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Video Highlights and Review – U21s Euro’s Quarter finals

The U21 European Championships is reaching its peak with Spain, Portugal, The Netherlands, and Germany set to play the semi-finals on Thursday the 3rd of June. 

Monday the 31st of May held an action-packed evening of young football talent as the quarterfinals of the competition held in Hungary and Slovenia commenced.

The four matches contained some serious prodigies in football such as Justin Kluivert and Ibrahim Konaté who were unlucky not to get the call up for their senior sides for the Euros later this month but still had a chance of winning silverware.

Over the years this competition has shown to be great steppingstone for up and coming players and has enhanced the reputations of stars like Asensio, Saul and William Carvalho in recent years.

Netherlands v France 

This match began with both sides showing bright attacking sparks with French defender Dayot Upamecano leaping highest to score from a corner in the 23rd minute.

France looked the more threatening team with Leeds stopper Meslier having little to do while Dutch keeper Bijlow proved very capable at keeping out French shots.

The Dutch found an equaliser six minutes into the second half as a mishit shot landed at the feet of Boadu with acres of space to place the ball into the corner.

France went straight back on the attack with Jonathon Ikoné as a skilful threat. The French would rue the great chances missed by Aouor and Edouard to win the game.

In added time, a Dutch counterattack let Kluivert pick out Boadu from a cross, the AZ Alkmaar forward made no mistake in lofting the ball past the helpless Meslier.

The Netherlands held on for a memorable victory in  Budapest as a very talented French side were knocked out.


Spain v Croatia

Spain approached the match in Maribor as clear favourites having had a team in both of the last two u21 Euro finals while the Croatian team needed a late winner against England to make it to the quarterfinals.

The Spanish quality was on full show as they dominated the majority of the game but struggled to convert chances past the Croatian keeper Semper.

It took until after the hour mark for Spanish substitute Puado to capitalise on a poorly cleared cross to give Spain the lead.

The game became slow as Spain felt they had the victory secured until in the fourth minute of added time when Croatian winger Majer went down in the box to a tug from Guillamon.

The referee signalled for a penalty which Croatian captain Ivanusec powered into the top left corner sending the game to extra time.

As the players grew tired in extra time, a long ball from Cucurella put Puado through on goal as he rounded the keeper and defenders to get his second goal and Spain’s winner.

Denmark v Germany

One of the games of the tournament took until the 69th minute before the deadlock was broken with 17-year-old Danish substitute Faghir finishing from a cross.

Germany were able to level the scoring with two minutes to play as Nmecha’s acrobatic shot beat Denmark’s keeper and the game went to extra time.

Burkardt gave Germany the lead 10 minutes into extra time as he chested down a cross and bolted a shot past Christensen. 

After the restart, a mazy run from Danish forward Isaksen led to him being fouled in the Germany box and Nelsson blasting home the resulting penalty.

Both teams had great chances to win the game in the last few moments, but the game would be decided by penalties. 

After 14 penalties were taken, Dahmen proved decisive saving two penalties for Germany and Paul Jaeckel scoring the winning kick to send the Germans to another U21 Euro’s semi-finals. 

Portugal v Italy

The scoring was opened in this eight-goal thriller by a wonderful bicycle kick shot by Dany Mota for Portugal in the 6th minute.

After half an hour Portugal doubled their lead with Mota’s second goal, powering a shot into the net after a corner kick routine.

Italy fought back just before half time as Pobega tapped home with Portugal sat flat footed for a corner. 

Ramos extended Portugal’s lead before the hour mark calmly placing a volley passed the outstretched Carnesecchi.

The match became a game of ping pong as within a minute Scamacca found a goal back for Italy, passing the ball into the net from a low cross.

Italy were desperate for an equaliser which came with two minutes left in play by Valencia striker, Patrick Cutrone, redirecting a cross passed the keeper’s near post.

Within a minute of extra time, Italy were down to ten men when Lovato was shown a second yellow for an elbow that forced Scamacca off the pitch injured.

Portugal remained the dominant side for the rest of the game with Jota and Conceicao finding the winning goals to send the Italy home and Portugal to the semi-finals. 

 

There is still a chance of a repeat of the 2019 and 2017 competitions as Spain and Germany have contested both finals. Spain have entered this competition as reigning champions. 

The semi-finals are set to be played on Thursday the 3rd of June with Spain facing off against Portugal and the Netherlands playing Germany.

Who Will Win Euro 2020?

Euro 2020 will begin in June 2021, which sounds absurd. Even though the prestigious football tournament was postponed last year because of the global pandemic, UEFA decided to keep the tournament’s name.

