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      Wales 3 Finland 1: Dan James stars with goal and assist as Dragons promoted into Nations League A  

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      GARETH to Harry could have a familiar ring to it in the coming weeks and months.
      But that’s enough of Bale and Kane at Tottenham as the Wales captain added another vital contribution to fire his country towards Nations League promotion glory.

      Dan James celebrates scoring the second goal against FinlandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      This time it was Cardiff attacker Harry Wilson who capitalised on Bale’s classy first-half assist to set the Dragons on their way in this winner-takes-all clash.
      Dan James – with a superb drive – and Kieffer Moore sealed victory for Wales and ended ten-man Finland’s promotion hopes despite Teemu Pukki making it 2-1.
      Bale might be more of a creator than finisher for Wales these days but his pin-point through ball came just four days after the Spurs forward teed up David Brooks to sink Ireland here in the Welsh capital.
      The 31-year-old confessed pre-match he’s getting fitter, sharper and better following his loan move from Real Madrid back to Tottenham.

      And Bale loves playing for Wales in Cardiff as he’s had 14 goal involvement in 14 games – with nine goals and five assists.
      The victory means the Dragons win Group B4 and move into the top tier where they will now face Europe’s elite on a more consistent basis.
      Throw in a possible World Cup 2022 play-off spot, and this was another special night in a Dragons short for Bale and co following back-to-back Euro qualification successes.
      The likes of giants England, France and Spain lie in wait for the Welsh in the next round of Nations League group games, worth almost £3million to the Welsh FA.

      Manchester United’s James fires home for Wales Credit: EPA

      With Bale leading by example, credit must also go to caretaker boss Robert Page, who has led Wales impressively following manager Ryan Giggs’ arrest on November 1.
      Giggs’ remains on bail with his future uncertain but next up for the Dragons is the World Cup draw in December followed by the first qualifiers in March.
      Wales are on a roll, now unbeaten in a record 11 matches, but, although the hosts only needed a draw to seal top spot, their task was made much easier when Jere Uronen was sent off on 12 minutes.
      Quick thinking from a goal kick by keeper Danny Ward caught Finland cold.
      Wilson was clear until Uronen hauled him down and Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano produced a red card for a denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity.
      Bizarrely, the ten-men should have been ahead when Daniel O’Shaughnessy failed to connect from a corner.
      Finland keeper Lukas Hradecky made fine saves from Rhys Norrington-Davies and Bale but he could do little when Wilson calmly slotted home from Bale’s clever pass.

      Harry Wilson opens the scoring for Wales in the Nations League Credit: PA:Press Association
      Bale earned a stroke of fortune as his touch from Ethan Ampadu’s forward ball came back off defender Joona Toivio but his radar was in with the second chance and Wilson showed composure to finish from eight yards.
      Wales were in total control, Chris Mepham saw a deflected shot fly wide before Norrington-Davies fired over the bar.
      Manchester United winger James has been struggling for form at Old Trafford but his rasping shot beat the dive of Hradecky in the first minute of the second period.
      And that will only do the 23-year-old the world of good at club level.
      A 2-0 lead felt like a job well done for Wales and Bale’s substitution for Tom Lawrence at the hour mark would have got a nod of approval from Spurs boss Jose Mourinho.
      Pukki halved the deficit almost immediately but Moore nodded home James’ cross to spark another Cardiff celebration – with tomorrow marking the first anniversary of Wales sealing Euros qualification. More

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      England ratings: Mason Mount and Phil Foden star in midfield but Harry Kane’s barren run continues

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      ENGLAND’S Nations League campaign finished on a positive note with a 4-0 hammering of Iceland.
      Boss Gareth Southgate will have been delighted as youngsters Declan Rice, Phil Foden and Mason Mount all got their names on the scoresheet.

      England finished their Nations League group with a 4-0 hammering over IcelandCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail

      But skipper Harry Kane was again unable to net again as his barren 2020 in international football continued.
      Here’s how Tom Barclay rates the Three Lions’ performers.
      Jordan Pickford – 6
      Had nothing to do with Iceland failing to lay a glove on England.
      Still gave home fans jitters with some risky passing.

