Euro 2016 - 24 things you didn't know about the teams

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Most boring sport on the planet. The napping mans friend..

Most popular team sport on the planet, more like.

Here's Southampton striker Pellè scoring his brilliant volley against Belgium - the highest-ranked team in the tournament - in Italy's slightly surprising victory last night:

Antonio Conte celebrates with the Italy camp after last night's opening victory against Belgium. Conte will become the new manager of Chelsea after the tournament

Conte ended up with a bloody nose last night. He got so carried away after Sunderland midfielder Giaccherini scored Italy's opening goal that his nose accidentally connected to a squad member's elbow

Today's matches:

Group F

Austria vs Hungary (Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux; 17.00 BST)

Portugal vs Iceland (Stade Geoffroy-Guichard; Saint-Etienne 20.00 BST)

 

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Yesterday's results:

Group F

Austria 0-2 Hungary
.................................Szalai 62; Steiber 87

Hungary produced a Euro 2016 shock with a win over 10-man Austria as both teams opened their campaigns in France.

Austria almost scored the quickest ever goal at the Euros but David Alaba's shot after 28 seconds hit the post.

Hungary - known as the Mighty Magyars in the 1950s when they dominated world football but never won a major tournament - contained their rivals and took the lead when Adam Szalai slotted in Laszlo Kleinheiser's pass.

A disappointing Austria had Aleksandar Dragovic sent off for a second bookable offence before Zoltan Stieber sealed Hungary's win with a composed d ink.

This was the 136th meeting between the two neighbours and deadly rivals - but the first in ten years - with Hungary now having won 66 of them. Their first meeting was in 1902, at the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Austria 0-2 Hungary - BBC Sport


Another surprise scoreline in the same group:

Group F

Portugal 1-1 Iceland
Nani 31..........................Bjarnason 50

Bjarnason celebrates his equaliser

Iceland, with a population the size of Leicester, earned a memorable point on their European Championship debut, holding Portugal to a draw in Group F.

Gylfi Sigurdsson almost put Iceland in front early on but his angled shot and follow-up were both saved.

Nani slotted in for Portugal but Iceland worked a shock equaliser when Birkir Bjarnason volleyed home.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a header saved for an unconvincing Portugal, while Iceland went close late on when Alfred Finnbogason had a shot saved.

Ronaldo had 10 shots, including those blocked, but only one was on target

Iceland had the lowest possession of any side in the first round of group matches at Euro 2016

Portugal 1-1 Iceland - BBC Sport


Today's matches:

Group B

Russia vs Slovakia (Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille; 14.00 BST)

Group A

Romania vs Switzerland (Parc des Princes, Paris; 17.00 BST)
France vs Albania (Stade Vélodrome, Marseille; 20.00 BST)

Standings

Group A

France - 3pts
Switzerland - 3pts
Romania - 0pts
Albania - 0pts

Group B

Wales - 3pts
England - 1pt
Russia - 1pt
Slovakia - 0pts

Group C

Germany - 3pts
Poland - 3pts
Northern Ireland - 0pts
Ukraine - 0pts

Group D

Croatia - 3pts
Spain - 3pts
Czech Republic - 0pts
Turkey - 0pts

Group E

Italy - 3pts
Republic of Ireland - 1pt
Sweden - 1pt
Belgium - 0pts

Group F

Hungary - 3pts
Iceland - 1pt
Portugal - 1pt
Austria - 0pts

 

[Ludlow]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo's Iceland slur merely cements his reputation for oafish narcissism

Jim White
15 June 2016
The Telegraph

Cristiano Ronaldo took a swipe at Iceland after they held Portugal to a draw on Tuesday

One thing no one can deny about Cristiano Ronaldo: however much he has achieved in his footballing career, he has not learned much in the way of humility. His response to Iceland’s determined, resourceful, endlessly committed performance in St Etienne last night redefined the term ungracious. Rude, petulant and surly it did little to gainsay his reputation for oafish narcissism. In fact, accusing his opponents of having a “small mentality” was rather self-revealing: if anyone was being narrow in their outlook it was him.

Not that Ronaldo was wrong to point out that Iceland is a small country. They are the smallest ever to appear at the Euro finals. Which is what made their achievement in not rolling over to a side of Portugal’s scale all the more admirable. For a nation of such limited resource, Iceland’s performance was expansive, their ambition vast, their spirit gargantuan. Far from small, they were the footballing equivalent of that Icelandic bloke who plays The Mountain in Game of Thrones: epic.

They threw themselves into everything, maintaining a defensive discipline that they knew was their only route to securing something from the game. But in carrying out their tactic so admirably, instead of shrinking, they grew in stature.

Ronaldo can't hide his frustration against Iceland

Indeed, Iceland’s players did not appear particularly small when they formed themselves into a wall when Ronaldo lined up a last minute freekick that offered opportunity to record three points for his country. They were certainly big enough to provide ample blockage to his feeble kick. And they did it not once but twice, after his first effort provoked a hand ball. Nor did Iceland’s goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson look small when Ronaldo directed a header into his chest from Nani’s invitation of a cross. But then his header was so lame, Ronnie Corbettsson could have been in the Iceland goal and it would have hit him in the midriff.