Presumably, they’d ordered and paid for too much merchandise to justify scrapping and replacing it with something that bears the correct date. We know that Ireland won’t be there after missing out on a place through the agony of a penalty shoot-out, and Northern Ireland won’t be there either. England, Scotland, and Wales have all made the cut, though. Could one of them walk away with the trophy, or will the winners come from further afield? 

With most players suffering the after-effects of effectively playing two domestic seasons back-to-back because of pandemic restrictions, and those same restrictions still playing havoc with the preparations of many countries, this looks like being the hardest Euros to predict in history. We’d probably feel safer betting our money on the “Football Star Deluxe” casino game than we would on betting on any of the entrants, such is the unpredictable nature of this year’s tournament. At least you know you’re putting your chances into the hands of fate when you are playing at popular online casinos. The problem with betting on football matches is that you can kid yourself that your knowledge might prove useful. Does it have to be that way, though? Can we give ourselves better odds of victory than the average casino player by taking a closer look at the leading contenders? Let’s give it a try, you can find some of the best UK betting sites reviewed at sistersite.co.uk

England

We’ll start with England just because they’re a home nation and their fans always like to believe they have a chance. With this squad, they genuinely might. England’s forward line ought to scare any defence in the world. Nobody in their right mind would relish the prospect of Harry Kane, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Mason Greenwood, and Phil Foden lining up against them. Foden, in particular, might be the best young player in the world right now. The question is whether manager Gareth Southgate will play to the team’s strengths. Southgate is a defensively-minded coach, and England’s defence is their weakness. The team doesn’t have a settled goalkeeper, and an injury to Harry Maguire has made a shaky backline even shakier. If England pushes forward, they could beat just about anybody if luck is on their side. If they hang back – which history tells us is what Southgate will want them to do – they’re unlikely to fulfil their potential. 

France

The French team that won the 2018 World Cup only appears to have got better since then. Kylian Mbappe, who was one of the stars of that tournament, has another three years of experience and looks deadly. Karim Benzema has finally returned to the fold and offers even more of a threat upfront. Paul Pogba always seems to turn up for France in a way that he struggles to emulate in England with Manchester United. There’s a question mark about Hugo Lloris in goal after a bad season with Spurs, but he’s got Raphael Varane in front of them. It will take a very, very good team to stop France winning the tournament. Perhaps nobody can. 

Portugal

The last time the Euros were held – which was five years ago now – Portugal finished as winners. The general perception of Portugal is that the team isn’t as strong as it was then. That’s not the same as saying they’re no longer a threat, though. They still have Cristiano Ronaldo, and even at 36, he’s still one of the best players on the planet. They also have Bruno Fernandes, who almost single-handedly dragged Manchester United into a Europa League Final and Champions League qualification this season. Although nobody really values the Nations League as a competition, Portugal has also won that trophy since its Euros triumph. They’re probably dark horses this time around, but dark horses sometimes win. 

Belgium

We all know how good Belgium are. They were semi-finalists at the 2018 World Cup and were probably unlucky not to make the final. This is a team that contains both Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. You can’t fail to score goals with de Bruyne putting the ball at Lukaku’s feet or on his head. Let’s not forget that they also have Eden Hazard, although both his form and his fitness appear to have deserted him since he left Chelsea for Real Madrid. Courtois is a reliable goalkeeper, too. Belgium has an astonishing amount of strength in depth for such a small country and is overdue to win major international honours. This could be the tournament in which their time finally comes. 

Italy

Never, ever, write off the Italians. They might have dropped off a little – perhaps more than a little – in the past decade, but this squad still contains Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, and Marco Verratti. They still have Bonucci and Chiellini at the back. Gianluigi Donnarumma is unlikely to give much away between the posts. Italian teams have a long history of winning when it matters most, and there’s only one tournament in the world that’s bigger than the Euros. More importantly, they’re coming into the tournament on the back of an unbeaten run that stretches back 25 games. They might not be as exciting to watch as the great Italian teams of the past, but they still pose a threat, and it’s one that ought to be taken seriously. 

Surprises are always possible at this tournament. We learned that when Greece famously went all the way in 2004. That being said, we’d be surprised if anyone other than one of the five teams we’ve named ends up victorious. You’ll notice that we’ve left Spain and Germany out, and with good reason. The Spanish team that won the World Cup in 2010 has gone backwards at speed since then, with no real goal threat and a squad that doesn’t contain a single Real Madrid player. Germany recently lost to Macedonia and appear to be out of both time and ideas under departing boss Joachim Low. If either of them wins it, we’ll look like fools, but stranger things have happened. Soon, though, the talking will be over. The tournament is upon us, and we can’t wait to get started! 

