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      in Soccer

      Portugal vs Germany LIVE: TV channel, live stream – early Gosens strike RULED OUT in blockbuster Euro 2020 tie

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      EUROPEAN champions Portugal are taking on 2014 World Cup winners Germany as they look to escape the ‘Group of Death’ this evening.The two sides have been pitted against world champions France and tournament co-hosts Hungary as they look to make the last 16.

      Kick-off: 5pm BST
      TV/ live stream: ITV 1/ ITV Hub.
      Portugal XI: R Patricio; Semedo, Pepe, R Dias, Guerreiro; Pereira, Carvalho; B Silva, B Fernandes, Jota; Ronaldo.
      Germany XI: Neuer; Ginter, Hummels, Rudiger; Kimmich, Gundogan, Kross, Gosens; Havertz, Muller, Gnabry.

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      PORTUGAL 0-0 GERMANY
      7. Gnabry, in particular, has shown his quality inside the opening minutes of the game.
      He really has flourished into one of the best wingers in world football.
      It’s funny really. At one point he was deemed not good enough to play for West Brom….. WEST BROM!
      PORTUGAL 0-0 GERMANY
      5. Germany have started extremely fast here.
      PORTUGAL 0-0 GERMANY
      4. WAIT, NO GOAL!
      Germany work the ball wide to the right-hand side.
      A wonderful ball is delivered deep towards the far post, and Gosens sends the ball flying into the back of the net!
      A wonderful acrobatic attempt by the German.
      But VAR intervenes…… and Gnabry is penalised for being offside in the build-up.
      0-0.
      GOOOOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!
      WHAT A FINISH BY GOSENS!!!
      GERMANY LEAD!!!
      PORTUGAL 0-0 GERMANY
      3. Good stuff from Germany.
      PORTUGAL 0-0 GERMANY
      2. Germany are maintaining possession well inside the opening minutes of the game.
      They’re looking comfortable on the ball.
      And if history is anything to go by, the Germans always perform well under pressure.
      They’ll want to get a good result.
      PORTUGAL 0-0 GERMANY
      1. Germany get the game underway in Munich!
      The ball is worked wide to Gosens on the left-hand side, and the ball is played down the line to Havertz.
      The Champions League winner gets to the byline and cuts the ball back towards Gnabry on the penalty spot.
      But Carvalho clears for the European champions.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      WE’RE OFF IN MUNICH!
      HERE WE GO…….FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS!
      HERE COME THE TEAMS
      Both sets of players are making their way out onto the pitch ahead of kick-off!
      Portugal leads out his Portugal team – defending European champions – and they’re wearing their famous red and green colours.
      And legendary goalkeeper Neuer leads out Germany, who are desperate for a result.
      Low has been manager of Germany for 15 years, but he will step down at the end of this tournament.
      And his successor, former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick is in the stands watching.
      Cue the national anthems……. Portugal’s is up first!
      NOT LONG TO GOW
      We’re just over ten minutes away from kick-off in Munich! Huge game.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      PORTUGAL TEAM GUIDE
      Ronaldo kicked off Euro 2020 with two goals!

      GERMANY TEAM GUIDE
      Germany need their star men to turn up tonight and get a win.
      Whoever finishes third in this group could still go through as four of one of the best 3rd placed teams.

      TABLE CHECK
      Earlier today, France fought back from a goal down to rescue a point in Budapest, Hungary.
      A win for Germany tonight adds some spice to the final round of fixtures in the group.
      And if Hungary turn up against Germany and perform how they did against Portugal and France, a shock could be on the cards!

      RONALDO’S THOUGHTS
      Here’s what star Ronaldo said ahead of the game: “The most important thing was the win.
      “It was a difficult match against an opponent that defended well, but we managed to score three goals.
      “I am very grateful to the squad that helped me score two goals, and win Player of the Game.
      “It was fundamental to start on the right foot, to gain confidence. Now, we need to continue this. The next match [vs Germany] is to win.”
      I am very grateful to the squad that helped me score two goals, and win Player of the Game.Cristiano Ronaldo
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      ‘I’M NOT AFRAID OF GERMANY’
      Portugal boss Fernando Santos has said that he is not scared of Germany heading into tonight’s game.
      He said: “”I’m not afraid of Germany at all. I think the two teams will respect each other because they know that on both sides there are powerful forces capable of deciding the game.
      “To think that Portugal are favourites against Germany, playing in Germany, is crossing the line.
      “If the players fell into that way of thinking, we wouldn’t even draw this game!”
      MAJOR WOES
      Germany have suffered three defeats in their last four group stage matches at major tournaments (EUROs + World Cup), as many as in their previous 24 group stage games (W16 D5).
      They haven’t suffered consecutive defeats in the group stage at a major tournament since losing to England and Portugal at EURO 2000.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      GERMANY BENCH
      3 Halstenberg, 9 Volland, 11 Werner, 12 Leno, 15 Sule, 17 Neuhaus, 18 Goretzka, 19 Sane, 22 Trapp, 23 Can, 24 Koch, 26 Gunter.
      GERMANY XI
      Low has picked a strong team to face defending European champions Portugal.
      And it looks like he’s going with a 3-4-2-1, with Havertz and Muller playing behind the striker.
      1 Neuer (c); 2 Rudiger, 5 Hummels, 4 Ginter; 20 Gosens, 8 Kroos, 21 Gundogan, 6 Kimmich; 25 Muller, 7 Havertz; 10 Gnabry.

      PORTUGAL BENCH
      6 Fonte, 8 Moutinho, 9 A.Silva, 12 Lopes, 15 Rafa, 16 Sanches, 17 Guedes, 18 Neves, 19 Goncalves, 20 Dalot, 22 Rui Silva, 26 Palhinha.
      PORTUGAL XI
      Manager Fermando Santos shapes up with a 4-2-3-1 with two defensive midfielders.
      Lets see if they can turn in a good performance, compared to England who dropped an absolute stinker yesterday with two defensive-minded midfielders!
      1 Patricio; 2 Semedo, 3 Pepe, 4 Dias, 5 Guerreiro; 13 Pereira, 14 Carvalho; 10 Silva, 11 Fernandes, 21 Jota; 7 Ronaldo (c).

      THE TEAMSHEETS ARE IN!
      GOOD FORM
      Portugal have lost just two of their last 30 matches in all competitions (W19 D9), scoring 67 goals and conceding just 19 times across these matches.
      Having won 4-0 against Israel and 3-0 against Hungary in their last two matches, they are looking to win three games in a row without conceding for the first time since November 2017 (four in a row).
      MULLER’S THE MAN
      Thomas Müller’s only hat-trick with the German national team was against Portugal, in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup.
      However, Müller has never scored in 12 matches at the European Championship, attempting 27 shots without success.
      ONE TO WATCH
      Cristiano Ronaldo has never scored against Germany (4 games), despite attempting 23 shots in 360 minutes of action.
      Only against France has the Portuguese forward played more times (6 games) for the national team without finding the back of the net.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      HEAD-TO-HEAD
      Portugal’s last victory against Germany was in the group stages of Euro 2000 – a 3-0 win, courtesy of a Sergio Conceição hat-trick, the last time Germany have conceded 3+ goals by the same player in a major tournament game.
      Since then, Germany have won their four meetings with Portugal, all at major tournaments (WC ‘06, Euro ‘08, Euro ‘12, WC ‘14).
      This will be the fifth meeting between Portugal and Germany at the UEFA European Championship; only Italy and Spain have faced each other on more occasions in the tournament (6).
      It will also be the sixth encounter between the two teams at major tournaments since Euro 2000 (4 at Euro, 2 at World Cup), the most between two European nations over that period.
      The last five matches between Portugal and Germany have produced 17 goals, an average of 3.4 per match. Four of those five games have witnessed 3+ goals.
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      in Soccer

      Hakimi to Chelsea LATEST, Benitez to Everton, Grealish transfer UPDATES, Varane’s next move

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      ACHRAF HAKIMI is reportedly keen on joining Paris Saint-Germain instead of Chelsea. We’ve also the latest on Jack Grealish’s future, as well as updates from Man City and Tottenham.
      And shock reports suggest that Rafa Benitez is close to becoming boss at Everton, while Sergio Ramos has left Real Madrid after 16 years with the club.
      Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…

      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game

      Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
      PUT A SOC IN IT
      Real Sociedad are negotiating with Borussia Dortmund to remove a £26m buy-back clause for Arsenal target Alexander Isak.
      Sociedad bought Isak from Dortmund back in 2019, with the Bundesliga giants including a £26m buy-back clause.
      According to Sport1, the two clubs are now in negotiations to remove the clause.
      Isak, 21, has three years remaining on his deal in Spain, with Sociedad hoping to reward his form with a new contract.
      The Basque side are expected to pay around £5m to remove Dortmund’s clause.

