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DOMINANT DENMARK KNOCK WEARY WALES OUT OF EURO 2020

Wales bowed out of Euro 2020 as Denmark cruised to a 4-0 last-16 win in Amsterdam.

Kasper Dolberg’s double and late efforts from Joakim Maehle and Martin Braithwaite put the seal on an excellent Denmark display.

Wales’ misery was compounded by the 90th-minute dismissal of substitute Harry Wilson for felling Maehle.

Nice striker Dolberg was only playing because Yussuf Poulsen, scorer of two goals in the competition, had missed out with a hamstring injury.

But the former Ajax player, back in familiar surroundings at the Johan Cruyff Arena, made the most of his opportunity by punishing Wales in each half with ruthless finishes.

Wales had put in the air miles at a tournament which has taken them to Baku, Rome and Amsterdam.

It appeared as if the journey had finally caught up with them as Denmark dominated for long periods and fully deserved their victory.

The build-up to the game had been dominated by the Dutch government banning Wales fans because of coronavirus restrictions.

A small band of Wales supporters did find their way into the stadium, but they were heavily outnumbered by several thousand Denmark fans who had been allowed to make the trip.

Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand had also expressed his hope that local Dutch support would rest with his side, particularly as their stricken midfielder Christian Eriksen spent five years of his career at Ajax.

Wales boss Robert Page recalled Ben Davies, Chris Mepham and Kieffer Moore from the side beaten 1-0 by Italy in their final group game.

The trio were carrying yellow cards and Page chose not to risk them in Rome as another booking would have ruled them out of the Amsterdam clash.

Wales reverted to a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, while Denmark were forced to make two changes after beating Russia 4-1 in Copenhagen to qualify for the knockout stage.

Wales started well and skipper Gareth Bale was influential in the early stages of an open contest.

Bale was twice off target from 25 yards, his first effort whistling past Kasper Schmeichel’s post, as Wales enjoyed more possession than they had probably envisaged.

Schmeichel also held Daniel James’ deflected effort, but Denmark’s move to a back four with Andreas Christensen pushed forward to curb Aaron Ramsey’s impact moved momentum in their favour.

Denmark forced a series of corners and took a 27th-minute lead when Maehle and Mikkel Damsgaard combined superbly for Dolberg to finish with a superb curling shot.

Dolberg almost doubled Denmark’s lead with a clever flick from close range but Danny Ward blocked with his legs.

Wales’ problems grew as the half drew to a close as Denmark sensed the tie could be put to bed before half-time.

Connor Roberts was forced off through injury and replaced by Neco Williams, while Moore was harshly booked to pick up a one-match suspension.

Ward made another fine stop from Maehle right on half-time but Denmark doubled their lead three minutes after the break, much to Wales’ grievance.

Wales wanted a free-kick after Simon Kjaer appeared to barge into Moore, but play was allowed to continue by German referee Daniel Siebert.

Braithwaite beat Joe Rodon with a neat turn of pace and substitute Williams made a hash of the cross.

The ball fell to Dolberg who lashed home his second and the goal stood after a VAR check adjudged that Braithwaite had kept the ball in play at the start of his run.

Mathias Jensen and Braithwaite both hit the post as Denmark were inches away from ramming home their superiority further.

But Wales were simply out of ideas and Denmark punished them again in the closing stages.

Maehle smashed home a left-footed shot from close range moments before Wilson became the second Wales player to be sent off at Euro 2020.

Braithwaite’s stoppage-time effort then stood after a lengthy VAR check for offside, as Denmark eased into a quarter-final tie against either Holland or the Czech Republic.

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EURO 2020: THORGAN HAZARD STUNNER DUMP PORTUGAL, SENDS BELGIUM TO LAST EIGHT

A rocket from Thorgan Hazard knocked reigning champions Portugal out of Euro 2020 on Sunday and earned Belgium a blockbuster quarter-final with Italy.

Hazard’s swerving shot before half-time sealed a 1-0 win for Belgium and settled a scrappy contest in Seville that never really lived up to its billing as the stand-out tie of the last 16.

But it could prove a statement victory for Belgium, whose chief concern now will be the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, who both hobbled off injured and will undergo scans on Monday.

De Bruyne suffered an ankle injury while coach Roberto Martinez said Hazard’s problem was “more of a muscle feeling”.