 

Toronto Maple Leafs Hoping Veterans can Lead the way to Stanley Cup Glory

Considering it seems the Toronto Maple Leafs have been around since the invention of electricity it’s hard to fathom that Joe Thornton just became the franchise’s all-time oldest goalscorer. He entered the team’s record book on April 24th by finding the back of the net in a 4-1 away victory over the Winnipeg Jets at the ripe old age of 41 years and 296 days. This broke the previous record set by Allan Stanley in 1967-68 when the relative youngster was 41 years and 252 days of age.

 

Scoring goals and racking up assists is nothing new for Thornton though as he’s currently the active NHL scoring leader with 424 goals and 1,524 points in 1,673 regular-season games to rank 14th all-time. In fact, he reached another milestone during a 4-1 win in Montreal over the Canadiens on April 28th when he earned his 1,100th assist to help the Leafs clinch a playoff spot. He became just the seventh NHL’er to reach the milestone alongside Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, Ron Francis, Jaromir Jagr, Mark Messier and Ray Bourque. 

 

This isn’t to say the oldtimer is burning up the league this season as he had four goals and 15 points in 37 games and had missed several weeks of action due to injury. Still, he’s doing the job he was acquired to do when the Leafs signed him to a one-year $700,000 deal as a free agent before the season began. Thornton was basically brought into the fold to provide some veteran leadership and to contribute while playing limited minutes per night.

 

Thornton realizes he’s past his peak when it comes to accumulating points as his goal against Winnipeg was his first in 28 games. But he still has a lot to offer both on and off the ice. And if any team is in need of leadership it could be argued that the Leafs rank right at the top. This is a club that features some of the NHL’s brightest young stars in Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch Marner and also boasts veteran presence and scoring in John Tavares. However, the franchise hasn’t won a playoff round since 2003-04. 

 

In case you haven’t heard, the Leafs, who were founded in 1917, last won the Stanley Cup in 1966-67 and currently possess the longest cup-winning drought in the NHL. The squad failed to make the postseason last year as they were downed in the maximum five games by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the qualifying round. However, they did reach the postseason the previous three seasons, only to be sent golfing after the very first round, much the same as what happened in 2012-13 when they blew a 4-1 lead in Boston in game seven with 10 minutes to play.     

 

It might be a stretch to say if it wasn’t for bad luck the Leafs would have no luck at all. But the franchise can only blame itself for its shortcomings over the years. The lack of leadership was meant to be addressed by the addition of Thornton and fellow veteran forward Jason Spezza and so far it’s paid off. Spezza has been contributing offensively and also leads by example and has chipped in with 10 goals and 26 points in 47 games. Spezza recently picked up his 966th career regular-season point to tie the legendary Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard to rank number 100 on the league’s all-time scoring list. 

 

But even though Thornton and Spezza are meant to push the Leafs over the edge in the race to the Stanley Cup, they’ve yet to taste champagne from the famous mug themselves as of yet. Neither of them has skated on a cup-winning team but Thornton has posted 31 goals and 133 points in 179 career playoff contests while Spezza has registered 25 goals and 70 points in 85 outings. Spezza was one of the best Leafs in last season’s postseason disappointment and the 6-foot-4-inch, 220 lb Thornton typically provides a physical edge to his game in the playoffs.    

 

With Thornton and Spezza typically playing together on the team’s third or fourth line, Leafs’ coach Sheldon Keefe is hoping they can raise the squad’s emotion and effort level once the postseason arrives. The club also added more physical presence in the offseason by signing fellow veteran forward Wayne Simmonds and recently acquired forward Nick Foligno from the Columbus Blue Jackets but it still may not be enough if the youngsters don’t follow their lead. 

 

Even with the additions to the lineup the team ranks 28th out of 31 when it comes to hits per game at just 17.23. It’s an improvement over last season when they ranked 29th with 16.72 hits per outing but it’s probably not going to cut it once the playoffs start. Unless the team’s young stars can raise their game to a more determined physical level and play with more energy the Stanley Cup drought will likely continue.

 

The team’s goaltending situation will also determine how far Toronto goes in the playoffs as regular-starter Frederik Andersen is still sidelined with an injury. But even when he has played he’s often been blamed by the club’s fans for their early postseason exits. Jack Campbell has been filling in admirably in the regular season but has never played an NHL playoff game while fellow goalies Dave Rittich and Michael Hutchinson have appeared in just one and four respectively. 

 

The road to the Stanley Cup isn’t paved with gold for the Leafs this season but it is the easiest it’s been in years. The team is playing in arguably the weakest division in the NHL in 2020-21 as it consists of the seven Canadian-based franchises. The team which emerges from the North Division will already be halfway to the cup and in the semifinals. 

 

But only time will tell how much of an effect Thornton, Spezza, Simmonds and Foligno actually had on the rest of the team.  

