LONDON (AFP) - Italy inflicted more penalty heartache on England to win Sunday’s (July 11) Euro 2020 final 3-2 in a shoot-out, Bukayo Saka missing the decisive kick to deny the hosts after the game at Wembley had ended in a draining 1-1 draw through extra time. Saka’s kick was repelled by Gianluigi Donnarumma to give Italy the Henri Delaunay trophy for the second time at the end of a shoot-out in which England scored their first two penalties but then saw Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho also fail. Jorginho could have won it for Italy only for his penalty to be saved by Jordan Pickford, giving renewed hope to the England support who had earlier created a febrile atmosphere with their team looking set to run away with this final. The nerve-shredding climax seemed unlikely given the way the match began, with Luke Shaw scoring for Gareth Southgate’s England after just one minute and 57 seconds, the fastest goal ever in a European Championship final stunning a team who arrived here on a record 33-match unbeaten run. Italy were shell-shocked and struggled to recover in a stadium where the official attendance was 67,173 but more England fans clearly managed to enter after disgraceful scenes when supporters without tickets stormed the gates. Serious questions will be asked about security – the game was also briefly held up by a pitch invader late on – but English fans were obviously desperate to see their team finally win a major tournament for the first time since the 1966 World Cup. Italy, though, had most of the possession after falling behind and ultimately deserved their equaliser when it came midway through the second half through Leonardo Bonucci. With no further scoring, this was the first European Championship final to be decided on penalties since 1976. It is more penalty agony for England, whose list of previous shoot-out exits included losing to Italy at Euro 2012 as well as in the Euro 96 semi-finals against Germany when Southgate missed the crucial kick. While their 55-year wait to win another major international title goes on, Italy’s own particular half-century of hurt is over. The Azzurri have won four World Cups but their sole European Championship triumph before this dated back to 1968. They had lost two European Championship finals in little over two decades, with the agony of losing to France via a golden goal in Rotterdam in 2000 and then being torn apart by Spain in 2012, going down 4-0 in Kiev. More on this topic Related Story Football: 'Same again', Southgate tells England before Euro final against Italy Related Story Football: Mystic meerkats predict England will win Euro 2020 final Baying crowd Roberto Mancini’s team had an extra day’s rest in between the semi-finals and this final but they appeared completely unprepared for the experience that awaited them in London. England’s baying supporters created a hostile atmosphere, and that combined with Southgate’s tactical choices seemed to catch the Italians off guard. England brought back Kieran Trippier in place of Saka in the only change from their semi-final, reverting to a five-man defence. Within two minutes the choice of system paid dividends as England broke forward, Harry Kane opening the play up to Trippier, who crossed from the right to the far post where the arriving Shaw scored on the half-volley. Italy, who had not been behind all tournament, were stunned and the only surprise was that England did not try to press home their obvious superiority. Instead they allowed Mancini’s side to have the ball, confident they could withstand whatever was thrown at them. Italian fightback England were rarely seriously troubled in the first half even if Federico Chiesa remained a danger. It was a rather different story in the second half once Mancini had turned to his bench, notably replacing hapless striker Ciro Immobile and sending on Domenico Berardi. As the game opened up, Chiesa probed again and forced a save from Pickford, before a John Stones header from Trippier’s corner was tipped over by Donnarumma. More on this topic Related Story Football: 'Bring it home', Prince William wishes England the best at Euro final Related Story Football: 'The biggest day'; fan frenzy in London ahead of Euro 2020 final The equaliser arrived in the 67th minute. Marco Verratti stooped to meet a corner with a header that Pickford tipped onto the post, but Bonucci was on hand to score the rebound and celebrated with the Italy fans massed at that end of Wembley. Italy then lost the outstanding Chiesa to injury. Lorenzo Insigne did not last into extra time either, and Verratti came off too. England, meanwhile, sent on Jack Grealish in the hope of a bit of magic, but it would come down to penalties, and more gut-wrenching disappointment for them.
