https://www.scmp.com/rss/315970/feed The 2016 Uefa European Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2016, will be the 15th European Championship for men's national football teams organised by Uefa. It is scheduled to be held in France from 10 June to 10 July 2016. The tournament is the primary continental competition for European national teams, held every four years since 1960. It is the second most popular international football tournament after the Fifa World Cup. Germany and Spain are the most successful teams with three... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com With their alpine grasslands shrinking due to erratic rainfall and glacier retreat, herders in Peru’s central Andes have decided that the future lies in reviving the past. To improve access to water and save their livestock, indigenous communities in the villages of Canchayllo and Miraflores have restored abandoned dams, reservoirs and canals that date back over 3,000 years. Two years on from completion of the project – supported by The Mountain Institute (TMI), a US-based non-profit – there are... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/2127385/perus-alpine-herders-revive-ancient-technologies-face-climate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/2127385/perus-alpine-herders-revive-ancient-technologies-face-climate?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Jan 2018 21:59:07 +0000 Wales manager Chris Coleman hopes to complete his contract negotiations by the end of the month but will not hold any ill feelings towards the country’s football association if they choose to go in a different direction. Coleman’s contract expires at the end of November and although the 47-year-old expects to hold talks with the Football Association of Wales (FAW), Tuesday’s international friendly against Panama could be his final game in charge. Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales failed to qualify... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2119820/none-us-gain-anything-it-dragging-wales-manager-chris-coleman-wants?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2119820/none-us-gain-anything-it-dragging-wales-manager-chris-coleman-wants?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Nov 2017 06:37:59 +0000 Police seized more than HK$580 million in betting records and arrested more than 100 people as they cracked down on illegal bookmakers citywide during the month-long Euro 2016 tournament. Officers also recovered more than HK$3 million in cash in a series of anti-illegal-bookmaking operations codenamed “Crowbeak” and “Windshield” between June and July during the UEFA European Championship, held every four years. A total of 134 locations were raided, leading to the arrest of 73 men and 30 women,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/1991669/more-100-arrested-and-hk580-million-betting-records-seized?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/1991669/more-100-arrested-and-hk580-million-betting-records-seized?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Jul 2016 03:33:43 +0000 After a night of rowdy celebrations Portugal’s European champions led by Cristiano Ronaldo returned home to a heroes’ welcome and a country overjoyed by their upset win over France. Tens of thousands of fans took over the streets of Lisbon waving red and green national flags to mark the historic victory set up by substitute Eder’s extra-time goal that stunned the hosts on Sunday night in the Euro 2016 final at the Stade de France. Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo, who was stretchered off injured... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1988803/all-hail-conquering-heroes-why-portugals-euro-2016-win-sweet-relief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1988803/all-hail-conquering-heroes-why-portugals-euro-2016-win-sweet-relief?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Jul 2016 03:21:29 +0000 France coach Didier Deschamps did not hide his bitter disappointment after finding himself on the losing end of a final for a change on Sunday. Deschamps, who knows all about winning title matches having captained France to their 1998 World Cup victory on home soil and the European Championship crown two years later, has never hidden the fact that he hates losing. “This is a big knock on the head,” Deschamps said after Les Bleus’ dream of another home triumph in a major tournament ended with a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1988279/coach-didier-deschamps-finds-france-defeat-portugal-euro-final-hard?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1988279/coach-didier-deschamps-finds-france-defeat-portugal-euro-final-hard?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Jul 2016 02:39:25 +0000 Star striker Cristiano Ronaldo devoted Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph over France on Sunday to “all Portuguese and all immigrants”. Ronaldo said he found it impossible to come back after being injured in the Paris final which Portugal won 1-0. “I tried to come back. My knee was swelling up and I couldn’t. There was too much pain. “It was not the final I wanted but I am very happy. It is a trophy for all Portuguese, for all immigrants, all the people who believed in us so I am very happy and very... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/1988272/all-portuguese-and-all-immigrants-says-ronaldo-after-euro-2016-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/1988272/all-portuguese-and-all-immigrants-says-ronaldo-after-euro-2016-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Jul 2016 01:47:05 +0000 Portugal coach Fernando Santos said he did not mind how his team won and they claimed the European Championship title on Sunday with another “ugly” victory. Santos hugged his injured star player Cristiano Ronaldo when the Stade de France spectacle finally ended after 120 minutes. But in the end it was not goals from Ronaldo that decided the contest but Santos’ wily tactics that paid off. Portugal were under pressure most of the game but again stole it from hosts France at the crucial moment.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1988214/coach-santos-inspires-portugal-ultimate-ugly-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1988214/coach-santos-inspires-portugal-ultimate-ugly-win?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Jul 2016 22:15:54 +0000 Cristiano Ronaldo was stretchered off in tears but an extra-time goal by Eder saw Portugal beat hosts France 1-0 in Sunday’s Euro 2016 final to win their first major tournament. The victim of a heavy challenge by Dimitri Payet, Ronaldo went off in the first half, but returned to the touchline to see Lille striker Eder settle the game with a low 25-yard strike at Stade de France. Twelve years after losing 1-0 to Greece as hosts of Euro 2004, Portugal inflicted the same fate on France, who were... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1988211/ronaldos-tears-turn-cheers-portugal-are-crowned-euro-2016-champions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1988211/ronaldos-tears-turn-cheers-portugal-are-crowned-euro-2016-champions?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Jul 2016 21:45:45 +0000 English referee Mark Clattenburg was on Friday named as the man in charge of Sunday’s Euro 2016 final between France and Portugal. European football’s governing body UEFA have called on the 41-year-old’s experience for the championship decider at the Stade de France. A former electrician, Clattenburg became a professional referee in 2007. He has already overseen three matches at the tournament - the first round games between Belgium and Italy, and the Czech Republic and Croatia, and the last 16... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1987208/england-reach-euro-2016-final-mark-clattenburg-referee-france-v?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1987208/england-reach-euro-2016-final-mark-clattenburg-referee-france-v?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Jul 2016 09:18:16 +0000 Antoine Griezmann scored twice on Thursday as France beat world champions Germany 2-0 to seal a place in the Euro 2016 final against Portugal. Having converted a controversial first-half penalty for Bastian Schweinsteiger’s handball, Griezmann put the result beyond doubt with a sweetly struck second-half shot. “We suffered but we knocked them out,” said French coach Didier Deschamps after the game in which Germany dominated possession. The victory in Marseille mean Les Bleus face Cristiano... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986940/antoine-griezmann-double-against-germany-sends-france-euro-2016-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986940/antoine-griezmann-double-against-germany-sends-france-euro-2016-final?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Jul 2016 21:07:14 +0000 Gareth Bale said Wales should have no regrets after their remarkable Euro 2016 run ended in a 2-0 defeat by Portugal in the semi-finals in Lyon on Wednesday. “We’re obviously massively disappointed. We’ve got to be proud of ourselves first and foremost,” Bale told ITV. “We’ve given everything, on the pitch, off the pitch. We’ve tried to enjoy the experience of the tournament. We want to thank the fans for all the support we’ve had – it’s been absolutely incredible.” In their first major... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986523/no-regrets-gareth-bale-applauds-wales-fighting-spirit-after-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986523/no-regrets-gareth-bale-applauds-wales-fighting-spirit-after-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Jul 2016 01:56:51 +0000 Wales boss Chris Coleman heaped praise on his players for a historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals before bowing out 2-0 to Portugal on Wednesday. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring and then teed up Nani as two goals in three minutes early in the second half condemned Wales to defeat in their first ever major tournament semi-final. “It hurts that we lost the semi-final, the players are gutted, but they need to look back and see they have done their country proud,” said Coleman. “They could... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986459/wales-hurting-proud-after-stirring-run-semi-finals-euro-2016-says-boss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986459/wales-hurting-proud-after-stirring-run-semi-finals-euro-2016-says-boss?