This was the point about Ronaldo’s performance last night: it would not have required the most gargantuan of responses to keep it in check. While Andres Iniesta, Gareth Bale and Dimitri Payet have all given masterclass demonstrations of how a star player can drive a team effort, Ronaldo was on wretched form. You know when he is not enjoying himself when he smiles during a game.

This is not a sign of pleasure (when he is doing well his face is an unmoving mask of haughty disdain) rather the smile is an ironic marker that everything is working against him: the referee, the crowd, the size of his opponents. His freekicks at the end were a distillation of his night. Here was the chance directly to affect the result, to prove he is the main man, to rescue his country from embarrassment. And he fluffed it. The best player at the tournament blew his first opportunity to prove it.

So afterwards, instead of acknowledging his own failings, he went for the classic diversionary tactic of belittling the opponent. It is a strategy much favoured by his compatriot Jose Mourinho. The idea is to create an alternative talking point to deflect attention from the real issue. In this case, however, it was about as successful as his freekicks. All it did was flag up the reason why he was so rude and unpleasant: because his own performance stank the place out.


Cristiano Ronaldo's Iceland slur merely cements his reputation for oafish narcissism

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

There's actually some real good soccer going on, Lud. The Engerlish team is crushing all opponents by double-digit margins. Not only will Engerland win its 86th consecutive Euro, it'll win the Copa America too!

Just ask Princess.

 

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There's actually some real good soccer going on, Lud. The Engerlish team is crushing all opponents by double-digit margins. Not only will Engerland win its 86th consecutive Euro, it'll win the Copa America too!

Just ask Princess.

England will reach the semi-final (that's the last four, not the last eight as it is in America) at least.

I wonder what will happen if Russia fans cause trouble in the stadium today against Slovakia or next week against Wales and Russia get kicked out of the tournament. Would that mean England's 1-1 draw against them would be turned into a 3-0 win as what happens when matches get abandoned for crowd trouble?

Video footage has emerged of England and Wales football fans joining forces to taunt the Russian fans in Lille, northern France.

The video shows a bottle being thrown from a bar before the British fans chant: "We're England and Wales, we're England and Wales, f*** off Russia, we're England and Wales."

Russia and Slovakia play each other in the city today, with kick off just over half an hour from now, while British rivals England and Wales play each other in nearby Lens at 2pm BST tomorrow.

 

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Group B

Russia 1-2 Slovakia
Glushakov 80...........Weiss 32; Hamsik 45

Marek Hamsik scored a stunning goal as Slovakia beat Russia to secure a first win at a European Championship.

The Napoli midfielder's measured pass set up Vladimir Weiss, who cut inside and side-footed Slovakia ahead.

Hamsik then spectacularly doubled the lead, receiving a short corner out wide before firing a shot in off the post.

Russia face disqualification if their fans misbehave inside stadiums and a flare was seen among their supporters when Denis Glushakov headed in late on.

Hamsik's goal:

That appeared to be the only issue for authorities inside Lille's Stade Pierre-Mauroy, in contrast to last week's scenes in Marseille's Stade Velodrome, where Russian fans charged into a section for England supporters after the final whistle in the draw between the two countries.

Russia will now almost certainly need to beat Wales on Monday if they are to stand any chance of progress, while Slovakia know victory over England will see them through.

Russia 1-2 Slovakia - BBC Sport

 

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Group A

Romania 1-1 Switzerland
Stancu 18 (pen)........Mehmedi 57

Parc des Princes, Paris

Romania picked up their first point at Euro 2016 as Switzerland moved closer to securing a spot in the last 16 with a hard-fought draw at Parc des Princes.

A win would have put Switzerland through to the knockout stages but they were left with work to do to get out of Group A after failing to take several early chances.

Haris Seferovic was the main culprit, missing two clear-cut opportunities before Bogdan Stancu's second penalty of the tournament gave Romania an 18th-minute lead.

Russian referee Sergei Karasev pointed to the spot after Stephan Lichsteiner grabbed a handful of Alexandru Chipciu's shirt inside the box, and Stancu netted despite stumbling as he struck the ball.

With Romania remaining dangerous on the break, Switzerland dominated possession but had to wait until the 57th minute to equalise.

A corner was only half-cleared to Admir Mehmedi and he met the bouncing ball with an unstoppable first-time strike from 12 yards.

Switzerland brought on highly rated teenager Breel Embolo for the final half hour to try to win the game, but Romania were resolute and kept alive their hopes of automatic qualification with one game to go.

Romania 1-1 Switzerland - BBC Sport

 

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Yesterday's other result:

Group A

France 2-0 Albania
Griezmann 90
Payet 90+6

It took two late goals for hosts France to beat plucky Albania

Late goals from Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet saw hosts France edge past Albania to become the first side to reach the Euro 2016 knockout stage.

Albania struck the post shortly after half-time when Ledian Memushaj bundled a cross past France keeper Hugo Lloris.

France striker Olivier Giroud also hit the upright before substitute Griezmann ended Albania's resistance by nodding in Adil Rami's right-wing cross.

West Ham United's Payet stroked in with the final kick to give the scoreline a flattering look.

Les Bleus scored with the game's only two shots on target, struggling to break down a stubborn Albania side as Giroud missed three free headers at Marseille's Stade Velodrome.

