihaila has insisted his side will be playing to win… until the final few minutes at least.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe told reporters: “You can’t go into a match mentally as a player, as a team, with the thought of drawing.”If it is 0-0 in the 91st minute and the tied score qualifies us both, yes … but I don’t want to do calculations.Euro 2024’s sexiest players revealed”We have to go in with the mindset of winning the game and I think we can do that.”Romania’s 3-0 win over Ukraine, leaving the Ukranians the only team in Group E with a negative goal difference, means NEITHER them or Slovakia could finish bottom of the group with a draw.In that scenario, Ukraine or Belgium would finish top with a win… or be eliminated with a defeat.While a draw would be curtains for Ukraine.Romania Euro 2024 guideFORMER World Cup quarter-finalists Romania are back after eight years without qualifying for a tournament.
    They aren’t pretty to watch but they are effective and topped their qualifying group unbeaten ahead of Switzerland.
    MANAGER: Edward Iordanescu
    His father Anghel managed them at the 1994 World Cup where they reached the last eight. Tough act to follow.
    STAR MAN: Radu Dragusin
    Has struggled to win a first team place at Spurs but has been a stalwart at international level.
    How Romania attack
    Romania will play out from the back and play one or two-touch passes to break between the lines.
    However, they can run out of ideas when faced with a low block.
    How Romania defend
    Romania do not tend to press high as a unit and their players can be dragged out of position up the pitch.
    However, they are far more effective close to their own goal with the midfield dropping deep to support the back four.
    Read the full Romania Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups and latest odds

    Obviously a win for either Romania or Slovakia in the Frankfurt clash would improve their group table, and theoretically an easier knockout tie.But fans are convinced the pair will play out a draw.One fan posted on X: “Is the Romania v Slovakia draw odds on yet? “Surely the lads play out an entertaining 2-2 which looks like a lovely coincidence where they both qualify.”Another added: “If ever there was an argument to not have 3rd place teams qualifying, it’s group E in this tournament. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You’re in a scenario now where Romania play Slovakia on the final game. “If they draw, they’ll both qualify no matter what the other result is. Absolutely ripe for a draw.”Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?
    EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.
    Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.
    But who is the sexiest?
    Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.
    And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.
    In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.
    While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.
    But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story. More

  • in

    ‘How poetic’ – Scotland fans brutally trolled over anti-England chant after Steve Clarke’s bizarre Argentine ref rant

