Month: June 2021

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EURO 2020: AUSTRIA CLINCH HARD-FOUGHT VICTORY OVER NORTH MACEDONIA

Austria struck twice late on to ensure North Macedonia’s debut at a major tournament ended in a spirited 3-1 defeat in Romania.

Igor Angelovski’s side broke new ground by qualifying for Euro 2020 after a play-off win over Georgia last November.

And, having gone behind to Stefan Lainer’s impressive finish, North Macedonia equalised in the first half when 37-year-old striker Goran Pandev became the European Championship’s second oldest goalscorer.

But, like they did twice in qualifying, they came unstuck against the Austrians, who secured their maiden win at a Euros thanks to efforts from second-half substitutes Michael Gregoritsch and Marko Arnautovic.

Lainer netted in his country’s 2-1 triumph over North Macedonia last November and needed just 18 minutes to haunt them again courtesy of a fine finish.

The right-back ghosted in at the back post and, having timed his run to perfection, volleyed home Marcel Sabitzer’s drilled angled cross.

Austria almost doubled their advantage soon after, but the unmarked Sasa Kalajdzic stabbed Sabitzer’s cross straight at Stole Dimitrievski.

But, just as Franco Foda’s side looked set to dominate, North Macedonia hit back in the 27th minute through star man Pandev, who had struck the play-off winner against Georgia.

The former Inter Milan player registered another important goal for his country, his 38th, by tapping into an empty net after goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann raced out and failed to gather following a defensive mix-up.

Aleksandar Trajkovski looked fortunate to receive only a yellow card after appearing to elbow Aleksandar Dragovic in an aerial challenge.

Bachmann made amends for his earlier error by diving at the feet of Boban Nikolov to deny the wing-back after Eljif Elmas’ exquisite pass carved the Austria defence open.

Dimitrievski then came to his side’s rescue at the other end, diving full stretch to keep out Gregoritsch’s smart header.

But the striker was not to be denied 12 minutes from time, nipping in ahead of Dimitrievski to prod home David Alaba’s pinpoint cross.

Austria sensed blood and attempted to kill off the game, with Sabitzer having a shot blocked before they struck again at the death.

Former West Ham forward Arnautovic got in behind the North Macedonia defence and went past Dimitrievski before rolling the ball into the net.

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NOVAK DJOKOVIC CLINCHES 19TH GRANDSLAM TITLE WITH COME BACK WIN AT FRENCH OPEN FINAL

Novak Djokovic rewrote the history books once again by fighting back from two sets to love down to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas and win a 19th grand slam title at the French Open.

The world number one is now only a single title behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the all-time list and is the first man in the Open era to win all the slams at least twice.

It appeared Djokovic had passed the big test by handing Rafael Nadal just his third defeat at Roland Garros on Friday but the effort it took to achieve that seemed to weigh heavily in the world number one’s arms and legs.

Tsitsipas saved a set point to win a compelling opener on a tie-break and looked to be cruising towards the title when he comfortably took the second but Djokovic showed once again why he can never be written off, willing himself to a 6-7 (6) 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 victory.

The Serbian barely had the energy to celebrate and, after sharing a moment at the net with his opponent, he crouched down on the court before pointing to the sky while Tsitsipas sat with his head buried in a towel.

Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer have guarded the slams like a fiefdom, repelling one generation after the next. There is no doubt Tsitsipas’ generation are getting closer but, even in their mid and late thirties, the big three still refuse to allow their fingers to be prised off the biggest trophies.

Djokovic had never successfully come back from two sets down in a grand slam final but, having lost in the final four times in Paris, including last year to Nadal, he was determined not to let another chance slip away.

Tsitsipas is not a man lacking in self-belief or ambition, so it was no surprise to see him handle the occasion well.

He faced two break points in the opening game but stood firm to hold and that became very important in the context of what followed.

Djokovic took a heavy tumble in the seventh game as he sprinted to try to reach a drop shot but was untroubled on serve until the ninth game when, out of nowhere, Tsitsipas created a set point.

