Category: International

All the latest news and information on international football, covering the World Cup qualification, European Championships and international friendly matches.

Germany vs France – Euro 2016 Semi-Final Preview

Stephen Donovan

The second Euro 2016 semi-final sees Germany aim to move to within 90 minutes of becoming the third nation this century to hold both major tournament titles simultaneously, but opponents France have home advantage and are coming on strong. This is a massively anticipated clash, and the winner will be the favourites to lift the trophy on Sunday. It is likely to be tight and could go right to the wire, with Germany’s experience and know-how potentially giving them a slight psychological edge, although France arguably have more flair in…

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Portugal vs Wales – Euro 2016 Semi-Final Preview

Stephen Donovan

Portugal have failed to win a game in 90 minutes en route to reaching the last four of Euro 2016, and now only they stand in the way of a Wales side that is on the cusp on sensationally sealing a place in the final. This will be a lot more than just a battle between the world’s two most expensive footballers, Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, but a meeting of two sides intent on defying the odds and becoming kings of Europe. And it has to…

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Portugal enhancing their fine European Championship record at Euro 2016

Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Portugal’s Euro 2016 campaign is quite unique. The reason for that being it represents the first time, since group stages were introduced to the tournament in 1980, that a team has reached the semi-finals without having won a game in normal time. Fernando Santos’ side beat Poland 5-3 on penalties in the quarter-finals following a 1-1 draw after extra time, whilst the Selecao also required 120 minutes of play to overcome Croatia 1-0 in the last 16. Portugal reached that stage after drawing each of their three group games with Iceland, Austria…

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Twitter reacts to big name linked to the England job

Vincent Van Genechten

Former Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink wants to talk to the FA about the possibility of taking the England job and the footballing authorities are happy to give him a hearing, according to The Times. Consequently, Twitter reacted to the Dutchman linked to the job: I learn that Guus Hiddink is interested in managing the English national team. Alright then. — Marius Hollenga (@MariusHollenga) 4 juli 2016 Please, please, please FA, do not swap one old fart – Roy Hodgson – for another old fart – Guus Hiddink. Ye Gods,…

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Continuity in selection underlies Iceland’s Euro 2016 journey

Stuart Campbell

For a county with a population of just 330,000 people, Iceland’s performance in reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 before being beaten 5-2 by France was absolutely remarkable. Masterminding that were the team’s joint managers Heimer Hallgrimsson and Lars Lagerback, who named the same starting XI in all five of Iceland’s games at the finals. Remarkable continuity Of those XI players, seven were named among the starting XI for each of Iceland’s 10 qualification campaign games. Those players were Kari Arnason, Ragnar Sigurdsson, Birkir Bjarnason, Gyfli Sigurdsson, Aron Gunnarsson, Johann…

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Low’s Germany one step closer to emulating Euro 1996 heroes

Stuart Campbell

Germany advanced to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 after an enthralling 6-5 penalty shoot-out win over Italy. In an evenly contested game Joachim Low’s side took the lead midway through the second half, as Mesut Ozil’s scored with a deft near post finish following some excellent build-up play between Mario Gomez and Jonas Hector. At that stage Germany were in the ascendancy, with Italy struggling to construct any meaningful attacks. Nevertheless the Azzuri did equalise in the 78th minute through Leonardo Bonucci’s calmly converted penalty, which was awarded after Jerome…

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Jerome Boateng trolled by Twitter for his handball against Italy

Vyom Chaudhary

Ever-so reliable Germany centre-back Jerome Boateng had an unforgettable moment in the penalty shootout win over Italy in the Euro 2016 quarter-final last night. The Germans were leading the game 1-0 in the second half when the Bayern Munich defender mindlessly handled the ball in his box. Italy scored from the resulting penalty to make the score 1-1. The game was eventually decided on penalties after both teams failed to add another goal in the normal plus extra time. Fortunately for the 27-year-old, Germany prevailed in the penalties. However, the Twitter…

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France vs Iceland – Euro 2016 Quarter-Final Preview

Stephen Donovan

After an unbeaten run which has taken them all the way to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, Iceland now have the biggest game in their footballing history to look forward to as they plot to sensationally end the challenge of hosts France. Despite a superb qualifying campaign which only tailed off once a place in the finals had been secured, many expected Iceland to be among the rank outsiders for this tournament given their lack of pedigree, and the fact that it is a country with a tiny population in…

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Wales emergence from the nightmare Novi Sad scene to a Euro 2016 dream

Stuart Campbell

Wales reached the semi-finals of a major tournament for the first time as they recovered from a goal down to beat Belgium 3-1 at Euro 2016. After falling behind to Radja Nainggolan’s superb 25-yard strike, Welsh captain Ashley Williams powerfully headed in from a corner to equalise during an exhilarating first half. The game continued to swing from end-to-end in the second half, ten minutes into which Wales took the lead through Hal Robson-Kanu’s sublime finish after an exquisitely executed Cryuff turn. Following that Belgium intensively tried to engineer an equaliser. However…