Defeat was harsh on the European Championship debutants, who looked to have done enough to earn their first point.

France needed a late goal from Payet to beat Romania in Friday's opening game, and another dramatic win means they are assured of a last-16 place before their final Group A match against Switzerland.

Albania, who lost their opening game against the Swiss, must beat Romania on Sunday to stand any chance of qualifying.

France 2-0 Albania - BBC Sport

All three of the UK sides in the tournament are playing today:

Today's matches:

Group B

England vs Wales (Stade Felix Bollaert-Delelis, Lens; 14.00 BST)

Group C

Ukraine vs Northern Ireland (Parc OL, Lyon; 17.00 BST)
Germany vs Poland (Stade de France, Paris; 20.00 BST)



England vs Wales: An old rivalry renewed

The sporting rivalry between England and Wales is usually viewed through the prism of rugby union, invariably the decider in arguments about who is currently carrying the greatest power.

Football has had its place in the past, but never on a stage such as the one that will be witnessed in Lens on Thursday and rarely with Wales in such a position to inflict a serious wound.

The two nations are more used to playing each other in rugby union, meeting on an annual basis in the Six Nations Championship

England and Wales have met 101 times. England lead the count with 66 wins to 14 and the sides last met in the competitive arena in Euro 2012 qualifiers.

It was a double defeat for Wales on that occasion, a 2-0 loss in Cardiff in Speed's first competitive match as manager on 25 March 2011 followed by a 1-0 reverse at Wembley in the September of that year.

The then Manchester United striker, and future Wales manager, Mark Hughes scored on his debut the last time Wales beat England, a 1-0 victory in the annual British Home Championship (now defunct) on 2 May 1984

In the past Wales victories have been regarded as the occasional strike from the underdog - they do not regard themselves as having that status now.

And Wales will look to the glory of their rugby union team as inspiration on Thursday, with Aaron Ramsey receiving a message from ex-captain Scott Quinnell, who played in the famous Five Nations win over England at Wembley in 1999.

As they seek their first win over England since 1984, Arsenal midfielder Ramsey focused on the great rivalry, saying: "You can see it in all sports. There is always an extra edge with England. We are no different."

England, however, have noted the fighting talk coming out of the Wales camp this week and will quietly regard this Euro 2016 meeting as the chance to exert superiority.

England v Wales: Who will have final word at Euro 2016? - BBC Sport

 

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Yesterday's results:

Group B

England 2-1 Wales
Vardy 56.......................... Bale 42
Sturridge 90+1

Leicester City's Jamie Vardy came off the bench to score England's equaliser

Daniel Sturridge scored an injury-time winner as England came from behind to beat Wales and secure their first victory at Euro 2016.

England goalkeeper Joe Hart's dreadful blunder allowed Gareth Bale's 30-yard free-kick to creep in and put Wales ahead just before the interval in Lens.

Manager Roy Hodgson's side were jeered off at the break and with England's campaign - and arguably his future - on the line, he gambled by introducing Jamie Vardy and Sturridge for the struggling Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.

Gareth Bale, one of the world's best players, had little impact in the game until he scored a spectacular free kick just before half time to give Wales an undeserved lead

The roll of the dice worked as Vardy scrambled in an equaliser from close range after 56 minutes before constant England pressure saw Sturridge work his way into the area and poke past keeper Wayne Hennessey at the near post.

England move top of Group B and need just a point against Slovakia on Monday to earn automatic qualification into the last 16, while Wales must beat Russia to guarantee a top-two finish.

Sturridge wheels away in celebration after scoring England's injury time winner

Group C

Ukraine 0-2 Northern Ireland
........................................McAuley 49; McGinn 90+6

NI's victory was their first at a major tournament finals since the 1982 World Cup in Spain, 1-0 against the hosts

Northern Ireland beat Ukraine to earn their first win at a European Championship and remain in contention for a place in the last 16.

West Brom defender Gareth McAuley headed in Oliver Norwood's perfectly delivered free-kick before a hailstorm in Lyon forced the players off for two minutes.

When they returned, Niall McGinn finished a rebound in stoppage time to give Northern Ireland their first victory at a major tournament finals in 34 years.

Germany's 0-0 draw with Poland later on Thursday eliminated Ukraine, meaning Northern Ireland will finish at least third in Group C. A win against Germany in Paris on Tuesday in their final match would guarantee their place in the last 16, while they might already have done enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

The result means Ukraine are out of the tournament


Ukraine 0-2 Northern Ireland - BBC Sport


Group C

Germany 0-0 Poland

Germany and Poland played out the first goalless draw of Euro 2016 as both teams took a huge stride towards qualifying from the group stage.

Both now have four points, and will be guaranteed a place in the last 16 if they avoid defeat in their final Group C matches on Tuesday.

Poland striker Arkadiusz Milik wasted by far the best chance of the night seconds after restart, scuffing a header wide from four yards when he seemed certain to score.

It was one of few clear openings from a game that failed to produce a single shot on target in the opening half.

Mario Gotze and Mesut Ozil were both denied by Lukasz Fabianski, in for the injured Wojciech Szczesny, after the restart while Polish forward Milik scuffed another good opening on what was a largely frustrating night at the Stade de France.

One definite consequence of the draw was that pointless Ukraine are eliminated from the tournament.