Djokovic showed what makes him arguably the toughest competitor tennis has ever seen by turning himself into a wall from the baseline in a long point to save it, and then put himself in the driving seat with a break for 6-5.

But, with the sun in his eyes, Djokovic could not serve it out and then found himself 5-2 down in the tie-break.

The change of ends helped him win four points in a row to create a set point but Tsitsipas thumped a forehand into the corner to show that he was not going to give it away and it was Djokovic who faltered on his opponent’s second chance, dragging a forehand wide.

The Serbian has been renowned during his decade of dominance for his powers of recovery but he turned 34 last month and there were soon signs that Friday’s physical and mental epic had taken its toll.

Tsitsipas broke serve again to start the second set and Djokovic, the king of gruelling rallies, began to try to shorten the points, unable to trade with his much younger rival.

Djokovic likened beating Nadal in Paris to climbing Mount Everest, and even the fittest mountaineers would surely not be found up another mountain two days later.

He left the court at the end of the set, knowing if there was to be a renaissance it needed to be quick, and he made the breakthrough to lead 3-1, taking a fifth break point after Tsitsipas had brilliantly saved the first four.

There was no big display of emotion, Djokovic presumably saving all the energy he had for the court, but he found precision in offence that frustrated Tsitsipas.

By the fourth set it was the Greek, who took a medical time-out for treatment to his lower back, looking fatigued and he knew he had to dig in at the start of the decider.

The 22-year-old had done just that in his semi-final against Alexander Zverev but this was Djokovic at the other end and, despite fighting hard, a frustrated Tsitsipas was unable to keep his dream alive.

He raised his level again and saved a match point with a glorious backhand winner but Djokovic put away an overhead on his second chance.

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EURO 2020: STERLING ON TARGET AS ENGLAND BEAT CROATIA IN GROUP C

Raheem Sterling’s first major tournament goal got England’s Euro 2020 campaign off to a winning start as Gareth Southgate’s side overcame World Cup semi-final foes Croatia.

Three years on from their heartbreaking extra-time loss at the Luzhniki, England exacted some sort of revenge by triumphing in the Group D opener at a pulsating, partially filled Wembley.

Sterling’s goal secured a 1-0 win against Croatia on a sweltering Sunday afternoon.

A smattering of jeers when players took the knee before kick-off made way for a start as lively as the socially distanced crowd at the first major men’s international tournament match on home soil since Euro 96.

England shone during the opening 20 minutes, only for Croatia to settle and take the sting out of a sharp attack that continued to underwhelm early in second half.

England had never previously won their opening game at a European Championship and, just as fans began to worry that run might continue, a moment of incision cut the visitors’ backline open.

The impressive Kalvin Phillips cut inside and smartly put through Sterling to smash home his first tournament goal.

It proved the winner at the end of a week to remember for the 26-year-old, who was made an MBE for his work for services to racial equality in sport in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Sterling continued that fight by taking the knee before kick-off alongside his team-mates, with some ignoring pleas to respect players by booing the gesture before applause and cheers drowned the minority out.

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RAHEEM STERLING, JORDAN HENDERSON SET TO RECEIVE MBE AWARDS

England footballers Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson will receive the MBE as part of Queen Elizabeth’s birthday honours list announced on Friday.

Manchester City forward Sterling, 26, is being recognised for his campaigning against racism and setting up a foundation for deprived children.

“I am grateful to have been recognised but my priority is to try to help to educate society and myself,” Sterling said. “If it doesn’t start from within, then there’s no way you can help others.

“I’m learning every day. My motivation for racial equality is to get people to understand the difficulties people from diverse backgrounds face and create an environment where everybody is equal.”

Liverpool captain Henderson will receive the honour after spearheading the ‘Players Together’ fund for Premier League players to raise money for the National Health Service at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

“I accept this in the knowledge I was part of something special, rather than the reason for it,” the 30-year-old midfielder said.

“The other Premier League captains were the catalyst and the rest of the players, including my own team mates at Liverpool, were a driving force behind the scenes.”

