More stories

  • in

    Argentina vs Ecuador FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Copa America clash

    LIONEL MESSI is into the business end of the Copa America as he looks to win a first international trophy.Victory over Bolivia saw the Argentines finish top of their group with ten points from a possible 12.
    Lionel Messi is still seeking a first international trophyCredit: Reuters
    Ayrton Preciado is likely to provide the main threat from EcuadorCredit: AFP
    And Argentina now take on Ecuador, who have yet to win a game at the Copa America but did manage to end Brazil’s ten-game winning run with a 1-1 draw last time out.
    What time does Argentina vs Ecuador kick off?

    In the UK, Argentina vs Ecuador takes place on Sunday, July 4 while in South America it will be held on Saturday.
    Kick-off is at 2am UK time – 10pm on Saturday in Buenos Aires and Goiania and 8pm in Quito.
    The match will be held at the Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico in Goiania, Brazil.
    The teams last met in October when a Lionel Messi penalty was all the separated the two teams in World Cup qualifying in Buenos Aires.

    What TV channel is Argentina vs Ecuador on and can I live stream it?

    Argentina vs Ecuador is live on the BBC Red Button.
    To stream the game live, head to the BBC iPlayer or BBC Sport website.

    Can I watch Argentina vs Ecuador for free?

    Yes. BBC is free for all UK viewers with a TV licence.
    Get your TV licence here.
    You will still need a TV licence even if you are watching BBC online.

    Team news
    Sergio Aguero is likely to retain his place in the Argentina starting lineup with Lionel Messi slotting in behind.
    The impressive Lisandro Martinez is likely to partner the experienced Nicolas Otamendi in defence.
    Despite failing to score in the tournament so far, Enner Valencia is seen as likely to partner Ayrton Preciado up front for Ecuador.
    Angel Mena netted the equaliser against Brazil but is set to start from the bench.
    Latest odds
    To win in 90 minutes
    Argentina 2/5
    Draw 7/2
    Ecuador 15/2
    To qualify
    Argentina 1/6
    Ecuador 4/1
    *Odds from Betfair correct as of Thursday, July 1
    Bet £5, Get £20 In Free Bets  More

  • in

    Uruguay vs Colombia FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Copa America quarter-final

    THE Copa America has reached its business end with a bland group stage format having now come to an end.Eight out of ten teams have qualified for the quarter-final with only Bolivia and Venezuela being knocked out.
    Luis Suarez is hoping to win a second Copa America with UruguayCredit: AFP
    Colombia last won the Copa America in 2001Credit: Reuters
    However two big-hitters are facing off now as 2011 winners Uruguay face 2001 champions Colombia.
    The winner will take on Argentina or Ecuador in the semi-final.
    What time does Uruguay vs Colombia kick off?

    Uruguay take on Colombia on Saturday, July 3.
    The match kicks off at 11pm UK time – 7pm in Brasilia and Montevideo and 5pm in Bogota.
    It will be held at the Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in Brasilia.
    The two sides last met in November when Uruguay picked up an impressive 3-0 away win in Barranquilla in World Cup qualifying.

    What TV channel is Uruguay vs Colombia on and can I live stream it?

    Uruguay vs Colombia is live on the BBC Red Button.
    To stream the game live, head to the BBC iPlayer or the BBC Sport website.

    Can I watch Uruguay vs Colombia for free?

    Yes. BBC is free for all UK viewers with a TV licence.
    Get your TV licence here.
    You must have a TV licence even if you are watching BBC online.

    Team news
    Team news to follow…
    Latest odds
    To win in 90 minutes
    Uruguay 6/4
    Draw 2/1
    Colombia 23/10
    To qualify
    4/6
    Colombia 23/20
    *Odds from Betfair correct as of Thursday, July 1
    Bet £5, Get £20 In Free Bets More

  • in

    Brazil vs Chile FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Copa America quarter-final TONIGHT

    BRAZIL continue their quest for the Copa America with a quarter-final clash against Chile tonight.Tite’s side cruised through the group stages with four straight victories and have the all-important home advantage for this one.

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

    Neymar is hoping to lead Brazil to Copa America crown
    When is Brazil vs Chile?

