Croatia provided late heroics as they came from behind to beat Spain and top Group D with 2-1 win in Bordeaux. Alvaro Morata had given Spain the perfect start with a seventh minute goal, but Nikola Kalinic levelled and Sergio Ramos had a penalty saved before Ivan Perisic scored late on after a devastating counter. The 2-1 defeat means Spain finish second to Croatia and will meet Italy in the round of 16 on Monday in a repeat of the 2012 final. Morata opened the scoring in just the seventh minute as the forward stole in to poke home Cesc Fabregas’ effort from virtually on the goal-line. An error from De Gea almost allowed Ivan Rakitic to equalise but the Barcelona midfielder’s lofted attempt came back off the crossbar after possession had been gifted … [Read more...]
Euro2016: Hart backs England strikers to score as tournament progresses
Joe Hart is backing England's toothless attack to come good in Euro 2016's round of 16. Roy Hodgson's men drew a blank in their 0-0 draw with Slovakia in Saint-Etienne on Monday; Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy failing to build on their goals in the 2-1 win over Wales, while Harry Kane, introduced as a substitute in the second half, endured another fruitless outing in France. Vardy in particular wasted England's best chance of the game in the 17th minute, shooting straight at goalkeeper Matus Kozacik after racing on to a forward pass and getting in behind the opposition defence. Hodgson faced criticism after the game for making six changes from the Wales win, as a point saw Chris Coleman's men top Group B. Questioned after the game on the quality of … [Read more...]
Man City close to bringing Nolito to the Ethihad
Manchester City are close to completing the signing of Spain forward Nolito from Celta Vigo, according to reports. The 29-year-old has an €18 million (£13.8m) release clause in his contract and Celta Vigo president Carlos Mourino has already stated that he expects him to move on this summer. Sources say City are confident of securing a deal and claim that Nolito has already agreed personal terms on a three-year contract worth around €4m a year. The former Barcelona player, who has started all of Spain's three group games at the 2016 European Championship, has been linked with a return to the Camp Nou. Nolito, who turns 30 in October, left Barca for Portuguese side Benfica in 2011 before joining Celta Vigo two years later. His international teammate … [Read more...]
Manchester United linked with Swiss striker Breel Embolo
Manchester United are likely to stiff competition from Schalke for the signing of Swiss youngster Breel Embolo, according to reports in the German media. Embolo has been heavily linked with Manchester United in reports say that new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is keeping tabs on the Basel striker. RB Leipzig, who have just recently been promoted to the Bundesliga, were claimed to be rivalling United for the 19-year-old’s signature and were also said to have made a bid in the region of £16million. But Leipzig’s manager, Ralf Rangnick ruled out a move for the Swiss international recently. Speaking to German newspaper, Leipziger Volkszeitung, Rangnick says: “We’ve informed the agent of Embolo and Basel that we are no longer interested in his … [Read more...]
Mats Hummels reveals why he snubbed United
Bayern Munich defender Mats Hummels has suggested he turned down a move to Manchester United because they could not offer him Champions League football. Hummels, 27, is due to join Bayern, the club where he began his career, from Borussia Dortmund after he returns from Euro 2016 with Germany. Although the centre-back has flirted in the past with a move abroad, he opted to stay in Germany, signing a five-year deal in May with Bayern, who are paying €37 million for his services. Speaking to Suddeutsche Zeitung, Hummels revealed that he considered a transfer to England, but did not receive the right offer. "Fundamentally, England, Spain and Germany were the relevant leagues I could see myself playing football in," Hummels said. "But at this stage there … [Read more...]
Aurelio De Laurentiis insists Gonzalo Higuain would stay at Napoli
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says he wants Argentina international Gonzalo Higuain to stay at the club forever. Gonzalo Higuain is set to continue at Napoli for the next five years, according to club president Aurelio De Laurentiis. Higuain has attracted interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs following his record-breaking season for Napoli in 2015-16. The Argentine striker scored 36 goals in 35 Serie A appearances, breaking the league's long-standing goalscoring record. The likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are all reportedly interested in Higuain, but De Laurentiis says the 28-year-old has committed to Napoli. "If his words are sincere then Higuain will play in Naples for at least another five … [Read more...]
Wojciech Szczęsny set for Arsenal return after loan spell at Roma
Wojciech Szczęsny is likely to end his loan spell at Roma and return to Arsenal this summer. Szczęsny spent last season with the Serie A side in a loan arrangement that saw Arsenal continuing to pay a percentage of his wages. Despite Roma’s desire to extend the deal, reports have it that the offer they have made has been deemed inadequate by Arsenal. It is also being reported that Szczęsny will be offered an extension to his existing contract, which still has two years to run. The Polish international has rebuilt his career in Rome after enduring a difficult period with the Gunners . He was dropped from Arsenal’s starting line-up in January 2015, after being accused of smoking in the showers following a 2-0 defeat at Southampton. The Pole … [Read more...]