Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
Olympic champion Belinda Bencic’s return after having her first child, daughter Bella, adds a new layer of intrigue before the 2025 campaign as the 27-year-old believes her best tennis could still be unlocked in future. Building back match sharpness is one thing, holding your own among top players again is another but chaining everything together with consistency? A different equation. Continue reading “New mum Bencic insists she’s not coming back to be average, eyes more success”
Granit Xhaka repaired his reputation in north London before departing for £21.6m last summer, joining Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen project – quickly establishing himself as an indispensable player spreading his wings further since returning to Bundesliga play. He’s carried that form on the international stage at the Euros, where the 31-year-old faces some familiar faces Saturday. Continue reading “Granit Xhaka’s metronomic momentum – club and country – hasn’t gone unnoticed”
Jamal Musiala scored his third goal of this summer’s European Championships, of course he did, as hosts Germany punched their ticket into next week’s quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over a stubborn Denmark in Saturday’s evening kick-off. Hours earlier, defending champs Italy went out with a whimper as they were outplayed by Switzerland – England could await them next week…. Continue reading “Euro 2024: Musiala sends Danes packing after defending champs Italy limp out, as tournament proper has finally begun”
There were straight-set victories for Matteo Berrettini, Maria Sakkari and Stan Wawrinka among others but the big story came in the evening as home favourite Jason Kubler recovered from a 5-0 second set deficit to overwhelm world no. 27 Dan Evans and secure Australia’s first-ever United Cup triumph, on an eventful second day of group action at the tournament. Continue reading “United Cup: Berrettini, Sakkari, Wawrinka all prevail before Kubler clinches big win for team Australia”
The pre-match noise surrounded Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s benching by Fernando Santos. Within 20 minutes, the man who replaced him – Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos – scored a thunderous opener and later completed the tournament’s first hat-trick as they thrashed Switzerland without their historical talisman. Up next? Spain’s slayers Morocco on Saturday.
Continue reading “Portugal 6-1 Switzerland: Ramos’ hat-trick justifies Santos’ selection in statement thrashing”
Out of contract next summer, Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria will likely see a whole host of offers from various European clubs hoping they can agree a pre-contract agreement with the Swiss international come January. Roma are regarded the frontrunners for his signature, though Juventus, Barcelona and Antonio Conte’s Tottenham are also linked.
Continue reading “Juventus, Roma targeting Gladbach’s out-of-contract midfielder Denis Zakaria”
Here’s a look at five talking points, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s 53rd career hat-trick powered Portugal into Sunday’s Nations League Final after a frantic finish against Switzerland in Porto last night. Continue reading “Portugal 3-1 Switzerland: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis”
After a 1-1 draw with Brazil and a comeback victory over rivals Serbia, last week, Switzerland will feel quietly confident about their chances of qualifying from a tough group where all but one team can still advance and the standings are finely poised.
Unsurprisingly, the media have had a field day with suggestions that he’s a perfect player for the Gunners considering he failed to convert under pressure – but the 23-year-old was excellent throughout the tournament and made little fuss in a defensive-minded midfield position.
Mo and Sports 