Category: International

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

Italy and Spain to resume Euro Championship rivalry in last 16

Vincent Van Genechten

For a third successive European Championships, Italy and Spain will play one another, in a repeat of the Euro 2012 final. La Roja convincingly won that encounter 4-0, to seal a second straight European Championship title, after completely outplaying the Azzuri, who will be keen to exact revenge when the two teams face one another in the second round of Euro 2016 at the Stade de France. In addition to meeting in the final of Euro 2012, which was jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine, Italy and Spain played one…

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Euro 2016 – Revenge on Irish minds as they take on France

Stephen Donovan

Coming into the final round of group matches, it looked an extremely tough ask for the Republic of Ireland to beat Italy and qualify for the knockout stages of Euro 2016, particularly on the evidence of their previous outing against Belgium. However, a terrific display and a late headed goal from Robbie Brady saw them do just that, securing a berth as one of the four best third-placed teams. It sets up a rather enticing encounter with hosts France, which immediately evokes memories of the two-legged play-off these sides contested…

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Euro 2016 – Croatia favourites to topple Ronaldo and Portugal

Stephen Donovan

Although not exactly full of goals, the group stage of Euro 2016 provided its fair share of entertainment and did not produce any of the heavy winning margins that many would have expected. All of the heavyweights made it through whether in convincing or inauspicious fashion, but there were some surprises as some of the competitions least fancied nations advanced to the last 16. The knockout drama begins on Saturday, where the standout fixture comes in the evening as a very impressive Croatia side come up against Portugal, who laboured…

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O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland invoke memories of fairytale in New York with historic win

Stuart Campbell

With just five minutes of normal time to play in their game against Italy at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille, the Republic of Ireland were on the verge of being eliminated from Euro 2016. Despite producing a far improved performance, particularly in terms of attacking play, than they did during their first two games of the tournament – when Wes Hoolahan’s goal against Sweden was their only shot on target – the Republic of Ireland were unable to find a route through a stubborn Italian defence. That was however until…

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Euro 2016 players with experience at the UEFA Under-21 European Championships

Stuart Campbell

Whilst the European Championships are staged every four years, taking place every second year is the Under-21 version of the tournament which many of those players among the Euro 2016 squads have experience of being involved in. The under-21 European Championship in it’s current form has existed since 1978, with the earliest appearances in the tournament by Euro 2016 players being made by Bruno Alves and Petr Cech in 2002. Since then, seven more under-21 European Championships have been held with a whole host of Euro 2016 players being called…

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The scenes after Ireland’s winning goal against Italy were crazy

Vincent Van Genechten

Robbie Brady scored a late header against Italy to put Ireland through to the round of 16 at Euro 2016. The Boys in Green needed a win to qualify, which meant their fans wents crazy when the 1-0 was scored. WOW: The scenes in Dublin as #IRL take the lead vs #ITA (via @Copa90). pic.twitter.com/rUQvlQDL9f — BBC Sporf (@BBCSporf) 22 juni 2016 Video: #Irl fans celebrate dramatic #Euro2016 victory against #Ita https://t.co/RdIjWo3l6dhttps://t.co/o4RCCmDY0S — Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) 23 juni 2016 “I can’t even speak I’m so excited!” @morrisonclinton can barely contain…

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England drop spot in bookmakers’ Euro 2016 rankings

Vincent Van Genechten

England survived Group B at Euro 2016 and are through to the round of 16 in France, where they will face Iceland on Monday June 27 in the Allianz Riviera in Nice. The Three Lions surprisingly finished second behind Wales and that has had some consequences with the bookmakers. Website oddschecker.com keeps track of the Euro 2016 bets of 27 bookmakers, among them Unibet, Bwin, Betway, Bet365 and Paddypower. France still lead the way with a four to one chance to win the competition on their home soil. That’s lower than…

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Commentator’s crazy yelling during Iceland’s winning goal goes viral

Vincent Van Genechten

On Wednesday, Iceland beat Austria 2-1 during their last group stage game at Euro 2016. Therefore, Iceland finished second in Group F and will be facing England next. Arnor Ingvi Traustason scored the winning goal in the 94th minute of play, with commentator Guomundur Benediktsson celebrating it like a mad man: Sono seriamente preoccupato per il telecronista islandese 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/H5UFxstjdh — Daniele Mari (@danmari83) 22 juni 2016 Guðmundur Benediktsson. Ihr wisst schon, wer… #ISL pic.twitter.com/YbBG0jPWlJ — FUMS (@fums_magazin) 23 juni 2016