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Jul 2016 21:58:49 +0000 Cristiano Ronaldo made European Championship history as Portugal ended Wales’ extraordinary Euro 2016 journey with a 2-0 semi-final win on Wednesday that sent them into the final. In what was billed as a shootout between Ronaldo and his Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale, it was the Portugal captain who prevailed, opening the scoring in Lyon with a majestic 50th-minute header that saw him tie France great Michel Platini’s record of nine goals at the Euro finals. He also teed up Nani for Portugal’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986458/ronaldo-hopes-be-weeping-tears-joy-after-ending-wales-euro-2016-fairy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986458/ronaldo-hopes-be-weeping-tears-joy-after-ending-wales-euro-2016-fairy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Jul 2016 21:21:54 +0000 Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger will make his first start of Euro 2016 in Thursday’s semi-final against France, coach Joachim Loew has confirmed. The Manchester United star suffered a knee strain in Saturday’s quarter-final penalty shoot-out win over Italy, but has recovered in time to face France in Marseille. “In a game like this, his experience is very valuable and, in any case, he will start,” confirmed Loew on Wednesday. “He will be involved. The injury is as good as cured and he is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986429/germanys-schweinsteiger-start-euro-semi?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986429/germanys-schweinsteiger-start-euro-semi?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Jul 2016 19:54:41 +0000 France coach Didier Deschamps has called on Les Bleus to go on the attack to end a 58-year wait to beat Germany in a major tournament and book a spot in the Euro 2016 final. “We can’t change past history, but we’ve got our own page to write,” Deschamps said in Marseille on Wednesday. “It’s the players who have to write this page because for the moment it’s blank. We’re facing the best team in the world, but the lads have to believe and we want the fans to believe in us too.” France play Germany... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986395/france-must-go-attack-have-any-chance-finally-beating-germany-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986395/france-must-go-attack-have-any-chance-finally-beating-germany-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Jul 2016 17:23:01 +0000 Two Russian national team players have been punished by their clubs after video of them at a champagne-fuelled party in Monaco following the squad’s dismal exit from Euro 2016 sparked outrage. Russian media reported that midfielder Pavel Mamayev and forward Alexander Kokorin allegedly splashed some €250,000 (HK$2.1 million) on 500 bottles of champagne for revellers at a night club in Monaco. Shaky internet footage of event that went viral showed waiters carrying dozens of bottles of bubbly with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986242/watch-russian-players-punished-over-champagne-binge-following-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986242/watch-russian-players-punished-over-champagne-binge-following-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Jul 2016 10:27:22 +0000 It was the match that had everything – spectacular goals, a brutal clash and a dramatic comeback, before finally, a nail-biting penalty shoot-out. For many, West Germany’s 1982 World Cup semi-final against France in Seville remains the ultimate, an engrossing duel providing new plot twists at every turn. And as the two countries prepare to meet again in the Euro 2016 semi-final in Marseille, the 1982 match has also become a symbol of the tense football relationship between France and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986118/ready-more-euro-2016-1982-scar-france-v-german-football-relations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1986118/ready-more-euro-2016-1982-scar-france-v-german-football-relations?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Jul 2016 05:48:22 +0000 The European Championship semi-finals promise mouth-watering match-ups as the last four teams battle for a berth in the July 10 final and a chance to succeed two-time winners Spain. In Lyon on Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal take on a Welsh team featuring his Real Madrid teammate, Gareth Bale. A day later in Marseille, world champions Germany, fresh from a nerve-rattling penalty shoot-out win against Italy, look to add the European title against hosts France who are coming off a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1985050/will-ronaldo-deliver-portugal-big-stage-or-will-gareth-bales-wales?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1985050/will-ronaldo-deliver-portugal-big-stage-or-will-gareth-bales-wales?