Henderson and Sterling are currently part of the England squad, who open their European Championship campaign against Croatia at Wembley on Sunday.

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EURO 2020: FINLAND BEAT DENMARK BY LONE GOAL AFTER CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN COLLAPSE

Finland beat Denmark 1-0 in their Euro 2020 game after the meeting was earlier paused following the collapse of player Christian Eriksen.

The game restarted at 7.30pm Irish time after it was confirmed Eriksen was awake and stabilised in hospital.

The Denmark midfielder collapsed on the pitch of the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen shortly before half-time, leaving players from both teams in clear distress.

In an update on Saturday evening, UEFA said the Group B fixture would continue at the request of players from both teams.

Finland secured a goal into the restarted second-half of the game, which began with both sides scoreless.

Ahead of the game restarting, Denmark’s opponents wrote on Twitter: “The thoughts of the Finnish men’s national team, the Finnish Football Association and the Finnish football family are with Eriksen, his relatives and the Danish team.”

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin added: “Moments like this put everything in life into perspective. I wish Christian a full and speedy recovery and pray his family has strength and faith.

“At these times, the unity of the football family is so strong and he and his family carry with them the good wishes and prayers of everyone.

“I heard of fans of both teams chanting his name. Football is beautiful and Christian plays it beautifully.”

Earlier, UEFA said Eriksen had been transferred to hospital and stabilised.

Denmark also tweeted an update which read: “Christian Eriksen is awake and is (set) for further examinations at Rigshospitalet (hospital).”

The Inter Milan player received CPR on the pitch after collapsing during the game in Copenhagen.

English referee Anthony Taylor called medics on to the pitch and Eriksen underwent prolonged treatment.

Team-mates formed a shield around the former Tottenham man, while fans inside the stadium were clearly stunned by the incident, with some pictured in tears.

A tweet from UEFA, the Union of European Football Associations, said the match had been suspended due to a medical emergency.

Fabrice Muamba, the former Bolton midfielder who collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest during a televised FA Cup game in 2012, has responded to the news of Eriksen’s collapse.

“Please God,” he tweeted.

Eriksen’s former club, Tottenham, tweeted: “All of our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen and his family.”

The player left Tottenham for Inter Milan in 2020 after seven years with the club.

Inter Milan also tweeted a message of support with a praying hands emoji. It said: “Forza Chris, all of our thoughts are with you!”

Dozens of current and former players have posted messages of support for Eriksen, including his Inter Milan team-mate Achraf Hakimi.

“Eriksen Please,” tweeted the Moroccan international.

Others posting similar tweets for the Denmark midfielder include former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher and Manchester United’s former right-back Gary Neville, as well as current England and Aston Villa forward Jack Grealish.

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NOVAK DJOKOVIC OVERCOMES RAFAEL NADAL IN FRENCH OPEN CLASSIC TO REACH FINAL

Rafael Nadal was beaten for just the third time at the French Open as Novak Djokovic won an extraordinary semi-final on a night of sporting drama at Roland Garros.

The great Spaniard went into the contest having won 105 of his previous 107 matches on the Parisian clay, losing only to Robin Soderling in the fourth round in 2009 and Djokovic in the last eight six years ago.

He had won all 13 of his previous semi-finals but, in a 58th match between the pair that was on a par with almost any that came before, Djokovic found the answers to the greatest challenge in sport to win 3-6 6-3 7-6 (4) 6-2.

It is the world number one who will take on Stefanos Tsitsipas – winner of a five-set contest with Alexander Zverev earlier on Friday – in the final on Sunday, bidding for a 19th grand slam title and to become the first man in the Open era to win each title at least twice.

Nadal had been trying to claim the outright men’s record with 21 slam titles and went in as a clear, albeit narrow, favourite, particularly given his drubbing of Djokovic in the final last October.

The first five games were a near carbon copy of that match, with Nadal finding the answer to everything Djokovic could throw at him and moving into a 5-0 lead, but from there it swerved off in a completely different direction entirely.