    ODE dear! England fans reckon their Scottish counterparts suffered “poetic” justice with a controversial Euro 2024 exit.Steve Clarke blasted the use of an Argentinian referee after the Tartan Army were denied a “100 per cent” penalty in Hungary’s 1-0 win.Scotland fans sung and danced to taunt England over Diego Maradona’s notorious role in the Three Lions’ 1986 World Cup quarter-finals exitSteve Clarke is sure Scotland were wrongly denied a penaltyBut some Three Lions’ supporters claimed the Scottish misfortune was “karma”.That’s because just days earlier Tartan Army followers in Munich had chanted their joy at England’s notorious 1986 World Cup quarter-final defeat against Argentina.The Scots spiced up the Hokey-Cokey with the line: “Oh, Diego Maradona. He put the English out, out, out!”Maradona’s wrongly-allowed “Hand of God” goal set Argentina up for a 2-1 victory on the way to winning the tournament in Mexico almost 38 years ago to the day. READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSAnd a fellow countryman of the Napoli legend also had a contentious role as Scotland again failed to progress from the group stages.Ref Facundo Tello ignored appeals for a spot-kick at 0-0 in the second half.Manchester United’s Scott McTominay slipped Stuart Armstrong through, with the Southampton midfielder surging in front of Willi Orban but going down under the defender’s challenge.VAR assessed the incident but declined to recommend an on-field review.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLStuart Armstrong was furious not to get a spot-kickCredit: EPAEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAnd in the end Kevin Csoboth fired a breakaway winner for Hungary 10 minutes into stoppage time.The match had needed a lengthy hold-up as Hungarian forward Barnabas Varga was knocked unconscious in a sickening collision with Scotland keeper Angus Gunn.Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosVarga was taken to hospital and has had surgery for a fractured cheekbone.Afterwards, Clarke had no doubts his team were robbed of a spot-kick – but the extent of his outburst still surprised many.The ex-Chelsea defender and former Reading manager, 60, said: “It’s 100 per cent a penalty and someone has to explain to me why it’s not. “Because otherwise I’m thinking there’s something wrong.“Did I have a conversation with the officials? What’s the point, he’s from Argentina. “What’s the point? Why is it not a European referee? Trying to be clever, I dunno, I don’t understand.  “I don’t understand why he’s here and not in his own country refereeing a game. “I don’t understand how VAR can look at that and say it’s not a penalty.  That’s just my opinion.  It’s 100 per-cent a penalty.”Meet Germany’s Euro 2024 Wags
    Germany’s Wags range from a glam architect to a leading equestrian and a fashion model.
    Dani ter Stegen (Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s wife)
    One of Germany’s most popular Wags with over 600,000 Instagram followers. Earned a degree in architecture after moving to Barcelona with her husband.
    Sara Gundogan (Ilkay Gundogan’s wife)
    Italian model was never shy to pop a dig at Manchester while Ilkay was at Man City, but has changed her tune and said she misses the city since his move to Barcelona.
    Jessica Kroos (Toni Kroos’ wife)
    Couple first met when Toni was 18 and she was 20. Jessica is credited with convincing the soon-to-retire Germany star to sign a new Real Madrid deal at a time when he was wavering.
    Candice Brook (Leroy Sane’s girlfriend)
    American model helped Harry Kane get used to Germany and overcome the language barrier following his move to Bayern Munich.
    Sophia Weber (Kai Havertz’s fiancee)
    Soon-to-be Mrs Havertz has struck up a close friendship with Martin Odegaard’s partner Helene Spilling. Sophia recently enjoyed a hen party in Ibiza.
    Lisa Muller (Thomas Muller’s wife)
    Lisa is a famous dressage rider in Germany and reportedly convinced her husband not to join Man Utd.
    Find out more about the Germany Euro 2024 Wags here

