Compiled by Ranjika Perera
* Szczesny becomes first goal-keeper to concede own goal in Euro
Poland’s Wojciech Szczesny made some unfortunate history on Monday (14) as he became the first goalkeeper ever to be responsible for an own goal at the Euros. The Juventus keeper’s unfortunate error left Poland behind in the first half of Monday’s clash with Slovakia. The goal was created by Slovakia’s Robert Mak, who drove down the left-hand side of the field while beating two Polish defenders in the process. As he broke in on goal, Mak fired a shot, only to see it smash off near the post and bounced back off Szczesny and go in.
* Denmark were forced to continue after Eriksen collapse!
Former Denmark national Peter Schmeichel has claimed that UEFA threatened Denmark with a 3-0 forfeit if they did not resume their opening Euro 2020 fixture after Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest. Denmark’s Group B clash against Finland in Copenhagen on Saturday (12) was initially suspended after 41 minutes following Eriksen’s on-field collapse. The midfielder received Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before being taken to hospital, with both sets of players subsequently spending an hour in their respective dressing rooms before the match was restarted.
The former Denmark goalkeeper, whose son Kasper played against Finland as goalie, told The Good Morning Britain: “I actually saw an official quote from UEFA yesterday (Saturday) saying that they were following the advice of the player… The players insisted on playing. I know that (it is) not to be the truth. Or, it’s how you see the truth. They (the Denmark players) were left with three options; one was to play immediately (after the 41-minute stoppage) and get the last 50 minutes played. The next one was to come in yesterday at 12 noon and finish the 50 minutes, and the third option was to forfeit the game, 3-0. So, work it out for yourself. Is it the players’ wish to play? Did they have any choice really? I don’t think they had. As you can hear from yesterday’s press conference, the (Denmark) Coach… he seriously regrets putting the players back on to the pitch.”
* City to keep Sterling for few more seasons
After rumours spread regarding the winger’s departure this summer, matters have taken a u-turn. According to The Telegraph, Manchester City are now open to offer Raheem Sterling a new contract after Euro 2020 is concluded.
Sterling scored a match-winning goal against Croatia and remains in what should be the prime of his career at 26 years of age, though his legs do have unusual mileage on them compared to many of his age. Sterling had been rumoured to be out of Pep Guardiola’s plans but that has perhaps been an overstated narrative.