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Jul 2016 02:02:26 +0000 France swept emphatically into the Euro 2016 semi-finals and brought Iceland’s fairy tale run to a crushing halt as Olivier Giroud scored twice in a 5-2 win on Sunday to set up a mouth-watering last-four clash with Germany. Paul Pogba, Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann were also on target in a one-sided romp at the Stade de France that proved a nightmare end to war-weary Iceland’s improbable Euro dreams. Having fairly comfortably eased past England into the quarter-finals, Iceland, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1985016/germany-are-best-we-will-give-it-our-all-says-france-coach-didier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1985016/germany-are-best-we-will-give-it-our-all-says-france-coach-didier?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Jul 2016 21:05:24 +0000 A Chinese soccer fan could barely watch as Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo lined up his penalty kick in the finely balanced Euro 2016 group match against Austria. The man identified by his surname Li, from the eastern city of Hangzhou, had every reason to be nervous: he had bet tens of thousands of yuan on Portugal to win. There are so many gamblers, groups and platforms during the European Championships though, that I think it’s really hard to find all of them Chinese gambler With 10 minutes... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/1984873/crackdown-authorities-chinas-soccer-boom-sparks-online?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/1984873/crackdown-authorities-chinas-soccer-boom-sparks-online?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Jul 2016 10:45:30 +0000 Despite missing more penalties in one shoot-out than it had done in 40 years of taking spot kicks after extra time, Germany still managed to end its curse against Italy. Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger all missed in the shoot-out after the sides finished 1-1 following extra time in their Euro 2016 quarter-final. Fortunately, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer spared their blushes with two saves as Italy missed four spot kicks and Germany went on to win 6-5, securing the team’s first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984763/war-nerves-germanys-worst-penalty-shoot-out-finally-ends-italian-hoodoo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984763/war-nerves-germanys-worst-penalty-shoot-out-finally-ends-italian-hoodoo?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Jul 2016 05:15:41 +0000 Jonas Hector fired Germany into the semi-finals of Euro 2016 at Italy’s expense after an epic round of 18 penalty kicks that saw players from both sides produce stunning misses in Bordeaux on Saturday. World Cup holders Germany won the shoot-out 6-5 after a tense match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time, and their reward is a semi-final with the winner of Sunday’s last quarter-final between hosts France and Iceland. Joachim Loew’s side had appeared to be heading for the win in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984680/it-might-have-been-their-worst-shoot-out-ever-penalty-kings-germany?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984680/it-might-have-been-their-worst-shoot-out-ever-penalty-kings-germany?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Jul 2016 22:14:17 +0000 Didier Deschamps’ France will be wary of falling victim to the same trap that ensnared England as the Euro 2016 hosts take on rank outsiders Iceland for a place in the semi-finals on Sunday. France are vying for a record-equalling third European Championship title and go into their quarter-final as overwhelming favourites against a country with a population of just 330,000. But Iceland, playing at their first major finals, have blown away any notion they were simply in France to make up the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984628/hosts-france-wary-becoming-next-iceland-scalp-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984628/hosts-france-wary-becoming-next-iceland-scalp-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Jul 2016 19:59:41 +0000 Currently without a club, Wales striker Hal Robson-Kanu placed himself squarely in the shop window with a goal of shimmering audacity in his side’s Euro 2016 quarter-final victory over Belgium. With the score 1-1 early in the second half in Lille, the 27-year-old gathered a cross from Aaron Ramsey and took three defenders out of the game with an exquisite Cruyff turn before confidently placing a shot past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. It inspired Wales to a 3-1 win that sent them into their first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984432/shop-window-job-hunting-hal-robson-kanu-nets-historic-wales-goal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984432/shop-window-job-hunting-hal-robson-kanu-nets-historic-wales-goal?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Jul 2016 06:53:11 +0000 Ryan Giggs described Wales’ historic 3-1 triumph over Belgium that saw them reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016 as the greatest night in Welsh football history. Victory in Lille saw Wales into the last four of a major tournament for the first time in their history. It was a result made all the more impressive by the fact that this was Wales’ first appearance in a leading global event since they were beaten by eventual champions Brazil in the quarter-finals of the 1958 World Cup in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984399/greatest-night-ever-former-captain-ryan-giggs-hails-wales-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984399/greatest-night-ever-former-captain-ryan-giggs-hails-wales-after?