Euro 2024

SPAIN star Lamine Yamal has been going viral after an old video surfaced of him meeting Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos during an El Clasico in 2016.Yamal, 16, has taken Euro 2024 by storm as one of the main reasons behind the Furia Roja’s stunning campaign that has led them to the final.Lamine Yamal has gone viral after an old video reemerged of him and Sergio RamosCredit: X@TrujistaBarcelona star Yamal was Real Madrid legend Ramos’ mascot in 2016Credit: X@TrujistaAnd now Yamal stars for Barcelona as well as Spain in Euro 2024Credit: RexThe Barcelona star led Luis de la Fuente’s men to a 2-1 victory over France on Tuesday as he cancelled out Randal Kolo Muani’s opener on 21 minutes before Dani Olmo’s winner.The teenage sensation has come a long way since his days training at Barca’s famous La Masia academy.That allowed the winger to take part in the senior team’s games as a mascot when he was a child.One of those matches saw him linking up with Ramos eight years ago during the El Clasico at the Nou Camp.Read More on FootballYamal saw his beloved Barcelona lose 2-1 after Karim Benzema’s wondergoal cancelled out Gerard Pique’s opener before Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the three points for Los Blancos.However, Ramos also had a night to forget as he was sent off with two yellow cards during the intense derby.Fans went into total meltdown as a video emerged showing Yamal and the Spain great in the tunnel before kick-off.One supporter tweeted: “Imagine that, none of these guys knew he was going to be playing against them like five years later.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother posted: “Cannot make this s**t up.”And that one wrote: “He’s now better at 16 than 70 per cent of the players in that video. Crazy.”Lamine Yamal explains cheeky message he did in Spain v France Euro 2024 match Funnily enough the two went on to meet on the pitch for the first time last September during a league match between Barcelona and Sevilla.And in another strange twist of fate, Ramos, who had returned to the Andalusian outfit, scored an own goal because of Yamal.The Spain star delivered a pass that the legendary defender accidentally drove to the back of his own net and caused his team a 1-0 loss.Yamal will now be looking to emulate Ramos by winning his first ever European championship.The Real legend, though, won the competition twice in a row in 2008 and 2012 with the Spanish national team.Yamal is now waiting to find out his team’s final opponent, which will be either England or the Netherlands after tonight’s semi-final. More

DIDIER DESCHAMPS snapped at a journalist after his future was called into question following France’s Euro 2024 semi-final defeat.The 2018 World Cup winners were beaten by Spain 2-1 in the last four. Didier Deschamps snapped at a journalist after his future was called into questionCredit: GettyAnd in the immediate aftermath, manager Deschamps was pressed on his future in charge of Les Bleus. But he snapped back: “Ask my president. I’ve just lost a semi-final. Do you think I’m already going to answer? “I respect you, but try to respect the people who have responsibilities too.“I’m telling you this calmly. What happened happened. I’m here to answer your questions, but I’m not going to answer this one today. READ MORE ON EURO 2024″You know very well the situation and what my president thinks. So you shouldn’t even have asked the question.”Deschamps won the World Cup and European Championship as a France international. And he took over as boss of the national side in 2012 and led them to World Cup glory in 2018 with a final loss to Argentina four years later. But his football at Euro 2024 was criticised with members of the press labelling it “DULL”. Most read in Euro 2024Who 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.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDeschamps responded: “If you’re getting bored, watch another game. You don’t have to watch – it’s fine. “It’s a special Euros. It’s very difficult for everyone, with fewer goals. Lamine Yamal explains cheeky message he did in Spain v France Euro 2024 match “It hasn’t been the same as in the past, but we share the desire to make French men and women happy through the results we have been getting, especially in a period that has been hard for our country.” France scored just four goals throughout the tournament, with star man Kylian Mbappe getting just one from the spot against Poland. The incoming Real Madrid forward suffered a nose injury during his opening game – which affected his tournament. Deschamps admitted: “I will not say my players didn’t give their all, but we didn’t play as well as we could for various reason. “Kylian didn’t perform as well as he usually does. I’m not making excuses. “We tried to do our best with what we had and tried to be as efficient as possible.”Deschamps in 2023 extended his contract until 2026 with his eyes on the World Cup in North America. More

