Portugal 0 – 0 France

Portugal 0 – 0 France


Theo Hernandez struck the winning penalty for France after Portugal’s Joao Felix had hit a post in the shootout following a 0-0 draw to send Didier Deschamps’ side into a Euro 2024 semi-final with Spain.

There were no tears this time from Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been overcome by emotion during Portugal’s last-16 win over Slovenia, but, despite converting his own spot-kick, the 39-year-old’s final Euros campaign ended in defeat. He was left to console outstanding 41-year-old team-mate Pepe at the end of it all.

Ronaldo was on the fringes for much of the cagey contest, although both sides will feel they could have won it in the second half of normal time. France’s Mike Maignan produced two sharp stops to keep out Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha before smothering Ronaldo’s follow-up backheel, while Randal Kolo Muani saw his shot blocked by Ruben Dias at the other end before Eduardo Camavinga scuffed beyond the far post from close range.

Impact sub Ousmane Dembele grazed a post in the final moments of the 90 but extra-time saw these recent European champions err on the side of caution. A half-chance for Ronaldo was hacked over as Pepe and Dayot Upamecano celebrated blocks like goals.

France yet to score from open play

France have reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals without scoring a single open play goal. Their goals have come from two own goals and a penalty.

The major talking point of that extra period was Kylian Mbappe coming off at half-time, having sustained a blow to his face earlier in the match. France’s star man – masked and nursing that broken nose – must have been in serious discomfort to step off the pitch before the shootout but his compatriots were perfect from 12 yards.

Joao Felix was the only player to miss, whacking his effort against an upright, which presented Hernandez with the chance to send France into the final four and a showdown with Spain in Munich on Tuesday.

Analysis: Ronaldo centre stage again – but was this his curtain call?

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Cristiano Ronaldo takes on Theo Hernandez

Even with superstar Kylian Mbappe on the pitch, attention is drawn towards Cristiano Ronaldo. His penalty shootout spot-kick summed up the theatre which surrounds him. The dramatic intake of breath. The staggered run-up. And the big celebration when he impressively thumped the ball in.

But while he may have played his part in Portugal’s two shootouts in the knockout stages of these Euros, his contributions during normal play have been less convincing. He was isolated here and spurned the half-chances when they did come his way.

Ronaldo goes goalless

For the first time in his career, Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to score at a major international tournament. He had scored at the other 10 he had played in.

With Portugal failing to link up in the final third, Goncalo Ramos – who famously scored a hat-trick when he replaced Ronaldo as a starter at the World Cup – and Diogo Jota were sat on the bench presumably wondering when they would get a go. The nod from Roberto Martinez never came.

The Portugal manager stood by Ronaldo until the very last. And perhaps this will be the final time we see him at a major tournament. His final Euros has ended without an in-game goal and a demonstration – to observers from outside the Portugal camp at least – that it is time to move on to the next generation.

Team news

  • Portugal were unchanged from the shootout win over Slovenia, with Cristiano Ronaldo again leading the line.
  • Randal Kolo Muani made his first start of the tournament in place of Marcus Thuram, while Eduardo Camavinga took Adrien Rabiot’s place in midfield.

Stats: Story of the match

Who plays who in the semi-finals?

Sir Mark Cavendish makes cycling history at Tour de France with record-breaking 35th stage win

Sir Mark Cavendish makes cycling history at Tour de France with record-breaking 35th stage win


Sir Mark Cavendish has won a record-breaking 35th career Tour de France stage win with victory on stage five in Saint-Vulbas.

Three years after matching Eddy Merckx on 34 during the 2021 Tour, Cavendish moved clear of the Belgian to stand alone in Tour history.

The 39-year-old came off the wheel of Fabio Jakobsen in the finale and had the power to hold off Jasper Philipsen.

Cavendish’s Astana-Qazaqstan bossed the front of the peloton for much of the final 30km of the 177km stage from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne but in the finale the Manxman used his years of experience to surf the wheels before powering clear of his rivals.

He left behind his lead-out man Michael Morkov and moved behind Philipsen and then Jakobsen, before spying space on the left-hand side of the road and bursting clear.

“I’m in a little bit of disbelief,” Cavendish said. “I put a big gamble on this year to make sure we were here, at the Tour de France. It’s a big gamble for my boss [Astana Qazaqstan team manager Alexander Vinokourov] and the team to do. You have to go all-in. And we’ve done it.

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Cavendish breaks the record previously held jointly with Belgian legend Eddy Merckx

“How we built the team, what we’ve done with equipment, every little detail has been put towards specifically today. We didn’t nail it as a team as we wanted to do. But the boys improvised and got me in the best position and I was able to win.”

How Cavendish bounced back to make history

Cavendish postponed his planned retirement after crashing out of last year’s Tour, with his Astana-Qazaqstan team going all-in on ‘Project 35’ ahead of this year’s race.

His victory comes just four days after Cavendish struggled mightily in the heat of a punishing opening stage out of Florence, vomiting on the bike in concerning scenes, and two days after he missed the opportunity to contest stage three after being caught behind a late crash in Turin.

Cavendish’s four stage wins in 2021 counted as one of sport’s great comeback stories, his first victories at the Tour in five years after a period of time marked by illness and injury which contributed to a diagnosis of depression.