      Kyle Walker – 6
      Feared his England career might be over when sent off against Iceland in September, and picked up an early yellow here for diving in. Solid otherwise.

      Eric Dier was often the catalyst for the latter with his eye for a pass.Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Eric Dier – 6
      Gareth Southgate’s backline had very little to defend and spent most of the game sparking attacks. Dier was often the catalyst for the latter with his eye for a pass.
      Harry Maguire – 8 Interesting to see him bomb forward when he could in a similar manner to the centre-backs at his old side Sheffield United.
      Fed Phil Foden with an excellent ball which the Manchester City man should have converted.

      Kieran Trippier – 7
      Provided the out ball for England much of the time.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold offers more going forward but England are lucky to have such a talented alternative.

      Declan Rice celebrates scored his first goal for his countryCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Declan Rice – 7
      Scored his first goal for his country – even if the ball did go in off his shoulder.
      Was a threat at set pieces and his anchoring allowed great mate Mason Mount to roam.

      Mason Mount appeared to be playing central midfield but in reality he popped up all over the placeCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
      Mason Mount – 9
      Appeared to be playing central midfield but in reality he popped up all over the place, interchanging well with Jack Grealish and Foden.
      Was clever with his touch and finish for his goal. Not even 22 yet, he looks a real asset to England.
      Bukayo Saka – 7
      Formed an exciting link-up with Grealish down the left.
      Blew the chance to score his first international goal when miskicking from eight yards – but his pace drew a second yellow card for veteran Birkir Saevarsson.

      Manchester City’s starlet shone out on the right Credit: EPA
      Phil Foden – 9
      Only positive news for the Manchester City starlet against Iceland this time as he shone out on the right.
      Like Grealish, he offers invaluable dribbling ability and grabbed his first senior goals with two lethal finishes. From being sent home, to scoring at home.
      Harry Kane – 6
      Was desperate to end his barren run – and it showed.
      Shot at every opportunity, did come close, but ultimately is now looking at no England goals in all six games he has played in 2020.
      Weirdly, has never scored on Wednesday for his country. Does this formation suit him?
      Jack Grealish – 8
      Not as electric as he was against Belgium but still sent Iceland into a panic every time he got the ball.
      With entertainment at a premium in Southgate’s current style, it is such a relief to have him in the team. Long may it continue.

      Harry Kane is ultimately is now looking at no England goals in all six games he has played in 2020Credit: PA:Press Association
      SUBS
      Tyrone Mings (on for Walker). Nodded wide from a Trippier free-kick – though he looked offside anyway. 6.
      Harry Winks (on for Mount). Grabbed an assist as he laid the ball off to Foden for his brilliant second. 7
      Jadon Sancho (on for Grealish). The Borussia Dortmund man teed up old City pal Foden perfectly with a neat lay-off. 7
      Tammy Abraham (on for Kane). Put himself about but did not really get a sniff. 6
      Ainsley Maitland-Niles (on for Trippier). Came on in the closing stages. 6

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      England 4 Iceland 0: Phil Foden bags two Icelandic beauties as Three Lions’s young guns rout 10-man rivals

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      IN SPIRIT, it felt like Gazza was on the pitch at Wembley. But on this occasion, it was Phil Foden rather than Jack Grealish.
      While Grealish once again did his England chances no harm whatsoever, he was upstaged by some midfield wizardry from a player even younger.

      Phil Foden excelled in the No19 – Gazza’s old shirt Credit: PA:Press Association

      Phil Foden slams the ball home at WembleyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Declan Rice scores with his shoulder to break the deadlockCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Mason Mount scored England’s second goal against IcelandCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Fitting then, Phil Foden was wearing number 19 – the same number as Gazza.
      In only his third England appearance, Foden delivered a type of confident, clever performance which means he still has an outside chance of making that starting XI when England finally play Croatia in their opening game of Euro 2020 – on June 13, 2021.
      And the fact he then delivered two killer goals in the final ten minutes sealed a terrific evening for Foden who delivered a few flashes of genius.
      It was only against Iceland, who were really bad. And the second half was nowhere near the first as the visitors were down to ten men for the last 36 minutes.