LONDON (REUTERS) - England manager Gareth Southgate has told his team to focus on reproducing their form from throughout Euro 2020 in Sunday's final (July 11) against Italy and not get caught up in the emotion of the occasion. England have not won a major tournament since their solitary success at the 1966 World Cup and the country is gripped with anticipation of ending that wait on Sunday. Roberto Mancini's side are unbeaten in their last 33 matches and are the toughest opponents England have faced in the tournament, but Southgate said there was no need to think about changing their approach for the clash at Wembley. "It's not necessarily about doing better. The key is to hit your normal level. Lots of teams in finals end up under-performing," he told a news conference. "It's about transferring what you do on the training pitch into the match. This game now is a different tactical challenge and we have got to prepare properly for that," he said. Southgate said his team need to respect the opposition but focus on their own strengths. "There are fantastic players all the way through the Italian team, they have a good tactical plan, an experienced coach and are on an amazing run," he said. "We have our own strengths. We've tried to play to ours and we need to do the same tomorrow." Southgate conceded he has thought about the prospect of winning the tournament but said it is vital his players put celebration plans out of their minds. England train ahead of Euro 2020 final "At the back of your mind you always have to have a bit of a vision on how you would like to see the end and play that out. But the reality is you have to focus on the processes and focus on the performance and that's what we have always done with this team," he said. "It's important the players have an understanding of that. Whatever path the game takes, they are prepared and they are ready. If you start to think about the end then you're probably heading in the wrong direction and we've just got to control the bits we can control." More on this topic Related Story Queen Elizabeth wishes England good luck ahead of Euro 2020 final Related Story On The Ball: Southgate making the most of Sterling qualities England captain Harry Kane agreed it was vital that England kept their cool despite the fever-pitch levels of excitement in the country. "Of course, there's an extra level of excitement and anticipation, but that's all part and parcel of playing in major football," said Kane. "A lot of us have played at the highest level in our club careers. A few of us had the opportunity in the World Cup a few years ago so it's just about staying calm and as relaxed as you can and just look forward to being out there and enjoying the moment as much as you can," added Kane. More on this topic Related Story Football: Booze, burgers and bangers - UK supermarkets brace for Euro 2020 final frenzy Related Story Football: Mystic meerkats predict England will win Euro 2020 final
LONDON (REUTERS) - Italy reached the Euro 2020 final after edging Spain 4-2 on penalties following a compelling 1-1 draw after extra time on Tuesday (July 6), completing a remarkable revival after failing to qualify for the last World Cup. Jorginho coolly rolled the decisive kick past Spain keeper Unai Simon in the semi-final at Wembley after Alvaro Morata had been thwarted by a fine save from Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Dani Olmo had blasted his effort over the bar. Italy’s substitutes and coaching staff poured on to the pitch celebrate in front of their jubilant supporters behind the goal after Jorginho’s kick booked their place in Sunday’s final against either England or Denmark. Roberto Mancini’s side took the lead on the hour through a sensational curler from Federico Chiesa to complete a sweeping counter-attack which began with keeper Donnarumma catching a Spain cross and rolling the ball out. Morata, who had been dropped from the starting lineup after beginning all Spain’s previous games, equalised with 10 minutes left, calmly slotting into the bottom corner after bursting forward and exchanging a one-two with Olmo. The goal was the latest twist in an eventful few weeks for Morata, who has been booed and even faced death threats from Spain supporters after a couple of poor showings, before redeeming himself with a crucial goal in the 5-3 win over Croatia. But his tournament ended in dismay as his tame spotkick allowed Jorginho to clinch the win for Italy, continuing their sensational run, having earned a clean sweep of victories in the group stage and knocked out top-ranked Belgium in the quarter-finals. “Spain were great, they have star players but we fought until the end and we did it,” said Italy’s Chiesa. “When Locatelli missed the first penalty, everyone was calm saying we can do it and at the end our group helped us in the moment.” Mancini’s side are looking to win the European Championship for the first time since 1968 and secure their first major trophy since winning the 2006 World Cup. Italy avenged their shootout defeat to Spain in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals and their resounding defeat in the Euro 2012 final, and completed a second straight European Championship victory over the Spaniards after their 2-0 win in the last 16 at Euro 2016. Scorching atmosphere Wembley’s capacity was expanded to 60,000 and although coronavirus restrictions prevented fans from travelling abroad, the two countries’ expatriate communities turned out to pack each end behind the goal and generate a scorching atmosphere, which heightened the sense of occasion between two titans of international football. Italy made an intense start and Spain suffered in the opening few minutes before finding their feet and managing to pass their way through their opponents’ high press. Spain's players react during the penalty shootout against Italy. PHOTO: AFP Italy players celebrate reaching the final. PHOTO: REUTERS The livewire Olmo was the only player to test Donnarumma though, while he, Mikel Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres missed the target. Italy took 45 minutes to have a shot but were not far from scoring when it came, with Emerson clipping the top of the bar from a tight angle. The second half was even more intense as gaps opened up at either end. Chiesa forced a low save from Simon while Spain captain Sergio Busquets lifted a shot just over the bar after a scampering run from Oyarzabal. Chiesa had no such problems when he pounced on a loose ball on a lightning-quick counter, scoring his second goal in the tournament after also netting at Wembley against Austria. Italy could have put the game to bed, but Simon saved twice from Domenico Berardi and Morata made them pay. Spain looked more likely to find a winner in the remaining minutes and in extra time but could not manage a second shootout victory after prevailing against Switzerland in the quarter-finals and once again Morata was a crucial part of the story, but not in the way he would have wanted. More on this topic Related Story Football: Experience paying off for England after 'perfect' performance in Euro 2020 quarter finals, says Kane Related Story Football: Three things we learnt from Ukraine v England at Euro 2020