      PAU WOW
      Man Utd are willing to launch a transfer bid for Pau Torres, according to reports.
      But they face competition from Real Madrid for the defender’s signature.
      According to AS, the Red Devils may make an official bid in the coming weeks.
      Torres was in the Villarreal side which beat United in the Europa League final.
      And he is currently starting for Spain alongside Aymeric Laporte at the Euros.

      RAM RAID
      Manchester United have reportedly been given a clear path to sign Sergio Ramos after Paris Saint-Germain dropped out of the race, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
      RMC claims Mauricio Pochettino is keen on signing the former Real Madrid captain, whose shock Bernabeu departure was confirmed this week.
      However, Ramos is demanding a two-year contract on wages worth £200,000-a-week.
      And PSG are refusing to enter talks unless Ramos, 35, has a change of heart and drops his demands.
      That means United could now be frontrunners for the veteran defender after he also refused to entertain an offer from former side Sevilla.
      Ramos is seen as an ideal partner for Red Devils captain Harry Maguire.
      AOU ABOUT THAT?
      Arsenal are ready to launch another attempt to sign Lyon’s Houssem Aouar, writes JORDAN DAVIES.
      The Gunners were priced out of a move for the 22-year-old Frenchman last summer – with Lyon demanding up to £55m.
      However, the Ligue 1 club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League means Aouar will cost as little as £20m – a figure well within the North London club’s price range.
      And SunSport understands that Arsenal are readying a contract worth £100k-a-week to lure the midfielder to the Emirates at the second time of asking.
      IMPROVED BID
      According to Sky Sports, Man Utd have made an improved bid for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.
      An offer believed to be in the region of £75m has reportedly been submitted to the German club.
      Dortmund are believed to be looking to to get a sum of £80m, but there is a willingness to sort the situation out.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      BARCA BOUND
      Memphis Depay will be a Barcelona player this season, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
      An announcement is expected this weekend if all the correct paperwork has been sorted out.
      Memphis Depay, new Barcelona player. Official announcement expected for this weekend if paperworks will be signed in time with Memphis lawyers too. 🔵🔴🇳🇱 #Depay #FCB— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2021

      MEDLEY TO LEAVE
      Arsenal defender Zech Medley will join Belgian side K.V. Oostende on a permanent transfer, according to football.london.
      The 20-year-old will end his five-year stay at the North London club and will head to Belgium in the coming days.
      The report states that Arsenal will add a sell-on clause into the deal just incase he makes good progress.
      Boss Mikel Arteta was keen on keeping Medley, but the player wants to play first team football.
      OLISE LINKED
      Reading superstar Michael Olise has attracted attention from a host of top clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds.
      And the teenage sensation is being urged to make his transfer decision – to stay or to seek a move elsewhere.
      The 19-year-old had a productive season in the Championship scoring seven goals as well as providing 12 assists.
      HAK IT
      Chelsea are set to lose out on Inter Milan star Achraf Hakimi with Paris Saint-Germain leading the race, according to reports in France.
      Chelsea have already had a bid worth £51.5m rejected by the Italian champions.
      PSG have also seen a bid worth a similar amount turned down.
      But according to RMC Sport, PSG are hopeful that an improved bid of £60.1m will seal the deal.
      VARANE DEAL
      Man Utd are still keen on signing Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, despite his £80m price tag.
      According to the Manchester Evening News, Man Utd made a £50m move but it was swiftly turned down.
      The report states that despite club captain Sergio Ramos leaving, they are prepared to sell Varane this summer with free agent David Alaba arriving.
      Real Madrid are trying to tie Varane down to a new deal, but if things don’t work out they wan’t a sizeable transfer fee.
      Worst case, Man Utd wait until next summer to sign the Frenchman for FREE.
      SANCHO CLOSER THAN EVER
      According to Si Lloyd, Man Utd are closer than ever to signing Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.
      Jadon Sancho to Manchester United is nearly done. It’s been nearly done for a long, long time, but this time it really is a lot more nearly done than ever before.— Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) June 19, 2021

      LIVERPOOL EYE BERARDI
      Liverpool are interested in signing Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi this summer, according to the Daily Express.
      The 26-year-old has attracted some attention after his fine performances for Italy at Euro 2020.
      Italy have won both of their two fixtures by three-goal margins.
      CORR BLIMEY
      Arsenal are keen on signing Lazio forward Joaquin Correa, according to reports.
      Sky Italy are saying that Arsenal have requested information on the Argentine.
      In the report, it states that Lazio have interest in one of Arsenal’s players, Lucas Torreira.
      And the Uruguayan midfielder could help sweeten the deal to tempt the Rome-based club.
      TRIPP’S IT
      Manchester United are willing to sell left-back Alex Telles to fund a move for Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier, according to reports.
      The Mirror are reporting that Man Utd are still keen on Trippier and a reported bid of £10m was turned down not long ago.
      And Atletico boss Diego Simeone doesn’t want Trippier to leave for anything less than what they value him at, £40m.
      Trippier’s ability to play at both right and left-back provides cover if Telles is sold.
      SILVA LINING
      According to respected journalist Duncan Castle, Arsenal are ready to move for Frankfurt striker Andre Silva.
      Speaking on his podcast, Transfer Window Podcast this week, he said: “Frankfurt are asking for £34.35m for the player. 
      “There is an expectation that that won’t be achieved, and that they will be forced to sell him for less money. 
      “Leipzig certainly don’t want to pay that. Arsenal have expressed their interest and have done a lot of propriety work on this deal.
      “They have told Andre Silva that they need to sell before they can bring him in. But they want to do that deal. 
      “And the player they have targeted sell is Alexandre Lacazette.”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      GIFT WRAPPED
       Barcelona are closing in on Lionel Messi’s contract extension and could announce it on his 34th birthday, according to reports. 
      The Argentine’s future has been plunged in doubt ever since he demanded to leave the club last summer.
      An expired clause in his contract forced him to stay for another year although he is currently free to leave from July 1. 
      But following the return of club president Joan Laporta in March, the club legend has been expected to sign on the dotted line.
      GET IT ‘DON
      Manchester United have submitted an opening bid for Jadon Sancho, according to reports.
      As revealed by SunSport this month, £350,000-a-week personal terms have already been agreed between the player and the Old Trafford club.
      And German newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten state a formal offer has been lodged for United’s No1 summer transfer target.
      It is unclear how much the bid was but United are thought to want Sancho for just £60million.
      However, the report states Borussia Dortmund are demanding £82m plus bonuses – with the fee described as ‘non-negotiable’. 
      That figure is £26m less than the £108m the Bundesliga side wanted last summer when a deal could not be agreed.
      TOP TIER
      Kieran Tierney is close to signing a new deal at Arsenal, according to Sky Sports.
      The defender joined the club back in August 2019, and has impressed.
      Tierney is also a key player for Scotland, and he contributed to the team’s big result at Wembley last night against England.
      BIG BUYS
      Paul Pogba remains the most expensive buy in the Premier League to date.

      GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
      The Jadon Sancho saga continues to dominate headlines, with reports claiming talks have advanced between Manchester United and the player’s current side Borussia Dortmund.
      The Red Devils’ transfer budget may be limited this summer, though, as the club have posted a £21.7million loss due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
      One player who will definitely be on the move in the coming weeks is Sergio Ramos following his departure from Real Madrid.
      The Spanish defender’s former manager Jose Mourinho has backed him to be a success in England, telling talkSPORT: “I have no doubt he can play with the intensity and the demands of the Premier League.”
      SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday that Arsenal are ready to launch another bid for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, who is available for £20m.
      Reports claim Gunners owner Stan Kroenke will invest £250m in the squad this summer to help propel Mikel Arteta’s side back into Europe’s elite.
      Some of that cash will be spent on Kieran Tierney as he’s set to sign a new five-year deal after the Euros, according to reports.
      Another player set to agree a new contract is Barcelona star Lionel Messi, with rumours hinting it could be signed before his 34th birthday on June 24.
      And Leicester City are hoping Youri Tielemans will agree a new contract at the club and quash speculation of a move to Prem rivals Manchester United and Liverpool.
      NEV’S MAGUIRE FEAR
      Gary Neville fears for Harry Maguire’s recall chances at Euro 2020 as the Manchester United skipper sat out England’s clean sheets against Croatia and Scotland.
      Maguire hoped to return against the Scots tonight but Gareth Southgate retained John Stones’ central-defensive partnership with Tyrone Mings.
      In one sense, the United centre-back might be glad to have missed the shocking 0-0 draw with Scotland, following the more solid 1-0 group win over Croatia.
      But Old Trafford legend Neville told ITV: “I think he would have started if he was fit.
      “He mustn’t be fit and that must be a concern as the tournament goes on.
      “If Gareth doesn’t think he can play against Scotland then that would cast a shadow on him across the rest of the tournament for me, as it gets to the point where you can’t bring him into a knockout game mid-way through the competition.”
      KANE WAS SOU DISAPPOINTING
      Graeme Souness has slammed England captain Harry Kane after his anonymous showing against Scotland saying: “Football isn’t coming home with this squad.”
      The England captain, 27, went missing yet again as Gareth Southgate’s team were booed off the pitch after deservedly being held 0-0 against Scotland.

      Kane struggled against Croatia on Sunday and barely had a sniff against the Scots either.
      England now sit second in Group D behind Czech Republic on goal difference and will need to win their final game to win the group.
      And ex-Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Souness took particular aim at Kane for his lacklustre showing in front of goal.
      Speaking on ITV, Souness said: “The centre-backs had an easy night again him.
      “Harry Kane looks a shadow of the player we know he is. In two games, he looks leggy, lacking enthusiasm…”
      But Kane added: “A centre-forward is 90 per cent relying on the passes he’s getting and he’s not getting a great deal from that midfield.
      “I don’t care what anyone says; that ain’t working.”
      UTD ‘£20m SHORT FOR JADON’
      Manchester United could be up to £20million short of Borussia Dortmund’s £80m valuation of Jadon Sancho.
      United are thought to have agreed personal terms with The England wideman, 21.
      But the Mirror claim there is still A BIG difference between Old Trafford chiefs and the Bundesliga giants over the total fee – AND how it will be paid.
      EVERTON FANS RAGE AGAINST BENITEZ
      Everton fans hung anti-Rafael Benitez banners at Goodison Park after the Spaniard appeared to be lined up for the hotseat.
      The ex-Liverpool manager, who won the Champions League in 2005 during his six years in charge, is worshipped at Anfield.
      His connection to the Reds means Toffees supporters have been left fuming at the prospect of the coach, 61, taking charge.
      On Thursday night, banners were seen outside Goodison amid the bitter fan backlash.
      One read: “F*** off Benitez you fat Kopite c***”, while another stated: “Benitez not welcome.”
      Benitez has held talks with Everton owner Farhad Moshiri and is set to inherit the mega £1million-a-month salary given to predecessor and Real Madrid-bound Carlo Ancelotti.
      The Spaniard remains a favourite to take over but is joined by seven other candidates.
      Nuno Espirito Santo, who has left Wolves, is also among the front runners for the job.
      WE’VE SCOTT OUR EYE ON YOU
      Middlesbrough are eyeing up a move for Norwich talent-spotter Kieran Scott.
      Canaries head of recruitment Scott played a key role in the Norfolk side’s signings of Teemu Pukki and Emi Buendia, who joined Aston Villa for £33million earlier this month.
      SunSport understands Championship side Boro are mulling over offering him a role as sporting director.
      Scott has spoken before of his desire to take such a position at a club in the future.
      Though that role could possibly be available in a year at his own club Norwich, with current incumbent Stuart Webber previously hinting he could vacate his role when his contract ends in 2022.
      Meanwhile, the newly-promoted Canaries are set to announce Lotus as their new shirt sponsors for the season.
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      Euro 2020 LIVE: England draw with Scotland, Uefa warning after Ronaldo Coca-Cola snub, Hungary vs France build-up

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      EURO 2020 is in full swing!England and Scotland played out a nail-biting contest at Wembley, sharing the spoils after a 0-0 draw.
      Italy, Holland and Belgium are the first team through to the second round with picking up their second wins.
      Meanwhile Wales are on the brink of joining them after a stunning 2-0 win over Turkey in Baku.

      BETTING SPECIAL: GET CRISTIANO RONALDO TO SCORE VS GERMANY AT 30/1

      Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
      TEAM NEWS
      Portugal and Germany have both named unchanged sides for this afternoon’s crunch Euros clash.
      Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the hosts’ line after his double against Hungary, supported by Premier League stars Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota and Bruno Fernandes.
      Meanwhile, the Germans continue to play without a recognised striker as Joachim Low keeps faith with the 3-4-3 system that struggled against France.
      FOLLOW THE ACTION WITH OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG

      FT – HUNGARY 1 FRANCE 1
      World champions France were held to a 1-1 draw by a battling Hungary side this afternoon.
      The hosts took a shock lead before the break through Attila Fiola before Antoine Griezmann levelled in the second half.
      It means France will be keeping a keen eye on this afternoon’s clash between Portugal and Germany.
      READ THE MATCH REPORT HERE