Even since those wins three years ago, Cavendish has endured more difficulty, only signing a last-minute deal with Astana-Qazaqstan ahead of the 2023 season after the collapse of another move, then seeing last year’s Tour end abruptly on stage eight.

Cavendish’s wife Peta and their children were waiting at the team bus and joined in exuberant celebrations.

Britain's sprinter Mark Cavendish celebrates after winning a record 35th Tour de France stage win to break the record of Belgian legend Eddy Merckx during during the fifth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 177.4 kilometers (110.2 miles) with start in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and finish in Saint-Vulbas, France, Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (Thomas Samson/Pool Photo via AP)
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Cavendish celebrated with his family immediately after his victory

His first Tour stage win came in 2008 on stage five, Cholet to Châteauroux and was quickly followed by three more wins in that year’s edition. Since then, Cavendish has continued to rack up wins over a total of 10 Tour de Frances.

Cavendish ‘one of our greatest sportsmen’

Great Britain Cycling Team Performance Director, Stephen Park CBE, said: “On behalf of British Cycling I would like to congratulate Sir Mark on a truly outstanding achievement.

“It goes without saying that Mark is one of the greatest British riders of all time, and to cap off his final season of racing with another victory at the sport’s biggest race is a fitting final chapter in a glittering career.

“We have been proud to support Mark from his early days on the Great Britain Cycling Team academy to his final Tour de France, and this is an incredibly special day for the coaches, support staff, fellow riders and fans who have all played a role in his journey.

“Mark’s long and storied career, his passion for the sport and his tenacious pursuit for excellence make him a real inspiration for the next generation of bike riders looking to follow in his footsteps.

“He is one of our country’s truly great sportsmen and sporting personalities, and it has been a privilege to have watched him reign supreme for all these years.”

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France 1 – 0 Belgium

France 1 – 0 Belgium


France left it late as they laboured to a 1-0 victory against Belgium to book their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

With the game heading for extra-time, Randel Kolo Muani was France’s hero as his 85th minute strike deflected off defender Jan Vertonghen and past goalkeeper Koen Casteels to seal victory.

France controlled possession for much of the contest and went closest to breaking the deadlock either side of half-time through Marcus Thuram and Aurelien Tchouameni, while Kylian Mbappe also threatened with some dazzling footwork – but his finishing was off colour as France struggled to test Casteels.

Belgium could have won the game themselves late on with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne both forcing good saves from goalkeeper Mike Maignan, before the scruffy decisive moment sent France through to the next stage.

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Kevin De Bruyne’s late shot almost grabbed victory for Belgium

Didier Deschamps’ side will meet the winner of Monday evening’s match between Portugal and Slovenia in the quarter-finals in Hamburg on Friday (kick-off 8pm).

I think France were the better team. Obviously, the quality wasn’t really there. It wasn’t a surprise that it was an own goal that settled the game. You also need a bit of luck. France kept a clean sheet and when you do that, you will always have a chance.

Sky Sports’ Roy Keane

Joy for France, despair for Belgium…

France have now won three successive games against Belgium.

Excluding penalty shoot-outs, Deschamps’ side have lost only one of their last 15 Euros matches (won eight and drawn six).

Can they go on to add to their 1984 and 2000 European Championship successes?

France
Image:
France celebrate reaching the last eight

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku and Belgium's Jeremy Doku react after the 1-0 a soccer game between France and Belgian national soccer team Red Devils, Monday 01 July 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany, the Round of 16 game in the UEFA Euro 2024 European championships. BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY (Photo by BRUNO FAHY / BELGA MAG / Belga via AFP)
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Romelu Lukaku and Jeremy Doku react after Belgium’s 1-0 defeat to France

Neville: Vertonghen will be devastated by big mistake

Sky Sports’ Gary Neville speaking on ITV about France’s late winner and Vertonghen’s involvement:

“I think Vertonghen will be really disappointed [with the goal], and not just because it gets credited to him as an own goal.

“He has got to shift up. Kolo Muani doesn’t do anything amazing. He’s a little bit scruffy on the turn.

“But he’s got to shift up. Once you’re one or two yards off, that’s not unlucky, it falls into the category of poor defending and he knows that, he’s an experienced player.

“I’ve been there. I would class that from a defender with big experience as a big mistake. He’ll recognise that. He’ll be devastated because what he’ll also be thinking is ‘will it be the last time I’m here?’ That’s where it really hits home for players.”

Deschamps: Saviour the moment

France boss Didier Deschamps:

“It’s beautiful, we played a big game, it was tight but we enjoyed possession and we had more opportunities. We have to savour it, it’s quite an achievement. We’re in the quarter-finals, they’re going home.

“We made a lot of progress and our opponents were obviously cautious, even if they’re an attacking team on paper. We did everything we could to create chances, and we created more than them, but we played the waiting game and didn’t fall into their trap. I liked that, but obviously you can’t win through possession alone.

“I’d like us to create more chances but we’re into the quarter-finals and that’s what counts. Let’s not play down that moment.”

De Bruyne: We did everything to try and win

Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne:

“We did everything to try to win. We were five minutes from extra-time.

“We had chances, not so many. Then they score and there isn’t enough time to react.

“We were defending pretty well but then there’s a deflection. It’s a shame but that’s football… I had that chance towards the end but couldn’t score. The keeper did well. The team really did everything we could do.”