      But at least Gareth Southgate has finished what has proved to be a frustrating and at times turbulent 2020 on some sort of a high.
      Foden was left out of the squad for last month’s matches after his indiscretion in a Iceland hotel room with two women and Mason Greenwood.
      Yet he continued his good form for Manchester City, by creating the opening goal for Declan Rice, delivered some intelligent, incisive passing and then scored those two irresistible goals. Gazza would have been proud.
      Guardiola claimed in 2019 that Foden was the most talented player he had ever seen and then promptly failed to select him regularly.

      Foden impressed with a great display in the middle of the parkCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Foden was a constant threat for Iceland to deal withCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Declan Rice celebrates his first England goalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      But finally, we are seeing the type of player Foden has always threatened to be.
      With Southgate making it clear a 3-4-3 formation is here to stay, it seemed the battle to spearhead the attack with Harry Kane was a fight between Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho with two spots up for grabs.
      But now, you can throw Grealish and Foden into the mix. What they may lack in power and pace, they more than make up for with fine technique and some moments of pure magic with the football.
      Grealish, who repeatedly won free-kicks in dangerous areas, has certainly ensured his place in the squad for Euro 2020, something which seemed unlikely until Marcus Rashford pulled out of the first England squad before the start of the season.
      Another delightful story at Wembley was the fact that both Rice and Mason Mount scored. The pair are lifelong friends, their families still holiday together and it was clearly a special moment for the pair to be playing at Wembley, side-by-side.
      Albeit with Rice having more defensive duties, the pair gave England some balance which has been missing in central midfield.

      The keepers shirt was laid on the turf by current No1 Pickford in honour of Three Lions legend Ray ClemenceCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Jordan Pickford holds a ‘Clemence 1’ topCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Even at the back, although they were rarely challenged, Harry Maguire – who missed the trip to Iceland due to his arrest and subsequent court case in Greece – played like Franz Beckenbauer. And there was another extremely encouraging performance from Bukayo Saka.
      The only downside was that captain Kane has now gone six games without a goal, spanning a year.
      Before the warm-up, behind the goal, Jordan Pickford laid a yellow goalkeeper shirt with ‘Clemence 1’ on the back in memory of the Liverpool legend Ray. For Pickford, that was about the only thing he did all evening.
      England struggled to break down their defensive visitors and had not managed a decent attempt on goal until Grealish won a free-kick and Rice delivered a decent run to connect to Foden’s excellent ball into the area.
      Another plus point from this England international window has been the performances of Saka.
      The wing-back has done well, and will give Ben Chilwell some major competition down the left and he would have scored a goal but for an instinctive save from Ogmundur Kristinsson.

      Iceland defender Birkir Mar Saevarsson saw redCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Yet Saka, who also missed a good chance created by Foden at the very end, delivered a cross which the Icelandic defence failed to clear, Kane made a nuisance of himself and Mount a quick took a touch before comfortably scoring his third England goal.
      Foden forced a couple of saves from the Icedandic keeper although will feel he should have scored both. But he should not have worried as he found his eye for goal at the end.
      Iceland swapped keepers at the break to give Euros hero Hannes Halldorsson a send off as he looks set to retire.
      The visitors were reduced to ten men shortly into the second half after Birkir Saevarsson, making his 95th international appearance, landed a second yellow card after tugging the arm of Saka just outside the box.
      Grealish was replaced by Sancho, who then teed the ball up for former City academy team-mate Foden who swivelled to score into the corner.
      And although that strike was impressive, his second was even better. There seemed little danger but Foden created something out of nothing and fired an unstoppable shot from outside the area.

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      Eriksen reveals girlfriend is pregnant with second child but insists birth WON’T wreck Euros plans like last time

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      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN’S girlfriend Sabrina Kvist is pregnant with their second child.
      But the Danish midfielder said the new baby will not interrupt next summer’s Euros like his first kid did with the 2018 World Cup.