      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      66. For all of France’s fancy football, it’s a goal of route one proportions that bring the world champions level.
      Hugo Lloris lumps a pass downfield that has Kylian Mbappe battling Loic Nego for the bouncing ball.
      The French forward has some good fortune to win out, and then even more as his low centre is diverted straight into the path of Antoine Griezmann by Willi Orban.
      Arriving at pace, Griezmann couldn’t miss, and duly blasted into the right corner.
      GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLL!!ANTOINE GRIEZMANN EQUALISES!!
      FERDINAND ON SANCHO
      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand has questioned whether Jadon Sancho has upset important people behind the scenes.
      The outstanding creative winger hasn’t played one minute of football at Euro 2020.
      And the decision to leave him out has left fans, ex-pros and pundits scratching their head.
      On his Five YouTube channel, he said: “The substitutions, I thought they were poor.
      “You can make a lot of substitutions now, he only made two substitutions when you can make five.
      “Utilise that bench, that’s what it’s there for. We’ve got all these players. Sancho? What’s he done? He must have done something behind the scenes.
      “He [Sancho] for the last three seasons has the second most goal involvements in this England squad after Sterling and Harry Kane.”
      HUNGARY 1-0 FRANCE
      48. France and Paul Pogba have wasted no time in upping the tempo, and it’s the Manchester United man that forces Gulacsi into early action.
      The midfielder powers a cross over in the direction of Mbappe, and it’s one that requires the Hungary goalkeeper to push out with a strong hand.
      It’s getting tasty in Budapest……. follow all the LIVE action HERE!
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE HALF-TIME WHISTLE GOES!
      HUNGARY 1-0 FRANCE
      45+2. What scenes in Budapest! Hungary lead the world champions!
      GOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!ATTILA FIOLA SCORES FOR HUNGARY!!
      HUNGARY 0-0 FRANCE
      31. Benzema! The drought continues!
      Mbappe does brilliantly to pluck a lofted pass out of the air with one touch, and then flick the perfect ball into the path of Benzema with another.
      The Real Madrid striker takes the opportunity on first time, opting to strike with the outside of his right boot. It’s a decision that sees the ball swerve wide.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      HUNGARY VS FRANCE IS UNDERWAY!
      If you want to follow all the latest updates with our minute-by-minute blog click HERE!
      TEAMSHEETS: HUNGARY VS FRANCE
      France (4-3-1-2): 1 Lloris; 2 Pavard, 4 Varane, 3 Kimpempbe, 18 Digne; 6 Pogba, 13 Kante, 14 Rabiot; 7 Griezmann; 19 Benzema, 10 Mbappe.
      Bench: 16 Mandanda, 23 Maignan, 5 Lenglet, 8 Lemar, 9 Giroud, 11 Dembele, 12 Tolisso, 17 Sissoko, 21 Hernandez, 24 Dubois, 25 Kounde, 26 Thuram.
      Hungary (3-5-2): 1 Gulacsi; 21 Botka, 6 Orban, 4 At Szalai; 7 Nego, 15 Kleinheisler, 8 Nagy, 13 Schafer, 5 Fiola; 9 Ad Szalai, 20 Sallai.
      Bench: 12 Dubusz, 22 Bogdan, 2 Lang, 3 Keckes, 10 Cseri, 11 Holdender, 14 Loverencdics, 17 R Varga, 18 Siger, 19 K Varga, 23 Nikolic, 24 Schon.
      Kick-off is nearly upon us, follow all the live action, minute-by-minute HERE
      SHAW BACKS KANE
      Man Utd defender Luke Shaw has backed his England captain Harry Kane after his poor performance against Scotland yesterday.
      Kane was substituted in the late stages of the game by Marcus Rashford, and he has failed to score in the opening two group games.
      When asked if he is concerned over Kane’s performance, Shaw said: “No concern at all, for me personally I think he is the best striker in the world.
      ‘He is a very important part of the team, in fact the most important part. 
      “I think whether he has not been at his best or not he is a massive part and a crucial player for us.
      “We need him whether his performances are as people expected or not, but this happens in tournament football, you can score a goal at any moment and he is such a crucial player – not just on the pitch but off the pitch, he has got all of our backing and I’m not worried at all.”
      KAL ME MAYBE
      I didn’t see any risk or desire from England to gamble and try and win, writes JOSE MOURINHO. 
      What was so good against Croatia was the midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips. 
      If England needed to beat Scotland then I think Phillips would have been subbed around the 60th minute for more creativity. 
      But a fear of losing kept him on the pitch. 
      COKE JOKE OVER
      Euro 2020 stars have been told to STOP moving sponsors’ drinks in press conferences – or risk their team getting fined, writes JOSHUA JONES.
      Cristiano Ronaldo started the trend when he put a pair of Coca-Cola bottles out of the way on Monday.
      He then told the cameras to ‘drink water’ instead of the popular fizzy drink.
      But Uefa, aware of the negative impact the stunts have on big-money backers, want to put an end to any more instances.
      GERMANY TEAM GUIDE
      The 2014 world champions face defending European champions at 5pm today!

      ‘NOT GOOD ENOUGH’
      Roy Keane blasted England’s set pieces as ‘not good enough’ after they failed to beat the first man from corners on multiple occasions.
      Football legend Keane highlighted that one of England’s successes at the World Cup 2018 was set pieces.
      And that this time around it’s simply not good enough.
      Speaking on ITV, he said: “One of the strengths in the last World Cup was the set-pieces, but the delivery [against Scotland], nowhere near good enough. 
      “Okay, [John] Stones had the header [from a Mason Mount corner in the first half], but in general, how many times did they hit the first man? Nowhere near good enough.”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      EYE SORE
       Belgium’s Euro 2020 squad has dedicated the 2-1 win over Denmark to Leicester City’s Timothy Castagne after he was sent home with a broken eye socket.
      The full-back picked up the injury after a horrific clash of heads with Russia’s Daley Kuzyaev midway through the opening Group B clash.
      Castagne broke his eye socket, which could have been a career-ending injury.
      And it required a six-hour operation to fix, alongside metal parts to aid the recovery process.
      Romelu Lukaku, after starring in Belgium’s 2-1 away win against Denmark, posted a picture to Instagram of the Belgium squad holding Castagne’s shirt, dedicating the win to the Foxes full-back.
      He captioned the post: “Tough game but another win! Great atmosphere we really enjoyed it!
      “@timothycastagne we love you bro this victory is for you!”

      UP NEXT
      Hungary take on France from 2pm. Can the host nation put in another good performance?
      They were unlucky to concede late on against Portugal.
      Germany and Portugal also go head-to-head today in what should be another blockbuster game.
      The game is due to get underway at 5pm.
      And finally, Spain take on Poland from 8pm tonight!

      FOUL PLAY
      Boozy football fans trashed Leicester Square last night as England faced Scotland in a Euro 2020 showdown at Wembley.
      Tartan Army supporters swigging Buckfast from the bottle left huge piles of rubbish as they invaded London ahead of the nail-biting tie – which ended in a tense 0-0 draw.
      Thousands of diehard fans made the trip to the capital ahead of the Euros clash, despite only 3,000 having tickets for the game due to Covid restrictions.
      They donned Scotland shirts, kilts and fancy dress as they made their way to train stations at the crack of dawn to make it in plenty of time for kick off. 
      With no official fan zone, supporters filled Leicester Square’s fountain with bubbles before having a dip and soaking cops with booze.
      Read more
      PICK THE POSITIVES
      Despite England not winning, they didn’t lose either!
      And first choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is highlighting the positives that came from the game.
      He said: “It’s a massive game, you know.
      “We want to take all three points every game we play, and we want to win the game.
      “But the bigger thing tonight was, if we can’t win it don’t get beat.
      And, you know, the resilience of keeping a clean sheet from the lads, and that’s what we did.”

      ROAD TO THE FINAL
      After last night’s draw, there could be two teams level on four points come the middle of next week.
      Either Croatia or Scotland could pick up three valuable points, pushing them into contention for the knockout stages.
      Four points could also be enough for a third team in the group to go through.

      GOOD MORNING EUROS FANS
      Gareth Southgate will be feeling the pressure this morning after yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Scotland at Wembley.
      Unmarked John Stones should have opened the scoring for England in the first half but his header hit the post.
      The hosts were poor after that and the visitors had a few chances to get the winner – but England managed to hold on.
      Elsewhere in Group D, Croatia and Czech Republic couldn’t be separated as their match at Hampden finished 1-1.
      Yesterday’s other game between Sweden and Slovakia was one of the dullest of the tournament so far, finishing 1-0 to the Swedes.
      The game was so drab that BBC pundits Micah Richards and Ashley Williams began SINGING at half-time.
      The best news of the day came from Copenhagen, where Christian Eriksen was discharged from hospital following a successful heart operation.
      Today’s big match is between defending champions Portugal and 2014 World Cup winners Germany at 5pm.
      The action kicks off with Hungary and tournament favourites France at 2pm, finishing with Spain vs Poland at 8pm.
      NEV’S MAGUIRE FEAR
      Gary Neville fears for Harry Maguire’s recall chances at Euro 2020 as the Manchester United skipper sat out England’s clean sheets against Croatia and Scotland.
      Maguire hoped to return against the Scots tonight but Gareth Southgate retained John Stones’ central-defensive partnership with Tyrone Mings.
      In one sense, the United centre-back might be glad to have missed the shocking 0-0 draw with Scotland, following the more solid 1-0 group win over Croatia.
      But Old Trafford legend Neville told ITV: “I think he would have started if he was fit.
      “He mustn’t be fit and that must be a concern as the tournament goes on.
      “If Gareth doesn’t think he can play against Scotland then that would cast a shadow on him across the rest of the tournament for me, as it gets to the point where you can’t bring him into a knockout game mid-way through the competition.”
      KANE WAS SOU DISAPPOINTING
      Graeme Souness has slammed England captain Harry Kane after his anonymous showing against Scotland saying: “Football isn’t coming home with this squad.”
      The England captain, 27, went missing yet again as Gareth Southgate’s team were booed off the pitch after deservedly being held 0-0 against Scotland.