Cristiano Ronaldo tested Thibaut Courtois with a dipping free-kick in the first half but the 36-year-old neither broke the international goals record nor added to his five for the tournament.

Raphael Guerreiro went closest to a late equaliser when his shot came back off the post, one of 29 shots Portugal had, six of them on target.

But before the late rally, Belgium were the braver, more fluid team and Martinez hailed his side’s fighting spirit to hold on.

“We showed our talent in the first half and in the second half we showed an aspect that wasn’t there two or three years ago,” said Martinez. “This is what a winning team needs.”

For all the superstar names on the pitch, it was Eden Hazard’s less heralded brother Thorgan who proved decisive, the Borussia Dortmund winger who Eden once said had even more talent than him.

“In these games if you have a chance you have to have a go,” Thorgan said. “It went in, with a bit of luck and it was the goal that got us through. It’s a dream for me.”

Portugal, meanwhile, stuck to the defensive approach that served them so well in France five years ago but has perhaps been outgrown by a side that now boasts some of the most creative technicians in the world.

“I think it’s an unfair result but they scored and we didn’t,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos.

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Ten-man Holland shocked at Euro 2020

Tomas Holes and Patrik Schick struck in the second half as the Czech Republic stunned 10-man Holland in their Euro 2020 last-16 clash.

The Dutch completely lost their way in front of a capacity crowd in Budapest after Matthijs de Ligt was sent off for handball on 55 minutes.

Holes gave the Czechs the initiative with a powerful header on 68 minutes and Schick wrapped up victory with his fourth goal of the tournament 10 minutes from time.

The Czechs, who only qualified from England’s Group D in third place, will now face Denmark for a place in the semi-finals.

Holland, who had gone into the game strong favourites after winning their group with a 100 per cent record, had the better of the early play.

They had the first serious chance when Daley Blind clipped a free-kick over goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik to pick out De Ligt but the defender headed across goal instead of at it. The ball fell to Denzel Dumfries but he blasted well wide.

Dumfries had another opportunity when he raced onto a long ball behind the Czech defence but his angle was tight and Tomas Kalas cleared.

The Czech Republic began to threaten and Petr Sevcik whipped in a dangerous cross from the right but Tomas Soucek could not make firm contact with his header.

Another good move by the Czechs saw Lukas Masopust play in Antonin Barak but he scooped his shot over the bar.

Holland went close when Patrick van Aanholt scuffed a shot and they should have taken the lead early in the second period when Memphis Depay put Donyell Malen in on goal with a clever flick.

Malen charged into the area with only Vaclik to beat but the keeper dived at his feet to deny him.

It proved a pivotal moment as the game turned less than a minute later with the dismissal of De Ligt.

De Ligt lost his footing as he chased back and scooped the ball away with his hand as Schick threatened. Russian referee Sergei Karasev initially showed Le Ligt a yellow card but upgraded that to red following a review by VAR.

The Czechs took full advantage of their numerical superiority to take control of the game.

They wanted a penalty for potential handball against Dumfries but nothing was given following a VAR check and Pavel Kaderabek was then denied by a superb block from Dumfries.

The pressure continued and the Czechs eventually broke through on 68 minutes as Holes powered home a header from close range after Kalas headed back across goal following a corner.

They doubled their lead 10 minutes from time with a fine second goal. A long ball from Vaclik was headed into the path of Holes and he took a touch to charge into the area. He then looked up and pulled the ball back for the inrushing Schick to sidefoot home.

There was no way back for the Dutch.

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EURO 2020: ITALY SEE OFF STUBBORN AUSTRIA WITH EXTRA TIME VICTORY

Extra-time goals from Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina saw Italy book their place in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals, but their weaknesses were exposed in a 2-1 win over Austria at Wembley.

The Azzuri had turned heads with an impressive group stage, blitzing past Turkey, Switzerland and Wales with vibrant and high-energy performances to make themselves contenders for the trophy.

But they were unable to recreate that in London and needed two goals in the additional period to book a last-eight tie with either Belgium or Portugal in Munich, where their credentials will be truly tested.

They will take heart, however, from their resurgence in extra-time and they have posted a new record of 31 games unbeaten.