Stats: Story of the match

Who plays who in the quarter-finals?

France 1 – 1 Poland

France 1 – 1 Poland


France had to settle for second-place in Group D after already-eliminated Poland held Les Bleus to a 1-1 draw, despite Kylian Mbappe returning from injury with a goal.

Back in the starting line-up after recovering from a broken nose, the masked Mbappe thought he had given his side a winning end to the group stages as he converted a second half penalty after Jakub Kiwior clumsily fouled Ousmane Dembele.

But VAR drama would strike as Poland were awarded a contentious penalty after Dayot Upamecano was ruled to have fouled substitute Karol Swiderski in the box. Contact was minimal but Italian official Marco Guida gave the penalty after being asked to visit the monitor.

Poland captain Robert Lewandowski saw his initial penalty saved by Mike Maignan but VAR spotted the France goalkeeper off his line, so the effort was retaken. Lewandowski passed the second test, albeit via the woodwork.

It was a frustrating afternoon for France, with Mbappe denied four times by Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski. Dembele also saw a one-on-one saved by the stand-in stopper.

France end the group stages with just one win, one goal scored by their 26-player squad, and their second-placed finish means they will face the runners-up in Group E – one of Romania, Belgium, Slovakia or Ukraine.

A tale of three penalties

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Kylian Mbappe gave France the lead from the penalty spot

Poland got a penalty but Mike Maignan saved Robert Lewandowski's first effort
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Poland got a penalty but Mike Maignan saved Robert Lewandowski’s first effort

Robert Lewandowski wheels away after equalising for Poland against France
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… but Lewandowski got a second attempt and scored the retaken spot kick

Stats: Story of the match

Group D final results…

Netherlands 0 – 0 France

Netherlands 0 – 0 France


Offside controversy took centre-stage in Kylian Mbappe’s absence as the Netherlands and France drew 0-0 in Group D in Leipzig.

Xavi Simons thought he had given the Netherlands the lead late in the game only for the flag to go up on the grounds that Denzel Dumfries had impacted on the play. Anthony Taylor ruled it out with video assistant referee Stuart Attwell confirming the decision.

The call was highly debatable as the ball arrowed into the bottom corner with goalkeeper Mike Maignan seemingly unprepared to dive. But the English officials ruled it out as this much-anticipated game ended in the first goalless draw of the tournament.

Didier Deschamps’ side had been on top in a game that otherwise failed to ignite without Mbappe, who remained on the bench following his broken nose. Antoine Griezmann had the best chances but could not find the finish.

The draw means that the Netherlands remain top of Group D, ahead of France on goal difference. Poland, who were beaten 3-1 by Austria earlier in the day, become the first nation to be eliminated from Euro 2024 as a consequence of the result.

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Xavi Simons of the Netherlands, not seen, scores the controversially disallowed goal

Xavi Simons of the Netherlands, left, scores a goal that was disallowed due to offside
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Denzel Dumfries (22) was ruled to be interfering with the goalkeeper Mike Maignan

What do the Laws say?

According to the IFAB Laws of the Game:

A player in an offside position at the moment the ball is played or touched* by a team-mate is only penalised on becoming involved in active play by:

interfering with play by playing or touching a ball passed or touched by a team-mate or

interfering with an opponent by:

preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or

challenging an opponent for the ball or

clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent or

making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball

*The first point of contact of the ‘play’ or ‘touch’ of the ball should be used.

Analysis: Saliba shines | More to come from France

Two games in for France and, thanks to that highly-debatable offside call against the Netherlands, two clean sheets for the tournament favourites. Arsenal’s William Saliba has been a big factor in that, oozing class in the centre of the France defence.

An ideal foil for the physical Dayot Upamecano, those much-publicised comments by Deschamps alluding to weaknesses in Saliba’s game only become more baffling after each performance. There cannot be many better defenders in European football.

The underlying numbers better reflect France’s control than that Simons moment. Against Austria, they registered an expected-goals total of 2.13 compared to their opponents’ 0.76. Here, their total was 1.42 compared to their opponents’ paltry 0.33.

At the other end, the goals will surely start flowing soon. Even without Mbappe, they created chances. Griezmann should have scored at least one, twice failing to find the finish from close range. One goal from two games does not tell the full story.

Either side of Saliba and Upamecano, the full-backs are rock solid and N’Golo Kante as impressive as ever in midfield. The forward players have not fired yet but the options in attack are plentiful. Expect Mbappe to have his day when the stakes are a little higher.

That might seem a generous interpretation after four points from two games – the same as England. But this side appears happier in its skin. Saliba has won over Deschamps. It would not be a surprise if the rest of France has followed suit by mid-July in Berlin.

Stats: Story of the match

So far in Group D…

Royal Ascot: Calandagan claims impressive King Edward VII Stakes victory for France after Crystal Black and Soprano triumph | Racing News

Royal Ascot: Calandagan claims impressive King Edward VII Stakes victory for France after Crystal Black and Soprano triumph | Racing News


Calandgan stormed to an impressive victory in the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot to become the first French winner of the week.

The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained 11/2 chance came with a strong run down the outside of the field in the home straight under Stephane Pasquier and stretched clear in the closing stages to prevail by six lengths.