ROME (AFP) - Harry Kane believes England's greater experience at major tournaments is paying off after scoring twice in a 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine to reach the Euro 2020 semi-finals on Saturday (July 3). Gareth Southgate's side also reached the last four of the World Cup in 2018, where they lost 2-1 to Croatia. However, Kane pointed to the success of English sides in top-level European club competition in the past three years as a reason they can end a 55-year wait to win a major tournament ahead of a last-four clash with Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday. "We've been playing for our clubs in the biggest of games. Champions League finals, Premier League title races. The job isn't done yet but we're on the right track," said Kane. "We set out with a vision before the World Cup of where we want to be as a team. "The World Cup was great but we fell short, we had another semi-final in the Nations League, and now it's about getting over the line and that's what we've got to do on Wednesday." Kane was fiercely criticised for his sluggish performances in the group stage as he managed just one shot on target. However, the Tottenham Hotspur striker now has three goals in his last two games after his double in Rome. "There was a lot of talk about me and my performances but my focus is always the next game, to help lead this team hopefully to a European final," added the England captain. "There was lots of pressure on us. Of course we were favourites to win this game, but there is a lot of pressure, expectation. "To perform like we did was top drawer: four goals, another clean sheet, it's a perfect night for us." More on this topic Related Story Football: Kane leads England past Ukraine and into Euro 2020 semi-finals Related Story Football: Denmark hold off Czech rally to keep Euro 2020 dream alive
ROME (AFP) - Harry Kane scored twice as a buoyant England cruised through to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 with a one-sided 4-0 win over Ukraine in Rome on Saturday (July 3). Kane ended a worrying international scoring drought by netting in the 2-0 last-16 defeat of Germany in midweek and he put England ahead inside four minutes on a sweaty evening in the Italian capital. Gareth Southgate's side then put this quarter-final tie out of sight with two more goals early in the second half, one from Harry Maguire before Kane netted again. Substitute Jordan Henderson got the fourth, and as Denmark lie in wait in the Wembley semi-final on Tuesday England will be confident of going on to reach a first ever European Championship final and even now claiming a first major international title since 1966. The draw here was kind for them, with Ukraine surely as weak an opponent as they could hope to face in a quarter-final, a stage at which they have lost to the likes of Italy and Portugal in recent European Championships. However the statistics are impressive, with England having come through five games at this tournament all without conceding a goal. Some of their play in wide areas was outstanding, with Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho - making his first start at the Euro - too hot for Ukraine to handle. Kane, their captain, had gone close to eight hours without finding the net for his country but his opener here was his second in just eight minutes following the late strike that secured victory over Germany. Regardless of the opposition, their display at the Stadio Olimpico was a step-up in class in the final third to previous games at the Euro and they will be favourites at home against a Danish side who played their own quarter-final against the Czech Republic on Saturday in distant Baku. Hat-trick of headers This will be the only match England play away from home in the competition and it marked quite a difference to their defeat of the Germans, which was watched by more than 40,000 supporters at Wembley, where coronavirus restrictions were eased. With Italy currently imposing a five-day quarantine on all arrivals from the United Kingdom, the number of England fans in Rome was limited to those already based in the European Union although they still made themselves heard in the crowd of under 12,000. They had plenty to celebrate, unlike their Ukrainian counterparts, as Andriy Shevchenko's team came up short in their bid to take the country to a first ever major tournament semi-final. They scraped out of their group and then edged 10-man Sweden in extra time in the last 16, and their chances of shocking England looked dead and buried when they fell behind early on. Harry Kane scores his second goal to put England 3-0 ahead of Ukraine. PHOTO: EPA-EFE England midfielders Declan Rice (left) and Jude Bellingham celebrate victory. PHOTO: AFP Sterling, who terrorised the Ukraine defence down the left, played in Kane who poked the ball past Georgiy Bushchan. Ukraine's giant striker Roman Yaremchuk forced a save from Jordan Pickford and a Declan Rice piledriver was kept out by Bushchan, with England looking comfortable. However Ukraine were a different proposition after injured defender Serhiy Kryvtsov was replaced by Dynamo Kiev winger Viktor Tsygankov in the 36th minute. They finished the first half strongly and more pessimistic England fans may have spent the interval reliving their exit from Euro 2016, when they lost to Iceland in the last 16 despite also having opened the scoring in the fourth minute. More on this topic Related Story Football: Denmark hold off Czech rally to keep Euro 2020 dream alive Related Story Football: Eriksen bond carried us to Wembley, says Denmark's Hjulmand They need not have worried. England scored again less than a minute after the restart when a foul on Kane allowed Luke Shaw to deliver a free-kick from the left for Maguire to head in. Four minutes after that Sterling supplied the overlapping Shaw and he crossed for a rejuvenated Kane to head home. The Tottenham star nearly had his hat-trick, a stinging volley producing a fine save from Bushchan. From Mason Mount's resulting corner came the fourth goal, another header, this time from Henderson, the first of five substitutes sent on by Southgate who would have been thinking about the semi-final long before this quarter-final was officially over.
