June 2021 – Football Flame    
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Month: June 2021

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Belgium and Denmark qualify for the knockout phase of Euro 2020

Romelu Lukaku of Belgium celebrates with Axel Witsel after scoring a goal which is later disallowed by VAR for offside during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group B match between Finland and Belgium at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 21, 2021 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.Belgium continued their perfect start to Euro 2020 by beating Finland 2-0 on Monday to finish top of Group B. Denmark claimed an astonishing 4-1 victory over Russia to scramble into the last 16.For Belgium, the group stage at the European Championship could hardly have gone better. The world’s top-ranked team beat Finland 2-0 on Monday to finish in first place in Group B and join Italy and the Netherlands in qualifying with maximum points.Finland finished in third place in its first appearance at a major tournament, nipp...
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Austria leapfrog Ukraine to set Wembley meeting with Italy

Christoph Baumgartner of Austria scores their team's first goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group C match between Ukraine and Austria at National Arena on June 21, 2021 in Bucharest, Romania.Austria reached the knockout stages of the European Championship for the first time as a deserved win over Ukraine secured a last-16 tie against Italy.Franco Foda's side produced a courageous display in Bucharest and Christoph Baumgartner's close-range finish proved enough to earn a Wembley meeting with the Italians on Saturday. Ukraine - third in Group C - must wait to see if their tally of three points proves enough to reach the knockout stages and in truth their timid display here could have been punished more heavily by Austria.Marko Arnautovic pushed a shot wide with the goal at his me...
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EURO 2020: Netherlands beat North Macedonia 3-0

Georginio Wijnaldum of Netherlands celebrates with teammate Memphis Depay after scoring their side's second goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group C match between North Macedonia and The Netherlands at Johan Cruijff Arena on June 21, 2021 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.Memphis Depay scored a goal and was involved in two more from Georginio Wijnaldum in the Netherlands’ 3-0 victory over North Macedonia at the European Championship.The Netherlands had already won the group before the match and North Macedonia was already eliminated after losing its first two matches at its first major tournament.The match at the Johan Cruyff Arena was the 122nd for North Macedonia captain Goran Pandev.North Macedonia players formed a guard of honour as he was substituted in his last international match...
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Turkey’s Calhanoglu switching from AC Milan to Inter

Hakan Calhanoglu of Turkey speaks to the media during the Turkey Press Conference ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group A match between Turkey and Italy at Olimpico Stadium on June 10, 2021 in Rome, Italy.Putting Turkey's early exit from Euro 2020 behind him, Hakan Calhanoglu focused on his future in Serie A on Monday, announcing a move from AC Milan to city rivals Inter.The 27-year-old midfielder told Turkey's TRT Spor that he will be in Milan on Tuesday to sign a contract after completing a physical with his new team."I have reached an agreement with Inter. I'm going to Milan," he told the state broadcaster.Calhanoglu had hoped to be the engine of Turkey's drive for its first international title, dispatching his trademark free-kicks and organising the attack for a youthful squad...
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Peru beats Colombia to keep hopes alive at Copa America

Peru's Sergio Pena (2-L) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Colombia during their Conmebol Copa America 2021 football tournament group phase match at the Olympic Stadium in Goiania, Brazil, on June 20, 2021.Peru beat Colombia 2-1 on Sunday to keep alive its chances of advancing to the knockout stage of Copa America.Sergio Peña opened the scoring for the Peruvians in the 17th minute. Miguel Borja equalized from the spot in the 53rd but an own goal 11 minutes later by Colombian defender Yerry Mina decided the match at the Olimpico stadium in Goiania.Peru is in third position in Group B with three points after two matches. Colombia remains with four points in second spot, but with only two games remaining. Leader Brazil has six points. The top four teams will qualify for the quar...
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Last gasp Hernandez snatches Copa draw for Venezuela against Ecuador

Ecuador's Gonzalo Plata (L) reacts as Venezuela's Ronald Hernandez celebrates after scoring against Ecuador during their Conmebol Copa America 2021 football tournament group phase match at the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 20, 2021.Ronald Hernandez scored an injury time equalizer to earn minnows Venezuela a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Ecuador at the Copa America on Sunday.Ecuador twice took the lead through Ayrton Preciado and Gonzalo Plata either side of a powerful headed goal from Venezuela's Edson Castillo.The point left Venezuela third in the five team group on two points, one point and one place above Ecuador, who have a game in hand.  Hosts Brazil lead the group with a perfect two wins from two while Peru, who play Colombia later on Sunday, ...
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Dutch forward Depay to join Barcelona