Space Legend (9/2) plugged on for second under James Doyle, with Royal Supremacy third and Mondo Man fourth as the four Aidan O’Brien-trained runners failed to strike a blow.

Pasquier was riding his second Royal Ascot winner but the first since Manduro in 2007.

Graffard was training his second winner at the Royal meeting with the Aga Khan-owned son of Gleneagles, having first tasted success with Watch Me in the Coronation Stakes back in 2019.

He said: “With the draw we had we found ourselves a little bit out the back, but we decided to ride him by himself as he’s not used to a big field like that.

“It was very straightforward. It’s a pleasure to come, we’ve had a tough week so it’s good to finish on a nice winner.”

Calandagan hails from the family of Classic winner Clodovil but was gelded at the end of his juvenile campaign.

Graffard added: “First time out at Deauville he was very difficult, he wouldn’t load so we had no choice [but to geld him]. I’m sure the Princess (Zahra Aga Khan) will tell me she is upset we gelded him, again! Every win she is telling me, she is not happy, not happy! It’s brilliant, I am delighted for her.”

Crystal Black sparkles for Keanes

Colin Keane reflected on the “most emotional” success of his riding career after delivering Crystal Black to perfection to win the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes for his father Gerard.

Champion jockey for the last four seasons in Ireland, Keane has enjoyed a whole host big-race victories during that period including Classic wins in the Irish 2,000 Guineas on Siskin, the Irish Oaks on Even So and the Irish Derby on Westover – but none meant more to him than this.

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Crystal Black is steered home by Colin Keane in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes

Heading to Ascot having won both of his starts this term, Crystal Black was an 11/1 shot for this ultra-competitive mile-and-a-half handicap and while he still had plenty of horses ahead of him heading into the straight, he soon responded to his rider’s urgings to take closer order.

Although the Willie Mullins-trained 7/4 favourite Ethical Diamond at one point looked the likely winner, Crystal Black was not for passing once striking the front, running on to score by two-and-a-quarter lengths with ears pricked from David O’Meara’s Epic Poet. Ziggy made late headway to pip Ethical Diamond for third.

“It’s the most emotional I’ve felt about riding a winner. It’s very special riding one for my father at Royal Ascot, and a great bunch of owners (the Wear A Pink Ribbon Syndicate). They might not get home for a while to be honest, but they’re dead right,” said the jockey.

“He’s improved from run to run and we thought he’d get a mile and a half, the way he was finishing over a mile and a quarter. He seems to be a horse that the longer he’s on the bridle, the better he travels, and he can quicken.

“At home he can just win by a neck or a head and has kept on the right side of the handicapper, thankfully. You’d imagine he’d have to move up to Group level now.”

Keane senior added: “It’s just unbelievable, I never thought we’d have a horse here. I dreamed of maybe having a Cheltenham horse along the way, I never dreamed we’d have a Royal Ascot horse.”

Soprano calls Sandringham tune under Loughnane

Billy Loughnane struck for the second time during Royal Ascot, as Soprano hit the right note in the Sandringham Stakes.

Winner of the Coventry Stakes on the opening day of the meeting, the 18-year-old was wearing the blue silks of Highclere Thoroughbreds aboard George Boughey’s three-year-old, who was good enough to place in group company as a two-year-old.

Billy Loughnane celebrates after winning the Sandringham Stakes aboard Soprano on day four of Royal Ascot
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Billy Loughnane celebrates after winning the Sandringham Stakes on Soprano

Third in the Albany at this meeting 12 months ago, she was racing in a handicap for the first time in this one-mile event and was sent off at 14/1.

With the action favouring those racing on the stands side of the track, the daughter of Starspangledbanner burst out of the pack to hunt down Rachel King aboard John and Thady Gosden’s Strutting deep inside the final furlong to win by half a length.

Loughnane said: “I had to bide my time, and she finished off very well. Her form was very strong from a two-year-old and this is her first step back in a handicap – she’d been running in stakes company – and first try over the mile as well.

“She hit the line well. She’s a filly with a lot of ability and, if I’m honest, she probably would have been a lot closer at Musselburgh. She was a bit slow through the gates on a front-running course. I was too far behind and I didn’t give her the greatest of rides. I’m delighted to be able to repay the owners and thank them very much for keeping faith.

Billy Loughnane celebrates his Royal Ascot victory on Soprano
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Loughnane celebrates his second Royal Ascot victory on Soprano

“It means a lot to ride a winner for George. I had my first winner for him a year ago last week and we’ve had plenty more since. Without George, I’m not sure I would have kept the momentum up after losing my claim. He’s been massive for me and I’ve got a lot to thank him for.

“This is a dream come true and the week keeps getting better and better. When you get the feeling, you always want to have it again.”

Pilgrim provides a first for Barrons

Pilgrim gave training duo David and Nicola Barron their first Royal Ascot winner as he claimed the honours in the closing Palace Of Holyrood House Stakes.

The 18/1 chance was driven home by Joe Fanning in the five-furlong handicap to foil Hollie Doyle on Blue Storm by half a length.

Third place went to No Half Measures with Woodhay Wonder in fourth spot.