      Christian Eriksen did a pregnancy celebration during Denmark’s Nations League win against IcelandCredit: AFP

      Eriksen’s partner Sabrina Kvist is pregnant with their second childCredit: Instagram / @chriseriksen8

      Eriksen did a ‘pregnancy’ celebration after he scored during Denmark’s 2-1 Nations League victory against Iceland on Sunday.
      And then he confirmed it was because his partner was pregnant on Instagram.
      He posted the picture of him with the ball up his shirt.
      And the Inter Milan playmaker captioned the post: “Not the best game, but a great result in the end!

      “And yes Sabrina is pregnant, again! But dont worry Denmark, its planned a lot better this time. #ce10 #fordenmark”
      The post received more than 230,000 likes.
      And the last comment relates to the 2018 World Cup when he left a training camp before the tournament when his first son Alfie was born.
      Former Danish head coach Age Hareide allowed his star man to travel home and Denmark fans will hope the same does not happen again for next summer’s Euros.

      Their family of three will soon have another additionCredit: Instagram / @chriseriksen8

      In 2019, Eriksen was forced to rubbish online rumours that Sabrina had cheated on him with married former team-mate Jan Vertonghen.
      The ex-Tottenham ace took to Twitter to blast the story as “bulls***” but the false claims upset Sabrina, 29.
      Mum Sabrina sacrificed her own life in Denmark to move to London, ditching her hairdressing career to become a WAG when Eriksen signed for Tottenham in 2012.
      The pair spent a lot of time with Harry Kane and his wife Kate when they lived in London but see less of them after Eriksen’s move to Inter in January.

      The pair have been together since 2012Credit: Instagram / @chriseriksen8

      Eriksen regularly posts pictures of the two on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @chriseriksen8

      They announced their first child with a cute post on Instagram Credit: Instagram / @chriseriksen8

      Their first child is a boy called AlfieCredit: Instagram / @chriseriksen8

      Sabrina is also DanishCredit: Instagram / @chriseriksen8

      Eriksen left the 2018 World Cup camp when Alfie was bornCredit: Instagram / @chriseriksen8

      But the former Tottenham man does not expect to do the same this timeCredit: Instagram / @chriseriksen8

      Gareth Bale admits to concerns about catching coronavirus while on Wales football duty More

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      Giroud fires himself into Chelsea shop window with double for France vs Sweden as he closes in on Thierry Henry record

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      OLIVIER GIROUD fired himself into the shop window with another double for France.
      And his goals against Sweden last night mean he is now just seven goals behind Thierry Henry’s record tally.

      Olivier Giroud proved his class once again on the international stage with a double against SwedenCredit: Reuters

      Giroud scored a diving header from Kylian Mbappe’s cross to move on to 44 France goalsCredit: AFP or licensors

      French boss Didier Deschamps warned last week Giroud will need to be playing regular club football or is at risk of losing his place in the national team squad ahead of the rearranged Euros.
      Deschamps said: “The situation he has at his club, knowing that he has a large frame and that he needs rhythm, it’s hard.
      “That’s not why I want to lose him, it’s complicated, we’ll talk. But obviously he has every interest in it not lasting and for him to remain competitive – we must not forget what he did with us and what he is still able to do.”
      With just 33 minutes of Premier League action for Chelsea so far this season, those comments sparked transfer exit rumours.

      He came close to joining Tottenham in January but stayed put at Stamford Bridge before Timo Werner’s arrival pushed him further down the pecking order as Inter Milan consider a swoop.
      But Giroud, 34, let his football do the talking and proved he still has plenty to offer by slamming in a pair in the Nations League clash.
      After Viktor Claesson’s deflected strike had given the visitors a shock fourth-minute lead at the Stade de France, the veteran forward got his country level 12 minutes later, turning in Marcus Thuram’s cross.
      Benjamin Pavard’s goal ensured France led at the break before Giroud squandered a glorious chance to make it three by heading wide.