Galway 1-15 Dublin 2-16

Allianz Football League Division 1, round 3

Sunday 30th May 2021. St. Jarlath’s Park, Tuam

Referee: Brian Cawley (Kildare)

Galway 1-15 Dublin 2-16
Pre-match:

Given the truncated nature of this season’s league a win for either side would seal a place in the semi-finals. For Dublin a draw would suffice after last weeks shoutout against Kerry. While a defeat would send the loser into a relegation play-off against Armagh or Monaghan.

Prior to the game Galway were dealt a blow when It was revealed that Daimen Comer is set for another spell on the sidelines after picking up a hand injury. Finian Ó Laoi started in the no.26 shirt and Tom Flynn was promoted to the bench. Kieran Molloy started instead of Eammon Brannigan.

Dublin named just a single change in the team announced earlier in the week. Jonny Copper coming into the side for John Small. However, there were more alterations before the ball was thrown in. Michael Sheil started between the posts, while further out the field Pedar O’Coffey Byrne started as did Colm Basquel. 

First-Half

Galway elected to play against a strong wind in the opening half. Peter Cooke got Galway off to a fine start and a Paul Conway effort extended their lead to two. Points from Cormac Costello and a Brain Fenton mark levelled things up. Shortly after Galway spurned a great goal opportunity. Matthew Tieney’s initial effort was blocked and Sean Kelly’s tame effort was stopped on line by Eoin Murchan. Subsequently Niall Scully won a turn-over in midfield and a few phases later Colm Basqual level the game at two apiece.

Robert Finnerty and Ciaran Kilkenny exchanged scores, before a Shane Walsh 45’ gave Galway a single point lead at the first water break.

Water break: Galway 0-04 Dublin 0-03

Paul Conroy with a fine point off his left. Photo credit: Shane Tighe

Cormac Costello levelled things up again on the restart. Colm Basquel’s second of the day edged Dublin ahead for the first time. Galway, however, responded quickly, to restore parity with a Shane Walsh free. It just crept over the bar, off the hands of Dublin keeper Michael Sheil.

A super point from the left hand side from Kilkenny nudged the Dubs back in front once more. Then Jonny Cooper dragged a shot across the face of goal for an uncharacteristic wide. Con O’Callaghan extended Dublin’s lead, as the black clouds descended in Tuam. However, a few light drops of rain never developed into the shower that threatened. 

The same could be said of the game, as when Dublin eased into a two point lead, they failed to kick-on. A Shane Walsh 45′ after Robert Finnerty’s initial effort was blocked cut the gap to a single score. A  fine turnover from Jack Glynn led to a sparkling break from Shane Walsh. The Kilkerrin/Clonberne man took the ball from deep and ran 40 yards, to kick a fine score to level matters. Cormac Costello edged Dublin ahead again after a disputed point. The Tuam venue lacked the technology to verify Bernard Powers vocal claims that the ball had sailed wide. No hawk eye here Sham! 

Referee Brendan Cawley of Kildare brandished the first yellow of the day to Peadar O’Coffey Byrne for a frontal foul on Peter Cooke. Shane Walsh’s free levelled it up again at the break. 

Half-time: Galway 0-08 Dublin 0-08

Dublin, as they have done so many times before, took over in the third quarter. From the restart the held the ball around the edge of the 45’ yard line for almost three minutes. They poked and probed for an opening, before Cormac Costello kicked them back in front. That slender lead soon grew to four points. As from the resulting kick-out Bernard Power failed to find a Galway shirt. The ball was worked back in to Niall Scully. His initial effort was stopped by Power, however, Con O’Callaghan was on hand to tap home.

Galway tried to cut the arrears. Cormac Costello and Shane Walsh traded scores twice. Costello fisted over one of those, while both of Walsh’s came from placed balls. Con O’Callaghan landed another score prior to the water break.

Second water break: Galway 0-11 Dublin 1-13

On resumption of play Dylan McHugh and Brian Fenton exchanged scores. Galway found an avenue back into the game with a lightning quick counter-attack goal. A Ciarán Kilkenny fisted effort came back off the upright at the Tierboy end of the ground. Kieran Molloy reacted quickest and carried the ball out to the left sideline, a swift kick pass found Paul Conroy. Who, in turn, boomed the ball into the edge of the square at the town end. Matthew Tierney got in behind Jonny Cooper and flicked the ball past Sheil in the Dublin goal.

A Cormac Costello free at the other end made the margin three points again. A ninth point from Walsh narrowed that lead. Then Ciarán Kilkenny fisted over again to restore Dublin’s margin again with ten to go. 

