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Euro 2020: La Roja Run Rampant In Eight-Goal Thriller

Spain ran out 5-3 winners after extra time in their UEFA Euro 2020 Round of 16 match-up with Croatia.

The two sides had flattered to deceive in their group games until they both earned convincing wins in their final matches to earn progression.

Both sides’ faults were clear throughout the game, but so were their strengths.

Pedri’s own goal was a horrible outlier in an otherwise fantastic debut international knockout game performance for the Barcelona starlet.

His 49-yard mistake is the longest-ever own goal in the European Championships and the first own-goal to be scored outside of the box.

However, Pedri and his side recovered to march into a 3-1 lead deep into the second half.

The Croatian defence struggled to contain Luis Enrique’s Spanish side, who are known for creating chances.

Cesar Azpilicueta became Spain’s oldest goalscorer at the competition while Ferran Torres became the youngest to score and assist at a major tournament for Spain since Cesc Fabregas v Russia at Euro 2008.

Dinamo Zagreb star and slayer of Tottenham Hotspur had something to say in reply.

The 28-year-old netted his side’s second after a desperate scramble in the Spain box and assisted their injury-time equaliser, a Mario Pasalic header.

Pasalic became the fifth Atalanta player to score at Euro 2020, with the club becoming only the fourth to reach that achievement.

Enrique’s failure to utilise players on his bench with the ability to help close games out (Marcos Llorente and Thiago Alcantara) cost him.

However, his decision to bring on Dani Olmo put the game back in the hands of the Spaniards as the RB Leipzig star crafted two excellent goals to kill the game in extra time.

As well as Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Julian Nagelsmann can take pride in Euro 2020.

Patrik Schick has been on fire in the competition and Dani Olmo’s performance adds to the list of Leipzig players with good performances at the competition.

The game is the second-highest-scoring match in the history of the competition, after France 5-4 Yugoslavia in 1960.

Spain also became the first side to score five goals in consecutive matches at the competition, after beating Slovakia 5-0 last Wednesday.

They march on to the quarter-finals, where a date with hard-working Switzerland awaits.

Switzerland v Spain kicks off at 5 pm on Friday, July 2nd.

Euro 2020: Switzerland Stun France In Frenetic Fixture

Switzerland booked their place in the UEFA Euro 2020 quarter-finals after knocking out reigning World champions France in the Round of 16.

The Swiss started off the better of the two sides with their crossing proving to be a big threat against France’s back three.

The side went ahead after Haris Seferovic headed the ball into the France net just 15 minutes into the game.

France centre-back Clement Lenglet was caught out, ducking while Seferovic leapt to connect with wing-back Steven Zuber’s cross.

France’s 3-4-3 confused the players who were unsure of what to do in the new system and they reverted to a back four after 35 minutes.

Lenglet was replaced by Kingsley Coman at half-time and the substitution swung the game in the favour of Les Bleus.

Coman’s presence meant there was an extra man in the French attack and the move stretched the Swiss backline.

Two goals from Karim Benzema on either side of a missed Swiss penalty put France into the driver’s seat and put Benzema on four goals in the tournament.

Hugo Lloris’ penalty save was his first for France since 2012.

Paul Pogba turned on the style with some effortless passing in the pocket, akin to a quarterback.

France’s Tom Brady scored the third goal for France to put the game beyond doubt, at least at that moment in time.

However, N’Golo Kanté’s performance as a sole defensive midfielder was a no-show and the middle of the park saw the creation of many dangerous attacks.

Switzerland fought their way back into the game.

Granit Xhaka, who has been impressive alongside Remo Freuler in the tournament, turned it up a notch and started putting on a passing clinic of his own.

Seferovic nodded a second header home with Raphael Varane to blame this time as he let the Benfica goalscorer get in front of him.

Xhaka’s fantastic vision saw Mario Gavranovic add a brilliant 90th-minute equaliser after having a goal ruled out for offside just minutes before.

Xhaka could have assisted a winner moments later when Admir Mehmedi was played in but the striker’s touch let him down.

Extra-time came and went with both sides going close but failing to find a winner.

Switzerland penalties were flawless with Mehmedi converting the fifth and final one, righting his wrong from regular time.

Kylian Mbappé missed the deciding spot-kick, capping off a frustrating and underwhelming tournament for Didier Deschamp’s men.

Vladimir Petkovic’s side were understandably elated after Yann Sommer’s save – they reached the quarter-final of a major tournament for the first time since the 1954 World Cup when they beat Italy 4-1 in a playoff as they finished the group on the same points.

