Ireland seek historical ‘bounce’ against Italy in Euro 2016 Lille (France) (AFP) – The Republic of Ireland can take inspiration from one of the finest moments in their footballing history as they face Italy in Euro 2016 on Wednesday.  Ireland come into their final game in Group E in Lille with a single point. They know that anything less than a win will end their hopes of reaching the knockout … [Read more...]

Santos backs misfiring Ronaldo for Euro 2016 Hungary clash Lyon (AFP) – Portugal coach Fernando Santos is backing misfiring Cristiano Ronaldo to break his Euro 2016 duck by netting against Hungary on Wednesday to help fire his side into the last 16. Ronaldo is still waiting for his opening goal in France to become the first person to score at four consecutive European championship finals. The … [Read more...]

Last chance for stuttering Austria to salvage Euro 2016 campaign Paris (AFP) – Marcel Koller’s Austria have one “uncomfortable” last chance to salvage their Euro 2016 campaign in their final group game against Iceland at the Stade de France on Wednesday. Touted as dark horses before the tournament, Austria have struggled to reproduce their impressive qualifying form and are bottom of Group F … [Read more...]

Germany eye last 16, Spain target easier path at Euro 2016 Paris (AFP) – World champions Germany headline a host of sides chasing places in the Euro 2016 knockout phase on Tuesday while title-holders Spain are out to avoid a heavyweight clash with Italy. Joachim Loew’s team will progress to the last 16 with a draw against Northern Ireland in Paris, and Poland can join their neighbours by … [Read more...]

Bale’s ‘best’ for Wales as Euro dream goes on Toulouse (France) (AFP) – Gareth Bale said he enjoyed his best performance in a Wales shirt in the 3-0 win over Russia that extended the country’s Euro 2016 fairytale. Strikes by Aaron Ramsey, Neil Taylor and Bale sent the Welsh on their way to the landmark win for a side appearing in their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup. England’s … [Read more...]

Bale inspires as brilliant Wales into Euro 2016 last 16 Toulouse (France) (AFP) – Gareth Bale struck his third goal in as many Euro 2016 games as brilliant Wales cruised into the last 16 as winners of Group B with a clinical 3-0 dismantling of Russia on Monday. First-half strikes by Aaron Ramsey and Neil Taylor sent Chris Coleman’s men well on their way to a comprehensive win in Toulouse against … [Read more...]

Make memories, O’Neill tells N. Ireland Paris (AFP) – Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has challenged his players to make memories that last a lifetime ahead of Tuesday’s final Euro 2016 group game against world champions Germany. After beating Ukraine 2-0 last week, Northern Ireland need another victory to guarantee a last 16 place, but could also go through from Group C with a draw or … [Read more...]

Pedro not happy playing Spain second fiddle Bordeaux (AFP) – Spain winger Pedro Rodriguez has hinted he could retire from international football after being frustrated at his lack of playing time in the European champions’ opening two Euro 2016 matches. After a disappointing first season with Chelsea following a 30 million euro ($34 million) move from Barcelona, Pedro has played just eight … [Read more...]

Adidas extends Germany deal worth 50 mn euros-plus a year Paris (AFP) – Sportswear giant Adidas on Monday announced a deal worth over 50 million euros ($56.5 million) a year to remain Germany’s kit supplier, doubling the amount it currently pays in the face of competition from Nike. Adidas’s current contract with the German Football Federation (DFB) to produce the world-renowned white and black … [Read more...]

Striding Sissoko stakes claim for France role at Euro 2016 Lille (France) (AFP) – With a purposeful display against Switzerland, France’s Moussa Sissoko served notice that he can bring drive and dynamism to the Euro 2016 hosts’ problematic midfield. Aligned alongside Yohan Cabaye and Paul Pogba in a three-man midfield, Sissoko impressed as France recorded a 0-0 draw against the Swiss in Lille on … [Read more...]