William Saliba impresses for France but all eyes on English officials as Netherlands denied – Euro 2024 hits and misses | Football News

William Saliba impresses for France but all eyes on English officials as Netherlands denied – Euro 2024 hits and misses | Football News


Offside decision puts spotlight back on officials

Euro 2024 has been remarkably free from officiating debate let alone controversy, a flick of Lois Openda’s hand being the chief cause for chatter. That changed on Friday evening and many will be amused that an English officiating team found itself at the centre of it.

The uneasy delays, the frantic glances, the interminable wait, the total lack of clarity. That familiar Premier League feeling returned as Anthony Taylor held his ear piece, awaiting Stuart Attwell’s verdict. It was almost enough to make you feel nostalgic.

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Virgil van Dijk of the Netherlands protests a decision by the referee Anthony Taylor

Experts on the Laws of the Game may well tell us that the decision to rule out Xavi Simons’ strike into the corner of Mike Maignan’s net was correct on the grounds that the goalkeeper had spotted the presence of Denzel Dumfries in an offside position.

Those more familiar with watching football than reading rules might nevertheless conclude that Maignan would have been unlikely to tag Dumfries let alone the ball that was bound for his goal regardless. Diving for it was a thought barely formed in his brain.

That the decision fell to Taylor and co was a mere unhappy coincidence, in truth – and at least the consequences of the call are likely to be relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of the tournament, unless you happen to be a particularly optimistic Pole.

Let us hope that this little Group D moment was as controversial as the officiating will get at Euro 2024 and the next three weeks continue to play out serenely amid scenes of swift semi-automated bliss. Not convinced? Me neither.
Adam Bate

Saliba shines | More to come from France

William Saliba of France heads the ball as Denzel Dumfries of the Netherlands pushes him during a Group D match between the Netherlands and France at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Leipzig, Germany, Friday, June 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)
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William Saliba was in imperious form once more for France at Euro 2024

Two games in for France and, thanks to that highly-debatable offside call against the Netherlands, two clean sheets for the tournament favourites. Arsenal’s William Saliba has been a big factor in that, oozing class in the centre of the France defence.

An ideal foil for the physical Dayot Upamecano, those much-publicised comments by Didier Deschamps alluding to weaknesses in Saliba’s game only become more baffling after each performance. There cannot be many better defenders in European football.

What is striking is how easy he makes it all look, a defender whose contribution does not necessarily always show up in the statistics. For instance, he did not make a single tackle. But he did not need to. He kept the ball with 86 of his 87 passes in the match.

William Saliba completed 86 of his 87 passes for France against the Netherlands
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William Saliba completed 86 of his 87 passes for France against the Netherlands

The underlying numbers better reflect France’s control than that Xavi Simons moment. Against Austria, they registered an expected-goals total of 2.13 compared to their opponents’ 0.76. Here, their total was 1.42 compared to their opponents’ paltry 0.33.

At the other end, the goals will surely start flowing soon. Even without Kylian Mbappe, they created chances. Antoine Griezmann should have scored at least one, twice failing to find the finish from close range. One goal from two games does not tell the full story.

Either side of Saliba and Upamecano, the full-backs are rock solid and N’Golo Kante as impressive as ever in midfield. The forward players have not fired yet but the options in attack are plentiful. Expect Mbappe to have his day when the stakes are a little higher.

That might seem a generous appraisal after four points from two games – the same as England. But this side appears happier in its skin. Saliba has won over Deschamps. It would not be a surprise if the rest of France has followed suit by mid-July in Berlin.
Adam Bate

Amazing Austria are ones to watch

Austria's Marko Arnautovic celebrates after scoring his side's third goal from the penalty spot

Austria had a place in many analysts’ Euro 2024 ‘dark horses’ picks. You can definitely see why after their latest display.

Ralf Rangnick’s side picked up their first win against Poland but did so in a very attractive style.

Full-backs Stefan Posch and Philipp Mwene were arguably their best sources of attack. Sitting midfielders Nicolas Seiwald and Konrad Laimer generated some of their best chances of the game. Poland’s defence could not deal with Christoph Baumgartner and Marcel Sabitzer’s running and work in the half spaces.

GRAPHIC

Now Austria stand on the brink of the knockout rounds and face a big game against the Netherlands to seal their place.

Getting second place could be crucial as it could be England in the first knockout round if they finish third. But looking at how both teams are playing, would that be so bad?
Sam Blitz

Emotional Ukraine deserve this moment

Roman Yaremchuk is mobbed by his team-mates after giving Ukraine a late lead against Slovakia

After Monday’s shock loss to Romania – a team ranked 23 places below them in the world rankings – Ukraine knew they had to respond against Slovakia to have a realistic chance of reaching the last 16, but they were disappointing in the first half even though they created several chances.

Despite their below-par performance, Rebrov’s decision to drop Real Madrid goalkeeper Lunin was an inspired one, with replacement Trubin making four fine saves which suggested he should have been his country’s No 1 in the first place.

The Benfica stopper kept his side in the match before Mudryk, who initially struggled to make an impact, began to grow in confidence. The Chelsea winger played an instrumental role in Ukraine’s equaliser and was unlucky not to score himself before being substituted with five minutes remaining.

By that time, he had already been involved in wild celebrations after substitute Yaremchuk produced a spectacular touch and finish to get Ukraine’s tournament up and running.

The winner saw Yaremchuk break down in tears and earn a kiss on the head from Zinchenko before the emotional scenes continued when the players applauded their supporters inside the Dusseldorf Arena after the final whistle.