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Most England fans are happy about their Euro 2016 opponents

Vyom Chaudhary

As the games on the final match day of Group F entered into the final stages, it looked like England would be facing Portugal in the round of 16 at the Euros. However, Iceland scored a last-minute winner in their 2-1 win over Austria to claim the second spot in the group. Meanwhile, Portugal finished the group in the third spot. As a result, Iceland will now be facing the Three Lions at Nice on June 27. Some of the England fans are happy with their new opponents, some not so much.…

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Fans of Ireland and Northern Ireland prove why they are the best in the world [Video’s]

Vincent Van Genechten

Ireland have been able to win only one point so far at Euro 2016, drawing 1-1 against Sweden and losing 3-0 to Belgium. However, the Irish fans have been amazing all tournament long and provided another highlight when they celebrated a fan wearing a horse mask kicking a ball through an open window. Video: Irish man wearing horse mask scores goal through open window in Lille and the fans go crazy #irl #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/x2Y4ZIYdn5 — Catherine Wylie (@wyliecatherine) 21 juni 2016 Meanwhile, Northern Ireland are through to the last sixteen…

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Bale joins elite European Championship goal scoring group

Stuart Campbell

By scoring in Wales’ 3-0 win over Slovakia, Gareth Bale became only the seventh player to score in every group stage game at a European Championship finals. Group stages have not always been a feature of the competition however, with it changing format several times during its 56-year history. Summary of European Championship Format Staged every four years since 1960, and formerly called the European Cup of Nations until 1968 when it changed name, the European Championships is one of the most prestigious tournaments in world football. The first five…

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Ignominious Euro 2016 exit for Russia

Stuart Campbell

After being soundly beaten 3-0 by Wales, a dishevelled Russia became the third team to be eliminated from Euro 2016, joining their eastern neighbours Ukraine and Romania in exiting the competition at the group stage. Devoid of desire, determination and passion, Russia were completely outclassed and out fought by a hugely impressive Welsh side, who deservedly qualified for the last 16. Whilst Wales immediately settled into the game by playing with composure, control and poise, Russia were lethargic and seemingly overawed by the intensity of the occasion. To compound the…

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Euro 2016 Group E – Belgium back on track

Stephen Donovan

The manner in which Belgium began Euro 2016 in losing comfortably at the hands of Italy left them with a huge point to prove, and they responded ideally by breezing past the Republic of Ireland on Saturday. It now means that only a draw against Sweden will be enough to send them through to the knockout stages in second place. Coach Marc Wilmots had no option but to make changes to his starting line-up after that opening performance, bringing in the excellent Mousa Dembele in midfield and replacing square peg…

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Euro 2016 Group F – Frustrated Portugal face crucial Hungary clash

Stephen Donovan

Of the 24 teams taking part at Euro 2016, Portugal must be the most frustrated of all. Countless attempts at goal, and overwhelming dominance in terms of possession and territory has only yielded two points from as many matches. They are now faced with the prospect of having to win against Hungary in order to make sure of qualification for the last 16. Saturday evening was a rare one to forget for Cristiano Ronaldo, who struck the post with a second half penalty and shortly afterwards saw a goal ruled…

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Euro 2016 Group D – Can Czechs secure unlikely progress?

Stephen Donovan

Among the most memorable games of Euro 2008 was the meeting between the Czech Republic and Turkey in the final round of group matches. The Czechs only needed a point to secure a place in the next round and appeared to be cruising at 2-0 up with only minutes to go, only for an incredible three-goal comeback from Turkey to send them home feeling shell-shocked. This time around the Turkish hopes are looking exceedingly grim after two defeats, the last of which coming in rather punishing fashion against holders Spain…

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Euro 2016 Group C – Northern Ireland in with a shout after fine win

Stephen Donovan

There was a palpable sense of disappointment emanating from the Northern Ireland camp following defeat to Poland in their opening match of Euro 2016, with regrets aplenty over their lack of any kind of goal threat. The following outing against Ukraine became absolutely crucial. Manager Michael O’Neill responded in bold fashion by making five changes including the decision to drop leading striker Kyle Lafferty, and that move could not have paid off any better as a deserved 2-0 victory gave them a fighting chance of qualifying for the last 16.…

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Spanish squad in a state of serenity