Germany 0-0 Poland - BBC Sport


Today's matches:

Group E

Italy vs Sweden (Stadium Municipal, Toulouse; 14.00 BST)

Group D

Czech Republic vs Croatia (Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne; 17.00 BST)
Spain vs Turkey (Allianz Riviera, Nice; 20.00 BST)

 

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Friday's results:

Group E

Italy 1-0 Sweden
Éder 88

Italy have scored three goals and conceded none in their two games so far

Italy are through to the last 16 of the European Championship finals after Eder struck late on to beat Sweden.

The game looked to be heading towards a dull goalless draw before Eder raced onto Zaza's knockdown to drive home from the edge of the box.

Sweden failed to produce a shot on goal for the second successive game, with captain and star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic kept quiet throughout.

Italy are top of Group E with six points while Sweden are third on one.

Group E Standings

......................P.....GD.....Pts
Italy................2........3........6
Belgium.........2........1........3
Sweden.........2........-1.......1
R of Ireland....2.......-3........1


Group D

Czech Republic 2-2 Croatia
Skoda 75...............................Perisic 37
Necid 89 (pen).....................Rakitic 59

That late equaliser will have hurt the Croatian players, who dominated much of the match, and the team could be punished further by Uefa for the fan violence.

Coach Ante Cacic's men were counting down to a deserved win before a volley of flares appeared towards the left of Czech keeper Petr Cech's penalty area.

Stewards and players went to the corner in an attempt to remove the objects and quell the trouble among the Croatia supporters.

However, one of the stewards appeared to be struck by a firework as he went to remove it and had to be escorted away by his colleagues.

English referee Mark Clattenburg eventually restarted the match, and in the additional time allowed the Czechs levelled after Domagoj Vida handled in the area.

Group D

Spain 3-0 Turkey
Morata 34, 48
Nolita 37

Two-time defending champions Spain progressed to the last 16 of the European Championship with a masterful display against a poor Turkey in Nice.

In the performance of the tournament, Spain became the first team to score more than twice in a Euro 2016 match.

Alvaro Morata headed Spain ahead while Nolito doubled the lead within minutes, side-footing home from close range.

The third goal was a sublime 22-pass move involving nine outfield players, ending with Morata finding the net.

In the past Spain have often found it difficult to break down opponents intent on defending deeply to contain their technical brilliance, but they had no such trouble against a Turkish team who found it impossible to suppress their opponents.

On a day where crowd trouble and flares had marred Croatia's draw with the Czech Republic, there was a series of loud bangs after the final whistle at the Stade de Nice, with fans lighting up flares.

Uefa have imposed a strict ban on all flares being taken into stadiums and Turkey are expected to be the latest country to face disciplinary action.

Three Spain fans were also arrested before the match trying to bring flares into the stadium.

Group D Standings

......................P.....GD.....Pts
Spain............2.......4.........6
Croatia..........2.......1.........4
Cze Rep.......2.......-1........1
Turkey...........2.......-4........0

Spain 3-0 Turkey - BBC Sport

Yesterday's results:

Belgium 3-0 Republic of Ireland
Lukaku 48, 70
Witsel 61

Everton's Lukaku scored two goals against the Irish

Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium recorded their first win at Euro 2016 and damaged the Republic of Ireland's chances of reaching the last 16.

After a goalless opening half, Lukaku scored the Belgians' first goal at the tournament with a neat finish from the edge of the area.
Axel Witsel headed in a second in the 61st minute, before Lukaku sidefooted home after a quick counter.

The Republic did not force goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into a single save.

It means Martin O'Neill's side, who are bottom of their section with one point, will probably have to beat Italy in their final Group E game on Wednesday.

Belgium, meanwhile, are second on three points and next face Sweden.

Group F

Iceland 1-1 Hungary

Sigurdsson 39 (pen).....Saevarsson 88 (og)

Birkir Saevarsson's late own goal denied Iceland a famous victory as Hungary edged towards the last 16 of the European Championship with a draw.

Gyfli Sigurdsson gave Iceland the lead in the first half when he converted a penalty after a foul.

Hungary dominated possession from then on but found themselves repeatedly frustrated by the Iceland defence.

However, Saevarsson turned Nemanja Nikolic's cross into his own net to hand Hungary a point.

The result means the Hungarians are top of Group F with four points and can clinch first place with victory against Portugal in their final group game on Wednesday.

Group F

Portugal 0-0 Austria

Despite a frustrating night, Cristiano Ronaldo stopped for a selfie with a fan who got onto the pitch at the end of the game

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a second-half penalty on the night he became his country's record appearance holder as a hugely frustrating match for Portugal and their captain in Paris ended goalless to leave Group F wide open.

Ronaldo struck the base of the post with his spot kick after Austria defender Martin Hinteregger had wrestled him to the ground and later headed home only to be denied by the offside flag.

But huge credit for Austria's point must go to keeper Robert Almer, who made a string of sensational saves

He stopped a crisp low strike and a header from Ronaldo as well as blocking from Nani, who struck the post with a first-half header as Portugal looked to pick up their first win of the competition.

Portugal dominated large swathes of the first competitive meeting between the sides since 1995 but were almost caught out several times, in particular when Stefan Ilsanker forced a good save with a crisp low strike shortly after the restart.