BUCHAREST (REUTERS) - Switzerland’s Yann Sommer saved France striker Kylian Mbappe’s spot kick to secure a 5-4 shoot-out win over the world champions following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time on Monday (June 28), to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals where they will meet Spain. It was Switzerland’s first knockout stage victory at a tournament since 1938 and the first time they have made the last eight since the 1954 World Cup which they hosted. On a memorable evening for Swiss football, the so-called Nati repeatedly beat the odds, coming from 3-1 down with two goals in the final five minutes to force extra time and eventually penalties. The French looked to be cruising to victory when Karim Benzema struck twice in two minutes early in the second half. He latched on to Mbappe’s through ball in the 57th minute to cancel out Switzerland’s first half lead through Haris Seferovic’s header. Benzema then headed home from near the goal-line two minutes later to take his tournament tally to four as France took control of the game, following a lacklustre first half, minutes after the Swiss had missed a 55th minute penalty. Hugo Lloris saved Ricardo Rodriguez’s spot kick as the Swiss wasted the chance to take a two-goal lead in what looked like a turning point in the match. By the time Paul Pogba scored with a sensational curled shot into the top corner in the 75th minute to make it 3-1 for France, few believed the momentum could shift once more. But Seferovic headed in his second goal with five minutes to play and substitute Mario Gavranovic beat Lloris to snatch a 90th-minute equaliser and force the extra period after France substitute Kingsley Coman thundered a drive off the bar. Olivier Giroud twice came close for France having come off the bench but the game was to be resolved on penalties where Sommer swatted Mbappe’s spot kick away after five Swiss players had scored to earn their first ever tournament shoot-out win. Switzerland's Yann Sommer celebrates after the match with teammates. PHOTO: REUTERS France's Paul Pogba celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates. PHOTO: REUTERS More on this topic Related Story Football: Switzerland beat Turkey 3-1 to keep Euro 2020 hopes alive Related Story Football: Wales come back to hold Switzerland in Euro 2020 opener
SEVILLE, SPAIN (AFP) - Jan Vertonghen said that Belgium's focus wouldn't just be on Cristiano Ronaldo as the Red Devils prepare to take on Portugal in a Euro 2020 last-16 showdown between two of the tournament favourites. Ronaldo tops the scoring charts at the Euro with five goals in three group stage matches but Benfica defender Vertonghen has his eyes on the European champions' talented attack as Belgium, the world's top-ranked team, continue their hunt for a first major international honour. "He's the biggest player in the history of Portugal and we have to respect that, and I respect him a lot, but tomorrow it's not Belgium against Ronaldo, it's Belgium against Portugal and they have a lot of good players," said Vertonghen. "He's a striker who scores in nearly every match and he's proved that many times. "He's a phenomenon. He's working hard and training all the time and what he's done so far, he deserves and maybe he can play until he's 40 years old." Vertonghen was also full of praise for the Belgium's star forward Romelu Lukaku, who is two goals back in the scoring charts but is in the form of his life. The 28-year-old pipped Ronaldo to Serie A's player of the season award last campaign despite scoring five fewer goals as he played a key role in Inter Milan winning their first league title in over a decade. "The only way I can define him is as one of the best strikers in the world," said Vertonghen. "I've known him since he was 16 years old and he had to deal with a lot of criticism on his game, but the way he has developed from being a strong, quick kid into one of the best strikers in the world is one of the best things I've seen in my career. "His work ethic is nearly unmatched and everything, every trophy, every individual trophy he gets now wherever he goes is down to that work ethic." More on this topic Related Story Football: Dolberg stars as Denmark outclass Wales to reach Euro 2020 quarter-finals Related Story Football: Italy beat Austria 2-1 with extra time goals to reach Euro last eight
BUDAPEST (REUTERS) - Cristiano Ronaldo came to Portugal’s rescue with two penalties to cancel out a brace from France’s Karim Benzema in an enthralling 2-2 draw that sent both sides into the Euro 2020 last 16 in a breathless conclusion to Group F on Wednesday (June 23). A nerve-jangling night for the reigning European champions saw them occupy every position in the group at various junctures but the 36-year-old Ronaldo, so often his country’s saviour, stepped up again to reach yet another career milestone. Two spot-kick conversions – in the 31st and 60th minutes – took him to 109 international goals, level with the record number scored by Iran’s Ali Daei. Benzema’s first was also from the spot as for the first time in Euros history a match had three penalties. The Frenchman, recalled by manager Didier Deschamps for the tournament after a five-year international exile, equalised on the stroke of halftime and put France ahead two minutes after the interval. With Hungary leading against Germany at that point, Portugal were bottom of Group F and heading home. But Ronaldo coolly beat Hugo Lloris again from 12 yards and Portugal held on for the draw which means they finished on four points in third place and can now prepare for a last-16 clash against Belgium in Seville. France, whose attack finally clicked, topped a crazy group with five points and will take on Switzerland in Bucharest. “It was a fight and it wasn’t easy. We gave them the two goals from mistakes. We tried to win it,” said France manager Didier Deschamps, whose side were in danger of a last-16 clash with England at Wembley when they fell behind. “It means we’re top and that’s the best position.” Every scenario The Euro 2020 format has been criticised but there is no doubt that it produced a gripping night in which every conceivable scenario seemed to come into play. Portugal had only needed to avoid defeat to be sure of a last-16 spot but after bossing the