    But Clarke received little sympathy from England fans who had viewed the Hand of God Hokey-Cokey from Scottish counterparts.Sharing a clip of that dancing, one Three Lions’ supporter posted: “How poetic is it that an Argentinian referee denied them a stonewall penalty to send them out after this video. See ya lads airports that way.”Another wrote: “Karma is a b****.”And a third taunted the Scots further by joking: “Gave it their best shot … well one shot anyway.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut plenty of viewers insisted the spot-kick was far from clear-cut, with many arguing that in fact Armstrong had been the initial offender.Ex-England frontman Alan Shearer backed Clarke’s verdict on the penalty – slamming Orban’s “terrible challenge” – but fellow BBC pundit Chris Sutton was certain the ref’s decision was correct.The stats show what little impact the Scots made going forward More

  • in

    Barnabas Varga gives health update as he shares emotional post from wife after sickening collision at Euro 2024

    BARNABAS VARGA has issued his first update on his condition in hospital after a sickening collision that overshadowed Hungary’s Euro 2024 game with Scotland.The striker was carried off on a stretcher following an aerial challenge with Scottish keeper Angus Gunn in the second half of the Group A finale.Team-mates have waited anxiously for more news on Barnabas VargaCredit: GettyThe Hungary striker was carried off, with players from both sides shockedCredit: PABarnabas Varga shared a touching message from his wifeCredit: Instagram varga.barnabas_Varga and wife Laura Skrapits celebrate after he won the Hungarian top flight this yearCredit: Instagram: varga.barnabas_And today he shared an Instagram post from his wife Laura Skrapits.She shared a picture of her holding Varga’s hand at his bedside.Her post was captioned: “Thank you for your kind, supportive messages. Barni is over the surgery.”A little rest is waiting for him but he’ll be fine!”READ MORE TOP STORIESHungary team-mates huddled around to protect the Ferencvaros star from view as he was treated on the pitch for several minutes.Players from both sides were clearly anxious over his condition.It was later revealed the 29-year-old had fractured a cheekbone, which rules him out of the rest of the tournament and his dad Andras revealed he underwent surgery.After Kevin Csoboth had hit the only goal in the 10th minute of stoppage time it was immediately obvious where the thoughts of the Hungarian players were focused.Most read in Euro 2024They wore shirts with Varga’s name on it as they walked around in muted mood despite winning.Skipper Dominik Szoboszlai – the Liverpool midfielder – led the way.Tartan Army begins mass exodus from Germany as thousands of Scotland fans head home after Euro 2024 heartbreakAnd even as he raised his arms to acknowledge fans, the expression of the 23-year-old showed he was mirroring their concern over Varga.The 13-cap frontman was reportedly conscious and able to communicate with medics taking him to hospital.Varga was carried off on a stretcher and able to communicate with medical staff on his way to a hospital in StuttgartThe Hungarian camp and Ferencvaros both then issued statements to say he was conscious and in a “stable” condition.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYLiverpool midfielder Szoboszlai highlighted the concern for VargaCredit: GettyHungary boss Marco Rossi said his players had been ‘really worried’Credit: GettyDominik Szoboszlai showed his team’s priority was Varga’s condition as he wore the frontman’s top after the 1-0 win over ScotlandCredit: GettyHis club also promised to update concerned supporters “immediately” when they receive more news.Hungary manager Marco Rossi told BBC Sport on Sunday night: “Varga is okay.”Unfortunately he will be operated on because he suffered a fracture. “We will see, if we progress in the tournament for sure he will not be with us.”Rossi also revealed the fears of his players at the time of the incident.He said: “What I heard from the players is that Barney looked unconscious.”Everybody was really worried about his condition, and worried that the doctors arrived a bit late. Probably they didn’t realise it was a dangerous situation.“We can say now that Barney is not under any kind of risks. “Probably he will be operated on in the coming hours because he suffered a fracture here (cheek), but he’s healthy.”Man of the match Roland Sallai spoke of the ‘terrible incident’Credit: GettyMan of the match Roland Sallai also spoke of the “terrible moment”.He said: “He’ll have to go tough, a minor operation, but we cross our fingers for him that he can return. “Naturally it was a terrible incident. Of course we were fighting for him in the remaining minutes and this win is dedicated to him.”Varga, who has played all his club football in his home country and Austria, was Hungary’s four-goal top scorer in qualifying for the Euros.He started all three of their group matches in Germany this month.And he netted the first of their only two goals so far.Varga gave the Hungarians’ brief hope in their opening match, a 3-1 loss to Switzerland.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe neatly finished off a sublime pass from Szoboszlai when they trailed 2-0.Then came a 2-0 loss to Germany and the 1-0 defeat of Scotland that saw his horrific accident.Hungary Euro 2024 guideA DECADE ago Hungary’s glory days seemed gone forever, but they’ve now qualified for three European Championships in a row.
    A 4-0 win away to England and an unbeaten qualifying campaign shows how dangerous the Hungarians can be on their day.
    MANAGER: Marco Rossi
    One of five Italian coaches at Euro 2024, Rossi has been granted Hungarian citizenship after revitalising the national team during his six years in charge.
    STAR MAN: Dominik Szoboszlai
    Hungary’s captain had a fine start to life at Liverpool before getting injured and losing his form.
    How Hungary attack
    Hungary will slow things down in possession as they look to draw an opposition press.
    From there, they will then tend to his a longer ball over the top of through the opposition defence.
    How Hungary defend
    Hungary will tend to split their press with three players engaging the opposition defence on the ball and the rest sitting deep.
    When this is unsuccessful, it can lead to the opposition finding plenty of space to attack.
    Read the full Hungary Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More

  • in

    Inside Conor Gallagher’s glamorous life with Wag Aine May as Chelsea star takes centre stage for England at Euro 2024