    This last-eight clash is set for Saturday, July 3.
    Kick-off is at 1am BST.
    The match follows the other QF between Peru and Paraguay – you can follow both right here with our live blog.

    What TV channel is Brazil vs Chile on and can I live stream it free?
    You can catch all of this summer’s Copa America action live on the BBC.
    This game will be shown on the BBC Red Button.
    And if you want to stream instead on your mobile, tablet or PC, simply head to the BBC iPlayer.

    What is the team news?
    Neymar is set to return for Brazil after being rested for the final group game.
    The PSG superstar has already hit two goals and two assists in the competition, while Alisson is expected to remain in goal.
    Alexis Sanchez is out for the tournament through injury, while Chile look set to be without Guillermo Maripan at the back.
    Match odds

    Brazil to win – 9/25
    Draw – 15/4
    Shock Chile victory – 9/1

    *All odds from Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

  • in

    Peru vs Paraguay FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Copa America quarter-final TONIGHT

    PERU face Paraguay for a place in the Copa America semi-finals.The Peruvians were solid in the group stages, with just one defeat across their four games while Paraguay beat Chile and Bolivia to reach the last-eight.

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

    Carrillo celebrates his goal against Venezuela during the group stagesCredit: AP
    When is Peru vs Paraguay?

    This Copa America quarter-final will be held on Friday, July 2.
    Kick-off is at 10pm BST.
    Follow all the action with our dedicated live blog right here from 8.30pm.

    Which TV channel is it on and can I live stream it for free?
    Every match of this year’s Copa America is free on UK TV.
    You can catch this game on the BBC Red Button.
    Head to BBC ONE, hit the red button on your remote and then select Sport from the menu.
    If you want to stream, the BBC iPlayer will allow you to watch the game live or from the beginning.

    What is the team news?
    Christian Ramos returns for Peru after sitting out the final group game through suspension.
    Veteran Paolo Guerrero didn’t make the squad as Ricardo Gareca puts the emphasis on youth.
    Alejandro Romero is pushing for a start, while Paraguay will likely have exciting Newcastle forward Miguel Almiron leading the attack.
    Match odds

    Peru to win – 2/1
    Draw – 2/1
    Paraguay victory – 8/5

    *All odds from Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

  • in

    Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard doubts for Belgium vs Italy with Martinez to make last-minute call for Euro 2020 clash

    ROBERTO MARTINEZ is sweating on the fitness of Eden Hazard and Eden Hazard with both at risk of missing Belgium’s crunch clash with Italy. And the Belgians’ national team boss is set to wait until the last moment to see if the duo will be physically fit enough to feature in the quarter-final duel this evening. 
    Roberto Martinez is waiting to see if Kevin De Bruyne can play against Italy following an ankle injuryCredit: Reuters
    Eden Hazard hopes to recover from a hamstring strain he sustained in Belgium’s win against Portugal inCredit: Rex
    De Bruyne, 30, has been struggling with ankle problems following Belgium’s last-16 Euros knockout of Portugal on Sunday. 
    The Man City midfield maestro sustained the injury following a heavy lunge from behind from Joao Palhinha close to half-time in the game. 
    On Monday it was revealed De Bruyne has external bruising on the affected area. 
    Meanwhile, captain Eden Hazard, 30, was found to have pulled his right hamstring after limping off close to full-time during his team’s 1-0 defeat of Cristiano Ronaldo’s side. 
    At a press conference on Thursday Belgium manager, Martinez said: “We all know we are fighting against time.
    “We’ll see tomorrow if they can be involved or not. Unfortunately, at the moment we cannot make a decision.”
    Hazard and De Bruyne have been trusted members of Belgium’s Red Devils national side since making their respective senior team debuts in 2008 and 2010. 
    A facial injury, sustained during Man City’s Champions League loss to Chelsea, forced De Bruyne to miss Belgium’s 3-0 trouncing of Russia in their opening Euros group game. 
    However the Man City ace returned to help his side win their  remaining group game duels and their first knockout encounter. 

