First-timer Vrba eyes Euro 2016 surprise with Czech Republic Prague (AFP) – Pavel Vrba knows that his Czech Republic team are Euro 2016 underdogs, but past experience has taught him that an upset is always possible. “We can’t say we’re going there as one of the favourites but we don’t want to go home after the group stage,” said the 52-year-old coach ahead of his debut at a major international … [Read more...]

Northern Ireland credit for financial analyst O’Neill Belfast (AFP) – When Michael O’Neill’s first two games as Northern Ireland manager saw them concede nine goals and score none, it was easy to think it was business as usual for one of world football’s smallest nations. With a population of under two million and no major club team, Northern Ireland remains best known as the birthplace of … [Read more...]

USA vs. Costa Rica preview: USMNT faces must-win game in Copa America Copa America Centenario began on Friday with the United States facing Colombia, and boy was the result disappointing. There were very few bright spots for the US. Colombia took a 2-0 lead into halftime and never allowed the US to pose anything resembling a threat in the second half. But there is no time to lament as the US … [Read more...]

Where to find USA vs. Costa Rica Copa America game on TV If you’re trying to find out how you can watch USA vs. Costa Rica in the Copa America Centenario, you’ve come to the right place. All eyes turn to Soldier Field in Chicago on Tuesday, June 7 as the USA faces a must-win game against Costa Rica in their second match of Copa America Centenario. A loss for the USA and it certainly means that … [Read more...]

Neymar facing new fraud charges - reports 9:12 AM GMT Dermot Corrigan Barcelona star Neymar is facing new charges of fraud relating to his controversial 2013 transfer from Santos, according to multiple reports in Spain. The complicated deal which took the Brazil captain to the Camp Nou has been the subject of multiple court investigations in both Brazil and Spain, with the full details of the … [Read more...]

Fan-Blastic Perez powers Panama to Copa victory Orlando (AFP) – Two goals from striker Blas Perez, including an 87th minute winner, gave Panama a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in Group D of the Copa America Centenario at a rainy Citrus Bowl. The 35-year-old Perez on Monday had opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Bolivia fought back after the break with Juan Arce bringing them level in the … [Read more...]

Germany seek path back to triumphant stability Paris (AFP) – It is almost impossible to believe that a team with Thomas Mueller, Toni Kroos and Mesut Ozil look vulnerable but Germany will really have to live up to their reputation of raising their game for the big occasion at Euro 2016. The team that beat Brazil 7-1 as they marched to a World Cup triumph in 2014 have lost seven games since and … [Read more...]

Diamond formation troubles England going into Euro 2016 Chantilly (France) (AFP) – Ensconced in a luxury hotel in Chantilly, England are grappling with a diamond that does not shine ahead of their Euro 2016 opener against Russia. Led by Wayne Rooney, England are Group B favourites against Wales, Russia and Slovakia, but with time running out before the tournament starts, manager Roy Hodgson is … [Read more...]

‘Easy draw’ causes nerves for fancied Euro 2016 hosts Paris (AFP) – France are going for a hat-trick of major titles on home territory at Euro 2016 and have a kind draw but coach Didier Deschamps is seeking to douse national expectations. Les Bleus will face Switzerland, Romania and an Albania side appearing at their first major finals in Group A as they look to add to their 1984 European … [Read more...]

Fan-Blastic Perez powers Panama to victory Orlando (AFP) – Two goals from striker Blas Perez, including an 87th minute winner, gave Panama a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in Group D of the Copa America Centenario at a rainy Citrus Bowl. The 35-year-old Perez on Monday had opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Bolivia fought back after the break with Juan Arce bringing them level in the 54th … [Read more...]