Patrik Schick scored twice, including a stunning strike from just inside the opposition half, to earn the Czech Republic a 2-0 win against Scotland in Monday s Euro 2020 clash.
Scotland are competing in their first major tournament in 23 years and had the backing of around 12,000 spectators on home soil at Hampden Park.
However, Schick s header late in the first half and an incredible second goal from 49.7 yards – the longest recorded at the Euros since records began in 1980 – soon dampened the spirits of the vast majority inside the venue.
Steve Clarke s side hit the crossbar through a Jack Hendry effort in between Schick s brace, but Scotland offered little else in response as the Czech Republic joined England – 1-0 winners over Croatia on Sunday – o…
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a new contract for Eric Dier, according to .
After a problematic 2018/19, during which he suffered from appendicitis and tonsillitis, as well as a hip injury which eventually required surgery, the 25-year-old had lost his place in the team under Mauricio Pochettino. However, following the Argentinian s departure and the appointment of Jose Mourinho is his place, he has become a prominent member again, and as a consequence, he is the next in line for a fresh deal following defender Toby Alderweireld signing his recently. The increase in wages for Dier is expected to be a significant one, over £75,000 per week more than he earns under his current contract, which expires in 2021.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, the England international i…
Greater Manchester Police have made an arrest in connection with tragedy chanting during Manchester United’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
During the second half of the host’s 4-3 extra time win a significant number of fans in the Stretford End were heard chanting ‘Murderers’, quickly followed by ‘Always the victims’, with the singing audible to the live television audience.
“GMP can confirm that an arrest has been made in connection with tragedy chanting at the Manchester United v Liverpool fixture this afternoon (Sunday 17 March), ” said a GMP spokesperson.
“Incidents of tragedy chanting will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.
“We are all familiar with fans taunting their opponents at foo…
Eddie Nketiah said he will continue to knuckle down at Arsenal to force his way into Mikel Arteta s Premier League plans.
The 22-year-old striker scored Arsenal s second in a 2-0 win over Leeds United in the EFL Cup fourth round on Tuesday, which took his tally to seven goals in eight appearances in the competition.
Nketiah, who had three shots with two on target in the match, has yet to feature in the league this season for the Gunners and is eager to press his claims with head coach Arteta.
It is always nice to play, it’s obviously been a while, he told Sky Sports.
I’ve been working hard, waiting for this opportunity. I was confident and ready and it’s always nice to score and help your team.
We’re on a good run at the moment and it�…
Former Real Madrid player Zinedine Zidane will succeed Jorge Valdano as director of football at the La Liga giants.
Frenchman Zidane, a three-time world player of the year, retired in 2006 after spending the last five seasons of his career in the Spanish capital.
The 39-year-old won the La Liga title and the Champions League during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu and has been serving as a special advisor to Real president Florentino Perez since June 2009.
Zidane is set to take over at least some of the duties of Valdano, another former player who worked as director of football in two spells between 2000-2005 and 2009-2011.
The 55-year-old Argentine, formally a close ally of Perez, was removed by the president in May this year.
The move was seen…
Tottenham have agreed terms in principle on a deal worth 11.5 million euros to sign midfielder Lassana Diarra from Real Madrid.
The London club made the breakthrough in negotiations on Thursday but the France international will not make his debut against Manchester United on Monday because the deadline to register players for this weekend s matches has now passed.
Real Madrid have indicated that they will accept a bid in the region of 11.5 million euros and have given Spurs permission to talk to Diarra, who is close to agreeing personal terms.
Diarra, 26, has been offered a salary package worth 115,000 euros a week once bonuses and signing-on fees are taken into account.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea man has made it clear that he would like to leave th…
Mauro Icardi has hit out at Inter supporters who jeered the team during Wednesday s Serie A victory over Sampdoria.
The Argentina international scored a 90th-minute penalty to secure a 1-0 win for the Milan-based side, the second match in succession that an Icardi spot-kick has proved decisive for Inter after Sunday s 1-0 success over Cesena.
Some fans voiced their disapproval with Inter s struggle to break down previously unbeaten Sampdoria during the game by booing and whistling.
Icardi stressed his appreciation to those that back the club, but stated that those who whistle the team are not true supporters.
We don t feel the criticism, Icardi told the Gazzetta dello Sport. We go out on to the pitch to win, and we have to continue like this.
Th…
Chile s Alexis Sanchez has caused a stir ahead of their FIFA World Cup last-16 match with Brazil, claiming he is worried about the referee.
The Barcelona forward is preparing to face club team-mates Neymar and Dani Alves, however, Sanchez made his concerns public about how the game would be refereed with the implications being favouritism to the hosts may be a factor.
Brazil were awarded a soft penalty in the tournament opener against Croatia with the score at 1-1 heading towards the final 20 minutes.
English referee Howard Webb has been appointed to the fixture in Belo Horizonte on Saturday, but prior to the distribution of refs for the last 16, Sanchez said he doubted whether Chile would get a fair go.
I think Brazil is the team with the best defence, …
The son of Brazil great Pele has returned to prison after his appeal against a sentence on drug trafficking and money laundering charges was rejected.
Edinho, a former Santos goalkeeper, handed himself in to police on Friday after a Brazilian court ordered his return to prison.
His solicitor said they would take their appeal to the Supreme Court following the latest failed attempt to quash the conviction.
As he always did, Edson showed up when the arrest warrant was issued, Eugenio Malavasi was quoted as saying by A Tribuna.
In quotes reported by UOL, he said: We re discussing the sentences and interposing extraordinary appeals.
I obtained two injunctions at the High Court of Justice and the appeals have been rejected, but there are still appeal…
Sunderland are eyeing a loan move for Manchester United midfielder Adnan Januzaj, .
The North East club recently appointed David Moyes as Sam Allardyce’s replacement, and it was the Scotsman who handed Januzaj while he was in charge at Old Trafford and is keen on being reunited with the twenty-one year old.
The Belgium international scored both of United’s goals in his first senior outing, a 2-1 win against Sundeland back in October 2013.
Since then he has racked up sixty-three appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, scoring five times while he also had a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund last season.
He has been capped six times for Belgium though wasn’t included in their squad for the European Champions with his last international …