XV EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP (FRANCE 2016)

FINAL STAGE — GAME DETAILS

(From 10-06-2016 to 10-07-2016)

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade de France (Saint-Denis, Paris) DATE: 10-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 75.113 REFEREE: Viktor Kassai (HUN) GOALS: 1-0 (Giroud 57’); 1-1 (Stancu [p.] 65’); 2-1 (Payet 89’) BOOKED: Giroud (69’) / Chiricheş (32’), Raţ (45’), Popa (78’) [Incidents: Opening game of the European Championship, preceded by an inaugural ceremony.]
		France - Romania
		2-1 (0-0)
FRANCE Lloris (c) Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra Pogba (Martial 77’), Kanté, Matuidi Griezmann (Coman 66’), Giroud, Payet (Sissoko 90+’) COACH: Didier Deschamps			ROMANIA Tătăruşanu Săpunaru, Chiricheş (c), Grigore, Raţ Stanciu (Chipciu 72’), Hoban, Pintilii Popa (Torje 82’), Andone (Alibec 61’), Stancu COACH: Anghel Iordănescu
GAME SUMMARY Dimitri Payet scored a dramatic 89th minute winner to secure France a late 2-1 win over Romania in the opening match of Euro 2016 in Saint-Denis. Payet’s fantastic goal, a classy shot into the top-left corner from the edge of the area, spared Les Bleus some blushes after Bogdan Stancu’s penalty cancelled out Olivier Giroud’s header. After a lively opening ceremony mastered by leading DJ David Guetta, France entered the game eager to ratify their condition as one of the tournament’s favourites. However, the absence of key central defenders Raphaël Varane (injured) and Mamadou Sakho (suspended) weakened the French rearguard, as was demonstrated when Romania came close to scoring in the opening minutes. Adil Rami, playing as a replacement for Varane, showed a lack of understanding with central defense peer Laurent Koscielny and conceded a fourth-minute corner, which ended with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris superbly saving Stancu's shot from close range. France gradually settled with further possession, and had several chances to take the lead, but attackers Antoine Griezmann and Giroud failed to find the target. After halftime, the movement and vision of West Ham’s Payet continued to give France attacking potential, and he came close to inspiring the opening goal when setting up Paul Pogba for a powerful 56th-minute volley which tested Romania goalkeeper Ciprian Tătăruşanu. Within a minute, Payet sent another cross towards Giroud, who beat Tătăruşanu to the air ball and steered a header towards the top-left corner. Just when France were expected to grow in confidence and extend their lead by continuing to expose Romania’s limitations, the hosts were undermined by their vulnerable defense. In minute 65, Patrice Evra clumsily brought down Nicolae Stanciu in the area, and from the ensuing penalty Stancu calmly finished beyond Lloris to equalize. In the pursuit of victory, Didier Deschamps brought on the promising Kingsley Coman―the youngest ever French player at a major tournament―and Anthony Martial, but it was the unsung Payet who would become France’s hero with a late winner. After receiving a pass from N’Golo Kanté on the edge of the area, the West Ham United forward jinked to his left before masterfully curling a left-footed shot past Tătăruşanu. As he was substituted in injury-time, Payet left the pitch in tears of joy, knowing he had ensured a much needed victory for France in the opening game of their Euro 2016 campaign.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade Bollaert-Delelis (Lens) DATE: 11-06-2016 (15:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 33.805 REFEREE: Carlos Velasco Carballo (SPA) GOALS: 0-1 (Schär 5’) BOOKED: Schär (14’), Behrami (66’) / Cana (23’), Cana (36’ > RC), Kaçe (63’), Kukeli (89’), Mavraj (90+’) [Incidents: Cana was sent off (min. 36).]
		Albania - Switzerland
		0-1 (0-1)
ALBANIA Berisha Hysaj, Cana (c), Mavraj, Agolli Abrashi, Kukeli, Xhaka (Kaçe 62’) Roshi (Cikalleshi 74’), Sadiku (Gashi 82’), Lenjani COACH: Gianni de Biasi			SWITZERLAND Sommer Lichtsteiner (c), Schär, Djourou, Rodríguez Shaqiri (Fernandes 88’), Behrami, Xhaka, Mehmedi (Embolo 62’) Džemaili (Frei 76’), Seferović COACH: Vladimir Petković
GAME SUMMARY Switzerland made a winning start to their Euro 2016 campaign against 10-man Albania, who had a dignified debut in a major tournament. In a game of mixed emotions due to links between the nations that gave it a strong sense of kinship―a feeling crystallised by Switzerland Xherdan Shaqiri and the Xhaka brothers (Granit and Taulant), who became the first two siblings to face each other in the final stage of the European Championship―, Fabian Schär’s early header earned Switzerland maximum points to tie France on top of Group A. Albania’s nerves in the opening minutes of their maiden tournament were understandable, but goalkeeper Etrit Berisha’s decision to come for a fifth-minute corner was misguided at best, as he completely missed Xherdan Shaqiri’s cross, allowing Schär to head home. Haris Seferović should have doubled the Swiss lead ten minutes later, but shot straight at Berisha from Blerim Džemaili’s lay-off. After overcoming their initial anxiety, Albania came back to life when Taulent Xhaka fired wide, then Yann Sommer saved well after Armando Sadiku had timed his sprint perfectly to run in behind the Swiss defense to collect Elseid Hysaj’s brilliant raking pass. The tournament newcomers continued to shoot themselves in the foot, however, when captain Lorik Cana was sent off for a second bookable offense ten minutes before halftime after being caught out by a long ball forward, then slipped on the edge of the penalty area in his race with Seferović and handled the ball away to clear the danger. Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo showed no hesitation in producing a second yellow and subsequent red card. From the ensuing free-kick, Džemaili crashed the ball against the base of the post. The expelling of their captain killed all the momentum built up by Albania and Switzerland seized back the initiative. Although Berisha went on to redeem himself with a number of good saves at Džemaili and Seferović, the early damage could not be repaired, in spite of all the effort of the well-supported Albanians, who made light of their numerical disadvantage with a gutsy display. Switzerland continued dominating possession in the second half, although Albania posed a sporadic threat, with Sadiku firing into the side-netting and Ermir Lenjani unsuccessfully appealing for a penalty after tangling with right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner. Given the man advantage, Switzerland could curse themselves at still having only the slimmest advantage as the hour passed, as they enjoyed clear chances on the counterattack to extend their lead. Seferović had earlier warmed Berisha’s fingers and should have scored again when racing in on the Albanian keeper. With Vladimir Petković’s side dangerously playing with fire, the best chance for the Eagles came three minutes from time, when substitute Shkelzen Gashi was played clean through but shot too close to Sommer, who tipped over.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Matmut Atlantique (Bordeaux) DATE: 11-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 37.831 REFEREE: Svein Oddvar Moen (NOR) GOALS: 1-0 (Bale 10’); 1-1 (Duda 61’); 2-1 (Robson-Kanu 81’) BOOKED: Hrošovský (31’), Mak (78’), Weiss (80’), Kucka (83’), Škrtel (90+’)
		Wales - Slovakia
		2-1 (1-0)
WALES Ward Chester, A. Williams (c), Davies Gunter, Edwards (Ledley 69’), Allen, Taylor J. Williams (Robson-Kanu 71’), Bale, Ramsey (Richards 88’) COACH: Chris Coleman			SLOVAKIA Kozáčik Pekarík, Škrtel (c), Ďurica, Švento Mak, Kucka, Hamšík, Hrošovský (Duda 60’), Weiss (Stoch 83’) Ďuriš (Nemec 59’) COACH: Ján Kozák
GAME SUMMARY 58 years after playing their last major tournament, Wales had a dream start to their Euro 2016 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Slovakia. Substitute striker Hal Robson-Kanu (currently unattached) was the hero in Bordeaux as he latched onto a loose ball ten minutes from time to score the winner. Gareth Bale had given Wales a 10th-minute lead with a trademark free-kick, but substitute Ondrej Duda equalized just after the hour mark. Although Slovakia had the best of the second half, Wales defended orderly and waited for their chance. Slovakia almost scored from the game’s first attack when Marek Hamšík dispossessed Bale and left several Wales defenders trailing in his wake, only to see his shot cleared over the goal-line by Ben Davies. Ten minutes into the game, Bale made amends for his mistake with a free-kick which beat the outstretched hand of Matúš Kozáčik. The goal threw Slovakia out of their stride after such a promising start, and Aaron Ramsey forced a straightforward save from Kozáčik. Martin Škrtel’s uncompromising challenge on Jonny Williams left Wales claiming a penalty, but Norwegian referee Svein Oddvar Moen was not interested in the appeals and waved play on. Slovakia, who had finished the opening half on top, had the first chance of the second period when Róbert Mak sprang the offside trap to burst onto Vladimír Weiss’ raking pass, but was unable to control his shot. Bale almost scored a second two minutes later when he met Joe Allen’s cross and Kozáčik had to scramble across his line to save by the post. But Slovakia were taking a grip of proceedings and a double substitution paid off instantly just after the hour mark when Duda (only one minute on the pitch) collected a pass from Mak and released a firm left-footed shot which gave Danny Ward no chance to prevent the equalizer. The Liverpool goalkeeper (a late replacement for first-choice stopper Wayne Hennessey, who suffered a back spasm on the eve of the game) was involved again when he had to beat away Juraj Kucka’s powerful effort with James Chester on hand to clear the danger. Chris Coleman responded with a double substitution of his own to stem the Slovakia flow, with Joe Ledley and Robson-Kanu (both back from injuries). The switch almost worked immediately as the latter swung over a cross for the unmarked Ramsey, but the Arsenal midfielder got under the ball and sent his header over Kozáčik’s crossbar. Wales had altered the balance of play, though, and ten minutes from time Ledley’s pass allowed Ramsey to run at the heart of the Slovakia defense. He seemed to stumble, but the ball broke to Robson-Kanu, whose scuffed shot found its way through the legs of Ján Ďurica and past Kozáčik. Slovakia were not finished, though, and substitute Adam Nemec headed against the post four minutes from time. But Wales held on for a famous win and a chance to progress to the knock-out stages.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Vélodrome (Marseille) DATE: 11-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 62.343 REFEREE: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA) GOALS: 1-0 (Dier 73’); 1-1 (V. Berezutskij 90+’) BOOKED: Cahill (62’) / Shchennikov (72’)
		England - Russia
		1-1 (0-0)
ENGLAND Hart Walker, Cahill, Smalling, Rose Alli, Dier, Rooney (c) (Wilshere 78’) Lallana, Kane, Sterling (Milner 87’) COACH: Roy Hodgson			RUSSIA Akinfeev Smol’nikov, V. Berezutskij (c), Ignashevich, Shchennikov Kokorin, Neustädter (Glushakov 80’), Shatov, Golovin (Shirokov 78’) Dzjuba, Smolov (Mamaev 85’) COACH: Leonid Slutskij
GAME SUMMARY A dramatic leveller in stoppage-time by Russian captain Vasilij Berezutskij prevented England from winning their first opening game in the final stage of the European Championship since their first participation in 1968. Although the Three Lions dominated large portions of the game and had the better chances, their lack of cutting edge denied Roy Hodgson's side starting Euro 2016 with a deserved win. A thumping Eric Dier free-kick midway the second half seemed to set England for their first victory in a opening game, but they failed to wrap it up and paid dearly when a last-gasp header by Vasilij Berezutskij earned Russia a fortuitous 1-1 draw. In a match marred by violent clashes between English and Russian fans in the streets of Marseille (even in the stadium, despite all the safety measures for a high risk game), a very young English team dominated the game from the onset. Roy Hodgson decided to go with Harry Kane up front as the lone striker with Dele Alli and Wayne Rooney playing in the midfield. To the surprise of many, Jamie Vardy, whose searing pace destroyed many defenses in the Premier League last season, was not included in the starting XI. England’s wingers caused a lot of trouble for the Russian full-backs, and even center-backs were struggling against the English pressure. After several half-chances, Kyle Walker ghosted past his marker on the wing and found Adam Lallana, who had space and time to unleash a half-volley from close range, but Igor’ Akinfeev parried it over the bar as the shot lacked accuracy. The chances continued to pour in for England and Lallana went close again, skewing his shot wide when he should have found the back of the net. Russia managed to hold England for a small period of time before the Three Lions were at it again. Rooney almost made his mark in the game with a thunderous volley which stung the palms of Akinfeev. Russia were not learning from their mistakes and hoping for the halftime whistle to blow at this point. It eventually did come to their rescue, but not before Raheem Sterling came close after he chested Danny Rose’s dangerous ball, only to see the Russian keeper to the rescue once again. Russia started better in the second half, keeping possession and trying to work their way through the English defense. But it didn’t take long for the game to fall back into the first half pattern. The Russian defense did look more solid though, and made more of an attempt to get forward. Leonid Slutskij’s side started to grow into the game and Fjodor Smolov provided the next chance for Russia with a curling effort which went just wide off the post. In minute 70, Rooney thought he had it for England when he unleashed a shot after good work from Rose, but Akinfeev produced one of the saves of the season to tip the ball onto the bar. Three minutes later, however, the Three Lions got the lead they deserved when Kane was fouled on the edge of the box for a free-kick and Dier thumped a brilliant shot past the misplaced Russian barrier and the despairing goalkeeper, much to the joy of the English fans. England’s inability to eke out a second goal led to stoppage-time drama, when a regular cross into the area saw Russian captain Vasilij Berezutskij rise the highest to head a looping header over Joe Hart. The equalizer sent the Russian fans into raptures and the excitement soon turned into more clashes with English fans, which will likely bring serious consequences for both teams.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Parc des Princes (Paris) DATE: 12-06-2016 (15:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 43.842 REFEREE: Jonas Eriksson (SWE) GOALS: 0-1 (Modrić 41’) BOOKED: Cenk (31’), Hakan Balta (48’), Volkan Şen (90+’) / Strinić (80’)
		Turkey - Croatia
		0-1 (0-1)
TURKEY Volkan Babacan Gökhan Gönül, Mehmet, Hakan Balta, Caner Hakan Ç., Ozan, Selçuk, Oğuzhan (Volkan Ş. 46’), Arda (c) (Burak 65’) Cenk (Emre 69’) COACH: Fatih Terim			CROATIA Subašić Srna (c), Ćorluka, Vida, Strinić Brozović, Modrić, Rakitić (Schilden. 90’), Badelj, Perišić (Kramarić 87’) Mandžukić (Pjaca 90+’) COACH: Ante Čačić
GAME SUMMARY A superb Luka Modrić’s volley earned Croatia a winning start to their Euro 2016 campaign with a 1-0 victory against Turkey at the Parc des Princes. The Real Madrid midfielder caught sight of an air ball to struck a looping shot into the bottom corner of the net late in the first half. Although Croatia created many opportunities throughout the game―even hitting the crossbar twice in the second half―they could not find a second goal. Turkey never really looked like making them pay though and will now face a tough challenge against Spain to make it to the knock-out stages. Croatia were quick out of the traps and immediately on the front foot. With barely a minute on the clock, Ivan Rakitić at full stretch was just unable to get a telling contact on Darijo Srna’s right-wing cross into the penalty box. Mario Mandžukić had a goal-bound header blocked inside the small box before Turkey finally found a foothold in the game to stem the steady flow of Croatia attacks, even if they did not create a meaningful chance themselves. Because both sides were directing play through the middle, they spent much of the first half running into each other, and the match took some time to catch alight. Midway through the first half though Croatia looked threatening again. Ivan Perišić whipped in a dangerous cross from the left, but Marcelo Brozović mistimed his header and a good chance was wasted. However, somehow against the run of play, Turkey should have taken the lead as the half hour mark approached, when Gökhan Gönül put a fabulous cross into the area and Ozan Tufan powered a header straight into the midriff of goalkeeper Danijel Subašić, who dropped the ball onto the goal-line before smothering it at the second attempt. It was a golden opportunity and it proved a costly miss for Turkey. The first half was meandering to an inconsequential end when Rakitić dinked another hopeful cross into the penalty area. Selçuk İnan’s overhead kick looked to have cleared the danger, but as the ball looped skywards Modrić had other plans: the Real Madrid midfielder caught the ball beautifully, right on the laces, sending it on a wicked parabola into the bottom corner of the net. As Turkey sought a swift reply, Hakan Çalhanoğlu sent a near-post header into the side-netting in first half injury-time. At the start of the second half, Croatia captain Srna almost doubled his side’s advantage with a free-kick from just outside the penalty area which clipped the crossbar. In minute 54, Srna again should have made it 2-0 when the Turkish goalkeeper parried Perišić’s cross into his path, but the veteran captain, with time and space, dragged his shot wide with his weaker left foot. Croatia kept knocking at the door and Brozović was next to go close after an hour with a good piece of control and a volley from the right side of the penalty area which just missed the far top corner. Six minutes later, Brozović was centimeters away from getting on the end of another dangerous cross from Perišić as he slid in at the far post following some lovely build-up play from the Croatians. The chances kept coming for Ante Čačić’s team and in minute 72 Perišić glanced a header against the crossbar. The missed chances provided a broken, open finale, in which Turkey threw everything they had into making the Croatians pay for their profligacy. At the other end, Subašić had a rare piece of work to do, routinely plucking Caner Erkin’s free-kick out of the air. Normal service was resumed immediately as Volkan Babacan came out to block Perišić’s flick. In the last minutes, Modrić and Rakitić successfully slowed the tempo of the game to snuff out Turkey’s last few attacks, and with them their last vestiges of hope.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Allianz Riviera (Nice) DATE: 12-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 33.742 REFEREE: Ovidiu Haţegan (ROM) GOALS: 1-0 (Milik 51’) BOOKED: Kapustka (65’), Piszczek (89’) / Cathcart (69’)
		Poland - Northern Ireland
		1-0 (0-0)
POLAND Szczęsny Piszczek, Glik, Pazdan, Jędrzejczyk Błaszczykowski (Grosicki 80’), Krychowiak, Mączyński (Jodłowiec 78’), Kapustka (Peszko 88’) Milik, Lewandowski (c) COACH: Adam Nawałka			NORTHERN IRELAND McGovern Cathcart, McAuley, J. Evans McLaughlin, McNair (Dallas 46’), Baird (Ward 76’), Norwood, Ferguson (Washington 66’) Davis (c), Lafferty COACH: Michael O'Neill
GAME SUMMARY Poland spoiled Northern Ireland’s debut in the final stage of the European Championship with a narrow 1-0 victory. An Arkadiusz Milik goal early in the second half was enough for the Poles, who nevertheless should conduct some self-criticism after the poor performance of their stars (Robert Lewandowski, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Łukasz Piszczek) against a team who could oppose nothing more than stubborness, resiliency and defensive organization. Only in the final minutes could Northern Ireland carve out a few chances by Conor Washington, Conor McLaughlin and Steven Davis, but it was not enough to turn the tables. Poland enjoyed most of the possession and territory early on, and it took some time for Northern Ireland’s midfield to function cohesively. For all the Polish domination, Michael McGovern was not tested until he kept out Milik’s effort from range just before the half-hour mark. The Ajax forward would try his luck from closer moments later but, after side-stepping Craig Cathcart, he blazed off target. McGovern’s fine reflexes were on duty again to save from Bartosz Kapustka, but the game was largely a one-sided affair, as Northern Ireland failed to test Wojciech Szczęsny at all at the other end. Michael O'Neill tried to inject some drive in midfield by dispensing of Paddy McNair for Stuart Dallas at halftime, but six minutes after the restart Poland took the lead when Jakub Błaszczykowski’s smart cut back was ruthlessly finished off by Milik, who fired between Cathcart’s legs and past McGovern’s left hand. The Polish goal did not prompt a collapse from O'Neill’s side, who introduced Conor Washington trying to pose more of an attacking threat. The Irish striker was unfortunate that his touch towards Szczęsny was just too heavy after he sped past Michał Pazdan and Artur Jędrzejczyk. However, other than a Kyle Lafferty’s overhead kick from distance that went wide aside, there was little for Szczęsny to concern himself with as McLaughlin and Davis failed to collect passes into the box. Although Poland was unable to add a second on the way to their first victory, they proved too strong for Northern Ireland in this game.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Villeneuve d’Ascq, Lille) DATE: 12-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 43.035 REFEREE: Martin Atkinson (ENG) GOALS: 1-0 (Mustafi 19’); 2-0 (Schweinsteiger 90+’) BOOKED: Konopljanka (68’)
		Germany - Ukraine
		2-0 (1-0)
GERMANY Neuer (c) Höwedes, Boateng, Mustafi, Hector Müller, Khedira, Özil, Kroos, Draxler (Schürrle 78’) Götze (Schweinsteiger 90’) COACH: Joachim Löw			UKRAINE P’jatov Fedets’kyj, Khacheridi, Rakyts’kyj, Shevchuk (c) Yarmolenko, Sydorchuk, Koval. (Zinch. 73’), Stepanenko, Konopljanka Zozulja (Selezn’ov 66’) COACH: Mikhajlo Fomenko
GAME SUMMARY World champions Germany began their Euro 2016 campaign with a convincing (yet unimpressive) 2-0 victory over Ukraine, the first march in the competition so far when a team wins by more than a goal of difference, a sign of how level the tournament is being and how many surprises might be waiting on the road. Shkodran Mustafi’s header midway the first half and Bastian Schweinsteiger’s stoppage-time breakaway ensured Joachim Löw’s side got off to a winning start at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille Métropole. Yet Germany did not have things all their own way and showed some defensive weaknesses (particularly from set pieces) which Group C rivals Poland and Northern Ireland will be eager to exploit. Only a combination of some dazzling goalkeeping by Manuel Neuer, a desperate goal-line clearance from Jérôme Boateng and sheer bad luck prevented Ukraine to score in the many opportunities they enjoyed during the game. Neuer was called into action after just five minutes when he dived at full stretch to keep out a fierce first-time shot from Evgen Konopljanka. Germany should have taken a 13th-minute lead when Julian Draxler’s cross was headed back towards the penalty spot by Thomas Müller, but Jonas Hector’s standing foot slipped as he shaped to shoot and the ball disappeared into the stand. However, six minutes later the German pressure told when Toni Kroos swung in a free-kick from the right and defender Mustafi rose the highest to plant a powerful header into the top corner. Joachim Löw’s men almost doubled their advantage when a superb pass over the top from the impressive Kroos was brought down by Sami Khedira, who then fired his shot too close to Ukraine keeper Andrij P’jatov. But while they looked shaky at the back, Ukraine continued to threaten at the other end, and Neuer had to be at his best to tip Evgen Khacheridi’s point-blank header over the crossbar. Boateng then had to scramble back to acrobatically clear his own deflection from Konopljanka’s cross off the line (in fact, he was lucky not to commit a handball, as was his first intention), before Andrij Yarmolenko had a goal disallowed for offside as Ukraine finished the first half strongly. Germany went in search of a second goal after the break and a long-distance Kroos drive clipped the angle of the goal. Benedikt Höwedes then crossed from the right but Draxler was unable to keep his header down after sneaking in ahead of his marker. P’jatov denied Khedira with a diving save and comfortably dealt with a deflected effort from Mario Götze, while substitute André Schürrle scuffed a good chance wide. German hearts were in their mouths three minutes from time when Mustafi’s back-header flew over Neuer, but the ball bounced out of the reach of Ukraine substitute Evgen Selezn’ov. Three minutes into stoppage time, Schweinsteiger, who had just entered the pitch, met a Mesut Özil’s cross after a swift German break to seal a comfortable, if not entirely convincing, victory for the world champions.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stadium Municipal (Toulouse) DATE: 13-06-2016 (15:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 29.400 REFEREE: Szymon Marciniak (POL) GOALS: 1-0 (Piqué 87’) BOOKED: Limberský (61’)
		Spain - Czech Republic
		1-0 (0-0)
SPAIN De Gea Juanfran, Piqué, Sergio Ramos (c), Jordi Alba Fàbregas (Thiago 70’), Busquets, Iniesta Silva, Morata (Aduriz 62’), Nolito (Pedro 82’) COACH: Vicente del Bosque			CZECH REPUBLIC Čech Kadeřábek, Sivok, Hubník, Limberský Gebre S. (Šural 86’), Darida, Rosický (c) (Pavelka 88’), Plašil, Krejčí Necid (Lafata 75’) COACH: Pavel Vrba
GAME SUMMARY Defending champions Spain opened their Euro 2016 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic. For all their ball possession (as high as 67%), Vicente del Bosque’s side failed to produce clear-cut opportunities, and it wasn’t until three minutes from time when the much-criticized Gerard Piqué became the unsuspected hero for Spain with a header that ended the frustration for the holders and avoided a blank drawing. David de Gea (who had to defend himself against allegations in the Spanish press about his private life) took the place of Spain’s long-standing captain Iker Casillas, who saw the game from the unfamiliar post of the bench. Spain quickly took control of the game in their usual fashion, but struggled to make a breakthrough as the Czechs flooded the defense and midfield to stifle their rivals. The holders had to wait until the 16th minute to carve apart their rigid opponents, when David Silva wriggled free on the right to deliver a drilled low cross which Álvaro Morata met first time from close range, only for Petr Čech to produce an instinctive save. With Spain utterly dominant and camped inside the Czech half, Pavel Vrba’s side showed little ambition. Čech denied Morata again after 29 minutes, turning his low effort wide. The Juventus striker easily found space while Cesc Fàbregas’ runs from deep caused problems, as the Chelsea midfielder was free from any defensive responsibilities. Spain continued to press as Sergio Busquets fired wildly over. Full-backs Jordi Alba and Juanfran piled forward and, six minutes before halftime, Čech beat away the former’s angled drive before he rushed out to smother at Silva’s feet as Spain turned up the heat. In a one-sided first half, Tomáš Necid’s tame effort just before the break was held by De Gea, but the Czechs offered little threat despite their defensive resistance. It seemed only a matter of time before Spain went ahead and Roman Hubník nearly scored a calamitous own goal within a minute of the re-start when he turned Morata’s cross onto his own post. A minute later, the defender blocked from Nolito and Sergio Ramos. Spain had not lost at the European Championships since 2004 and there was little suggestion the Czechs would break that run until De Gea was forced into action when Hubník reacted to Ladislav Krejčí’s 57th-minute free-kick. With frustration building on the Spanish side, Athletic de Bilbao top scorer Aritz Aduriz replaced Morata. For all their dominance, Spain survived a scare in minute 65 as Fàbregas saved an almost certain opener when he acrobatically hooked Theodor Gebre Selassie’s goalbound header away. The chances for Spain continued to flow though, and Jordi Alba should have done better when he was found by Silva, only to have the ball whipped off his toes by Hubnik with just Čech to beat. Aduriz’s acrobatic effort dropped wide as Spain began to run out of time. David Limberský produced a wonderful late tackle just as substitute Thiago Alcántara was about to pull the trigger with ten minutes left. Piqué finally broke the deadlock and bagged a deserved win for Spain after 87 minutes when he pounced on Andrés Iniesta’s cross to nod past Čech from close range. Vladimír Darida could still have snatched a draw for the Czech Republic in injury-time, but his volley flew straight at De Gea.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade de France (Saint-Denis, Paris) DATE: 13-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 73.419 REFEREE: Milorad Mažić (SER) GOALS: 1-0 (Hoolahan 48’); 1-1 (Clark [o.g.] 71’) BOOKED: McCarthy (43’), Whelan (77’) / Lindelöf (61’)
		Ireland - Sweden
		1-1 (0-0)
IRELAND Randolph Coleman, O’Shea (c), Clark, Brady McCarthy (McGeady 85’), Whelan, Hendrick, Hoolahan (Keane 78’) Long, Walters (McClean 64’) COACH: Martin O'Neill			SWEDEN Isaksson Lustig (Johansson 45’), Lindelöf, Granqvist, Olsson Larsson, Lewicki (Ekdal 86’), Källström, Forsberg Berg (Guidetti 59’), Ibrahimović (c) COACH: Erik Hamrén
GAME SUMMARY A good Irish team were denied three points in their Euro 2016 opener after a Ciaran Clark own goal cancelled out Wes Hoolahan’s target early in the second half. Ireland dominated the first half, creating several chances, but were unable to find their way past the Swedish keeper, with Jeff Hendrick coming closest as he curled a right-footed effort onto the crossbar. The Irish dominance was rewarded three minutes into the second half as Wes Hoolahan smashed home to send the travelling Green Army ecstatic. However, Martin O'Neill’s men took a step back and a battling Sweden managed to salvage one point after Zlatan Ibrahimović’s cross was diverted into the back of his own net by Clark’s diving header. With less than two minutes on the clock, Robbie Brady flew a free-kick into the danger zone, forcing a fine defensive header from Martin Olsson. The Swedes tried to take the game to Ireland, especially working the ball down the left flank with Olsson joining Emil Forsberg in attack and Ibrahimović offering support inside. Ireland held firm and then started to take control, creating a string of chances with their early long balls out of defense reaping rewards. Hendrick was the first to test Andreas Isaksson in the ninth minute as he ran onto a clever lay-off from Jon Walters and smashed the ball into the ground, making it awkward for the Swedish goalkeeper to bat the ball away. The closest Sweden came to testing the Irish goal came just a minute later when Marcus Berg made a clever looping run around Seamus Coleman, but Darren Randolph smothered his first touch. Ireland continued to put pressure on the Swedish defense and a fine glancing header by Clark sped across the face of the goal between the keeper and the defenders, with John O’Shea missing the final touch at the back post. Ibrahimović was being well marshalled with Glenn Whelan playing right in front of the striker, keeping an eye on him over both shoulders. Ireland kept pushing forward, and just before the half-hour mark a Brady shot grazed the crossbar with the keeper beaten, then Hendrick came even closer with a curling right-footed effort which cannoned off the bar. Sweden lost Mikael Lustig through injury at the end of the first half and Erik Hamrén had to bring on center-half Erik Johansson as he did not select a reserve right full-back for this game. Then, with less than three minutes of the second half played, Ireland got the goal they deserved when Hoolahan timed the sweetest of right-footed half-volleys to smash the ball past the diving Isaksson. Sweden attempted to hit back straight away and put tremendous pressure on the Irish goal with a string of corners. Amidst the onslaught, Clark deflected the ball off his shin to force a top-class save from Randolph. Sweden brought John Guidetti on for the ineffective Berg and Hamrén’s side upped the tempo. Ibrahimović got on the end of an Olsson cross in the 60th minute, but his volley flew wide. The pressure kept building on a tiring Ireland side and the Swedes eventually got their equalizer in the 71st minute, when “Ibracadabra” raced across the front of the goal to the left by-line before smashing an exceptional ball across the area, which Clark crashed into the back of his own net with a diving header. The last fifteen minutes of the game became an open contest, with both sides trying to win it. Ireland threw record goalscorer Robbie Keane into the fray, but Sweden were dominating and were looking the most likely to score, with Sebastian Larsson centimeters away from another Olsson delivery. Sweden pressure grew as the Irish team lost their shape, but eventually time ran out as two jaded sides settled for a draw which might do neither one any favor going into the next two games against Belgium and Italy.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade des Lumières (Décines, Lyon) DATE: 13-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 55.408 REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg (ENG) GOALS: 0-1 (Giaccherini 32’); 0-2 (Pellè 90+’) BOOKED: Vertonghen (90+’) / Chiellini (65’), Éder (75’), Bonucci (78’), Motta (84’)
		Belgium - Italy
		0-2 (0-1)
BELGIUM Courtois Ciman (Carrasco 76’), Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen De Bruyne, Witsel, Fellaini, Nainggolan (Mertens 62’), Hazard (c) R. Lukaku (Origi 73’) COACH: Marc Wilmots			ITALY Buffon (c) Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Candreva, Parolo, Rossi (Motta 78’), Giacch., Darmian (Sciglio 58’) Pellè, Éder (Immobile 75’) COACH: Antonio Conte
GAME SUMMARY Goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pellè ensured a winning start for the ever experienced and competitive Italy in their Euro 2016 campaign. Despite their lack of pedigree, the Azzurri turned in a performance which suggests that Antonio Conte has put together a side which is greater than the sum of its parts and which can cope without the loss of key players, such as injured Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio. On the other hand Belgium, one of the dark horses of the tournament, failed to live up to general expectations and looked disjointed throughtout the game, unable to get Eden Hazard on the ball for long periods and with Romelu Lukaku too isolated up front. Despite their inconsistent showing on the night, it was Belgium who drew the first save of the game in the tenth minute, Radja Nainggolan firing straight at Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon after a knock down by Marouane Fellaini. The Manchester United midfielder then put a header wide after a Kevin de Bruyne cross one minute later before teeing up Nainggolan once again―this time the AS Roma man shot wide of the target. Graziano Pellè had Italy’s first attempt on goal in the 29th minute, but he fired wide. Yet for all of Belgium’s early running, it would be the Italians who took the lead three minutes later, when a pass over the top by Leonardo Bonucci badly caught out Toby Alderweireld and Giaccherini, who had timed his run perfectly, controlled the ball exceptionally and sidefooted home with his second touch past the onrushing Thibaut Courtois. Pellè was involved in the Azzurri’s next two chances, setting up Antonio Candreva (whose shot was saved by Courtois) and heading wide of the target himself sixty seconds later. Both sides traded chances just before halftime, Romelu Lukaku seeing his first shot of the game saved by Buffon after another Fellaini set up and Pellè once more missing the target at the other end after latching onto a Candreva cross. Romelu Lukaku had the first shot of the second half, firing over the crossbar after De Bruyne teed him up, while one minute later Pellè and Candreva linked up again, the former once more failing to convert his chance. De Bruyne was trying his best to get his side back into the game and next he teed up Hazard―quiet up until this point―but the Chelsea winger saw his effort saved by Buffon. Hazard had another effort blocked in the 69th minute before substitute Dries Mertens saw an ambitious long-distance effort fly over the bar. Clear-cut chances were few and far between until the 82nd minute, when Belgian substitute Divock Origi passed up a glorious opportunity to bring his side level when he headed over a perfect De Bruyne’s corner. Italy’s Ciro Immobile and Marco Parolo then had chances saved by Courtois as the Belgian keeper did his best to give his side hope of nicking a point, but it would be to no avail as Italy secured victory in injury-time. With the Belgian defense in disarray, Candreva crossed the ball into the danger area for the unmarked Pellè, who volleyed home emphatically to seal all three points for Italy.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Matmut Atlantique (Bordeaux) DATE: 14-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 34.424 REFEREE: Clément Turpin (FRA) GOALS: 0-1 (Szalai 62’); 0-2 (Stieber 87’) BOOKED: Dragović (33’), Dragović (66’ > RC) / Németh (80’) [Incidents: Dragović was sent off (min. 66).]
		Austria - Hungary
		0-2 (0-0)
AUSTRIA Almer Klein, Dragović, Hinteregger, Fuchs (c) Harnik (Schöpf 77’), Baum., Junuzović (Sabitz. 59’), Alaba, Arnautović Janko (Okotie 65’) COACH: Marcel Koller			HUNGARY Király Fiola, Guzmics, Lang, Kádár Németh (Pintér 89’), Nagy, Gera, Klein. (Stieber 79’), Dzsudzsák (c) Szalai (Priskin 69’) COACH: Bernd Storck
GAME SUMMARY 44 years after their last appearance in a final stage of a European championship, Hungary returned in style with a deserved victory over 10-man neighbors Austria. The result was somehow unexpected, with Austria boasting a technically excellent forward line. After a goalless first half, the Magyars took the lead when striker Ádám Szalai slid in ahead of Austria goalkeeper Robert Almer to push the ball home. The Hungarian goal led to incredible scenes inside the stadium as a delighted Szalai raced to a rapturous crowd to celebrate. Austria, who had hit the post in the first minute, did find the back of the net shortly after through Martin Hinteregger, but the goal was ruled out following a nasty challenge from Aleksandar Dragović moments earlier which saw the defender sent off for a second booking. Hungary midfielder Zoltán Stieber made sure of the victory with minutes to go as he chipped over Almer as the Austrian goalkeeper raced out of his goal. Austria needed just 30 seconds to serve warning of their ability as David Alaba seized on a loose ball and lashed a left-footed shot against the woodwork from distance. But for all of Austria’s excellence, Hungary were able to match them through strong organization. László Kleinheisler had their first opportunity after four minutes as he shot straight at Almer. Austria threatened again when Marko Arnautović slipped in Alaba, but goalkeeper Gábor Király―at 40 years and 75 days the oldest player to feature at a Euro final stage―met his shot. Zoltán Gera tested Almer next, but Király was the first keeper fully extended as he needed to produce a fine low save to deny Zlatko Junuzović. The momentum started to turn just before the interval and Hungary might have taken the lead as captain Balázs Dzsudzsák raced onto a Kleinheisler pass, but his first touch was poor and he shot wide. Attila Fiola tried his luck early in the second half, but missed the target before Dzsudzsák tested Almer from long range. Austria lost Junuzović to injury just before the hour and Hungary’s endeavor was rewarded after 62 minutes as Szalai exchanged passes with Kleinheisler and slipped a shot under the advancing Almer. Things went from bad to worse for Austria as they were reduced to 10 men four minutes later. Hinteregger actually thought he had equalized with a long-range strike after a scramble in the area, but the whistle had been blown for a challenge by Dragović on Tamás Kádár. Austria protested but their woes were soon compounded as Dragović, booked in the first half, was shown a second yellow card and then a red. That sapped the spirits of Austria and they were caught again three minutes from time as Hungary broke from deep and Stieber chipped over Almer to spark wild celebrations.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Geoffroy Guichard (Saint-Étienne) DATE: 14-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 38.742 REFEREE: Cüneyt Çakır (TUR) GOALS: 1-0 (Nani 31’); 1-1 (B. Bjarnason 50’) BOOKED: B. Bjarnason (55’), Finnbogason (90+’)
		Portugal - Iceland
		1-1 (1-0)
PORTUGAL Rui Patrício Vieirinha, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Raphaël Guerreiro André Gomes (Éder 84’), Danilo Pereira, João Mário (Quaresma 76’), João Moutinho (Renato Sanches 71’) Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo (c) COACH: Fernando Santos			ICELAND Halldórsson Sævarsson, R. Sigurðsson, Árnason, Skúlason Guðmundsson (E. Bjarnason 90’), Gunnarsson (c), G. Sigurðsson, B. Bjarnason Sigþórsson (Finnbogason 81’), Böðvarsson COACHES: Lars Lagerbäck / Heimir Hallgrímsson
GAME SUMMARY Birkir Bjarnason scored Iceland’s first goal at a major tournament as Portugal were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in their Euro 2016 opener. Bjarnason cancelled out Nani’s first-half opener in Saint-Étienne as Iceland defied the odds to claim an unlikely point in spite of an almost relentless Portugal pressure: the Iberians had 25 attempts on goal compared to Iceland’s four, but were either wasteful or frustrated by the impressive Hannes Halldórsson. Once more, Cristiano Ronaldo had a sub-par display with Portugal, quite different from his spectacular season with Real Madrid, and wasted a series of clear-cut chances to score. Iceland’s attacks were rare but incisive and they almost caught Portugal out inside three minutes, when Gylfi Sigurðsson found space down the left and cut inside Danilo Pereira on a charge into the box, but Rui Patrício beat away his initial shot and also proved equal to his follow-up effort. Iceland’s fans were energized, but that proved as good as it got, as Portugal soon began to take control. Vieirinha tried his luck from distance and Cristiano Ronaldo headed over. The Portuguese captain, making a record 127th cap, threatened again after being picked out by a long ball from Pepe, but fluffed his shot. The Real Madrid star then produced some magic on the left to pick out Nani with a superb cross, but Halldórsson brilliantly saved a point-blank header with his feet. As Portugal were piling up the pressure, it came as no surprise when they took the lead after a slick counterattack with just over half an hour gone. André Gomes was given too much room on the right and his low ball into the box was neatly tucked home by Nani with a first-time shot. João Moutinho had a couple of long-range efforts before the break as Portugal finished the half on a high. The Portuguese dominance looked set to continue in the second half as Cristiano Ronaldo volleyed narrowly wide after the restart. But Fernando Santos’ side paid for their profligacy after 50 minutes, when Vieirinha lost the flight of a deep cross from Jóhann Guðmundsson and Birkir Bjarnason ran in behind him to hit a low volley past Rui Patrício. Despite this setback, Portugal went on the offensive again and André Gomes forced a save from Halldórsson, who snuffed out another attack by gathering at Nani’s feet. Nani went close again with a header that flew narrowly wide and Cristiano Ronaldo blazed over before Halldórsson kept out a deflected Ricardo Quaresma attempt. The Real Madrid attacker then headed a gilt-edged chance at Halldórsson from a Nani cross. Iceland substitute Alfreð Finnbogason tested Rui Patrício five minutes from time before Cristiano Ronaldo had two late free-kicks to snatch victory. His first attempt was handled by Finnbogason in the wall, leading to the second, which was also blocked as the final whistle blew.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Villeneuve d’Ascq, Lille) DATE: 15-06-2016 (15:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 38.989 REFEREE: Damir Skomina (SVN) GOALS: 0-1 (Weiss 32’); 0-2 (Hamšík 45’); 1-2 (Glushakov 80’) BOOKED: Ďurica (46’) [Incidents: The retractable roof of Stade Pierre-Mauroy was closed following a weather forecast for heavy rain in Lille.]
		Russia - Slovakia
		1-2 (0-2)
RUSSIA Akinfeev Smol’nikov, V. Berezutskij (c), Ignashevich, Shchennikov Kokorin (Shir. 75’), Golovin (Mamaev 46’), Neust. (Glush. 46’), Smolov Shatov, Dzjuba COACH: Leonid Slutskij			SLOVAKIA Kozáčik Pekarík, Škrtel (c), Ďurica, Hubočan Mak (Ďuriš 80’), Kucka, Hamšík, Pečovský, Weiss (Švento 72’) Duda (Nemec 67’) COACH: Ján Kozák
GAME SUMMARY Slovakia kept their dreams of reaching the knock-out rounds alive after beating a poor Russia team under the closed roof of Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Although the build-up to this game had been overshadowed by UEFA’s suspension warning to Russia should their fans caused more trouble, the match itself did not disappoint as Slovakia stun their rivals with two moments of class. First half goals from Vladimír Weiss and Marek Hamšík proved enough to secure a deserved three points that energized the Slovak chances to progress, while leaving Russia on the brink of elimination. Slovakia began the game in cautious mode, allowing Russia plenty of possession. Neither side tested the opposition goalkeeper in the opening half hour, as Leonid Slutskij’s side struggled to find a way past the Slovak defensive line and the Central Europeans were finding their favored routes down the wing often blocked by a stubborn and experienced Russian defense. It was to be Slovakia’s star man, Hamšík, who had endured a quiet start to the tournament, who eventually found the quality to unlock the organized Russian rearguard. After cool defending from captain Martin Škrtel, the Napoli midfielder picked out Weiss with a glorious diagonal ball that cut open the Russia defense, then the Slovak winger cut inside on his right foot to create space away from Russia’s pedestrian defense before calmly curling the ball into the bottom-right corner beyond goalkeeper Igor’ Akinfeev. Russia had no response and the situation got even worse just moments before halftime, when Hamšík feigned one way before pulling the ball back onto his right foot and crashing a wonderful effort off the inside of the post to double Slovakia’s lead at the break. It was one of the finest goals of the tournament so far. Leonid Slutskij responded at halftime by introducing Denis Glushakov and Pavel Mamaev in pursuit of the goals his team needed, while Slovakia came out with all their players happy to sit deep behind the ball. Yet Russia were unable to pose any serious threat in the second half, and continuous sideways passing, alongside a handful of ambitious long-range efforts, were all they could muster. With ten minutes remaining, Russia knew their hopes of at least gaining a point were disintegrating and eventually began to pile players forward. A lapse of concentration in the Slovak defense allowed Glushakov to glide in between the Slovakia midfield and defense and glance Oleg Shatov’s cross into the back of the net. The goal gave Russia hope and the first increase in tempo they had provided in all the game. As a flare was let off in the Russia end, Glushakov almost provided another spark against a now nervous Slovakia defense, firing just wide of Matúš Kozáčik’s goal. Eventually, Russia ran out of time and Slovakia held out for an important win.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Parc des Princes (Paris) DATE: 15-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 43.576 REFEREE: Sergej Karasjov (RUS) GOALS: 1-0 (Stancu [p.] 18’); 1-1 (Mehmedi 57’) BOOKED: Prepeliţă (22’), Chipciu (24’), Keșerü (37’), Grigore (76’) / Xhaka (50’), Embolo (90+’)
		Romania - Switzerland
		1-1 (1-0)
ROMANIA Tătăruşanu Săpunaru, Chiricheş (c), Grigore, Raţ (Filip 62’) Torje, Prepeliţă, Stancu (Andone 84’), Pintilii (Hoban 46’), Chipciu Keșerü COACH: Anghel Iordănescu			SWITZERLAND Sommer Lichtsteiner (c), Schär, Djourou, Rodríguez Shaqiri (Tarash. 90+’), Behrami, Džemaili (Lang 83’), Xhaka, Mehmedi Seferović (Embolo 63’) COACH: Vladimir Petković
GAME SUMMARY After an entertaining contest which could have gone either way, Romania and Switzerland happily settled for a 1-1 draw at Parc des Princes. Admir Mehmedi’s spectacular volley in the second half cancelled out Bogdan Stancu’s penalty. Although Romania were denied their second victory in a final stage of the European championship, they still have high hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages before their final game against minnows Albania. Switzerland almost took an early lead when Haris Seferović turned away from Vlad Chiricheş in the penalty area and curled his shot just wide off target. Xherdan Shaqiri then put Seferović in on goal again, but his low shot was kept out by the feet of keeper Ciprian Tătăruşanu. Somehow against the run of play, Romania took the lead after 18 minutes when Stephan Lichtsteiner pulled Alexandru Chipciu’s shirt in the area and Russian referee Sergej Karasjov pointed to the spot. Stancu, who had scored a penalty in the opening game against France, made it two from two when he sent Swiss keeper Yann Sommer the wrong way. Switzerland came close to hitting back in spectacular fashion when Fabian Schär hit a dipping strike which Tătăruşanu had to tip over the crossbar. Romania almost doubled their lead when the Swiss defense failed to clear a high ball into the box, but when it fell to Cristian Săpunaru he stabbed his close-range shot against a post and wide. Moments after the break Romanian halftime substitute Ovidiu Hoban dragged a shot across goal before some fine defending from Johan Djourou in the small box cleared Gabriel Torje’s dangerous low cross. Just before the hour mark, Switzerland hauled themselves level when a half-cleared corner dropped to Mehmedi, who lashed a volley past Tătăruşanu and into the net. Romania tried to hit back and Torje's audacious attempt from a distant free-kick caused Sommer an anxious moment as he scrambled over to push the ball away. In the final stage of the game, with the Romanian players visibly tired, Switzerland threatened a winner. In minute 75, Shaqiri should have done better with a cross in the area which he had time to chest down, but instead launched himself into an overhead kick and scuffed the ball wide. With growing imprecisions in midfield and neither team willing to risk a valuable point, the game eventually died off.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Vélodrome (Marseille) DATE: 15-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 63.670 REFEREE: William Collum (SCO) GOALS: 1-0 (Griezmann 90’); 2-0 (Payet 90+’) BOOKED: Kanté (88’) / Kukeli (55’), Abrashi (81’)
		France - Albania
		2-0 (0-0)
FRANCE Lloris (c) Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra Coman (Griezmann 68’), Kanté, Payet, Matuidi, Martial (Pogba 46’) Giroud (Gignac 77’) COACH: Didier Deschamps			ALBANIA Berisha Hysaj, Ajeti (Veseli 85’), Mavraj, Agolli (c) Lila (Roshi 71’), Abrashi, Kukeli (Xhaka 74’), Memushaj, Lenjani Sadiku COACH: Gianni de Biasi
GAME SUMMARY France left it late again and needed last-gasp goals from Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet to snatch a 2-0 win over minnows Albania and secure their passage to the knock-out stage. Just like in their opener against Romania, Les Bleus lived on the wire for most of the game and were very close to a major upset with Albania rattling a post. Substitute Griezmann came to France’s rescue in minute 90, then Payet wrapped it for the hosts deep into injury-time. Quite ironically, Albania, who was eliminated after this game, was the team leaving the pitch with a high head after earning the respect of Europe, while France will carry many doubts into the knock-out stage after another unconvincing display. Didier Deschamps introduced two changes in his starting XI, bringing in young sensations Kingsley Coman and Anthony Martial for Griezmann and Paul Pogba, but he soon had reasons to regret his decision, as all France had to show for a worryingly flat first-half performance were two Payet free-kicks, both headed over by Olivier Giroud, and a blocked shot from Martial after he was put through by Payet. Albania predictably began by defending deep but, perhaps sensing some French nerves, they began to venture forward and Ermir Lenjani tried his luck from long distance, but his effort flew high and wide. Moments later full-back Elseid Hysaj went on the overlap and pinged in a low cross which Hugo Lloris had to gather as Armando Sadiku threatened to get a toe onto the ball. Ten minutes before halftime, Albania won a corner and Ledian Memushaj’s low delivery caught the French by surprise, with Lenjani only denied a shock goal by a lucky deflection. After the break, Paul Pogba was brought in for Martial and France improved immediately―not that they could get much worse. Just 30 seconds into the second half, Giroud swung in a cross and Coman glanced a header just past the post. Yet the hosts still had to survive another major scare in the 52nd minute when Memushaj beat Lloris but saw his effort come back off the foot of the post. The ball rebounded to the floored striker but he knew little about it as it bounced off his head and narrowly wide. Pogba had a chance to break the deadlock shortly after when he slid on to meet an inviting cross from Payet only to blaze over. Giroud then headed wide before the Arsenal striker went closer still when he nodded Patrice Evra’s cross against the Albanian woodwork. A late onslaught saw Laurent Koscielny fluff a close-range header, N’Golo Kanté denied by a deflection and André-Pierre Gignac nod wide. Just at the end of 90 minutes, Albania’s rearguard finally slipped up, leaving Griezmann unmarked to head home Adil Rami’s cross. Then Payet repeated his trick against Romania on the opening night when he jinked into the box and curled home to secure a victory which was far more hard-earned than the scoreline would suggest.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade Bollaert-Delelis (Lens) DATE: 16-06-2016 (15:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 34.033 REFEREE: Felix Brych (GER) GOALS: 0-1 (Bale 42’); 1-1 (Vardy 56’); 2-1 (Sturridge 90+’) BOOKED: Davies (61’)
		England - Wales
		2-1 (0-1)
ENGLAND Hart Walker, Cahill, Smalling, Rose Alli, Dier, Rooney (c) Lallana (Rashford 73’), Kane (Vardy 46’), Sterling (Sturridge 46’) COACH: Roy Hodgson			WALES Hennessey Chester, A. Williams (c), Davies Gunter, Ledley (Edwards 67’), Allen, Taylor Ramsey, Robson-Kanu (J. Williams 72’), Bale COACH: Chris Coleman
GAME SUMMARY Daniel Sturridge’s injury-time goal earned England a thrilling 2-1 win, breaking Welsh hearts at the end of a pulsating match played at a Premier League tempo. The Three Lions overturned a halftime deficit for the first time at a major tournament, with substitutes Jamie Vardy and Sturridge securing victory for England after Gareth Bale’s fine free-kick had given Wales a memorable lead. The game was as stretched, ragged and entertaining as anyone would expect from two British arch-rivals. Roy Hodgson’s side edged first-half proceedings, but was unable to net. Raheem Sterling wasted the best chance and Ben Davies got away with a handball, allowing star Bale to capitalize on Joe Hart’s poor positioning with an outstanding 35 meter free-kick. Hodgson reacted at halftime by bringing on Sturridge and Vardy, and the latter equalized when he reacted quickly in the box to turn home with just his third touch of the game. England pushed hard for a winner but Wales held firm, until their resistance was broken in stoppage-time as Sturridge struck home at the near post. The intense atmosphere at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens transferred onto the field as both sides began with aggressive intensity, with Harry Kane charging down a clearance in the opening seconds. The Spurs striker, stripped of corner duties, proved an early nuisance and flicked the ball on for Adam Lallana, launching a seventh-minute attack that Sterling should have perhaps turned into the opening goal. Hart easily collected a deflected James Chester effort and Bale was denied by Gary Cahill as Wales threatened, although it was Hodgson’s men in the ascendancy for the most part as Wayne Rooney and Kane failed from distance. Cahill stretched to meet a curled free-kick from the former with an unorthodox header, but Wayne Hennessey was not fooled and denied the center-back. The Three Lions’ frustration exacerbated when German referee Felix Brych waved away penalty appeals after Davies handled the ball over the goal line, but they would have soon forgotten that had Chris Smalling’s header been on target. After being let off the hook, Wales grabbed their chance in style when Rooney was adjudged to have fouled Hal Robson-Kanu. Although too far from goal, Bale tried his luck, and a wonderful hit coupled with Hart’s awful positioning led to a memorable goal and the Wales fans erupting. When the players returned after the break, there were new faces in England, with Kane and Sterling replaced by Vardy and Sturridge. The changes led to a fairly bright start to the second period by Hodgson’s men, with the latter trying his luck from long range before Hennessey tipped wide a curling Rooney effort. Aaron Ramsey tested Hart, but England were on top with the substitutes playing a key role in the equalizer. Sturridge, surprisingly unselfishly, lifted the ball to Vardy at the backpost and offside calls were rightly ignored as an Ashley Williams header put the in-form striker in to pounce from close range. All of a sudden, England had the momentum and launched attack after attack, with a threatening Eric Dier cross-shot followed by a Sturridge effort. The Liverpool striker was guilty of another poor miss as England (with Marcus Rashford brought on for his competitive debut, becoming the youngest ever English player at a European Championship) pushed hard for a winner. Although Wales were pinned back, Chris Coleman’s men were staying strong and mustered an attempt of their own through Jonny Williams. In injury-time, as the match headed for a draw, Sturridge became the hero for England when he chipped home at the near post after collecting the ball from Dele Alli. Bale headed wide in the last play, but there was to be no comeback in Lens.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade des Lumières (Décines, Lyon) DATE: 16-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 51.043 REFEREE: Pavel Královec (CZR) GOALS: 0-1 (McAuley 49’); 0-2 (McGinn 90+’) BOOKED: Selezn’ov (40’), Sydorchuk (67’) / Ward (63’), Dallas (87’), J. Evans (90+’) [Incidents: The game was interrupted in minute 58 due to a sudden hailstorm in Lyon.]
		Ukraine - Northern Ireland
		0-2 (0-0)
UKRAINE P’jatov Fedets’kyj, Khacheridi, Rakyts’kyj, Shevchuk (c) Yarmol., Step., Koval. (Zinch. 83’), Sydorchuk (Garmash 76’), Konopl. Selezn’ov (Zozulja 71’) COACH: Mikhajlo Fomenko			NORTHERN IRELAND McGovern Hughes, Cathcart, McAuley, J. Evans Ward (McGinn 69’), C. Evans (McNair 90+’), Davis (c), Nor., Dallas Washington (Magennis 84’) COACH: Michael O'Neill
GAME SUMMARY Goals from Gareth McAuley and Niall McGinn earned Northern Ireland a first historic victory in the European Championship finals. The veteran West Brom defender nodded home four minutes after the restart from a brilliant Oliver Norwood free-kick. After a short in-play delay caused by a hailstorm, McGinn swept home in stoppage-time to keep Northern Ireland’s qualification hopes alive. Michael O'Neill made as many as five changes in his starting XI, dropping Chris Baird, Paddy McNair, Conor McLaughlin, Shane Ferguson and Kyle Lafferty and introducing Aaron Hughes, Jamie Ward, Corry Evans, Stuart Dallas and Conor Washington, and his players responded by producing a much-improved offering from their opening defeat to Poland. Dallas drilled in a fourth-minute shot which was saved by Andrij P’jatov, in what was Northern Ireland’s first effort on target in the tournament so far. Washington provided more pace and movement up front and he was proving a nuisance for the Ukrainian defense, even if his first shot was well off target. Lashing rain arrived shortly after kick-off and the Northern Irish looked more at home in familiar conditions, with Michael McGovern having little to do apart from ensuring Yaroslav Rakyts’kyj’s long-range shot did not squirm beyond him. The two teams would enter the interval locked in a stalemate though, as Steven Davis’ effort from Norwood’s free-kick was repelled by P’jatov’s left arm. Four minutes into the second half, McAuley opened the scoring when he peeled off Evgen Khacheridi at Norwood’s deep free-kick to nod the ball back into the far corner. The goal served as a wake-up call for Ukraine, who finally came to life, though McGovern was able to keep out Evgen Selezn’ov’s header from Evgen Konopljanka’s free-kick having fumbled at first. The game opened up, with Norwood and Washington both going close at the other end, but momentum was stopped for both sides when Czech referee Pavel Královec halted play amid heavy hailstones. After a few minutes’ delay, the 22 men returned to the pitch, although the Ukrainians seemed more affected by the interruption. Mikhajlo Fomenko’s side applied intense pressure in the closing stages, with Viktor Kovalenko and Konoplyanka firing off target either side of an Andrij Yarmolenko shot which McGovern did well to keep out. Deep into injury-time, Northern Ireland secured a historic success when substitute McGinn finished off after Dallas’ shot had been knocked out to him, prompting back-room staff and substitutes alike to celebrate in unison on the pitch.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade de France (Saint-Denis, Paris) DATE: 16-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 73.648 REFEREE: Björn Kuipers (NED) GOALS: - BOOKED: Khedira (3’), Özil (34’), Boateng (67’) / Mączyński (45’), Grosicki (55’), Peszko (90+’)
