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      Cristiano Ronaldo international goal record: How many goals does Ronaldo need at Euro 2020 to beat Ali Daei?

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is getting ever closer to smashing the all-time international goals record.The Portugal captain, 36, is now up to it 107 and counting – meaning he’s now desperately close to Iranian legend Ali Daei’s record.
      Ronaldo has scored three goals in two games at the EurosCredit: Reuters

      Ronaldo has been bearing down on the record for some time now, having scored his 100th Portugal goal against Sweden in September 2020.
      The Juventus star could even equal it this summer in the Euros after smashing two past Hungary.
      Ronaldo added another to his tally against Germany and faces France in the final group game on Wednesday.
      He will fancy his chances of dragging his nation into the knockout stages, with a deep run helping his chances of becoming the top international scorer of all time.
      Daei notched an incredible 109 goals in 140 appearances for Iran, before retiring from the game in 2006.
      His record has stood for an impressive 14 years, and not even Lionel Messi or Neymar have come anywhere near it.
      But Ronaldo has just two goals to go to equal it.
      “All records must be broken and I will beat that record,” Ronaldo said before he scored twice against Sweden.

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      Just below Ronaldo in the scoring charts is Hungary legend Ferenc Puskas, who tallied up an astonishing 84 goals in just 85 apps.
      Following Ronaldo’s breaking of the century barrier, his ex-Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand called the achievement ‘crazy’.
      Ferdinand said: “Some players don’t even get 100 goals in their whole career.
      “This isn’t even about your club goals, this is just the national team. It’s crazy.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Cristiano Ronaldo removes Coke bottles at Portugal press conference and shouts ‘drink water’ More

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      Who is Sweden vs Poland referee Michael Oliver? Which games is he taking charge of at Euro 2020?

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Michael Oliver has been chosen as one of England’s representatives at Euro 2020.A familiar face to English football fans, Oliver is one of 18 officials appointed by the Uefa Referees’ Committee and will take part in his first major international tournament.
      Michael Oliver was in charge of Sheffield United’s controversial game against Aston Villa when the Blades clearly had a goal not given that was over the lineCredit: AFP
      It will cap off a long but productive season for the 36-year-old, who officiated in every matchday of the top flight season and took charge of May’s FA Cup final as Leicester beat Chelsea.
      Who is Michael Oliver?
      Born in Ashington, Northumberland, Oliver began refereeing at the age of 14 after being introduced to it by his father.
      By 2007 he became the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley stadium when he whistled the Conference National play-off final.
      Oliver continued to break records becoming the youngest ever Football League referee and youngest Premier League fourth official.
      Michael Oliver awarded a controversial penalty to Real Madrid against Juventus in 2018 and sent off Gianluigi BuffonCredit: REUTERS
      Michael Oliver took charge of Blackburn’s game with Birmingham in 2010 when he was just 25 years oldCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      In 2010, Oliver became the youngest ever Prem referee at the age of 25 years and 182 days old when he officiated Birmingham City’s game with Blackburn Rovers.
      He was selected for Champions League duty in 2016 where he took charge of three group stage games.
      Oliver was caught up in controversy in April 2018 when he refereed to Champions League quarter final second leg between Real Madrid and Juventus.
      In injury time and with the aggregate score level at 3-3, Oliver awarded Real Madrid a controversial penalty and, in the melee, sent off Juventus Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

      In the aftermath, police investigated threatening messages sent to Oliver’s wife after her phone number was leaked on social media.
      Buffon was rapped for his explosive post-match interview.
      The Italian legend clearly let himself down when he said: “The team gave their all, but a human being cannot destroy dreams like that at the end of an extraordinary comeback on a dubious situation.
      “The referee has a trashcan where his heart should be.
      “On top of that, if you don’t have the character to walk on a pitch like this in a stadium like this, you can sit in the stands with your wife, your kids, drinking your Sprite and eating crisps.”
      What games is he taking charges of at Euro 2020?
      This has not yet been confirmed but he is expected to officiate in the group stages of the tournament.
      Is Michael Oliver allowed to take charge of England games at Euro 2020?
      No.
      Referees are not allowed to officiate matches involving the team from their association, the same as applies in Champions League and Europa League matches. More

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      Who is Slovakia vs Spain referee Bjorn Kuipers and how many European Championships has Dutch ref officiated?

