Compiled by Ranjika Perera
Sunday, 20 June, 2021
* Gosens show his colours in front Ronaldo
Germany’s left-back Robin Gosens once asked for Cristiano Ronaldo’s jersey after a game between Atalanta and Juventus. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner didn’t even look at the German as he said no. Gosens later on wrote in his autobiography “I was completely blushed and ashamed. I went away and felt small.” However, he met Ronaldo yesterday (19) as Germany took on Portugal and it went a lot better for the German. Before he was taken off, he scored a magnificent header to add to his two assists earlier in the game.
* Havertz makes history
Kai Havertz showcased a brilliant performance against Portugal. Germany’s first goal out of four was an own goal conceded by Ruben Dias who was put under pressure by Havertz (see photo). He was also involved in a second own goal minutes later and went on to score Germany’s third himself six minutes into the second half. Robin Gosens provided the assist for Havertz as he was only left to guide the ball in from close range. With that goal, he made history in the European Championship, becoming the youngest ever goal scorer.
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* Kounde to fill in Ramos’ big boots
According to Marca, Real Madrid wish to bring in Sevilla’s Jules Kounde to replace Sergio Ramos. The Blancos are planning to bid for the 22-year-old, but won’t pay the Euro 80 million (Rs. 18.8 billion) required to meet his buy-out clause. Raphael Varane could be sold to raise funds for Kounde, who has been touted as the right man to fill Ramos’ boots ahead of the Captain’s departure.
* Alexander Isak happy at Real Sociedad
SPORT1 reported that Real Sociedad are set to pay Borussia Dortmund a fee of around Euro 5 million (Rs. 1.1 b) to remove Alexander Isak’s buy-back clause. German giants sold the Sweden international forward to the La Liga side in 2019 and included a buy-back clause of Euro 30 m (Rs. 7 b). The 21-year-old showed his colours in Euro 2020 where he already won a Man of the Match award in Sweden’s match against Slovakia.
* Chrystal Palace to be sold
The Sun claims that Crystal Palace could be sold to a reported £ 200 million (Rs. 54.8 b) takeover bid from a hologram technology pioneer. The Eagles are being sought by a consortium headed by American investor John Textor. It comes amid reports that American co-owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer are looking to sell their stakes in the club.
* Ancelotti wants Calvert-Lewin in Madrid
The Sun also reports that the England international forward could make a major transfer to Spain as Carlo Ancelotti looks set to raid old club Everton as part of his spending plans at Real Madrid, with a £ 50 m (Rs. 13.7 b) move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The England international could swap Merseyside for Spain if the former Toffees boss, back at Santiago Bernanbeu, gets his way. Under Ancelotti, Calvert-Lewin has established himself as the understudy to Harry Kane in the No. 9 role for England.
Monday 21 June, 2021
* Investigations stop with German Captain’s ‘LGTB armband’
The German football association (DFB) has confirmed that UEFA has halted an investigation into Manuel Neuer’s rainbow-coloured Captain’s armband. Earlier reports said that UEFA had launched an investigation into the DFB and the goalkeeper for wearing the special armband. Neuer has been wearing the rainbow colours to show support for the LGBT+ community during ‘Pride Month’.
Neuer wore the rainbow-coloured armband during the Euro 2020 clashes against France and Portugal. The investigation opened when UEFA determined that it is a political symbol and has prohibited such demonstrations from players and teams.
However, DFB confirmed, “UEFA have today (yesterday) shared with the DFB that they have stopped the review of the rainbow (coloured) Captain’s armband worn by Manuel Neuer. In a letter, the armband has been assessed as a team symbol for diversity and thus for a ‘good cause’.”
* Eden Hazard admits his difficulties after ankle issue
Eden Hazard believes he will need to change his playing style because of his recurring ankle injury. The Belgium winger has been facing a lot of troubles since moving to Real Madrid two years ago. 30-year-old was limited to just 10 starts in La Liga and the Champions League in 2020-21. Hazard admits he is still not ready to play a full game but insists he can still shine for club and country. Speaking at the press conference on Sunday (20), he said, “We’ll see how the game goes. But I may not be ready for 90 minutes. I’m going to play as many minutes as possible at a high level. If it’s 50, it’s 50. If it’s 60, it’s 60. We will see. I never doubted my qualities but whether I would be 100% fit for the European Championship. I broke my ankle three times. It will never be the same as it was 10 years ago. But I know that if I’m in shape, I can prove myself on the pitch. That’s what I’m working on now.”
* Italy equal their all-time record
Italy equalled their all-time record unbeaten run with a 1-0 win against Wales on Sunday. The Azzurri maintained their perfect start to Euro 2020 with a third straight win in Group A, winning the group and secure spot in the round of 16. With this win, Mancini’s men have equalled a record which has stood for 82 years.
Vittorio Pozzo was the Coach when Italy went four years without a defeat, between October 1935 and July 1939. In that time, they won their second consecutive World Cup and won the gold medal in the Olympics in 1936.
Roberto Mancini’s team have now gone 30 games without a defeat and could set a new national record if they win their first knockout tie of the competition. Italy have lost just two matches since Mancini took charge, and the last team to get the better of them was Portugal in a Nations League match in September 2018.
* Pogba set to be the highest paid in Premier League
Manchester United are desperate to keep Paul Pogba and do not want him to go into the new season without a new contract. Club management are now set to put new terms on the table with a huge increase on his current £ 290,000-a-week salary (approximately Rs. 80 m a week or Rs. 11.4 m per day). His new pay would go beyond the £ 375,000 (Rs. 103 m) a week which United team-mate David de Gea earns. The Red Devils will wait until the end of the Euros before finalising the structure of his new terms. Pogba has been in talks with his agent Mino Raiola over the last year on what his future holds. However, the superstar revealed earlier this week that no agreement had been settled with United so far.