      He did not have to wait long to get his second, though, as he met Kylian Mbappe’s ball in with a spectacular diving header on the hour mark.
      That moved the ex-Arsenal man on to 44 international goals on his 105th cap – almost an identical strike rate to Henry who managed 51 in 123 for Les Bleus.
      And it also ensured Giroud will finish the calendar year as France’s top scorer for the fifth time in the last six years – only being pipped in the World Cup-winning 2018.
      Robin Quaison pulled one back for Sweden in the 88th minute but Kingsley Coman wrapped up the scoring on the counter deep into injury time when Sweden sent everyone forward for a corner, including the goalkeeper.
      Deschamps’ side had already pipped reigning champions Portugal to the top of League A Group 3.
      Spain also booked their place in the Nations League semi-finals with a 6-0 thrashing of Germany.
      Belgium and Denmark face off tonight to finish top of Group 2 while Italy know victory in Bosnia will secure their spot – but defeat for the Azzurri would open the way for Netherlands or Poland to overtake them.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Giroud has featured for just 33 minutes in the Premier League this season after dropping down the Chelsea pecking orderCredit: Reuters

      Henry managed 51 international goals for Les Bleus in 123 capsCredit: Reuters

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      Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil takes swipe at Germany by telling them ‘time to take Boateng back’ after 6-0 Spain thrashing

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      ARSENAL outcast Mesut Ozil took a swipe at the German national team after their 6-0 Nations League thrashing by Spain last night.
      The former Germany international called for Bayern Munich star Jerome Boateng to be recalled after he was snubbed by boss Joachim Low in 2019.

      Mesut Ozil has called for Jerome Boateng to be recalled to the German team after they were thrashed 6-0 by SpainCredit: Reuters

      The Bayern Munich centre-back was permanently dropped from the international setup in 2019Credit: EPA

      Ozil quit the German national team in 2018 accusing their football federation (DFB) of racism.
      And a year later, Low confirmed he would no longer be picking Boateng, 32, or his Bayern team-mate Thomas Muller, 31, so he could introduce younger players into the squad.
      Low, 60, doubled down on that decision in August saying he has no plans to reintroduce the pair despite their heroics as Bayern scooped a Champions League and Bundesliga double last season.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      But having suffered their heaviest competitive defeat in history in Seville yesterday, Ozil, has called on the long serving Germany boss to revisit his decision and bring centre-back Boateng back in.
      He tweeted: “Time to take @JeromeBoateng back #ESPGER @DFB_Team.”
      The post received more than 36,000 likes and 3,500 comments.
      However, his words are unlikely to sway under-fire Low – who has been in charge of the Germans since 2006.

      Speaking about Muller and Boateng’s long-term exclusion in August, Low said: “Both players had very good performances and they showed how important they are for this team [Bayern].

      “However, after the [2018] World Cup, we decided to go with other players.
      “We want them to have space and time to develop.”
      Arsenal star Ozil thinks he was hung out to dry by the DFB after meeting controversial Turkey president Recep Erdogan before the 2018 World Cup.
      Ozil has Turkish heritage and was accused of endorsing Erdogan’s bid for re-election – but insists they only spoke about football.
      The World Cup winner was booed in Germany’s warm-up games and flopped as the defending champions tumbled out of the group stage.
      In a lengthy three-part message posted on social media, Ozil said: “It is with a heavy heart and after much consideration that because of recent events, I will no longer be playing for Germany at international level while I have this feeling of racism and disrespect.
      “I used to wear the German shirt with such pride and excitement, but now I don’t.
      “When high-ranking DFB officials treat me as they did, disrespect my Turkish roots and selfishly turn me into political propaganda, then enough is enough.”

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      Spain 6 Germany 0 LIVE REACTION: Ferran Torres scores hat-trick to book Nations League finals place – latest updates

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      SPAIN thrashed Germany thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from Ferran Torres to book their place in next year’s UEFA Nations League finals.
      It was a torrid night for the Germans, who were top of the group at the beginning of the night. Alvaro Morata, Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal scored the others for the hosts.