Memphis Depay of the Netherlands poses during the official UEFA Euro 2020 media access day on June 07, 2021 in Zeist, Netherlands.Netherlands forward Memphis Depay will join Barcelona when his contract with French club Lyon ends at the end of this month.Barca announced they have agreed a two-year deal with the 27-year-old, who is currently playing for the Netherlands at Euro 2020.He scored from the spot in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Austria, as his country qualified for the last 16.Depay spent four seasons with Lyon, scoring 76 goals in 178 games.He moved to France in 2017 after two disappointing seasons at Manchester United, having started his career with PSV Eindhoven.  Depay’s switch to the Nou Camp was long expected, and he has outlined his desire to play under Barca manager Ronald K...
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Wales into last 16 despite defeat in Rome

Matteo Pessina of Italy celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group A match between Italy and Wales at Olimpico Stadium on June 20, 2021 in Rome, Italy.Wales demonstrated great resolve in defeat against Italy as they clung on with 10 men for a result which was enough to secure their place in the second round of Euro 2020.Their automatic qualification was under threat with Switzerland beating Turkey 3-1 in Group A's other fixture, but Wales withstood relentless Italian pressure to scrape through in second place on goal difference.Italy had already qualified for the last 16 and, despite making eight changes to their team, they were still utterly dominant, Matteo Pessina's goal giving them a 1-0 half-time lead which scarcely reflected their su...
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Switzerland beat Turkey to keep hopes alive

Xherdan Shaqiri of Switzerland scores their side's second goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group A match between Switzerland and Turkey at Baku Olimpiya Stadionu on June 20, 2021 in Baku, Azerbaijan.Switzerland gave themselves a superb chance of qualifying for the last 16 of Euro 2020 as one of the best third-placed sides with a superb victory that sends Turkey home without a point to their name.Needing a win in Baku to stand any chance of progression, the Swiss produced by far their best display of the tournament - one that could and probably should have yielded a bigger and more rewarding win.Xherdan Shaqiri and Haris Seferovic were the goalscoring heroes, silencing those who had questioned their places in the side with a collection of fine goals, all of them assisted by Steve...
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Lewandowski scores as Poland hold winless Spain

Robert Lewandowski of Poland scores their side's first goal whilst under pressure from Aymeric Laporte of Spain during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group E match between Spain and Poland at Estadio La Cartuja on June 19, 2021 in Seville, Spain.Robert Lewandowski scored his first goal of Euro 2020 as Poland held Spain to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockouts.Poland knew that a defeat would mean they could not progress from Group E and they fell behind towards the end of the first half when Alvaro Morata's close-range finish was given by VAR after initially being ruled out for offside. But Lewandowski, who had struggled to make an impact in Poland's opening-game defeat to Slovakia, equalised early in the second half when he thumped home a header.Spain had the chance to retake ...
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Germany come from behind to win thriller against Portugal

Kai Havertz of Germany celebrates with team mates after after their side's first goal credited as and own goal scored by Ruben Dias of Portugal (not pictured) during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group F match between Portugal and Germany at Football Arena Munich on June 19, 2021 in Munich, Germany.Germany got off the mark in style at Euro 2020 as they tore Portugal apart with an impressive attacking performance in Munich to throw Group F wide open.Germany's win means both these sides now sit on three points, one behind group leaders France, heading into a pivotal final round of fixtures on Wednesday.Atalanta wing-back Robin Gosens was the architect with a goal and an assist, earning an ovation from the Allianz Arena crowd as he was replaced just after the hour mark. Cristiano Ronaldo h...
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Euro 2020: France held to surprise draw by Hungary

Antoine Griezmann of France controls the ball whilst under pressure from Nemanja Nikolic of Hungary during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group F match between Hungary and France at Puskas Arena on June 19, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary.Hungary pulled off one of the shocks of Euro 2020 as they held world champions France to a 1-1 draw at the Puskas Arena.Marco Rossi's side - ranked 35 places below France in the Fifa world rankings - had remarkably taken the lead on the stroke of half time through Attila Fiola, but this was cancelled out by Antoine Griezmann's second half strike.France saw two glorious opportunities to take the lead go begging in the first half, with Kylian Mbappe at the heart of the action. The PSG forward headed Lucas Digne's cross the wrong side of the post, before teeing u...
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Copa America: Guido Rodriguez helps Argentina beat Uruguay 1-0

Guido Rodriguez of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring the first goal of his team during a group A match between Argentina and Chile as part of Conmebol Copa America Brazil 2021 at Mane Garrincha Stadium on June 18, 2021 in Brasilia, Brazil.Guido Rodriguez scored the only goal of the game as Argentina edged past fierce local rivals Uruguay in a disappointing Copa America clash on Friday. The victory sent Argentina joint top of Group A with Chile on four points while Uruguay remain pointless. These two sides played the first ever international match outside the United Kingdom and have played each other more times than any other local rivals. They've won the Copa 29 times between them but familiarity can breed caution and for much of the encounter they canceled each other ...
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Impressive Scotland frustrate England in Wembley draw