		Germany - Poland
		0-0 (0-0)
GERMANY Neuer (c) Höwedes, Boateng, Hummels, Hector Müller, Khedira, Özil, Kroos, Draxler (Gómez 71’) Götze (Schürrle 66’) COACH: Joachim Löw			POLAND Fabiański Piszczek, Glik, Pazdan, Jędrzejczyk Błaszc. (Kapustka 80’), Krych., Mącz. (Jodł. 76’), Grosicki (Peszko 87’) Milik, Lewandowski (c) COACH: Adam Nawałka
GAME SUMMARY Germany and Poland played out the first 0-0 stalemate at Euro 2016 at the end of an entertaining game which could have gone either way. The score leaves both teams level on four points at the top of group C, with Germany ahead of Poland on goal difference, while eliminates Ukraine. Excellent defending from Jérôme Boateng denied teammate Robert Lewandowski the goalscoring chances he needed to shine, while Poland’s Grzegorz Krychowiak contributed much to contain Germany. Striker Arkadiusz Milik wasted the game’s two finest opportunities, missing both in the second half when he was well placed to finish: in the first one, he somehow headed wide despite both having time and space from directly in front of goal, and the second came when he failed to cleanly strike the ball despite being well placed. Perhaps because of his unwillingness to take risks, manager Joachim Löw started without a recognized striker and a focal point for German’s impressive build-up play. The world champions struggled to build momentum in spite of their significant spells of possession, and the result was a flat first half, which failed to produce a single shot on target. Right after the restart, Milik scuffed an unbelievable chance when a Kamil Grosicki’s cross found him unmarked at the far post, but the Ajax attacker tried to use his head instead of simply pushing the ball with his foot. Soon after, Hummels blocked a dangerous Lewandowski shot from the penalty spot. As Poland were threatening with an opener, Milik narrowly missed a free-kick near the hour mark, then wasted another glorious chance when completely unmarked. Mesut Özil impressively tested Fabiański (in for the injured Wojciech Szczęsny) with a 69th-minute curling, first-time left-footed effort from just inside the area, but the Polish goalkeeper produced an athletic dive to tip the ball over the crossbar. Löw sacrificed Julian Draxler and Mario Götze for the more direct options provided by Mario Gómez and André Schürrle in his pursuit of victory and his team responded by increasing the pressure, but there was to be no late goal like that provided by Bastian Schweinsteiger against Ukraine. Deep into stoppage-time, Fabiański punched clear one final ball into the box that was typical of Germany’s limited offensive ideas. Poland, however, may be the more disappointed of the two teams, having created the clearest chances.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stadium Municipal (Toulouse) DATE: 17-06-2016 (15:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 29.600 REFEREE: Viktor Kassai (HUN) GOALS: 1-0 (Éder 88’) BOOKED: De Rossi (69’), Buffon (90+’) / Olsson (89’)
		Italy - Sweden
		1-0 (0-0)
ITALY Buffon (c) Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Candreva, Parolo, Rossi (Motta 74’), Giaccherini, Florenzi (Sturaro 85’) Pellè (Zaza 60’), Éder COACH: Antonio Conte			SWEDEN Isaksson Lindelöf, Johansson, Granqvist, Olsson Larsson, Ekdal (Lewicki 79’), Källström, Forsberg (Durmaz 79’) Guidetti (Berg 85’), Ibrahimović (c) COACH: Erik Hamrén
GAME SUMMARY Italy were more Italy than ever to beat Sweden 1-0 and secure their place in the knock-out stages of Euro 2016. After an uninspiring game heading for a clear 0-0 stalemate as a result of unambitious performances from either side, a fine 88th-minute finish from Éder was enough to secure victory for Italy and leave the Swedes on the brink of elimination. During an uninspiring opening 45 minutes, it was Sweden who played with greater intent and who justified previous concerns surrounding Italy’s quality. Manager Erik Hamrén had responded to their disappointing performance against Ireland by replacing Marcus Berg with John Guidetti and Oscar Lewicki with Albin Ekdal. An injury to Mikael Lustig also meant a starting place for Erik Johansson, and overall they improved. Yet, Sweden’s greatest chance of victory still depended on the form of captain Zlatan Ibrahimović. The game in Toulouse started in a blaze of color―mostly the yellow of Sweden―and with plenty of attacking verve before it turned into a war of attrition. Italy’s wingers constantly attacked Sweden’s full-backs trying to get the ball in the box for Graziano Pellè to use his size. Alessandro Florenzi worked down the left to good effect in the early stages, while Antonio Candreva did a similar job on the opposite flank. Florenzi had an early shooting chance, but he was closed down so quickly that keeper Andreas Isaksson had no trouble holding his weak effort. That was to prove the only shot on target in a tepid first half. Sweden tried similar tactics to open up Italy’s three-man backline for Ibrahimović and his new partner Guidetti. Martin Olsson motored forward from left back and fired in a few crosses, and Kim Källström probed from central midfield, but Ibrahimović was kept out of the danger areas. The PSG attacker set up a chance for teammate Emil Forsberg that went over the bar, then Sebastian Larsson chested down for Guidetti, who hit the ball high and wide. Ibrahimović had a couple of headers off target, and Källström had a lob forward saved by Gianlugi Buffon, who had little to do. As the half went on, Italy hit more hopeful passes forward to no great effect, while Ibrahimović found himself in a physical tussle with Italy’s defenders. Giorgio Chiellini was lucky not to be booked shortly after the break for bodychecking Guidetti in an off-the-ball incident as Sweden went forward, and was walking a tightrope when he sent Ekdal sprawling minutes later. It did much to capture the nature of Sweden’s game that Ibrahimović wasted what appeared their finest chance midway through the second half. A left-wing cross made its way through Italy’s penalty area but, despite space from directly in front of goal, the Swedish captain somehow missed the target and was saved from disappointment only by being ruled offside. Italy threatened in the 82nd minute, when Marco Parolo headed Emanuele Giaccherini’s cross against the crossbar. With a draw looking inevitable, substitute Simone Zaza then headed towards Éder, and the striker classily dribbled through Sweden’s defense before impressively finishing beyond goalkeeper Isaksson. Sweden had a stoppage-time penalty appeal dismissed, and Italy held out for all three points and a ticket into the knock-out stages.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Geoffroy Guichard (Saint-Étienne) DATE: 17-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 38.376 REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg (ENG) GOALS: 0-1 (Perišić 37’); 0-2 (Rakitić 59’); 1-2 (Škoda 76’); 2-2 (Necid [p.] 89’) BOOKED: Sivok (72’) / Badelj (14’), Brozović (74’), Vida (88’) [Incidents: The game was interrupted in minute 86 due to crowd trouble and flares on the pitch.]
		Czech Republic - Croatia
		2-2 (0-1)
CZECH REPUBLIC Čech Kadeřábek, Sivok, Hubník, Limberský Skalák (Šural 67’), Plašil (Necid 86’), Rosický (c), Darida, Krejčí Lafata (Škoda 67’) COACH: Pavel Vrba			CROATIA Subašić Srna (c), Ćorluka, Vida, Strinić (Vrsaljko 90+’) Brozović, Badelj, Rakitić (Schilden. 90+’), Modrić (Kovačić 62’), Perišić Mandžukić COACH: Ante Čačić
GAME SUMMARY The Czech Republic kept their qualification hopes alive after grabbing an unlikely point against Croatia, who dominated throughout the game. Tomáš Necid’s late penalty, following Domagoj Vida’s handball, allowed the Czechs to salvage a 2-2 draw after goals from Ivan Perišić and Ivan Rakitić looked to have put Croatia into the second round of Euro 2016. With 15 minutes left, Milan Škoda pulled one back. English referee Mark Clattenburg was forced to stop the game with four minutes left after several flares went off and fighting broke out among Croatian fans. The interruption and loss of concentration seemed to affect the Croats, whose misery was compounded after the restart with a late Czech equalizer which leaves them in a double-risk situation ahead of their final game: either some serious UEFA sanctions (even disqualification) for crowd misbehavior or a tricky showdown with Spain. Croatia dominated from the start, with Rakitić pulling the strings in midfield, and Milan Badelj fired wide early on. In minute 21, the Barcelona midifielder shot over after Perišić had just missed Mario Mandžukić’s cross. Croatia pinned their opponents back as the Czechs showed little ambition or belief to wrestle back control. Rakitić proved hard to contain and nine minutes before the break Petr Čech saved his low effort. Moments later, however, Perišić gave Croatia a deserved lead when Vida’s challenge on David Lafata fell to the Inter Milan player, who ran at Tomáš Sivok to leave the defender frantically backpeddling, then drove an angled effort into the far corner. It was almost 2-0 two minutes later, but Vida and Vedran Ćorluka collided as the pair tried to reach Rakitić’s teasing free-kick. The Czech Republic failed to register a single shot in the first half, but there was a brief suggestion the tide would turn after the break. Ladislav Krejčí forced Danijel Subašić to his first save of the game as Pavel Vrba’s side approached the game with more vigor. But any chance of a Czech revival looked to have ended near the hour mark when Rakitić put Croatia 2-0 with an impudent finish, lifting the ball past the advancing keeper. Luka Modrić was replaced as Croatia sought to close the game out, and Mandžukić came close to make it 3-0 after 67 minutes when he fired over with the goal gaping. Then, out of the blue, the Czechs grabbed a lifeline with 15 minutes left when Škoda headed in Tomáš Rosický’s brilliant cross. After being so comfortable in the game, Croatia suddenly looked nervous. The game came to an unexpected halt when several flares went off to spark crowd trouble on the Croatian sector. When the match was resumed ten minutes later, Croatia’s momentum seemed disrupted as Vida handled the ball inside the area and Necid hammered in the penalty to earn what had looked an unlikely point for the Czech Republic.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Allianz Riviera (Nice) DATE: 17-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 33.409 REFEREE: Milorad Mažić (SER) GOALS: 1-0 (Morata 34’); 2-0 (Nolito 37’); 3-0 (Morata 48’) BOOKED: Sergio Ramos (2’) / Burak (9’), Ozan (41’)
		Spain - Turkey
		3-0 (2-0)
SPAIN De Gea Juanfran, Piqué, Sergio Ramos (c), Jordi Alba (Azpilicueta 81’) Fàbregas (Koke 71’), Busquets, Iniesta Silva (Bruno 64’), Morata, Nolito COACH: Vicente del Bosque			TURKEY Volkan Babacan Gökhan Gönül, Mehmet, Hakan Balta, Caner Ozan, Selçuk (Yunus 70’), Oğuzhan (Olcay 62’) Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Nuri 46’), Burak, Arda (c) COACH: Fatih Terim
GAME SUMMARY Defending champions Spain qualified for the knock-out stage of Euro 2016 after a 3-0 stroll over Turkey in Nice, which also extended their winning record in the competition (they haven’t lost since a 1-0 defeat to Portugal in 2004). Two goals in three first-half minutes from Álvaro Morata and Nolito put Vicente del Bosque’s team in control for the rest of the game. Morata added a third goal early in the second half to ensure a perfect scenario for the Spaniards, in which they could perfect their favorite interpassing game. Turkey rarely troubled La Roja, who became the first team to score three goals in the competition so far. Just like in their opening game against the Czech Republic, Spain dominated the first half and almost went ahead after 11 minutes when Hakan Balka sliced the ball into his own post. From the resulting corner, Gerard Piqué―who had turned from Spanish villain to hero after his late winner against the Czechs in the opening game―headed over. Spain took a deserved lead in the 34th minute when Morata cleverly headed Nolito’s cross past Volkan Babacan. Then, three minutes later, it was Nolito’s turn as the Celta forward cashed in on Mehmet Topal’s miscued header to guide the ball into the bottom corner. Turkey managed to limp to halftime without further damage, but conceded a third goal just three minutes after the break when Andrés Iniesta sliced open the Ottoman defense with a trademark pass to Jordi Alba, who unselfishly squared to Morata to tap in from close range and cap a 22-pass move. A minute later Morata headed wide before Burak Yılmaz blazed a fine chance over. David Silva then went close twice on the hour as the European champions broke out the exhibition football. In minute 68, substitute Bruno Soriano had his drive turned wide by Volkan Babacan. With Spain superior in every department of the game, Olcay Şahan was denied a late consolation goal by César Azpilicueta.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Matmut Atlantique (Bordeaux) DATE: 18-06-2016 (15:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 39.493 REFEREE: Cüneyt Çakır (TUR) GOALS: 1-0 (R. Lukaku 48’); 2-0 (Witsel 61’); 3-0 (R. Lukaku 70’) BOOKED: Vermaelen (49’) / Hendrick (42’)
		Belgium - Ireland
		3-0 (0-0)
BELGIUM Courtois Meunier, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen Carrasco (Mertens 64’), Witsel, De Bruyne, Dembélé (Naing. 57’), Hazard (c) R. Lukaku (Benteke 83’) COACH: Marc Wilmots			IRELAND Randolph Coleman, O’Shea (c), Clark, Ward Hendrick, Whelan, Hoolahan (McGeady 71’), McCarthy (McClean 62’), Brady Long (Keane 79’) COACH: Martin O'Neill
GAME SUMMARY Belgium’s chances to advance to the knock-out round were boosted after a convincing 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland. A Romelu Lukaku brace, either side of Axel Witsel’s header, put the opening loss to Italy behind, as Belgium began to live up to their ranking as the second best team in the world. Marc Wilmots’ men simply had too much for Ireland, who barely landed a blow at Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux, with Belgium dominating possession from the onset and forcing them onto the back foot. Martin O'Neill’s side could find neither the defensive resilience nor a cutting edge further up the field to trouble a team packed with household names. Ahead of their final group game, the Belgians will need just a point against Sweden to secure second spot, whereas the Republic of Ireland will need to beat Italy to stand any chance of progressing. The Irish battled simply to stay afloat during a difficult opening 45 minutes. The Belgians dominated possession with full-backs Thomas Meunier and Jan Vertonghen joining forces with wingers Yannick Carrasco and Eden Hazard, and Kevin de Bruyne relishing the freedom given to him by Moussa Dembélé. However, Ireland managed to get themselves to the break unscathed, if largely by virtue of some last-ditch defending and some sub-standard finishing by the Red Devils. For all Belgium threatened repeatedly, keeper Darren Randolph had few saves of note to make in the first half, fielding one scuffed De Bruyne effort as defenders Toby Alderweireld and Meunier both missed the target when presented with opportunities. De Bruyne’s set-piece delivery piled the pressure on Ireland and it was from his 13th-minute corner that Alderweireld glanced wide. However, Belgium should have been ahead eight minutes later when, after John O’Shea could only head De Bruyne's cross into his path, he blazed wastefully high and wide. Wes Hoolahan came to the rescue three minutes before the break when he headed off the line after Alderweireld had connected with another De Bruyne corner. For their part, Ireland had only one effort on goal, with keeper Thibaut Courtois helping Stephen Ward’s looping 19th-minute header onto the roof of his net. Ireland were appealing in vain for a penalty within two minutes of the restart when striker Shane Long appeared to take a boot in the face as central defenders Thomas Vermaelen and Alderweireld attempted to prevent him from reaching Robbie Brady’s teasing free-kick, but worse was to come for the Greens, as Turkish referee Cüneyt Çakır waved play on and Belgium broke at pace with De Bruyne surging down the right before picking out Romelu Lukaku, who shifted the ball onto his left foot before drilling into the bottom corner with Randolph powerless to resist. Ireland knew they had to throw caution to the wind in search of an equalizer and went close when Brady saw a close-range shot blocked by Meunier with 59 minutes gone, but the Belgian defender helped to turn the screw two minutes later when he crossed for Witsel to power a header past Randolph and effectively seal victory. There was no way back for the Republic with 20 minutes still remaining when substitute James McClean was robbed by Meunier. He found Hazard, who skipped away from the defenders before handing Romelu Lukaku his second of the afternoon on a plate.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Vélodrome (Marseille) DATE: 18-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 60.842 REFEREE: Sergej Karasjov (RUS) GOALS: 1-0 (G. Sigurðsson [p.] 40’); 1-1 (Sævarsson [o.g.] 88’) BOOKED: Guðmundsson (42’), Finnbogason (75’), Sævarsson (77’) / Kádár (81’), Kleinheisler (83’), Nagy (90+’)
		Iceland - Hungary
		1-1 (1-0)
ICELAND Halldórsson Sævarsson, Árnason, R. Sigurðsson, Skúlason Guðmundsson, Gunnarsson(c) (Hallfreð. 65’), G. Sigurð., B. Bjarnason Sigþórsson (Guðjohnsen 84’), Böðvarsson (Finnbogason 69’) COACHES: Lars Lagerbäck / Heimir Hallgrímsson			HUNGARY Király Lang, Juhász (Szalai 84’), Guzmics, Kádár Kleinheisler, Gera, Nagy Dzsudzsák (c), Priskin (Böde 66’), Stieber (Nikolić 66’) COACH: Bernd Storck
GAME SUMMARY In what is becoming a tournament’s classic, a late own goal from Birkir Sævarsson saw Hungary snatch a 1-1 draw and avoid an unexpected defeat against Iceland at Euro 2016. Hungary dominated possession throughout against an Icelandic side content to defend, even more after a Gylfi Sigurðsson’s penalty near halftime had put them in the lead. The Magyar pressure finally told in the 88th minute as Sævarsson turned a Nemanja Nikolić cross into his own net. Hungary will feel the result was the least they deserved, although they found chances hard to come by. Captain Balázs Dzsudzsák did have one chance in the early stages, but his fierce shot from the edge of the area was blocked by Aron Gunnarsson and he later had another effort deflected for a corner. Iceland went close when Jón Daði Böðvarsson headed over and Gylfi Sigurðsson might have hoped for a better outcome after whipping in a dangerous-looking ball that evaded everyone. It was Iceland who came alive on the half-hour mark as Gylfi Sigurðsson outmuscled Tamás Kádár to turn and shoot, but Gábor Király saved well with his feet. The experienced Hungarian keeper needed to stand up well again just moments later, but this time to redeem himself after playing teammate Richárd Guzmics into trouble with a poor pass which was intercepted by Kolbeinn Sigþórsson. The danger was not over, however, and Kiraly compounded his error by spilling the corner. The ball ran loose and Gunnarsson went down under a Kádár challenge. It was perhaps a harsh penalty, but Gylfi Sigurðsson made no mistake from the spot. Iceland seemed content to sit on their lead in the second half, although Böðvarsson attempted an spectacular overhead kick that flew well wide. Hungary were allowed to keep pushing forward but Iceland stayed deep and limited their opportunities. Dzsudzsák did take aim with two long-range free-kicks but only one of them troubled Hannes Halldórsson, who clutched the ball at the second attempt. Clear-cut chances were few and far between, but Hungary’s pressure eventually bore fruit as they found space down the right with 87 minutes on the clock. László Kleinheisler released Nikolić and his cross into the middle was diverted into his own net by a tired Sævarsson. Iceland might have snatched the lead back in injury-time, but Gylfi Sigurðsson fired a free-kick into the wall and veteran substitute Eiður Guðjohnsen put the rebound wide.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Parc des Princes (Paris) DATE: 18-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 44.291 REFEREE: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA) GOALS: - BOOKED: Quaresma (31’), Pepe (40’) / Harnik (47’), Fuchs (60’), Hinteregger (78’), Schöpf (86’) [Incidents: Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty shot (min. 79).]
		Portugal - Austria
		0-0 (0-0)
PORTUGAL Rui Patrício Vieirinha, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Raphaël Guerreiro Quaresma (João Mário 71’), William Carvalho, João Moutinho, André Gomes (Éder 83’) Nani (Rafa 89’), Cristiano Ronaldo (c) COACH: Fernando Santos			AUSTRIA Almer Klein, Prödl, Hinteregger, Fuchs (c) Sabitzer (Hinterseer 85’), Ilsanker (Wimmer 87’), Alaba (Schöpf 65’), Baumgartlinger, Arnautović Harnik COACH: Marcel Koller
GAME SUMMARY Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty―and spurned a hatful of other chances―as Portugal were frustrated yet again and held to a 0-0 draw by Austria. The Real Madrid star, winning his record 128th cap with Portugal, endured a night to forget at the Parc des Princes, slamming a 79th-minute penalty against the post, having an 85th-minute header disallowed and being denied on several other occasions in front of goal. As against Iceland, Portugal completely dominated proceedings, mustering 23 shots to Austria’s 3, but they were unable to find a way past Robert Almer. The game was mostly one-way traffic, although Austria passed up a glorious early opportunity when Martin Harnik headed wide in the third minute. Fernando Santos’ team then took charge and carved out numerous chances. A miscued clearance by Stefan Ilsanker looped into Nani’s path, but the Portuguese forward was unable to put sufficient power and direction on his header. Nani created another chance himself after skipping past Sebastian Prödl, but Almer blocked and then saved Vieirinha’s follow-up. Uncertainty crept in at the back for Austria with Martin Hinteregger selling Almer short with a backpass and having the ball blasted back at him by the goalkeeper, at the cost of a corner. Cristiano Ronaldo seemed certain to score after a slick move involving Nani and Raphaël Guerreiro, but he remarkably sidefooted wide. Nani then headed against the post following a short corner and João Moutinho blasted over before Cristiano Ronaldo shot at Almer. Austria finally got some respite late in the first half and Pepe was booked for felling David Alaba just outside the area. The Bayern München midfielder whipped in a dangerous free-kick, but Vieirinha headed away at the far post. Austria threatened again after the restart, but Rui Patrício saved well from Ilsanker’s piledriver. Cristiano Ronaldo hit an even better shot at the other end, but Almer was equal to it, as he was to his header from the resulting corner. The Real Madrid star was out of luck again when he sent a free-kick over the bar, but worse was to follow for him after he was awarded a penalty following an off-the-ball tussle with Hinteregger late on. The Portuguese captain stepped up to take the spot-kick and struck it confidently, but fired it against the right post. Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had redeemed himself five minutes from time as he rose superbly to head home a free-kick, but the flag was raised for offside. The match died off yielding another frustrating tie for group favorites Portugal, who will have to win their last game to make sure of a place in the knock-out stages.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Villeneuve d’Ascq, Lille) DATE: 19-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 45.616 REFEREE: Damir Skomina (SVN) GOALS: - BOOKED: Rami (25’), Koscielny (83’)
		Switzerland - France
		0-0 (0-0)
SWITZERLAND Sommer Lichtsteiner (c), Schär, Djourou, Rodríguez Shaqiri (Fernand. 79’), Behrami, Džemaili, Xhaka, Mehmedi (Lang 86’) Embolo (Seferović 74’) COACH: Vladimir Petković			FRANCE Lloris (c) Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra Sissoko, Cabaye, Pogba Griezmann (Matuidi 77’), Gignac, Coman (Payet 63’) COACH: Didier Deschamps
GAME SUMMARY Switzerland and France played out a predictable 0-0 draw which sees them both qualified for the next stage. The hosts were left frustrated after Dimitri Payet and Paul Pogba hit the woodwork and goalkeeper Yann Sommer denied Antoine Griezmann. Well-drilled Switzerland struggled to create and never seriously tested French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, but got the point they needed to bag a spot in the second round as group runners-up. Without two key players like N’Golo Kanté and Payet, France began nervously and Pogba almost scored an own goal when he sliced Xherdan Shaqiri’s 10th-minute corner in the area. Two minutes later, however, the Juventus midfielder came close to the opener at the other end when Sommer spilled his effort onto the top of the bar. Pogba was at the heart of France’s early attacking efforts and Sommer denied him again when he superbly turned away his drive. The French player continued his one-man assault in the 17th minute and his effort clipped the bar. Pogba’s four shots in the opening 17 minutes were as many as he had had in France’s opening two games as he rampaged forward. Despite dominating much of the half, the hosts failed to net. André-Pierre Gignac forced Sommer into a low save seven minutes after the break and then the ball had to be replaced after it burst following Valon Behrami’s tackle on Griezmann. The French forward’s shot was parried over soon after following a neat one-two with Gignac, as Switzerland struggled to offer any attacking threat of their own. Shaqiri tried and failed to find a way through France, but resilient Switzerland continued to battle away and deserved a point, although they survived a scare with 15 minutes remaining when in-form Payet, who had been brought on for Kingsley Coman, crashed a stunning first-time volley off the underside of the bar. The West Ham midfielder then sliced wide with time running out and his late free-kick hit teammate Blaise Matuidi in the wall. In injury-time, Switzerland were denied a penalty when Blerim Džemaili was tugged in the area by Bacary Sagna, as both sides settled for a point.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade des Lumières (Décines, Lyon) DATE: 19-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 49.752 REFEREE: Pavel Královec (CZR) GOALS: 0-1 (Sadiku 43’) BOOKED: Măţel (54’), Săpunaru (85’), Torje (90+’) / Basha (6’), Memushaj (85’), Hysaj (90+’)
		Romania - Albania
		0-1 (0-1)
ROMANIA Tătăruşanu Săpunaru, Chiricheş (c), Grigore, Măţel Popa(Andone 68’), Prepeliţă(Sânmărtean 46’), Stanciu, Hoban, Stancu Alibec (Torje 57’) COACH: Anghel Iordănescu			ALBANIA Berisha Hysaj, Ajeti, Mavraj, Agolli (c) Lila, Abrashi, Basha (Cana 83’), Memushaj, Lenjani (Roshi 77’) Sadiku (Balaj 59’) COACH: Gianni de Biasi
GAME SUMMARY Albania, one of the sensations of Euro 2016, clinched their maiden win at a major tournament and first against Romania in 68 years to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages. Armando Sadiku’s header before halftime sealed a famous victory for Gianni de Biasi’s minnows that could see them progress as one of the best third-placed teams. Romania, the first country to bow out of the tournament, went in search of an equalizer in the second half, but despite hitting a post through substitute Florin Andone, they rarely tested Albania goalkeeper Etrit Berisha. Romanian midfielder Nicolae Stanciu fired the game’s first chance over the crossbar in the third minute before another long-range effort from teammate Ovidiu Hoban forced Berisha into a nervous, fumbling save. Albanian defender Andi Lila escaped a yellow card, or worse, for an apparent elbow on Alexandru Măţel before Berisha did well soon after to block Bogdan Stancu’s blistering volley. As Albania continued to tread close to the line, midfielder Migjen Basha was lucky to get away with just a booking after a reckless high tackle on Hoban. The Eagles had to wait until the 20th minute for their first effort on target when Basha’s tame low shot from distance was easily gathered by Romania goalkeeper Ciprian Tătăruşanu. Albania carved out the move of the half three minutes later, but their first-ever European Championship goal somehow eluded them as left winger Ermir Lenjani fired first time over the crossbar in front of an open goal following Lila’s excellent low right-wing cross. Midfielder Ledian Memushaj was denied at the near post by Tătăruşanu ten minutes before the break as Albania continued to grow in confidence, and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 43rd minute. Memushaj sent over a teasing cross from the right that was missed by the Romanian goalkeeper and Sadiku headed home to register Albania’s first goal of the tournament. Romania substitute Gabriel Torje was sent on for the injured Denis Alibec early in the second half and Albania goalscorer Sadiku left the field to a standing ovation when he made way for a tactical switch that saw Bekim Balaj replace him. Memushaj almost doubled Albania’s lead with a thumping drive in the 63rd minute, then Torje flashed a shot wide five minutes later. Romania went close to an equalizer with a superb move in the 76th minute that ended in substitute Andone crashing a rising shot against the woodwork, but Albania refused to buckle as Anghel Iordănescu’s side began to press. Torje fired a free-kick within striking distance against the wall and Stanciu blazed way off target after making space on the edge of the area deep into injury-time.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Geoffroy Guichard (Saint-Étienne) DATE: 20-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 39.051 REFEREE: Carlos Velasco Carballo (SPA) GOALS: - BOOKED: Pečovský (24’) / Bertrand (52’)
		Slovakia - England
		0-0 (0-0)
SLOVAKIA Kozáčik Pekarík, Škrtel (c), Ďurica, Hubočan Mak, Kucka, Pečovský (Gyömber 67’), Hamšík, Weiss (Škriniar 78’) Duda (Švento 57’) COACH: Ján Kozák			ENGLAND Hart Clyne, Cahill (c), Smalling, Bertrand Henderson, Dier, Wilshere (Rooney 56’) Sturridge (Kane 76’), Vardy, Lallana (Alli 61’) COACH: Roy Hodgson
GAME SUMMARY Despite laying siege to the Slovak goal for most of the game, England’s lack of punch was punished with a 0-0 draw against Slovakia which will see the Three Lions qualify as group runners-up behind Wales and have a more difficult route in the knock-out stages. Roy Hodgson’s decision to make wholesale changes in the starting line-up (as many as six new players) backfired, as the Slovak defense held firm to grab a point which will most likely earn qualification for Ján Kozák’s side as one of the best third-placed teams. Jamie Vardy’s one-on-one was the best English chance of the first half and Dele Alli’s effort off the line was the closest they came after. Hodgson’s men were on top from the onset and after five minutes Vardy directed a cross from the impressive Nathaniel Clyne just over in unorthodox fashion, before Daniel Sturridge was denied from close range by Peter Pekarík’s pressure. Adam Lallana dragged wide from the edge of the box as the pressure mounted, with the Liverpool attacking midfielder then sending over a deep cross that Jordan Henderson impressively controlled and hit on the turn. That was one of many shots blocked by Slovakia’s well-organised defense, which Vardy looked well placed to breach in the 17th minute when put through on goal. However, the routine so successful at Leicester did not have the desired outcome, as while his pace was enough to leave Martin Škrtel behind his shot was not good enough to beat goalkeeper Matúš Kozáčik. The encounter became somewhat disjointed after a break in play following a nasty blow to Pekarík, with Ryan Bertrand’s flailing arm covering in claret the Slovakia right-back’s white shirt. Stand-in captain Gary Cahill slid in to intercept a threatening cross in one of the few Slovakia voyages forward. As the attention remained at the other end, Kozáčik denied a fierce Lallana snapshot. As halftime approached, Ján Ďurica made a vital block to prevent Henderson’s shot causing an issue for his goalkeeper. There was an audible gasp inside the stadium within minutes of the restart after a defensive blunder threatened to gift Slovakia an undeserved lead. Tomáš Hubočan’s seemingly innocuous cross caused problems as Chris Smalling attempted to chest the ball back to Joe Hart, but its lack of power saw Róbert Mak jump in and the England’s center-back and goalkeeper collide, with a collective sigh of relief when it came to nothing. Vladimír Weiss cut inside and sent a low strike that Hart saved low to his right when Slovakia next attacked, but that came after Clyne forced a fine save from Kozáčik under pressure. Wayne Rooney and Alli were brought on in a bid to spark England into life, which the latter almost did just moments after his introduction, when he burst into the box at pace and stretched to meet a Henderson cross, with his strike destined for the goal until Škrtel flicked off the line. It was one of the increasingly few chances as play became congested, with Rooney seeing a shot from the edge of the box deflected over the bar as England fans made their voice heard. Eric Dier saw a long-range strike charged down and Rooney struck wide as England became desperate. Second-half introduction Harry Kane had several half-chances as England pushed for a winner that eluded them, with Alli lashing the last chance well over.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stadium Municipal (Toulouse) DATE: 20-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 28.840 REFEREE: Jonas Eriksson (SWE) GOALS: 0-1 (Ramsey 11’); 0-2 (Taylor 20’); 0-3 (Bale 67’) BOOKED: Mamaev (64’) / Vokes (16’)
		Russia - Wales
		0-3 (0-2)
RUSSIA Akinfeev Smol’nikov, V. Berezutskij (A. Berezutskij 46’), Ignashevich, Kombarov Kokorin, Mamaev, Glushakov, Smolov (Samedov 70’) Shirokov (c) (Golovin 52’), Dzjuba COACH: Leonid Slutskij			WALES Hennessey Chester, A. Williams (c), Davies Gunter, Allen (Edwards 74’), Ledley (King 76’), Taylor Bale (Church 83’), Vokes, Ramsey COACH: Chris Coleman
GAME SUMMARY Wales enjoyed one of the greatest nights in their football history as they brushed aside Russia 3-0 in Toulouse to win Group B at Euro 2016, after England’s goalless draw with Slovakia in the simultaneous game. Goals from Aaron Ramsey, Neil Taylor and Gareth Bale topped an amazing display by the Red Dragons. Bale was too hot to handle―he became the tournament’s top scorer with his third goal in as many matches―and Ramsey ran the show in midfield as Wales dominated in all departments to shrug off the pain of their last-gasp defeat to England. All four places in the group were open to Wales and Russia at the start of the game, so there was an air of tension at kick-off. Chris Coleman’s side had a sight on goal in the first minute, when Bale was allowed to run at the Russia defense and test Igor’ Akinfeev with a stinging shot. Wales did not have to wait long for the breakthrough as James Chester intercepted a pass on the halfway line for Joe Allen to split the Russian rearguard with a superb pass aiming at Ramsey, who had timed his run perfectly to keep himself onside and produced a finish to match by lofting the ball over Akinfeev as he advanced. There was more to come just nine minutes later as Bale again made a nuisance of himself and Roman Shirokov poked the ball into Taylor’s path. The wing-back, who is not noted for his scoring ability, was blocked by Akinfeev on his first attempt, but Taylor made no mistake with the rebound as he smashed a half-volley into the net. Russia had their moments in the first half, with Artjom Dzjuba almost profiting as Ashley Williams failed to cut out Akinfeev’s towering kick and Aleksandr Kokorin’s shot being deflected wide, but they could not cope with the Welsh pace on the break. Fuelled by the energy and enthusiasm of Ramsey, Wales cut through almost at will as Russia’s ageing defense creaked time and again. Bale’s burst took him past several defenders and when the ball broke to Sam Vokes the Russians were grateful for Akinfeev’s agility. It was not the last time Wales threatened to extend their lead in a frantic first half, as Akinfeev stopped Ramsey’s powerful drive and smothered two more Bale attempts. Russia swapped one twin for another at halftime―Aleksej Berezutskij coming on for his brother Vasilij―but stopping Bale running free was not a case of simply keeping it in the family. Akinfeev saved twice more from Bale as Russia threw caution to the wind and there was more danger when they conceded a free-kick. After successful strikes against Slovakia and England, this time Bale’s effort drifted wide of the near post. However, there was no way the Real Madrid star was going to be denied from getting on the scoresheet and he finally did so after 67 minutes. Ramsey ran at the Russian defense, slipping one way and the other before finding Bale through, clearly onside, to poke the ball past Akinfeev. After that it was one long celebration for Wales fans, who gave standing ovations to Allen, Joe Ledley and Bale when they were substituted and hailed manager Chris Coleman. Special cheers were reserved for news of England’s result which confirmed Wales as group winners.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Parc des Princes (Paris) DATE: 21-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 44.125 REFEREE: Clément Turpin (FRA) GOALS: 0-1 (Gómez 30’) BOOKED: -
		Northern Ireland - Germany
		0-1 (0-1)
NORTHERN IRELAND McGovern Hughes, McAuley, Cathcart, J. Evans Ward (Magennis70’), C.Evans (McGinn 84’), Norwood, Davis(c), Dallas Washington (Lafferty 59’) COACH: Michael O'Neill			GERMANY Neuer (c) Kimmich, Boateng (Höwedes 76’), Hummels, Hector Müller, Khedira (Schweinsteiger 69’), Özil, Kroos, Götze (Schürrle 55’) Gómez COACH: Joachim Löw
GAME SUMMARY Germany went back to their roots and introduced top scorer Mario Gómez in the starting line-up as a typical “9” striker, thus providing a clear reference for their offensive play. Northern Ireland, who survived a constant onslaught thanks to a string of fantastic saves by goalkeeper Michael McGovern, will most likely qualify for the knock-out stage as one of the best third-placed teams. With Conor Washington cut adrift in attack, the Northern Irish midfield were unable to stop Toni Kroos and, in particular, Mesut Özil from pulling apart their defense. McGovern’s one-on-one save from Thomas Müller was the first of a trio of stops in quick succession, the others coming from Özil and Mario Götze, before Müller steered another attempt just past the post. As the game was increasingly becoming a German monologue, Müller nodded Joshua Kimmich’s cross against the post. Two minutes later, the Northern Irish resistance was finally broken when Özil released Müller, and though Aaron Hughes and McGovern shut off his route to goal, Gómez was on hand to finish via a Gareth McAuley deflection. Jamie Ward’s shot straight at Manuel Neuer was the only first-half attempt by Michael O'Neill’s side, who were fortunate not to be 2-0 down at the break as Müller again struck the woodwork. The best player on the pitch in the second half continued to be McGovern, who will finish his contract with Hamilton Academical at the end of this month but will not be short of offers after today’s display. The Northern Irish goalkeeper showed terrific form to deny Götze’s half-volley by thrusting his right arm down, then he thwarted Sami Khedira and saw Gómez heading the rebound wide. After the hour mark, McGovern’s heroics seemed to have dispirited the reigning World Cup holders, as their dominance decreased. Even when the Germans did find the target, McGovern’s form continued as he scooped Gómez’s header away using his fingertips. After a goalkeeper’s night to remember, Northern Ireland held on to a minimum loss which meant a goal difference of zero and increased their chances to qualify for the next round.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Vélodrome (Marseille) DATE: 21-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 58.874 REFEREE: Svein Oddvar Moen (NOR) GOALS: 0-1 (Błaszczykowski 54’) BOOKED: Rotan’ (25’), Kucher (38’) / Kapustka (60’)
		Ukraine - Poland
		0-1 (0-0)
UKRAINE P’jatov Fedets’kyj, Khacheridi, Kucher, Butko Yarmolenko, Stepanenko, Zinchenko (Kovalenko 73’), Rotan’ (c), Konopljanka Zozulja (Tymoshchuk 90+’) COACH: Mikhajlo Fomenko			POLAND Fabiański Cionek, Glik, Pazdan, Jędrzejczyk Zieliński (Błaszczyk. 46’), Krychowiak, Jodłowiec, Kapustka (Grosicki 71’) Milik (Starzyński 90+’), Lewandowski (c) COACH: Adam Nawałka
GAME SUMMARY A brilliantly worked goal by substitute Jakub Błaszczykowski sent Poland through to the last 16 of Euro 2016 with a 1-0 win over Ukraine in Marseille. The Fiorentina midfielder sent a superb left-footed finish past goalkeeper Andrij P’jatov after a sharp series of one-touch passes following a short corner in the 54th minute. The win sent the Poles through behind Group C leaders Germany, while already-doomed Ukraine will now exit their forgettable tournament both pointless and goalless. Ukraine coach Mikhajlo Fomenko, who had indicated he will quit the team after the tournament, made five changes to his starting line-up, but it was Poland who dominated the opening exchanges. Arkadiusz Milik found space on the left flank in the third minute and cut inside before bringing a fine save out of P’jatov with a powerful rising shot. One minute later, Robert Lewandowski missed an even better chance when Milik’s cross from the left found him clear in front of goal, but the Polish striker sent his shot over the bar. Ukraine slowly began to edge into the game and had their first chance in the 10th minute, when Roman Zozulja’s close-range shot was brilliantly blocked by Michał Pazdan and Andrij Yarmolenko missed the follow-up. Yarmolenko proved one of his side’s few attacking threats throughout and he came close again six minutes later when he sprinted into plenty of space on the right flank only to loft his shot wide of target. A mistake by the ineffective Evgen Konopljanka gave Poland another goalscoring chance in the 21st minute, the ball squirting clear to Lewandowski, who bore down on the Ukraine box only to screw his shot just wide. Seemingly determined to sign off with a win despite their fate being sealed, the Ukrainians pressed in response with Konopljanka testing Polish goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański twice in quick succession. Tomasz Jodłowiec shot straight at P’jatov to bring the first half to a close. There was hope for Ukraine early in the second half when Konoplyanka delivered a cross from which the impressive Oleksandr Zinchenko headed over the bar. Poland snatched their opener in the 54th minute when Błaszczykowski, fresh from replacing Piotr Zieliński at the break, finished off a superb move by the Polish attacking line. Bartosz Kapustka should have extended Poland’s lead two minutes later when he was sprung clear by Lewandowski, but shot into the side-netting. Poland’s qualification for the knock-out stages was blighted on the hour mark by a needless booking for Kapustka, who will be suspended for their last-16 match. Zinchenko screwed a good chance wide for Ukraine before Milik flashed a header just off target from a free-kick delivered by substitute Kamil Grosicki. Vainly seeking to salvage something from a dismal tournament, Ukraine pressed in the dying minutes with Zozulja heading just wide and Ruslan’ Rotan’ bringing a fine low save out of Fabiański, but their efforts came to nothing.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Matmut Atlantique (Bordeaux) DATE: 21-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 37.245 REFEREE: Björn Kuipers (NED) GOALS: 0-1 (Morata 7’); 1-1 (N. Kalinić 45’); 2-1 (Perišić 87’) BOOKED: Rog (29’), Vrsaljko (70’), Srna (70’), Perišić (88’) [Incidents: Sergio Ramos missed a penalty shot (min. 72), saved by Subašić, who was two meters off the line when the Spanish defender kicked the ball.]
		Croatia - Spain
		2-1 (1-1)
CROATIA Subašić Srna (c), Ćorluka, Jedvaj, Vrsaljko Perišić (Kram. 90+’), Rog (Kov. 82’), Rakitić, Badelj, Pjaca (Čop90+’) N. Kalinić COACH: Ante Čačić			SPAIN De Gea Juanfran, Piqué, Sergio Ramos (c), Jordi Alba Fàbregas (Thiago 84’), Busquets, Iniesta Silva, Morata (Aduriz 67’), Nolito (Bruno 60’) COACH: Vicente del Bosque
GAME SUMMARY Ivan Perišić’s late goal saw Croatia come from behind to beat defending champions Spain 2-1 and advance to the knockout stages of Euro 2016 as Group D winners. Álvaro Morata’s early strike had given Spain the lead, but Nikola Kalinić equalized just before halftime before Sergio Ramos saw a penalty saved midway through the second half. Croatia then snatched the points three minutes from time when Perišić finished past David de Gea at his near post. The 2-1 defeat means Spain will finish second to Croatia and will meet Italy in the round of 16 in a repeat of the 2012 final. Morata opened the scoring in just the seventh minute as the forward stole in to poke home Cesc Fàbregas’ effort from virtually on the goalline. An error from De Gea almost allowed Ivan Rakitić to equalize, but the Barcelona midfielder’s lofted attempt came back off the crossbar. David Silva hit a shot straight at Danijel Subašić before Nolito had an effort deflected wide as Spain looked to add to their lead. Morata had the best chance to do just that, but he wasted a chance with a poor touch having been slipped in by Fàbregas just before the break. Croatia made them pay as they levelled on the stroke of halftime when Perišić crossed for Nikola Kalinić to flick home past De Gea. The Manchester United goalkeeper was almost caught out once again in the second half, when he failed to claim a cross and Marko Pjaca’s overhead kick flashed just wide. Pjaca then had a penalty claim turned down after hitting the ground following a challenge from Sergio Ramos, who then headed a corner wide when free inside the box. The Croatian players were infuriated in minute 70 when Dutch referee Björn Kuipers awarded a soft penalty to Spain as Silva went down under pressure from Šime Vrsaljko (who had been pushed in turn by Aritz Aduriz). Justice was done as Subašić saved Sergio Ramos’ horrible penalty, although the Croatian goalkeeper was almost two meters off his line by the time the Real Madrid defender struck his effort. However, neither the referee nor the Spanish players seemed to notice his illegal position, and the penalty was not retaken. Just when both teams seemed to settle for a convenient draw, Croatia stole the first place in the group as Nikola Kalinić found Perišić, whose low drive beat De Gea at tne near post.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade Bollaert-Delelis (Lens) DATE: 21-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 32.836 REFEREE: William Collum (SCO) GOALS: 0-1 (Burak 10’); 0-2 (Ozan 65’) BOOKED: Plašil (36’), Pavelka (39’), Šural (87’) / İsmail (35’), Hakan Balta (50’)
		Czech Republic - Turkey
		0-2 (0-1)
CZECH REPUBLIC Čech (c) Kadeřábek, Sivok, Hubník, Pudil Pavelka (Škoda 57’), Darida, Plašil (Kolář 90’) Dočkal (Šural 71’), Necid, Krejčí COACH: Pavel Vrba			TURKEY Volkan Babacan Gökhan Gönül, Mehmet, Hakan Balta, İsmail Emre (Olcay 69’), Ozan, Arda (c), Selçuk, Volkan Şen (Oğuzhan 61’) Burak (Cenk 90’) COACH: Fatih Terim
GAME SUMMARY Turkey kept their qualification hopes alive thanks to a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic, which could be enough to send the Ottomans through as one of the best third-placed teams depending on the outcome of groups E and F. Goals from Burak Yılmaz and Ozan Tufan gave the Turks three points and a -1 goal difference which might prove sufficient to advance to the knock-out rounds. The Czechs, meanwhile, slipped to the bottom of the group and will head home, but they will be wondering how on earth they could lose this game. Pavel Vrba’s side made a positive start, but were caught on the break after just ten minutes when the highly-rated Emre Mor―nicknamed “the Turkish Messi” for his ball skills―raced away down the touchline and clipped the ball into the box, where Burak got himself ahead of Tomáš Sivok and neatly turned it in at the near post. The Czechs were not ruffled and went close to a quick equalizer when Sivok headed against the post from a corner. Further Czech chances came as Pavel Kadeřábek got behind the defense only to shoot at goalkeeper Volkan Babacan’s feet and Tomáš Necid flicked another opportunistic volley wide. At the other end Emre, seizing his chance to impress his new club Borussia Dortmund, flashed a shot wide from a tight angle. The Czechs again went close to an equalizer before the interval as Necid headed across goal following a poor Turkish clearance, but Kadeřábek was unable to turn in at the far post. Jaroslav Plašil also tried his luck with a shot from outside the area, but Volkan Babacan saved comfortably. There was a hold-up early in the second half after three players were hurt in an accidental clash of heads in the Turkish area. Gökhan Gönül was the worst affected following the collision involving also Sivok and David Pavelka, requiring treatment for a nasty cut close to the eye. When play was resumed, Turkey were the next to threaten as Emre shot over, but Volkan Babacan was soon in action too when Vladimír Darida tested him. Somehow against the run of play, Turkey doubled their lead midway through the second half after the Czechs failed to deal with a free-kick lobbed into the area by Selçuk İnan. The ball found its way to the feet of Mehmet Topal, who laid it off for Ozan to smash a shot into the top corner. As has been common throughout the tournament, flares were set off by fans amid the Turkish celebrations. The Czechs tried to fight back with Darida twice forcing Volkan Babacan to save. Turkey continued to chase more goals, which they might need to improve their chances as best third-placed team, and Olcay Şahan seized on poor defending to fire wide late on.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade des Lumières (Décines, Lyon) DATE: 22-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 55.514 REFEREE: Martin Atkinson (ENG) GOALS: 1-0 (Gera 19’); 1-1 (Nani 42’); 2-1 (Dzsudzsák 47’); 2-2 (Cristiano Ronaldo 50’); 3-2 (Dzsudzsák 55’); 3-3 (Cristiano Ronaldo 62’) BOOKED: Guzmics (13’), Juhász (28’), Gera (34’), Dzsudzsák (56’)
		Hungary - Portugal
		3-3 (1-1)
HUNGARY Király Lang, Juhász, Guzmics, Korhut Lovrencsics (Stieber 83’), Gera (Bese 46’), Elek, Pintér, Dzsudzsák (c) Szalai (Németh 71’) COACH: Bernd Storck			PORTUGAL Rui Patrício Vieirinha, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Eliseu J.Mário, W.Carvalho, J.Moutinho(R.Sanches 46’), A.Gomes(Quar. 61’) Cristiano Ronaldo (c), Nani (Danilo Pereira 81’) COACH: Fernando Santos
GAME SUMMARY Cristiano Ronaldo came to the rescue when Portugal most needed him. Two goals by the Real Madrid star helped his team to come back from behind three times against Hungary and avoid an early elimination. After a breathless game in Lyon, both teams seemed to settle for a convenient tie, but a late goal of Iceland in the simultaneous group game relegated the Portuguese to the third place in group F. Hungary, one of the surprise packages of the tournament, who had guaranteed their progress before this game, topped the group. Coach Bernd Storck made five changes to the Hungarian starting XI, but they certainly did not rest on their laurels and took the lead in the 19th minute through one of the goals of the tournament from Zoltán Gera, a superbly-struck half-volley which surprised Rui Patrício. Hungary might have added a second five minutes later after a defensive mix-up allowed Ákos Elek a clear sight of goal, but this time Rui Patrício kept out his shot. Portugal, who had been held to draws by both Iceland and Austria, tried to recover from this blow to keep alive their hopes of reaching the last 16. Cristiano Ronaldo’s first sight of goal came from a free-kick, but it was pushed behind by Gábor Király, who was wearing his customary grey tracksuit bottoms despite the 30-degree temperatures. Portugal were then correctly denied by the offside flag, but two minutes later they did find their equalizer, Cristiano Ronaldo turning provider with a perfect through ball for Nani to beat Király at his near post. A crazy 17-minute spell after the break saw Hungary captain Balázs Dzsudzsák twice put them back into the lead only for Cristiano Ronaldo to cancel it out both times. It took Hungary, who had lost all five previous competitive encounters with Portugal, only two minutes after the break to regain their lead, when Dzsudzsák lined up a free-kick out to the right of goal and his deflected strike beat Rui Patrício. Gergő Lovrencsics then shot into the side-netting as Hungary threatened again, but their lead lasted only three minutes before Cristiano Ronaldo struck. The Portuguese ace―who set two new records in this game by playing in his 17th match at European Championship finals and becoming the first player to score at four different tournaments―produced a typically sublime piece of skill as he met João Mário’s cross with a back flick. After missing a penalty against Austria, the Real Madrid star finally found the net with his 24th effort of the tournament. But five minutes later Hungary scored again, and it was another deflected strike from Dzsudzsák. This time his free-kick from an almost identical spot was blocked by the wall, but the ball came back to him and he was allowed time and space to cut inside and find the far corner. Fernando Santos sent on Ricardo Quaresma, and with virtually his first touch he provided a perfect cross for Cristiano Ronaldo to head in yet another equalizer. Portugal exerted most of the late pressure, although Elek hit a post, but they were unable to find a winner. Portugal and Hungary gave up their attacking intentions in the last minutes, as they both were qualified.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade de France (Saint-Denis, Paris) DATE: 22-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 68.714 REFEREE: Szymon Marciniak (POL) GOALS: 1-0 (Bödvarsson 18’); 1-1 (Schöpf 60’); 2-1 (Traustason 90+’) BOOKED: Skúlason (36’), Sigþórsson (51’), Árnason (78’), Halldórsson (82’) / Janko (70’) [Incidents: Dragović missed a penalty shot (min. 37).]
		Iceland - Austria
		2-1 (1-1)
ICELAND Halldórsson Sævarsson, Árnason, R. Sigurðsson, Skúlason Guðmundsson (Ingason 86’), Gunnarsson (c), G. Sigurðsson, B. Bjarnason Sigþórsson (Traustason 80’), Böðvarsson (E. Bjarnason 71’) COACHES: Lars Lagerbäck / Heimir Hallgrímsson			AUSTRIA Almer Klein, Prödl (Schöpf 46’), Dragović, Hinteregger, Fuchs (c) Sabitzer (Jantscher 78’), Baumgartlinger, Ilsanker (Janko 46’), Arnautović Alaba COACH: Marcel Koller
GAME SUMMARY Iceland, the smallest country ever to participate in a major tournament, made history by reaching the knock-out stages after a late win against Austria. Arnór Traustason’s stoppage-time upset the apple cart in group F, sending Austria home and moving the Icelandic to second place ahead of Portugal. The minnows threatened from the outset as Jóhann Guðmundsson’s thunderous early effort hit the goal frame. In the 18th minute, Jón Daði Böðvarsson opened the scoring after controlling a long throw-in into the box from Aron Gunnarsson. Aleksandar Dragović wasted the chance for Austria to go in level after hitting a penalty against the post, but an improved second-half display brought a goal as substitute Alessandro Schöpf scored a smart solo effort. Marcel Koller’s side peppered the Iceland goal for the remaining 30 minutes, yet not only did they fail to get the win they required but suffered a late defeat, with substitute Traustason finishing a stoppage-time break. Iceland set the tone of the game inside two minutes as Guðmundsson hit a wonderful drive that keeper Robert Almer watched helplessly hit the top corner of his goal. There was a nervy moment when Marko Arnautović dispossessed dilly-dallying Hannes Halldórsson, but the Icelandic goalkeeper recovered impressively. Soon after, Kári Árnason fired over at the other. Austria looked a shadow of the side that qualified so impressively and fell behind after 18 minutes as Gunnarsson’s giant throw-in into the danger area was flicked on by Árnason to Böðvarsson, who stroke the ball across the goalkeeper to put Iceland ahead. However, the officials failed to notice Gunnarsson stepping across the sideline when he released the ball. Austria quickly went about trying to cancel out the disadvantage, but they could not find a way past the Icelandic defense. With halftime approaching, Ari Skúlason was adjudged to have fouled David Alaba in the box and the Polish referee Szymon Marciniak pointed at the 11-meter spot. Dragović took the responsibility, but his shot hit the post in front of the ecstatic blue-clad support. Austria kept pushing and Baumgartlinger saw a long-range effort tipped over shortly after a Birkir Bjarnason strike was ruled out for offside. Two minutes after the restart, Árnason threw himself in front of a goalbound Alaba strike as Austria began with renewed intensity the second half, unsuccessfully claiming a penalty after Skúlason fell and brought Marcel Sabitzer with him. Gylfi Sigurðsson showed wonderful technique in volleying across the face of goal, but the pressure was now at the other end, with Árnason thwarting Sabitzer. On the hour mark, the Austrians finally equalized after substitute Schöpf slalomed into the box and hit a left-footed strike across Halldórsson. Gylfi Sigurðsson saw a shot well saved by Almer, but Austria were now in almost complete control, with Marc Janko turning just wide before Schöpf was denied by the Iceland goalkeeper. Florian Klein got away with a handball on a rare Iceland voyage forward before Halldórsson tipped over an Alaba free-kick. Austria’s desperate attempt to snatch the win they needed to survive in the competition, with even goalkeeper Almer joining in the attack, left them open and Iceland capitalized in injury-time, when Elmar Bjarnason broke down the right and sent a cross to the far post, where Traustason turned home for a famous victory.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Allianz Riviera (Nice) DATE: 22-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 34.011 REFEREE: Felix Brych (GER) GOALS: 0-1 (Nainggolan 84’) BOOKED: Ekdal (33’), Johansson (36’) / Meunier (30’), Witsel (45+’)
		Sweden - Belgium
		0-1 (0-0)
SWEDEN Isaksson Lindelöf, Johansson, Granqvist, Olsson Larsson (Durmaz 70’), Ekdal, Källström, Forsberg (Zengin 82’) Berg (Guidetti 63’), Ibrahimović (c) COACH: Erik Hamrén			BELGIUM Courtois Meunier, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen Carrasco (Mertens 71’), Naing., Bruyne, Witsel, Hazard(c) (Origi 90+’) R. Lukaku (Benteke 87’) COACH: Marc Wilmots
GAME SUMMARY Zlatan Ibrahimović’s international career is over after Sweden exited Euro 2016 following a 1-0 defeat against Belgium in Nice. The star striker, who announced before the game that the French tournament would be his last, couldn’t help his team progress further in the competition after an overal disappointing performance by Erik Hamrén’s team. A superb late goal by Radja Nainggolan sealed Sweden’s fate and secured a place in the knock-out stage for Belgium, who will have to improve both offensively and defensively to live up to the general expectations around Marc Wilmots’ star-studded team. Sweden went into the match with the infamous record of being the only team in the tournament without a shot on target―their only goal having been an own goal by the Republic of Ireland’s Ciaran Clark. They took only six minutes to change that statistic, and it was to prove their best chance of the match: a free-kick eventually fell for Marcus Berg, whose shot was acrobatically kept out by Thibaut Courtois. The game was open but lacking in clear-cut chances. Ibrahimović, the scorer of a record 62 goals in 116 internationals for Sweden, shot just wide while at the other end Eden Hazard played in Kevin de Bruyne, who could not find the target. De Bruyne looked a real danger for Sweden and just before halftime he whipped in a cross that very nearly flew inside the far post. The pattern continued after halftime, and Berg should have made more of a superb pass from Ibrahimović, but his control let him down at the vital moment. Ibrahimović then had the ball in the net but the referee had already blown his whistle for a high boot by Berg. Most of the pressure was coming from Belgium, though, and Andreas Isaksson pulled off a series of impressive saves from De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens. In between, Ibrahimović saw a free-kick pushed away by Courtois. Six minutes from time, Nainggolan scored the winner with a magnificent shot across Isaksson and into the top corner, thus effectively ending Ibracadabra’s international career.

