NEWS – Page 70 – Football Flame

NEWS

NEWS

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, ...
NEWS

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...
NEWS

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...
NEWS

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 ...
NEWS

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...
NEWS

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...
NEWS

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 ...
NEWS

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...
NEWS

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...
NEWS

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 - ...
NEWS

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...
NEWS

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...
NEWS

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...
NEWS

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...
NEWS

Euro 2020: Italy beat Switzerland to reach last 16

Manuel Locatelli of Italy celebrates with team mates after scoring their side's second goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group A match between Italy and Switzerland at Olimpico Stadium on June 16, 2021 in Rome, Italy.In-form Italy became the first team to reach the knockout stage of the European Championship with another impressive Group A showing in victory over Switzerland.Roberto Mancini's side thumped Turkey on the opening day of the tournament and made it back-to-back 3-0 wins courtesy of another sprightly performance in Rome.Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli scored twice, first by finishing off a move he started by tapping in from Domenico Berardi's darting run and cutback.Italy's passing and pressing was far superior to their opponents and Locatelli's fizzing strike fro...
NEWS

Euro 2020: Wales take huge step towards last 16 with win over Turkey

Gareth Bale of Wales is fouled by Zeki Celik of Turkey leading to a penalty being awarded during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group A match between Turkey and Wales at Baku Olimpiya Stadionu on June 16, 2021 in Baku, Azerbaijan.Wales took a significant stride towards qualifying for the second round of Euro 2020 as they overcame Turkey after a gripping encounter in Baku.With a crowd of more than 30,000 in Azerbaijan's capital city effectively making this a home game for Turkey, Wales responded to the hostile atmosphere with a vibrant, attacking display in which they cut their opponents open at will. After a host of missed chances in a breathless first half, Gareth Bale played a brilliant lofted pass through the heart of the Turkish defence for Aaron Ramsey, who brought the ball down and...
NEWS

Russia off the mark at Euro 2020 with win over Finland

Rasmus Schueller of Finland is challenged by Aleksei Miranchuk of Russia during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group B match between Finland and Russia at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 16, 2021 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.Russia secured their first win of Euro 2020 with a hard-fought victory over Finland in St Petersburg.Aleksey Miranchuk put the hosts ahead in first-half injury time with a fine, curling finish, despite being surrounded by defenders.Finland would have qualified for the last 16 with a win and thought they had opened the scoring, but Joel Pohjanpalo's header was ruled out for offside. The result leaves both sides on three points before their final Group B matches on Monday.Finland, competing in their first major finals, won 1-0 against Denmark on Saturday in a match ove...
NEWS

Hummels own goal helps France beat Germany

Paul Pogba of France battles for possession with Antonio Ruediger and Robin Gosens of Germany during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group F match between France and Germany at Football Arena Munich on June 15, 2021 in Munich, Germany.World champions France started their Euro 2020 campaign with a win over Germany thanks to a Mats Hummels' own goal in a high-quality heavyweight Group F match.Hummels - recalled for this tournament after being told by coach Joachim Low in 2019 that his international career was over - diverted Lucas Hernandez's cross into his own net in the first half of a fascinating contest in Munich.Tournament favourites France were marginally the better of the two sides, but appeared to be in third gear for much of it. Paul Pogba sent the ball over the bar from a corner w...
NEWS

Ronaldo becomes Championship record scorer as Portugal beat Hungary

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal scores their side's second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group F match between Hungary and Portugal at Puskas Arena on June 15, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary.Cristiano Ronaldo became the top scorer in men's European Championship history as Portugal beat Hungary in front of more than 60,000 fans in Budapest. Ronaldo converted an 87th-minute penalty for his 10th goal in the competition, overtaking France's Michel Platini on nine goals.His 11th came only a few minutes later when he took the ball around goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi for Portugal's third.Hungary had looked on course for an unlikely draw until they conceded three times late on. The deadlock was broken in the 84th minute when Raphael Guerreiro's shot with the outside of t...
NEWS

Paraguay come from behind to beat Bolivia in Copa America

Angel Romero of Paraguay celebrates after scoring the third goal of his team during a Group A match between Paraguay and Bolivia at Estádio Olímpico as part of Copa America Brazil 2021 on June 14, 2021 in Goiania, Brazil.Paraguay went behind to an early penalty but scored three times in the second half for a 3-1 win over Bolivia, who were reduced to 10 men just before half-time in their Copa America opener on Monday. Bolivia were without five players who tested positive for COVID-19, including striker Marcelo Martins, who scored seven times in Bolivia's last seven games.They had not beaten Paraguay in a Copa America clash since 1963 but their hopes were raised after only 10 minutes when they took the lead from the penalty spot.
Blogarama - Blog Directory