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‘Phenomenal’, ‘Truly deserves’: Some Chelsea fans praise international display of £145,000-a-week star
A selection of Chelsea fans on Twitter heaped praise on Cesar Azpilicueta following his sublime performance during Spain’s 5-3 win over Croatia at Euro 2020. The Blues captain started the second game running for La Roja. He produced a solid all-round play capped with a brilliant headed goal. Azpilicueta gave La Roja the lead (2-1) in the 57th minute of the round of 16 clash. It was his first-ever goal for the national team in what was his 27th cap. The experienced right-back also made a terrific goal-line clearance when Spain were leading 3-1, but Croatia quickly scored off the rebound. Croatia made a stunning comeback from two goals down to make it 3-3, but they were eventually beaten 5-3 after the game went to extra-time. Azpilicueta had an impressive performance as he won six of his 10 ...
‘He can give much more’ – former Arsenal star hammers 28-year-old
Well, that was fun, wasn’t it? Two games, 14 goals, a penalty shoot-out and France dumped out of the European Championships in hilarious circumstances. Spain kicked off proceedings by beating Croatia after extra time in a game where defending appeared to be a forgotten art. France then did what France do best by imploding against a Switzerland team that they had criminally underestimated. Over in the ITV studio, former Arsenal and France star Patrick Vieira was not a happy camper. Vieira hammers Pogba Paul Pogba. All the talent in the world, but frustrating beyond belief. Scores a great goal to put his side 3-1 up and celebrates with a one minute dance – a great way to wind up the opposition. Played lots of brilliant passes? Absolutely. Failed miserably to be defensively disciplined? Total...
Copa America: Messi takes lead in Golden Boot race, Cavani scores crucial goal
The final two games of the Copa America group stages were played last night, and we now know our lineup for the knockout rounds. Argentina finished their Group A fixtures with a clash against Bolivia, while Paraguay and Uruguay competed against each other. Here is how the two games went. Bolivia 1-4 Argentina Messi scores his first of two from the penalty spot Argentina went into the final game unbeaten, knowing that a win would secure their place at the top of Group A. As for Bolivia, they had suffered three straight defeats and were already eliminated. The first half was the Lionel Messi show, as the 34-year-old directly contributed to three goals. He began in the sixth minute by scooping a beautiful pass for Papu Gomez to volley home off the underside of the crossbar. In the 33rd minute...
Everton make lucrative contract offer to Europa League winner with 96 international caps – report
Everton have made a lucrative contract offer to goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who will be a free agent when his Manchester United deal expires on June 30. Romero was fancied to join the Toffees on loan last summer, but United blocked the move as they felt the Merseyside outfit could compete with them for European qualification. The Argentine ended up being sidelined by the club for the entire campaign as David de Gea and Dean Henderson were preferred ahead of him by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He had the opportunity to leave on a cut-price deal in January but opted to run down his £70,000-a-week contract with the Mancunian giants. He is free to choose another club this summer, and he has been linked with the likes of Juventus and Celta Vigo over the past few weeks. However, the 34-year-old want...
Arsenal have an agreement in principle to sign 21-yr-old, player could cost less than €10m
Arsenal are interested in signing Benfica defender Nuno Tavares this summer. According to The Athletic, the Premier League club want bring the 21-year-old in as an understudy to Kieran Tierney. A deal could be agreed for less than €10 million. Jornal de Noticias have claimed that the Gunners have reached an agreement in principle with Benfica regarding the move, and Tavares is expected to sign a five-year contract. SL View: Gunners need more depth in the defence Mikel Arteta needs to add more depth to his defensive options, and the signing of Tavares seems like a sensible move. The left-back is highly rated in Portugal and could prove a quality long term acquisition for Arsenal. Tavares could challenge Tierney for the starting berth, and the increased competition for places would help...
RB Leizpig are keen on Portugal international – report
RB Leipzig are reportedly interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Andre Silva, according to German outlet Main-Spitze. The 25-year-old was impressive in the German top-flight last season, scoring 28 goals in 32 league appearances to help Frankfurt to finish fifth in the league. Silva is now at a phase of his career where he will feel that the time is right to play for a club in the Champions League. Leipzig finished second in the Bundesliga last season, 13 points adrift of Bayern Munich. They will be looking to bring in a prolific goalscorer this summer so they can challenge for the league title next term. Marcel Sabitzer and Emil Forsberg finished as the top scorers last season with just eight goals apiece. They are yet to properly replace Timo Werner and Silva could be a useful...
