Italy and Spain meet in a blockbuster first semi-final at Euro 2020 before an expected crowd of 60,000 at Wembley on Tuesday as anticipation builds ahead of host nation England’s last-four tie against Denmark. Tuesday’s game is the latest episode in a burgeoning rivalry between Italy and Spain with the nations meeting in a fourth […]
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England fans dare to dream of Euro 2020 glory as Denmark semi looms
England is gripped by Euro 2020 fervour as Gareth Southgate’s men prepare to take on Denmark for a place in the final of a major tournament for the time in 55 years. England will walk out to a wall of noise at Wembley on Wednesday with the bulk of a crowd of 60,000 willing them […]
England ready to end semi-final jinx at Euro 2020, says Southgate
Gareth Southgate says England are ready to end their semi-final hoodoo as they prepare to face Denmark in the last four of Euro 2020, bidding to reach their first final at a major tournament since 1966. England topped their group and beat old foes Germany in the round of 16 before ratcheting up expectations with […]
AFC Champions League switches to one-leg ties from quarter-finals
Asian Champions League knockout matches will this year be played over single legs from the quarter-finals onwards because of the coronavirus pandemic, rather than the usual home and away format, officials said Monday. The quarter-finals and semi-finals will now take place in October in one centralised venue for the east and west zone respectively, governing […]
Brazil-born Jorginho, Italy’s beating heart at Euro 2020
A discreet but ‘irreplaceable’ midfield presence Jorginho has been the cornerstone of Italy’s revival from World Cup flops to Euro 2020 contenders with a semi-final against Spain awaiting in the London of his club side Chelsea on Tuesday. One of the Azzurri’s Brazilian contingent along with domestic teammate Emerson Palmieri and Atalanta defender Rafael Toloi, […]
Marseille make Balerdi move permanent
Marseille have signed Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi on a permanent basis, the French club said on Saturday. Balerdi, who joined on loan from Borussia Dortmund last summer, has signed a five-year deal the Velodrome said. The 22-year-old has two Argentina caps but is not part of the squad that has reached the quarter-finals of the […]
Italy aiming to honour injured Spinazzola with Euro 2020 glory
Lorenzo Insigne says Italy are gunning for Euro 2020 glory in honour of left-back Leonardo Spinazzola, who is out of a tournament he has lit up after injuring his Achilles tendon in the Azzurri’s thrilling quarter-final win over Belgium. Spinazzola, 28, was stretchered off after 79 minutes and is expected to be sidelined for several […]
Japan to face China, Australia in World Cup qualifiers
Asia’s highest-ranked side Japan were Thursday drawn against Australia, China and Saudi Arabia in the region’s next round of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Iran, the second highest-ranked in the region, were drawn in the same group as heavyweights South Korea for the qualifiers, which run from September to March next year. […]
England reach Euro 2020 quarters to end Germany curse
Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane fired England into the Euro 2020 quarter-finals as they sealed a 2-0 win against Germany that ended decades of hurt at the hands of their bitter rivals on Tuesday. Sterling struck with 15 minutes left in a tense last 16 tie at Wembley before Kane clinched England’s first knockout-stage victory […]
Messi at the double as Argentina trounce Bolivia in Copa America
Lionel Messi celebrated his record 148th international cap with two goals as Argentina trounced Bolivia 4-1 to clinch top spot in Copa America Group A on Monday. Messi — who had equalled Javier Mascherano’s Argentinian caps record of 147 last week — marked his 148th appearance in style, setting up the opening goal before bagging […]