Saint-Martin-de-Ré (France) (AFP) – Right-back Juanfran admitted European champions Spain were punished for their over-confidence as they were struck by a Croatia sucker punch to miss out on top spot in Euro 2016 Group D. Ivan Perisic's winner three minutes from time means Spain were pushed into the much tougher half of the draw and […]

Paris (AFP) – Coach Laurent Blanc has left ambitious Paris Saint-Germain and will be handed 22 million euros to go on his way, the French newspaper L'Equipe said Thursday. The departure of Blanc, whose position has looked increasingly tenuous after he failed to guide the French side beyond the Champions League quarter-finals, opens the way […]

Versailles (France) (AFP) – Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill wants his players to target glory rather than revenge when they face hosts France in a Euro 2016 last 16 clash on Sunday. Ireland were denied a place in the 2010 World Cup when Arsenal legend Thierry Henry controlled the ball with his hand to […]

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 […]