Djokovic not only avoided the love set but pulled three games back, sowing a few seeds of doubt in Nadal’s mind before the Spaniard took his seventh set point.

Those doubts were evident as Djokovic moved into a 2-0 lead and then, after Nadal had broken back, a 4-2 advantage.

The next game summed up what makes contests between these two some of the best in all sport. The points were spellbinding, the athleticism mind-blowing, with both men not only trying to deploy their weapons but to prevent the other doing likewise.

Nadal had three chances to break back but was denied on each occasion, as he was two games later when Djokovic served for the set, the Spaniard missing a routine backhand on break point and paying the penalty.

There was no doubt Djokovic was in the ascendancy and yet this was Nadal on clay in Paris and, as the Serbian knows better than anyone having lost to him here seven times, there is no tougher challenge.

A Djokovic break for 3-2 in the third set was immediately snuffed out by Nadal but the effort of doing so took it out of the 35-year-old, who promptly dropped his serve to love.

Djokovic survived another long game to hold for 5-3 and was at 30-0 trying to serve it out but one moment of hesitation was all it took to give Nadal hope and back stormed the champion with four points in a row.

Both men were showing understandable signs of fatigue but somehow they engineered even more outlandish points, with Nadal fighting off break points to hold for 6-5 and then creating a set point only for Djokovic to save with a precision drop shot.

As in last year’s final, the tactic had been more foe than friend but, at the biggest moment of the match thus far, it came to his rescue.

The tie-break was nip and tuck until Nadal, normally the most solid of volleyers, put one long at 4-3 that would have left a club player with head in hands.

Djokovic was not so charitable and, for just the fifth time at Roland Garros, Nadal lost a second set in a match.

The biggest cheer of the night came with the announcement that the fans, who had been expected to be ejected to comply with Paris’ 11pm curfew, were in fact being allowed to stay.

Nadal made a statement with a break to start the fourth set but it was Djokovic who was in control of more of the points and, for once, the champion had no answer

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EURO 2020: MOORE TO THE RESCUE AS WALES SNATCH DRAW OVER WASTEFUL SWITZERLAND

Kieffer Moore headed a superb equaliser as Wales opened their Euro 2020 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland at the Olympic Stadium in Baku.

Breel Embolo put Switzerland in front after 49 minutes, his close-range effort full reward for their superiority.

But Moore claimed his sixth international goal 16 minutes from time – and Wales were relieved when Mario Gavranovic’s late effort was disallowed for offside following a VAR check.

A point was more than Wales deserved for large parts of a contest in which they were often second best and key men Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey were kept quiet.

But Moore’s header will give Wales – semi-finalists at the last European Championship in France five years ago – belief that they can progress from a competitive group.

The result will place greater emphasis on Wales’ next game against Turkey, who lost their opening Group A fixture 3-0 to Italy, in Baku on Wednesday.

Bale, Wales’ record goalscorer, had not scored for 11 games going into the match – a run stretching back to October 2019.

But he had netted in his two previous appearances against Switzerland, with Ramsey also on target when the two sides last met in a 2-0 Wales victory in 2011.

Ramsey had been declared fit to start after being troubled by injuries, but interim boss Robert Page decided not to play him as a false nine.

The Juventus midfielder had filled that role in the final warm-up friendly against Albania, but he lined up in a more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, with Cardiff target man Moore leading the line.

Danny Ward got the nod over Wayne Hennessey in goal and the two Joes, Allen and Morrell, provided the midfield screen in front of the back four.

Switzerland, four places higher than Wales at 13 in the world rankings, were packed with experience, with six players in the starting line-up having 60 caps or more.

Vladimir Petkovic’s side also came into the tournament in good form, having won all five games played in 2021.

Both sets of players took the knee before kick-off and it was a cagey opening with temperatures touching 30 degrees.

Wales had the first chance after 15 minutes when Daniel James crossed from the left and Moore forced a superb one-handed save from Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Moore was injured moments later in an aerial clash with Kevin Mbabu, but he was able to continue after treatment and returned wearing a patriotic red head bandage.