Of course, many more Ukrainians will be watching from around the world and while it won’t change the heartbreaking situation back home, their first comeback win at the Euros since 2012 will hopefully bring some joy to those who need it most.
Dan Sansom

Poland lose again to assume unwanted status as first nation out

Poland's Robert Lewandowski enters the pitch

Robert Lewandowski’s absence due to a thigh injury was felt in Poland’s opening defeat to the Netherlands – and Austria must’ve been licking their lips when team news dropped on Friday night and they saw the talisman was, once again, not spearheading the attack.

It likely provided something of a mental boost for Ralf Rangnick’s men, who started like a house on fire in Berlin and scored the early goal that set the tone for the rest of the evening.

In truth, there wasn’t really a certain point where they were crying out for Lewandowski; for the second game in succession, a player deputising for him scored. It was Adam Buksa in the first game, Krzysztof Piatek in the second.

And when the Barcelona striker did come on, he had just 11 touches in around 34 minutes anyway.

As the case had been against the Dutch, it wasn’t that Poland were bad on the night, it was just that Austria were better. Rangnick has got them looking like a team with real promise; one to keep a very close eye on.

There were signs of Polish promise, certainly, but they mean nothing now. The fact the Netherlands and France played out a goalless draw later on in the evening means Poland are the first nation to exit the tournament. They are by no means a one-man team, but would an earlier introduction for Lewandowski have made the difference? We’ll never know.
Dan Long

Euro 2024 – Netherlands 0-0 France: Offside call controversially denies Xavi Simons as Kylian Mbappe sits out goalless draw | Football News

Euro 2024 – Netherlands 0-0 France: Offside call controversially denies Xavi Simons as Kylian Mbappe sits out goalless draw | Football News


Offside controversy took centre-stage in Kylian Mbappe’s absence as the Netherlands and France drew 0-0 in Group D in Leipzig.

Xavi Simons thought he had given the Netherlands the lead late in the game only for the flag to go up on the grounds that Denzel Dumfries had impacted on the play. Anthony Taylor ruled it out with video assistant referee Stuart Attwell confirming the decision.

The call was highly debatable as the ball arrowed into the bottom corner with goalkeeper Mike Maignan seemingly unprepared to dive. But the English officials ruled it out as this much-anticipated game ended in the first goalless draw of the tournament.

Didier Deschamps’ side had been on top in a game that otherwise failed to ignite without Mbappe, who remained on the bench following his broken nose. Antoine Griezmann had the best chances but could not find the finish.

The draw means that the Netherlands remain top of Group D, ahead of France on goal difference. Poland, who were beaten 3-1 by Austria earlier in the day, become the first nation to be eliminated from Euro 2024 as a consequence of the result.

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Xavi Simons of the Netherlands, not seen, scores the controversially disallowed goal

Xavi Simons of the Netherlands, left, scores a goal that was disallowed due to offside
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Denzel Dumfries (22) was ruled to be interfering with the goalkeeper Mike Maignan

What do the Laws say?

According to the IFAB Laws of the Game:

A player in an offside position at the moment the ball is played or touched* by a team-mate is only penalised on becoming involved in active play by:

interfering with play by playing or touching a ball passed or touched by a team-mate or

interfering with an opponent by:

preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or

challenging an opponent for the ball or

clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent or

making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball

*The first point of contact of the ‘play’ or ‘touch’ of the ball should be used.

Analysis: Saliba shines | More to come from France

Two games in for France and, thanks to that highly-debatable offside call against the Netherlands, two clean sheets for the tournament favourites. Arsenal’s William Saliba has been a big factor in that, oozing class in the centre of the France defence.

An ideal foil for the physical Dayot Upamecano, those much-publicised comments by Deschamps alluding to weaknesses in Saliba’s game only become more baffling after each performance. There cannot be many better defenders in European football.

The underlying numbers better reflect France’s control than that Simons moment. Against Austria, they registered an expected-goals total of 2.13 compared to their opponents’ 0.76. Here, their total was 1.42 compared to their opponents’ paltry 0.33.

At the other end, the goals will surely start flowing soon. Even without Mbappe, they created chances. Griezmann should have scored at least one, twice failing to find the finish from close range. One goal from two games does not tell the full story.

Either side of Saliba and Upamecano, the full-backs are rock solid and N’Golo Kante as impressive as ever in midfield. The forward players have not fired yet but the options in attack are plentiful. Expect Mbappe to have his day when the stakes are a little higher.

That might seem a generous interpretation after four points from two games – the same as England. But this side appears happier in its skin. Saliba has won over Deschamps. It would not be a surprise if the rest of France has followed suit by mid-July in Berlin.

Stats: Story of the match

So far in Group D…

Austria 0 – 1 France

Austria 0 – 1 France


France kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win over Austria in Group D as a result of Max Wober’s own goal.

The Leeds United defender nodded past his own goalkeeper when trying to deal with Kylian Mbappe’s cross. One goal proved enough to win it but the result came with what Didier Deschamps described as the “black mark” of Mbappe suffering a nose injury late on.

The France forward was reportedly taken to hospital after leaving the field with a bloodied nose following an accidental clash. Deschamps confirmed afterwards that the nose is “probably” broken. “His nose is not good at all,” he said.

