UEFA Nations League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England stars are physically and mentally cream-crackered – surely life is too short for these Andorra and Senegal games

      by

      WHY do we need to put ourselves through this again?Why do England have to play Andorra at football, when the basic point of sitting down to watch any football match is to think: ‘I wonder who’s going to win this one’.Thomas Tuchel’s England squad play Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on SaturdayCredit: GettyWe already know that England will win. We know that Andorra are extremely unlikely to score. And it would be a significant surprise if Jordan Pickford has to make a single meaningful save.Surely your life is too short to tune in at 5pm on Saturday and watch this thing happen.This isn’t English arrogance. It’s not jingoistic or tub-thumping to point out that Andorra has a population of 80,000 – making it slightly bigger than the town of Bracknell but smaller than Weston-Super-Mare.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd therefore, England, with its 57 million people, will always beat it in a football match.Andorra is a lovely place in the Pyrenees, it’s good for skiing and the Andorrans are rightly proud of their tiny nation state.Not that they currently have a football stadium suitable to hold this World Cup qualifier, which is instead being staged at Espanyol’s home ground in Barcelona.But with players burnt-out, the calendar congested with fixtures and with a month-long Club World Cup about to start, does anyone need this thing – Andorra versus England – to be part of our lives?Most read in FootballEngland breezed past Andorra 4-0 in 2021Credit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOver the past 19 years, England have played Andorra six times and beaten them 5-0, 3-0, 2-0, 6-0, 4-0 and 5-0.The 3-0 in Barcelona was vaguely memorable because Steve McClaren, probably the silliest man ever to manage England, had a hissy fit and stormed out of the post-match press conference.England star Ivan Toney hits back at Bruno Fernandes with blunt reply after Man Utd star’s Saudi transfer snubBut, despite being at the majority of those matches, I can’t remember a single thing about any of the rest of them.So 4-0 to England will be roughly par, even though pretty much everyone will then say that 4-0 is not enough.There can be a certain sadistic pleasure in witnessing an absolute hiding – a nine or a ten – but that’s almost certainly not going to happen either.It is not that difficult for 11 fit young blokes of lower-tier EFL standard – which is Andorra’s level – to sit behind the ball in a packed defence, block shots for 90 minutes and keep the score down, especially if they are showing zero ambition of actually scoring.In almost 30 years as a recognised international football team, Andorra have never lost by more than 7-0. They aren’t that bad.In the past five years, they have beaten fellow minnows San Marino, Liechtenstein, St Kitts & Nevis and Grenada.Before that, Andorra defeated Moldova, Macedonia, Albania and Belarus – as well as their one genuine stand-out result, a 1-0 win over Hungary in 2017.The Nations League has been excellent for smaller nations, giving them regular competitive football against countries of a similar size and teams of similar ability.Andorra and other postage-stamp nations should not be entirely barred from World Cup qualifying – a pre-qualifying tournament, or Nations League results, could determine that one of them reaches the actual qualifying rounds.But surely something has to give in the fixture schedule. And if you’re looking for a place to start when cutting fixtures, then how about fixtures that nobody wants to watch and nobody wants to play in?England’s footballers are tired. Very wealthy, yes, but also physically and mentally cream-crackered.They don’t need to spend ten days of their lives preparing to play Andorra and then Senegal – who are, admittedly, half-decent – in a match at Nottingham next Tuesday which will mean absolutely nothing.I sincerely hope that you have something better to do at 5pm on Saturday than watching this match.Read More on The SunAnd also that you have something better to do on September 6, when, just three months from now, England will play Andorra yet again.At some point, we will all reach our deathbeds. And, please believe me, none of us will ever find ourselves staring into that ultimate abyss, wishing that we had spent more of our time watching England play Andorra at football.England’s players are knackered after a long seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Lamine Yamal vs Cristiano Ronaldo to clash for first time ever live on free-to-air TV in Nations League final