The result means that Hungary top Group F with four points, Portugal and Iceland both have two and Austria one - a situation which leaves all four in with a shout of reaching the last 16.

Group F Standings

......................P.....GD.....Pts
Hungary ......2.......2.........4
Iceland.........2.......0.........2
Portugal.......2.......0........2
Austria.........2.......-2........0



Portugal 0-0 Austria - BBC Sport


Today's matches:

Group A

Romania vs Albania (Parc OL, Lyon; 20,00 BST)
Switzerland vs France (Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille; 20,00 BST)

 

[Blackleaf]

Yesterday's results:

Group A

Switzerland 0-0 France

Switzerland and France played out a Euro 2016 goalless draw which took the Swiss into the last 16 and saw the French win Group A.

Paul Pogba - recalled by France in one of five changes - was lively and hit the woodwork twice in the first half.

French substitute Dimitri Payet also struck the crossbar with a brilliant volley from Moussa Sissoko's cross.

Switzerland could have had a penalty when Bacary Sagna pulled Blerim Dzemaili's shirt in injury time.

France will now play the third-placed team from either Group C, D or E - meaning Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are both potential opponents - in Lyon on Sunday.

The Swiss will face the second-placed team in Group C, who are currently Poland but could be Germany or Northern Ireland, at Saint-Etienne the day before.

With Albania beating Romania 1-0, Switzerland would have progressed even if they had lost at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.


Switzerland 0-0 France - BBC Sport


Group A

Romania 0-1 Albania
...................................Sadiku 43

Armando Sadiku scores Romania's first ever goal at a major tournament finals to give them their first ever win at a major tournament finals

Albania recorded their first major tournament win with victory in Lyon over Romania that gives them hope of reaching the Euro 2016 last 16.

Giovanni de Biasi's team finished their Group A campaign with three points and will now wait to see if they are one of the four best third-placed teams.

FC Zurich's Armando Sadiku scored the only goal of the game when he headed past keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu.

Romania's Florin Andone went close with a shot that came off the bar.

If Albania do reach the last 16 then they will face the winners of Group B, which contains England and Wales, or the winners of Group C, which includes Northern Ireland.

Romania 0-1 Albania - BBC Sport


Today's matches:

Group B

Russia vs Wales (Stadium Municipal, Toulouse; 20,00 BST)
Slovakia vs England (Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne; 20,00 BST)

 

[Blackleaf]

Yesterday's results:

Group B

Slovakia 0-0 England

England dominated the match but couldn't score (above, Vardy attacking), yet they still qualify for the Last 16

England manager Roy Hodgson's gamble of making wholesale changes backfired badly as they stumbled to a goalless draw against Slovakia in Saint-Etienne.

Hodgson made six changes, including resting captain Wayne Rooney, from the win against Wales - but a limp performance means Chris Coleman's side finish top of Group B and England's life may be more difficult if they go deeper into Euro 2016.

England had the better chances, with Slovakia keeper Matus Kozacik saving well when Jamie Vardy broke clear in the first half, as well as blocking crucially from Nathaniel Clyne after the break.

Rooney came on for the struggling Jack Wilshere after 55 minutes, but the pattern was set and Slovakia defended manfully for what should prove to be a precious point.

Dele Alli had also a shot kicked off the line by Martin Skrtel just seconds after coming on as a substitute on the hour.

England now travel to Nice for the Last 16 tie where they face the team that finishes second in Group F - either Hungary, Portugal, Iceland or Austria - next Monday.

England had numerous chances to score but could not break down a dogged Slovakia defence

Slovakia 0-0 England - BBC Sport

Group B

Russia 0-3 Wales
..............................Ramsey 11, Taylor 20, Bale 67

Gareth Bale scores Wales's third

Wales swept past Russia with a breathtaking display in their final group game at Euro 2016 to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for only the second time in their history.

Aaron Ramsey's beautiful clipped finish put Wales ahead before Neil Taylor scored his first international goal as Chris Coleman's side seized control with an inspired first-half performance.

There was no let-up in the second half as the irrepressible Gareth Bale struck to become the tournament's leading scorer with three goals.

England's goalless draw against Slovakia in Saint-Etienne means Wales progress as Group B winners and will face the third-placed team from Group A, C or D.

News of the England result filtered through to the Toulouse crowd a couple of minutes after the final whistle, adding to the sense of disbelieving euphoria among Wales' raucous supporters.

Wales have scored at least twice as many first-half goals as any other team at Euro 2016

Group A

Final Standings

Wales - 6 Pts (Qualified)
England - 5 Pts (Qualified)
Slovakia - 4 Pts (May qualify as one of four best third-placed sides)
Russia - 1 pt
**************************************
Today's matches:

Group C

Northern Ireland vs Germany (Parc des Princes, Paris; 17,00 BST)
Ukraine vs Poland (Stade Vélodrome, Marseille; 17,00 BST)

Group D

Croatia vs Spain (Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux; 20,00 BST)
Czech Republic vs Turkey (Stade Felix Bollaert-Delelis, Lens; 20,00 BST)

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

England dominated the match but couldn't score (above, Vardy attacking), yet they still qualify for the Last 16

Try KICKING the BALL INTO the GOAL.