first half with recalled Renato Sanches and Joao Moutinho commanding in midfield, they diced with danger after the break. In the end, they could breath a sigh of relief, though, as they go into the business end of the tournament they won by beating France in Paris in the 2016 final. France began brightly with Paul Pogba sending Mbappe through for a shot saved by Rui Patricio, But Portugal were awarded a penalty in the 27th minute after Hugo Lloris’ attempted punched clearance wiped out Danilo. More on this topic Related Story Football: Spain put five past Slovakia to book Croatia showdown in Euro 2020 Related Story Football: Sweden top Euro group in last-gasp 3-2 win sending Poland home Related Story Football: Late Goretzka equaliser against Hungary sends Germany into Euro last 16 Lloris was shown a yellow card before Ronaldo smashed the penalty into the corner. France were rattled and Portugal began to play with some swagger but they were pegged back when referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz deemed that Nelson Semedo had bundled over Kylian Mbappe on the stroke of halftime as he tried to latch on to Pogba’s pass. Benzema buried the penalty and two minutes after the break he was picked out by Pogba again and the Real Madrid striker, shown to be just onside by a VAR check, slotted the ball past Rui Patricio for his 29th goal for France. Now it was Portugal on the ropes in the Puskas Arena as France’s fearsome attack began to play with freedom. But the game’s third penalty, awarded for a handball by Jules Kounde, gave Ronaldo the chance to beat Lloris again from the spot to register his fifth goal of the tournament. More on this topic Related Story Football: Will Southgate let England off the leash at Euro 2020? Related Story On The Ball: Marauding full-backs and lopsided formations turning Euro 2020 on its head
ST PETERSBURG (REUTERS) - Sweden cruised into a two-goal lead against Poland on Wednesday (June 23) before being pegged back by a Robert Lewandowski brace then notching a last-ditch winner to top Group E and send their opponents home from Euro 2020. Winger Emil Forsberg set the Swedes on their way with two goals, including the second fastest strike in European Championship history, before Viktor Claesson stepped up in the fourth minute of stoppage time to seal a 3-2 victory. "It was a rollercoaster emotionally," match-winner Claesson told Sweden's TV4. "We'll hopefully get a slightly easier opponent in the last 16." Sweden will next face one of the third-placed sides from Groups B, C or D - Finland, Ukraine or the Czech Republic - in Glasgow on June 29. Spain, second following their 5-0 win over Slovakia in the other Group E match, face Croatia in Copenhagen a day earlier. It was a heartbreaking end to Poland's campaign following a thrilling fightback in which they twice drew level through talismanic skipper Robert Lewandowski, whose 84th minute equaliser for 2-2 gave them a surge of hope. Sweden's previous two matches were built on robust defensive displays that had cast doubts on whether Janne Andersson's side could get their attack firing, but they made a blistering start. After Robin Quaison controlled the ball on the edge of the penalty area, Forsberg collected a pass and took advantage of some poor defending to fire past goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny with a mere 82 seconds on the clock. It was the fastest goal in the Euros since Dmitry Kirichenko for Russia versus Greece in 2004. 'Pure happiness' Forsberg doubled their lead with a powerful drive for his third goal of the tournament after substitute Dejan Kulusevski weaved his way into the box to lay it on a platter in the 59th minute. "It was a crazy start. It meant that they were a little more desperate than us," Forsberg said. "They created chances, could have scored, and we had a bit of luck. At 2-0, the game should be over, but they equalised, and their goals came a little too easily. But then we got the third, and now it's just pure happiness." Lewandowski pulled a goal back two minutes after Sweden's second with a curling shot. Then Jakub Swierczok's tap-in from substitute Przemyslaw Frankowski's pass was ruled out for offside after the Video Assistant Referee's intervention. More on this topic Related Story Football: Spain put five past Slovakia to book Croatia showdown in Euro 2020 Related Story Football: Ronaldo double rescues Portugal in dramatic Euro draw with France Related Story Football: Late Goretzka equaliser against Hungary sends Germany into Euro last 16 Lewandowski, who thundered two first-half headers onto the crossbar, fired in the equaliser from close range in the 84th minute after a pass from Frankowski. Chasing their first victory over Sweden since 1991, Poland pushed on but Sweden withstood waves of pressure before Kulusevski pivoted outside the penalty area and played in Claesson who held his nerve to clip the ball over Szczesny. "It was 2-0 and as calm as it could be, then they got back into the game," Claesson added. "From 2-1, there's always pressure there. It's hard to do anything but defend in those situations when they have that kind of momentum." More on this topic Related Story Football: Will Southgate let England off the leash at Euro 2020? Related Story On The Ball: Marauding full-backs and lopsided formations turning Euro 2020 on its head
SEVILLE, SPAIN (AFP) -Spain finally have lift-off at Euro 2020 after a 5-0 hammering of Slovakia on Wednesday (June 23) sent them through as runners-up in Group E, with Croatia their opponents in the last 16 on Monday. Luis Enrique described his team as a bottle of cava about to be popped and they certainly exploded in Seville, where a scoring frenzy felt cathartic and could yet prove transformative for their chances in the knock-out stages. Spain were even about to progress as group winners until Viktor Claesson scored in the 94th minute against Poland to secure top spot for Sweden. Slovakia finish third and are out. After two tension-filled draws against Sweden and Poland, Spain were left scrambling to qualify, with Luis Enrique admitting he would have taken any position in the group as long as it meant going through. But Spain ran riot at La Cartuja, their early anxiety heightened by Alvaro Morata's missed penalty and then quickly eased by two