GROUP STAGE
STADIUM: Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Villeneuve d’Ascq, Lille) DATE: 22-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 44.268 REFEREE: Ovidiu Haţegan (ROM) GOALS: 0-1 (Brady 85’) BOOKED: Sirigu (39’), Barzagli (78’), Zaza (87’), Insigne (90+’) / Long (39’), Ward (73’)
		Italy - Ireland
		0-1 (0-0)
ITALY Sirigu Barzagli, Bonucci (c), Ogbonna Bernard. (Darmian 60’), Sturaro, Motta, Florenzi, Sciglio (Shaar. 81’) Zaza, Immobile (Insigne 74’) COACH: Antonio Conte			IRELAND Randolph Coleman (c), Duffy, Keogh, Ward Hendrick, McCarthy (Hoolahan 77’), Brady, McClean Murphy (McGeady 70’), Long (Quinn 90’) COACH: Martin O'Neill
GAME SUMMARY The Republic of Ireland completed the successful participation of British teams in Euro 2016 by qualifying for the knock-out stage with a late win against a B-side Italy thanks to a goal by Robbie Brady. It was no more than Ireland deserved after dominating against the much-changed Group E winners, and they might have won even more comfortably had Romanian referee Ovidiu Haţegan awarded what looked like a clear penalty for Federico Bernardeschi’s challenge on James McClean as the first half drew to a close. Manager Martin O’Neill’s intentions were clear from the onset, as he added brawn in the shape of central defenders Shane Duffy and Richard Keogh and striker Daryl Murphy, together with the pace of winger McClean. Meanwhile, Antonio Conte introduced as many as eight changes to the Italian starting XI, as they had already secured top position in the group before this game. Ireland made most of the running in the first half, and the fact that they did not return to the dressing room at the break with a lead was something of a travesty. Midfielder Jeff Hendrick came within centimeters of the opening goal with a rising ninth-minute piledriver which flew just wide. Murphy went just as close 12 minutes later when he met Brady’s corner with a powerful header which goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu tipped over, and Duffy headed wide at the back post from another Brady cross with striker Shane Long perhaps better placed behind him. The game thundered towards the interval at break-neck speed and Ireland keeper Darren Randolph, who did not have a first-half save to make, would have done had Ciro Immobile’s 43rd-minute snapshot been centimeters closer to his right-hand post. The half ended in controversy when McClean appeared to be barged to the ground inside the penalty area by Bernardeschi, only to see the referee wave away his appeals. Fuelled further by a combination of missed chances and a sense of injustice, Ireland returned knowing that only a win would see them through, and the tension mounted as the minutes ticked away. As the Green Army threw everything they had at Italy, they were always likely to leave space in behind as they pressed, and they were served with a 53rd-minute warning when striker Simone Zaza volleyed just over from Mattia de Sciglio’s left-wing cross. But Ireland were relentless in their pursuit of the goal they craved and skipper Seamus Coleman was unfortunate to see his goal-bound 57th-minute effort catch defender Angelo Ogbonna’s heel and run safe. Hendrick dragged a 63rd-minute effort harmlessly wide after being set up by Murphy and Duffy scuffed another off target as the bodies and minds started to tire. The Irish luck seemed to have gone away when substitute Wes Hoolahan passed up a chance to give them the lead with six minutes remaining, shooting straight at Sirigu when clean through on goal. However, the Norwich City player made amends within seconds when he teased the ball over the top of the Italian defense and Brady got there before Sirigu to head past him and spark delirious celebrations.