      Score: Spain 6-0 Germany
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

      THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT
      Spain book their play in next year’s Nations League semi-finals with a thumping 6-0 win over Germany!
      Manchester City’s Ferran Torres grabbed a hat-trick to cap off a night to remember.
      Goodnight!

      TOUCH OF CLASS
      Pass after pass, Spain were unstoppable.

      FER REAL
      Spain secured top spot in their Nations League group and a place in the finals with a stunning 6-0 win over Germany – their worst-ever competitive defeat.
      Manchester City duo Rodri and Ferran Torres were on fine form as they both scored in the Tuesday night hammering, with the latter bagging an incredible hat-trick in Seville – the first against Germany since Michael Owen for England in September 2001.
      READ MORE: SPAIN 6-0 GERMANY MATCH REPORT

      OZIL REACTS
      World Cup winner and former German international Mesut Ozil has called for Bayern Munich defender Boateng to be recalled.

      DAY TO FORGET
      Final international fixture of the year ends in defeat for Germany.

      MAKING HISTORY
      Germany have a new record and it’s not a positive one.
      Tonight’s 6-0 defeat was their heaviest defeat in competitive history, beating a 66 year record when they lost to Hungary 8-3.

      HIT HEAVY
      *Laugh’s from Brazil*

      ROLLING BACK THE YEARS
      Hit for six.

      FULL-TIME STATS
      Spain gave Germany a good hiding!

      The heat maps tell the story.
      Spain (left) were all over the pitch, they knew the task at hand and they turned up for the big occasion.
      Germany (right) on the other hand barely got inside Spain’s penalty area and they didn’t register a single shot on target in 90 minutes!

      FT: SPAIN 6-0 GERMANY
      The game was already dead and buried at half-time but it didn’t stop Spain from adding to their three first half goals.
      Torres got his second of the evening early on in the second half, he was picked out by Gaya in acres of space, he touched the ball out of his feet and smashed the ball past Neuer.
      The brace would later turn into a hat-trick, Ruiz slipped the ball to Torres on the edge of the area and he thumped the ball home with a first-time strike.
      Spain dominated the game throughout and they hit Germany for six with Oyarzabal tapping home Gaya’s cross in the 90th minute.
      Spain are heading into the semi-finals of the Nations League, they turned up when it mattered and got the result in style!

      PEEEEEEP!
      THAT’S FULL-TIME!

      SPAIN 6-0 GERMANY
      90. Olé, olé, olé! Pass after pass, it’s too easy for Spain!
      Two additional minutes to be played, put Germany out of their misery.

      SPAIN 6-0 GERMANY
      88. Ruiz plays a floated ball over the top of the German backline for Gaya to get on the end of.
      The left-back carries the ball to the edge of the six yard box before squaring it to Oyarzabal for an easy tap in!
      It’s six and it’s well deserved. Germany have been second best to everything.

      GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLL!!!
      IT’S SIX!!!
      OYARZABAL TAPS GAYA’S CROSS HOME!!!
      GERMANY HAVE BEEN HIT FOR SIX!!!

      SPAIN 5-0 GERMANY
      85. Spain are continuing to dominate possession and Germany aren’t even bothering to press them.

      Credit: Getty Images

      SPAIN 5-0 GERMANY
      83. Gnabry receives the ball with his back to goal, as he turns to make things happen the linesman has his flag up for offside.
      The German bench are sat in silence, they can’t quite believe what they’re watching. it’s been a massacre.

      SPAIN 5-0 GERMANY
      80. We’re into the final ten minutes of the game and it’s dead and buried, Germany are yet to have a shot on target and Spain are cruising with a five goal lead.
      Simon’s had a nice night in between the sticks for Spain, he’s had nothing to do!

      HAT-TRICK HERO
      Watch Ferran Torres’ goal to complete his hat-trick!

      SPAIN 5-0 GERMANY
      OFF THE BAR!
      76. Gnabry leads the counter-attack, he carries the ball all the way to the edge of the penalty area and shifts the ball onto his right foot before crashing a shot off the bar!
      Almost a spectacular goal on what has been a spectacular night…… for Spain.