La Liga duo and Man Utd man impress, but young superstar disappoints – France 3-3 Switzerland Player Ratings
Switzerland pulled off a huge upset as they defeated France in a thrilling round of 16 fixture on penalties. The World Cup champions squandered a glorious chance to take the lead in the second minute. Antoine Griezmann’s corner found the head of Raphael Varane, but he skied his effort over the crossbar. And he was made to pay for his miss not long afterwards when Switzerland took a shock lead. Steven Zuber lifted a cross into the box, and Haris Seferovic beat Clement Lenglet to the ball and planted his header into the bottom corner. Les Bleus were struggling to find a way through the Swiss defence in the first half, coming closest with a long distance strike from Adrien Rabiot that whistled just past the post. But they were unable to get a goal, and the half time whistle went with the scor...
Man City man stars, Barcelona and Juventus players also impress – Croatia 3-5 Spain Player Ratings
Spain progressed to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 following an exhilarating clash with Croatia on Monday. Spain had the better of the opening stages, creating two excellent chances to take go ahead. The first came when Pedri slipped a ball through to Koke, but his finish was too close to Dominik Livakovic in goal. Soon afterwards, Ferran Torres swung in an inch-perfect cross for Alvaro Morata at the back post. However, the forward’s header was blocked by Domagoj Vida when he really ought to have scored. Spain were made to rue their missed chances in comical fashion just moments later. Pedri overhit a backpass to Unai Simon, who failed to control the ball and allowed it in for 1-0. It was the ninth own goal of the tournament – as many as every other European Championships combined. It was...
Everton closing in on £17m signing, Newcastle keen on player as well
Everton are thought to be closing in on the signing of the Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes. According to Record, Premier League side Newcastle United are still interested in the 22-year-old player but the Toffees are expected to win the race. Apparently, the Merseyside outfit are set to secure an agreement with the Portuguese outfit and the transfer could be completed for a fee of around €20 million. The 22-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle during the January transfer window as well but it seems like the Magpies will miss out on him once again. SL View: Could prove to be a bargain signing for Everton Nunes is highly rated in Portugal and he has a big future ahead of him. The Brazilian midfielder could prove to be a superb long-term investment for the ...
Report suggests Celtic are willing to sell first team ace for a fee of €15m
Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer has been linked with a move away from Parkhead this summer. The 23-year-old centre back has proven his quality in Scotland and he is looking for a fresh challenge. The Norwegian’s contract with Celtic expires in the summer of 2022 and the Hops will have to sell him this summer unless they want to lose him on a free transfer next year. According to Kicker, the Scottish outfit are demanding a fee of around €15 million for the player. Apparently, Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen are keen on signing the player but they are unwilling to meet the asking price. The German outfit will be aware of the fact that Celtic are under pressure because of the defender’s contract situation and the Hoops could be forced to lower their demands later this summer. The 23-year-o...
36 goal contributions last season: Manchester United agree fee for 20-cap Int’l
The Jadon Sancho transfer saga is finally coming to an end. According to Sky Germany, the two clubs have now agreed on a fee and Manchester United will pay around €85 million for the 21-year-old winger. Sancho has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League over the last couple of seasons and the Red Devils tried to bring him back to the Premier League last summer as well. However, Dortmund were strict with their valuation and Manchester United were unwilling to pay the asking price. It seems that the Red Devils have finally decided to give in and pay up for the 20-cap England international this summer. SL View: Sancho could take United to another level Sancho is one of the best wingers around Europe right now and he could prove to be a sensational addition to Ole Gunnar Solskj...
Report: £10m int’l will ‘push for a move’ after Euro, Leeds and Villa want him
Liverpool officials expect young defender Neco Williams to leave the club this summer. The club feel he will “push for a move” after Euro 2020. The 20-year-old has done really well playing as cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold over the past campaign. The youngster is a regular member of the Wales national team and wants to play regularly at club level. While he is a bright talent, it’s difficult for him to dislodge Alexander-Arnold from the starting line-up. According to The Athletic, Anfield officials understand William’s desire to play regular first-team football. The Reds will reluctantly sell the academy graduate if the right offer comes their way. SL View – interest from Leeds & Aston Villa Williams has got plenty of admirers, with Leeds United, Aston Villa, Wol...