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Jul 2016 05:15:49 +0000 Italy coach Antonio Conte was full of praise for German counterpart Joachim Loew, but believes the Azzurri are ready to avenge a recent friendly thrashing to book their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2016. Two years on from crashing out of a second successive World Cup at the group stage, Italy are in contention to win their first European championships since 1968. Yet, standing in their way are the world champions and “the most complete” squad of players Conte has ever seen. The Chelsea-bound... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984290/antonio-conte-ready-ultimate-test-against-germany?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984290/antonio-conte-ready-ultimate-test-against-germany?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Jul 2016 21:41:20 +0000 Germany coach Joachim Loew said Friday he won’t be fooled: when it comes to Italy and major finals, he is taking nothing for granted ahead of their battle for a semi-final spot at Euro 2016. Barely four months after humbling Italy 4-1 in a friendly in Munich, Germany go into Saturday’s quarter-final clash in Bordeaux as favourites to clinch a place in the last four and a match-up with France or Iceland. Loew’s men virtually cruised to the World Cup trophy in Brazil two years ago and, considered... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984289/germany-expecting-unexpected-when-they-take-italy-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984289/germany-expecting-unexpected-when-they-take-italy-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Jul 2016 21:38:01 +0000 Wales coach Chris Coleman said Friday his side’s victory over Belgium in Euro 2016 to reach a semi-final of a major tournament for the first time in their history showed you must never give up on your dreams. “Don’t be afraid about dreams because four years ago I was as far away from this as you can imagine and look what has happened,” Coleman said. “Everybody fails, I’ve hard more failures than success, but I’m not afraid to fail and every now and again, this happens. It’s sweet and I’m... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984287/dragon-roars-wales-stun-belgium-3-1-reach-euro-2016-semi-finals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1984287/dragon-roars-wales-stun-belgium-3-1-reach-euro-2016-semi-finals?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Jul 2016 21:00:22 +0000 Ah, England, you taketh away and you giveth. As a Scot raised in Ireland, I share similar attitudes to our former colonial overlords as most sane people from those countries: a great love for its people, culture, history and landscape, mixed with a borderline unhealthy contempt for its politicians and national football team. Much of last weekend was therefore spent in bewildered semi-depression at the gob-smackingly stupid actions of a group of English people (okay, and a fair few Welsh).... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/1984259/thanks-england-brexit-2-euro-2016-was-sweet-comedy-relief-grim-real?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/1984259/thanks-england-brexit-2-euro-2016-was-sweet-comedy-relief-grim-real?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Jul 2016 18:30:15 +0000 Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Thursday he is joining Manchester United, ending intense speculation about where the 34-year-old Swedish superstar forward will be playing next season. Ibrahimovic, who was a free agent after ending a hugely successful stay at Paris Saint-Germain, becomes the second signing of new United boss Jose Mourinho after that of highly rated Ivory Coast centre-back Eric Bailly from the Spanish outfit Villarreal. “Time to let the world know. My next destination is Manchester... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1983880/im-joining-manchester-united-says-zlatan-ibrahimovic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1983880/im-joining-manchester-united-says-zlatan-ibrahimovic?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Jul 2016 01:51:57 +0000 Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal battled their way to a place in the European Championship last four on Thursday winning a penalty shootout 5-3 against Poland in a tense quarter-final. Teenage sensation Renato Sanches, who scored Portugal’s goal and smashed home one of the penalties, said it was a “wonderful moment for the team and for me for scoring”. Portugal have reached the last four without winning a single game within 90 minutes. “People criticise us but we don’t care, because we are in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1983835/portugal-reach-euro-2016-semi-finals-after-beating-poland-penalties-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1983835/portugal-reach-euro-2016-semi-finals-after-beating-poland-penalties-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jun 2016 22:04:20 +0000 Vicente del Bosque said Thursday that he has resigned as coach of Spain, just days after the reigning champions crashed out of Euro 2016. “Without a doubt, I have no intention to remain as coach, but you have to be discreet. No matter what the result of the Euros, I had no doubt about what my future would be,” he told Spanish public radio RNE, confirming reports in sports dailies AS and Marca that he had quit. Spain were eliminated from Euro 2016 on Monday following a meek 2-0 defeat to Italy... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1983807/del-bosque-quits-spain-coach-after-euro-2016-exit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1983807/del-bosque-quits-spain-coach-after-euro-2016-exit?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jun 2016 20:56:55 +0000 Belgium have been dealt a major blow ahead of their Euro 2016 quarter-final against Wales after defender Jan Vertonghen was ruled out of the rest of the tournament with an ankle injury. The Tottenham Hotspur defender, 29, tore ligaments in his left ankle in training on Thursday, with coach Marc Wilmots saying that he could be out for up to two months as a result. Vertonghen spent a spell on the sidelines earlier this year after suffering a knee ligament injury playing for Tottenham. “He should... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1983772/euro-2016-boost-wales-belgium-suffer-vertonghen-injury-blow?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1983772/euro-2016-boost-wales-belgium-suffer-vertonghen-injury-blow?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jun 2016 18:41:54 +0000 The Euro 2016 quarter-finals start tonight with Cristiano Ronaldo seeking a next step towards his first international title when Portugal take on Poland in Marseille. In the battle of Europe’s top strikers, Poland will be counting on Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski to deaden the Ronaldo threat by scoring his first goal in the tournament. The match starts four days of tense and historic encounters which will see Germany seeking a first win at a major tournament against Italy, Wales playing for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1983602/poland-v-portugal-ronaldo-and-lewandowski-set-square-first-game-euro?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1983602/poland-v-portugal-ronaldo-and-lewandowski-set-square-first-game-euro?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jun 2016 09:02:04 +0000 History awaits the victors as Wales talisman Gareth Bale and rejuvenated Belgium star Eden Hazard lead their respective golden generations into battle in Friday’s Euro 2016 quarter-final in Lille. Belgium, second in the Fifa ranking, are desperate to make good on their squad’s vast potential and reach a first major semi-final since the 1986 World Cup. Wales are riding high in their first major tournament in 58 years and having outlasted British rivals England and Northern Ireland, their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1983429/bale-v-hazard-wales-and-belgium-stars-set-shine-they-vie-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1983429/bale-v-hazard-wales-and-belgium-stars-set-shine-they-vie-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jun 2016 01:42:57 +0000 England’s now ex-coach Roy Hodgson cut a bewildered figure as he appeared before the press on Tuesday following his team’s humiliating Euro 2016 elimination by Iceland, a defeat he said he hadn’t seen coming. “My emotions are obvious ones. I am really disappointed. I didn’t see the defeat coming,” said Hodgson of the 2-1 loss in Nice in the last 16. “Nothing in the first three games here gave me any indication that we would play as poorly as we did.” Facing reporters at England’s media centre in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982941/hodgson-faces-media-i-didnt-see-england-defeat-coming-says-embarrassed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982941/hodgson-faces-media-i-didnt-see-england-defeat-coming-says-embarrassed?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Jun 2016 03:18:08 +0000 Roy Hodgson may be reeling from his resignation as coach of England, but could be handed a lifeline by cash-rich Chinese club football, according the head of China’s foremost sports event organiser. Eric Gao, who has pulled off an inadvertent coup as his International Champions Cup will see bitter rivals Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola face off for the first time in their new roles on July 25 in Beijing, said Hodgson remains the type of high-profile coach in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982907/could-hodgson-repair-his-battered-reputation-china-euro-2016-flop-would?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982907/could-hodgson-repair-his-battered-reputation-china-euro-2016-flop-would?