    Roberto Martinez is set to make a late call on the fitness of De Bruyne and HazardCredit: Getty

    The midfielder got on scoresheet in Belgium’s 2-1 defeat of Denmark 
    And the PFA Player of the Year provided an assist for Romelu Lukaku during the team’s 2-0 dispatching of Finland. 
    His team-mate Hazard has played in all of Belgium’s fixtures in the Euros so far. 
    And the playmaker, who struggled with injuries at Real Madrid last season making just 14 top-flight appearances, has enjoyed a resurgence at the tournament.
    Belgium team trains ahead o their Euro 2020 quarter-final clash with Italy More

  • in

    Team news, updates and latest odds for Switzerland vs Spain as the Red Crosses target Euros quarter-final upset

    SWITZERLAND are aiming to topple another of Europe’s football giants days after their stunning defeat of World Cup winners France.This evening Vladimir Petkovic’s so-called underdogs face the challenge of battling Luis Enrique’s Spain for a semi-final spot against Belgium or Italy. 
    Granit Xhaka celebrates Switzerland’s shock win over FranceCredit: pixel8000
    Former Chelsea star Alvaro Morata has scored twice for Spain at Euro 2020Credit: AP
    Alvaro Morata will hope Spain can beat Switzerland and set up a semis duel with Belgium or ItalyCredit: Rex
    However Switzerland will be without with influential captain Granit Xkaka, 28, who is serving a suspension.
    The last eight clash  between Luis Enrique’s goal-hungry La Roja and the plucky Red Crosses will be the first time the two teams have ever gone head-to-head at a Euros tournament.

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

    Spain, who are three-time European Championship winners will no doubt be the favourites to progress to the contest’s semis. 
    However, skipper Sergio Busquets, 32, and his team-mates will be wary of the threat posed by Switzerland.
    Petkovic’s side netted twice to force a dramatic extra time and penalties decider with the team emerging victorious against Les Bleus.
    The clash between the rivals will kick-off tonight at 5pm at the Krestovsky home ground of Zenit St Petersburg
    Viewers can watch the game on ITV1 with a preview and pre-match analysis airing from 4:15pm. 

    Luis Enrique’s players netted five against Croatia in the Euro’s last 16Credit: Rex
    What’s the form? 
    This is the fourth time Switzerland and Spain have gone head-to-head at a major football tournament
    The rivals having faced each other in three World Cups in 1966, 1994 and 2010. 
    And while Switzerland were the 1-0 victors in a World Cup group stage match in South Africa 11 years ago, Spain have lost just ONE of the previous 22 clashes between the sides. 
    The two most recent games between the teams were Uefa Nations League duels in October and November 2020. 
    And a Mikel Oyarzabal goal helped Enrique’s aces seal a 1-0 win in the first encounter and with the Swiss picking up a draw in the second. 

    Both teams had a mixed start to this year’s Euros with Petkovic’s players finishing third in their group and Spain qualifying in second place. 
    However Enrique’s side have seen an upturn in their form in attack with the team scoring twice in extra time to beat Croatia 5-3 in a last-16 eight-goal thriller. 
    Real Sociedad’s Oyarzabal, 24, was among the players who found the net against Luka Modric and his team-mates.
    And the game saw a resilient Alvaro Morata, 28, bag his second goal of the tournament after coming in for a barracking from some supporters. 
    Meanwhile Switzerland found the net three times in their previous two Euros games.
    They defeated the 2018 World Cup champs 5-4 on penalties after an extra time 3-3 draw.

    Who’s in and who’s out
    Switzerland will be without their talismanic skipper Granit Xhaka
    The Prem ace silenced critics with a commanding performance in midfield as his side battled back from a 3-1 deficit to beat France.
    The wantaway Arsenal star, who has been heavily linked with a move to Roma, held his own against Paul Pogba.  

    And he delivered an exquisite pass to tee up Mario Gavranovic whose goal took their clash with Les Bleus to extra-time. 
    However a second yellow card in successive games means the midfielder will miss his side’s clash with Spain due to suspension. 
    Meanwhile Spain could be without substitute goalkeeper David de Gea, 30, with the Man United stopper picking up a thigh injury in training before his side’s defeat of Croatia. 
    David de Gea could be set to miss Spain’s clash with Switzerland due to a thigh strainCredit: Reuters
    Watch out for…
    Haris Seferovic. The Benfica ace, 29, netted three goals for Switzerland in their victories against Turkey and France
    The striker is starting to replicate the clinical club form that saw him net 22 goals in 31 games in Portugal’s top division helping his team finish third. 
    And the former Eintracht Frankfurt player fell one goal short of winning the Primeira Liga golden boot last term
    That prize went to Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Goncalves.  
    Haris Seferovic has been in fine form for Switzerland at the Euros netting three goals in their last two gamesCredit: Reuters