 

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Try KICKING the BALL INTO the GOAL.

That's what I shouted for most of the ninety minutes last night until my voice was hoarse.

God knows why Hodgson didn't start with Walker (the best player at the tournament so far) and Rose.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

It'll be at oh-dark-thirty for you, but the USA/Argentina match (0200 BST, I think) should be interesting. The only real hope the USA has is if John Brooks can physically dominate Messi and take him out of the equation. But Brooks (defender) has been playing like a hero for the last two games, so it could happen.

In case you're interested.

 

[Blackleaf]

It'll be at oh-dark-thirty for you, but the USA/Argentina match (0200 BST, I think) should be interesting. The only real hope the USA has is if John Brooks can physically dominate Messi and take him out of the equation. But Brooks (defender) has been playing like a hero for the last two games, so it could happen.

In case you're interested.

Messi will run rings around you. You needn't bother having a line of defenders or a goalkeeper. They'd be useless. It wouldn't surprise me if he also turned water into wine and feeds 5,000 fans during the match.

According to what I've read, this match will get the largest American audience of any football match in history and further boost the sport's popularity in America. By 2050, football will be America's most popular sport.

The weird thing is regarding this special centenary edition of the Copa America (the South American version of the European Championship) is that if America win it they will be the South American Champions.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

Messi will run rings around you.

Almost certainly.

You needn't bother having a line of defenders or a goalkeeper.

Well, y'know, for form's sake, as the Brits say.

According to what I've read, this match will get the largest American audience of any football match in history and further boost the sport's popularity in America. By 2050, football will be America's most popular sport.

Probably, since the NFL players will all be drooling idiots by then from the head blows.

The weird thing is regarding this special centenary edition of the Copa America (the South American version of the European Championship) is that if America win it they will be the South American Champions.

As we have been for many, many years.

 

[Blackleaf]

Northern Ireland join England and Wales in the Last 16 despite suffering defeat against a less-than-impressive Germany. They qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams. They are to play Wales in the Last 16 in another Euro 2016 Battle of Britain....

Tuesday's results:

Group C

Northern Ireland 0-1 Germany
.................................................................................Gomez 29

Northern Ireland were beaten by world champions Germany but still advanced to the last 16 of Euro 2016 after the Czech Republic's 2-0 defeat by Turkey.

Germany wasted several chances before and after Mario Gomez scored the game's only goal in Paris.

The Czechs' loss meant Northern Ireland go through as one of four best third-placed teams as they have a better record than Albania and Turkey.

Michael O'Neill's side will face Wales in the last 16.

Northern Ireland finished the group stage with three points, the same number as Albania and Turkey, but boast a better goal difference than their rivals.

They have reached the knockout stages of a major tournament for just the third time in their history.


Northern Ireland 0-1 Germany - BBC Sport


Group C

Ukraine 0-1 Poland
............................... Blaszczykowski 54

Blaszczykowski cut in before unleashing a screaming left-footed shot into the top corner on 54 minutes

Poland reached the knockout stages of a European Championship for the first time as they finished second in Group C after a win over Ukraine.

Arkadiusz Milik had a shot saved and Robert Lewandowski sent an effort over as Poland missed two early chances.

Ukraine, who were already out, went close when Andriy Yarmolenko shot wide.

Jakub Blaszczykowski curled in a left-foot shot for the winner after 54 minutes and Poland will now play Switzerland in the last 16 on Saturday.

However, Bartosz Kapustka will miss the match in Saint-Etienne after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament.

Final Group C Standings

Germany - 7 pts (qualified)
Poland - 7 pts (qualified)
Northern Ireland - 3 pts (qualified)
Ukraine - 0 pts

Ukraine 0-1 Poland - BBC Sport


Group D

Croatia 2-1 Spain
Kalinic 45..............Morata 7
Perisic 87

Holders Spain will play Italy in the last 16 of Euro 2016 after a late Croatia winner condemned them to second in Group D.

Spain took the lead when Cesc Fabregas di nked the ball over keeper Danijel Subasic and Alvaro Morata tapped in.

An Ivan Rakitic lob hit the woodwork for Croatia, who equalised when Nikola Kalinic turned in Ivan Perisic's cross.

Subasic saved a Sergio Ramos penalty and Perisic's late winner gave Croatia, who finished top of the group, a tie against a third-placed qualifier.

Perisic lashed in an 87th-minute shot in a thrilling match to inflict Spain's first defeat in 15 games at the European Championship since losing to Portugal in Euro 2004.

Croatia will now play on Saturday in Lens, while Spain's mouth-watering tie against Italy - a repeat of the 2012 final - will take place on Monday in Paris.

Croatia 2-1 Spain - BBC Sport


Group D

Czech Republic 0-2 Turkey
..........................................Yilmaz 10; Tufan 65

Turkey kept alive their faint hopes of reaching the last 16 of Euro 2016 and eliminated the Czech Republic with a hard-fought victory in Lens.

The result guarantees Northern Ireland go through, while Turkey must wait until Wednesday to learn their fate.

A neat finish from Burak Yilmaz put them ahead, prompting Czech pressure which saw Tomas Sivok hit the post.

Volkan Babacan made a string of saves before Ozan Tufan smashed in from 10 yards to move Turkey third in Group D.