Austria, who bossed the second half of normal time and threatened to cause a real shock after Marko Arnautovic’s goal was ruled out by VAR, gave themselves hope with Sasa Kalajdzic scoring the first goal against Italy in 11 games late on, but they could not force a penalty shoot-out.

Having played their three group games in Rome, Italy hit the road and initially appeared to settle in to their new surroundings.

They began with style and confidence, and probed early as the impressive left wing-back Leonardo Spinazzola shot off-target, while Lorenzo Insigne fired straight at Daniel Bachmann.

Bachmann was tested more sternly in the 17th minute as he made a top-class save to keep out Nicolo Barella’s shot with his feet as the Austrians continued to live dangerously.

The Azzuri continued to press and they came even closer to taking the lead just after the half-hour when Immobile almost scored a memorable goal.

The Lazio striker was afforded space on the edge of the box and sent a swerving effort that just did not dip enough, cannoning off the angle of post and crossbar and to safety.

Italy’s defence had not been breached since October, but Austria had their moments on the break in the first half and enjoyed their best spell of the match straight after the restart.

Former West Ham striker Arnautovic surged into the box after Italy were robbed of possession but he chose to shoot when team-mates were waiting for a pull-back.

Then David Alaba had a great chance from a free-kick just outside the area, but he could not get his shot up and down over the wall in time and it went just over the crossbar.

It looked as though they had got their reward just after the hour-mark as Arnautovic nodded home Alaba’s header at the far post. However, VAR Stuart Attwell ruled it out as Arnautovic was marginally offside.

Austria continued to be the better side but they could not create anything clear-cut while Italy also looked lost for ideas, appearing tired and flat as the game ended goalless after 90 minutes.

Italy regained their verve in the additional period and needed only five minutes to go ahead.

Their passage to the last eight was sealed in the final moments of the first half of extra-time as Francesco Acerbi held the ball up in the penalty area and teed up Pessina to convert with another smart finish.

Italy finally did concede in the 113th minute, for the first time since a friendly with Holland in October when Kalajdzic squeezed a header in at the near post from a corner, but Austria could not find an equaliser.

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AGREEMENT REACHED AS RANGERS GOAL MACHINE, ALFRED MORELOS INCH CLOSER TO PORTUGAL

Prolific Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has reportedly agreed personal terms to join Portuguese giants Porto.

The Colombian attacker is expected to quit Ibrox this summer, with a number of top European clubs chasing his signature. However, it would appear that Porto have won the race after reports last week that Morelos was subject of a £10million bid.

It’s understood that Rangers are looking for a fee in the region of £15-20m for the 25-year-old frontman.

But radio station Antena 1, as cited by the Glasgow Evening Times, states that there is a “total agreement” between Porto and the player over a move.

Morelos has scored 94 goals in 182 games during his time at Ibrox. He was also a key figure as Steven Gerrard’s side lifted the Scottish Premiership title last season.

The striker has often been a controversial figure at Ibrox, however, having been sent off an incredible seven times.

Any fee that Rangers recoup for Morelos is expected to go towards the addition of another striker for Gerrard.

The Ibrox outfit begin the defence of their title against Livingston on July 31.

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IRISH DEFENDER NATHAN COLLINS JOINS BURNLEY IN £12M DEAL

Premier League side Burnley have signed Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Nathan Collins from Stoke City for a fee reported to be in the region of £12 million (€13.9 million).

The defender, 20, has signed a four-year deal with the Clarets.

Stoke brought Collins to their academy in 2017 after he impressed with Dublin side Cherry Orchard.

He is highly rated and became the club’s youngest ever captain last year.

He will join Ireland internationals Kevin Long and Jimmy Dunne at Turf Moor.

Speaking after signing with Burnley, Collins said: “I want to play in the Premier League. It’s going to be a jump but I think I can be ready for it. Every season they go into it, Burnley look dangerous. They can always hurt teams and it’s a really attractive team to come and play for.

“I want a challenge. That’s why I play football — to challenge myself and I can’t wait to get going. I want to play big games, I want to play against these players — I really can’t wait.

“Looking at Burnley, looking at what they’ve done in the last few seasons and what they want for the future; everything played a part.

“I think they do have big expectations at this club and I want to be part of it.”

Burnley chairman Alan Pace said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured the services of Nathan, who has been much sought after as one of the most promising young players in the country.

“We believe he will be an excellent addition.”