    If the game’s rubbish
    Mirjana Zuber, 28, will be among those cheering on her midfielder husband Steven Zuber, 29, and his Red Crosses team-mates
    The 2014 Miss Switzerland finalist enjoys an exciting career as a host of her own podcast show and is training in the USA to become a television stuntwoman. 
    Podcast presenter Mirjana ZuberCredit: Golder’s News & Sport Ltd. (Golders)
    Fancy a punt? 
    Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
    Match odds?

    *All odds correct at time of publication
    Spain stars pelted with water bottles from fuming Croatia fans at Euro 2020 – which they try and catch More

  • in

    Team news, updates and latest odds for Belgium vs Italy as Lukaku and Immobile clash in huge quarter-final tie

    ROBERTO MARTINEZ hopes to steer Belgium to their first win against Italy in a top football tournament in 49 years. And tonight’s quarter-final duel will see Romelu Lukaku bid to replicate the lethal form that saw him become Serie A’s second highest scorer last term. 
    Romelu Lukaku and Belgium hope to seal their first knockout win against Italy at the EurosCredit: Zuma Press
    Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri side beat Austria 2-1 in the contest’s last 16Credit: Getty
    Both sides will enter this match off the back of hardfought wins with Martinez’s aces dispatching Portugal and Roberto Mancini’s side beating Austria in extra time. 

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

    And Belgium will be looking to reach the Euros semi-finals for the first time since 1972 with the possibility of duel with giant killers Switzerland or three-time contest winners Spain. 
    The highly-anticipated clash between the two European Championship favourites will kick-off at 8pm in Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena in Germany. 
    And the game can be watched live on BBC1 with a preview airing at 7:30pm. 

    What’s the form? 
    Italy and Belgium have played each other 23 times on the international stage.
    And their most recent fixture was a Euros group game encounter in June 2016 under former national team gaffers Marc Wilmots and Antonio Conte.
    That clash in France, overseen by former Prem ref Mark Clattenburg, resulted in a 2-1 win for the Azzurri. 

    But both sides failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals that year with Belgium losing to Wales and Germany dispatching Italy. 
    However Mancini’s side and their opponents have been in fine form so far in this year’s Euros, winning all four of the matches they have played so far. 
    And Martinez’s side have conceded just ONCE in the competition with the team registering an impressive 1-0 last 16 win against Portugal courtesy of a swerved Thorgan Hazard rocket shot. 
    Who’s in and who’s out
    Kevin DeBruyne, 30, and skipper Eden Hazard, 30, are expected to remain with their team-mates despite sustaining injuries during Belgium’s defeat of  Portugal. 
    However Martinez reckons neither players are likely to be “100 per cent” fit.”
    DeBruyne suffered an ankle injury last time out following Portugal’s Joao Palhinha tackling the Man City star from behind.
    Roberto Martinez hopes Eden Hazard will be fit in time to play Italy following his problems with a leg muscle injuryCredit: Rex
    And Hazard was forced to withdraw from the clash with the A Selecao after straining a leg muscle. 
    The duo are expected to have scans ahead of the Italy game and it is thought they could play a part in the clash. 
    However team-mate Simon Mignolet has been forced to withdraw from the tournament with a knee injury. 
    The Brugge stopper, 33, is expected to be replaced by uncapped Belgium keeper Thomas Kaminsk, 28, who plays for Championship side Blackburn Rovers. 

