Italy’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign More Promising After Euro 2016 Run

For the Italian national team, the 2016 UEFA European Championship is over.  The players are back in Italy and will soon return to their clubs, some of which have already started preparing for the 2016-17 season. For dedicated observers of the Azzurri, the next major item of interest will start in September, when new coach Giampiero Ventura leads the men in blue into qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. World Cup qualifying is usually a more secure proposition for Italy.  They’re usually in Pot 1 when the groups are drawn, giving them an easier road to qualification. This... 

Gerardo Martino Resigns as Argentina Manager: Latest Comments and Reaction

Gerardo Martino has stood down as the manager of the Argentina national team, it was confirmed on Tuesday. As reported by Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror, the 53-year-old’s decision comes after the national team suffered its third loss in a major final in as many summers; Argentina were beaten by Chile in the recent climax of the Copa America Centenario in the United States, prompting the international retirement of star man Lionel Messi. “A bomb threat saw the AFA headquarters evacuated seven days ago, while there are reports that the two-time World Cup winners could be expelled from... 

Why Portugal Are Seeking to Avoid Becoming Europe’s Biggest Chokers vs. Wales

Contrary to popular belief, Portugal are playing Wales in Lyon on Wednesday night, and not just Cristiano Ronaldo playing Gareth Bale. Two of the most recognisable faces in world football might be the ones staring back at you from every pre-match tweet, video or article ahead of the most unforeseen of Euro 2016 semi-finals, but what both teams have come to represent will be on show, too. For Wales, simply being here is ridiculous. A tournament that started off with them just happy to qualify has now opened up to the point that they are one of only four teams left, something that is quite unlike... 

Giampiero Ventura the Right Man to Take Azzurri into Next Generation

A subplot to Italy’s journey through the knockout rounds of the 2016 UEFA European Championship concerned the Nazionale’s future manager. In April, it was announced that manager Antonio Conte would leave the Azzurri when his two-year contract was up and take the vacant job at Chelsea in the English Premier League.  As the knockout rounds commenced, broadcasters pointed out continually that he was perhaps in his last moments in the job. There was some backlash around the announcement.  Conte was criticized for walking out on the team in the lead-up to the Euros, and some suggested... 

Renato Sanches’ Age Questioned by Guy Roux After Bayern Munich Transfer

The emergence of Portugal starlet Renato Sanches has been one of the major storylines of Euro 2016, but veteran manager Guy Roux claimed the 18-year-old—who completed a move to Bayern Munich this summer—is actually “23 or 24.”  Speaking to Romanian broadcaster Dolce Sport, the ex-Auxerre boss of more than 40 years was certain Sanches hasn’t been forthcoming about his age (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. His date of birth was declared years after he was... 

How Can Germany Best Replace Key Absentees in Euro 2016 Semi-Final vs. France?

Germany paid a hefty price for their dramatic Euro 2016 quarter-final win over Italy on Saturday. The world champions finally beat their bogey team in a competitive match for the first time but lost key players in the process. Head coach Joachim Low will have to make numerous changes to his lineup for the clash with host nation France in Marseille’s Stade Velodrome on Thursday. “The Italy match and the 120 minutes left their traces,” the 56-year-old said in a press conference on Monday, per Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC. Outside of the spot between the sticks, where Manuel... 

Barcelona New Boy Samuel Umtiti Is No Weak Link for France

Adil Rami has cut an optimistic figure for France during Euro 2016, as well he might after a whirlwind end to the 2015-16 season. From seeming like he was miles away from France manager Didier Deschamps’ set-up, via a historic Europa League win with Sevilla, all the way into Les Bleus’ XI. He even managed to get away with criticising Deschamps for originally overlooking him (as per RMC, reported here by L’Equipe, in French), a very similar offence to the one that saw Dimitri Payet cast out of contention for the best part of a year. The centre-back was bullish again as he talked... 

Clinical France Blow Brave Iceland Away, but Defensive Deficiencies Remain

France are in the semi-finals of the 2016 UEFA European Championship after their 5-2 thrashing of surprise package Iceland at Stade de France on Sunday. Lars Lagerback and Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men were expected to give the hosts a thorough examination in Saint-Denis but instead looked spent from their victory over England in the round of 16. Les Bleus opened the scoring through Olivier Giroud after 12 minutes and did not look back from there. Paul Pogba, Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann all found the back of the net before the end of the first half, giving Didier Deschamps’... 

Mario Gomez Injury: Updates on Germany Star’s Hamstring and Recovery

Germany’s UEFA Euro 2016 bid took a major hit on Sunday, as star forward Mario Gomez was ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a hamstring injury. Continue for updates. Gomez Adds to Germany’s Injury Woes Sunday, July 3 As reported by Sky Sports News HQ, veteran forward Gomez on Saturday became the latest Germany star to suffer an injury during Euro 2016.  The Fiorentina man left the pitch during the penalty-shootout win over Italy after picking up a hamstring injury. He started a key attacking move that led to Germany’s only goal in regulation earlier in the contest. Per... 

Dramatic Win over Italy Thanks to Germany’s Perseverance, Joachim Low’s Changes

Germany finally got past Italy in a competitive match on Saturday, beating their now-former bogey team 6-5 in a penalty shootout that had more twists than a season of Game of Thrones. Though technically not a win—officially, matches that go to penalties are considered draws in the record books—it was the world champions’ biggest and most important success at the European Championship since winning Euro 1996 in extra time against Czech Republic. Germany just about deserved to make it through to the semi-finals, looking a bit more decisive in regulation and far more willing to end... 

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