Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale React to Portugal Beating Wales at Euro 2016

Cristiano Ronaldo believes his Portugal side can win Euro 2016 after they reached the final in France with a 2-0 last-four victory over Wales on Wednesday. The Real Madrid superstar netted a brilliant header to open the scoring in Lyon—recreated below by Bleacher Report UK—before setting up Nani for the second. It will be Ronaldo’s second European Championship final, the first coming when Greece beat Portugal in their home tournament back in 2004, and the 31-year-old said he is closing in on achieving a dream, per Radio e Televisao de Portugal (via AS): This is something... 

Lionel Messi’s Penalty Ball from 2016 Copa America May Be Sold, Fan Fears Theft

The last ball Lionel Messi kicked in international football could be sold for €27,000 (£23,024), as its owner fears it being stolen if he keeps it. Per BBC Sport, the Argentina superstar retired from playing for his national team last month after the Albiceleste lost a third major final in two years—they were beaten 4-2 on penalties by Chile in the Copa America Centenario final. Messi was one of the Argentina players who missed from the spot, and he announced his decision to retire after the loss, which followed defeat to the same opposition in the 2015 Copa final and... 

Why Euro 2016 Run Has to Be Seen as Just the Start for Beaten but Proud Wales

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were the eventual and deserving winners of the Euro 2016 semi-final in Lyon on Wednesday night, but for a beaten and emotionally drained Wales, there was the acknowledgement of a different kind of victory. The battle for relevance, never mind prominence, on the international football stage is one that has long since consumed Welsh footballers of several vintages. Since the country’s previous qualification for a major tournament in 1958, Wales teams full of terrifically talented players—often ones plying their trade at the top clubs in Britain—have... 

Evolving Cristiano Ronaldo Has Chance to Exorcise the Ghosts of 12 Years Ago

Twelve years ago, a 19-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo wept on the pitch after Portugal lost in the final of Euro 2004. On Sunday, he will have the chance to crown his career with Portugal’s first international trophy, perhaps by taking on the Greece role and beating the tournament hosts with defensive resolve and organisation. Ronaldo was named man of the match for his part in the semi-final win over Wales on Wednesday, but this was another game in which his contribution was minimalistic. Of course, he was vital to Portugal winning, scoring the opener with a powerful header and then seeing his... 

The German Mentality Should Overcome France in the Semi-Finals

Three years ago, I interviewed Michael Ballack, owner of 98 caps for Germany and one of his country’s greatest-ever players, and I asked him why they always perform so well at major tournaments.  His face broke into a wide smile, and though his words might sound arrogant, they were delivered in a measured and matter-of-fact tone because they are impossible to argue with. “As German players, we have something special inside us because of our football history, he said. “We know we have to win. It is what is expected, so we have a good focus, and we have good discipline both... 

Why Adil Rami and N’Golo Kante Should Not Be Restored to France XI vs. Germany

France take on Germany at Stade Velodrome on Thursday in the second of the 2016 UEFA European Championship semi-finals. Didier Deschamps’ men beat surprise package Iceland 5-2 at Stade de France last Sunday to book their place in the final four, while Die Mannschaft had to rely on penalties to get past Italy at Matmut Atlantique. Just over two years to the day that Joachim Low’s men knocked Les Bleus out of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the French have a great opportunity to exact some revenge by doing the same at Euro 2016. Moussa Sissoko, who came in for the suspended N’Golo... 

Breaking Down How Germany Can Rain on France’s Parade in Euro 2016 Semi-Final

The second semi-final of Euro 2016 in Marseille‘s Stade Velodrome on Thursday evening pitches the two pre-tournament favourites against each other. Host nation France meet world champions Germany in what some will consider the real final of the Euros—with all due respect to Portugal and Wales. Going by the performances of the two sides in the tournament so far, the World Cup holders would have to be considered favourites to make it to the final. Ever-improving until the quarter-final, Germany finally got over the hump and made it past bogey team Italy in a competitive match for the... 

Renato Sanches Age Questioning Is a ‘Joke,’ Says Portugal Boss Fernando Santos

Portugal manager Fernando Santos has branded claims that Renato Sanches is older than 18 as “a joke.” According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (h/t ESPN FC), Santos said: “Everyone knows [Sanches]. He was born in Portugal like I was, and registered like I was. He is 18, I am 61. This is a joke.”  Santos was responding to comments made by French football manager Guy Roux, who told Romanian broadcaster Dolce Sport (h/t David F. Sanchidrian of AS): “He says that he is 18 years old, but I believe that we have to look at his past.... 

Sky Bet User Backed Wales to Win Euro 2016, Leicester’s Premier League Triumph

A bettor who backed Wales to win UEFA Euro 2016 at 150-1 ahead of the tournament has already tasted extraordinary success this year, having successfully backed Leicester City‘s Premier League title win at 5,000-1.  According to Sky Sports’ Tim Clement, the Sky Bet punter was one of the bold gamblers to back the Foxes’ unlikely success at the start of last season and won £13,333 when Claudio Ranieri’s charges incredibly clinched the English top-flight title. Having bet on Wales at 150-1—odds that were on offer prior to the Dragons even qualifying for... 

How Euro 2004’s Disappointment Kept Cristiano Ronaldo Going for Portugal

Think of Cristiano Ronaldo and a few images come to mind. His trademark celebration for one, mouth open, face contorted, muscles flexed. Or his shirtless jubilation in both Champions League finals he has won as a Real Madrid player also define his legend. But one image still tarnishes Ronaldo’s career. That image is of the then-teenage winger in floods of tears after losing the Euro 2004 final. Portugal, as hosts, were favourites to beat Greece and claim their first-ever international honour, distinguishing their golden generation with some silverware. Greece, however, pulled off one of... 

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