      Kane struggled against Croatia on Sunday and barely had a sniff against the Scots either.
      England now sit second in Group D behind Czech Republic on goal difference and will need to win their final game to win the group.
      And ex-Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Souness took particular aim at Kane for his lacklustre showing in front of goal.
      Speaking on ITV, Souness said: “The centre-backs had an easy night again him.
      “Harry Kane looks a shadow of the player we know he is. In two games, he looks leggy, lacking enthusiasm…”
      But Kane added: “A centre-forward is 90 per cent relying on the passes he’s getting and he’s not getting a great deal from that midfield.
      “I don’t care what anyone says; that ain’t working.”
      Load more entries… More

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      Man Utd make ‘IMPROVED Sancho bid’, Varane LATEST, Rio tips Ramos for Utd, Trippier transfer latest

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are ramping up their chase for Jadon Sancho with an improved bid submitted to Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile, United have tabled a bid for Raphael Varane of £50million, according to separate reports.
      Stay up to date with every twist from Old Trafford in our live rolling blog…
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game 
      LIN IT TO WIN IT
      Jesse Lingard has been urged to leave Man United on a permanent deal to West Ham.
      Lingard scored nine goals and bagged five assists in just 16 games on loan at the Hammers this year,
      Trevor Sinclair told TalkSport: “Can I just say, Jesse Lingard, get to the capital of England rather than the capital of France.
      “You are loved at West Ham. Get yourself there, boy.”

      PAU WOW
      Man Utd are willing to launch a transfer bid for Pau Torres, according to reports.
      But they face competition from Real Madrid for the defender’s signature.
      According to AS, the Red Devils may make an official bid in the coming weeks.
      Torres was in the Villarreal side which beat United in the Europa League final.
      And he is currently starting for Spain alongside Aymeric Laporte at the Euros.

      RAM RAID
      Manchester United have reportedly been given a clear path to sign Sergio Ramos after Paris Saint-Germain dropped out of the race, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
      RMC claims Mauricio Pochettino is keen on signing the former Real Madrid captain, whose shock Bernabeu departure was confirmed this week.
      However, Ramos is demanding a two-year contract on wages worth £200,000-a-week.
      And PSG are refusing to enter talks unless Ramos, 35, has a change of heart and drops his demands.
      That means United could now be frontrunners for the veteran defender after he also refused to entertain an offer from former side Sevilla.
      Ramos is seen as an ideal partner for Red Devils captain Harry Maguire.
      FERDINAND ON SANCHO
      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand has questioned whether Jadon Sancho has upset important people behind the scenes.
      The outstanding creative winger hasn’t played one minute of football at Euro 2020.
      And the decision to leave him out has left fans, ex-pros and pundits scratching their head.
      On his Five YouTube channel, he said: “The substitutions, I thought they were poor.
      “You can make a lot of substitutions now, he only made two substitutions when you can make five.
      “Utilise that bench, that’s what it’s there for. We’ve got all these players. Sancho? What’s he done? He must have done something behind the scenes.
      “He [Sancho] for the last three seasons has the second most goal involvements in this England squad after Sterling and Harry Kane.”
      IMPROVED BID
      According to Sky Sports, Man Utd have made an improved bid for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.
      An offer believed to be in the region of £75m has reportedly been submitted to the German club.
      Dortmund are believed to be looking to to get a sum of £80m, but there is a willingness to sort the situation out.
      GETTY IMAGES
      FIXTURE LIST
      Man Utd start the 2021-22 Premier League season against rivals Leeds United.

      ‘HE WAS MY IDOL’
      Man Utd newboy Amad Diallo has revelased that team-mate Paul Pogba was his hero.
      Speaking in an interview with the club’s official website, he said: “I met him when I was a kid at that trial at Juventus.
      “After the session, they asked me who I would like to have a photo with, and I asked for Paul. He was my idol!
      “Then, when I received the bid from United and I realised that Paul was here, I didn’t have to think twice and I wanted to come here straight away.
      “To be playing with him five years later is incredible.
      “I could not possibly ever imagine it happening. But these things happen once in a lifetime and, when such occasions come along, you have to seize them.
      “To play with Paul five years later is unbelievable, and hard to describe, really.”
      Diallio (left), Bailly (centre) and Pogba (right)Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      SHAW BACKS KANE
      Man Utd defender Luke Shaw has backed his England captain Harry Kane after his poor performance against Scotland yesterday.
      Kane was substituted in the late stages of the game by Marcus Rashford, and he has failed to score in the opening two group games.
      When asked if he is concerned over Kane’s performance, Shaw said: “No concern at all, for me personally I think he is the best striker in the world.
      ‘He is a very important part of the team, in fact the most important part.
      “I think whether he has not been at his best or not he is a massive part and a crucial player for us.
      “We need him whether his performances are as people expected or not, but this happens in tournament football, you can score a goal at any moment and he is such a crucial player – not just on the pitch but off the pitch, he has got all of our backing and I’m not worried at all.”
      VARANE DEAL
      Man Utd are still keen on signing Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, despite his £80m price tag.
      According to the Manchester Evening News, Man Utd made a £50m move but it was swiftly turned down.
      The report states that despite club captain Sergio Ramos leaving, they are prepared to sell Varane this summer with free agent David Alaba arriving.
      Real Madrid are trying to tie Varane down to a new deal, but if things don’t work out they wan’t a sizeable transfer fee.
      Worst case, Man Utd wait until next summer to sign the Frenchman for FREE.
      SANCHO CLOSER THAN EVER
      According to Si Lloyd, Man Utd are closer than ever to signing Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.
      Jadon Sancho to Manchester United is nearly done. It’s been nearly done for a long, long time, but this time it really is a lot more nearly done than ever before.— Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) June 19, 2021

      POST-FERGIE
      A lot of money has been spent this Sir Alex Ferguson left Man Utd.
      Here’s who Manchester United have signed since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down
      TRIPP’S IT
      Manchester United are willing to sell left-back Alex Telles to fund a move for Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier, according to reports.
      The Mirror are reporting that Man Utd are still keen on Trippier and a reported bid of £10m was turned down not long ago.
      And Atletico boss Diego Simeone doesn’t want Trippier to leave for anything less than what they value him at, £40m.
      Trippier’s ability to play at both right and left-back provides cover if Telles is sold.
      ‘A BOY WITH SOME FEARS’
      Former Man Utd manager Jose Mourinho talked about his relationship with Luke Shaw.
      He said: “I found a boy. I found a boy after an incredible injury that put his career at risk.
      “A boy with some fears and scars from that awful night.
      “Then to work with me in a club where I was trying to improve mentalities and make ambitions and responsibilities to grow up.
      “It was not easy for him. I push players to the limit and sometimes players aren’t ready to follow me in that mentality. We had good periods.”
      FORMER REDS
      Cristiano Ronaldo will captain Portugal tonight when they face Germany!

      GET IT ‘DON
      Manchester United have submitted an opening bid for Jadon Sancho, according to reports.
      As revealed by SunSport this month, £350,000-a-week personal terms have already been agreed between the player and the Old Trafford club.
      And German newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten state a formal offer has been lodged for United’s No1 summer transfer target.
      It is unclear how much the bid was but United are thought to want Sancho for just £60million.
      However, the report states Borussia Dortmund are demanding £82m plus bonuses – with the fee described as ‘non-negotiable’. 
      That figure is £26m less than the £108m the Bundesliga side wanted last summer when a deal could not be agreed.
      BIG BUYS
      Paul Pogba and club captain Harry Maguire are Man Utd’s top-two expensive signings!