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      SLOVAKIA and Spain will be handled by one of Europe’s most experienced referees as they face off in Seville.Bjorn Kuipers will take charge as he returns to tournament football following his appearance at the World Cup three years ago.
      The Dutch ref is part of Uefa’s elite groupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Who is Bjorn Kuipers?
      Kuipers, 48, is vastly experience and has been reffing since 2002.
      He began in the Dutch leagues and worked his way up the ranks, becoming a Fifa listed ref in 2006.
      He eventually joined the Uefa elite list in 2009.
      Kuipers remains a fixture of the Dutch Eredivise, as well as high profile European competitions – where he most famously took charge of the Champions League final in 2014 between Real and Atletico.
      Referees will have VAR to assist them in RussiaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Chelsea fans may remember he sent off Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 2015 Champions League, after being surrounded by nine Blues’ players.
      And he took charge of this season’s Champions League semi-final first leg between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
      In 2018 he refereed Atletico Madrid in a final again, as Diego Simeone’s side beat Marseille 3-0.
      And the same year he went to the World Cup, refereeing England’s quarter-final win over Sweden.

      Has he officiated at the European Championship before?
      Kuipers is extremely experienced, having officiated at both Euro 2012 and Euro 2016.
      In 2012, he was forced to suspend a group game between Ukraine and France thanks to an electrical storm.
      And in 2016, he refereed the quarter-final between France and Iceland. More

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      Euro 2020 top scorers: Who is leading in race for Golden Boot, and what happens if there is a tie?

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      THE goals have certainly been flowing in the Euro 2020 group stages.With the knockouts getting going on June 26, the race for the Golden Boot is also starting to hot up.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo has hit the ground running at Euro 2020Credit: AP
      Euro 2020 top scorers
      The top scorer at this year’s tournament will receive the European Championship Golden Boot.
      Last time out in 2016, Antoine Griezmann took the gong as he hit six goals across the tournament.
      Harry Kane was the heavy favourite to win this year’s award after his superb season in the Premier League, where he hit more goals and assists than any other player.
      England’s Harry Kane has drawn a blank in his opening three matchesCredit: AFP
      But things haven’t gone to plan for the England forward, who is yet to notch in the tournament.
      Here’s the top five top scorers as it stands:

      Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 3 goals, 1 assist
      Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) – 3 goals, 0 assists
      Patrik Schick (Czech republic) – 3 goals, 0 assists
      Georgino Wijnaldum (Holland) – 3 goals, 0 assists
      Ciro Immobile (Italy) – 2 goals, 1 assist

      What happens if there is a tie?
      Unlike in the domestic leagues, the Golden Boot will NOT be shared if players finish on the same amount of goals.
      Instead, if there is a tie, assists will be taking into account.
      Should the players have the same amount of goals and assists, the Golden Boot will go to the player who has played the lowest number of minutes. More

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      Who will England play next in Euro 2020 last-16, possible opponents, where will match be held and what time is kick-off?

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      ENGLAND saw off Czech Republic at Wembley to top Group D thanks to a rare header from Raheem Sterling. But now all eyes turn to Group F to see who the Three Lions will face in the round of 16 – with either France, Germany, Portugal or Hungary in the frame.
      Live Group F table

      Who will England play in the last 16 after beating Czech Republic?
      With victory, Gareth Southgate’s side leapfrog the Czechs who were leading Group D on goal difference.
      As group winners, England WILL play in London against the second-placed team from Group F.

      England’s 0-0 draw with Scotland opens up multiple possibilities for the round of 16Credit: Getty
      England could face either Germany or Portugal if they win the groupCredit: Reuters
      The problem is, that could be any of France, Germany or Portugal – and also Hungary.
      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 will this match take place?