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Jun 2016 01:51:22 +0000 Germany boss Joachim Loew will not be celebrating the 20th anniversary of his team’s golden goal against the Czech Republic in the Euro 1996 final, having heard the story far too many times from its scorer Oliver Bierhoff. Asked whether there would be any celebrations or even a cake for current Germany team coordinator Bierhoff, who scored both goals in their 2-1 victory over the Czechs, Loew was quick to say: No, no. There won’t be. “I will be happy if I don’t hear that story on Thursday as he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982671/zip-it-oliver-no-more-euro-2016-golden-goal-stories-please-germany-boss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982671/zip-it-oliver-no-more-euro-2016-golden-goal-stories-please-germany-boss?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:54:58 +0000 Germany forward Lukas Podolski has criticised the new 24-team format for the European Championship, labelling it ‘stupid’ as it created a great deal of confusion among the players. European soccer’s governing body Uefa added eight teams to the tournament after 16 teams participated when it was last hosted in 2012. On that occasion only the top two sides from the four groups advanced straight into the quarter-finals. The expansion means four of the best third-placed teams joined the top two from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982624/germany-forward-lukas-podolski-critical-stupid-expanded-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982624/germany-forward-lukas-podolski-critical-stupid-expanded-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Jun 2016 08:15:36 +0000 Five reactions following England’s 2-1 last-16 humbling by Iceland at Euro 2016 on Monday: Former Barcelona and England striking great Gary Lineker in a tweet: “The worst defeat in our history. England beaten by a country with more volcanoes than professional footballers. Well played Iceland.” We deserve all the flak coming our way, says keeper Joe Hart after England defeat by Iceland Former England captain Alan Shearer in a tweet: “England - Shocking. Pathetic. Inept. Well done Iceland, you... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982488/ex-england-stars-howl-over-iceland-horror-show-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982488/ex-england-stars-howl-over-iceland-horror-show-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Jun 2016 03:10:25 +0000 Goalkeeper Joe Hart said England “didn’t perform” and deserve the criticism they will get after being knocked out of Euro 2016 by tiny Iceland in a huge shock on Monday. And after coach Roy Hodgson resigned immediately after the defeat, Hart said the new boss, whoever it is, “has a tough job on his hands”. Hart, who let the second Icelandic goal in the 2-1 defeat squirm under his fingers, said: “As a group it is down to us. All the plans are put in place, we knew everything about Iceland but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982486/we-deserve-all-flak-coming-our-way-says-keeper-joe-hart-after-england?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982486/we-deserve-all-flak-coming-our-way-says-keeper-joe-hart-after-england?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Jun 2016 02:51:04 +0000 England manager Roy Hodgson’s four-year reign came to an abrupt end after their shock 2-1 defeat by tiny Iceland at the Euro 2016 round of 16 stage on Monday. Hodgson, 68, wasted little time in announcing he was stepping down at the end of his contract when he read a prepared statement at the post-match news conference. “We are out of the Euros so now is the time for someone else to oversee the progress of a hungry and extremely talented group of players,” said the man who replaced Italian Fabio... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982481/england-manager-roy-hodgson-quits-after-humiliating-euro-defeat-iceland?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982481/england-manager-roy-hodgson-quits-after-humiliating-euro-defeat-iceland?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Jun 2016 02:03:12 +0000 Iceland hero Ragnar Sigurdsson said England’s over-confidence caused their humiliating 2-1 defeat to the Nordic minnows and they “panicked” in one of the most stunning football upsets. “They thought this would be a walk in the park,” said Sigurdsson, who scored Iceland’s first goal. “But we had faith in our ability,” he said. Roy Hodgson’s side crashed out of Euro 2016 after the 30-year-old defender cancelled out Wayne Rooney’s fourth-minute opener. “I think its the second or third goal scored... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982421/england-panicked-says-iceland-hero-after-greatest-sporting-result?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982421/england-panicked-says-iceland-hero-after-greatest-sporting-result?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Jun 2016 21:56:47 +0000 England were dealt a humiliating 2-1 defeat by minnows Iceland on Monday as Roy Hodgson’s side crashed out of Euro 2016 in one of the most stunning upsets in the history of the game - prompting the coach’s immediate resignation. Ragnar Sigurdsson cancelled out Wayne Rooney’s fourth-minute opener before Kolbeinn Sigthorsson’s tame shot squirmed past England goalkeeper Joe Hart for an 18th-minute winner. Three days on from Britain’s vote to leave the European Union, England followed the country’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982394/its-brexit-part-two-england-are-booted-out-europe-stunning-loss-tiny?