1/8 FINAL
STADIUM: Geoffroy Guichard (Saint-Étienne) DATE: 25-06-2016 (15:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 38.842 REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg (ENG) GOALS: 0-1 (Błaszczykowski 39’); 1-1 (Shaqiri 82’) BOOKED: Schär (55’), Djourou (117’) / Jędrzejczyk (58’), Pazdan (111’) PK: 1-0 (Lichtsteiner); 1-1 (Lewandowski) / 1-1 (Xhaka [out]); 1-2 (Milik) / 2-2 (Shaqiri); 2-3 (Glik) / 3-3 (Schär); 3-4 (Błaszczykowski) / 4-4 (Rodríguez); 4-5 (Krychowiak)
		Switzerland - Poland
		1-1 (0-1;1-1) (pk: 4-5)
SWITZERLAND Sommer Lichtsteiner (c), Schär, Djourou, Rodríguez Shaqiri, Behrami (Fernandes 77’), Džemaili (Embolo 58’), Xhaka, Mehmedi (Derdiyok 70’) Seferović COACH: Vladimir Petković			POLAND Fabiański Piszczek, Glik, Pazdan, Jędrzejczyk Błaszczykowski, Krychowiak, Mączyński (Jodłowiec 101’), Grosicki (Peszko 104’) Milik, Lewandowski (c) COACH: Adam Nawałka
GAME SUMMARY Poland reached their first-ever European Championship quarterfinal after a penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland. A Jakub Błaszczykowski strike in the first half had looked to be enough for the Poles, until Xherdan Shaqiri made it 1-1 with a tremendous acrobatic volley to send the game into extra-time. For its combination of skill, aestheticism and precision, it was unquestionably the best goal in Euro 2016 so far. With no winning goal in the additional period, the game was decided on penalties. Granit Xhaka’s miss proved fatal for Switzerland, as Poland scored in all their five kicks. Poland started the game in a dominant fashion and should have been ahead inside 30 seconds when Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer bowled the ball out to Johan Djourou, who passed it back across his box only for Robert Lewandowski to pounce. Sommer did enough to nick the ball off the toe of the Bayern Munich forward but it fell to Arkadiusz Milik, who could only fire over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy. Poland missed another good chance when Grzegorz Krychowiak headed over a corner just before the half-hour mark when completely free inside the box. Moments later Kamil Grosicki and Milik wasted further good chances for Poland. In the final stages of the first half, Switzerland got a rare effort on goal, but Fabian Schär’s header was easily saved by Łukasz Fabiański. The Polish goalkeeper was then forced to tip a deflected Blerim Džemaili strike behind for a corner, from which Poland broke forward to open the scoring six minutes before the break, when Grosicki led the ensuing counterattack and Błaszczykowski swept home to give Adam Nawałka’s side a deserved halftime lead. Shaqiri looked to give Switzerland a strong start to the second half as he burst into the box before seeing his cross cleared behind, with Poland defender Michał Pazdan almost turning the resulting corner into his own goal. Błaszczykowski came close to adding a second as he cut inside before hammering in an effort which Sommer pushed away. Switzerland began to push forward and Fabiański made a great save from Ricardo Rodríguez’s free-kick as Poland continued to defend their clean sheet. Haris Seferović, who had been very quiet in attack, came close to levelling as his effort from close range crashed against the crossbar. The Swiss change of emphasis finally paid off as Shaqiri’s acrobatic scissor-kick from the edge of the box beat Fabianski to equalize with eight minutes remaining. Switzerland kept pushing for a winner in the closing stages trying to make the most of their momentum, but some players already showed signs of tiredness as English referee Mark Clattenburg blew the full-time whistle to signal a period of extra-time. The first 15 minutes of the additional period followed suit as there were no clear-cut chances for either side. Fabiański again made a good save in the second half of extra-time, pushing out substitute Eren Derdiyok’s effort after he had been found by the impressive Shaqiri. No winning goal was forthcoming and the first round of 16 tie was decided on penalties. After captain Stephan Lichtsteiner tucked away the opener for Switzerland and Robert Lewandowski converted his kick with aplomb, Xhaka blazed wide. Neither side made any miss in the remaining shots, then Krychowiak buried the decider to take Poland through.