It is unlikely that their Euro 2020 quarter-final against Spain will reproduce the same goalscoring numbers as last night (or even their 1954 World Cup quarter-final against Austria, a 7-5 loss that lasted 90 minutes.)

However, it will be history for this Swiss side, who have just made the world take notice.

Switzerland v Spain kicks off at 5 pm on Friday.

 

8,000 spectators allowed to attend Leinster SHC Semi-Finals in Croke Park

Over 8,000 supporters will be able to attend this Saturday’s Leinster Hurling Championship Semi-Finals at Croke Park.

Two games will be played to mark the return of fans in what will be the biggest crowd in Ireland since COVID-19.

Galway vs Dublin and Kilkenny vs Wexford, will all meet to decide who faces who in the Leinster Final on the 17th of July.

Each game was originally set to be played in Portlaoise, but Leinster GAA announced at six o’clock on Monday evening that the games have been moved to Croke Park,

It will be the first sporting event of its kind in Ireland since the pandemic began with all-inter county matches only able to hold no more than 200 fans.

 

“Leinster GAA are delighted to announce the Senior Hurling Semi-Finals this Saturday will now take place in Croke Park,” read a Leinster GAA statement on Monday.

“8,000 spectators will watch Dublin v Galway (2 pm) and Kilkenny v Wexford at (4.30 pm). Ticketing details and relevant information will be confirmed tomorrow.”

Dublin and Wexford booked their place in the Semi-Finals with comprehensive wins over Antrim and Laois.

The Dubs winning by an 18-point margin, while Wexford hammered Laois by 20 points.

Saturday evening will also see Cork face off against reigning Munster and All-Ireland champions Limerick at the Semple Stadium in Thurles at 7.00 pm.

The game will also see a return for some spectators, with a guarantee of up to 2,400 fans.

While Tipperary and Clare will go head-to-head in the second Munster Semi-Final on Sunday the 4th of July.

This will represent a change in the covid-19 restrictions in Ireland, with many sporting events now allowing thousands of fans into stadiums.

All games will be shown live on Sky Sports Arena, with coverage starting at 1.00 pm.

 

 

 

 

Viktor Hovland becomes first Norwegian winner in European Tour history

On Sunday, Viktor Hovland became the first Norwegian winner in European Tour history as he finished two strokes ahead of former World Number One Martin Kaymer to win the BMW International Open.

The 23-year-old started the final day with a three-stroke lead, but Kaymer, winner of the BMW International Open in 2008, made a final day charge at Golfclub München Eichenried with an eight under 64 to set the clubhouse target at 17 under par.

Hovland led by two after his third birdie of the day on the 16th, but a dropped shot on the 17th set up a tense finish on the formidable par five 18th hole. However, the Ryder Cup hopeful found the fairway with his tee shot and then the green with a superb three wood, setting up three putts for the victory.

He required just two as he tapped in for birdie and a 19 under par total for his maiden European Tour title, his third worldwide victory since turning professional in 2019.

Spaniard Jorge Campillo carded a one under par round to finish third on 15 under, while 2014 Ryder Cup player Victor Dubuisson recorded his best European Tour result since November 2017 as he finished fourth.

Hovland’s delight

The winning Viktor Hovland admitted:

 “That was a long day. Sleeping on the lead you start thinking about winning, but there’s a lot of things that can happen. I didn’t really play very good today, but with a nice six-seven holes, it was good enough and I’m happy to be sitting here with the trophy.

“I’ve really putted good all three rounds (prior), today I didn’t putt as good. I didn’t really hit it that great either with my irons, but I knew I was a couple of shots ahead of the other guys and I knew they had to make a bunch of birdies to catch me. I tried to relax, play smart, not try to force anything and when I did hit good shots, try and make the putt and make a birdie.

“I saw (Martin) was climbing the leaderboard pretty quickly and I saw he was at 16 under for a while. I was at 17 for a while but I knew he had 18 left and was probably going to make a birdie. I couldn’t just make pars in and play simple golf. I still had to get after it and make a couple of birdies. My strategy didn’t change much at all. I still decided to go for it on 16 and still decided to hit it on the green on 18. I knew I had to close this thing out, I couldn’t just roll over.

“I grew up watching mostly the European Tour. There’s a lot of guys who played this week who I grew up watching. It’s cool to be a champion of this Tour, in Germany, in a place that… it’s not in Norway, but it’s close and has some of the same feelings of being home. It’s a huge honour and finally Norway has a win on the European Tour

Muhammad Ali’s grandson prepares for his first professional fight

Nico Ali Walsh is set to make his professional boxing debut in August with the fight promoted by legend Bob Arum

Nico Walsh is the son of Muhammad Ali’s youngest daughter Rasheda. The 20-year-old has signed for Top Rank, owned by his grandfather’s former promoter Bob Arum.