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Austria’s Max Wober scores the decisive own goal against France in Dusseldorf

Austria came into the game having lost only one of their previous 16 games and appear revitalised under Ralf Rangnick, embracing his pressing style. It served them well for much of the first half and Christoph Baumgartner should have opened the scoring.

But France goalkeeper Mike Maignan denied him from point-blank range and Austria paid the price immediately. Mbappe got to the by-line out on the right and Wober could only turn his cross beyond his own keeper and into the net.

The lead at the interval allowed France to play on the counter-attack in the second half and that brought obvious danger for Austria. Mbappe should have doubled the advantage when he raced clear but could only measure his shot wide.

It was a tense finale because of France’s inability to find that second but Austria could not fashion a clear-cut opening. Rangnick will still fancy their chances of getting out of Group D. France, of course, will have much bigger aspirations.

Mbappe has ‘probably’ broken his nose

Kylian Mbappe of France holds his nose after suffering an injury during a Group D match between Austria and France at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Duesseldorf, Germany, Monday, June 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
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Kylian Mbappe of France holds his nose after suffering an injury late in the game

Mbappe set up the only goal of the game and squandered a great chance to make it two, but the biggest concern afterwards was over the nose injury that he suffered late in the game.

When contesting an aerial challenge in attempting to head the ball into the net, he connected instead with the head of an opponent. When Deschamps was asked afterwards if Mbappe’s nose was broken, he replied: “Probably, yes.”

He revealed: “His nose is not good at all. We will look at it. It is obviously the black mark against the evening. Even if it is only a nose, it is very annoying for us.”

The injury led to his substitution, after receiving a booking for delaying play so that it could happen. What’s next for France’s star player at Euro 2024 remains to be seen.

Star player: Kante still has the old magic

There was a moment in the 85th minute of the game when Patrick Wimmer was racing through from deep that it appeared as if Austria might conjure an unlikely equaliser. The rest of the defence were beaten but not the magnificent N’Golo Kante.

It was typical of yet another superb performance by the great midfielder – typical of the work that he has been putting in throughout his stellar career.

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A Premier League winner with Leicester, he repeated the feat with Chelsea and added a Champions League crown. With France, he has already won the World Cup and on this evidence, do not rule out the European Championship just yet either.

Now 33, many will have wondered what shape he was in having been playing his football in the Saudi Pro League. But the pace is still there and the experience vast. He retains that ability to sense danger and the physicality to do something about it.

Stats: Story of the match

So far in Group D…

Euro 2024 hits and misses: N’Golo Kante in vintage form for France but Belgium fail to live up to the hype | Football News

Euro 2024 hits and misses: N’Golo Kante in vintage form for France but Belgium fail to live up to the hype | Football News


Kante rolls back the years in vintage display

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N’Golo Kante was man of the match as France beat Austria

France have an abundance of young midfield talent in Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelin Tchouameni and Warren Zaire-Emery, yet still picked N’Golo Kante.

Many saw that call as a surprise given the 33-year-old now plays for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, but it took just 90 minutes of France’s opening 1-0 win at Euro 2024 against Austria to see why Didier Deschamps got it right, once again.

Kante rolled back the years with a vintage display that looked exhausting from the outside. No France player won more tackles than the midfielder, with only William Saliba making more ball recoveries and winning more possessions in the defensive and middle thirds of the pitch.

The most important intervention came five minutes from time when Patrick Wimmer burst through after picking Saliba’s pocket. But covering the ground again was Kante.

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The France midfielder also put his team-mates through on goal three times against Austria. His greatest skill of being unbelievably ubiquitous at both ends of the pitch has not faded.

“It was like a younger version of himself,” said Roy Keane of Kante’s display. That younger version won the World Cup with France six years ago. He may just be crucial in a bid to add the European Championships to that collection.
Sam Blitz

Rangnick’s pressing offers Austria hope

Belgium are the only one of the fancied teams to suffer a setback so far in this European Championship but it has been encouraging to see so few sides setting up in a deep block and hoping to hold on. Austria came to impose their game on France.

It was easy to see why they had lost only one of their previous 16 matches coming into their Group D opener, a team revitalised under former Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick. They certainly looked well coached by the German.

Austria made 27 tackles in their Euro 2024 game against France
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Austria made 27 tackles in their Euro 2024 game against France

Austria made more tackles in the first half against France than any other team in this tournament has made in a full match so far. It summed up their front-foot approach. Only a lack of individual quality prevented them from causing an upset.

The pressing challenged France throughout and it was a more entertaining match as a result. Kylian Mbappe had space to work with but the only difference between the sides was Max Wober’s own goal. Christoph Baumgartner really should have scored.

With Poland and the Netherlands to come, Austria should not be discouraged. To an extent, their plan work. They are well capable of getting out of Group D if they are able to maintain that intensity in the next two games. This tournament will be better for it.
Adam Bate

Lunin’s lapse in concentration proves costly

Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was at fault for two goals
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Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was at fault for two goals

One of the big decisions facing Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the Champions League final earlier this month was whether to stick with Andriy Lunin, the Ukraine goalkeeper, ahead of Thibaut Courtois.

