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Southgate’s bold, belated subs fire England to Euro 2024 final

DORTMUND, Germany — Gareth Southgate finally broke the pattern. England’s Euro 2024 semifinal against Netherlands was threatening to drift away from them in the style of previous tournament exits since the 53-year-old manager took charge in 2016. After being dominated in a first half that ended tied at 1-1, Dutch boss Ronald Koeman changed his approach at half-time, sending on Wout Weghorst, closing up the spaces Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden…

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July 12, 2024

Koeman: VAR ‘destroying’ game after England pen

Ronald Koeman said VAR was “destroying” football after England were handed a route back into their 2-1 Euro 2024 semifinal win against the Netherlands with a controversial first-half penalty. England will play Spain in Sunday’s final in Berlin after Harry Kane’s penalty and a 91st-minute winner from Ollie Watkins secured victory for Gareth Southgate’s side after Xavi Simons had given the Dutch a seventh-minute lead in Dortmund. The game turned…

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July 11, 2024

Lionel Scaloni has turned Argentina into a well-oiled, winning machine

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Argentina entered the Copa América tournament as reigning Copa and World Cup champions, with nothing left to prove — just another trophy to play for. Lionel Messi no longer yearns for the validation of his country or feels the burden of achieving success after captaining La Albiceleste to back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. Ángel Di María, who once received criticism for his lack of accomplishments…

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July 11, 2024

Spain’s genius outweighs lack of star power in dazzling Euro 2024 run

MUNICH — The last time Spain were in a major tournament final was 12 years and eight days ago. All but one of the XI starters who demolished Italy in Kyiv to win Euro 2012 that day played for either Real Madrid or Barcelona. And those were peak El Clasico times too: Pep Guardiola vs. Jose Mourinho, European trebles and 100-point seasons, Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo. Most had been…

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July 10, 2024

Socceroos star caught playing amateur soccer

Daniel Arzani is expected to escape sanction from club side Melbourne Victory after a photo was circulated which showed the Australia international playing for an amateur team in Sydney. Arzani turned out for Coogee United, his junior club, in a sixth division game last Saturday. Victory declined to comment but informed AAP that Arzani’s behaviour would be addressed when players begin to return to preseason training later this week. The…

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July 10, 2024

Why Spain vs. France is a battle for the soul of soccer

Both of the past two explosive tournament matches between Spain and France have distinctly felt like a battle for the very soul of football was taking place. And it’ll be no different when they meet in Munich on Tuesday night in the Euro 2024 semifinals. La Roja have reached the Allianz Arena having barged doors open and then stormed through with laughter, music, joie de vivre and the kind of…

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July 9, 2024

Ødegaard: Arsenal will be ‘rewarded’ with trophy

Martin Ødegaard is confident Arsenal will be “rewarded with a trophy” next season and has vowed they can come back stronger after last season’s heartbreak. Mikel Arteta’s side set new Premier League-era club records in registering 28 league wins and scoring 91 goals but still fell short as Manchester City claimed their fourth title in succession by two points. Arsenal have begun their preparations for the 2024-25 season ahead of…

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July 9, 2024

Brazil’s burden of history weighs heavier with every tournament exit

It would probably have been better to scrap Saturday’s Copa América quarterfinal between Brazil and Uruguay and skip straight to the penalty shootout. There was barely an outbreak of football between the two teams in Las Vegas, as a much-anticipated clash was punctuated by fouls and misplaced passes. In some part, this is a product of the pitches being used at this Copa, which are considerably smaller than usual —…

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July 8, 2024

Turkey captain regrets defensive tactics in collapse

Turkey captain Hakan Çalhanoglu was left with a bitter aftertaste despite a tenacious display as his side let a one-goal lead against Netherlands slip in their Euro 2024 quarterfinal on Saturday, sending them home from the tournament. In front of a raucous crowd of Turkish fans at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, Turkey took a first-half lead through Samet Akaydin, but a header from Stefan de Vrij and an own goal by Mert…

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July 8, 2024

Southgate: Criticism hurts but we keep fighting

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — Gareth Southgate has admitted he has found the personal criticism of his management “difficult” in recent weeks but hailed his “streetwise” England side as they beat Switzerland on penalties to reach the Euro 2024 semifinals. Bukayo Saka’s 80th-minute equaliser cancelled out Breel Embolo’s opening goal five minutes earlier as Gareth Southgate’s side were forced into extra time for the second consecutive game. Switzerland edged the additional 30-minute…

