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      Bizarre refereeing decision leaves England fans baffled as Uefa accused of acting like ‘a charity’

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      ENGLAND fans were left utterly confused following their side’s 7-0 win over North Macedonia on Monday evening.Gareth Southgate’s men raced into a 3-0 half-time lead at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford.
      England fans were confused about a decision at the end of their comfortable winCredit: Channel 4
      Bukayo Saka bagged his first England hat-trick at Old Trafford on Monday eveningCredit: Getty
      After the break, two more from Saka completed the Arsenal man’s hat-trick.
      Kane helped himself to a second from the penalty spot and Kalvin Phillips also got his name on the scoresheet.
      As well as the stoppages for the four goals and spot kick, there were also 10 substitutions made in the second period.
      Yet despite all of those breaks in play, referee Istvan Kovacs did not play ANY added time at the end of the 90 minutes.
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      It left Three Lions supporters baffled as they took to social media to comment on the rather bizarre decision.
      One said: “I think we can all agree the biggest takeaway from England 7-0 North Macedonia was 0 minutes being added on after four goals, a penalty and ten substitutions.
      “You’re not a charity, Uefa.”
      Another added: “I actually rang in the radio once to ask about this, why do they only add on the exact minutes if the game is tight? What if I had a bet on 8-0?
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      “It’s mental how some rules are just ignored.”
      A third replied: “They genuinely make it up. A game with one goal in it and you’re guaranteed 4 minutes or more added on.”
      While a fourth jokingly responded: “I’m gonna be fuming If it goes down to goal difference.”
      England’s win over North Macedonia maintains their 100 per cent record in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. More

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      Spain fans boo OWN PLAYER during Nations League parade as they leave team-mates astonished with inflammatory chant

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      SPAIN fans booed Barcelona wonderkid Gavi during his victory speech after winning the Nations League.A tense final saw Spain beat Croatia 5-4 on penalties after the match ended 0-0 at the end of extra-time.
      Gavi was booed by his own fans despite winning the Nations LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Gavi started in the final against CroatiaCredit: EPA
      It is Spain’s first trophy since winning Euro 2012Credit: Getty
      Gavi started the game in a number 10 role but was taken off before extra-time, so did not take a penalty.
      After the game Spain’s players enjoyed a victory parade and midfielder Fabian Ruiz pushed Gavi forward to speak to the crowd.
      The 18-year-old began to address the fans before a small section of them quickly interrupted him by booing and chanting: “Barca b****, Barca b****.”
      Gavi was taken aback by the reaction, with Spain captain and his Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba also looking shocked.
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      Despite the backlash Gavi continued to speak to the fans and thanked them for their support.
      He said: “Good afternoon, everyone. I’m going to be brief.
      “I wanted to thank all the Spaniards and all the fans who have supported us in these two games, which would not have been possible without them and we will be eternally grateful. Long live Spain.”
      Gavi is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the world and that is reflected by his market value of £150million – which places him in the top ten most valuable players.
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      He already has 21 caps for Spain and his performances for club and country have seen him attract significant transfer interest.
      Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool have all expressed an interest in signing Gavi, who could be available on a free transfer if Barcelona are unable to register him as a first-team player.
      Gavi recently signed a new long-term contract which includes a £870million release clause.
      But cash-strapped Barcelona have been unable to register the youngster due to their financial woes.
      Despite that Gavi has reiterated his desire to stay at the club, revealing it is his dream to play for Barca.
      He said: “I want all of you to be calm on my future… I’m very calm.
      “Since I was little I’ve wanted to stay at Barca. It’s my dream club, I always say it.
      “Don’t worry, let everyone be calm.” More

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      Erling Haaland could slump to THIRD in Ballon d’Or as fans call for Man City team-mate to beat Messi to gong