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COPA AMERICA: EDISON CAVANI SCORES IN URUGUAY’S WIN, BOLIVIA KNOCKED OUT

Edinson Cavani scored his 52nd goal for Uruguay on Thursday in a 2-0 Copa America victory over Bolivia, who became the first team eliminated from the competition. Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Lampe scored an unlucky own goal to open the scoring but at times almost single-handedly kept his side in the game.

Paraguay went second in group A behind Argentina with a 2-0 win over Chile, who dropped to third with Uruguay fourth. The result left Bolivia unable to catch any of the teams above them, who have all qualified for the quarter-finals.

“The appearance of Covid weakened us. We’ve played well, we tried to play without making mistakes but we didn’t have any luck,” complained Bolivia coach Cesar Farias.

A first-half header from Braian Samudio and second half Miguel Almiron penalty gave Paraguay a second victory in three matches.

With one match left, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay can still win Group A, while Brazil, who controversially beat Ecuador 2-1 on Wednesday, have already wrapped up top spot in Group B.

Colombia have also qualified for the quarter-finals but one of Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela will miss out.

Uruguay thoroughly deserved their first victory of this year’s tournament as they dominated throughout in Cuiaba, registering 22 shots to Bolivia’s four.

“The scoreline doesn’t reflect our dominance but we’re satisfied,” said Uruguay’s 74-year-old coach Oscar Tabarez, who added “we didn’t make any mistakes in defense.”

“Bolivia didn’t have any clear chances so we’re happy. It’s nothing to celebrate but we’re satisfied with the way we played and controlled the match.”

Uruguay’s star veterans Cavani and Suarez — the two most prolific forwards in Uruguay’s history — were a menace to the Bolivian backline throughout the match, even if they didn’t always have their shooting boots on.

At one point, the pair somehow contrived to make a mess of two-on-one situation, delaying shooting opportunities and allowing Lampe to come out and swat the ball off Cavani’s toes.

By then Uruguay’s Giorgian De Arrascaeta had fired over while Lampe had rushed out quickly to smother a Suarez effort.

Rodrigo Ramallo had Bolivia’s best first half chance, getting in behind the Uruguayan backline before fizzing a shot inches wide from an angle.

Suarez hit the side-netting with a header and Lampe dived full stretch to tip his freekick around the post.

In between, Uruguay took the lead as De Arrascaeta crossed from the right and a sliding Jairo Quinteros, in trying to prevent either of the veteran forwards converting a simple tap-in, deflected the ball off Lampe and into his own net on 40 minutes.

Lampe was in the thick of things after the break, making a reaction save from Cavani’s poke from seven yards, tipping a fierce drive from Rodrigo Betancur over the bar, and scampering backwards to parry a Suarez lob from close to halfway.

His opposite number, Fernando Muslera was rarely called into action but he did have to tip a long-range strike from Ramiro Vaca over the woodwork.

Having earlier header over when well placed, Manchester United’s Cavani finally ended Bolivia’s resistance 11 minutes from time, converting a cross from Facundo Torres, who put in a lively cameo off the bench, twice firing narrowly wide.

In Brasilia, Samudio rose above two defenders to power a header from Almiron’s corner into the top corner on 33 minutes, leaving goalkeeper Claudio Bravo rooted to his line.

Chile’s hopes of getting back into the match suffered a blow when Gary Medel was penalized for clambering all over Carlos Gonzalez in the box, allowing Almiron to send goalkeeper Claudio Bravo the wrong way from the penalty spot on 58 minutes.

Moments later it looked as if Paraguay would have a second penalty when Pablo Galdames appeared to rugby tackle Almiron, but incredibly it wasn’t given, even after a VAR check.

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LIVERPOOL’S CAOIMHIN KELLEHER SIGNS NEW LONG-TERM CONTRACT, VOWS TO COMPETE WITH ALISSON BECKER

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has pledged to continue pushing first-choice Alisson Becker after signing a new contract.

The Republic of Ireland international, 22, enjoyed a landmark season, making five appearances in the Premier League and Champions League to establish himself as number two at Anfield, while also making his Republic of Ireland debut.

“For me, it was a positive moment to commit my future to the club for the next few years,” Kelleher, who had made four cup appearances in the 2019-20 campaign, told liverpoolfc.com after signing what is understood to be a five-year deal.