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July 7, 2024

Slot: ‘Hunger’ not the issue in Liverpool cup lossMarch 17, 2025
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot dismissed the idea Newcastle United’s players were “hungrier” in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, but admitted Eddie Howe’s side were deserved winners. The Premier League leaders were beaten 2-1 in the showpiece fixture at Wembley, with Dan Burn and Alexander Isak finding the back of the net for Newcastle before substitute… Read more: Slot: ‘Hunger’ not the issue in Liverpool cup loss
The wait is over: Newcastle beat Liverpool to end 70-year domestic trophy droughtMarch 17, 2025
LONDON — Newcastle United ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy on Sunday at Wembley as Liverpool followed this past week’s UEFA Champions League round-of-16 exit with a dismal Carabao Cup final performance in a 2-1 defeat against Eddie Howe’s team. Boyhood Newcastle supporter Dan Burn put his team ahead with a stunning long-range… Read more: The wait is over: Newcastle beat Liverpool to end 70-year domestic trophy drought
Man City’s European hopes hit by draw vs. BrightonMarch 16, 2025
Manchester City could only muster a 2-2 draw with Brighton on Saturday, dropping points in a blow to their hopes of playing in Europe next season.
Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid eye Spurs defender Cristian RomeroMarch 16, 2025
Real Madrid are eyeing a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero, while Newcastle United are interested on-loan Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani as a potential Alexander Isak successor. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe. Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s January grades | Women’s January… Read more: Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid eye Spurs defender Cristian Romero
Super Cup probe: Judge questions Gerard PiquéMarch 15, 2025
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué was questioned by a judge on Friday as part of a judicial probe into the business deal that led to the Spanish Super Cup being hosted in Saudi Arabia. Neither Piqué nor his lawyer spoke to reporters gathered outside the courthouse. The probe is examining suspicions of corruption and money… Read more: Super Cup probe: Judge questions Gerard Piqué
Liverpool’s Slot looking to follow Klopp as Newcastle chase historyMarch 15, 2025
LIVERPOOL, England — When Liverpool head coach Arne Slot addressed the media ahead of the Premier League clash with Southampton last weekend, he described the fixture as “the first of three finals.” It was a rallying cry to both players and fans, setting the stage for a week that looked destined to define Liverpool’s season.… Read more: Liverpool’s Slot looking to follow Klopp as Newcastle chase history
Amorim ‘in a hurry’ to win trophies at Man UtdMarch 14, 2025
Ruben Amorim has said he is “in a hurry” to win trophies at Manchester United while also admitting that the club hierarchy recognise he needs time to deliver success at Old Trafford. The Portuguese manager has struggled to turn around United’s fortunes since taking over from Erik ten Hag in November. The club are 14th… Read more: Amorim ‘in a hurry’ to win trophies at Man Utd
Champions League quarterfinal predictions, from Real Madrid-Arsenal to Villa-PSGMarch 14, 2025
Well, the Champions League round of 16 concluded on Wednesday night with some unforgettable second legs and plenty of penalty shoot-out drama. Not only did Paris Saint-Germain eliminate Liverpool on spot-kicks at Anfield this week, but Real Madrid emerged from a trip to rivals Atletico Madrid with a similar victory after 120 tension-packed minutes to… Read more: Champions League quarterfinal predictions, from Real Madrid-Arsenal to Villa-PSG
The Football Reporters: Do Chelsea prove WSL has competitiveness problem?March 13, 2025
On the latest episode of The Football Reporters podcast, ESPN’s Emily Keogh, Tom Hamilton and Jeff Kassouf ask whether Chelsea’s dominance in the Women’s Super League shows the league has a competitiveness problem? Chelsea have won 16 of their 14 games and remain unbeaten in the WSL this season under head coach Sonia Bompastor as… Read more: The Football Reporters: Do Chelsea prove WSL has competitiveness problem?
Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal eye Bayern winger Leroy SanéMarch 13, 2025
Arsenal are considering a move to sign Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sané, while Manchester United prefer a move for Harry Kane over Jean-Philippe Mateta. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip from around the globe. Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s January grades | Women’s January grades – Man Utd CEO:… Read more: Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal eye Bayern winger Leroy Sané