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      MANCHESTER CITY superstar Erling Haaland could drop to third in the Ballon d’Or rankings despite his record-breaking exploits.Haaland led City to a Treble as he became the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer in a single campaign and topped the Champions League charts, while also dominating the FA Cup.
      Manchester City star Erling Haaland could finish third in the Ballon d’or rankingsCredit: Getty
      Fans prefer Haaland’s Manchester City team-mate Rodri for the Ballon d’Or awardCredit: Rex
      Lionel Messi could also win the award after leading Argentina to the World CupCredit: Getty
      However, fans believe one of the star striker’s City team-mates deserves the Ballon d’Or more than Pep Guardiola’s goal machine.
      And that is none other than Rodri, who added the Nations League to his trophy case on Sunday.
      The midfielder helped Spain beat Croatia on penalties after a goalless draw in the final at De Kuip.
      The 26-year-old put together another man-of-the-match performance in a final shortly after scoring City’s winner against Inter Milan to seal the club’s first ever Champions League trophy.
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      And Rodri’s exploits could see him cut some of Haaland’s votes for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
      The Norway international poses as a favourite, while Lionel Messi is hoping for an eighth award after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.
      But Rodri’s success could slump Haaland to third place following mass praise from the fans.
      One fan tweeted: “Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Nations League. MOTM awards in multiple finals. Rodri has completed football this season.”
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      Another commented: “All timer season by a DM. Rodri deserves to be on that Ballon d’Or podium.”
      A third posted: “If Jorginho made top 3 in the Ballon D’or in 2021, then Rodri should be winning the Ballon D’or for winning the treble and winning the Nations League… Uncomfortable conversations.”
      This fan wrote: “Rodri is a better contender for the Ballon D’or than Messi.”
      And that one stated: “It has been a good 2022/2023-season for Rodri. A Ballon d’Or worthy season.” More

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      Man City flop makes history as he becomes first man to win all THREE international trophies available

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      A FORMER Manchester City man has become the first player to win all three international trophies available.Spain wrapped up the Uefa Nations League title against Croatia on Sunday evening.
      Spain were crowned Nations League champions in SundayCredit: Getty
      A tense 0-0 draw was followed by a penalty shootout, with La Roja prevailing 5-4 thanks to two saves from Unai Simon.
      That ended Spain’s 11-year trophy drought stretching back to Euro 2012.
      And it also secured an incredible treble for the man who started at right-back against the Croats.
      Jesus Navas was part of the Spain squad that won the World Cup in 2010.
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      He made three appearances in South Africa, including playing extra-time in the final victory over Holland when Andres Iniesta scored the only goal.
      Two years later, the Sevilla legend was a frequent substitute as Spain defended their European Championships crown – with Navas even scoring the winner against Croatia in their final group game.
      He was axed for the World Cup in 2014 and then went almost six years without playing for Spain before returning as a 33-year-old for the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
      And three years on from his most-recent cap, now aged 37, new boss Luis de la Fuente called up Navas for the Nations League finals.
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      The veteran started at right-back in the semi-final win over Italy and kept his place for the final.
      Despite all his success for Sevilla and Spain, though, Navas did not hit the same heights with his performances at the Etihad.
      He managed eight goals in 183 City appearances between 2013 and 2017, winning the Premier League in his first season and two League Cups.
      But he returned to Sevilla after four seasons in Manchester where he has remained a constant for the Europa League champions.
      For two current Manchester City stars, meanwhile, the Nations League secured the fourth leg of a superb Quadruple in 2022-23.
      Aymeric Laporte and Rodri added the international gong to their Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League winners’ medals.
      Jesus Navas was all smiles after his third international trophyCredit: Getty
      Navas was part of the Euro 2012 victorious sideCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Arsenal ace Balogun ALREADY wins more trophies than England stars just four weeks after switching to USA

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      ARSENAL forward Folarin Balogun lifted the CONCACAF Nations League trophy just FOUR WEEKS after switching his allegiance from England to USA.The 21-year-old was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Nigerian parents who lived in London.
      Folarin Balogun scored in USA’s Nations League final win over CanadaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Balogun has already won silverware with USA after just two appearancesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      As a result, he was eligible to play for England, USA and Nigeria.
      He featured for the Three Lions’ various age group sides – including 13 times for the U21s, scoring seven goals.
      But last month, his request to represent America was approved by Fifa.
      And, while the England team’s wait for a major trophy stretches to 57 years, Balogun has claimed silverware one month after committing to the US.
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      The 2026 World Cup hosts beat rivals Canada 2-0 at the Allegiant Stadium in Nevada to win the Nations League.
      First-half goals from Chris Richards and Balogun sealed the victory for interim boss B.J. Callaghan.
      And the Arsenal attacker, who made his international debut for USA against Mexico on Thursday, looked over the moon as he celebrated with his medal.
      Balogun enjoyed a sensational season on loan at French side Reims where he bagged 22 goals in 39 appearances.
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      Following a superb campaign, he is expected to leave the Gunners this summer in search of first-team football.
      Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah are believed to be ahead of him in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order of strikers.
      Inter Milan are being linked with a move for the young forward.
      But Arsenal, who have a contract with Balogun until 2025, are understood to be demanding £40million. More

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      Spain end 11-YEAR trophy drought as Unai Simon saves two penalties in shootout vs Croatia to win Nations League