Fatih Terim's side and Albania in Group A are vulnerable on three points and results on Wednesday could see a host of countries in Group E and Group F replace them to qualify as one of the best third-place finishers.

Turkey had not scored in the tournament before Tuesday's match, but they looked revitalised in northern France and knew that with each goal they scored, their goal difference and hopes of a continued stay improved.

They looked a lot more like the team who arrived at Euro 2016 with just one loss - to England - in 16 matches, and they bravely soaked up what the Czechs threw at them to inflict a defeat which could be the last action of Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech's international career.

Final Group D Standings

Croatia - 7 pts (qualified)
Spain - 6 pts (qualified)
Turkey - 3 pts
Czech Republic - 1 pt

Czech Republic 0-2 Turkey - BBC Sport

Yesterday's results:

Group E

Italy 0-1 Republic of Ireland
.............................Brady 85

Robbie Brady's dramatic late winner sank Italy and sent the Republic of Ireland into the last 16 of Euro 2016.

Martin O'Neill's side knew only a victory would secure a place in the knockout stage in France but had failed to find a way through the Azzurri's defence until Brady headed home Wes Hoolahan's cross in the 85th minute.

That sparked mass celebrations from the Republic players, bench and supporters under the closed roof at Stade Pierre Mauroy, which had largely been taken over by the Boys in Green.

Defeat made little difference to Italy, who already knew they would top Group C and made eight changes ahead of Monday's last-16 match with holders Spain.

But the Republic join them as one of the best third-placed sides - and will face the hosts on Sunday - after one of the most famous wins in their history that started a huge party in Lille.

Italy 0-1 Republic of Ireland - BBC Sport


Group E

Sweden 0-1 Belgium
.................................Nainggolan 84

Radja Nainggolan's superb 25-yard strike secured Belgium's place in the last 16 of Euro 2016 and knocked out Sweden, bringing to an end Zlatan Ibrahimovic's international career.

Victory in Nice meant Belgium finished as Group E runners-up and will face Hungary in Toulouse on Sunday.

Sweden exited the competition with one point from three games in which Ibrahimovic failed to score.

The Republic of Ireland qualified in third thanks to a 1-0 win over Italy.

Final Group E Standings

Italy - 6 pts (qualified)
Belgium - 6 pts (qualified)
Rep of Ireland - 4 pts (qualified)
Sweden - 1 pt

Sweden 0-1 Belgium - BBC Sport


Group F

Hungary 3-3 Portugal
Gera 19..........................Nani 42
Dzsudzsák 47, 55................Ronaldo 50, 62

Portugal will play Croatia in the last 16 at Euro 2016 after Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in a six-goal thriller against Hungary in Lyon.

A Zoltan Gera half-volley put Hungary in front but Ronaldo set up Nani to fire in an equaliser before the break.

Two deflected Balazs Dzsudzsak strikes twice restored Hungary's lead early in the second half, but a Ronaldo flick and header levelled on each occasion.

Hungary progress as Group F winners, with Portugal through in third place.

Portugal had been on course to play England in the last 16 as they occupied second place in the group at the final whistle in Lyon, but it was Iceland who claimed the runner-up spot with a dramatic injury-time winner against Austria in Paris.

Portugal, who would have crashed out had they lost to Hungary, have now reached the knockout stage in all seven of their European Championship appearances.

Hungary, who were denied a winner when Adam Szalai's shot hit the post, will now play Belgium, who finished second in Group E.

Hungary 3-3 Portugal - BBC Sport


Group F

Iceland 2-1 Austria
Bödvarsson 18.................... Schöpf 60
Traustason 90+4

Portugal were heading for an encounter with England in the Last 16 until Traustason's late winner ensured the Icelandics will play the English instead

Iceland scored a dramatic injury-time winner in a pulsating match to eliminate Austria and set up a last-16 tie against England in Nice on Monday.

The contest might have lacked the six goals shared between Portugal and Hungary in the other Group F game, but there were ample opportunities to score that many, plus a scintillating - if cruel - conclusion.

There was always likely to be despair for one of these teams - and it happened to Austria after substitute Arnor Ingvi Traustason slid in at the far post to seal a victory that lifted Iceland from third to second in the group.

The signs of an entertaining contest were there from the start when Johann Gudmundsson rattled the woodwork in the second minute, before Jon Dadi Bodvarsson ended a sequence of 19 international games without a goal when he controlled a flick-on before shooting low past Robert Almer from eight yards.

Austria should have equalised from the penalty spot - there could have been three spot-kicks given in the match, with both sides denied decent second-half shouts - after Ari Skulason was judged to have pulled back David Alaba.

Aleksandar Dragovic, back in the side after suspension, took responsibility but struck the same part of the goal frame as Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo did against his team on Saturday.

Substitute Alessandro Schopf equalised with a crisp low strike after a mazy run into the area during an increasingly open second half - and should have found the net again but was denied by Hannes Halldorsson.

Kari Arnason made several crucial blocks close to his goal-line, but the decisive third goal came at the other end of the pitch.