DIDIER DESCHAMPS made a dig at Kylian Mbappe after France were knocked out of Euro 2024.The French were outclassed in their semi-final defeat to Spain at the Allianz Arena last night.Didier Deschamps hit out at his players after France’s Euro exitCredit: GettyKylian Mbappe was not at his best during the tournamentCredit: GettyMbappe, 25, set up the opening goal for Randal Kolo Muani to give France the lead.But Spain hit back with two goals in four minutes, including a sublime equaliser from wonderkid Lamine Yamal.France were unable to find an equaliser to force added time as they crashed out of the tournament.Boss Deschamps was less than impressed with his team’s performance as he dug out Mbappe for not performing to his usual standards.READ MORE ON EURO 2024He said: “I will not say my players didn’t give their all, but we didn’t play as well as we could for various reasons”Kylian didn’t perform as well as he usually does.”I’m not making excuses.”We tried to do our best with what we had and tried to be as efficient as possible.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDeschamps also responded to questions over his future as he insisted that it was not the best time to speak about it.He said: “I’ve just lost a semi-final, so don’t ask me that question.Lamine Yamal explains cheeky message he did in Spain v France Euro 2024 match Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt.”Ask the president of the FA. I won’t answer the question.”Maybe you shouldn’t have even asked it.”Meanwhile, Mbappe has also shared his thoughts on his performance during the tournament.The forward only managed one goal in his five appearances.He said: “In football you’re good or not good. I wasn’t good.””My Euro was a failure”.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I wanted to be European champion. I will now go on holiday, I will rest well, it will do me a lot of good.”Then I will get ready to start a new life. There’s a lot to do.”Inside Jordan Pickford’s penalty saving technique as he bids to be England’s Euros heroJORDAN PICKFORD has regularly been the hero when it comes to a penalty shootout for his country, writes Jon Boon.The England and Everton goalkeeper, 30, saved Manuel Akanji’s effort for Switzerland to hand the Three Lions an advantage in their shootout win in their Euro 2024 quarter-final.Now, with the help of Goalkeeper.com, we’ve uncovered Pickford’s penalty-saving technique.USES HISTORIC TRENDSPickford is well prepared when it comes to facing the ball from 12-yards.His water bottle trick has become infamous with the list of penalty takers and direction of shot taped on to it.But you cannot always listen blindly to most probable placements, and a goalkeeper’s intuition should also play a role.That human element remains important.UTILISES A MIXED STRATEGYBeing a goalkeeper is often called the ‘loneliest job’ in the world.And when it comes to penalties, your team-mates are solely reliant upon your strategy to save one.Often, we’ve seen goalies who prefer to favour one side – and continuously dive one way.However, Pickford adopts a mixed strategy.Sometimes, he will dive to the power side – saving from Jorginho in the Euro 2020 final.His save from Akanji in the Swiss shootout was made on the placement side.TECHNICAL EXECUTION OF DIVEGoalkeepers are hindered during penalty shootouts – with the Fifa rulebook meaning they have to stay on the line until the shot is taken.That means the lift off of your dive has to be executed a certain way.Pickford launches himself from his back foot behind the line, pushes his body weight forwards, makes no large negative step and keeps both hands active to make the save.This was put into effect when he made saves from Italy’s Andrea Belotti in 2020 and Colombia’s Carlos Bacca at the 2018 World Cup.France’s Mike Maignan, by comparison, takes a large negative step, and struggles to reach his posts.CLUB VS COUNTRY METRICSInterestingly, Pickford is better at saving penalties in shootouts for England than in his overall career average, and better at saving in shootouts vs in game.Clearly, Pickford performs better in an England shirt and when there is bigger pressure.Read our full analysis of Jordan Pickford’s penalty-saving techniques… More

NACHO went viral for the last reason he’d want after helping Spain reach the Euro 2024 final.Even the former Real Madrid hardman himself might be abashed when he sees images of his clash with France’s Randal Kolo Muani.Nacho’s forceful action on Randal Kolo Muani shocked many viewersCredit: APAt this stage Kolo Muani looked unaware of what was to comeCredit: EPANacho, 34, was caught on camera thrusting the head of the floored striker into the ground.One fan labelled a photo of the chilling incident as the “Dirtiest football pic ever seen”.Nacho, who joined Saudi side Al Qadsiah FC last month, had a fierce look on his face.One hand was on Kolo Muani’s head as the PSG star closed his eyes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Nacho’s other hand was raised as he prepared to shove the 25-year-old’s head down.”Outrageous,” said one fan, while another called it “so wrong”.Nacho had only been called in to the Spanish side to replace the suspended Robin Le Normand.And the early exchange – for which he escaped unpunished – suggested he was keen to show he was still as intimidating a physical presence as ever.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYHowever, Kolo Muani could not have dreamt of a better response.He pounced to put France in front just a minute or so later.Watch Ivan Toney score unbelievable volley in England training in ultimate route one goal before Netherlands clashUnfortunately for him, Lamine Yamal scorched a remarkable equaliser to become, at 16, the youngest scorer at any Euros.Dani Olmo then flashed Spain’s deflected winner on 25 minutes.But for Nacho, his team’s crazy rejoicing at the end might be followed by some cringing reflection of his own on his most shocking moment. More