    ENGLAND will turn to Conor Gallagher to solve their Euro midfield woes.The Chelsea midfielder, 24, is expected to start against Slovenia on Tuesday night in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold.Conor Gallagher and Wag Aine May Kennedy lead a life of luxuryWhen Gallagher isn’t starring for Chelsea, he and his girlfriend live the high-lifeGallagher is expected to start for England against Slovenia on TuesdayCredit: GettyBut just because he’s replacing a man famous for his ‘Hollywood passes’ – don’t think he’s any less glam.Off the pitch, Gallagher, who earns £50,000-per-week at Stamford Bridge, lives an enviable lifestyle.His partner is stunningly beautiful Irish model, Aine May Kennedy.Together they enjoy luxury breaks away, from skiing in jet-set locations like Val D’Isere to lapping up the sun on board a private yacht in the Balearic Islands and detoxing at Soho Farmhouse.Read more football news Gallagher – who has been voted England’s sexiest player – is ready to take centre stage.Partner in crimeThe Surrey-born star has become accustomed to the high-life with Aine May.Her motto on her Instagram account is to ‘Be happy, share happiness.’Judging by how they live life, it’s no wonder she is always smiling.Most read in Euro 2024Gallagher, who recently revealed he suffers with asthma, and Aine May have been dating for roughly five years, and they very much consider themselves a “family” on social media.They co-own a dog, Freddy – a Chow Chow with its own social media page followed by over 1,000 fans.Stunning England wags watch on as England face Denmark at Euro 2024Wedding bells must be on the horizon, or perhaps the pitter patter of tiny feet will come first?Don’t bank on it. Because Gallagher and Aine May are having a whale of a time as a young couple, madly in love, with cash to burn.While they love shopping, with both being fans of Dior and splashing out on Sloane Street, it’s travelling around the globe that gives them the most pleasure.Travel buddyIt’s clear by looking through Aine May’s Instagram that downtime, away from the rigours of being a famous footballer and Wag, are important to the loved-up pair.Gallagher’s gorgeous girlfriend is currently supporting her man in Germany at the Euros.Aine May loves nothing better than cheering on Gallagher from the standsWhen Gallagher joined up with the England squad, Aine May took herself off to MarbellaBefore that, Gallagher and Aine May enjoyed a trip on a private yacht in the Balearic IslandsHappy couple Gallagher and Aine May share a Chow Chow called FreddyExpect her to be in the stands, England top and all, as she soaks in the atmosphere in Cologne for the Slovenia match.However, as soon as the tournament ends for the Three Lions – in either victory or despair – you can bet Gallagher and Aine May will have a luxury holiday booked.As Gallagher hooked up with Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of the Euro campaign, Aine May was lapping up the sun in Marbella.She is used to solo trips with pals, enjoying a break away in Paris with her friends back in February.However, as soon as the curtain fell on the Premier League season, she took a trip with Gallagher to Ibiza.There they hired a boat and took a walk along the marina.It was the perfect way to spend time together before he had to report for international duty and England’s training camp.Winding down is something they very much enjoy. A month into the Premier League campaign last year, they visited Soho Farmhouse for a weekend together.When in Los Angeles, Gallagher and Aine May stayed at the plush Beverly Hills HotelAine May and Gallagher took in a Dodgers game when in LAAine May and Gallagher also enjoyed a romantic weekend at Soho FarmhouseA hearty sausage and mash meal was savoured in Soho FarmhousePosh Mayfair restaurant Novikov is another of Gallagher and Aine May’s favouritesRead more sport featuresThey went for a bike ride, before enjoying a hearty sausage and mash meal. It’s worth adding they love to dine out, eating at posh Novikov in Mayfair.That said, these two don’t just like to relax.Last summer’s holiday saw the two explore Los Angeles, where they stayed at the five-star Beverly Hills Hotel – with rooms costing around £1,200-per-night.They went to Dodger Stadium to watch some baseball, where they were joined by Gallagher’s mum and dad.Aine May got into the spirit by wearing an oversized foam finger.Lust for adventureBut it’s not all about taking it easy.Gallagher and Aine May are regulars on the slopes, enjoying skiing trips to fancy spots like Val D’Isere.They were transported by a private helicopter, with a video shared on Instagram showing their journey taking in the incredible French Alps.Aine May showed her love of fashion, donning Celine skiwear for the occasion.Aine May loves high-fashion and dressing up to the ninesAdventurous ski trips to luxurious locations are also the ticket for Aine May and GallagherStyled by Celine, Aine May looks ready to hit the slopesOn another occasion, they stayed at the luxurious Carlton Hotel in St Moritz.The life that Gallagher has comes from a blossoming football career.But at 18 it could have all ended when he felt his heart beating unusually fast.Gallagher then fell ill in the subsequent days and went for checks amid concern something was seriously wrong, having suffered similar problems while with England.He explained to The Guardian in 2020: “It was quite a tough one-v-one session and it was too much for me.”I felt a bit dizzy and had to pull out of training and that’s when I got the checks, scans, and when they saw something was wrong.”It was revealed that Gallagher would require minor heart surgery to solve his irregular heartbeat.He had to be put under general anaesthetic for 45 minutes and there was a three per cent chance the problem would not be solved, potentially endangering his footballing career.Gallagher had to have heart surgery as a youngster to prevail with a football careerCredit: GettyAine May was spotted in Frankfurt looking glam for England’s game against DenmarkCredit: GettyLovebirds Aine May and Gallagher could be football’s next super coupleGallagher said: “I just thought: ‘That can’t happen.’ READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was a bit nervous but in my head I knew I would be fine and push on from that.”And it seems he hasn’t looked back since, with his biggest test possibly coming on Tuesady night. More