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The definitive video on Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 disaster

Vincent Van Genechten
sterling hodgson

England fans are still shaking after the Three Lions were eliminated from Euro 2016 by Iceland, who beat them 2-1 in the round of 16. Manager Roy Hogdson announced his resignation immediatly after the game and received loads of criticism. Now, a video has been posted on Twitter, showcasing the former England’s boss Euro 2016 disaster in just a few seconds… When you spot yourself on the big screen and want people to think you’ve got a plan… pic.twitter.com/YLX3Mf6kB0 — Danny Blood (@dannyswfc) 27 juni 2016

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Germany vs Italy – Euro 2016 Quarter-Final Preview

Stephen Donovan

The standout quarter-final encounter of Euro 2016 takes place in Bordeaux as world champions Germany aim to reach the last four for the sixth major tournament in succession, although opponents Italy have thwarted them on many occasions in the past. It was the Italians who extinguished Germany’s hopes of winning the World Cup on home soil in 2006, winning a thrilling match 2-0 after extra time, and more recently it was Mario Balotelli who proved the difference in the semi-finals of Euro 2012; so although they are the underdogs, Italy…

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Wales vs Belgium – Euro 2016 Quarter-Final Preview

Stephen Donovan

Wales will be intent on taking their epic journey through Euro 2016 all the way into the semi-finals when they head to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy to meet Belgium, who have now begun to spread their wings and look capable of fulfilling their considerable potential. It is a clash that carries great significance for both sides, and one that sees the renewal of a rivalry that developed during qualifying for this tournament. Belgium emerged as group winners, but could not find a way past Chris Coleman’s side home or away, with…

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Poland vs Portugal – Euro 2016 Quarter-Final Preview

Stephen Donovan

The opening Euro 2016 quarter-final encounter takes place on Thursday evening as Poland attempt to plough deeper into uncharted territory by defeating a Portugal side that will be determined to raise its game after labouring to this stage. Whatever happens, this tournament can be looked back on as a success for Poland, but the feeling is that there is still more to come from them. Leading striker and captain Robert Lewandowski is still yet to live up to his billing and has rarely looked like getting on the scoresheet, while…

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Antonio Conte’s tactically perfect Euro 2016 Italian job

Stuart Campbell

Full of determination, discipline, energy, intelligence, passion and tactical acumen. Italy’s performance throughout their 2-0 win over Spain in the second round of Euro 2016 represented all of the qualities that the Azzuri’s manager Antonio Conte has gradually instilled in the team since taking charge in August 2014. Prior to the finals Conte was cautiously optimistic and quite reserved about Italy’s prospects of performing well, but subsequently Italy’s campaign is currently evolving as Conte suggested it might, with the manager compensating for the lack of individual talent within his squad…

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Twitter reacts to reports about Arsene Wenger being considered as the next England boss

Vyom Chaudhary

The FA are in search of a new manager to replace Roy Hodgson following the Three Lions’ embarrassing exit from Euro 2016. Reports in England, like this one from The Daily Mail, claim that current Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has emerged as the FA’s number one choice to take charge of the national team on a long-term basis. Wenger currently has one year left on his current deal with the North London club, but the reports suggest that the FA are ready to wait for a year for the French…

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Two staggering Euro 2016 stats about Norwich City and Joe Hart

Vincent Van Genechten

The Brexit at Euro 2016 is almost complete, as England, Ireland, and Northern Ireland were all eliminated in the round of 16. That means only Wales remain in the tournament, but Gareth Bale and his fellow Welshmen are facing a strong Belgium side in the quarter-finals on Friday July 1. Belgium’s golden generation produced an extremely polished performance to beat Hungary 4-0 and breeze into the quarter finals of Euro 2016, where they will play the Inspired by the brilliance of Eden Hazard who set-up one goal and scored another…

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Belgium and Manchester United star gets insulted on his Facebook page

Vincent Van Genechten

On Sunday, Belgium qualified for the Euro 2016 quater-finals by beating Hungary 4-0. Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini played just ten minutes but received a yellow card for elbowing Adam Szalai. Still, the midfielder celebrated his country’s victory on Facebook with this post: “Congrats my little ones,” referring to goalscorers Michy Batshuayi and Yannick Carrasco. However, the reactions on Fellaini’s post weren’t positive at all. A bunch of Hungarian fans took their frustration out on the Belgian midfielder. Here are some of the most notable reactions:

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Steve McClaren provided one of the greatest moments in televison history

