Germany
Euro 2020 Diary: Denmark delight, Germany must defy UEFA, Big Zuu knows
Day 11 of the European Championships delivered what every football fan craves – drama with a capital ‘D’. Netherlands and Austria booked their spots in the last-16 from Group C, but Group B was the place to be for the edge of your seat stuff. With Belgium already through to the next round, Finland, Russia and Denmark were battling to join them in the knockout phase. Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen Denmark dramatically snatched second place behind Belgium with a thumping 4-1 victory over Russia on an emotional night in Copenhagen. Just nine days after teammate Christian Eriksen collapsed on the same pitch against Finland, the Danes produced a power-packed display to blow the Russians away. A night we will never forget 🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/Mul1GPv0X6 — Kasper Schmeichel (@kschm...
“I don’t like the system very much” – Klopp disagrees with 3-4-3, but wishes team success
Jurgen Klopp has weighed in on Germany’s back three system that Joachim Low has deployed at Euro 2020 so far. Germany have lined up in a 3-4-3 formation in their two group stage games against France and Portugal. Manuel Neuer is in goal, with Matthias Ginter, Mats Hummels, and Antonio Rudiger at centre-back. Robin Gosens and Joshua Kimmich line up as wing-backs, Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan are in midfield, while the front three are Thomas Muller, Kai Havertz and Serge Gnabry. So far, it has achieved mixed success. They were defeated 1-0 by world champions France in the first game thanks to an own goal by Hummels but demolished Portugal 4-2 in their second outing. The wing-backs were crucial in the victory. Gosens directly contributed to three goals, while Kimmich assisted two. However, L...
No Uefa hammer for gay supporting German skipper
The German FA has said it will not be punished by UEFA for the rainbow-coloured captain’s armband Germany skipper Manuel Neuer has worn during Euro 2020 in solidarity with gay pride this month. The German Football Association (DFB) said it has received a letter from European football’s governing body stating that a review of the matter has been stopped. “The armband has been assessed as a team symbol for diversity and thus for a ‘good cause’”, the DFB said on Twitter. Normally, the captains of each team at the European Championship are obliged to wear a standard armband issued by UEFA. Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, who came out as gay after retiring in 2013 and is now head of sport at VfB Stuttgart, was unimpressed that UEFA were even looking into the armband matter. “Come...
UEFA backs down over Manuel Neuer’s rainbow armband
UEFA has dropped its investigation of Manuel Neuer’s rainbow captain’s armband after declaring that the Germany skipper’s decision to wear it is a ‘team symbol of diversity’. Neuer has worn the armband during Germany’s last two Euro 2020 fixtures to show support for the LGBT+ community during Pride Month, but UEFA launched an investigation to determine whether it could be viewed as a political statement. Had UEFA determined that the armband was a political statement, Neuer could have been prohibited from wearing it in future games and the German FA (DFB) could have faced a fine for the goalkeeper’s actions. The DFB announced on Sunday evening that UEFA had dropped its probe and now views the armband as a “good cause”, though European football’s governing body is facing criticism for its de...
Euro 2020 Best XI from Round 2: Dumfries, Gosen and a dream midfield trio
It’s been another exciting round of Euro 2020 action, with several players putting in standout performances for their country. As we approach the last selection of group stage fixtures, it’s all very nicely set up. We should be in for an enthralling finale. Here is our best XI from the second round of Euro 2020 games. Danny Ward (GK) – Wales go into their final group game with Italy in a very good position. With four points from two games, they look almost certain to qualify for the knockouts. And they couldn’t have done it without Danny Ward, who was excellent again in the win over Turkey. His stunning late save from Merih Demiral’s header was vital to keeping his side ahead in the closing stages, as they later got a second. Denzel Dumfries (RB) – The right-back has made a reall...
Euro 2020: Wales set for hostile crowd as Italy eye knockouts
Wales are bracing for a hostile reception when they face Turkey in Baku at Euro 2020 on Wednesday while rejuvenated Italy can seal their place in the last-16 with victory against Switzerland. After drawing 1-1 with the Swiss in their opening Group A game, Wales play in the capital of Azerbaijan, with locals expected to get behind their Turkish neighbours, who will also have several thousand travelling fans on their side. Wales captain Gareth Bale, who experienced a dizzying run to the semi-finals at Euro 2016, said he was unfazed by the prospect of an aggressive atmosphere. “Hostility is no problem,” said the Real Madrid forward. “This is what we do for a living. We’re used to playing in away games and being in front of hostile crowds.” Turkey are desperate to shake off the disappointment ...