dreadful mistakes by Slovakia's goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. The first was an own goal that will surely go down as one of the strangest moments of the tournament before another Dubravka error allowed Aymeric Laporte to head in. With the shackles off, Spain let loose in the second half as Pablo Sarabia, Ferran Torres and another own goal from Juraj Kucka confirmed an emphatic win, even if Croatia and Luka Modric will provide a much sterner test next week. Spain monopolised the ball in the first half but for 30 minutes, it was a familiar story of chances missed and frustration growing. Spain were awarded a penalty as Jakub Hromada went to clear but instead lashed into the leg of Koke. Morata had deferred the spot-kick to Moreno against Poland and this time took charge, only to whip the ball at a comfortable height for Dubravka to palm away to his right. It was the fifth consecutive penalty Spain have missed. Dubravka nightmare They might have crumbled but instead persevered, even as Sarabia and Pedri both kicked the air before finally Dubravka stepped in to give them a helping hand. Lubomir Satka's scuffed clearance fell straight to Sarabia, whose dipping shot banged against the top of the crossbar and flew upwards. Dubravka was under it and as he tried to flick the dropping ball over his own crossbar, he succeeded only in flapping it into his own net. More on this topic Related Story Football: Sweden top Euro group in last-gasp 3-2 win sending Poland home Related Story Football: Ronaldo double rescues Portugal in dramatic Euro draw with France Related Story Football: Late Goretzka equaliser against Hungary sends Germany into Euro last 16 Spain breathed a sigh of relief and just before half-time they made it two. Dubravka was again at fault, this time edging out only to see Moreno steer the ball away from him in the area and cross it back in. Laporte did brilliantly to loop his header into the top corner. Slovakia threw Michal Duris and Stanislav Lobotka on at half-time but Spain were liberated and within 10 minutes, it was three. This time, it was not a mistake but a slick move that made it, Jordi Alba pulling back to Sarabia, who steered into the corner. Morata came off when he might have wanted to stay on and his replacement scored almost with his first touch, Torres applying a superb flick to Sarabia's cross to the front post. It got worse for Slovakia, a scrap in the box resulting in Kucka hacking Pau Torres' header into his own net for a fifth. Spain were briefly top, only for Sweden to snatch a winner. More on this topic Related Story Football: Will Southgate let England off the leash at Euro 2020? Related Story On The Ball: Marauding full-backs and lopsided formations turning Euro 2020 on its head
LONDON (AFP) - England found an attacking spark to beat the Czech Republic 1-0 at Wembley on Tuesday (June 22) and clinch top spot in Group D at Euro 2020. Raheem Sterling, who kept his place alongside Harry Kane in a rejigged attack, settled fans' nerves with an early headed goal, which ultimately proved decisive. England boss Gareth Southgate made four changes to the side that produced an insipid display in the 0-0 draw against Scotland, handing Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka their first starts of the tournament. Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount was unavailable as he was isolating due to coronavirus protocols while Southgate opted to leave Phil Foden out to prevent the risk of a suspension. Manchester United defender Harry Maguire made his first appearance of Euro 2020 alongside John Stones in central defence. Both teams had already qualified for the last 16, but top spot in the group was on the line, and with it the dubious privilege of a potential clash against world champions France, holders Portugal or Germany. The home side started brightly in the evening sunshine and Sterling went agonisingly close in just the second minute but could only watch as his deft chip over the goalkeeper come back off the post after he collected a raking pass from Luke Shaw. As chants of "Football's Coming Home" rang around the stadium, captain Kane - heavily criticised for his toothless performances in the tournament so far - shot from distance and Grealish let fly. Sterling header England broke the deadlock in the 12th minute, when Grealish, on the left side of the penalty area, lifted the ball to the back post, where Sterling headed in for his second goal of Euro 2020. There was a further cheer among the 22,500 fans when it was flashed up on the stadium screens that Scotland were losing 1-0 to Croatia in Glasgow. Grealish and Saka were inventive and direct on either side of Kane, showing a willingness to run at their opponents and Kane went close midway through the first half, forcing a fine left-handed save from Tomas Vaclik and thumping the ground in frustration. But the Czechs carried a threat of their own on their forays forward, growing in menace as the half wore on. More on this topic Related Story Football: Classy Modric fires Croatia into Euro knockouts as Scotland exit Related Story Football: Barcelona's Dembele needs surgery for Euro injury Tomas Holes forced a flying save from England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford just before the half-hour and Tomas Soucek fired wide of the left post. Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson replaced Declan Rice at half-time and the Czechs made their own change, bringing on Petr Sevcik for Jakub Jankto. The sides were evenly matched in the opening minutes of the second half, with the reduced crowd making an impressive noise in the cavernous stadium. Both sides made further changes as the match wore on. Sterling and Grealish were replaced by Marcus Rashford and teenager Jude Bellingham with a quarter of the match to go among a raft of substitutions by either side. There was a huge cheer when it was announced that Scotland were now trailing 3-1 to Croatia as the game at Wembley lost some of its intensity. Henderson briefly thought he had scored his first England goal late on but the goal was ruled out for offside. England finished top of Group D with seven points while Croatia are second with four points. The Czech Republic will join them in the last 16 as one of best third-placed teams.