      GOOD MORNING UNITED FANS
      Manchester United were handed a transfer boost when Sergio Ramos quit Real Madrid earlier this week – but could his exit actually be a negative for the Red Devils?
      The Spanish defender’s departure means Real are more likely to offer United target Raphael Varane a new deal, although rumours suggest the Frenchman still wants to leave the club.
      One man who’s on the verge of moving to Old Trafford is Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton, with his signing expected to be announced shortly.
      The Jadon Sancho saga continues to dominate headlines, with reports claiming talks have advanced between United and the player’s current side Borussia Dortmund.
      The Red Devils’ transfer budget may be limited this summer, though, as the club have posted a £21.7m loss due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was handed an injury boost as Harry Maguire made the bench for England’s 0-0 draw with Scotland at Euro 2020, although he didn’t feature at Wembley.
      Finally, United’s Premier League opener against Leeds United on Saturday, August 14 has been brought forward to 12:30pm.
      NEV’S MAGUIRE FEAR
      Gary Neville fears for Harry Maguire’s recall chances at Euro 2020 as the Manchester United skipper sat out England’s clean sheets against Croatia and Scotland.
      Maguire hoped to return against the Scots tonight but Gareth Southgate retained John Stones’ central-defensive partnership with Tyrone Mings.
      In one sense, the United centre-back might be glad to have missed the shocking 0-0 draw with Scotland, following the more solid 1-0 group win over Croatia.
      But Old Trafford legend Neville told ITV: “I think he would have started if he was fit.
      “He mustn’t be fit and that must be a concern as the tournament goes on.
      “If Gareth doesn’t think he can play against Scotland then that would cast a shadow on him across the rest of the tournament for me, as it gets to the point where you can’t bring him into a knockout game mid-way through the competition.”
      KANE WAS SOU DISAPPOINTING
      Graeme Souness has slammed England captain and United target Harry Kane after his anonymous showing against Scotland, saying: “Football isn’t coming home with this squad.”
      The England captain, 27, went missing yet again as Gareth Southgate’s team were booed off the pitch after deservedly being held 0-0 against Scotland.

      Kane struggled against Croatia on Sunday and barely had a sniff against the Scots either.
      England now sit second in Group D behind Czech Republic on goal difference and will need to win their final game to win the group.
      And ex-Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Souness took particular aim at Kane for his lacklustre showing in front of goal.
      Speaking on ITV, Souness said: “The centre-backs had an easy night again him.
      “Harry Kane looks a shadow of the player we know he is. In two games, he looks leggy, lacking enthusiasm…”
      But Kane added: “A centre-forward is 90 per cent relying on the passes he’s getting and he’s not getting a great deal from that midfield.
      “I don’t care what anyone says; that ain’t working.”
      UTD ‘£20m SHORT FOR JADON’
      Manchester United could be up to £20million short of Borussia Dortmund’s £80m valuation of Jadon Sancho.
      United are thought to have agreed personal terms with The England wideman, 21.
      But the Mirror claim there is still A BIG difference between Old Trafford chiefs and the Bundesliga giants over the total fee – AND how it will be paid.
      WARMING UP FOR HEAT
      Tom Heaton will soon be announced as a Manchester United player.
      According to BBC Sport, the anticipated deal to bring in the ex-Red Devil from Aston Villa as a free transfer is near completion.
      The goalkeeper is expected to provide back-up to David De Gea and Dean Henderson.
      ALL IN VARANE FOR UTD?
      Manchester United could miss out on long-term target Raphael Varane after Sergio Ramos’ dramatic exit from Real Madrid.
      Madrid’s decision to end Ramos’ 16-year stay in the Spanish capital has forced club president Florentino Perez to rethink Varane’s future at the club.
      The club has now opened talks with the France international over a new contract to fill the void left by Ramos, which could bring an end to Man Utd’s interest in the player.
      Talks previously haven’t progressed well with Madrid, and at one point an exit looked inevitable for the 28-year-old.
      Varane will most likely form a centre-back partnership with new signing David Alaba, who signed as a free agent from Bayern Munich.
      Either way, returning boss Carlo Ancelotti has a defensive headache to sort out.
      LUKE SORE
      Jose Mourinho claims Luke Shaw had ’emotional scars’ that he tried to help the recalled England left-back heal.
      Mourinho famously criticised Shaw’s form and fitness during their up-and-down relationship at Manchester United.
      The new Roma chief told talkSPORT: “I found a boy after an incredible injury which risked his career.
      “I found a boy with some fear and emotional scars.
      “I was trying to improve mentalities, I was trying to make ambition and responsibility – to grow up.
      “It was not easy for him and I have to admit that I pushed the players to their limits, and sometimes players are not ready to follow me.
      “We had a good period. He has a lot of talent.”
      Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      RAM RAID
      Manchester United have reportedly been given a clear path to sign Sergio Ramos after Paris Saint-Germain dropped out of the race.
      RMC claims Mauricio Pochettino is keen on signing the former Real Madrid captain, whose shock Bernabeu departure was confirmed this week.
      However, Ramos is demanding a two-year contract on wages worth £200,000-a-week.
      And PSG are refusing to enter talks unless Ramos, 35, has a change of heart and drops his demands.
      That means United could now be frontrunners for the veteran defender after he also refused to entertain an offer from former side Sevilla.
      Ramos is seen as an ideal partner for Red Devils captain Harry Maguire.
      COME BACK JESSE
      Jesse Lingard has been urged by Trevor Sinclair to seal a permanent transfer to West Ham and return to where he is ‘loved’.
      The playmaker made a move to the Hammers on loan in January after being frozen out of Manchester United’s squad.
      With nine goals and five assists in 16 games, it leaves West Ham pushing to bring the England international to the club full-time.
      And ex-Hammer Sinclair, who made 196 appearances for the Londoners, called for Lingard, linked also with PSG, to remain with David Moyes’ side.
      He told talkSPORT: “Can I just say, Jesse Lingard, get to the capital of England rather than the capital of France.
      “You are loved at West Ham. Get yourself there, boy.”

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      in Soccer

      Hungary vs France LIVE RESULT: Home side secure SHOCK point against world champs in Budapest – latest reaction

      by

      HUNGARY have taken a shock point against favorites France in front of a home crowd in Budapest.Unfancied Hungary led the Euro 2020 favourites and world champions for more than 20 minutes until the Les Blues stalwart rescued a point and spared his team’s blushes.
      Follow ALL of the latest reaction below…
      GOODBYE FROM BUDAPEST
      That’s all from what has been an excellent opener to day nine of Euro 2020.
      It’s now the turn of the reigning European champions, Portugal, who are in Munich to take on three-time winners Germany for an absolutely pivotal match in Group F.
      And then it’s to Group E and Seville this evening, for a fixture featuring another European heavyweight, Spain, who find themselves up against Robert Lewandowski’s Poland.
      Be sure to join us.
      F’S GROUP OF DEATH
      Today’s draw moves France to the top of Group F, and gets Hungary off the mark too.
      All eyes turn to Munich now where Portugal are about to face Germany, a game that could leave this incredibly-competitive group with a very different look come full time.

      MEN IN BLACK
      If you had to list the best performances from English representatives at the European Championships so far, you’d only really have Kalvin Phillips and Emma Hayes in contention for challenging Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor at the top.
      Oliver was flawless in Budapest this afternoon while Taylor now has his first match since taking charge of the traumatic contestt between Denmark and Finland a week ago.
      The Referees’ Association would like to wish both Michael and Anthony and their teams the very best of luck today.Saturday 19th June:2️⃣pm 🇭🇺 vs 🇫🇷 – Referee: Michael Oliver – Live on BBC One5️⃣pm 🇵🇹 vs 🇩🇪 – Referee: Anthony Taylor – Live on ITV#EURO2020 #ThirdTeam pic.twitter.com/0kwNJaEAEf— The Referees’ Association (@RefsAssociation) June 19, 2021

      FULL TIME STATS
      The French registered almost double the possession and passes of Hungary, and had three times as many attempts on goal, but couldn’t get the better of their opponents where it mattered.

      KARIM’S WAIT GOES ON
      It was another disappointing afternoon for Karim Benzema, who went 76 minutes without scoring before being replaced by Olivier Giroud.
      The striker had two attempts during his time on the pitch, forcing Peter Gulacsi into an early save (which Antoine Griezmann should have scored on the follow-up) and then slicing wide after good work from Kylian Mbappe.
      Benzema’s European Championship drought now stands at eight appearances and 30 shots.

      RELIANT ROBIN
      Bristol City midfielder Adam Nagy was absolutely brilliant on his 50th international appearance for Hungary, protecting his defence with a series of timely interventions.
      It’s earned much praise from those back in the west country.