At least, it was a topic of conversation in the media. Not for Ancelotti, who kept his cards close to his chest on the eve of Real Madrid’s encounter with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

As it transpired, Courtois was entrusted with the gloves and the Belgian showed just why he is the Italian’s first choice when fit. Unfortunately for Lunin, his deficiencies were exposed by a rampant Romania in his first appearance since losing his place in the Madrid side.

Ukraine extended their record of most games played at the UEFA European Championship without keeping a single clean sheet (12). They’ve also failed to score in 67% of their games at the EUROs (8/12), the highest rate of any nation to take part in more than one edition
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Ukraine extended their record of most games played at the UEFA European Championship without keeping a single clean sheet (12). They’ve also failed to score in 67% of their games at the EUROs (8/12), the highest rate of any nation to take part in mor

When faced with an intense press, the 25-year-old was sloppy with the ball at his feet as Nicolae Stanciu emphatically punished him with a sweeping finish into the top corner.

His second mistake was even less excusable as he allowed Razvan Marin’s speculative shot to flash underneath his body.

Serhiy Rebrov’s side paid dearly for their inability to convert their early possession into any real chances, as Romania soaked up the pressure and then struck on the counter after dispossessing Ukraine deep in their own half.

Ukraine were quarter-finalists at the last European Championships despite losing two of their three group games. All hope is not lost, as Rebrov said afterwards. But he must make a decision already on whether to stick or twist with Lunin.
Ben Grounds

Dragusin leads Romania to famous win

Radu Dragusin
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Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin excelled for Romania as they stunned Ukraine

In an admittedly quiet January, Radu Dragusin’s £26.7m move to Tottenham was the largest of the Premier League’s transfer window.

The centre-back was limited to just four league starts following his arrival. But as Romania earned their first win at a major tournament for 24 years, Spurs fans saw why their club invested so heavily in the Genoa defender.

Dragusin was outstanding in Munich. Every time Ukraine ventured into dangerous areas, they found the dominant 22-year-old in their way.

He made 10 clearances – twice as many as any other player – constantly positioning himself to quell the threat of Mykhailo Mudryk, Artem Dovbyk and Georgiy Sudakov.

It wasn’t just Dragusin – the entire Romania team bought into the game plan, sacrificing possession and protecting their area with admirable determination, before punishing Ukraine’s errors to score their goals.

Tougher tests surely await – Belgium also lurk in Group E – but those opponents may not find it easy to break Romania down with star player Dragusin in this form.
Joe Shread

Will Belgium ever live up to the hype?

Romelu Lukaku was twice denied by VAR as Belgium fell to shock loss in Group E opener
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Romelu Lukaku was twice denied by VAR as Belgium fell to shock loss in Group E opener

Perhaps Belgium are cursed. Perhaps unlucky. Or maybe this ‘golden generation’ simply isn’t as good as the hype – or third-place FIFA ranking – suggests. Whatever the intricacy or issue, they don’t seem to perform as predicted on the big stage.

Romelu Lukaku was wasteful, Kevin de Bruyne off-colour, Leandro Trossard ineffective. All over the pitch, in fact, Domenico Tedesco’s side underwhelmed, and that’s despite creating four ‘big chances’ and an xG of 1.91.

Game by game, the shine is flaking off what remains of Belgium’s reputation as one of Europe’s stellar sides. This is a team of individuals, far from a comprehensive unit of tournament winners.

And yet, there was something unjust about their opening game defeat. For all the obvious shortcomings, Lukaku did have the ball in the back of the net twice. The first was ruled offside, and so little argument can be made.

The second decision, however, jarred far more. This is the type of officiating that has drawn suspicion and skeptics in the Premier League, deemed by many as ‘re-refereeing’ – there is justification for both sides.

Lois Openda did handle the ball, but does that mean it’s handball? The rule is subjective, of course, but many believe this brand of VAR intervention to be a stain on the game. Jury’s out.

Either way, Belgium must improve if they are to avoid a repeat of Euro 2022, crashing out at the competition’s group stage.
Laura Hunter

Slovakia veterans help deliver tournament’s first shock

Slovakia's Ivan Schranz celebrates with team-mates after scoring against Belgium in Euro 2024 Group E
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Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz celebrates with team-mates after scoring against Belgium in Euro 2024 Group E

All that was missing from a gripping start to Euro 2024 was a result to upset the apple cart; a result to get the underdogs dreaming. It came in game nine.

Sure, Belgium were denied an equaliser not once but twice after VAR reviews, but they lacked vigour in attack throughout the match and, to an extent, only had themselves to blame.

It was a momentous result for Slovakia as their first win in four attempts against Belgium gives them a solid chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition.

But also because they achieved it having become only the second nation in European Championship history to name three players in their starting line-up who were aged 35 or older.

France did it at Euro 2008 with Gregory Coupet, Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram – and now Slovakia have matched it with Peter Pekarik (37), Juraj Kucka (37) and Martin Dubravka (35), who all played the entirety in Frankfurt.

Pekarik had a solid game at right-back and Juraj Kucka offered a decent enough threat in the middle of the park, but the pick of the bunch was Newcastle stopper Dubravka, whose five saves prevented 1.03 goals being scored by the Red Devils.

Albeit with a slice of luck, Francesco Calzona’s Falcons have passed what was thought to be the toughest test they would face in the group stages and their old guard have strengthened the case for age being nothing but a number.
Dan Long