Cormac Costello kicking his sixth point of the day. Photo credit: Shane Tighe

Kieran Molloy was booked for a drag back on the almost un-markable Kilkenny. Cormac Costello uncharacteristically blazed the free wide. Peter Cooke kicked a fine point to give Galway hope with five to go. It was Cooke’s last act, as Tom Flynn was introduced off the bench before the kickout. 

Both managers introduced plenty of fresh legs for the last five minutes. Possession was squandered by both teams before late in injury time one of the Dublin subs, Aaron Byrne rifled a bullet of a shot from the lefthand side into the top right-hand corner of the net to add a gloss to the scoreline from a Dublin perspective. A Shane Walsh free left the final margin at four points. Dublin now advance to a semi-final against Donegal, while Galway must travel to Inniskean to face Monaghan in a relegation decider.

Full-time: Galway 1-15 Dublin 2-16
Teams

Galway: 1.Bernard Power, 2.Sean Kelly, 3.Seán Mulkerrin, 4.Jack Glynn, 5.Liam Silke, 6 Dylan McHugh (0-1), 20.Kieran Molloy, 8.Peter Cooke (0-2), 9.Paul Conroy (0-1), 10.Paul Kelly, 26. Finian Ó Laoi, 12.Eamonn Brannigan, 13.Matthew Tierney (1-0), 14.Shane Walsh (0-10: 4f,4 45′), 15.Robert Finnerty (0-1).

Subs: 12.Eammon Brannigan (for Paul Kelly 45′), 16.Connor Gleeson, 17.Johnny Duane (Molloy 64′), 18. Gary O’Donnell, 19. Ciaran Potter (Glynn inj. 45′) , 21.Mattius Barrett (O’Laoi 52′), 22.Ronan Steede, 23.Liam Costello, 24.Dessie Connelly, 25.Tomo Culhane (Finnerty 60′), 26.Tomas Flynn (Cooke 64′).

Dublin: 16.Michael Shiel, 2.Michael Fitzsimons, 3.David Byrne, 22.Eric Lowndes, 4.Séan MacMahon, 5.Eoin Murchan, 6. Jonny Cooper, 7.Robert McDaid, 8.Brian Fenton(0-2,1m), 9.James McCarthy, 11.Con O’Callaghan (1-3), 12.Niall Scully, 17.Colm Basquel (0-2), 14.Ciarán Kilkenny, 15.Cormac Costello (0-6,1f).

Subs: 1.Evan Comerford, 7.Robert McDaid (McMahon,10.Tom Lahiff (Cooper 70′) , 18.Ryan Basquel, 19.Seán Bulger (O Cofaigh Byrne 50′), 20.Aaron Byrne (1-0), 21.Brian Howard, 23.Philip McMahon, 24.Dara Mullin (Scully 65′), 25.Cian Murphy, 26.Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne.

RTG Slots Released in 2021

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RealTime Gaming is a very old company, at least in terms of iGaming, as it was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, all the way back in 1998. However, the ban of online gambling in the USA has forced the company’s owners to switch their location, so they’ve relocated RTG to Costa Rica. It’s from this seat of operations that RealTime Gaming has made some of the best games on the market.

Best RTG slots

Several RTG slots have been published in 2021, and that you can play on the best slot website:

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There’s Fun to be Had Playing New RTG Slots

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Weekend GAA Fixtures, Live scores & Results

We have the weekend club Gaelic Football and Hurling fixtures featuring Dublin, Galway, Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Roscommon, Limerick, Wexford & Tipperary.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE GAA SCORES AND COMMENTARY

Saturday 5 June 

Allianz Hurling Division 1 Group A round 4
Limerick v Cork, LIT Gaelic Grounds, 7.15pm – RTE/eir Sports

Allianz Hurling Division 1 Group B round 4
Antrim v Wexford, Corrigan Park, 3pm – TG4
Dublin v Clare, Parnell Park, 5.15pm – eir Sports

Allianz v Division 2A round 4
Kerryv Wicklow, Austin Stack Park, 4pm

Sunday 6 June 

Allianz Hurling Division 1 Group A round 4
Westmeath v Tipperary, TEG Cusack Park, 2pm – TG4 player
Galway v Waterford, Pearse Stadium, 3.45pm – TG4

Allianz Hurling Division 1 Group B round 4
Kilkenny v Laois, UPMC Nowlan Park, 1.45pm – TG4

Allianz Hurling Division 2A round 4
Meath v Carlow, Páirc Tailteann, 2pm
Offaly v Down, Birr 2pm

Allianz HL Division 2B round 4
Derry v Donegal, Celtic Park, 2pm
Roscommon v Kildare, Dr Hyde Park, 2pm

Allianz HL Division 3B round 4
Louth v Fermanagh, Darver, 2pm
Leitrim v Cavan, Avantcard, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 2pm