Arsenal legend set for fiery clash with Red Devils nemesis
Two of the continent’s big hitters were in action at the European Championships yesterday, with France taking on Germany in Munich. Tournament favourites France were undoubtedly the better team in the first half, but the Germans threatened more after the break. Mats Hummels’ own goal proved to be the difference between the two sides, putting France in pole position to reach the knockout stage. There were plenty of talking points elsewhere, with an on-screen meeting between two Premier League legends providing an interesting sideshow. Keane and Vieira rematch The BBC had been winning the Euro 2020 television battle, but ITV stepped things up in style for the clash between France and Germany. Clive Tyldesley and Ally McCoist returned to the commentary box after impressing during the Netherla...
Pogba impresses, Real Madrid man MOTM – France 1-0 Germany Player Ratings
France won their opening game of Euro 2020, defeating Germany 1-0 thanks to a Mats Hummels own goal. It was a strong start by the world champions, who twice came close to taking the lead in the first 20 minutes. Paul Pogba headed over from Antoine Griezmann’s corner, and Kylian Mbappe had a shot well saved by Manuel Neuer. And it wasn’t long before Les Bleus took the lead. Pogba was once again involved, floating a lovely ball over to Lucas Hernandez. The Bayern Munich man drilled a low cross into the box, and Mats Hummels sliced into his own net. Germany responded with a couple of efforts of their own. Thomas Muller flicked a header wide from Robin Gosens’ cross, and Ilkay Gundogan scuffed his effort after being set up by Serge Gnabry. But they weren’t able to clinch an equaliser before ha...
Liverpool given go-ahead for Anfield expansion
Liverpool have been given the go-ahead to expand Anfield by around 7,000 seats, taking the total capacity at their historic stadium to more than 61,000. City council planners voted in favour of the redevelopment of the Anfield Road Stand on Tuesday, despite concerns expressed by residents and environmental groups about the impact on nearby Stanley Park. The Premier League club’s project is expected to be completed in 2023. “This is a huge milestone in our journey towards bringing more supporters into Anfield,” said Liverpool managing director Andy Hughes. “We underwent a rigorous two-stage public consultation period during the planning process for this project and I would like to thank everyone who has offered a contribution to that.” As part of the application, the club have also been giv...
Chelsea and Bayern stars the focus on Super Tuesday at Euro 2020
France and Germany go head-to-head in their Euro 2020 Group F at the Allianz Arena in a mouth-watering clash on Tuesday night. Both teams are hopeful of progressing from a ‘Group of Deat’ that includes the likes of European Championship titleholders Portugal and minnows Hungary. Though France and Germany won the last two World Cup editions, both sides have failed to live up to expectations at the Euro finals and will be desperate to make this appearance count. Note: You can watch all Euro 2020 games via live streaming. France vs Germany Head-To-Head France and Germany have met five times at final tournaments so far, with each side picking up two wins apiece and drawing once. Les Bleus ran out victorious in their only previous meeting at the European Championships, claiming a 2-0 win i...
Cristiano Ronaldo is unconcerned over Juventus future
Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo insists his sole focus is on Euro 2020 and reports of interest from rival clubs are causing him no “sleepless nights”. Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juve in 2019, but the move has not worked out quite as planned. Although the Bianconeri won the Serie A title for a ninth successive season in the forward’s first campaign, they lost their crown to Inter this term and scraped Champions League qualification. Success in Europe’s premier club competition, which Ronaldo won five times with Manchester United and Madrid, continues to evade the Turin giants. A frustrating season ended with Massimiliano Allegri returning to replace Andrea Pirlo, and there has been speculation Ronaldo could follow his coach out of the door. Madrid, United and Paris Saint-Germain have...
Cristiano Ronaldo is unconcerned over Juventus future
Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo insists his sole focus is on Euro 2020 and reports of interest from rival clubs are causing him no “sleepless nights”. Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juve in 2019, but the move has not worked out quite as planned. Although the Bianconeri won the Serie A title for a ninth successive season in the forward’s first campaign, they lost their crown to Inter this term and scraped Champions League qualification. Success in Europe’s premier club competition, which Ronaldo won five times with Manchester United and Madrid, continues to evade the Turin giants. A frustrating season ended with Massimiliano Allegri returning to replace Andrea Pirlo, and there has been speculation Ronaldo could follow his coach out of the door. Madrid, United and Paris Saint-Germain have...