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982394/its-brexit-part-two-england-are-booted-out-europe-stunning-loss-tiny?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Jun 2016 21:12:20 +0000 Spain playmaker Andres Iniesta admitted the reigning champions paid the price for a sloppy first half as they crashed out of Euro 2016 to Italy on Monday and said the defeat was hard to take. “Few words. We have to accept the disappointment. They were more clinical than us when it mattered and got the better of us,” Iniesta said. Italy ran out 2-0 winners at the Stade de France with Giorgio Chiellini opening the scoring in the first half and Graziano Pelle securing the victory at the death. “I... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982392/spain-defeat-hard-take-admits-iniesta-champions-crash-out-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982392/spain-defeat-hard-take-admits-iniesta-champions-crash-out-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Jun 2016 20:04:09 +0000 Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci hailed coach Antonio Conte’s masterful gameplan as the Azzurri dumped two-time defending champions Spain out of Euro 2016 2-0 in the last 16 on Monday. Conte’s men now face world champions Germany in the quarter-finals and Bonucci believes Italy’s teamwork makes them capable of beating sides with greater individual talent. “Mr. Conte is so important as a coach because he can implement a gameplan and he becomes more important with every match,” said Bonucci. “This... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982391/masterful-conte-has-italy-dreaming-says-defender-bonucci?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982391/masterful-conte-has-italy-dreaming-says-defender-bonucci?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Jun 2016 19:54:53 +0000 Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle scored the goals as Italy exacted revenge for their Euro 2012 final hammering by dumping Spain out of Euro 2016 with a deserved 2-0 last 16 win in Paris on Monday. Chiellini forced home the winner from close range after goalkeeper David de Gea could only parry Eder’s fiercely struck free-kick. Pelle volleyed in a deflected cross in injury time to complete Spain’s heartbreak. After crashing out of the World Cup in the first round, Vicente del Bosque’s team... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982361/italy-get-revenge-2012-final-defeat-dumping-holders-spain-out-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1982361/italy-get-revenge-2012-final-defeat-dumping-holders-spain-out-euro-2016?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Jun 2016 18:03:58 +0000 Eden Hazard scored his first goal of Euro 2016 as Belgium cruised into the quarter-finals with a 4-0 win to end Hungary’s fairytale campaign. Belgium go into the European Championship quarter-finals for the first time since losing the 1980 final. They were dominant throughout at Stadium de Toulouse after Toby Alderweireld headed them into a 10th minute lead. The Red Devils wasted a series of great chances to put the game to bed before Michy Batshuayi with his first touch as a substitute, Hazard... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1981942/hazard-delivers-sensational-performance-belgium-demolish-hungary-euro?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1981942/hazard-delivers-sensational-performance-belgium-demolish-hungary-euro?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Jun 2016 21:12:12 +0000 Euro 2016’s joint top scorer Alvaro Morata expects Spain to be taken to the limit by old foes Italy if they are to remain on course to win a third consecutive European Championship. Spain thrashed Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final four years ago and also ousted the Azzurri on penalties at the quarter-final stage in 2008 on course to winning their first major trophy for 44 years. Fresh from sealing his return to Real Madrid for 30 million euros, Morata will come up against a host of former... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1981941/spain-aim-continue-new-found-dominance-over-italy-morata-faces-former?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1981941/spain-aim-continue-new-found-dominance-over-italy-morata-faces-former?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Jun 2016 21:02:00 +0000 England captain Wayne Rooney has pledged that his side will take Iceland as seriously as any opponent when their paths converge in Monday’s Euro 2016 last 16 tie in Nice. For Iceland, whose population of 330,000 makes them the smallest country to qualify for a major tournament, the game provides a chance to score one of the biggest upsets in football history. For England, haunted by 50 years of failure since their 1966 World Cup triumph, the match is a new football minefield and Rooney insisted... https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1981939/rooney-insists-england-are-fully-focused-minnows-iceland-go-search?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/1981939/rooney-insists-england-are-fully-focused-minnows-iceland-go-search?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Jun 2016 19:20:47 +0000