1/8 FINAL
STADIUM: Parc des Princes (Paris) DATE: 25-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 44.342 REFEREE: Martin Atkinson (ENG) GOALS: 1-0 (McAuley [o.g.] 75’) BOOKED: Taylor (58’), Ramsey (90+’) / Dallas (44’), Davis (67’)
		Wales - Northern Ireland
		1-0 (0-0)
WALES Hennessey Chester, A. Williams (c), Davies Gunter, Allen, Ledley (J. Williams 63’), Ramsey, Taylor Bale, Vokes (Robson-Kanu 55’) COACH: Chris Coleman			NORTHERN IRELAND McGovern Hughes, McAuley (Magennis 84’), Cathcart, J. Evans Ward (Wash. 69’), C. Evans, Norwood (McGinn 79’), Davis (c), Dallas Lafferty COACH: Michael O'Neill
GAME SUMMARY Wales continued their dream in their first participation in the European Championship after making the last eight of Euro 2016 following a tight 1-0 win against Northern Ireland. The Welsh feat can only compare with their achievement at the 1958 World Cup, when they also reached the quarterfinals. An own goal from center-back Gareth McAuley, who tried to deflect a trademark Gareth Bale’s cross, settled a tense match in Paris between British rivals. With so much at stake, chances were at a premium. Although Wales came into the game as favorites after winning their group, while Northern Ireland qualified for the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams, the difference on the pitch didn’t look so big (actually, the Northern Irish can boast a FIFA world ranking of 25, only one lower than Wales, and they had proven hard to beat). Michael O'Neill’s side defended diligently in the early stages and looked to spring when the opportunity arose, with Lafferty prominent in the attack. The Northern Irish ploy almost paid off in the 10th minute when Jamie Ward scampered down the right and Corry Evans worked the ball to Stuart Dallas, who forced a fine save from Wayne Hennessey. Northern Ireland crowded Bale every time he had the ball, yet the Real Madrid winger still found space to deliver a cross which Aaron Ramsey poked at harmlessly. With Bale completely shackled, Ramsey looked the most dangerous attacking option for Wales with his runs from deep. The Arsenal midfielder had the ball in the net after 19 minutes when Sam Vokes climbed above Jonny Evans and headed down Neil Taylor’s cross, but the offside flag was correctly raised. It was a rare moment of promise for Wales, whose attacks were being frustrated at every turn by organized opponents. Chris Coleman’s men had another warning when Ward forced Hennessey to a fingertip save. It was a cagey match, full of mistakes and with little flow and rhythm, probably the kind of game that Northern Ireland wanted and Wales feared. Wales should have been ahead eight minutes after the restart when Ramsey picked out Vokes with a diagonal pass which the striker headed carelessly wide. It was Vokes’ last involvement as Hal Robson-Kanu was sent to add extra mobility. McGovern was soon tested for the first time as he kept out Bale’s powerful free-kick. Jonny Williams’s introduction also gave Wales an extra attacking edge as manager Chris Coleman attempted to release the grip that Northern Ireland had on the contest, even if that meant allowing the Irish some chances. A few crosses were swung over the Welsh area, but they were often hit beyond the waiting Lafferty. The Wales pressure finally paid off when Ramsey found Bale in space on the left, and his perfect ball into the box between McGovern and McAuley was deflected by the latter into his own goal as he tried to prevent the final touch of the lurking Robson-Kanu.