“It’s such a big club and it’s an honour to be a part of it, so when I got the chance to sign for a few more years I was obviously delighted. I just want to keep my progress going at the club.

“It was a big year for me in terms of playing the first-team games this year and more important games; being thrown into the Champions League and Premier League games was big for my development and being able to handle that.

“It gave me a lot of confidence to try to push on, to try to keep pushing Ali because I can play at that kind of level as well and do well.

“I am looking forward, try to keep pushing him and we’ll see what happens.”

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UEFA ABOLISHES AWAY GOAL RULE IN ALL CLUB COMPETITIONS

UEFA announced on Thursday that the away goals rule will be abolished in European tournament knockout ties from the 2021-22 season.

The rule, which had been in place since 1965, was used to determine a winner when teams were level on aggregate after a two-legged match. The team that had scored more goals as the away side were awarded the victory. But from now, this will be replaced by extra time and penalties.

A UEFA statement read: “Following the recommendation of the UEFA Club Competitions Committee and the UEFA Women’s Football Committee, the UEFA Executive Committee has today approved a proposal to remove the so-called away goals rule from all UEFA club competitions (men, women and youth) as of the qualifying phases of the 2021/22 competitions.”

Commenting on the abolishment of the away goals rule, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of UEFA competitions since it was introduced in 1965. However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various UEFA meetings over the last few years. Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and have expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished.

“The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams — especially in first legs — from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage. There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score twice when the away team has scored.

It is fair to say that home advantage is nowadays no longer as significant as it once was. Taking into consideration the consistency across Europe in terms of styles of play, and many different factors which have led to a decline in home advantage, the UEFA Executive Committee has taken the correct decision in adopting the view that it is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight than one scored at home.”

Lyon, who had won the previous five editions of the women’s Champions League, were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals on away goals last season.

In the men’s Champions League, FC Porto and PSG benefited — eliminating Juventus and Bayern Munich — to reach the last eight and semifinals respectively.

Tottenham Hotspur progressed to the 2019 final after beating Manchester City and Ajax on away goals before they lost the final to Liverpool.

The rule change was not unanimous, Ceferin said, but was made after the rule’s “fairness” was questioned. The decision to scrap the away goals rule was taken by UEFA’s Executive Committee following the recommendation of its Club Competitions Committee and the Women’s Football Committee.

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WIJNALDUM THREATENS NETHERLANDS WALK-OFF AMID RAINBOW ARMBAND PLANS

Georginio Wijnaldum will wear a rainbow-coloured armband when he captains the Netherlands against the Czech Republic in Budapest on Monday and has declared that he and his teammates could leave the field if they are subjected to any form of abuse.

Hungary has faced criticism over its treatment of LGBTQ people after passing a law that prohibits the sharing of content in schools that could be deemed to promote homosexuality and gender change.

Football’s attempts to show support have also created controversy, with UEFA launching an investigation into Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s use of a rainbow armband – a nod to the flag of the LGBTQ community – before acknowledging the motif as “a team symbol for diversity”.

However, the governing body did not allow Munich’s Allianz Arena to be lit up in those colours for Germany’s final Group F game against Hungary on Thursday, ostensibly due to its rules regarding political neutrality.

But that has not discouraged Wijnaldum from plans to wear an armband featuring the words “One Love” for the first time in the tournament when the Dutch head to the Hungarian capital.

“It is not just against Hungary,” he said. “The armband means a lot because we stand for diversity – one love means everybody is a part of it and everybody should be free to be who they are.

“In our opinion [the right to be yourself] has been encroached upon. As players, we have a podium to do whatever we can to help.”

UEFA launched an investigation into allegations that France star Kylian Mbappe and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo faced racist and homophobic abuse during their appearances in Budapest.

And Wijnaldum has warned that he will be ready to take his team off the pitch should any such incidents occur during Monday’s last-16 clash.

“UEFA should be there to protect the players and make the decision,” he said. “It should not be left to the players. Players often get punished for protecting themselves so UEFA needs to take a lead role in this.

“I have said I don’t really know how I will react in such a situation. I thought first that I would walk off the pitch but maybe not now because maybe the opponent will think: ‘Let them [in the crowd] throw racist slurs and they will walk off the pitch’.

“It could be the case that I will walk off the pitch but I will speak with the players about it first.”