BUDAPEST (AFP) - Winger Ousmane Dembele, who was hurt playing for France at Euro 2020, will need surgery his club, Barcelona, said on Tuesday (June 22). The club said on their website that tests on Tuesday had shown "a dislocation of the biceps tendon in his right knee" requiring an operation. Dembele, who left the French team after being ruled out for the rest of the Euros, could be out of action for about four months, according to a close source. Barcelona opened the summer by signing veteran striker Sergio Aguero on a free transfer and on Sunday, added another attacking player, Dutchman Memphis Depay, also for free, from Lyon. For Dembele, it is the second such injury, following a rupture of a tendon in his right thigh in February 2020. Dembele, 24, was hurt in the closing minutes of the 1-1 draw against Hungary in Budapest on Saturday after coming on as a substitute. Dembele came off the bench in both France's matches in the Euros. After moving from Borussia Dortmund for €135 million in August 2017, the second highest fee Barcelona have paid for a player, the "Mosquito" struggled with a series of hamstring injuries. This season, he only had one injury break and made 44 club appearances, scoring 11 goals. Dembele, who was part of France's World Cup winning squad in Russia in 2018, had a good run up to Euro 2020, scoring in a World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan in March and against Wales in a friendly at the start of June. More on this topic Related Story Football: Griezmann rescues Euro draw for France against Hungary Related Story Football: WHO 'concerned' about eased Covid-19 curbs around Euro 2020
COPENHAGEN (REUTERS) - Denmark pulled off an emphatic 4-1 win over Russia at the Parken Stadium to qualify for the knockout stages of Euro 2020 as Group B rivals Finland lost to Belgium. The Belgians swept to victory in the group, winning all three games, with Denmark taking second place on three points and Finland behind them on goal difference. Mikkel Damsgaard fired the Danes in front with a stunning curling shot in the 38th minute, and Yussuf Poulsen pounced on a poor back pass from Roman Zobnin to score the second in the 59th. Artyom Dzyuba pulled one back from the penalty spot for Russia in the 70th minute but a thunderous strike from Andreas Christensen and a fourth from Joakim Maehle completed the rout. Denmark will meet Wales in the last 16 in Amsterdam on June 26. More on this topic Related Story Denmark's Eriksen had cardiac massage on pitch, able to speak after collapsing in Euro game Related Story Football: Finland snatch Euro 2020 win over Denmark after Eriksen collapse drama
BAKU (REUTERS) - Xherdan Shaqiri scored twice to lead Switzerland to a 3-1 win against Turkey on Sunday (June 20) in their Euro 2020 Group A match that kept their hopes of reaching the knockouts alive. Turkey exit the competition after a third straight defeat while the Swiss hope to progress to the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing level with second-placed Wales on four points but behind on goal difference. Italy beat Wales 1-0 in the other group match after the Welsh were reduced to 10 men in the second half. Haris Seferovic opened the scoring for Switzerland in the sixth minute when he took a pass from Steven Zuber before pivoting and driving a left-footed shot into the net from just outside the penalty area. Switzerland doubled their lead in the 26th minute after Zuber picked up a blocked shot and slipped it to Shaqiri who took a touch and then unleashed a vicious long-range shot that gave the sprawling keeper no chance. He doubled his tally in the 68th minute when he swept home a cross on the counter, minutes after Irfan Can Kahveci had pulled a goal back for Turkey. More on this topic Related Story Football: Italy beat Wales as both teams advance to last 16 Related Story Football: Germany stun holders Portugal 4-2 at Euro 2020
MUNICH (REUTERS) - Portugal were outnumbered in midfield and failed to keep up with experienced Germany duo Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan in their Euro 2020 group game, coach Fernando Santos said as he took full responsibility for Saturday's (June 19) humbling 4-2 defeat. Cristiano Ronaldo had put defending champions Portugal ahead inside 15 minutes before they were torn apart by Germany in the space of five first-half minutes as Ruben Dias and then Raphael Guerreiro bundled the ball into their own net. The Germans were relentless going forward as they carved Portugal's defence open at will and scored two more goals in the second half, with Kroos largely untroubled by a passive Portuguese midfield as he completed 86 passes. "We just tweaked our midfield tactics for the match. We just wanted to press the midfield players - Gundogan and Kroos - and we wanted our full backs to drive forward," Santos told a news conference. "But it was clear to see that we were always short of an extra man in the midfield and were pushed back. It was my strategy and I'm fully responsible for it. "In the first half, they suffered just two fouls. If we can't stop them, if we have issues having possession, then we have problems." Germany's left wing-back Robin Gosens also tormented the Portugal defence with his speed and power and capped a memorable individual display with a goal and an assist. While Santos pointed at a number of individual defensive mistakes throughout the match, he refused to blame his players for the defeat. Portugal face group leaders France in a rematch of the 2016 Euro final, knowing their progress in the tournament remains uncertain. More on this topic Related Story Football: Germany stun holders Portugal 4-2 at Euro 2020 Related Story Football: Griezmann rescues Euro draw for France against Hungary "The players should have been able to cover the right hand side. But I don't want to blame them," Santos said. "Whether we progress or not is still up to us. And we must respond against France." Germany's victory moved them level with Portugal on three points, one behind group leaders France, heading into a decisive final round of matches on Wednesday. More on this topic Related Story Football: Wasteful Spain struggle to 1-1 draw with Poland Related Story Football: De Bruyne says dead feeling in face won't affect his play