Walsh has already competed in 30 amateur fights and is set to begin his professional career on August 14th with the competitor yet to be decided. This will be the first of a multi-fight contract.

Arum promoted 27 of Ali’s bouts with the fight against Joe Fraser in 1975 one of the greatest in boxing history.

Muhammad ‘The Greatest’ Ali died in 2016 after he battled with Parkinson’s syndrome for more than 30 years.

“I am honored to continue the fighting legacy that my grandfather started,” said Walsh.

“It is a responsibility I don’t take lightly.”

He is not the only sports star in his family with his brother Baggio being an American football player.

Walsh will prepare for his first professional bout as he finishes his final year of study for a business degree.

He will have a very experienced backroom team with Sugarhill Steward as his second chief and Richard T Slone as his trainer.

Nico Walsh is a young boxer, and this could be the start of a career as great as his grandfather’s.

“To me, I was hanging out in the gym with my grandfather. Sometimes I have to remind myself that he’s everyone’s idol,” added Walsh.

Conor Murray makes it a Munster Threesome

Ireland Scrum-half Conor Murray has joined Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahony as Lions Captain for the remainder of the British and Lions tour of South Africa.

Murray (32), has admitted that he was surprised to be named captain after Welsh veteran Alun Wyn Jones has been ruled out of the tour from a dislocated shoulder.

The Lions are reeling from the devastating loss of Jones merely lasting seven minutes Saturday’s 28-10 victory over Japan at Murrayfield.

The Limerick man has been a leader for Ireland and Munster on and off the field and is the favourite to start against The Emirates Lions on Saturday.

A player with little to no experience with captaining his teams, Murray has big boots to fill with the loss of Jones.

“We’re all incredibly disappointed for Alun Wyn and Justin,” said Lions head coach Warren Gatland.

“The timing of these injuries seem particularly cruel given we fly to South Africa tomorrow, but unfortunately they’re part of the game.

“Alun Wyn will obviously be a big loss, both on and off the field, but will be ably replaced by Connor.

“Conor is an outstanding rugby player and is held in the highest regard with both the players and coaches. As a three-time Lions tourist, he knows what will be required as captain and I am certain he will lead the squad with excellence. He will also be well supported by an experienced leadership group.

When asked about his appointment to the captain of the group Murray said: “A little bit to be honest”.

Dillian Whyte’s Next Opponent In the Works

British heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte’s next opponent is in the works according to reports.

American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin has being touted as the next opponent for Dillian Whyte’s WBC interim title.

The current WBC interim heavyweight champion (Whyte) regained his number one contender spot in the WBC rankings after redeeming his shock KO loss to Povetkin in 2020 in their rematch.

The Brixton native is set to return to action in America this year.

Who is Jermaine Franklin?

Jermaine Franklin hails from Michigan USA, boasting an unbeaten 20-0 record, with 13 knockouts to his name.

Franklin’s last outing saw him defeat Czech Republic heavyweight 13-4-0 Pavel Sour in 2019.

He will be Whyte’s first fight back since March 2021, and Whyte’s second fight in America, winning by TKO against Malcolm Tann in 2017.

The undefeated American has spoken about the Englishman in the past when asked about the potential fight between the two.

Franklin confidently told Sky Sports about Whyte’s weaknesses.

”It is the punches that he leaves himself open for”

”I don’t want to say he has a glass chin because he took some shots. But if you can catch him at the right time, at the right moment, you will have a great effect on him.”

What Next For Whyte?

Whyte and Wilder have gone back and forth in recent weeks, alluding to their inevitable fight.

With the rubber match between WBC Champion Tyson Fury and former champion, Deontay Wilder set for July.

 

 

South Africa Cleared To Train After COVID Scare

The South African national rugby team have been cleared to train after three of their 46-man squad tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday.

Their match against Georgia on Friday is still scheduled to go ahead despite yesterday’s setback.

The Springboks have reported that fly-half Herschel Jantjies, one of the three who tested positive yesterday, has “subsequently been cleared and can return to training.”

South Africa is currently suffering from a third wave of COVID-19, led by the Delta variant and the country has entered Level 4 restrictions for 14 days in an attempt to combat it.

Under the Level 4 lockdown, all gatherings indoors and outdoors are prohibited and a curfew from 9 pm to 4 am has been put in place.

The lockdown will be in place until July 11 in the country.

However, the South African government announced this morning that all professional sports will go ahead but attendance for the Lions tests looks unlikely.