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO is set to come face-to-face with the next generation of superstars for the first time.The Portuguese legend will take to the pitch to face Lamine Yamal’s Spain in the Uefa Nations League.Cristiano Ronaldo will face Lamin Yamal for the first time on SundayCredit: GettyYamal helped Spain book their spot in the Nations League final against PortugalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialPortugal will play Spain in the tournament’s final on Sunday evening.The match will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany at 8pm.Ronaldo, 40, and co reached the final after beating Germany in the semi-final on Wednesday.The former Manchester United forward netted the winner despite Florian Wirtz giving Germany the lead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYamal played his part as Spain edged out France in a nine-goal thriller in the other semi-final.The Barcelona star netted a brace to help his side win 5-4 at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart.Spain went 4-0 up on the night through goals from Nico Williams, Pedri, Mikel Merino and Yamal before a Kylian Mbappe penalty.Yamal, 17, then bagged his second goal of the game to seemingly put Spain out of sight.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, Didier Deschamps’ team hit back to cut the deficit to just one after Rayan Cherki and Randal Kolo Muani scored either side of a Dani Vivian own-goal.The star-studded match will be shown on live TV and will be free for fans to watch.Germany vs Portugal Nations League clash DELAYED as players are forced to protect themselves from hailstonesThe clash will be televised on ITV as confirmed by host Mark Pougatch.He will be joined by former Lioness Karen Carney and Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague.Meanwhile, Yamal’s performance against Les Blues has further staked his claim to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.Arsenal fans watching the match were left concerned for the club’s transfer window.This was due to Merino finding the target and supporters starting to think that Mikel Arteta will scrap his plans to sign a striker. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Spain 5 France 4: Lamine Yamal stakes Ballon d’Or claim to set up Ronaldo clash as Spaniards see off epic late fightback

      by

      LAMINE YAMAL won the Battle of the Ballon d’Or as Spain sneaked into the Nations League final after a nine-goal thriller against France.All eyes in Stuttgart were on the mouthwatering duel between La Roja sensation Yamal, 17, and Les Bleus star Ousmane Dembele, 28.Lamine Yamal won the battle of the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettySpain survived a late comeback against France to get into their third Uefa Nations League final in a rowCredit: EPAOusmane Dembele blanked on a potentially crucial night for Ballon d’Or judgementCredit: AFPThe win sets up a final clash with Cristiano Ronaldo and PortugalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBoth are in with a shout of winning the Ballon d’Or in three months time with 51 club goals in all competitions between them for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain this term.Yet it was the Barca teenage superstar who grabbed the headlines with a stunning second-half double – now with 48 goal contributions in 57 games for club and country this campaign – alongside impressive strikes from Nico Williams, Mikel Merino and Pedri.Kylian Mbappe netted a 59th-minute spot-kick and a late comeback looked on the cards thanks to debutant Rayan Cherki’s 79th-minute attempt, an 84th-minute Daniel Vivian own goal and Randal Kolo Muani’s injury-time header.But Spain held on, facing Portugal in Munich on Sunday – their third Nations League final on the spin – and sets up a clash between Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt also extends their unbeaten competitive run to 24 games, last losing in March 2023 – their longest streak for 15 years, back when they were world champions.France, meanwhile, were woeful, despite a fine attacking quartet of PSG Champions League-winning pair Dembele and Desire Doue alongside Real Madrid’s Mbappe and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.Both Yamal and Dembele were lively early on before Williams stung the roof of the net in the 22nd minute from a cute pass by Mikel Oyarzabal.Three minutes later, Oyarzabal was at the heart of things again as a one-two put Arsenal’s Merino through and he slotted past Chelsea target Mike Maignan.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt could have been 3-0 before the break but for Dean Huijsen’s volley being ruled out for offside. Yamal added the third in the 54th minute, hauled down by Adrien Rabiot in the box.I sold Lamine Yamal trading card for life changing amount – my wife doesn’t think it’s a silly hobby nowAnother Barca starlet Pedri, 22, made it four less than a minute later with a dink over Maignan as Didier Deschamps’ men crumbled.Mbappe converted from the spot in the 59th minute following a tangle with Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, but it was short-lived thanks to a world-class finish from a tight angle by Yamal in the 67th minute – his sixth goal in 20 Spain caps. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘No chance now’ – Arsenal fans terrified Arteta will scrap striker transfer chase after Nations League semi-final