1/8 FINAL
STADIUM: Stade Bollaert-Delelis (Lens) DATE: 25-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 33.523 REFEREE: Carlos Velasco Carballo (SPA) GOALS: 0-1 (Quaresma 117’) BOOKED: William Carvalho (78’)
		Croatia - Portugal
		0-1 (0-0;0-0)
CROATIA Subašić Srna (c), Ćorluka (Kramarić 120’), Vida, Strinić Brozović, Modrić, Rakitić (Pjaca 110’), Badelj, Perišić Mandžukić (N. Kalinić 88’) COACH: Ante Čačić			PORTUGAL Rui Patrício Cédric, Pepe, José Fonte, Raphaël Guerreiro João Mário (Quaresma 87’), Adrien Silva (Danilo Pereira 108’), William Carvalho, André Gomes (Renato Sanches 50’) Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo (c) COACH: Fernando Santos
GAME SUMMARY With the only shot on target in the whole game, Portugal qualified for the quarterfinals of Euro 2016 after defeating Croatia. Substitute Ricardo Quaresma scored three minutes from the end of extra-time on a swift counterattack after Ivan Perišić had hit a post with a header. It was the first time either goalkeeper had been remotely threatened by either side, who both struggled to create chances. The fact that Portugal are into the last eight having not yet won a match in 90 minutes, with striker Cristiano Ronaldo offering another disappointing performance, speaks volumes about the quality on show. In football, however, strategy is as important as quality, and Portugal’s orderly defense, combined with a touch of fortune, proved enough to send Fernando Santos’s side to the last 8 round. Meager consolation, no doubt, for a team like Croatia, who have offered one of the best football proposals in the tournament and now exit the competition without losing a single match in regulation time (the same as Switzerland), while at the same time Turkey and Albania, who won a game each, will be wondering why Portugal qualified for the knock-out rounds ahead of them without winning a single game. The answer is simple and was coined by Vujadin Boškov: “football is football.” The first half was a disappointing affair, with Croatia trying to offer alternative solutions in attack to the defensive shackles imposed by Portugal’s individual marks. These uneventful 45 minutes offered only two moments of excitement when Pepe headed over a João Mário free-kick and Perišić fired into the side-netting. The break brought about little improvement. Marcelo Brozović fired over from a quickly-taken corner after Portugal’s defense switched off, then Domagoj Vida headed wide a Darijo Srna free-kick. Even in extra-time there was little ambition with Perišić volleying wide a Luka Modrić cross and Vida heading over a corner. Then, with penalties lurking, the match turned on 30 seconds in the dying moments of the the additional period as Perišić headed against the upright and Portugal launched an attack up field. Renato Sanches carried the ball forward and offloaded it to Nani, whose toe-poked effort seemed to be an intended shot but somehow found its way to Cristiano Ronaldo at the far post. His strike rebounded off Danijel Subašić to present Quaresma with an easy tap-in. Croatia had one last chance to force penalties, but Vida hooked a shot across the goal and wide of the far post.

1/8 FINAL
STADIUM: Stade des Lumières (Décines, Lyon) DATE: 26-06-2016 (15:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 56.279 REFEREE: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA) GOALS: 0-1 (Brady [p.] 2’); 1-1 (Griezmann 58’); 2-1 (Griezmann 61’) BOOKED: Kanté (27’), Rami (44’) / Coleman (25’), Hendrick (41’), Duffy (RC 66’), Long (72’) [Incidents: Duffy was sent off (min. 66).]
		France - Ireland
		2-1 (0-1)
FRANCE Lloris (c) Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra Matuidi, Kanté (Coman 46’ (Sissoko 90+’)), Pogba Griezmann, Giroud (Gignac 73’), Payet COACH: Didier Deschamps			IRELAND Randolph Coleman (c), Duffy, Keogh, Ward Hendrick, McCarthy (Hoolahan 71’), Brady Long, Murphy (Walters 65’), McClean (O’Shea 68’) COACH: Martin O'Neill
GAME SUMMARY Antoine Griezmann was instrumental to keep France on track for Euro 2016 glory, as the hosts survived a major scare to edge the Republic of Ireland 2-1. Griezmann’s second-half brace within three minutes fired his side into the quarterfinals as they eventually showed their class in Lyon. However, for almost an hour, Ireland―who ended the game down to ten men after central defender Shane Duffy was dismissed―had threatened to gatecrash the party with an impressive defensive display which thwarted the French attacks time and again. Martin O'Neill’s side took a second-minute lead through Robbie Brady’s nerveless penalty after Paul Pogba’s rash challenge on Shane Long. The hosts were then frustrated by their rivals for the remaining first half, which prompted a section of the local fans to boo their own players at the break. In the second half, however, the fatigue of the Irish players―they last played against Italy on Wednesday night, some three days after the French completed their group―began to tell and France, much improved with the pace of substitute Kingsley Coman, grew in strength and eventually ran out more comfortable winners than the scoreline suggests. The game was barely a minute old when Pogba barged Long to the ground inside the French penalty area, and Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli stunned the home crowd by pointing to the spot. Brady stepped up to send goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way and watch as the ball cannoned off the foot of the post into the net to send the massively outnumbered Green Army into ecstasy. France’s response came predictably swiftly as they pinned Ireland back deep inside their own half for long periods, although goalkeeper Darren Randolph enjoyed a largely uneventful first half. He had to field a free-kick from West Ham teammate Dimitri Payet, then was similarly untroubled by efforts from Griezmann and Pogba as the half wore on, although Lloris had to claw away a 21st-minute effort from Daryl Murphy while Duffy headed just wide. With France dominating possession, aided by the industry of midfield general N’Golo Kanté, Martin O'Neill’s men were having to defend deep and in numbers and, as the game became increasingly physical, Kanté, Jeff Hendrick and Adil Rami all picked up bookings which meant they would miss the quarterfinal should their side progress. France came close to level matters in stoppage time when, after a flowing moved had left Pogba in space on the right, Payet accepted his pass and cut inside before seeing Stephen Ward block his shot with Duffy equally resilient from Griezmann’s follow-up. At the interval, Didier Deschamps withdrew enforcer Kanté to send on the pacy Kingsley Coman, but it was central defender Laurent Koscielny who very nearly got France back into the game when he glanced Payet’s 48th-minute free-kick just wide. Irish chances were few and far between, although Lloris did have to be alert to deny Long a 52nd-minute tap-in after James McClean had crossed from the left. The French pressure was mounting by the minute, though, and Randolph had to dive to his right to palm away Blaise Matuidi’s well-struck 56th-minute shot. Then, in eight catastrophic minutes, all the Irish dreams were shattered. It all started when Payet picked out full-back Bacary Sagna on the right and his perfect cross was furiously headed by Griezmann into the net, to the immense relief of French players and crowd. Within three minutes, the Atlético de Madrid attacker ran on to Olivier Giroud’s expert knock-down and beat Randolph with an assured left-footed finish. Griezmann’s show was not finished yet, as his 66th-minute run in behind the Irish defense prompted an ill-advised tackle by Duffy which earned him a red card and denied his increasingly beleaguered side any chance of a fightback. Throughout the closing stages, France attacked in waves against ten exhausted Irish players and threatened to extend their lead on several occasions, but the Republic did not suffer any further punishment as they battled all the way to the whistle.