In a statement by SA Rugby, the quick return to training after the positive tests yesterday is down to “the strict precautionary measures taken by the team and the effective isolation protocols since the squad assembled.”

The Boks will announce their team to play Georgia on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the British and Irish Lions have landed in Johannesburg, South Africa ahead of the tour after all players called up were finally together following the end of domestic seasons across Europe.

The side beat Japan 28-10 at Murrayfield on Saturday in the first of their warm-up tests.

The province of Gauteng has been the region in South Africa hit hardest by the latest surge in cases.

Gauteng encompasses Johannesburg and Pretoria, meaning that the Lions flew into the epicentre of the outbreak.

Warren Gatland’s side will play five of their eight games on the tour in the region, including this Saturday’s fixture with South African club and soon-to-be United Rugby Championship members The Lions.

The three-match series between the reigning world champions and the British and Irish Lions starts on July 24.

Euro 2020: Will Hazard and De Bruyne miss the rest of the competition?

On Sunday evening, Belgium defeated Portugal 1-0 to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 but might be losing two of their best players to injury

Coming into the tournament, Belgium took the risk of bringing an unfit Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne recovering from a face injury.

The decision seemed perfect when De Bruyne showed his class assisting in the third game of the group stage. Hazard also fought back into the starting line-up and captained the side against Portugal.

The match against Ronaldo’s Portugal was a cagey and physical night in Seville. Eden’s brother Thorgan Hazard got the winning goal with a sweet strike in the first half.

Belgium boss, Roberto Martinez said after the game:

“It’s too early to say how they are doing. With Kevin, it’s the ankle, he couldn’t really turn in the second half. With Eden, it’s the muscle, but we have to wait for a diagnosis.”

How did they get injured?

The win was the end of the good news for Belgium as a foul on De Bruyne after half an hour forced him off minutes after halftime. Palhinha, in attempted to take the ball of the Belgian, his knee landed on De Bruyne’s ankle.

Later the substituted Belgian was seen with a large ice pack wrapped around his ankle. The 30-year-old was seen walking around on the pitch after the game, leaving the fans with some hope.

The same cannot be said for Hazard, while chasing down a Portuguese fullback, he pulled up with hamstring pain. He immediately signaled to come off and was replaced by Yannick Carrasco.

De Bruyne will be used to the recovery process having gotten surgery on his face after a block by Antonio Rudiger in the Champion’s League final.

“We’re going to need 48 hours to find out the extent of injuries. Kevin De Bruyne is the ankle, it was a really bad tackle. We don’t have a diagnosis from the medical department,” added Martinez

“Eden Hazard is more muscle. We will go back to Belgium tonight and have the scans tomorrow.”

 

Belgium will face Italy in the Euro 2020 quarterfinal at 20:00 on Friday 2nd June in Munich.

Conor McGregor To Sponsor Irish Youth MMA Team

Conor McGregor will sponsor the entire Irish youth team to participate in the 2021 International Mixed-Martial Arts Federation Youth MMA Championships.

IMMAF’s 2021 Youth MMA Championships for 12 to 18-year-old’s will take place in Bulgaria at the EFE Marinela from July 29th to August 1st.

The former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight champion’s coach and Irish Mixed-Martial Arts Association president John Kavanagh broke the news to the kids.

McGregor will cover the entry fees ad pay for the flights and accommodation of the 27 youths and 20 coaches that are travelling so that they can take part in the tournament.

‘The Notorious’ sent the kids a message after the announcement: “Wishing the Irish squad the very best of luck in their quest at the world championships this year! From the fighters to the coaches, I know the future of our fighting nation is in excellent hands! Fight with the pride of the Emerald Isle, team! We are all with you! Good luck!”

The group cannot qualify for any funding to represent Ireland as MMA is not yet officially recognised as a sport in this country.

Families had already started fundraising to ease the financial cost of the trip for the competitors and their coaches.

McGregor’s pledge eases the worries of those involved and allows those that deserve to go to the World Championships to travel.

IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said to the IMMAF website that “it’s fantastic news for all the athletes, coaches and the Irish MMA community that Conor has shown his passion for the sport in this way and is helping pave the way for the next ‘Conor’.

We at IMMAF are appreciative of Conor’s support of grassroots athlete development and his demonstration of support for John Kavanagh’s work in the MMA community, as President of the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association.

The value of this endorsement extends beyond the money in terms of the focus and sense of purpose it gives to the team. This is what IMMAF is all about, working in communities to deliver value from MMA for social good.”

The full list of youth athletes travelling to Bulgaria can be seen here.

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