Bale plays star role in battle of Britain Paris (AFP) – Local pride is at stake on Thursday as an all-British clash between England and Wales and old rivals Germany and Poland dominate a Euro 2016 day of high tension. Fears of a repeat of violence that marred England’s 1-1 draw against Russia in Marseille last weekend have seen a clampdown on alcohol sales with 50,000 fans expected to descend on … [Read more...]

Off-the-field passion Adds to exciting Wales vs. England match In 2012, I attended the Wales vs. Scotland World Cup qualifier in Cardiff. Both Wales and Scotland were towards the bottom of the group and not expected to advance, but because they were both towards the bottom points taken by either could boost a surprise run towards Brazil. As such, it was a competitive match with both teams … [Read more...]

Liverpool ignored China takeover bid - sources 7:11 PM GMT Tony Evans Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) ignored a takeover bid from Chinese consortium The Sinofortone Group back in February, sources have told ESPN FC. The letter of interest, for a bid in the region of £700 million (after the club was valued at £650m in the latest Forbes figures), received no response from the … [Read more...]

Griezmann, Payet save France blushes against Albania Marseille (AFP) – Antoine Griezmann struck late on before Dimitri Payet added a second in injury time as hosts France secured their ticket to the last 16 of Euro 2016 with a 2-0 win over Albania on Wednesday. France began their bid for a first European Championship title in 16 years with a nervous 2-1 win over Romania last Friday. But despite … [Read more...]

Switzerland made to wait after Romania draw Paris (AFP) – Switzerland were frustated in their attempt to book a place in the knockout stage of Euro 2016 after a 1-1 draw on Wednesday against Group A rivals Romania in Paris. Bogdan Stancu’s penalty gave Romania the advantage at a sunny Parc des Princes and the Swiss spurned a host of chances to score before Admir Mehmedi slammed home to level … [Read more...]

Police use tear gas after Lille fighting 4:41 PM GMT Police in Lille have used tear gas on fans following fights in the city centre. Supporters were seen running through the streets before officers attempted to disperse them by firing tear gas. Fans from England, Wales, Slovakia and Russia have been gathering for Group B matches in the city and nearby Lens. A large group, including about about … [Read more...]

Iceland hit back at ‘ungracious’ Ronaldo after Euro 2016 draw Saint-Étienne (France) (AFP) – Euro 2016 minnows Iceland hit back at Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, labelling him “not a gracious human being” after he criticised the Atlantic islanders’ defensive tactics in a 1-1 draw in Saint-Etienne. Ronaldo accused Iceland of having a “small mentality” on Tuesday as they prevented the Real … [Read more...]

Poland’s Lewandowski ready to shoot down Germany at Euro 2016 Paris (AFP) – Poland striker Robert Lewandowski is tipping Germany to win Euro 2016, but it will not stop the Bundesliga star trying to shoot down the world champions when the sides meet Thursday. Lewandowski lived up to his reputation as one of the world’s best strikers as he finished top scorer with 13 goals in qualifying for Euro … [Read more...]

Sanchez double leads Chile into Copa America quarters Philadelphia (AFP) – Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas both scored twice as Chile advanced to the quarter-finals of the Copa America Centenario on Tuesday with a 4-2 victory over Panama.  The defending Copa America champions responded to the shock of falling behind to a Miguel Camargo goal after only five minutes with two goals by Vargas … [Read more...]

Argentina wrap up Copa Group D campaign with win over Bolivia Seattle (AFP) – Argentina maintained their 100 percent record at the Copa America Centenario on Tuesday with a 3-0 victory over hapless Bolivia. The tournament favorites, already assured of a quarter-final berth after wins over Chile and Panama, wrapped up their Group D campaign with an easy win at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field. The … [Read more...]