      by

      ARSENAL fans are worried that Mikel Arteta could call off their striker search this summer after Mikel Merino continued his fine form in front of goal.Merino, 28, scored once again as he helped Spain reach the Nations League final with an astonishing 5-4 victory over France.Mikel Merino continued his goalscoring formCredit: GettyMerino tucked away a delightful weak-footed finish as Spain ran riot over France in the Nations LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Gunners are crying out for a centre-forward this summer and reports suggest that they will be bringing in a new frontman over the coming months.Arteta’s injury ravaged side forced him to put central midfielder Merino up top for the latter stages of the season.And the former Real Sociedad star, who had never played as a striker before, took the opportunity with both hands – scoring seven goals and registering four assists from February onwards.Now Merino has continued that form with Spain, scoring with a delightful finish on his week foot to help his nation to a dramatic win over France on Thursday night.READ MORE ON ARSENALAs well taken as the goal was, Arsenal fans have been left concerned by the performance – worrying Mikel Arteta will ditch his plans to sign one of Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres in favour of using Merino.On social media, one wrote: “Merino scoring again for Spain. Yeah there’s no chance Arteta buys a striker this summer…”While another added: “I’m happy Merino is scoring… but then again, I don’t want Arteta to start getting any ideas”.A third joked: “What is Mikel Merino doing? Now Mikel Arteta won’t buy a striker.”Most read in FootballMikel Arteta is looking for a new striker for the Gunners this summerCredit: AFPMerino had a superb end to the campaign as a striker for ArsenalJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesAnd a fourth posted: “Who needs Gyokeres?”Reports have suggested that one of Sesko or Gyokeres will be Emirates bound come the end of the summer window.Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UKAs for Merino’s contribution to Spain, he was one of four different scorers for the European champions in a crazy semi-final.A Lamine Yamal brace, and goals from Pedri and Nico Williams piled misery on France who put up a late comeback, but still fell short of Spain’s class.Real Madrid newbie Dean Huijsen was almost on the scoresheet too, but saw his spectacular acrobatic effort ruled out for offside – robbing the 20-year-old of a memorable first goal for the national team.France managed to force a Dani Vivian own goal, a Kylian Mbappe penalty and a jaw-dropping long-range debut goal from Man City-bound Rayan Cherki.While Randal Kolo Muani made it 5-4 in injury time, but it wasn’t enough to undo the damage caused by Spain earlier in the game.Spain will now face Portugal in the Nations League final on Sunday.That match, hosted at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, will see a match up of the past vs the future when Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, and Lamine Yamal, 17, face off for the first ever time.Nico Williams opened the scoring for SpainCredit: GettyPedri was also on the scoresheetCredit: ReutersLamine Yamal bagged a brace for SpainCredit: AFPKylian Mbappe converted from the spot for FranceCredit: AFPRayan Cherki scored a stunning long-range effort on his debut for the French national teamCredit: Reuters More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Finland women accidentally call up long-retired 51-YEAR-OLD for international clash with 23-year-old pro now banned

      by

      FINLAND accidentally called up a retired 51-YEAR-OLD for international duty. And it meant her namesake missed out on a crucial Nations League match.Nanne Ruuskanen was supposed to be named in the Finland team for the Nations LeagueCredit: AlamyInstead the Finland manager named her 51-year-old namesake who last played for her country 29 years agoCredit: AlamyFinland women’s manager Outi Saarinen apologised for the incredible blunder.Saarinen named Stina Ruuskanen in the squad for Finland’s clash with Serbia.However, Ruuskanen was born in 1974 and has long been retired.Instead, she was supposed to include her namesake Nanne Ruuskanen – a 23-year-old defender who plays for Djurgarden. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair are not related.But with the error not spotted until after the team sheet deadline, it was too late to make the change – meaning Nanne could not play in the 1-1 draw, one of Finland’s last matches before Euro 2025. Stina earned two caps for Finland in the 1990s – with the latter coming a whopping 29 years ago.That is why she was on Uefa’s database system, leading to the clerical error – forcing Nanne to wait to make her senior national team debut. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSStina took it well and joked to Finnish reporters: “It’s amazing to still be called up to the national team at this age. “It’s a must-win match tonight so that’s probably why I’ve been selected.Germany vs Portugal Nations League clash DELAYED as players are forced to protect themselves from hailstones”I’m definitely ready if the call comes.”Just yesterday I was playing in a hobby league match… so my game feel is good.”Saarinen, meanwhile, expressed her sincere regret over the unfortunate incident. She said: “Nanne was, of course, disappointed but took the news very well considering the circumstances.”I am very sorry for the mistake.” More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Major security breach as Cristiano Ronaldo is grabbed by pitch invader before guards are forced to intervene

