Buenos Aires (AFP) – Argentina football legend Diego Maradona told his national team not to bother coming back home if they don't win the Copa America Centenario on Sunday. "We will certainly win on Sunday... and if we don't win, they shouldn't come back," Maradona, 55, told Argentina television channel C5N. The retired star was […]

Annecy-le-Vieux (France) (AFP) – Boasting a personal six-game unbeaten record against England, Iceland co-coach Lars Lagerback insists his side won't be overawed by facing a selection of Premier League stars in their Euro 2016 last 16 clash Monday. Lagerback enjoyed plenty of success against England in nine years as Sweden coach and believes a similar […]

Dinard (France) (AFP) – After claiming "bragging rights" over England, Wales star Gareth Bale said Thursday he was savouring the prospect of a new Battle of Britain against Northern Ireland at the European Championship finals. Wales stole a march over England by finishing top of Group B despite losing the clash between the two, and […]

While much has been written about the flag-waving, delusional broadcast of the United States v. Argentina Copa America semi-final, one part of the broadcast that was a pleasant surprise was the color commentary by USMNT legend Landon Donovan. This was not Donovan's first match; he had called the U.S.'s victory over Ecuador and has been […]

Lyon (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Paul Pogba are through, now the European Championship finals turn to revenge, a fairytale David v Goliath tale and a heavyweight rematch. Ronaldo hit two crucial goals — becoming the first player to score in seven straight major tournaments: three World Cups and four European Championships — […]

Chantilly (France) (AFP) – England captain Wayne Rooney refused to reveal on Thursday which way he was voting in Britain's referendum on European Union membership — or even whether he had voted at all. "The option (to vote) has been there for the players," Rooney told a press conference at England's Euro 2016 media centre […]

Evian (France) (AFP) – Germany's medical staff are working around-the-clock to get key defender Jerome Boateng fit for Sunday's Euro 2016 last 16 clash against Slovakia. The burly Bayern Munich centre-back came off on 76 minutes with a knock to his calf in their 1-0 group stage win over Northern Ireland on Tuesday. "The hardening […]

Paris (AFP) – With the European Championship finals first round now over here are five stars who failed to bring the tournament alight in the group games: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden) Fresh from scoring 50 goals for Paris Saint-Germain in his last season, Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked ready to terrorise opposition defences at the Euros. On the […]

Lille (France) (AFP) – Italy coach Antonio Conte believes his team can thrive as the underdogs when they face Spain in the first knockout round at Euro 2016 next Monday. The Azzurri's reward for finishing top of Group E is a meeting with the reigning champions in a repeat of the Euro 2012 final, when […]

Leicester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Jamie Vardy gave a huge boost to champions Leicester on Thursday by rejecting an offer from Arsenal to sign a new contract. The 29-year-old striker — presently on duty with England at the Euro 2016 finals — agreed to an improved four year contract offer from 'The Foxes' and spurning […]

Bratislava (AFP) – His first tattoo comprised three Chinese signs — energy, fairness, talent. Marek Hamsik has gone a long way since getting it at 16, propelled by its three attributes. At 28, the Napoli and Slovakia midfielder is in his prime, having led his national team to the last-16 of Euro 2016 — and […]

Paris (AFP) – Aaron Ramsey's man-of-the-match display in Wales's 3-0 win over Russia at Euro 2016 sent a reminder that there is more to Chris Coleman's side than Gareth Bale. The 25-year-old Arsenal midfielder scored his team's opener in Toulouse on Monday — a smooth, lofted finish from Joe Allen's pass — and teed up Bale […]

Chicago (AFP) – Chile stormed into the Copa America final, beating Colombia 2-0 in a weather-disrupted semi-final that took more than four hours to complete. The defending champions advanced to a repeat of last year's final against Argentina on Sunday after a whirlwind start left Colombia chasing the game. Chile, who had destroyed Mexico 7-0 […]

It was the chance of a lifetime. A loose touch and follow-up dive from Italy’s stand-in captain Leonardo Bonucci sprung Wes Hoolahan, introduced as a substitute not ten minutes previously in Ireland’s do-or-die Group E finale, through on goal. But Hoolahan’s shot was tame, and easily saved by the deputy Italian goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu. It […]

Chicago (AFP) – The Copa America Centenario semi-final between Chile and Colombia was plunged into chaos after a severe thunderstorm halted play. With Chile leading 2-0 at half-time at Soldier Field, a heavy storm rolled into the region forcing stadium officials to delay the start of the second half. Tens of thousands of spectators were […]