      SPAIN 5-0 GERMANY
      73. Spain make some changes and it’s the perfect time, there’s just over 15 minutes left and they’re 5-0 up!
      Moreno, Asensio and Oyarzabal are on for Olmo, Torres and Morata.
      All three players departing the pitch are given a standing ovation. Unbelievable performance from the starting front three!

      SPAIN 5-0 GERMANY
      71. It’s five. Yes five!
      Ruiz is slipped in on goal by Morata, he plays the ball to Torres on the edge of the German penalty area, instead of taking a touch he takes the shot on first time with his right foot picking out the bottom right corner!
      What a night. What a performance!
      Germany have been schooled.

      GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!
      TORRES GETS HIS HAT-TRICK!!!!
      WONDERFUL FINISH!!!!

      ONE-WAY TRAFFIC
      Torres is at the double and Spain are cruising towards the semi-finals!

      Credit: Getty Images

      SPAIN 4-0 GERMANY
      SO CLOSE!
      67. Koke picks out Ruiz in acres of space, he gets his head up and drills a cross across the face of goal for Morata to get on the end of but he was a fraction late.
      That was agonisingly close!

      SPAIN 4-0 GERMANY
      66. Simon drills the ball into Morata on the halfway line, he flicks the ball past his marker Tah and as a consequence he gets pulled down.
      Tah is in the referee’s book.

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      Former Iran forward Ali Daei ‘sincerely hopes’ Cristiano Ronaldo beats his record for most international goals ever

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO would be warmly congratulated by Ali Daei if he breaks the Iran legend’s international goal record.
      No man has scored more than 51-year-old Daei on the international stage, with 109 bagged in 13 years for his country.

      Cristiano Ronaldo is seven goals away from the international goal recordCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ali Daei ‘sincerely hopes’ the Portugal forward beats his tallyCredit: EPA

      Another strike for Portugal last week put Ronaldo one step closer to the record and his tally stands at 102.
      It seems only a matter of time until the Juventus star, 35, claims the honour and Daei is looking forward to that moment.
      The former striker is quoted by Record as saying: “I sincerely hope that Cristiano Ronaldo will reach my goal record for the national team.
      “In no way [would I be hurt], it would be a real honour for me if a player in his class could do it.

      “Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players not only of his time, but of all time. He is an absolute phenomenon.
      “I would congratulate him directly. But first he has to get there.

      MEN’S ALL-TIME TOP INTERNATIONAL GOALSCORERS

      Ali Daei – Iran – 109 goals – 149 caps
      Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal – 102 goals – 169 caps
      Mokhtar Dahari – Malaysia – 88 goals – 131 caps
      Ferenc Puskás – Hungary – 84 goals – 85 caps
      Godfrey Chitalu – Zambia – 79 goals – 111 caps
      Hussein Saeed – Iraq – 78 goals – 137 caps
      Pelé – Brazil – 77 goals – 92 caps
      Kunishige Kamamoto – Japan – 75 goals – 76 caps=8 Bashar Abdullah – Kuwait – 75 goals – 134 caps10. Sunil Chhetri – India – 72 goals – 115 caps=10. Majed Abdullah – Saudi Arabia – 72 goals – 117 caps

      “Cristiano Ronaldo already has 102 goals for Portugal and will beat my record, I’m sure of that, but he still has seven goals to go.”
      Portugal take on Croatia on Tuesday night with an outside shot of jumping France to win Nations League group A3.

      Next year, Ronaldo will have the chance to add to his tally with Euro 2020 warm-up games before the potential opportunity to break the record during the tournament.
      Hungary, France and Germany await the defending champions in Group F.

      Coach Fernando Santos has played down the importance of Ronaldo breaking the goal record ahead of the Croatia game.
      He said: “Nobody will be thinking about Cristiano.
      “The [other players] will not be thinking about not scoring in order to give the chance to someone else.
      “Even Cristiano wouldn’t want that to happen. Cristiano will score when he has to score. The [other players] will not be thinking about that.”

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