1/8 FINAL
STADIUM: Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Villeneuve d’Ascq, Lille) DATE: 26-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 44.312 REFEREE: Szymon Marciniak (POL) GOALS: 1-0 (Boateng 8’); 2-0 (Gómez 43’); 3-0 (Draxler 63’) BOOKED: Kimmich (46’), Hummels (67’) / Škrtel (13’), Kucka (90+’) [Incidents: Özil missed a penalty shot (min. 13), saved by Kozáčik.]
		Germany - Slovakia
		3-0 (2-0)
GERMANY Neuer (c) Kimmich, Boateng (Höwedes 72’), Hummels, Hector Özil, Khedira (Schwein. 76’), Müller, Kroos, Draxler (Podolski 72’) Gómez COACH: Joachim Löw			SLOVAKIA Kozáčik Pekarík, Škrtel (c), Ďurica, Gyömber (Saláta 84’) Hrošovský, Škriniar, Hamšík Kucka, Ďuriš (Šesták 64’), Weiss (Greguš 46’) COACH: Ján Kozák
GAME SUMMARY The world champions showed all their class and strength at the right moment and breezed into the quarterfinals with a convincing 3-0 victory against Slovakia. After Jérôme Boateng opened the scoring for Germany with a fine strike from distance, the Mannschaft tore Slovakia apart in a first-half of total control. Mesut Özil missed a penalty five minutes later, but Joachim Löw’s side doubled their lead just before halftime with a tap-in from Mario Gómez. Julian Draxler then made it 3-0 over the hour mark with a smart volley following a corner, putting the game beyond any doubt. Now Germany will face a more serious test in the quarterfinals against the winner of Italy vs. Spain. Germany started much the brighter side and it took them just eight minutes to break the deadlock. A dangerous free-kick from the right flank saw Sami Khedira’s header tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Matúš Kozáčik. Toni Kroos’ corner kick was headed clear, but the ball fell sweetly for Boateng, who met it with a sweet volley from outside the box that flew into the bottom-left corner, taking a slight deflection on the way in. Five minutes later, Germany were given a golden opportunity to double their lead due to some reckless play from Martin Škrtel, who pushed and grabbed Gómez in the Slovak area, and the referee didn’t hesitate to point straight to the spot. However, Özil’s kick was poorly taken and Kozáčik got down well to his left to palm it clear. Despite the German domination of the game, the missed penalty almost proved costly as Slovakia looked certain to level the game just before halftime with a fine header from Juraj Kucka that Manuel Neuer rose well to tip over the bar. However, it was Löw’s side who would go into the break the happier of the two sides after they doubled their lead on 43 minutes. Draxler did brilliantly down the left flank, weaving around the challenges, and cut back a ball across the small box from the byline that the opportunistic Gómez prodded home. Slovakia came out in the second half with a point to prove and pushed further up the field in search of a goal to turn the game around. However, despite the positive start it was Germany who extended their lead thanks to Draxler, a constant threat for the Slovak defense. Coming from another Kroos corner, Mats Hummels flicked header eventually found Draxler at the back post, who leathered in a volley from close range into the roof of the net. The Germans then saw out the final minutes with ease, bringing on Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski for a runarround. They had the opportunity to make it 4-0 in added time when Joshua Kimmich picked out Kroos from the left with a smart cut-back, but the Real Madrid midfielder fired straight at the Slovakia goalkeeper, who smuggled it away.

1/8 FINAL
STADIUM: Stadium Municipal (Toulouse) DATE: 26-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 28.921 REFEREE: Milorad Mažić (SER) GOALS: 0-1 (Alderweireld 10’); 0-2 (Batshuayi 78’); 0-3 (Hazard 80’); 0-4 (Carrasco 90+’) BOOKED: Kádár (34’), Lang (47’), Elek (61’), Szalai (90+’) / Vermaelen (67’), Batshuayi (89’), Fellaini (90+’)
		Hungary - Belgium
		0-4 (0-1)
HUNGARY Király Lang, Juhász, Guzmics, Kádár Lovrencsics, Nagy, Pintér, Gera (Elek 46’), Dzsudzsák (c) Szalai COACH: Bernd Storck			BELGIUM Courtois Meunier, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen Mertens (Carrasco70’), Naing., Bruyne, Witsel, Hazard(c) (Fellaini81’) R. Lukaku (Batshuayi 76’) COACH: Marc Wilmots
GAME SUMMARY Eden Hazard finally showed all his class and inspired Belgium to a 4-0 win over Hungary to reach the Euro 2016 quarterfinals. After a mediocre season with Chelsea, the Belgium captain produced an outstanding performance, including a fine solo goal. Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi and Yannick Carrasco also found the back of the net to complete a comfortable victory for the Red Devils. Belgium dominated the opening stages and took the lead after ten minutes when Kevin de Bruyne swung an inviting cross into the box, where center-back Alderweireld rose at the far post to power a header past keeper Gábor Király. The Hungarians, who lost key midfielder László Kleinheisler to injury in the warm-up, ceded the initiative early as Belgium found space and set the tone for a one-sided half. Young star De Bruyne, after being criticized by coach Marc Wilmots, improved significantly in this game and was again at the heart of much of Belgium’s good play. The Manchester City winger lofted an early shot over the bar and teed up striker Romelu Lukaku to force a sharp save from veteran Király, before testing the keeper himself from the edge of the box. Hungary were largely reduced to random shots from distance, with Gergő Lovrencsics and Balázs Dzsudzsák both hoping in vain for a repeat of the latter’s belter against Portugal. In minute 34, De Bruyne’s accurate free-kick was palmed away by Király against the bar, then the overworked Hungarian goalkeeper denied Dries Mertens and Hazard from close range as Belgium threatened to extend their lead before halftime. Hungary improved after the break as Dzsudzsák got more of the ball. The Bursaspor player fashioned an excellent chance for attacking partner Ádám Szalai, while Ádám Pintér’s deflected strike drew a fine save from Thibaut Courtois and Roland Juhász sent a low drive just wide. With Belgium failing to kill off the game, Wilmots turned to Batshuayi, so far unused at the finals, after 76 minutes. The switch paid off almost immediately, as the young Belgian forward scored with his first touch, a simple finish following a sublime cross from Hazard after a self-pass. Just as De Bruyne had imposed himself during the opening stages of the match, so the Belgian captain shone at the finale. Within two minutes, Hazard killed the game with a magnificent solo effort, cutting in from the left, evading two challenges and thumping the ball home from the edge of the area. Marouane Fellaini combined at the death with fellow substitute Carrasco to add a breakaway fourth as Belgium secured a spot in the last 8 of Euro 2016

1/8 FINAL
STADIUM: Stade de France (Saint-Denis, Paris) DATE: 27-06-2016 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 76.165 REFEREE: Cüneyt Çakır (TUR) GOALS: 1-0 (Chiellini 33’); 2-0 (Pellè 90+’) BOOKED: De Sciglio (24’), Pellè (54’), Motta (89’) / Nolito (41’), Busquets (89’), Jordi Alba (89’), Silva (90+’)
		Italy - Spain
		2-0 (1-0)
ITALY Buffon (c) Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Florenzi (Darmian 84’), Parolo, Rossi (Motta 54’), Giaccherini, Sciglio Pellè, Éder (Insigne 82’) COACH: Antonio Conte			SPAIN De Gea Juanfran, Piqué, Sergio Ramos (c), Jordi Alba Fàbregas, Busquets, Iniesta Silva, Morata (Lucas Vázquez 70’), Nolito (Aduriz 46’ (Pedro 81’)) COACH: Vicente del Bosque
GAME SUMMARY Reigning champions Spain bowed out of Euro 2016 after losing 2-0 to Italy in a game largely dominated by Antonio Conte’s side, who underlined their emergence as genuine contenders to seize the vacated crown. Eight years after the Spaniards started their winning cycle by defeating the Italians in Wien, the same rivals have put an end to the most glorious generation in Spanish football. The Azzurri completely downplayed la Roja and made them look like a bunch of juvenile and nervous players who never really showed the quality and experience that is expected from a winning squad. Giorgio Chiellini’s opener after the half-hour mark was no less than Italy deserved after a first half completely dominated by the Azzurri in all technical, tactical and physical aspects of the game. Spain goalkeeper David de Gea kept his team in contention with a string of fine saves to deny the likes of Graziano Pellè, Emanuele Giaccherini and Éder. Vicente del Bosque’s men reacted in the second half and Italy survived a scare moment in the dying stages when Gianluigi Buffon saved superbly to deny Gerard Piqué an equalizer. In injury-time, Pellè sealed Italy’s place in the quarterfinals with a brilliant finish at the end of a counterattack. Spain had seemed under the weather from the first minute, which was greeted by a torrential downpour, and De Gea was soon called into action with an excellent diving save to stop Pellè’s well-directed free-kick. Two minutes later the Manchester United keeper made an even better stop to deny Giaccherini, whose overhead kick in the box was palmed onto the foot of the post, although the referee subsequently penalized the Italian for dangerous play. Spain had a rare half-chance in the 20th minute when Nolito made good ground on the left before pulling the ball back for Cesc Fàbregas, whose powerful low drive was blocked by Chiellini. But Italy remained in the ascendency, with Mattia de Sciglio in particular causing problems down the right, and his dangerous cross almost connected with the head of Marco Parolo in front of goal in the 26th minute. Sergio Ramos squirted an attempted clearance past his own post from another De Sciglio ball two minutes later, before the Italians grabbed the opener they more than deserved just past the half-hour mark. De Gea stuck out a foot to save Éder’s free-kick, but he could only deflect the ball to the advancing Chiellini, who fired home from close range. It could have been worse for the Spaniards but for De Gea, who plucked an Alessandro Florenzi cross out of the air, then saved brilliantly to deny Giaccherini again on the stroke of halftime. Spain gradually gained more possession in the second period and Álvaro Morata missed a good chance when his header in front of goal fell straight into the arms of Buffon. But it was a rare opportunity for the defending champions and Italy continued to come close, with Éder denied again by De Gea in the 56th minute after springing clear down the right on a counterattack. Spanish pressure became more consistent as the minutes ticked by, Aritz Aduriz shooting wide after a fine dummy by Andrés Iniesta, then Fàbregas playing through Lucas Vázquez only to find the Real Madrid winger marginally offside. Buffon rose to the occasion in the dying minutes, denying first Iniesta then Piqué before Pellè rounded off a superb individual performance with the goal to send his country through to the last eight.

1/8 FINAL
STADIUM: Allianz Riviera (Nice) DATE: 27-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 33.901 REFEREE: Damir Skomina (SVN) GOALS: 1-0 (Rooney [p.] 4’); 1-1 (R. Sigurðsson 6’); 1-2 (Sigþórsson 18’) BOOKED: Sturridge (47’) / G. Sigurðsson (38’), Gunnarsson (65’)
		England - Iceland
		1-2 (1-2)
ENGLAND Hart Walker, Cahill, Smalling, Rose Alli, Dier (Wilshere 46’), Rooney (c) (Rashford 87’) Sturridge, Kane, Sterling (Vardy 60’) COACH: Roy Hodgson			ICELAND Halldórsson Sævarsson, Árnason, R. Sigurðsson, Skúlason Guðmundsson, Gunnarsson (c), G. Sigurðsson, B. Bjarnason Sigþórsson (E. Bjarnason 76’), Böðvarsson (Traustason 89’) COACHES: Lars Lagerbäck / Heimir Hallgrímsson
GAME SUMMARY Iceland, the smallest nation ever to play in the European championship, stunned England with a deserved 2-1 victory and started a chain reaction in the Three Lions that ended with the resignation of manager Roy Hodgson. Although few would have bet for this outcome before the game, the Icelandics maximized their minimums with a combination of ruthlessness, concentration and effectiveness unexpected in a newcomer to the tournament. Wayne Rooney’s penalty gave England a dream start after four minutes, but from that point they were largely outfought, outbattled and outplayed by a brave Iceland, who enjoyed the greatest day in the tiny Nordic island’s footballing history. Ragnar Sigurðsson all too easily lost Kyle Walker from Aron Gunnarsson’s mammoth throw-in to level within two minutes, and things got even worse for England when a Kolbeinn Sigþórsson effort trickled home after Joe Hart’s poor attempt at a save. Wayward finishing, stern defending and poor passing meant England were unable to find a response as Iceland deservedly set up a remarkable quarterfinal with hosts France. Few could have foreseen such an ending given the way England flew out of the blocks, with Daniel Sturridge’s strike after 90 seconds followed up by a goal inside four minutes. The Liverpool attacker’s fine ball over the top found the much-maligned Raheem Sterling, who forced Hannes Halldórsson into a penalty. Slovenian referee Damir Skomina had no hesitation pointing to the spot and Rooney struck home confidently, firing low to the Iceland goalkeeper’s right. However, the English dream start lasted mere minutes. In a classic Iceland attacking move, simple yet effective, an enormous throw-in of captain Gunnarsson into the box was met by Kári Árnason’s flicked header, allowing the unmarked Ragnar Sigurðsson to direct home and send those in blue wild. Dele Alli came close with an exceptional shot as England looked to strike back, with Harry Kane next to try his luck. Then England were caught again by another blow when Jón Daði Böðvarsson turned a Gylfi Sigurðsson pass into the path of Sigþórsson, whose touch gave him enough space to get away a right-footed shot that Hart somehow failed to turn around the post. The Icelandic goal threw England off-kilter and it took several minutes to regain an iota of composure, with Halldórsson tipping over Kane’s superb volley when they next attacked. Rooney also tried his luck from distance after Ari Skúlason went close with an audacious left-footed strike at the other end. Chris Smalling’s header went wide and a Sturridge cross-shot threatened before the halftime whistle, which England greeted with hearty and deserved boos. Jack Wilshere replaced Eric Dier when the teams re-emerged as Hodgson looked to find an equalizer, with a powerful Kane header easily stopped soon after the restart. Another poorly defended set-piece nearly saw Iceland pull further ahead ten minutes into the second half, though, with Hart fortunate that Ragnar Sigurðsson’s close-range overhead kick was straight at him. However, there were few signs of life from England as Alli and Wilshere failed from distance in-between the introduction of Jamie Vardy. The Leicester striker was denied an early effort on goal by Ragnar Sigurðsson’s wonderful tracking back, with Rooney jeered when overhitting a cross from the resulting corner. Birkir Sævarsson’s threatening drive and skipper Gunnarsson’s near-post drive threatened to make things worse as England left themselves exposed at the back, with Árnason heading wide from a corner. The inability of Hodgson’s men to break through Iceland’s well-drilled side led to the gamble of Marcus Rashford being brought on, and the young Manchester United attacker provided the only English danger with his pace on the left flank. Árnason got back well to clear in stoppage time but it was too little, too late. England were out and deservedly under the most crushing and embarrassing circumstances.

1/4 FINAL
STADIUM: Vélodrome (Marseille) DATE: 30-06-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 62.940 REFEREE: Felix Brych (GER) GOALS: 1-0 (Lewandowski 2’); 1-1 (Renato Sanches 33’) BOOKED: Jędrzejczyk (42’), Glik (66’), Kapustka (89’) / Adrien Silva (70’), William Carvalho (90+’) PK: 0-1 (Cristiano Ronaldo); 1-1 (Lewandowski) / 1-2 (Renato Sanches); 2-2 (Milik) / 2-3 (João Moutinho); 3-3 (Glik) / 3-4 (Nani); 3-4 (Błaszczykowski [saved]) / 3-5 (Quaresma)
		Poland - Portugal
		1-1 (1-1;1-1) (pk: 3-5)
POLAND Fabiański Piszczek, Glik, Pazdan, Jędrzejczyk Błaszczykowski, Krychowiak, Mączyński (Jodłowiec 98’), Grosicki (Kapustka 82’) Milik, Lewandowski (c) COACH: Adam Nawałka			PORTUGAL Rui Patrício Cédric, Pepe, José Fonte, Eliseu João Mário (Quaresma 80’), William Carvalho (Danilo Pereira 96’), Renato Sanches, Adrien Silva (João Moutinho 73’) Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo (c) COACH: Fernando Santos
GAME SUMMARY After a drab affair at the end of 120 minutes, Portugal beat Poland on penalties to advance into the semifinals of Euro 2016… despite not having won a game in 90 minutes at the tournament. The much-criticized Robert Lewandowski scored the fastest goal in the competition (and the second fastest in the history of the European Championship, after Dmitrij Kirichenko’s against Greece in Euro 2004 at 67 seconds), only 100 seconds after kick-off, thus improving the record set by Ireland’s Robbie Brady’s penalty goal against France at 119 seconds. 18-year-old Renato Sanches levelled for Portugal with his first senior international strike before halftime. Fernando Santos’ side dominated for most of the game, but no further goals were scored in regulation and extra-time. In the penalty kicks, Jakub Błaszczykowski’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Rui Patrício and Ricardo Quaresma struck the winning penalty. Once again, the Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo had an off-color, goalless performance, far from his usual display with Real Madrid. Less than two minutes into the game, Poland were in front when Lewandowski, who had not scored an single international goal since October, belied that form by turning home Kamil Grosicki’s low cross. Cristiano Ronaldo had his side’s first effort as Nani robbed Łukasz Piszczek of possession before teeing up the Real Madrid forward, whose shot was straight at goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański. The Portuguese captain had big shouts for a penalty turned down on the half-hour mark, but his side were soon celebrating an equalizer as Nani’s clever backheel picked out Renato Sanches, who flashed a deflected drive past Fabiański. The second half started at a slower pace, with full-back Cédric Soares arrowing a shot just wide as Portugal strived to complete their comeback. Fabiański was left scrabbling as Artur Jędrzejczyk intercepted Pepe’s ball through towards Cristiano Ronaldo, only to divert it just wide of his own post. The Real Madrid star should have done better in the closing stages of regulation, but he failed to connect to João Moutinho’s lofted ball despite being free of the Polish defense. In extra-time, Cristiano Ronaldo again passed up a good opportunity when he allowed a cross to pass through his legs when well placed. Extra-time petered out with very little incident, taking the first Euro 2016 quarterfinal to an inevitable penalty shoot-out. Cristiano Ronaldo struck first for Portugal before Lewandowski levelled for Poland. Renato Sanches tucked his shot away with aplomb and Arkadiusz Milik sent Rui Patrício the wrong way to keep Poland up with Portugal. João Moutinho, Kamil Glik and Nani all succeeded with their kicks, then Błaszczykowski saw Rui Patrício push his low effort away. That left it down to Quaresma to send Portugal into the last four, and he duly delivered by hitting his effort straight down the middle.

1/4 FINAL
STADIUM: Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Villeneuve d’Ascq, Lille) DATE: 1-07-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 45.936 REFEREE: Damir Skomina (SVN) GOALS: 0-1 (Nainggolan 13’); 1-1 (A. Williams 31’); 2-1 (Robson-Kanu 55’); 3-1 (Vokes 86’) BOOKED: Davies (5’), Chester (16’), Gunter (24’), Ramsey (75’) / Fellaini (59’), Alderweireld (85’)
		Wales - Belgium
		3-1 (1-1)
WALES Hennessey Chester, A. Williams (c), Davies Gunter, Allen, Ledley (King 78’), Ramsey (Collins 90’), Taylor Bale, Robson-Kanu (Vokes 80’) COACH: Chris Coleman			BELGIUM Courtois Meunier, Alderweireld, Denayer, J. Lukaku (Mertens 75’) Carrasco (Fellaini 46’), Nainggolan, De Bruyne, Witsel, Hazard (c) R. Lukaku (Batshuayi 83’) COACH: Marc Wilmots
GAME SUMMARY The Dragons are real, not a legend; they live in Cambria and their fire burnt even the Red Devils. Wales reached their first ever semifinal of a major tournament with an impressing 3-1 victory over Belgium in Lille. After Belgium took an early lead with a Radja Nainggolan thunderous strike and threatened to run the show as in their previous game against Hungary, Chris Coleman’s side reacted and captain Ashley Williams headed home from a corner to pull Wales level before the break. In the second half, a wonderful piece of art of Hal Robson-Kanu put the Dragons in front, and in the closing stages of the game Sam Vokes’ header wrapped it up for Wales, who will now meet Portugal in one of the semifinals (although they will do it without Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey, who collected their second cautions of the tournament). Respective captains Ashley Williams and Eden Hazard had been fitness doubts after sustaining injuries in last-16 victories, but they both started in Lille. Belgium’s defense also had to cope with disruption caused by the suspension of Thomas Vermaelen and the ankle ligament damage suffered by Jan Vertonghen in their final training session previous to the game. Already missing Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Lombaerts through injury, Belgium boss Marc Wilmots named inexperienced trio Jason Denayer, Thomas Meunier and Jordan Lukaku in his back four. Both teams also had to contend with the controversial pitch of Stade Pierre-Mauroy, the surface having been relaid eight days ago but exposed to the falling rain with the stadium roof open. Belgium had a more lively start and Wayne Hennessey had to react quickly to foil Yannick Carrasco, then Neil Taylor blocked Meunier’s follow-up on the line. The Belgian pressured paid off in minute 13 when Eden Hazard laid the ball into Nainggolan and the AS Roma midfilder struck a distant thunderbolt which flew past Hennessey. Wales slowly settled after the shock, and Gareth Bale, who had already given Belgium warning of his threat, fired into the side netting after a solo run. Taylor was then denied by the sprawling Thibaut Courtois after Ramsey had pulled ball the back into his path. Just after the half-hour mark, Ashley Williams was left unmarked from Ramsey’s corner to head home for the equalizer. Wales were even dominating possession, something which had not been expected at the start, and Bale tested Courtois with a low right-foot shot before the Belgian goalkeeper held Robson-Kanu’s header on the stroke of halftime. Belgium started the second half in the same dominant fashion they showed at the beginning of the game. Romelu Lukaku wasted a free header from close range, then Hazard fired just wide. However, the Red Devils were stunned after 55 minutes when Ramsey raced down the right and crossed for Robson-Kanu, who left three defenders in his wake with a cute drag back and slotted the ball into the corner past Courtois. Substitute Marouane Fellaini headed Toby Alderweireld’s cross wide, but Wales stood firm and Vokes prevented a nervy final with a nice header at the end of a swift counterattack. To the tune of “Land of My Fathers” sang by happy fans in red, Wales fulfilled their dreams of a semifinal at Euro 2016.