Saturday 12 June 

Allianz FL Division 1 semi-finals
Donegal v Dublin, Kingspan Breffni, 7.15pm – TG4
Kerry v Tyrone, Fitzgerald Stadium, 5pm – TG4

Allianz FL Division 2 relegation play-off
Down v Laois, Pairc Esler, 6.15pm – GAAGO
Cork v Westmeath, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 2pm – GAAGO

Allianz FL Division 3 semi-finals
Derry v Limerick, Carrick-on-Shannon, 4pm – GAAGO
Offaly v Fermanagh, Bord na Monda O’Connor Park, 6pm – GAAGO

Allianz FL Division 3 relegation play-off
Cavan v Wicklow, Pairc Tailteann, 2pm – GAAGO

Allianz FL Division 4 semi-final
Carlow v Louth, Netwatch Dr Cullen Park, 4pm – GAAGO

Allianz HL Division 1 Group B round 5
Clare v Kilkenny, Cusack Park, 3pm
Antrim v Laois, Corrigan Park, 3pm
Wexford v Dublin, Chadwicks Wexford Park 3pm

Allianz HL Division 2B round 5
Derry v Roscommon, Celtic Park, 2pm
Mayo v Kildare, Elverys MacHale Park, 2pm

Allianz HL Division 2B round 4
Longford v Monaghan, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park 2pm
Tyrone v Sligo, Healy Park, Omagh 2pm

Sunday 13 June 

Allianz FL Division 1 relegation play-off
Armagh v Roscommon, Athletic Grounds, 3pm – GAAGO
Monaghan v Galway, Clones, 3.45pm – TG4

Allianz FL Division 2 semi-finals
Clare v Mayo, Cusack Park, 1.45pm – TG4
Kildare v Meath, Newbridge, 2pm – GAAGO

Allianz FL Division 3 relegation play-off
Longford v Tipperary, Glennon Bros Pearse Park, 3.45pm – GAAGO

Allianz FL Division 4 semi-final
Waterford v Antrim, Fraher Field, 12.15pm – GAAGO

Allianz FL Division 4 shield final
Sligo v Wexford, Portlaoise, 3pm – GAAGO

Allianz HL Division 1 Group A round 5
Westmeath v Limerick, TEG Cusack Park, 1.45pm
Cork v Galway, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 1.45pm
Waterford v Tipperary, Walsh Park, 1.45pm

Allianz HL Division 2A round 5
Down v Meath, Ballycran 1pm
Carlow v Kerry, Netwatch Cullen Park, 1pm
Wicklow v Offaly, Aughrim 1pm

Tongan International Leva Fifita set to sign for Connacht Rugby

Reports in French media suggest that Leva Fifita has decided to leave the Grenoble and will join up with Connacht Rugby next season.

Fifita had been offered a two-year contract extension by Grenoble but it’s suggested he activated the departure clause on Thursday. The second row will join Connacht, where he will meet up with his Grenoble coach Dewald Senekal who was announced as the new forwards coach at Connacht next season.

The 31-year-old Tongan international (19 caps) arrived in France from New Zealand club Waikato in 2017, and has since played 65 matches, and scored 40 points scored for Grenoble.

Fifita was part of the Tongan squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and he is also an older brother of Vaea Fifita who plays lock for the Hurricanes and New Zealand.

TRY against Perpignan last season.

Here is an interview after he came back from the 2019 World Cup

LEVA FIFITA
Tonga
Full name Salesi Halaleva Lapota Fifita
Born July 29, 1989, Neiafu, Vava’u
Current age 31 years 303 days
Major teams Grenoble, Waikato, Tonga
Position Lock
Height 6 ft 4 in
Weight 264 lb

 

Test Career
Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Won Lost Draw %
All Tests 2017-2019 19 19 0 15 3 0 0 0 6 13 0 31.57
IRB Rugby World Cup 2019-2019 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 25.00

Anselmo García McNulty and Bosun Lawal called into Ireland under-21 squad

Ciaran Brennan and John Joe Patrick Finn Benoa dropped out during the week.

Wolfsburg centre-back Anselmo García McNulty and Watford midfielder Bosun Lawal have been called up to the Ireland under-21 squad for the fixtures starting this Sunday. They replace Sheffield Wednesday centre-back Ciaran Brennan and Getafe midfielder John Joe Patrick Finn Benoa who dropped out of the squad during the week.

“I had a very positive conversation with John Joe and from that discussion it was clear the appropriate thing to do was to allow him to put his full focus into his upcoming exams,” under-21 boss Jim Crawford was quoted via the FAI website. 

“He was very excited by the call-up and is looking forward to being involved in the Irish set-up in the near future. 

“Unfortunately, Ciaran Brennan hasn’t been able to make the trip as he’s sick and we wish him a speedy recovery.   