  • in

    England fans’ joy as Germans rush in extra beer supplies to Cologne ahead of Slovenia clash – after Scots drank city dry

    JOLLY England fans arriving in Cologne have breathed a sigh of relief as German brewery bosses rushed extra beer supplies into the city.Pubs and bars in Cologne faced a lager crisis after Scotland’s Tartan Army drank bars dry last week – knocking back an estimated one million pints before they crashed out of Euro 2024 on Sunday.England fans are overjoyed as Germans announced plans to rush in extra beer supplies to Cologne ahead of the Slovenia clashEngland fans have are expected to knock back a whopping 25 million pints on Tuesday in the city before their clash with SloveniaCredit: AFPScotland fans drank bars dry in Cologne last week – knocking back an estimated one million pints before they crashed out of Euro 2024 on SundayCredit: RexBut brewery chief’s supplying local speciality booze Kölsch announced emergency stocks have been deployed just in time for the surging Three Lions fans ahead of Tuesdays clash with Slovenia.The crisp and cool 4.8 per cent ale is expected to serve up a treat to fans who are hoping Gareth Southgate and his men can finish Group C in first place.Kölsch brewery spokesman Michael Bosemann said: “We have the experience to cope –  especially thanks to our beloved Cologne Carnival.“Even if there might be individual pubs that run out of stock; the Kölsch in Cologne will not run out!”read more in EnglandKölsch beer gets its name from the language spoken in Cologne which is also called Kölsch.Some bars may still face a drinking crisis with the number of fans expected to be boozing throughout the week in the tens of thousands.A record-breaking army of at least 50,000 Three Lions supporters began arriving in the historic city yesterday for the crunch clash with Slovenia.Bars have been struggling to restock after 100,000 thirsty Auld Enemy drinkers drained the city when the Scots’ drew 1-1 draw with Switzerland last week.Most read in Euro 2024England fans are set to boost beer sales in Cologne by 50 per cent in the coming days with a whopping 25 million pints expected to be finished on Tuesday alone.Around 16 million viewers on ITV will be cheering on the boys in white as look to shake off criticism in recent days and return to form.England fans’ must-watch guide to Cologne ahead of Three Lions’ Euro 2024 clash vs SloveniaITV’s biggest ratings of the year are expected across TV and ITVX streaming while £125million will be splashed on big match food and drinks.England’s 35,000 pubs will also be packed with two million drinkers knocking back an estimated 12 million pints in pubs with 13 million getting drunk at home.British Beer and Pub Association spokeswoman Emma McClarkin said: “Fans know there is no better place to watch live than at the pub.”Simon Dodds, chief executive of pub chain Young’s, said: “Trade is up due to England games and £1million-worth of business is pre-booked for upcoming games.”It comes as boozy England fans kicked off Euro 2024 by downing two months worth of beer at a German restaurant in Gelsenkirchen ahead of their opening tie with Serbia.GE Piazza was left inundated with thirsty punters who ended the opening Euros weekend downing 60 kegs of beer.A whopping 7,500 beers were sunk in just two days as the quiet Italian restaurant quickly became the unofficial meet-up spot for fans dubbed “Little Wembley”.Thrilled manager Umit Yavuz, 43, told the Telegraph: “This is as busy as we’ve been for a long, long time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Probably since the last time England played in Gelsenkirchen in 2006, but back then there were more pubs and bars in the city so this time around everyone has come here.”I put on an England shirt to entice the supporters in. It’s always a popular move.”Guide to Cologne
    By Assistant sports news editor Will Pugh
    AHEAD of Tuesdays game, SunSport headed to Cologne to produce a must-read city guide for every England supporter out there – including the best places to have a beer. 
    STADIUM
    The game will be played at the RheinEnergie Stadion – the 50,000-capacity home of FC Koln.
    The arena was built for the 2006 World Cup where Joe Cole scored his iconic long-range chest-and-volley goal in a 2-2 group stage draw with Sweden.
    FAN ZONE
    The official fan zone is at The Heumarkt, just a short walk from the iconic 13th century Cologne Cathedral.
    The square is surrounded by bars and pubs and will show every Euros match. 
    England’s game with Slovenia will also be shown at the riverside Tanzbrunnen public viewing zone.
    WHERE TO MEET FELLOW FANS
    Head to Alter Markt in Cologne as it is full of green spaces and lots of bars and pubs.
    Or visit the Paffgen brewery which is tipped to be one of the best boozy spots in the city.
    Barney Vallely’s Irish Pub is also a good option for a slightly less rowdy crowd.
    The famous Cologne Cathedral is also a guaranteed winner as it is steeped in history and renowned as one of the best buildings in Europe.
    RESTAURANTS
    Lommerzheim is one of the oldest restaurants and beer halls in Cologne.
    It sells a speciality Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) which is a great try for those with adventurous taste-buds.
    Max Stark is also a perfect place for peckish football fans.