      FT: HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      A brilliant game in a brilliant atmosphere at a brilliant venue. It may be two points dropped for the French, but for Hungary it’s a huge result. With better luck, they may well have had all three following Attila Fiola’s first half goal, but France stuck to their task and equalised through Antoine Griezmann. Both teams remain alive in the group of death.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!IT’S ALL OVER IN BUDAPEST!
      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      90+5. Varane! Misses!
      With the last act of the match, the French defender heads wide of the post from close range.
      Lemar stepped an inviting cross up from the left, and as the Real Madrid man rose so too did the thousand of French fans behind that goal.
      Time stands still as everybody watches the ball whistle just past the post.
      The Hungarian players breathe a huge sigh of relief, and then celebrate when Michael Oliver’s whistle calls time on a thoroughly entertaining clash.

      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      90+4. The free-kick is curled in and it’s sheer panic in the box.
      Gulacsi punches clear, ttwo Hungary defenders hit the deck, and Kimpembe appeals for a penalty.
      There’s an anxious wait as VAR check on the claim, but the signal comes in that it’s over and Hungary prepare to celebrate…
      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      90+3. Kante uses his cunning to win a free-kick off Hungary hero Fiola.
      It’s just in from the right corner flag, and may well provide the last chance of the game.
      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      90+1. French frustrations show themselves once again, but this time it’s from the fans behind Gulacsi’s goal rather than the players.
      The Hungary goalkeeper takes his time with the goalkick, and it leads to a couple of bottles and other objects thrown in his direction.
      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      90. Four minutes of stoppage time are signalled just as Botka and Orban combine brilliantly to ease Mbappe out of play..
      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      89. France are camped in the Hungary half, and the Magyars have ten men behind the ball.
      They suffered late heartbreak against Portugal, surely the French won’t make it a case of deja vu.
      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      87. Didier Deschamps makes another change, and it’s a strange one.
      Thomas Lemar is the man, and going off is Ousmane Dembele, who was only introduced as a substitute himself in the 59th minute.
      The Barcelona man offers a shrug of the shoulders as he departs, and then a grimaces as he rubs his thigh which would suggest another injury.
      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      86. Nagy gets another vital foot in to deny France creating space on the left.
      The Bristol City man has been excellent in that role today in what is his 50th international appearance.
      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      84. Another Hungarian substitution introduces Gergo Lovrencsics to the action, in place of Laszlo Kleinheisler.
      The 32-year-old usually operates on the right, and so it may mean a tweak of tactics in these final few minutes.
      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      82. Two more saves from Gulacsi.
      The second is simple, comfortably diving upon Tolisso’s hopeful pea roller, but the first requires great reflexes to push out Mbappe’s blaster from close range.
      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      80. Another corner for France, another beautifully plucked from the air by Gulacsi.
      The former Hereford, Tranmere and Hull stopper has been a steady pair of hands this afternoon.

      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      78. Hungary aren’t settling for a point here, and are looking for a way to catch the French out again on the break.
      Marco Rossi – supposedly the highest rated player on FIFA 97 – not settling fir the draw…Hungary 1, France 1 … less than 15 mins to go…#BigBalls— Gabriele Marcotti (@Marcotti) June 19, 2021

      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      76. And now a French double.
      Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema come off, Corentin Tolisso and Olivier Giroud come on.
      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      75. The flurry of substitutions begin.
      Hungary make their second change of the game which sees Tamas Cseri on for Andras Schafer.
      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      73. He didn’t have a great first half, but once again Antoine Griezmann has done the business for France.
      I’ve heard he’s quite good at Football Manager too.

      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      72. Griezmann goes down just outside of the area, Michael Oliver plays the advantage, and Kante drives wide.
      It’s a decision that leaves Pogba furious. He clearly fancied a pop at the free-kick rather watching his teammate shoot off-target.

      HUNGARY 1-1 FRANCE
      70. It’s time for another drink’s break.
      Stick the kettle on.
      Load more entries… More

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      in Motorsport

      F1 French Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Latest updates ahead of qualifying – stream, TV channel, UK start time

      by

      THE FRENCH Grand Prix is HERE!Champion Lewis Hamilton will be aiming to bounce back with the Brit star slipping to four points behind leader Max Verstappen.

      Qualifying: 2pm today
      Race time: 2pm Sunday
      TV channel: Sky Sports F1

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

      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

      KERB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
      Mercedes have complained that the Turn 2 yellow kerbs have caused ‘hundreds of thousands of pounds’ worth of damage ‘for going three feet wide’.
      The FIA will face questions over the issue following today’s running – and it would not be a surprise to see them ditched.
      Yet race director Michael Masi shot back over radio ‘it is more than three feet’ after Valtteri Bottas was among those running over the kerbs.
      LEW: I’M STRUGGLING
      Disgruntled Lewis Hamilton was third in today’s practice having swapped chassis with Valtteri Bottas and admitted he was struggling at the Paul Ricard Circuit.
      He said: “It was quite a struggle this week for everyone.
      “Maybe it was because the inflated tyres, which are higher than ever before and we are all sliding around.
      “I am looking at every option and we have made lots of changes and done a lot of analysis but we won’t know if that works until we go out in P3.”
      NORRIS REACTION
      Lando Norris was 10th fastest in practice today.
      Here’s what the Brit’s had to say…

      MORE GUENTHER, PLEASE
      Who doesn’t love some Guenther Steiner content after a long day or practice?
      It was another difficult afternoon for Haas, as Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin were the slowest drivers in practice.

      ALONSO REACTION
      It was a good day at the office today for Fernando Alonso, who was fourth fastest in practice…

      STROLL REACTION
      Lance Stroll has been reflecting on a disappointing day for Aston Martin…
      Feeling the heat. 🔥 Hear what @Lance_Stroll had to say about the first day of the #FrenchGP in our latest debrief.— Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) June 18, 2021

      HAMILTON REACTION
      Disgruntled Lewis Hamilton was third in today’s practice having swapped chassis with Valtteri Bottas and admitted he was struggling at the Paul Ricard Circuit.
      He said: “It was quite a struggle this week for everyone.
      “Maybe it was because the inflated tyres, which are higher than ever before and we are all sliding around.
      “I am looking at every option and we have made lots of changes and done a lot of analysis but we won’t know if that works until we go out in P3.”
      FROM BAD TO VERS
      Max Verstappen set the pace in practice for the French GP – with Valtteri Bottas breathing down his neck.
      The Red Bull man, who leads the drivers’ championship from Lewis Hamilton, was just 0.008 seconds quicker than under-fire Bottas.
      Bottas said: “I am confident with the car and I can trust it as well. It is going to be close.
      “We were expecting Red Bull to be strong. I am sure they have much more to come and so do we.”
      GEARED UP
      England’s players have been revved up to face Scotland on Friday – by trying to beat F1 ace, Lando Norris on a simulator.
      McLaren star Norris revealed that he has been messaged by players who are trying to beat his benchmark time for a lap of Brands Hatch, set on a computer at England’s training camp at St George’s Park.
      Norris said: “I am supporting England and speak to some of the guys. Mason [Mount] sent me a jersey to wear, which I will be wearing.
      “I know a lot of them are motorsport fans too, who want to come to some of the races when they can.
      “They have two simulators installed by my brother at Cool Performance, so they are doing hot laps of Brands Hatch when they are resting in between training.
      “I know they are trying to beat my lap time I did for Brands. I don’t think any of them have done it yet. I know Mason messaged me to say he is trying hard to beat me.”