“We decided to bring in Bosun, who has done very well at Watford’s academy this season, and Anselmo García McNulty who likewise has performed well for Wolfsburg this campaign. It’s an opportunity for both players to impress in training.”  

As stated by Crawford, both players had highly impressive seasons for their clubs this season.

Lawal was recently awarded Watford Academy Player of the Season after a stellar campaign for the under-18s and under-23s. Given Watford’s promotion to the Premier League for next season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the soon-to-be 18-year-old involved during the course of the campaign.

García McNulty’s performances and development have seen him linked with Eintracht Frankfurt in recent weeks. However, Jorg Schmadtke – sporting director of Wolfsburg – has denied those rumours, instead suggesting that the 18-year-old could train with the first team/go out on loan next season.

The under-21s are set to play 3 friendly games. The first game comes against Switzerland this Sunday, after that they take on Australia the following the Wednesday and the final fixture is being played against Denmark on Saturday.

All fixtures will be televised on Premier Sports/Free Sports with the games against Switzerland and Australia being shown live while the Denmark fixture will be shown in full later in the day.

The squad in full is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Sam Blair (Norwich City), Brian Maher (Bray Wanderers), Dan Rose (Schalke 04).
Defenders: Anselmo García McNulty (VFL Wolfsburg), Festy Ebosele (Derby County), Shane Flynn (Leicester City), Andy Lyons (Bohemians), Oisin McEntee (Newcastle United), Mark McGuinness (Arsenal), Lewis Richards (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Sean Roughan (Lincoln City).
Midfielders: Bosun Lawal (Watford), Luca Connell (Celtic), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Dawson Devoy (Bohemians), Alex Gilbert (Brentford), Conor Grant (Rochdale), Ryan Johansson (Sevilla), Conor Noß (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Louie Watson (Derby County).
Forwards: Jonathan Afolabi (Celtic), Will Ferry (Southampton), Joshua Kayode (Rotherham United), Colm Whelan (University College Dublin), Tyreik Wright (Aston Villa).

Could There be a Measure Of Magic from Johnny Murtagh at Royal Ascot?

Johnny Murtagh had more than 40 Royal Ascot winners during his illustrious career in the saddle, but one race he never got the opportunity to ride in before retiring as a jockey in 2014 was the Commonwealth Cup. 

He has a live contender in training at his Coolaghknock yard for this year’s running of the six-furlong Group 1 sprint for three-year-olds, however, in Measure Of Magic. A daughter of the up-and-coming sire Kodi Bear, this filly has back-to-back wins at Listed level on her side of the Irish Sea this season.

Measure Of Magic, a fine third in the Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes during the St Leger Festival at Doncaster last autumn on her only previous British start, delighted her trainer when following-up on her successful return to action at Navan. Success in the Polonia Stakes punched her ticket to Royal Ascot.

“I think we’ll give [it] a go in the Commonwealth Cup,” said Murtagh after her second win of the campaign at Cork. “Ben [Coen, her jockey] said she has really learned how to sprint now, and she deserves a shot at a big one.”

With 2000 Guineas third Lucky Vega set to stay over a mile in his next assignment, Measure Of Magic is actually the leading Irish contender for Commonwealth Cup glory from the early closing entries, according to the ante-post betting. The jump from Listed level to a Group 1, even in an age-restricted race, is big but that doesn’t seem to faze Murtagh.

Measure Of Magic could run again before Royal Ascot too. She holds an entry in the Group 3 Ballyogan Stakes, a six-furlong sprint also open to older fillies and mares at the Curragh on 2 June. That is just over a fortnight before the royal meeting, but Murtagh wasn’t afraid of turning her out quickly with a mere dozen days between her first and second runs this term.

Wesley Ward’s American raider Campanelle, a half-sister to Measure Of Magic and winner of the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at the meeting last year, is already among Royal Ascot day 4 tips and predictions given by experts for the Commonwealth Cup. She is also the favourite with her trainer always targeting transatlantic runners at Britain’s major Flat festival.

Irish runners haven’t fared that well in the Commonwealth Cup since its introduction in 2015, however. Just one winner of the race to date has been trained in the Emerald Isle, and that was Caravaggio for Ballydoyle maestro Aidan O’Brien back in 2017 after a couple placed third in the first two runnings.

Forever In Dreams took second spot behind Advertise in the Commonwealth Cup of 2019 for the much smaller stable of Kilfeacle handler Aidan Fogarty. As a filly, Measure Of Magic will receive a 3lb sex allowance and that makes a difference. Three fillies have placed in this race before.

For the JP Murtagh Racing Club syndicate who own Measure Of Magic, this is about more than just a day at the races. They will be looking for a bold show from a filly trained in the same stables that produced Champers Elysees to Group 1 glory last season.