1/4 FINAL
STADIUM: Matmut Atlantique (Bordeaux) DATE: 2-07-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 38.764 REFEREE: Viktor Kassai (HUN) GOALS: 1-0 (Özil 65’); 1-1 (Bonucci [p.] 78’) BOOKED: Hummels (90’), Schweinsteiger (112’) / Sturaro (56’), De Sciglio (57’), Parolo (59’), Pellè (91’), Giaccherini (103’) PK: 0-1 (Insigne); 1-1 (Kroos) / 1-1 (Zaza [out]); 1-1 (Müller [saved]) / 1-2 (Barzagli); 1-2 (Özil [out]) / 1-2 (Pellè [out]); 2-2 (Draxler) / 2-2 (Bonucci [saved]); 2-2 (Schweinsteiger [out]) // [decisive shots] 2-3 (Giaccherini); 3-3 (Hummels) / 3-4 (Parolo); 4-4 (Kimmich) / 4-5 (De Sciglio); 5-5 (Boateng) / 5-5 (Darmian [saved]); 6-5 (Hector)
		Germany - Italy
		1-1 (0-0;1-1) (pk: 6-5)
GERMANY Neuer (c) Höwedes, Boateng, Hummels Kimmich, Khedira (Schweinsteiger 16’), Kroos, Hector Müller, Özil, Gómez (Draxler 72’) COACH: Joachim Löw			ITALY Buffon (c) Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini (Zaza 120+’) Florenzi (Darmian 86’), Sturaro, Parolo, Giaccherini, De Sciglio Pellè, Éder (Insigne 108’) COACH: Antonio Conte
GAME SUMMARY Germany changed history and finally defeated their personal black beast, Italy, to advance to the semifinals of Euro 2016 after an enthralling 6-5 penalty shoot-out in Bordeaux. Four defeats and four draws later, the Mannschaft proved once more Gary Lineker’s legendary adage: “Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and, at the end, the Germans win” (“El fútbol es un deporte que inventaron los ingleses, juegan once contra once y siempre gana Alemania” in Spanish). In a roller coaster of a game, Germany dominated large portions of it by keeping a tight rein on the dangerous attacking duo Pellè-Éder (something which Spain failed to do) but couldn’t carve open a tough Italy defense until midway the second half, when Mesut Özil opened the scoring. Antonio Conte’s side didn’t give up and Leonardo Bonucci levelled from the penalty spot after an absurd handball by Jérôme Boateng (who seemed to confuse football for volleyball). After an extra-time which didn’t bring about any changes, the ensuing penalty shoot-out would be even more dramatic than the previous 120 minutes, with both sides missing opportunities to win it before Matteo Darmian’s shot was saved by Manuel Neuer, then Jonas Hector scored to finally settle the contest. Joachim Löw reacted to Italy’s 3-5-2 set-up by starting with three center-backs in a notable tactical switch. Despite early domination, Germany were hit by an injury to Sami Khedira on the quarter-hour mark. They key German midfielder had to be replaced by captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, who headed into the net on 26 minutes but the whistle had already gone for a push on Mattia de Sciglio. The tactical battle between Germany and Italy was intriguing, but chances were at a premium and Thomas Müller could only miskick an effort after the ball broke fortuitously to him inside the box. Italy went straight down the other end and almost took the lead as Emanuele Giaccherini broke free and saw his cross pushed into the path of Stefano Sturaro, whose effort was blocked behind. Müller, without a goal in European Championship finals, came close to breaking his jinx at the start of the second half but saw his shot brilliantly cleared off the line by Alessandro Florenzi. The game became scruffy with three yellow cards showed by Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai in as many minutes, all of them to Italian players. Just after the hour mark the deadlock was finally broken as Florenzi lost track of the ball and Mario Gómez played in Hector, whose cross was swept home by Özil. Germany should have made it 2-0 just minutes later as Özil’s perfect delivery found Gómez, whose first touch let him down before a back-heeled attempt was saved well by Gianluigi Buffon. However, few teams are as competitive as Italy. In minute 78, against all odds, the Azzurri levelled after Boateng conceded an absurd penalty for a clear handball with his outstretched arms. Bonucci confidently tucked the spot-kick past Manuel Neuer and gave way to a closing stage when Italy could have completed the turnaround, with Graziano Pellè miscuing a difficult chance moments later and De Sciglio coming close with a thunderous strike. Neither side could muster up a clear-cut chance to settle the game in extra-time, other than a hooked ball over the bar by Germany substitute Julian Draxler at the start of the second additional period. Lorenzo Insigne was the first man to step up in the penalty shoot-out, and he sent Neuer the wrong way to put Italy ahead. Toni Kroos levelled for Germany before late substitute Simone Zaza thrashed his kick well over after an unorthodox run-up (Chiquito de la Calzada style). Müller became the first German to miss a penalty in a shoot-out since 1982 when his shot was saved by Buffon. After Andrea Barzagli scored, Özil hit the post. Pellè scuffed well wide his shot and Draxler levelled matters again for Germany. Bonucci saw his attempt brilliantly saved by Neuer, but Schweinsteiger sent the winning penalty well over. In the tie-break, goals for Giaccherini, Mats Hummels, Marco Parolo, Joshua Kimmich, De Sciglio and Boateng lead to a dramatic finale, in which substitute Darmian hit a poor penalty that was easily saved by Neuer and Hector finally struck the winning kick, with the ball passing beneath Buffon’s dive.

1/4 FINAL
STADIUM: Stade de France (Saint-Denis, Paris) DATE: 3-07-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 76.833 REFEREE: Björn Kuipers (NED) GOALS: 1-0 (Giroud 12’); 2-0 (Pogba 20’); 3-0 (Payet 43’); 4-0 (Griezmann 45’); 4-1 (Sigþórsson 56’); 5-1 (Giroud 59’); 5-2 (B. Bjarnason 84’) BOOKED: Umtiti (75’) / B. Bjarnason (58’)
		France - Iceland
		5-2 (4-0)
FRANCE Lloris (c) Sagna, Koscielny (Mangala 72’), Umtiti, Evra Sissoko, Pogba, Griezmann, Matuidi, Payet (Coman 80’) Giroud (Gignac 60’) COACH: Didier Deschamps			ICELAND Halldórsson Sævarsson, Árnason (Ingason 46’), R. Sigurðsson, Skúlason Guðmundsson, Gunnarsson (c), G. Sigurðsson, B. Bjarnason Sigþórsson (Guðjohnsen 83’), Böðvarsson (Finnbogason 46’) COACHES: Lars Lagerbäck / Heimir Hallgrímsson
GAME SUMMARY The Icelandic dream in Euro 2016 came abruptly to an end as they faced reality and fell to a superior France, who finally lived up to expectations and showed all the class and quality of their players. Didier Deschamps’ men shook off the sluggishness that had dogged them up until this point to win a thoroughly entertaining quarterfinal 5-2 and set up a mouth-watering semifinal with Germany. For Iceland, the smallest country ever to grace the tournament, it was the end of a captivating and historic run, which will most likely become a saga of its own in modern Icelandic culture. France’s victory against the neutrals’ favorites was a crushing one, either out of respect for a Nordic team who never gave up or a desire to show their true colors after a largely disappointing tournament. In a record-breaking first-half display―the first time a team had scored four goals in the opening 45 minutes of a final stage match―, Olivier Giroud’s 12th-minute strike was Les Bleus’ maiden first-half goal at this European Championship and proved the precursor to an avalanche, with Paul Pogba’s towering header, a wonderful Dimitri Payet strike and an inspired Antoine Griezmann effort putting them in cruise control at halftime. The 4-0 score proved too much of a mountain to climb for Iceland in the second half. Although Kolbeinn Sigþórsson pulled one back, Giroud added another shortly after, then Birkir Bjarnason closed the scoring near the end. After the final whistle, the Icelandic fans stayed long to applaud their players and heros. Iceland started brightly, as Gylfi Sigurðsson aimed an early shot at goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Birkir Bjarnason struck across goal. However, France soon imposed their intensity, and gave a warning of their intentions with Payet’s effort from the edge of the box. The French opened the scoring soon after, when Blaise Matuidi superbly clipped the ball down the left for Giroud and the Arsenal striker beat Hannes Halldórsson with a low effort. In minute 20, a giant leap saw Pogba beat Böðvarsson to a Griezmann corner to plant a powerful header into the top corner. It was a sucker punch for Iceland, who nevertheless came close to responding thanks to the latest well-worked routine from Aron Gunnarsson’s mammoth throw-in, leading Böðvarsson to direct just over. A deep Gylfi Sigurðsson free-kick forced Lloris into an unorthodox stop, but France were looking comfortable and showed a cutting edge lacking in their previous Euro 2016 matches. Payet’s intelligence and wonderful technique saw him increase their lead before the break, taking a touch away from danger and hitting a low left-footed strike across the goalkeeper. Matters were to get even worse for Iceland before halftime after Giroud stepped over a low, driven ball forward by Pogba, with Griezmann racing through and audaciously clipping over Halldórsson. It was a record halftime lead which Iceland quickly chipped away at, pulling one back 11 minutes after the restart as Sigþórsson poked home a clever Gylfi Sigurðsson cross. France regained their four-goal cushion within minutes as Payet delivered a lovely free-kick that Giroud headed past Halldórsson, but Iceland’s attacking intent was not dampened in the Saint-Denis drizzle. Alfreð Finnbogason volleyed over and fellow substitute Sverrir Ingason forced an exceptional point-blank save out of Lloris, with handball appeals against Patrice Evra waved away. The Icelandic purpose was rewarded in the 84th minute as Birkir Bjarnason headed home Ari Skúlason’s cross, and Eliaquim Mangala’s intervention was needed shortly after to prevent Birkir Sævarsson from setting up a third Iceland goal. In the closing stages, there was time for veteran strikier Eiður Guðjohnsen to join the Icelandic dream at Euro 2016. As in 1984, France’s quest for European Championship glory on home soil continues. Next stop: Germany.

1/2 FINAL
STADIUM: Stade des Lumières (Décines, Lyon) DATE: 6-07-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 55.679 REFEREE: Jonas Eriksson (SWE) GOALS: 1-0 (Cristiano Ronaldo 50’); 2-0 (Nani 53’) BOOKED: Bruno Alves (71’), Cristiano Ronaldo (72’) / Allen (8’), Chester (62’), Bale (88’)
		Portugal - Wales
		2-0 (0-0)
PORTUGAL Rui Patrício Cédric, José Fonte, Bruno Alves, Raphaël Guerreiro R. Sanches (A. Gomes 74’), Danilo P., J. Mário, A. Silva (J. Moutinho 79’) Nani (Quaresma 86’), Cristiano Ronaldo (c) COACH: Fernando Santos			WALES Hennessey Gunter, Collins (J. Williams 66’), A. Williams (c), Chester, Taylor Allen, Ledley (Vokes 58’), King Robson-Kanu (Church 63’), Bale COACH: Chris Coleman
GAME SUMMARY Twelve years later, Cristiano Ronaldo headed Portugal into their second final in a major tournament. In a match which had been billed as a private battle between Real Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, the Portuguese attacker was instrumental in his team’s 2-0 victory over Wales, with a superb header and an assist to Nani. It was the first Portugal win in regulation time in Euro 2016, and it couldn’t come at a better time, as Fernando Santos’ side will march into the final on a high. As for Wales, their fairy-tale run in the competition ended somewhat disappointingly, as the Red Dragons didn’t live up to expectations and failed to be a match for Portugal, with only Bale providing some real danger with his runs and distant shooting. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had not been at his brilliant best in the tournament, delivered when it mattered. His goal in this game drew him level with Michel Platini’s record of nine goals at the finals of the European Championships, and the Portuguese star became to first player to score in four editions of the tournament. Both sides had to reorganize their starting line-ups due to card suspension and injury. James Collins and Andy King made their first starts of the tournament as substitutes of influential Welsh pair Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey (suspended), whereas Portugal were without defender Pepe (injured), replaced by veteran Bruno Alves, and midfielder William Carvalho (suspended). To avoid the mismatches Cristiano Ronaldo-Collins and Bale-Bruno Alves, the new players received constant help from their teammates. The first half was a cagey affair, with Portugal trying to find their rhythm and Wales too respectful of their rivals to pose any danger of their own. After ten minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo was convinced that he should have been awarded a penalty as Collins had his arm around his neck while trying to meet a Cédric cross, but Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson took a lenient view of the incident, which aggravated the Portuguese star’s frustration and overexcitement for the remaining of the half. Meanwhile, Bale dropped deep from his attacking position and was at the heart of Wales’ best moments, although it was a corner kick routine straight off the training ground which gave him his first sight of goal in minute 19. Joe Ledley pulled the ball back low and the Real Madrid attacker ran back to the front of the box, but could not quite wrap his foot around it and the shot was wide. Bale’s first run of the game almost set up King at the near post, then shot straight at Rui Patrício at the end of a lung-bursting gallop―the first period’s only on-target attempt. Portugal were neat and tidy in possession without offering a huge goal threat, though Cristiano Ronaldo gave Wales clear note of his intentions close to halftime when heading wide under pressure from James Chester. Five minutes after the restart, Portugal took the lead when Cristiano Ronaldo climbed above Chester to meet Raphaël Guerreiro’s cross with a powerful header into the top corner. The goal, his 61st with Portugal, set him level with Michel Platini as all-time top-scorer in European Championship, with nine targets. Worse was to come for Wales three minutes later when Chester’s clearance fell to the ubiquitous Cristiano Ronaldo, whose shot was touched home by Nani. Portugal might have added to the score as the Real Madrid attacker flashed over a free-kick and Wayne Hennessey caught up with Danilo Pereira’s effort as the ball trickled towards the goalline. Wales tried to react, but it was too little, too late. There was a late flourish from Bale with two powerful attempts from distance, but the night belonged to Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal as they go forward to meet France or Germany in Paris on Sunday.

1/2 FINAL
STADIUM: Vélodrome (Marseille) DATE: 7-07-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 64.078 REFEREE: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA) GOALS: 0-1 (Griezmann [p.] 45+’); 0-2 (Griezmann 72’) BOOKED: Can (36’), Schweinsteiger (45+’), Özil (45+’), Draxler (50’) / Evra (43’), Kanté (75’)
		Germany - France
		0-2 (0-1)
GERMANY Neuer (c) Kimmich, Boateng (Mustafi 61’), Höwedes, Hector Özil, Can (Götze 67’), Kroos, Schweinsteiger (Sané 79’), Draxler Müller COACH: Joachim Löw			FRANCE Lloris (c) Sagna, Koscielny, Umtiti, Evra Sissoko, Pogba, Griezmann (Cabaye 90+’), Matuidi, Payet (Kanté 71’) Giroud (Gignac 78’) COACH: Didier Deschamps
GAME SUMMARY Antoine Griezmann became France’s new hero with two goals that sent the hosts into the final of Euro 2016 and secured the award as top scorer in the tournament (unless Cristiano Ronaldo is able to make four goals in the final). Meanwhile, Germany will go back home with a bitter taste, as they dominated most of the game but missed the killer instinct of Mario Gómez (injured) and regretted the goal drought of Thomas Müller in the competition (with a jinx that goes back to Euro 2012). The game was a tale of clinical finishing triumph over territorial advantage (with an almost insulting 70% possession in the first half), as Germany bossed play for the majority of the game but struggled to create anything in the way of clear-cut chances―and that proved to be their undoing. Griezmann’s late penalty goal just before halftime, following another absurd handball by veteran captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, was a real travesty that belied the complete German control of all physical and tactical aspects of the game during the first half. Joachim Löw’s side pressed hard in the second period for an equalizer, but a new goal from the Atlético de Madrid attacker proved fatal. Should France win Sunday’s final against Portugal, they will become the first host nation to become champions on three occasions at a major tournament (after 1984 European Championship and 1998 World Cup). Right from the onset, Germany produced the type of football worthy of a world champion, as their movement and passing left France chasing shadows. The game seemed a carbon copy of the World Cup semifinal against Brazil two years ago, except for the fact that Germany failed to capitalize on their early chances. Hugo Lloris saved well from Emre Can and Schweinsteiger, while center-back Samuel Umtiti just managed to hack the ball off the toes of Müller in front of a gaping goal. Without the defensive cover of N’Golo Kanté, Blaise Matuidi and Paul Pogba were completely overwhelmed in midfield. France’s only clear chance of the half fell to Olivier Giroud, but the striker’s lack of pace when clean through allowed Benedikt Höwedes to produce a sliding block. Germany were playing a perfect game, pinning back France in their own field, but they kept missing chances. Then, in injury time of the first half, and much against the run of play, a Patrice Evra’s header from a corner hit the raised arm of a jumping Schweinsteiger and Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli awarded a penalty which Griezmann subsequently slotted home. France tried to start the second half positively, but they were soon pushed back again as Germany quickly re-established their dominance. For all their control, however, the Mannschaft was unable to pose a real threat to a well-organized French defense. Midway the period, Didier Deschamps introduced Kanté to re-enforce their midfield, and within a minute the task was made easier by France’s second goal. Joshua Kimmich’s mistake inside his own penalty area presented the ball to Pogba, whose cross was palmed away by Manuel Neuer straight to Griezmann, who stabbed home. Germany persisted, with Kimmich almost making up for his error by shooting against the post, substitute Leroy Sané nearly scoring with his first touch, Höwedes heading over and Kimmich denied by a brilliant Lloris save late on as their lack of ingenuity in the final third proved their undoing.

FINAL
STADIUM: Stade de France (Saint-Denis, Paris) DATE: 10-07-2016 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 75.868 REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg (ENG) GOALS: 1-0 (Éder 109’) BOOKED: Cédric (34’), João Mário (62’), Raphaël Guerreiro (95’), William Carvalho (98’), José Fonte (119’), Rui Patrício (120+’) / Umtiti (80’), Matuidi (97’), Koscielny (107’), Pogba (115’)
		Portugal - France
		1-0 (0-0;0-0)
PORTUGAL Rui Patrício Cédric, Pepe, José Fonte, Raphaël Guerreiro R. Sanches (Éder 79’), W. Carvalho, A. Silva (J.Moutinho 66’), J. Mário Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo (c) (Quaresma 25’) COACH: Fernando Santos			FRANCE Lloris (c) Sagna, Koscielny, Umtiti, Evra Sissoko (Martial 110’), Pogba, Griezmann, Matuidi, Payet (Coman 58’) Giroud (Gignac 78’) COACH: Didier Deschamps
GAME SUMMARY In an emotional roller coaster of a final, Portugal defeated France and won their first major trophy thanks to a stunning extra-time goal by substitute Éder. It was a fitting end to Euro 2016―a cagey tournament punctuated by moments of magic and an unexpected champion… who only won a game in normal time in all the competition. For once, Cristiano Ronaldo was not on the spotlight, as he suffered a knee injury early into the game and, although he tried with all his might to keep on the pitch for such an important occasion, was forced to be replaced. However, his bitter tears when he was taken off in a stretcher would turn into unbounded joy at the end of 120 minutes, as he became double European champion in less than two months (first with Real Madrid, now with Portugal). France, who came into the final heavily favored to win the European Championship they hosted, failed to live up to expectations after beating Germany in the semifinal. Despite early domination, Les Bleus could never find their usual pace, only outmuscled (never outplayed) their rivals with their athletic midfield. Top scorer Antoine Griezmann twice came close to claim glory for France and substitute André-Pierre Gignac saw a stoppage-time effort hit the post after Ricardo Quaresma tested Hugo Lloris with an acrobatic strike. Portugal upped the tempo in extra-time and Raphaël Guerreiro’s free-kick rattled the crossbar before Éder’s moment of magic. Holding off Laurent Koscielny, the substitute made room to lash a low effort from distance that saw Fernando Santos’ hard-working side make history. Twelve years after the ignominy of falling to Greece, the roles were reversed and Portugal passed the “hosting curse” to France: no Euro organizer has won the competition since 1984. The passion and intensity of a grandiose closing ceremony carried onto the field as the match started at a ferocious tempo, with Nani first to threaten after collecting a clever ball from right-back Cédric. It was a rare early voyage forward by the Portuguese, with Griezmann forcing an exceptional one-handed save from Rui Patrício after ten minutes. Dimitri Payet’s clipped cross was met by a fine leap and instinctive header from the Atlético de Madrid striker, bringing a save and corner from which Olivier Giroud headed at the Portuguese goalkeeper. However, more worrying for Fernando Santos’ side was the sight of star Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the game in tears due to injury. An eighth-minute challenge from Payet was missed by English referee Mark Clattenburg and left the Real Madrid forward in serious discomfort. Although he received initial treatment and returned to action ten minutes later, he was forced to a substitution in minute 25 and left the field in a sea of tears… not a single one due to the pain in his knee. With all four corners of Stade de France uniting to give the Portugal captain a standing ovation, Cristiano Ronaldo’s night of glory, the one he had dreamed of so many times, was brought to a premature end. When the game was resumed, Sissoko stung Rui Patrício’s palms after a fine turn. As halftime approched, play was becoming more tentative and José Fonte nodded over. In the second half, Paul Pogba tried to light up the occasion with an ambitious effort and Griezmann tried his luck from an acute angle before Didier Deschamps looked for a spark by bringing Kingsley Coman on for Payet. The young substitute soon proved his worth when he sent over a cross from the left that Griezmann headed just over from close range. As the match entered the final 15 minutes, Giroud forced Rui Patrício into another fine save. Portugal were also having chances of their own and Lloris could only claw a threatening Nani cross into the path of Quaresma, whose acrobatic follow-up was going in until the France captain’s intervention. Sissoko’s thumping strike forced the Portuguese keeper into action once again. The Portuguese hearts were in their mouths in stoppage-time when Gignac turned Pepe to send a scuffed effort straight into the post, in what could have been the winner for France. Just like the Cid, Cristiano Ronaldo emerged with his left knee heavily strapped to offer moral support to his teammates in extra-time. Five minutes into the additional period, Pepe―unaware that the offside flag was raised―headed just wide. Lloris denied Éder’s header as the first half of extra-time ended and was relieved to see Raphaël Guerreiro’s free-kick rattle back off his crossbar. Four minutes into the second half, Portugal landed a devastating blow to the hosts when Éder shook off Koscielny’s attention to send a low strike out of Lloris’ reach and into the bottom corner. The Portuguese contingent went wild and, after some nervy moments, were celebrating again, having made history in France.

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