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      GOALKEEPER Unai Simon saved two penalties in a shootout, as Spain finally ended their 11-year trophy drought in the Nations League final.The tense showpiece finished 0-0 after extra time, before Luis de la Fuente’s side were victorious when the tie went to spot-kicks.
      Spain lift the Nations League trophy after defeating Croatia on penalties
      Gutted Luka Modric looks on after Croatia are beatenCredit: Getty
      Athletic Bilbao keeper Simon became the hero, using his feet to save a penalty by Lovro Majer when the shootout was level at 3-3.
      Then, he dived spectacularly full-length to tip Bruno Petkovi’s spot kick around the post.
      Up stepped Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal to convert his penalty with a cheeky Panenka and seal the victory for his country.
      Spain last tournament win came at the 2012 European Championship, when they defeated Italy 4-0 at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv.
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      But, they made harder work of it tonight.
      They struggled to get a shot on target until the 84th minute, and when substitute Ansu Fati finally looked like breaking the stalemate, Ivan Perii was on the goal line to block his effort.
      Incredibly, it was Spain’s only goal-bound attempt, compared to Croatia’s five.
      In the first period of extra time, Majer broke through and fell in the penalty area under a challenge by Nacho.
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      Unai Simon was the hero for Spain saving two penatlies in the shootoutCredit: AP
      Dani Carvajal’s cheeky Panenka penalty sealed the shootout winCredit: Getty
      But German referee Felix Zwayer ruled that the Spain defender had played the ball and waved off Croatia’s appeals for a penalty.
      Croatia’s fans many wearing shirts with talismanic captain Luka Modric’s name and No. 10 on the back — far outnumbered their Spanish counterparts at De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam.
      But they were forced to leave disappointed as their nation and the 37-year-old Modric continued their wait for a first international title. More

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      David Brooks to receive a Wales call-up next week after nearly two years out with cancer

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      DAVID BROOKS will cap his recovery from cancer with a Wales call-up next week.The Bournemouth winger, 25, made his first start in 598 days in the 1-0 Premier League loss to Manchester United last Saturday.
      Brave David Brooks has fought back from his stage two Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in October 2021Credit: Getty
      Bournemouth star Brooks made his first club appearance following his cancer battle against Aston Villa in MarchCredit: PA
      But, as revealed by SunSport in March, Brooks, will be named in Robert Page’s squad next Tuesday for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey in June.
      Brave Brooks, who has made five Bournemouth appearances in total, has fought back from his stage two Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in October 2021.
      Page confirmed: “He will most definitely be in the squad. 
      “I am pleased for him because he’s had a long journey.
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      “I got a bit excited in March. 
      “I tried to get him on camp then because you want your best players around you. He definitely falls into that category. 
      “We knew we had to manage it. You don’t go through what he’s gone through and not have little setbacks along the way.
      “Bournemouth have been incredible with the way they have handled it and got him back up to speed. It’s great that we have got him available.”
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      Brooks’ last of his 21 Wales caps came at Euro 2020 when he was a sub in the 4-0 hammering by Denmark.
      While Brooks returns, Page is waiting to find out if Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams will be available for the Group D double-header on June 16 and 19.
      Full-back Williams has been out of action since he broke his jaw in April.
      Page added: “There’s conversations to be had with ourselves and the club, both medical teams. 
      “The squad is going to be announced next week. We will have conversations in the meantime and see where we are at with that before we make that decision.” More

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      Ashley Williams gives Wales’ next generation an insight into major tournament life ahead of Under-17s Euros

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      ASHLEY WILLIAMS delivered a pep talk to Wales’ stars of the future ahead of their European Under-17 Championship finals tilt.Williams led Chris Coleman’s senior side to the Euro 2016 semi-finals and won 86 caps.
      Ashley Williams has passed his tournament experience onto the next generation of WalesCredit: Reuters
      Williams was Wales captain when Chris Coleman’s side reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals and the defender scored in the quarter-final against BelgiumCredit: Getty – Contributor
      And the ex-Dragons captain visited the squad to give an insight to the next generation about his experiences of playing at a major tournament.
      Wales’ squad, which includes Manchester United forward Gabriele Biancheri, have met in Cardiff.
      They have reached their first appearance at a youth finals since 1981.
      Wales open their tournament against hosts Hungary in Budapest on Wednesday.
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      Williams, 38, posted on Instagram: “The gift is always to be passed on, it’s not yours to keep.
      “An attitude of gratitude @fawales.
      “Pleasure to speak to our U17s ahead of their Euros campaign.”
      Craig Knight’s Wales, who qualified for the first time in their history after a 2-2 draw with Montenegro in the elite round, also face Poland and Republic of Ireland in Group A.
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      England are in Group D and start their campaign against Croatia on Thursday and also face Netherlands and Switzerland. 
      Scotland take on holders France plus Germany and Portugal in Group C. More