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO was grabbed by a pitch invader amid a shocking security breach at the Nations League semi-final.Desperate stewards scrambled to intervene when a fan got on the pitch as Portugal’s eventual matchwinner warmed up to take on Germany.A determined fan got all the way out to Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo appeared shocked at first but then acted to calm the situationThe intruder was eventually restrained by four menRonaldo had the last laugh with the winner against GermanyCredit: ReutersRonaldo at first looked stunned when the intruder got his hands round him at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.The young male supporter was then held back by two people.And another security staff member rushed in to help keep the fan away from the 40-year-old legend.At the same time, a now-calm Ron put his arm out towards the man, as if to settle the situation down even further. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fan was then tackled to the ground by FOUR stewards before being led away.It was at the same venue where Paris Saint-Germain fans swarmed on after Saturday’s 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan.Security staff failed to stop that invasion, with supporters ripping out chunks of the turf as souvenirs and tearing down goal-frames. Wednesday’s intrusion came after the start of the international had been held up for 10 minutes due to a sudden hailstorm marring visibility.Most read in FootballViewers might have been shocked to see the fan get this close to RonBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUefa said in a statement: “Kick-off delayed due to adverse weather conditions affecting the warm-up of the teams.”Ronaldo was in the Portugal line-up alongside Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, who has just rejected a £200million move to Al-Hilal.Bruno Fernandes matches Cristiano Ronaldo record as he wins Man Utd award – but admits he DOESN’T want itAnd ex-Old Trafford hero Ron, didn’t seem too affected by his pre-match disturbance.He was involved in a few of Portugal’s most dangerous moments during a patchy and goalless first period, although he was not as sharp as he would have liked.But he was then the second-half hero, slotting a 68th-minute winner after Francisco Conceicao cancelled out German midfielder Florian Wirtz’s opener. Club-wise, however, Ronaldo’s future is uncertain.Al-Nassr still hope to keep the five-time Ballon d’Or winner – despite interest from major team in the Club World Cup.Ronaldo looked on as the supporter was led awayHe later slotted his 137th international goal to sink GermanyCredit: Reuters More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Game’s gone’ – Fuming fans just realising how much it costs to watch Nations League even if they pay for Prime Video

      by

      FOOTBALL fans have been left fuming after realising how much they will need to pay to watch the Uefa Nations League.Fans would have hoped to tune in tonight to watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal take on Florian Wirtz’s Germany in the first of the Nations League semi-finals tonight.Fans are only just realising what they have to pay in order to watch the Nations League semi-finalsCristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal face off against Leroy Sane’s Germany in the first gameCredit: GettyHowever, broadcaster Amazon Prime Video Sport had a nasty surprise for any fan wanting to watch.That is because even Prime subscribers – who pay £95 per year or £8.99 a month – have to pay extra to tune in.Amazon announced in March that viewers would be able to watch Nations League games from £2.49, and they could be viewed without a subscription.But coming to the matches this week, fans were left furious to learn the pay-per-view policy was active, even if you already had a subscription to the streaming platform.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTaking to social media, one fan said: “Btw that Germany game being on Amazon prime pay per view for £2.49 even when you have prime is a f***ing scam.”A second said: “Amazon Prime charging £2.49 per game to watch Nations League and WC qualifiers loool we are so so cooked.”A third added: “I can watch it on a stream but the fact Amazon Prime is charging £2.49 to watch a Nations League match is absurd.”Another said: “£3 pay per view to watch the Nations League on Amazon Prime, a platform you already have to pay for. Games gone,” alongside an edited picture of Sean Dyche saying “Utter woke nonsense”.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA fifth said: “Ridiculous charging £2.49 to watch Nations League football! Especially when I already pay for Amazon Prime.”A sixth added: “Sorry why are Amazon charging £2.49 to watch Germany v Portugal in the Nations League when I’ve got Amazon Prime? What a scam.” More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Germany vs Portugal Nations League clash DELAYED as players are forced to protect themselves from hailstones

      by

      THE NATIONS LEAGUE semi-final clash between Germany and Portugal was delayed by 10 minutes due to a HAILSTORM in Munich.The situation became so unbearable that players had to protect themselves.The Nations League semi-final clash between Germany and Portugal had to be delayed by 10 minutesPlayers had to protect themselves from hailstonesPlayers were overwhelmed by the weather conditionsUEFA warned match goers of possible thunderstormsThat match was initially expected to start at 8pm in Germany.But Cristiano Ronaldo and Co instead kicked off at ten past after ducking for cover.Earlier in the day, Uefa warned match goers of possible thunderstorms in the Bavarian capital forecast.Around an hour before the originally scheduled kick-off time, a storm swept across northern Munich.Read More on FootballAnd it lashed the stadium with rain, leaving the arena grass carpeted in hailstones.Goalkeepers from both sides had begun their warm-up when the storm hit.And the players ran for cover as the conditions got too much to handle.Nevertheless, the weather eased up soon after and the two teams took to the field.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPortugal went on to win 2-1 after Liverpool target Florian Wirtz’s opener was cancelled out by Francisco Conceicao’s equaliser before Ronaldo’s winner.Roberto Martinez’s side is now set to take on either Spain or France on Sunday’s Nations League final.England boss Thomas Tuchel explains Ivan Toney recallWhereas Julian Nagelsmann’s side will face the other semi-final’s defeated team in the third–place play-off that same day.The storm lashed the stadium with rainThe storm left the arena grass carpeted in hailstonesGoalkeepers from both sides had to interrupt their pre-match warm-up More