      ALP-FINE
      Fernando Alonso was the fourth fastest in practice today.
      The two-time world champion is yet to finish better than P6 this season and will be hoping to continue his good form heading into the weekend.
      Can he get a first F1 podium for Alpine?
      RICCIARDO’S STRUGGLES CONTINUE
      It was another bad day for Daniel Ricciardo in practice.
      He was the 14th fastest, four places behind McLaren team-mate Lando Norris.
      He’s finished in P7, P6, P9, P6, P12 and P9 in the first six races of the season.
      Can the 31-year-old turn his form around in France?
      SHOCKER FOR ASTON MARTIN
      Aston Martin did not have a good FP2 ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix.
      Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll were 15th and 16th fastest, with only the Williams and Haas drivers going slower.
      It’s a far cry from two weeks ago, when Vettel finished P2 at the Azerbaijan GP.
      FINAL STANDINGS IN FP2

      KERBS CAUSING CHAOS
      Final element from FP2 is that Red Bull have asked to remove the kerbs that cost Verstappen some bodywork at Turn 2.
      A frank exchange between the team and race director, Michael Masi.
      Red Bull: “It is a huge penalty for going wide – penalty is around £100,000.”
      Masi: “Teams have asked for physical limits, they were there in 2019…I will have a look at it”.
      FP3 IS DONE
      Verstappen leads and looks good.Bottas looks inspired and revived.Hamilton unhappy in third place and said so.Alonso a surprise in P4 but getting up to speed for Alpine.
      BOTTAS IS LOOKING STRONG IN FRANCE
      And boys does he need it. Questions about his future. Two races with no points. Down in sixth place in the championship.
      He knows he needs a win this weekend before the pressure builds.
      VERSTAPPEN TOPS FP2 PEREZ IN 12TH

      ALONSO REDISCOVERING FORM
      It has not been the return to F1 he wanted, as he has been soundly beaten by his teammate. But there are signs he is getting back up to speed.

      HAMILTON UNHAPPY
      He radios his team and says: “There is something not right with the car, man!”
      BOTTAS STILL LEADS HAMILTON
      Remember, there was that curious decision from Mercedes to swap their chassis over for this race.
      Unusual to do it. Even more strange to announce it. Perhaps a way to show there is no preferred driver? Or to give under performing Bottas a lift?
      CHARLES LECLERC GOING FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE POLES
      But this could be one race too much. Ferrari were fortunate in Monaco and Azerbaijan, but they are off the pace in France so far.
      They have some work to do if they are to catch the Mercs and Red Bull.

      BITS FALLING OFF VERSTAPPEN’S CAR
      He runs over the kerbs and a part breaks off. Red Bull immediately radio race control to request the part is returned to the garage.
      That’s Red Bull wanting to protect their upgrades from prying eyes and to reattach it to Verstappen’s car.

      SPIN FOR MAZEPIN
      Death, taxes and spins for the Russian, as the Haas driver loses grip and slides around.
      DIZZYING PAINT WORK AT PAUL RICARD
      The red, white and blue painted lines is all rather striking but this track has so far served up two dull races in 2018 and 2019.
      Both of those won by Lewis Hamilton, who is going in search of his hatrick.
      FP2 IS GO IN FRANCE
      It was a Merc 1-2 in the morning session. Can Red Bull find a way back?
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      in Soccer

      Croatia 1 Czech Republic 1 LIVE REACTION: Perisic hits brilliant equaliser as Croats and Czechs draw – latest updates

      by

      IVAN PERISIC hit a brilliant equaliser in Glasgow to salvage a point for Croatia in their 1-1 draw with Czech Republic.Patrik Schick scored a controversial penalty before Perisic cut inside and hit his leveller into the corner just after the break.

      RESULT: Croatia 1 Czech Republic 1
      Croatia XI: Livakovic, Vrsaljko, Vida, Lovren, Gvardiol, Modric, Kovacic, Brekalo, Kramaric, Perisic, Rebic
      Czech Republic XI: Vaclik, Coufal, Celustka, Kalas, Boril, Soucek, Holes, Masopust, Darida, Jankto, Schick

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      THAT’S ALL FOR NOW!
      The Czech Republic take a huge step towards qualifying for the knockout phase of Euro 2020 with a hard-fought draw against Croatia in front of just 5,607 fans at Hampden Park.
      It’s a first point on the board for Croatia, while the Czechs will be confident of progression with four to their name from their opening two games.
      The two teams are next in action at 8pm on Tuesday when the Czechs face England at Wembley and Croatia take on Scotland at Hampden.
      See you soon!
      COUFAL’S VERDICT
      Czech Republic defender Vladimir Coufal felt a draw was a fair result.
      He said: “It’s probably a good result and it’s a well-deserved point. 
      “Both teams had their chances. It’s a pity. If I hadn’t slipped, I’d probably have time to block him [Perisic]. But I can’t make excuses.
      “Maybe we could have gotten more from the match, but we take the point.”
      .Credit: AFP
      MODRIC REACTION
      Croatia captain Luka Modric admitted his side were disappointed not to defeat the Czech Republic.
      He said: “There’s a bitter taste after this match, as we didn’t win.
      “We entered the match really disorganised, but then we looked better in the second half.
      “We scored that goal and we could have scored even more, but unfortunately we didn’t win.
      “Now, we have to defeat Scotland to go through.”
      .Credit: Reuters
      HAVE YOUR SAY
      Three goals in two games and Czech Republic looking likely to make the round of 16… could Schick be the tournament’s surprise marksman?

      FT: CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      It’s honours even in Glasgow as the two sides share the spoils.
      The Czech Republic led through a contentious penalty in the 37th minute, awarded following a VAR check after Dejan Lovren’s flailing arm caught Patrik Schick at a corner.
      Croatia were much improved after the break and levelled just two minutes into the second half when Ivan Perisic cut in from the left and drilled home.
      The Czechs will probably be happier with the point but it’s a result which gives both nations hope of reaching the knockout phase.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      89. What a block by Kalas to turn Petkovic’s shot wide! Brilliant stuff from the Bristol City defender. There will be three minutes of additional time.
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      87. Late changes for both sides. Brozovic comes on for Kovacic for Croatia, while Barak replaces Darida for the Czechs. 
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      82. Boril goes into the book for catching Petkovic. No complaints there. The free-kick is wasted.
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      81. Gvardiol races in behind the Czech defence but his pull-back is pounced upon by Vaclik. Good goalkeeping.
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      76. Hlozek lacks composure as he fires high and wide after Croatia had failed to deal with a Czech cross.
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      75. More changes by the Czechs as Jantko and Schick are replaced by Sevcik and Krmencik.
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      72. What a chance for the substitute Vlasic. Perisic nods a Gvardiol cross down for Vlasic who gets his shot away but sees it fly inches wide. Why didn’t Perisic go for goal?
      .Credit: AFP
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      69. There’s been a bit of a lull in the game after that hectic start to the second period. It’s finely poised in the Glasgow sunshine and this really could go either way.
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      65. Kral finds space in the box but delays his cross and Modric comes sliding in with a brilliant challenge to dispossess the Czech star.
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      64. He’s not bad this Perisic fella.
      4 – Ivan Perisic has scored in each of the last four major international tournaments (2014 World Cup, EURO 2016, 2018 World Cup and EURO 2020), becoming the first Croatian to score in four separate such tournaments. Rocket. #CRO #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/vlkh8gsfY4— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 18, 2021

      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      63. Two changes by the Czech Republic as Masopust and Holes are replaced by Hlozek and Kral. Moments earlier, Croatia had also made a substitution as Vlasic came on for Kramaric.
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      60. Vrsaljko is penalised for a foul on Masopust out on the left. Darida’s low free-kick leads to a corner. Darida takes that too but Schick heads it over the bar. 
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      56. The Czechs are enjoying a good passage of play. Coufal sends a cross into the box but Schick get his header all wrong.
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      55. Bit of housekeeping. Masopust was booked just after the goal for a late challenge on Gvardiol.
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      52. Oooh, Soucek has a go from distance and sees it flash just wide. Livakovic would probably have had it covered. It’s been a frantic start to the second half.
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      48. Croatia had made two changes at the break with Rebic and Brekalo making way for Petkovic and Ivanusec.
      CROATIA 1-1 CZECH REPUBLIC
      47. The perfect start to the second half for Croatia. Perisic cuts in from the left, drops his shoulder to bamboozle Coufal and then fires home. Keeper should have done better.

      GGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL CROATIA!

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!OFF WE GO AGAIN!
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