    English pubs are said to bracing for two million drinkers knocking back an estimated 12 million pints on TuesdayCredit: GettyBoozy England fans kicked off Euro 2024 by downing two months worth of beer at a German restaurant in just one weekend in GelsenkirchenHarry Kane and his team mates are looking to bounce back after a miserable draw to DenmarkCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Hungary star Barnabas Varga’s doctor reveals extent of horror facial injuries he suffered against Scotland at Euro 2024

    BARNABAS VARGA suffered multiple fractures in his face in his horror collision with Angus Gunn.The Hungarian striker, 29, clashed with the Scotland goalkeeper, who came out at a free-kick to punch the ball clear in their Euro 2024 match.Barnabas Varga fractured multiple bones in his face after colliding with Angus GunnCredit: RexThe Hungary striker underwent emergency surgery on Monday morningCredit: GettyHowever, the pair accidentally made heavy contact, leaving both men down.Gunn got back to his feet quickly but Varga stayed down motionless in harrowing scenes as team-mates put him in the recovery position. The forward was rushed to hospital in Stuttgart, where he was conscious and stable.According to Varga’s father Andras, he underwent emergency facial surgery this morning after a visit from his club side Ferencvaros’ doctor Gergely Panics.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Panics gave an update on the footballer’s condition to the press – and detailed the injuries sustained.He told Hungarian news outlet Magyar Nemzet: “Barni suffered a concussion during the collision and lost consciousness.”By the time he reached the ambulance, he had already regained consciousness, after which he was taken to the clinic in Stuttgart, where, after the examination, a therapeutic plan was drawn up, according to which he would be operated on. “Our striker suffered multiple facial skull fractures, several smaller and larger bones were broken in his face, and some were even dislocated.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY”After the operation, he will be kept in for two days. If everything goes well, he will be released on Wednesday.”Varga collided with Gunn during the second half of the Group A finale on Sunday night. Scotland vs Hungary was so bad BBC had no highlights to showFurious Hungarian players were angered by the time it took the walking medics to reach the stricken Varga and start treating him in the penalty area, with stewards holding up blankets to create a screen. Captain Dominik Szoboszlai believes Uefa should make a change to ensure players in a similar situation receive treatment as quickly as possible.The Liverpool midfielder said: “I don’t really know the protocols or how it works, but if our doctors say we need someone immediately to help, then I don’t think they should walk.”It’s not my decision, but I think we need to change something.”Even if someone is on the ground, and you know that it was a big collision, then just go on [the pitch].”Even if the referee is saying don’t go on, just go on. And if you can see it’s nothing serious, then you can just go down and it’s finished. But seconds can help a lot.”Panics refused to be drawn on the reaction of the medical team.He added: “Regarding the German protocol and first aid, I do not want to comment, as I do not know it in detail and I am not responsible for it.”However, I can say that I had the opportunity to visit Barna in the hospital, and I saw that he is in expert hands and is receiving a lot of attention.”Inside Barnabas Varga’s rise from semi-pro to Euro 2024
    BARBABAS VARGA has enjoyed a meteoric rise from semi-pro leagues of Austria and Hungary to the Euro 2024 finals.
    The Hungary striker played for six seasons, between 2010 and 2016 for SV Eberau in the Bergenlandliga – the regional fourth tier of Austrian football.
    A record of over a goal every other game earned Varga a shot at the big time with with SV Mattersburg in the Austrian Bundesliga.
    However, he scored only once in just 16 games over the next three seasons before dropping down to the second tier with SV Lafnitz.
    After a mixed spell, Varga’s next step was to his homeland, again in the second tier, with Gyirnot in 2020.
    That’s where it began to click for Varga and his eye for goal saw top division Paksi FC swoop.
    Varga scored almost a goal a game in his first season with Paksi, finishing as the top scorer in the Hungarian league.
    That earned the late bloomer an international debut, at the age of 28, in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Bulgaria.
    One his third cap, away to Serbia, he netted his first Hungary goal.
    Last summer, Varga joined Hungarian giants Ferencvaros and again got the golden boot as his side won the league, the first silverware of his career.