Switzerland took control as the half wore on, with Ward saving smartly from Fabian Schar’s near-post flick and Granit Xhaka driving wide from distance.

Wales’ plan was to launch quick counter-attacks and utilise the pace of Bale and James, but too often they were careless in transition and moves broke down before they started.

James did break free on the half-hour mark, but the winger’s burst ended by a cynical challenge from Schar, which earned the Newcastle defender a yellow card.

Switzerland’s pressure grew as the half drew to a close and Haris Seferovic failed to find the target on three occasions when well placed inside the area.

The clearest opening came on the stroke of half-time when Embolo held off Chris Mepham and Wales were relieved to reach the interval level.

But parity did not last long, with the Wales defence breached just moments after Ward had denied Embolo with a superb stop.

Xherdan Shaqiri swung over the resulting corner and Embolo held off the challenge of Connor Roberts to send his header past a helpless Ward from six yards out.

Wales responded well to the setback, with Ben Davies’ drive deflected just over before Moore met Morrell’s cross with a sweet header.

Gavranovic thought he had restored Switzerland’s lead six minutes from time, but Wales were saved by a VAR check.

Ward came to their rescue again to push another Embolo effort over the bar and the point keeps Wales very much in the hunt for qualification for the round of 16.

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DAVID MOYES SIGNS NEW DEAL AT WESTHAM

West Ham manager David Moyes has been rewarded with a new three-year contract.

The Scot guided the Hammers to Europa League qualification last term courtesy of a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League.

“This is where I want to be and I’m happy,” Moyes told West Ham’s website.

“I’m excited to be given this opportunity to build on what we all have already achieved here. The owners and I are fully aligned with how we want to keep developing and improving the football club.”

Moyes, who initially managed the Hammers between November 2017 and May 2018, returned for a second spell in December 2019 following the departure of Manuel Pellegrini.

The 58-year-old helped the London club avoid relegation in the 2019-2020 campaign before continuing the resurgence by leading them to their highest Premier League points tally of 65 in the season just gone.

“We have made tremendous progress in the past 15 months and that has been a collective effort from everyone at the club,” he said.

“We must keep pushing boundaries for consistent improvement as we all aim to continue the growing of the club.

“I am really excited by the ambition that we have at the club and we are going to work as hard as we possibly can to keep moving forward and hopefully give our supporters many a great memory.”

Moyes is closing in on 100 matches in charge at the London Stadium and 1,000 competitive games as a manager following previous spells with Preston, Everton, Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland.

Club chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said in a joint statement: “This is fantastic news and we are delighted that David has committed his long-term future to the club, ensuring great stability going forward.

“His strong work ethic and determination to build success in the right way have proved a perfect fit for West Ham United, and we are all aligned with what needs to be done to keep progressing and improving.

“The experience of the past 12 months has created a fantastic unity throughout the club and we are very excited about what the future holds for our supporters.”

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EURO 2020: ITALY OPEN TOURNAMENT WITH DOMINANT WIN OVER TURKEY

ROME, ITALY - JUNE 11: Ciro Immobile of Italy (hidden) celebrates with team mates after scoring their side's second goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group A match between Turkey and Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on June 11, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Italy rode three second-half goals to a 3-0 win over Turkey in Group A of the opening match of the 2020 European Championship in Rome on Friday.

Postponed by a year, the biggest footballing event since the coronavirus brought the world to a halt, kicked off Friday at the Stadio Olimpico — a milestone both for European and world sports.

Roberto Mancini’s Italy came into the match on a 27-match unbeaten run, and their fine form showed early on as the Azzurri dominated possession and went close with a pair of headers from corner kicks just past the 20-minute mark.

Italy ratcheted up the pressure as half-time approached and, after some intricate build-up play, Ciro Immobile was sprung in the box only to fire right at Turkey keeper Ugurcan Cakir as the teams went into the break locked in a 0-0 draw.

“We have played many teams that have done what Turkey did this evening. They put everyone [back] there, give you little space and make it hard for you to score,” said Mancini.