Vincent Van Genechten

England were eliminated from Euro 2016 with a 2-1 defeat to Iceland. Former boss Steve McLaren was covering the game for Sky Sports and provided one of the greatest moments on television history. He was hailing the Three Lions’ performance and discussing the potential danger of Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, when the latter one scored Iceland’s second goal of the match. Steve McLaren with one of the greatest moments in televison history… #ENGICEpic.twitter.com/I3dLdRxK98 — BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) 27 juni 2016

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Will Grigg returns to Northern Ireland as a hero, despite not playing a single minute at Euro 2016

Vincent Van Genechten

Northern Ireland stunned the football world by reaching the round of 16 at Euro 2016, where they were beaten 1-0 by Wales. Striker Will Grigg didn’t play a single minute in France but returned as a hero due to a certain fan chant about him. Will Grigg returns to Northern Ireland a hero, despite not playing a single minute at #EURO2016https://t.co/qPWk4VhpN1 — BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) 28 juni 2016

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Roy Hodgson got slammed on Twitter after Euro 2016 Brexit

Vincent Van Genechten

After England’s 2-1 loss to Iceland and elimination from Euro 2016, manager Roy Hodgson resigned from his position. Not surprisingly, Twitter slammed the 68-year-old very hard… Did you know… pic.twitter.com/FBqQ8oWhXd — Ultra Football Facts (@UltraFootyFacts) 27 juni 2016 To make matters even worse. Roy Hodgson is the highest paid manager in #Euro2016. pic.twitter.com/3YuB2Hhpbx — Calcio Direct | #ITA (@CalcioDirect) June 27, 2016 I’m guessing Roy Hodgson spent the second half writing that statement instead of making the third substitution — James Tyler (@JamesTylerESPN) June 27, 2016 Nah, Roy Hodgson can’t…

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Euro 2016 Hazard lies in wait for Wales

Stuart Campbell

Belgium’s golden generation produced an extremely polished performance to beat Hungary 4-0 and breeze into the quarter finals of Euro 2016, where they will play Wales. Inspired by the brilliance of Eden Hazard who set-up one goal and scored another in the space of two second half minutes, Belgium delivered their most impressive display of the tournament, despite being wasteful in front of goal. After Toby Alderweireld headed Belgium ahead from Kevin De Bruyne’s free kick, the game swung from end-to-end and remained evenly poised until the 78th minute when…

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Iceland commentator and players perform amazing acts, squad selection secret revealed

Vincent Van Genechten

When Iceland beat Austria with a late winning goal, commentator Guomundur Benediktsson went crazy. You can guess what he did when Iceland went up 2-1 against England… Den isländske kommentatorn är tillbaka. Lyssna på den hysteriska glädjen vid 2-1 till Island <3 pic.twitter.com/Qv6anSvhyv — Ehsanur Fadakarur (@ehsanfadakar) 27 juni 2016 Meanwhile, the Icelandic players performed an amazing act with their fans: #EURO2016 One for the ages. #isl#Icelandpic.twitter.com/SWzKfy0FJk — Daniele Labanti™ (@DL_corriere) 27 juni 2016 And have you ever wondered how Iceland put together their squad? Here’s the answer: How Iceland…

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The reaction by these England fans to the Iceland disaster is priceless

Vincent Van Genechten

On Monday, England were eliminated from Euro 2016 by Iceland. The Three Lions scored the opening goal after just four minutes with a Wayne Rooney penalty kick, but conceded twice in just ten minutes to never come level again. These England fans went crazy when Rooney scored, but their reactions after that were less enjoyable. England’s 1-0: #Rooney! Incredible reaction from fans in Nice pic.twitter.com/VXrUePTtI7 — Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) 27 juni 2016 Iceland’s 1-1:  And moments later…. pic.twitter.com/shpyyNUolX — Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) 27 juni 2016 Iceland’s 2-1: Iceland take the…

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Steadily improving Euro 2016 hosts progress to quarter finals

Stuart Campbell

Hosts France advanced to the quarter finals of Euro 2016 after recovering from the loss of an early goal to beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1 at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon. Inside two minutes Ireland took the lead through Robbie Brady’s penalty, which was awarded after Paul Pogba bundled over Shane Long in the box. Shaken by their inauspicious start, the French struggled to establish a foothold in the game and despite having chances to equalise in the first 45 minutes, could have fallen further behind before half time…

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Euro 2016 – England look to end Iceland’s famous run

Stephen Donovan

There were several teams during the group stage of Euro 2016 that caused a surprise by being much more competitive than anticipated, and of those, Iceland will surely rank among the highest. Written off by many a pundit in the lead up to the tournament, they went through with an unbeaten record and will now feel that they belong at this level. The dramatic win against Austria on Wednesday will go down as a definitive moment in their footballing history, and it ensured that they would face England in the…

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