    Uefa, however, defended those who treated Varga and insisted all the guidance was followed as they reached him within 15 seconds. The BBC were forced to apologise because the Uefa live feed showed a replay of the incident despite the severity of the collision.Hungary players looked visibly distraught after witnessing their team-mate’s horror injury. However, following a lengthy delay, the game carried on and Kevin Csoboth scored a 100th-minute winner to keep Hungary’s hopes of qualification for the knockout stages alive. READ MORE SUN STORIESPlayers celebrated by holding up and wearing a ‘Varga 19′ shirt for their striker. Varga, though, will play no further part in the tournament as he begins his recovery.Dominik Szoboszlai put on a Varga shirt and complained about the medics’ responseCredit: GettyPlay was stopped for nearly ten minutes before Varga went to hospitalCredit: Getty More

  • in

    ITV presenter STRANDED in Germany and says ‘even money we make it’ ahead of England’s Euro 2024 clash vs Slovenia

    MARK POUGATCH’S nightmare journey to Berlin saw him stranded over 100 miles south in Leipzig.The ITV host joked it’s “even money” he makes it in time to lead coverage of England’s decisive group stage clash against Slovenia tomorrow.Mark Pougatch’s journey across Germany turned into a nightmareCredit: GettyPougatch was in Stuttgart last night as Hungary beat Scotland 1-0 to end their Euro 2024 journey.The 56-year-old has spent this afternoon trying to make it back to the German capital of Berlin.But he has had a travel disaster that began with his train leaving Stuttgart 25 minutes late.There was then a lengthy delay, which led to the presenter raging on social media: “We’re having a 20 min stop to recharge the battery. ‘So please get off and have a smoke.’”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Luckily, Pougatch made friends, explaining: “German ladies next to me have bought me an ice cream as we debate who has the worst rail system. We win that one, of course.”He then posted half an hour later: “Battery still not charged. Train still somewhere. Ladies giving me water now. Journey beginning to have shades of Avanti/South West trains.”And things went from bad to worse as his train then terminated in Leipzig to leave Pougatch stranded 118 miles from his destination.He said: “We are now terminating in Leipzig and have to find another train for Berlin. Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS”This is quite entertainingly shambolic in a very pleasant, polite Teutonic way but I will miss the ladies who are feeding and watering me like a lost ten-year-old.”My new friends say the platform at Leipzig will be chaos because of the football fans. We may be going rogue. Still have 27 hours ’till we’re on air for England. Even money we make it.”Pougatch is the latest to suffer on Germany’s transport system since the Euros kicked-off.England fans were abandoned at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen for up to three hours after the Three Lions’ win over Serbia last week.An organisation error saw thousands stuck in queues for trams and shuttle buses after the final whistle.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

  • in

    Moment former Man Utd star Bastian Schweinsteiger suffers awkward coffee cup punditry blunder live on TV at Euro 2024

    FORMER Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was caught speaking into his coffee cup instead of a microphone while working as a Euro 2024 pundit.The 39-year-old was covering a match for German broadcaster ARD when the bizarre mix-up occurred.Bastian Schweinsteiger was working as a pundit for Switzerland vs GermanyCredit: GettySchweinsteiger was caught speaking into a coffee cupAfter making a joke about his drink with presenter Esther Sedlaczek, he accidentally began speaking into the cup.It prompted Sedlaczek to quickly point out his error before he swapped back to the microphone.Fans took to social media to react, with one person writing: “What makes this even funnier is the fact how much he talked about coffee beforehand. He was asked how he and others prepared for such a match and he mentioned he was the coffee guy who always needed his coffee.”Another commented: “We’ve all been there.”Read More on GermanyWhile a third joked: “Bad performance right from the start.”Germany were held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland on Sunday in the final Group A match.Dan Ndoye broke the deadlock 26 minutes into the game, putting Switzerland top of group temporarily.However, Niclas Fullkrug equalised in the 92nd minute to clinch a point.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGermany went on to seal the top spot, with Switzerland two points behind in second.Julian Nagelsmann’s side now could face England in the knockouts if the Three Lions fail to beat Slovenia on Tuesday.How hosts Germany look to return to their best for Euro 2024 More