“But the lads had patience. We waited, kept playing, tried to get that goal, then we got it. The lads did really well. The first half wasn’t straightforward and in a game like that, even if they [Turkey] put everyone back, if you give one [goal] away on the break, the game changes.”

The pressure on the Turkish defence finally told when Merih Demiral inadvertently chested the ball into his own net from a Domenico Berardi cross, and Italy took the lead shortly after the restart.

A goalmouth scramble led to Italy’s second, with Immobile pouncing on a loose ball in front of the Turkish goal and firing home to double the advantage of Mancini’s side.

Lorenzo Insigne put the game away for Italy in the 79th minute, curling home a beautiful first-time shot after Turkey’s Cakir hooked a goal kick right to the opposing side and Italy pounced for their third.

Italy’s third goal made history as it marked the first time they had scored three goals in a match at the Euros in their 39th attempt.

“It was important to start well here in Rome, and it is a joy for us and for all the Italians,” Mancini told Rai.

“It was a great evening, I hope there will be many more, but there are still six to go before Wembley”.

Turkey will face Wales next in Group A action, while Italy play Switzerland, with both games played on Wednesday, June 16.

After a build-up featuring a spine-tingling performance from opera singer Andrea Bocelli, a spectacular fireworks display and a typically raucous rendition of Italy’s national anthem, the 16,000-strong crowd was in fine voice by kick-off.

Italy were determined to make a strong start five years on from their last major tournament appearance, having failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and they started strongly.

The visitors were happy to sit deep and invite pressure and rarely ventured into the Italian half throughout the opening period, but Mancini’s side were left frustrated in their efforts to break through the wall of red shirts.

Giorgio Chiellini had a header tipped over with a spectacular one-handed save by Cakir and Immobile nodded a cross wide as the hosts stretched the Turkish defence.

Insigne curled a shot straight at Cakir from the edge of the box, and Immobile fired into the keeper’s arms as Italy headed in at the break with 14 attempts to none from Turkey.

Italy’s patience was rewarded when Berardi fired a cross into the 6-yard box where Demiral chested the ball into the net — the first time in European Championship history that the tournament’s opening goal was an own goal.

Spinazzola had a shot beaten away, and Manuel Locatelli’s low effort was palmed wide before Immobile doubled Italy’s lead by pouncing on Cakir’s parry from another Spinazzola effort to knock in the rebound.

“We showed patience in the first half,” Immobile said. “Turkey are a strong side and caused problems for many top teams. We tried to tire them out, moving the ball left and right and trying to spread them. Unfortunately, we regularly struggled to break their wall.

“Turkey were more tired after the break. After the [first] goal they had to open up some space, so that’s when our quality emerged.”

The Azzurri’s dominance was rewarded again when Immobile threaded a pass to Insigne, who placed a precise finish into the bottom corner with 11 minutes remaining.

Mancini told his players in the prematch news conference that they should enjoy themselves and seek to entertain, and that was exactly what they did for a jubilant home crowd.

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BBC APOLOGISES FOR COVERAGE OF CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN ON-FIELD TREATMENT.

The BBC has apologised following complaints that it continued to broadcast as Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen received emergency treatment during his country’s Euro 2020 game against Finland.

The midfielder dropped to the ground at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen shortly before half-time, leaving players from both teams in clear distress.

Politicians and celebrities shared messages of support for the family of the former Tottenham player, who is reported to be awake and recovering in hospital.

In a statement, the BBC said: “We apologise to anyone who was upset by the images broadcast.

“In-stadium coverage is controlled by UEFA as the host broadcaster, and as soon as the match was suspended, we took our coverage off air as quickly as possible.”

The first round match between the two nations was suspended but resumed at 7.30pm “following the request made by players of both teams”, according to UEFA.

Denmark tweeted an update which read: “Christian Eriksen is awake and is (set) for further examinations at Rigshospitalet (hospital).”

Former Spurs striker Gary Lineker, who was in the BBC studio for the match, also apologised for the coverage but said they “were the host pictures and out of our control”.

He added: “They should have stayed on a wide of the stadium. Apologies.”