Raheem Sterling of England is challenged by Andrew Robertson of Scotland during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D match between England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium on June 18, 2021 in London, England.England and Scotland played out a goalless draw at Wembley to leave both countries with their hopes of reaching Euro 2020's knockout stage very much alive.The first meeting between the men's teams in a major tournament since Euro 96 was played out in a typically raucous atmosphere despite only 22,500 fans in attendance - and both sides had big opportunities to win.Most of the honours must go to Scotland, however, who bounced back from their opening defeat to the Czech Republic at Hampden Park with real resilience and character to fully deserve this important point.It was The Tartan A...
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Schick penalty helps Czechs to draw and brinks of last 16

Luka Modric of Croatia is challenged by Patrik Schick of Czech Republic during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D match between Croatia and Czech Republic at Hampden Park on June 18, 2021 in Glasgow, United Kingdom.The Czech Republic took a huge step towards qualifying for the last 16 at Euro 2020 with an entertaining draw against Croatia at Hampden Park.The Czechs opened the scoring through a controversial first-half Patrik Schick penalty, after referee Carlos del Cerro Grande checked the pitchside monitor and awarded the spot-kick for a Dejan Lovren foul on striker Schick. Lovren, who missed Croatia's opening-game defeat by England with a knee ligament injury, caught Schick's nose with his elbow when the pair jumped to contest a corner.Bayer Leverkusen forward Schick sent goalkeepe...
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Sweden take huge towards last 16 with win over Slovakia

Emil Forsberg of Sweden scores their side's first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group E match between Sweden and Slovakia at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 18, 2021 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.Emil Forsberg's second-half penalty ensured Sweden took a huge step towards qualifying for the last 16 at Euro 2020 with victory against Slovakia in St Petersburg.RB Leipzig's Forsberg slotted in with 13 minutes remaining after substitute Robin Quaison was hauled down by goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. The spot-kick ended a run of 365 minutes without a goal for Sweden at the European Championship, since their opening group game at Euro 2016.While Slovakia could have secured their progress to the knockout stages with a win, Sweden now lead Group E with four points - ...
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Neymar inspires Brazil into Quarter-finals Of Copa America After Peru Cruise

Brazil's Richarlison (R) celebrates followed by teammates Neymar, Renan Lodi and Everton Ribeiro after scoring against Peru during the Conmebol Copa America 2021 football tournament group phase match at the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 17, 2021.A tearful Neymar inspired hosts Brazil to become the first side to qualify for the Copa America knock-out stages following a 4-0 win over Peru in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. Goals from Alex Sandro, Neymar, Everton Ribeiro, and Richarlison gave the holders a ninth straight win and a perfect six points from two games in Group B as Peru dropped to the bottom.  There was little between the two sides in the first half but Brazil's greater quality made the difference after the break as talisman Neymar inspired them t...
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Netherlands beat Austria to make last 16 at Euro 2020

Memphis Depay of Netherlands celebrates with team mates after scoring their side's first goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group C match between the Netherlands and Austria at Johan Cruijff Arena on June 17, 2021 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.The Netherlands booked their spot in last 16 at Euro 2020 as they saw off Austria in Amsterdam to win Group C with a game to spare.Frank de Boer's side, who beat Ukraine in their opening fixture, look to be hitting their stride as they outclassed the visitors in front of 12,000 fans at the Johan Cruyff Arena.Talisman Memphis Depay put the hosts ahead from the spot after David Alaba brought down flying wing-back Denzel Dumfries, who capped a fine performance by adding the second from a swift break in the second half. The Dutch, who failed to qu...
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Euro 2020: De Bruyne sends Belgium into last 16

Belgium's midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group B football match between Denmark and Belgium at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on June 17, 2021.Kevin de Bruyne inspired Belgium to a comeback win against Denmark that secured their place in the last 16 of Euro 2020 as fans and players paid tribute to Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen, who is recovering after suffering cardiac arrest.Eriksen is recovering in hospital after he collapsed on the pitch at the Parken Stadium during Saturday's game against Finland.Tributes were paid to Denmark's talismanic number 10 before and during the game, with play stopped in the 10th minute as players, officials and supporters joined together for a minute's applause.Th...
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Ukraine earn first win at Euro 2020

Ukraine's forward Andriy Yarmolenko (R) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group C football match between Ukraine and North Macedonia at the National Arena in Bucharest on June 17, 2021.Ukraine bounced back from their opening defeat at Euro 2020 as they held on to beat tournament debutants North Macedonia in an entertaining encounter in Bucharest.Having fought back from two goals down before ultimately losing 3-2 to the Netherlands on Sunday, Andriy Shevchenko's side ended a run of six successive European Championship defeats to remain in contention in Group C.Captain Andriy Yarmolenko capitalised on poor defending from a corner after 28 minutes, before the West Ham forward's pass set up Roman Yaremchuk, who slotted neatly into the bottom corner five minutes late...
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