LONDON (AFP) - England missed a chance to book their place in the last 16 at Euro 2020 as Scotland kept their own hopes alive with a well deserved 0-0 draw on Friday (June 18). Gareth Southgate’s side would have been guaranteed to advance from Group D with a win over their old rivals at Wembley. But lethargic England managed just one shot on target and Scotland’s combative display could easily have earned all three points. Despite a flop that saw them booed off at full-time, England have four points and will be certain of qualifying if they avoid defeat by the Czech Republic in their last group game on Tuesday. Scotland, in their first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup, looked far more composed than in their opening 2-0 loss to the Czech Republic. They remain in with a chance of going through if they win their final match against Croatia. Ponderous England’s lack of cutting edge was a major issue for Southgate, who responded to Harry Kane’s second successive lacklustre effort by hauling off his captain after 75 minutes. There had been questions raised about Kane after he failed to make an impact in England’s 1-0 win against Croatia on Sunday. Kane admitted he was not undroppable this week and Southgate has a difficult decision to make over the Tottenham striker, who finished as the Premier League’s top scorer this term but has suddenly lost his touch. With an average age of 25 years and 31 days, England’s starting line-up was their youngest ever in a major tournament match and as one of the few senior players, Kane hardly led by example. Meeting in a major tournament for the first time since England’s win at Euro 96, this was a redemptive performance for Scotland, whose fans serenaded their team at full-time. It was the 115th clash between England and Scotland, an ancient rivalry that dates back to 1872 on the pitch and centuries earlier off it. The Tartan Army were officially limited to 2,500 supporters inside Wembley, but the coronavirus-restricted 22,500 capacity included hundreds more Scots who secured tickets in other areas of the stadium. It made for a vibrant atmosphere, with the Scottish national anthem loudly jeered by England fans and “God Save the Queen” given the same treatment from the visitors. Influential Gilmour John Stones should have raised the roof early on when the unmarked England defender met Mason Mount’s corner with a close-range header that crashed against the post. But England were unable to make the most of their early flurry and Scotland’s confidence began to soar as the hosts grew more listless. Kieran Tierney, back after missing the opening game with a calf strain, showed Scotland’s ambition when the defender advanced for a long-range volley that looped wide. Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour, making his first Scotland start, was dictating the tempo with a vibrant display in midfield. The Scots carved open England’s defence with surgical precision moments later as Tierney surged onto Andrew Robertson’s pass. Tierney’s cross picked out Stephen O’Donnell beyond the far post and his stinging volley forced a fine save from Jordan Pickford, with Che Adams heading wide of the empty net from the rebound. More on this topic Related Story Football: Forsberg fires Sweden to 1-0 Euro victory over Slovakia Related Story Football: Czech Republic hold Croatia to close in on Euro last 16 For the second successive game, England had produced a plodding first-half performance. Southgate’s men took just three minutes of the second half to finally test David Marshall as the Scotland keeper sprawled to his right to save Mount’s powerful strike. Kane teed up Reece James, selected instead of Kyle Walker at right-back, but he lashed narrowly over from the edge of the area. Scotland, competing ferociously and playing with intelligence, remained a major threat and Lyndon Dykes’ hooked shot had to be headed off the line by James. In a bid to inject more creativity into England’s display, Southgate sent on Jack Grealish for the subdued Phil Foden and replaced Kane with Marcus Rashford. Yet when England’s chance arrived, it felt to Luke Shaw and the defender screwed wide from a tight angle. More on this topic Related Story Football: Eriksen says he's 'doing well' as he is discharged from hospital Related Story Football: Uefa has contingency plan for London-scheduled Euro 2020 final
ROME (REUTERS) - Manuel Locatelli bagged a brace of goals for the first time in his career as imperious Italy defeated Switzerland 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday (June 16) to become the first side into the last-16 of Euro 2020. Midfielder Locatelli started and finished the move from which he opened the scoring, netting from close range following Sassuolo team mate Domenico Berardi's excellent run down the right wing. He then rifled a shot into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box early in the second half. Ciro Immobile added a late third to secure back-to-back 3-0 wins for Italy in the tournament, which extends their unbeaten run to 29 games, the last 10 of which have been victories where they have scored 31 goals and conceded none. Italy lead Group A with six points after two rounds of matches and are ahead of Wales (four), Switzerland (one) and Turkey (zero). They can seal top spot with a draw in their final group game against Wales on Sunday when the Swiss face Turkey. The Italians outclassed their opponents and delighted the home crowd who have now seen their side score three times in a European Championship match for the second game in a row having never done so previously. Italy skipper Giorgio Chiellini, making his 14th European Championship appearance, more than any other outfield player for Italy, thought he had scored when he powered past two defenders to fire in from close range only for his effort to be ruled out for handball. The Italians were not to be denied, however, even after Chiellini went off injured, with Locatelli launching a move with a brilliant pass and then finishing it off after Berardi had cut in from the right in the 26th minute. The Swiss pressed high after the break in search of an equaliser but it was Italy who scored again with Locatelli rifling in from the edge of the box for his second goal of the evening. More on this topic Related Story Football: Wales beat Turkey to close on Euro 2020 knockout stage Related Story Football: Miranchuk goal edges Russia past Finland at Euro 2020 Italy keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma stopped a double effort from Steven Zuber in the 64th minute to protect their flawless record over the last 10 games, before Immobile twice fired narrowly wide. The Italy striker did get onto the scoresheet in the 89th, however, thumping in his shot from 20 metres to beat keeper Yann Sommer. Switzerland have now won none of their last nine matches against Italy and last beat their neighbours 28 years ago. More on this topic Related Story Football: Denmark clash 'not the same' without Eriksen, says Belgium's Martinez Related Story Football: Pogba plays down Ruediger 'bite' at Euro 2020