Bordeaux (AFP) – Romelu Lukaku silenced his critics with a brace as Belgium kick-started their Euro 2016 campaign by comfortably beating the Republic of Ireland 3-0 in Bordeaux on Saturday. After being frustrated by the Irish in the first half, Belgium broke through when Lukaku struck three minutes after the restart, atoning for his profligacy […]

Chantilly (France) (AFP) – Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy said on Saturday that there have been no developments regarding his future at the club, as he focuses on his England duties at Euro 2016. Vardy, whose 24 goals inspired Leicester's fairytale Premier League triumph, is thought to be considering an approach from Arsenal, who have […]

Nice (France) (AFP) – France on Saturday expelled a Russian far-right leader of a football supporters group, Alexander Shprygin, and 19 other fans after the troubles with England fans at Euro 2016. Shprygin and the others were on a plane that left the southern French city of Nice for Moscow on Saturday. French investigators believe […]

Evian (France) (AFP) – Germany's Joachim Loew has questioned whether his youngsters are up to scratch at Euro 2016 as he looks set to stick with the world champions' experienced stars against Northern Ireland. Loew cast an eye to the future by including talented midfielders Joshua Kimmich, 21, and 20-year-olds Julian Weigl and Leroy Sane […]

Paris (AFP) – UEFA hit Croatia and Turkey with disciplinary procedures Saturday following flare-throwing incidents at Euro 2016 matches as the Croatian press raged at its "shameful" fans. Croatian fans hurled flares on to the pitch in the 86th minute of the 2-2 draw with Czech Republic in Saint Etienne on Friday, while Turkish fans […]

Caracas (AFP) – Their national team's triumphs at the Copa America Centenario offer Venezuelans a welcome escape from their problems, though even in celebration they feel the pinch of a worsening economic crisis. Eleazar Martinez, a 25-year-old fan, has been enjoying the Vinotinto's winning performance in the US-hosted regional tournament. The Venezuelan team faces Argentina […]

Paris (AFP) – Alvaro Morata scored twice for defending champions Spain and Eder was Italy's winner as the two booked places in the last 16 of Euro 2016 on another day marred by fan violence. A 2-2 draw between Croatia and the Czech Republic was briefly halted after Croatians threw flares on the pitch, prompting […]

Paris (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will attempt to reignite their flagging Euro 2016 campaign against Austria on Saturday, while Belgium hope to breathe life into their title bid after a terrible start. Ronaldo was frustrated in his quest to become the first player to score in four European Championships as Portugal stuttered to […]

East Rutherford (United States) (AFP) – Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina was the hero as Colombia slayed their penalty shoot-out jinx to defeat Peru and advance to the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario. Ospina on Friday pulled off a superb save deep into injury time to deny Peru a goal before saving a spot-kick from Peru […]

East Rutherford (United States) (AFP) – Colombia defeated Peru 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out to book their place in the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario. The Colombians on Friday advanced to their first appearance in the last four since 2004 after goalkeeper David Ospina saved Miguel Trauco's spot-kick before Christian Cueva shot over the […]

Paris (AFP) – Alvaro Morato scored twice for defending champions Spain and Eder was Italy's winner as the two booked places in the last 16 of Euro 2016 on another day marred by fan violence. A 2-2 draw between Croatia and the Czech Republic was briefly halted after Croatians threw flares on the pitch, prompting […]

Lille (France) (AFP) – Juventus star Paul Pogba finds himself at the eye of a storm as Euro 2016 hosts France prepare to face Switzerland in their final Group A game in Lille on Sunday. Dropped for Wednesday's 2-0 win over Albania in Marseille, Pogba came on at half-time and helped set up the second […]

Nice (France) (AFP) – Turkey coach Fatih Terim had harsh words for Turkish fans who booed star player Arda Turan during his side's 3-0 defeat by Spain in Nice on Sunday. "Whatever happens that shouldn't happen," he told media at the Stadium Nice after the Group D tie. "I think the expectations were very high […]

London (AFP) – FIFA should warn Russia they could be stripped as hosts of the 2018 World Cup if they don't take measures to root out their hooligan element, British lawmaker Damian Collins told AFP on Friday. Collins said it would be unacceptable for Russia to host a World Cup if the government cannot give […]

Saint-Étienne (France) (AFP) – Croatian fans who hurled flares on the pitch to halt their country's Euro 2016 match against Czech Republic were branded "sports terrorists" as the showcase tournament suffered new troubles. UEFA said an investigation would be opened and even the country's president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic slammed the violent fans as "enemies of Croatia." […]