Football

Match reports, features and some ramblings

The jury's still out on home advantage.

The jury's still out on home advantage.

Eighteen matches played in the tournament so far means we're at the halfway point of the group stage. It's gone scarily quickly, I know, and there have been plenty of moments of note. One that has piqued my interest has been the effect of crowds in this tournament, or lack thereof.

Denmark 1 - 2 Belgium | Euro 2020, Group B | 17.06.21

Denmark 1 - 2 Belgium | Euro 2020, Group B | 17.06.21

Belgium produced a clinical second-half comeback to claim a 2-1 victory over Denmark in Copenhagen. In their first game since Eriksen's collapse, the Danes led early through Yussuf Poulsen but came unstuck in the second period with goals from Thorgan Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne.

Turkey 0 - 3 Italy | Euro 2020, Group A | 11.06.21

Turkey 0 - 3 Italy | Euro 2020, Group A | 11.06.21

Italy opened Euro 2020 with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Turkey in Rome on Friday night. Mancini's men were a cut above their opponents throughout, running their guests ragged with clever, intricate passing and incisive play.

France 2 - 1 Italy (aet, g.g) | Euro 2000, Final | 02.07.00

France 2 - 1 Italy (aet, g.g) | Euro 2000, Final | 02.07.00

France produced a stunning comeback to break Italian hearts in a 2-1 final win after extra time on Sunday night. The World Champions ended proceedings a little over ten minutes after the restart through David Trezeguet, becoming the first world champions to win European Championships.

Portugal 2 - 2 England (aet, 6-5 on pens) | Euro 2004, Quarter Final | 24.06.04

Portugal 2 - 2 England (aet, 6-5 on pens) | Euro 2004, Quarter Final | 24.06.04

On a thrilling night in Lisbon, hosts Portugal advanced to the semi-finals after beating England 2-2 (6-5 on pens). Both teams showed their powers of recovery to take the tie to the dreaded penalty shootout where Portugal keeper, Ricardo, was the match-winner.

**Dark Horse Alert!** Denmark could be a contender.

Dark Horse Alert! Denmark could be a contender.

A look at the Danish team who could surprise a few at this summer's tournament.

Fantastic group stage match-ups and where to find them.

Fantastic group stage match-ups and where to find them.

After a 12 month delay, the Euros are finally round the corner. If you're like me, you'll be looking forward to an endless stream of football for the next month. Here's every match-up, where to watch it and a tip if you fancy a punt.

The eternal struggle for title sequence supremacy.

The eternal struggle for title sequence supremacy.

As the 24 teams competing in this summer's tournament prepare to do battle, there is another war on our hands, one that will be settled well before the competitions' close—the battle for the broadcaster intros.

Are Neymar and Co capable of taking a stand?

Are Neymar and Co capable of taking a stand?

The intersection of politics and football is not unusual in history; Brazil is no different. Over the years, many oppressive governments have wrapped their tentacles around their country's beloved sportspeople to garner goodwill with its citizenry.

Southgate names his 26 brave English Lions

Southgate names his 26 brave English Lions

Gareth left it until the deadline to hand in his paperwork to UEFA and he didn't disappoint in some fascinating selections. The headline is, of course...Trent is in! But, not just Trent, Bukayo Saka was also a 'surprise' inclusion on Tuesday evening.

Villarreal 1 - 1 Man United (11-10 on pens) | Europa League Final | 26.05.21

Villarreal 1 - 1 Man United (11-10 on pens) | Europa League Final | 26.05.21

Unai Emery worked his Europa league magic once again to upset Manchester United and claim Villarreal's first European trophy, the Spanish manager's 4th Europa League title.

Leicester 2 - 4 Tottenham Hotspur | PL | 23.05.21

Leicester 2 - 4 Tottenham Hotspur | PL | 23.05.21

Tottenham Hotspur twice came from behind to kill off Leicester's hopes of competing in the Champions League next season. Despite Chelsea's defeat at Villa Park, Leicester came up short for the second season on the final day.