      England vs Portugal/France/Germany/Hungary
      Tuesday, June 29 at 6pm
      Wembley Stadium, London

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

      Tuesday, June 29

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

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      Portugal vs France FREE: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for massive Euro 2020 clash TONIGHT

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      PORTUGAL face France tonight with a place in the knockout stages of Euro 2020 up for grabs. Neither side are guaranteed a place in the last-16 yet after dropping points in their last games, with France held by Hungary.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping to win the European Championship for a second timeCredit: AFP
      France are looking to follow up their World Cup win with European Championship successCredit: AFP
      What time does Portugal vs France kick off?

      The match kicks off at 8pm in the UK and Portugal – 9pm in France and Hungary.
      It will be held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
      Over in Munich, Germany will be facing Hungary simultaneously in the other Group F match.
      Portugal and France last met as recently as November, when N’Golo Kante scored the winner for the French in Lisbon in the Uefa Nations League.

      What TV channel is Portugal vs France on and can I live stream it?

      Portugal vs France is live on BBC1.
      To stream the game live, head to the BBC iPlayer.
      Sport TV is the Euro 2020 broadcaster in Portugal while TF1, M6 and beIN Sports have the tournament rights in France.

      Can I watch Portugal vs France for free?

      What is the team news?
      Nuno Mendes remains out for Portugal, but Joao Felix should be fit despite a thigh complaint.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is chasing a 20th goal at major tournaments, with another breaking Miroslav Klose’s record.
      Ousmane Dembele will play no further part in the competition after suffering a serious knee injury against Hungary. More

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      Germany vs Hungary FREE: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for TONIGHT’s Euro 2020 match

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      GERMANY face Hungary in Group F tonight looking to book their place in the last-16 of Euro 2020. Joachim Low’s side saw off Portugal in their last match, but will have to wary of a Hungarian side who held world champions France to a draw.

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      Germany are taking on Hungary in a crucial Euro 2020 group matchCredit: Getty
      Dominik Szoboszlai will be key to Hungary’s hopesCredit: Getty
      Both teams can still reach the knockout stages, with second in the group facing England at Wembley next Tuesday.

      What time does Germany vs Hungary kick off?

      The match kicks off at 8pm UK time tonight – 9pm in Germany and Hungary.
      It will be played at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
      France will take on Portugal simultaneously in the other Group F game.
      Germany and Hungary have not met competitively since that famous 1954 World Cup final when the Germans picked up a 3-2 win.
      The last meeting between the two teams was in 2016 when Germany ran out 2-0 winners in Gelsenkirchen.

      What TV channel is Germany vs Hungary on and can I live stream it?

      Germany vs Hungary is live on BBC2.
      To stream the game live, head to the BBC iPlayer.
      ARD, ZDF and Deutsche Telekom are showing Euro 2020 in Germany while MTVA is the Hungarian broadcaster.

      Can I watch Germany vs Hungary for free?

      What is the team news?
      Thomas Muller has picked up a knee injury and will miss this game, with the Bayern star potentially out until the quarter-finals.
      Mats Hummels is also dealing with a knock but is expected to feature.
      Adam Szalai left the field against France with a head injury and isn’t expected to be able to play tonight. More

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      England last 16 tickets: How can I buy them and how many fans will be at Wembley?

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      ENGLAND have made it through to the Euro 2020 knockout stages and they’ll be staying at Wembley.A 1-0 win over the Czech Republic ensured the Three Lions finished top of Group D.
      England are back at Wembley for the Euro 2020 last 16Credit: AP
      And now they await the visit of the runners-up of Group F – one of France, Portugal, Germany or Hungary.
      How many fans will be allowed at Wembley for England’s last 16 game?
      England had been playing matches in front of 22,500 fans in the group stage – a 25 per cent capacity.
      However, this will be upped to 45,000 fans – 50 per cent – in the last 16.
      And the UK government has confirmed to Uefa that the semi-final and final will be played in front of at least 60,000 fans – a 75 per cent capacity.

      How can I get tickets for the England last 16 game?
      Tickets are sold on the Uefa ticketing portal and are priced at 185 euros, 125 euros and 50 euros.
      England Supporters Club members will be allocated tickets separately, but it is not yet known whether their allocation will be increased from the group stage figure of 3700.

      Where will England play their next games if they win?
      England will travel to Rome for the quarter-final should they get through the last 16.
      Both semi-finals and the final will then be played at Wembley, should England get there. More