    Meanwhile Nicolo Barella, 24, could be dropped to the bench for Italy after he received a yellow card for dissent against Austria. 
    The Inter Milan midfielder may be at risk of missing a potential semi-final if he were to receive another caution. 
    And Sky Sports Italia claim Domenico Berardi, 26, could make for Federico Chiesa, 23, with the Juventus winger netting one of his side’s two winning goals against Austria. 
    Francesco Acerbi and Giovanni Di Lorenzo could be set to retain their places in Mancini’s back four if  Giorgio Chiellini, 36, and Alessandro Florenzi, 30, are unable to recover from muscle injuries. 
    A calf-muscle injury forced Florenzi to withdraw from Italy’s group stage clash with Turkey. 
    However the Azzurri are optimistic about Chiellini’s chances of being fit for tonight’s game after he missed Italy’s 2-1 win against Austria.
    Italy hope to have Giorgio Chiellini fit and available to play Belgium after he missed his team’s last 16 clash with AustriaCredit: Getty
    Watch out for…
    Romelu Lukaku. The Inter Milan frontman took Serie A by storm last term.
    The Belgium striker netted an impressive 24 goals in 36 league games finishing as the division’s second highest scorer.
    And the former Chelsea and Man United forward has evolved into one of the world’s best strikers netting three goals in four games so far at the Euros. 
    Lukaku has reportedly emerged as a top transfer target for the Blues, however the player affirmed his wish to remain with Inter.
    And the Inter ace will no doubt be keen to impress when he goes up against several Serie A rivals including Juventus defensive rock Chiellini. 
    Lukaku finished last season as Serie A’s second highest goalscorerCredit: The Mega Agency

    If the game’s rubbish
    Jessica Melena, 30, will among the supporters cheering on a Italy team which includes her husband Ciro Immobile
    The Lazio striker, 31, and his wife, who have three children, started dating in 2012
    And Melena, who studied criminology and forensics, once harboured ambitions to become a crime scene investigator. 
    Ciro Immobile’s wife Jessica MelenaCredit: Instagram / @jessicamelena
    Fancy a punt? 
    Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
    Match odds?

    Watch Thierry Henry score stunning free-kick in Belgium training with weaker foot leaving Kevin De Bruyne amazed More

  • in

    Belgium vs Italy FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Euro 2020 quarter-final

    THE last two one hundred per cent records at Euro 2020 are set to be put on the line as Belgium face Italy.The Belgians powered through Group B as they beat Denmark, Russia and Finland, before clinging onto a 1-0 win against Portugal in the last 16.
    Romelu Lukaku could have extra responsibility following injuries to Kevin de Bruyne and Eden HazardCredit: AFP
    Federico Chiesa rescued Italy in the last 16 against AustriaCredit: AFP
    Italy meanwhile triumphed over Turkey, Switzerland and Wales before knocking out Austria in extra time.
    What time does Belgium vs Italy kick off?

    Belgium take on Italy on Friday, July 2.
    The match kicks off at 8pm – 9pm in Belgium, Italy and Germany.
    It will be played at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
    The sides last met at Euro 2016 when goals from Emmanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle saw Antonio Conte’s Italy run out 2-0 winners.

    What TV channel is Belgium vs Italy on and can I live stream it?

    Belgium vs Italy is live on BBC One.
    Coverage commences at 7.30pm – half an hour before kick-off.
    To stream the game live, head to the BBC iPlayer.
    RTBF and VRT are showing Euro 2020 in Belgium while RAI and Sky Italia are the Italian broadcasters.

    Can I watch Belgium vs Italy for free?

    Team news
    Belgium are beset by injury worries with Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard BOTH touch and go for this game.
    Manager Roberto Martinez said: “The initial information that we have from medical staff is positive for both, they will remain with the squad and they have no structural damage,
    “But we are running up against time and it is very difficult to see them fully fit. So, we have to take it day by day to try and get them fit.
    “We were all a bit concerned before we got the news from the scans and it was a relief to all that we can now work on trying to get them fit again.”
    But in a his pre-match press conference, Roberto Martinez said it was more likely De Bruyne would play than Hazard.
    He commented: “It will be difficult for Eden to play tomorrow because of a soft issue injury and maybe a little different for Kevin who’s had a ligament problem.”
    Timothy Castagne has withdrawn from the squad after a double fracture in his eye socket.
    Italy’s only doubt for this match is full-back Alessandro Florenzi, who has a calf injury.
    Giorgio Chiellini is set to return to the starting line-up after missing the Austria game with a thigh injury.
    Latest odds
    To win in 90 minutes
    Belgium 23/10
    Draw 2/1
    Italy 29/20
    To qualify
    Belgium 23/20
    Italy 4/6
    *Odds from Betfair correct as of Wednesday, June 30
    Bet £5, Get £20 In Free Bets  More