SPANISH wonderkid Lamine Yamal gave a cheeky message to the camera after his semi-final masterclass against France.The 16-year-old helped Spain book a spot in the Euro 2024 final with a 2-1 win over France, after he was called out by French star Adrien Rabiot prior to the clash.Lamine Yamal was fired a warning by Adrien Rabiot ahead of Spain’s clash with FranceCredit: AFPYamal scored a stunning goal as Spain booked their place in the Euro 2024 final after Rabiot’s call outCredit: AFPThe teenager had a message for the camera at the full-time whistleCredit: BBCYamal has been one of the standout stars at the tournament this summer and was certainly one to watch heading into the semi-final against France.But experienced French midfielder Rabiot fired a warning to the teenager ahead of kickoff.The former PSG and Juventus star had warned that Yamal would need to do much more than he already has to be a difference maker against France.Rabiot said: “It is always complicated to manage a semi-final in a tournament like this, but it will be up to us to put the pressure on him [Lamine Yamal] above all.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″Not to let him feel comfortable and to show him that to play in a Euro final, he will have to do much more than what he has done so far.”Yamal certainly responded to that on the pitch, scoring a stunning equaliser to rule out Randal Kolo Muani’s opener for France – while becoming the youngest ever goal scorer in a European Championship in the process. And after doing his talking with his feet, he appeared to send a brutal rebuttal to Rabiot’s comments at full-time.The teenager looked straight down the camera and appeared to say: “Speak now, speak now!”.Most read in Euro 2024Yamal’s spectacular goal came after Rabiot was unable to close him downCredit: GettyEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSYamal had already sent a cryptic message out on his Instagram before kick-off, seemingly hinting that Rabiot had spoken too early.It read: “Move in silence. Only speak when it is time to say checkmate.”SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesYamal won this game of chess as his Spain side progressed into Sunday’s Euro 2024 final after Dani Olmo added a second to make the scored 2-1.Spain will now face the winner of Wednesday night’s clash between England and Holland.Yamal has had an exceptional tournament for Luis de la Fuente’s side this summer in Germany.And the youngster has been doing it all while balancing his studies. Before the tournament got underway, Yamal admitted that he had to bring his homework to Germany with him as he is still finishing high school.He said: “I have classes on the web and I’m doing well, I hope the teacher doesn’t fail me.”While his unbelievable skill at such a young age has seen him smash all kinds of records.As well as tonight becoming the youngest ever Euros goal scorer, he also became the youngest player to feature at the tournament when he started Spain’s opener against Croatia last month.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has done it next to an experienced group of players too with teammate Jesus Navas, 38, actually three years older than Yamal’s dad.Yamal has now scored one goal and registered three assists in his six appearances at Euro 2024 – an incredible return for a teenager making his major tournament debut.Yamal posted a cryptic message to his Instagram ahead of kick offCredit: instagram @lamineyamal More

SO now we know who England will have to beat to become European champions for the first time IF they can get past Holland in Dortmund.SunSport looks at Spain to assess where a final in Berlin on Sunday could be won or lost.England will have to be at their best – and beat Holland first – to stand a chance in the Euro final against SpainCredit: RexLamine Yamal and Nico Williams must be contained for any side to stand a chanceCredit: AFPUnlike the Spanish team that dominated Planet Football under Vicente del Bosque a decade ago, Luis de la Fuente’s team are more about making a real impression than concentrating on possession.The side of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Inesta and Co did not so much dominate the ball as monopolise it.They moved teams around continually, running their legs off with the Barcelona-style passing “carousel”, waiting for the moment to strike.It was successful but at times, particularly in 2012, it could become dull. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTechnically proficient but not an approach to get you off your feet.But this incarnation of Spain is VERY different – as they proved in their 2-1 semi-final win over France.STRENGTHSThey look to score every time they get the ball, playing wide and early to allow wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams to attack their full-backs high up the pitch and run in behind.The twin terrors are jet-heeled, direct and dangerous. It’s hard to believe Yamal does not turn 17 until Saturday.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSIf they are allowed to run at England, it could get very messy and the back line will need support and cover to prevent them potentially being over-run.With Rodri, described by de la Fuente as a footballing “computer” programmed to make critical midfield decisions in attack and defence, patrolling deep, it gives a platform for Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz to join the front line.Lego fan uses 6,000 bricks creating stadium hosting England’s Euro showdown against the NetherlandsWEAKNESSESIf there is an obvious weakness – and the statistics that say he has scored more than 200 club goals and 36 at almost a goal every other game for Spain – it is the leader of the line.Alvaro Morata’s difficult time at Chelsea was a clear case of a fish out of water but his lack of real threat – and tendency to run offside too often – has not always endeared him to Spain fans either.Of course, he remains a fine header of the ball and it will not matter if others find the net but John Stones, Kyle Walker and Marc Guehi will all know exactly what they are up against.There will be concerns over his fitness for the final however after a bizarre incident involving Spain’s own security team.Alvaro Morata has not posed much of a threat for Spain so farCredit: ReutersPOSSIBLE VULNERABILITYAt the back, it is expected that Dani Carvajal and Robin le Normand will return after being suspended for the semi-final.So far, they have not been exploited defensively.But Croatia and Georgia certainly had their opportunities earlier in the tournament.They rocked, as well, when France put on the pressure in the second half in Munich, with Marc Cucurella looking more like the player Chelsea fans have come to know and not exactly warm to than the one he had been over the past few weeks.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere were two real chances from set-pieces, free headers from Aurelien Tchouameni and Dayot Upamecano, while Kylian Mbappe will know he should have done better after cutting inside late on.England’s aim will be to get the ball wide and see if those flaws could be exposed.Marc Cucurella could be exploited with sheer pace down his sideCredit: EPA More