Stuart Campbell

As title defences go, Spain’s effort to retain the World Cup in 2014 was virtually as disastrous as it could have been. After losing their opening game in Brazil 5-1 to the Netherlands, Vicente Del Bosque’s side were the first team to be eliminated from the tournament following a 2-0 defeat by Chile in their second match. Subsequently, Spain’s acrimonious and early exit from the World Cup inspired Del Bosque to begin to make some subtle changes to his team, some of which were enforced. New generation The retirements from…

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An abundance of dramatic conclusions to Euro 2016 games

Stuart Campbell

Thus far in the 24 games played at Euro 2016, there have been 13 goals scored after the 85th minute. Starting the trend of late drama which is continuing to unfold at the finals were hosts France. Labouring to a 1-1 draw against Romania in the opening game of the tournament, Dimitri Payet scored a wonderful winning goal in the 89th minute. Whilst that late goal proved to be decisive, six of the other 12 late goals have either secured a draw or win for the scoring team, as demonstrated…

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Danny Murphy draws ire of Arsenal fans following his comments on Granit Xhaka

Vyom Chaudhary

Former Liverpool player Danny Murphy clearly didn’t do his homework for the Euro 2016 clash between France and Switzerland on Sunday night. While commentating for ITV, Murphy said that new Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is not the kind of player who will “get at you.” Now that’s a strange assessment of the player who is known for dominating the midfield and collecting five red cards in the Bundesliga last season. Arsenal fans, who are quite chuffed with their £30 million signing, were clearly not happy with Murphy’s comments. Asking Danny…

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Euro 2016 Group B – England in pole position to finish top

Stephen Donovan

Whatever happened, there was always going to be a hefty list of talking points following the game between England and Wales. It did not disappoint, as Roy Hodgson’s bold decision to bring on two strikers from the bench at half-time paid off as Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge both scored to turn around a worrying deficit brought about by goalkeeper Joe Hart’s inability to field a long range free-kick from Gareth Bale. The last-gasp nature of Sturridge’s dramatic winner could be the catalyst for England to go a reasonable distance…

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Euro 2016 Group A – Wasteful Swiss aim to secure top-two spot

Stephen Donovan

On paper, four points from the opening two games of Euro 2016 represents a reasonable haul for Switzerland, but their rewards would surely have been greater had they been more ruthless in front of goal. An early header to beat Albania was not added to despite several further chances being created, while more profligacy against Romania meant their overall dominance counted for relatively little. Young forward Breel Embolo looks a very good prospect, but at present his overall game is not quite polished and as a result he has not…

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Euro 2016 Group F – Knockout stages a real prospect for Hungary

Stephen Donovan

The first round of group matches were all well fought, but largely devoid of surprise results. Arguably the biggest exception was Hungary’s fine 2-0 win over a much fancied Austria side, who badly failed to live up to the pre-tournament hype. Not much was expected of a side that had not competed at a major finals for many years, and needed the play-offs to qualify from what on paper, was one of the weakest groups. However, they produced a very tidy performance to not only outplay their opponents, but limit…

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Euro 2016 Group E – Belgium under scrutiny after opening loss

Stephen Donovan

Given the expectation and anticipation surrounding Belgium coming into Euro 2016, their opening performance against Italy was a huge disappointment. It has led to many doubts over their credentials, so the onus will be on them to respond in positive style by defeating a Republic of Ireland side that will undoubtedly work tirelessly and attempt to frustrate them at every opportunity. Belgium saw a lot of the ball in Lyon, but clear chances were scarce in a match where the difference between the two sides was very evident. Marc Wilmot’s…

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Euro 2016 Group D – Impressive Croatia hoping to build on opening win

Stephen Donovan

In recent European Championships Croatia have underachieved, going out in the quarter-finals in 2008 in dramatic circumstances when they really ought to have made it further, before they were edged out of a difficult group in 2012. This time around their squad is said to be even stronger, and the performance which led to victory in their opening match against Turkey could end up being the start of something that could match the nation’s greatest footballing success, which was also in France when they finished third in the 1998 World…

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Watch Wales and England fans go crazy during the Battle of Britain at Euro 2016

Vincent Van Genechten

England were able to come away with a 2-1 win against Wales at Euro 2016. The Three Lions came back from a 1-0 deficit to pull off a victory with a late Daniel Sturridge goal. Not surprisingly, fans from both countries went crazy in the Lille fan zone when their respective teams scored during this “Battle of Britain”. Watch the footage down low and enjoy! Bale’s 0-1: In Lille fan zone, #WAL fans celebrate #EURO2016 goal from @GarethBale11 and get a beer shower from #ENG fans https://t.co/GIaq6IozMo — John Leicester…

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