Spain have lifted the European Under-21 Championships title, thanks to a 2-0 victory over Switzerland in Saturday s final.
Just like their country’s senior team, Spain now hold the title as Europe’s best in their age group after they rounded off a successful tournament with the triumph in Aarhus, Denmark.
A draw against England in their first match in the tournament had been their only blemish to a perfect record that included wins against the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Belarus on their path to the final, with the latter coming in extra-time.
But despite the semi-final scare, Spain were simply too good for Switzerland as their passing, ball control and movement stood out, just like it had done all tournament.
They took the lead with four first-half …
With the start of the Premier League season quickly approaching, Manchester United’s three new summer signings will be looking to prove themselves to Sir Alex Ferguson in a bid to secure first team football. The most likely signing to receive the most playing time is goalkeeper David de Gea. Second in line is Ashley Young, who even if he is not starting is likely to play as the super-sub for the Reds. That leaves Phil Jones as the odd one out, for the time being.
David de Gea
Despite Anders Lindegaard’s fine display during the World Football Challenge, de Gea remains the favourite to grab the position vacated by Dutch legend Edwin van der Sar. Although he’s only been a starting first-team for two seasons, his shot-stopping ability is undeniable. Last seas…
Garry Monk insists Swansea City are not dwelling on last weekend s events at the Britannia Stadium ahead of their clash with Leicester City.
A controversial first-half penalty, converted by Stoke City s Charlie Adam, became the focus of the post-match analysis after Jonathan Walters had netted a late winner for the hosts.
Monk was scathing in his assessment of the spot-kick award stating that Victor Moses had cheated the referee when he went down under a challenge from Angel Rangel.
The Swansea boss was later contacted by the Football Association to clarify his post-match comments.
With Leicester the visitors to the Liberty Stadium this weekend, Monk claimed his full focus was now on returning to winning ways in the Premier League.
After both club…
Juventus eyeing Juan Quintero
Portuguese media outlet that Juventus are keeping close tabs on FC Porto starlet Juan Quinterro.
With coach Max Allegri set to switch to 4-3-1-2 formation, the Bianconeri are on the lookout for a trequartista and the Colombian midfielder is one of the players they are looking at.
It is believed that the Dragons would require around €15 million for the 21-year-old footballer, although it is important to note they only own 50% of the player s rights.
Juan Quinterro may have failed to nail down a regular starting berth at Estadio do Dragao, but he has been quite impressive every time he was called into action.
The talented youngster has already scored 6 league goals despite only making 7 starts and another 22 substit…
Germany defender Benedikt Howedes is more than an option for Serie A champions Juventus in the transfer market.
Juve are aiming to win a seventh consecutive top-flight title this season, while they were placed alongside Barcelona, Olympiacos and Sporting CP in Thursday s draw for the Champions League group stage as Massimiliano Allegri looks to mastermind another run to the final.
They fell at the final hurdle in Europe s top competition to Barca in 2015 and Real Madrid last term, while Juventus pre-season preparations were rocked by influential centre-back Leonardo Bonucci s departure to AC Milan.
Allegri s men began their Serie A campaign with a 3-0 win over Cagliari on Saturday and defensive reinforcements are seemingly on the way in the form of Schalke s Howe…
Jose Mourinho has completed a successful raid on his old club by signing Nemanja Matic from Chelsea in a reported £40million deal.
The Serbia international is the second player to leave Stamford Bridge for Manchester United in the last three years, with Mourinho having sold Juan Mata to the Red Devils in January 2014.
Only a handful have made such a switch between the Premier League heavyweights and it is safe to say that not all have been a success at their new club.
Here, we take a look at five of the best-known examples.
RAY WILKINS: CHELSEA TO MANCHESTER UNITED (1979)
England great Ray Wilkins became a star at Chelsea more or less from the moment he made his debut at the age of 17 in 1973.
The midfielder quickly established…
Xavi will take his first training session as the new head coach of Barcelona on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.
The former Barca midfielder was announced as Ronald Koeman s replacement on Saturday and will be officially presented on Monday before taking his first training session a day later.
Xavi arrives with the Blaugrana sat in mid-table in LaLiga and stated on Saturday that the training sessions will be demanding and we will compete hard .
Following the international break, the legendary Spain midfielder s first game in charge will be the Catalan derby against Espanyol on Saturday 20th November.
Meanwhile, Barcelona announced that Eric Garcia and Nico Gonzalez suffered muscle strains in Saturday s 3-3 draw at Celta Vigo.
The duo join Ansu Fat…
Verdict: Arsenal to score anytime
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With the Premier League making its return to action from behind closed doors this week, soon to be former champions Manchester City will host Arsenal on Wednesday night.
Manchester City
Starting with the hosts, last seen back in March when watching the Red Devils pick up local bragging rights thanks to a 2-0 win at Old Trafford, Manchester City are simply looking to try and end their domestic campaign on a high. All but handing over their Premier League crown to champions-elect Liverpool, Pep Guardiola s men have all but fully turned their attention to Champions League success. Although the former Barcelona boss might have seen his side continue to show some worrying inconsistencies at the back…
Competition: Primera Nacional
Market: Independiente Rivadavia draw no bet
Odds: 4/5 @
Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Primera Nacional table, Tristan Suarez will welcome Independiente Rivadavia to Buenos Aires on Saturday afternoon.
Starting with the hosts, while Tristan Suarez might have opened the 2023 campaign with their sights set on mounting another play-off charge, the Lechero are enduring a real Primera Nacional nightmare this time around. Last seen putting in another downbeat display as they slumped to an action-packed 3-2 defeat away at Deportivo Maipu, Gaston Pernia’s men find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat two points adrift in the drop zone, the Buen…
Real Madrid are trying to offload a pair of veterans to Tottenham.
Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale could be on the way out at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Spurs are reportedly only interested in one of them.
TOP STORY – SPURS WEIGH BALE REUNION
Gareth Bale could be headed for a permanent return to Tottenham, El Nacional reports.
Real Madrid have offered Bale and Eden Hazard to Spurs but head coach Antonio Conte is not interested in his former Chelsea player.
However, Spurs may pounce for Bale at a reduced price before he is out of contract following the season.
Antonio Conte vol reforçar la plantilla del Tottenham, però rebutja Hazard
— ElNacional.cat (@elnacionalcat)
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