Patrick Bamford should have been included in Euro squad

Irish-eligible striker Patrick Bamford missed out on selection for England’s 33-man provisional squad ahead of the European Championships next month.

Gareth Southgate selected 10 attackers in the draft squad – nine of whom had less goal involvements than Bamford in the Premier League this season. The Leeds United star can feel aggrieved after a 17-goal season in the Premier League as he spearheaded Marcelo Bielsa’s blistering Leeds attack.

The 27-year-old bagged more this season than he had in any other as his goals helped lead the newly promoted Leeds to a ninth-place finish. The striker is yet to receive an English cap in his career – an achievement many felt he was going to earn this summer.

Now may be a good time for Stephen Kenny to rethink his stance on the ‘granny rule’ and maybe Bamford may reconsider his dream of playing for England. Three strikers were chosen ahead of Bamford –Tottenham’s Golden Boot winner Harry Kane, Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Bamford outscored the latter duo across the league campaign while also racking up seven assists. Ollie Watkins managed five assists with his 14 goals while Calvert-Lewin failed to register one to go with his 16 goals.

The Leeds number nine made his way up the scoring charts at the same rate as Everton’s number nine with a goal every two games. Harry Kane is the only one of the three Bamford could not compete against – England’s frontman finished top scorer and top playmaker for the 20/21 season on 23 goals and 14 assists. Paddy Power sign up offers would have been nice backing him to score over 15 goals his season at 3/1

However, Bamford also took more shots than Calvert-Lewin and Watkins during the campaign with his shots being less accurate when compared to those chosen ahead of him.

He converted 19% of his opportunities on goal – the worst conversion rate of the four strikers in question. The Southgate snub missed 21 big chances in the league this season, two more than any other player and four more than Calvert-Lewin, the highest of the three England stars.

Yet, these statistics do not paint the full picture of a player. Lyon attacker Karl Toko-Ekambi averaged a conversion rate of 20% from 70 shots in Ligue 1 this season with a rate of five shots per goal. Toko-Ekambi’s role in the Lyon set-up involves more than just goals though.The Cameroonian is tasked with defensive responsibilities such as breaking up opposition play high up the pitch and starting counterattacks and does his job well.

His 1.4 key passes per game reflect his importance in the final third for his club.Marcelo Bielsa’s first-choice striker doubles as a playmaker for Leeds and made 1.2 key passes per game this season. Calvert-Lewin and Watkins made more passes on average but not enough key passes to outdo Bamford. Bamford provides similar numbers to Toko-Ekambi at a more efficient rate, attempting 12 less passes per game.

Over in Italy, Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a whopping 29 goals to collect the Capocannoniere this season but missed 27 big chances along the way. The Portuguese forward is not weighed down by this statistic, but Bamford’s number is held against him online. The fact that a player can get into such a position for a big chance to be possible should be praised.

If Patrick Bamford were able to get into a position where he could score 38 times in a season – once a game – then that is something that should be applauded, especially if he scores on 17 of those occasions.

These 17 goals have come from an expected goals figure of 19.34, proving that Bamford is under-performing. But he is not ‘under-performing to the extent many believe – his chances throughout the season meant he should have scored around 20 goals and he did.

Bamford’s 17 goals translate to 10 points that were necessary for Leeds’ top-half finish. Adding the seven assists and his ever-presence at the tip of the Leeds frontline only serves as further compliments to his playstyle. It is not just the numbers that flatters Patrick Bamford – his movement and distribution has been of a high quality this season.

The striker drifts away from defenders often in games and tends to stay close-by when one of Leeds’ other attackers are in on goal so he can pounce on the opportunity for a tap-in. His runs are smart in both timing and positioning, frequently choosing to break away from the opposition back line at the last moment after previously moving away from his marker.

The uncapped Englishman has racked up only 18 offsides, 15 less than Ollie Watkins managed and as many as Calvert-Lewin in five more games. This facet of his game has been crucial when it comes to his goalscoring. However, his ability in the air does not compare to his counterparts with only 1.2 aerial duels won per game.

Ollie Watkins wins more duels than Bamford contests per game while Calvert-Lewin’s role at Everton revolves around his aerial prowess. Regardless, his quality in the attacking third, especially in a front line alongside wingers, is nothing to scoff at. 

His importance in the Leeds United line up extends beyond the execution of his chances into a role that improves the attacking ability of the side. Most national sides would be drooling over a striker who has just enjoyed a 17-goal season but for Bamford, this is not the case. Bamford’s dream of earning a cap for the English national team has escaped him once again, but it should be over by now.

Gareth Southgate made his move – Stephen Kenny is up next.

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