Listen to Icelandic commentator go nuts after his team's dramatic late winner:

Final Group F Standings

Hungary - 5 pts (qualified)
Iceland - 5 pts (qualified)
Portugal - 3 pts (qualified)
Austria 1 pt

Iceland 2-1 Austria - BBC Sport


Last 16 fixtures


Saturday 25th June

Switzerland vs Poland (14,00 BST)
Wales vs Northern Ireland (17,00 BST)
Croatia vs Portugal (20,00 BST)

Sunday 26th June

France vs Republic of Ireland (14,00 BST)
Germany vs Slovakia (17,00 BST)
Hungary vs Belgium (20,00 BST)

Monday 27th June

Italy vs Spain (17,00 BST)
England vs Iceland (20,00 BST)

 

[Blackleaf]

The Last 16 got underway yesterday:

Last 16

Wales 1-0 Northern Ireland
McAuley 75 (og)

Wales, in their second all-UK match of the tournament, celebrate McAuley's own goal which put them into the Quarter Finals

Wales reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 as Gareth McAuley's own goal gave them victory over Northern Ireland in a tense last-16 encounter.

This was the second match between two British sides at Euro 2016 - and the first-ever between two British sides in the knockout stages of an international tournament - with Wales having met England in the Group Stage. Even the referee was British - Martin Atkinson from England!

Northern Ireland shaded much of the game and largely snuffed out Wales' attacking threat, but they also lacked a cutting edge in attack.

Wales only managed one shot on target and the game was settled by the one moment of real quality at Parc des Princes.

Northern Ireland's resistance was finally broken when centre-back McAuley turned Gareth Bale's low, whipped cross into his own net.

It means Wales - in their first major tournament finals since the 1958 World Cup - will face Belgium or Hungary in the last eight in Lille on Friday.

Chris Coleman's side were blunted by their dogged opponents, but the scrappy nature of victory and the winning goal will matter little to their jubilant fans.

For Northern Ireland, the manner of defeat was galling, particularly for the 63-cap McAuley, who had scored in the 2-0 group win against Ukraine, which had helped his country reach the round of 16.

Wales 1-0 Northern Ireland - BBC Sport


Croatia 0-1 Portugal (after extra time)
...................................................Quaresma 117

Quaresma celebrates his injury time winner

Ricardo Quaresma scored late in extra time as Portugal defeated Croatia to set up a Euro 2016 quarter-final match against Poland.

The substitute headed in from two yards after keeper Danijel Subasic could only palm Cristiano Ronaldo's shot into the path of the Besiktas winger.

The contest was a turgid affair for much of the 120 minutes.

Croatia's Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic went close with headers, and Ivan Perisic's effort hit the bar.

Portugal's last-eight match will take place at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Thursday.

A poor encounter

Portugal's Quaresma heads extra-time winner The match in Lens was abysmal.

There were no efforts on target until the goal in the 117th minute, creativity was lacking, passes misplaced and the game was blighted by niggly fouls, with 18 in the first half alone.

The respective defences got on top of their marked men early in the match, with the lauded La Liga trio of Ronaldo and Croatia's Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic suffocated for space.

Ronaldo looked more frustrated than he had in other matches. He dropped deep and pulled out wide in a bid to get involved, but the ball to him was cut out more often than not. His 33 passes were the third fewest of the Portugal starting XI, although he did provide the crucial assist for Quaresma.

That goal came on the counter-attack just a minute after Perisic's header had struck the Croatia bar. Another substitute Renato Sanches drove forward with the ball and found Nani, who in turn laid the ball to Ronaldo at the far post.

The Real Madrid star fired in a low angled shot that Subasic blocked, but the loose ball looped into the path of Quaresma, who was left with a very simple task.

Croatia defender Darijo Srna vies with Cristiano Ronaldo​

Croatia 0-1 Portugal - BBC Sport

Switzerland 1-1 Poland (after extra time. Poland won 5-4 on penalties)
Shaqiri 82.............................................Blaszczykowski 39

Xherdan Shaqiri scored a stunning equaliser for Switzerland in the last-16 clash with Poland

​

Poland will meet Portugal in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 after beating Switzerland on penalties in the first knockout game of the tournament.

Arsenal newcomer Granit Xhaka was the only player to miss in the shootout, with Grzegorz Krychowiak scoring the winning spot-kick for the Poles.

Jakub Blaszczykowski had put Poland ahead six minutes before half-time.

Switzerland hit back through Xherdan Shaqiri's sublime finish, an overhead kick from 18 yards.

How the penalty shootout was won

Switzerland had never scored a penalty at a major tournament before, but they got off a flying start in the shootout as Stephan Lichtsteiner produced a composed finish down the middle.

After Robert Lewandowski levelled for Poland, Xhaka hit his penalty wildly wide to give the Poles the advantage.

Arkadiusz Milik, Kamil Glik and Jakub Blaszczykowski also scored for Poland while Shaqiri, Fabian Schar and Ricardo Rodriguez found the net for the Swiss to make it 4-4.

The winning kick by Krychowiak sparked scenes of jubilation among Poland's large travelling support in Saint-Etienne.

Poland celebrate their penalty shootout victory


Switzerland 1-1 Poland (pens 4-5) - BBC Sport


Today's Last 16 matches:

France vs Republic of Ireland (Parc OL, Lyon; 14,00 BST)
Germany vs Slovakia (Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille; 17,00 BST)
Hungary vs Belgium (Stadium Municipal, Toulouse; 20,00 BST)