Latest news with #Euro2021
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Italy fans call for Claudio Ranieri as fears grow over missing World Cup again
Claudio Ranieri's is the people's choice to take the coaching job after the shocking 3-0 defeat to Erling Haaland's Norway with Luciano Spalletti's position under threat Italy is gripped by the fear of missing a third consecutive World Cup amid calls for Claudio Ranieri to be appointed as an emergency coach. And Fabio Capello has blamed 'Guardiolism' for the decline in traditional Italian footballing values after the 'unacceptable' defeat to Norway The Azzurri have not appeared at a World Cup since 2014 after losing playoffs to Sweden (2018) and North Macedonia (2022) despite winning Euro 2021 at Wembley. But the shambolic 3-0 defeat to Erling Haaland's side in their opening qualifying match for USA 2026 on Friday has caused panic in the Italian game. Italy had never in history lost two consecutive World Cup qualifiers or failed to score in three - and finishing second in a group also including Israel, Estonia and Moldova will see another nerve-shredding playoff. After Monday's home tie with Moldova, coach Luciano Spalletti has been called for talks with FA president Gabriele Gravina to discuss his future. Carlo Ancelotti has just been appointed Brazil boss. And so former Chelsea, Leicester and Fulham boss Ranieri, who moved upstairs at Roma at the end of season, and ex-Milan boss Stefano Pioli are the leading candidates to step in In a poll on the Gazzetta dello Sport website, 95% of voters voted for 'Sir Claudio', now 73. Gravina said: 'You can lose to Norway, but not in that manner; it's unacceptable'. But speaking on Sunday, he also defended Spalletti. 'We can't just look for someone to blame; that's the wrong approach in life. Ranieri? I send him my regards but it's not the time for names but to face reality and respect our current coach. 'I've heard such negative comments from people who are already celebrating our funeral. That was only the first of eight matches. I believe in this project, and I cannot imagine Italy without the World Cup again.' Former Napoli coach Spalletti took over from Roberto Mancini in September 2023 and has won 11 games out of 23. But a dreadful Euro 2024 campaign ended with a tame 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the last 16. And ex-England boss Capello, now 78, told Gazzetta dello Sport: 'I said I was ashamed after the heavy defeat to Switzerland, and I can repeat it now. In the past, if Italy performed poorly in a major tournament, the World Cup or the Euros, you'd go home. Now, nobody resigns anymore.' Italy have been hit by injuries to Moise Kean and Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori while veteran Francesco Acerbi withdrew from the squad claiming: 'I won't stay where I'm no longer really wanted'. His Inter Milan lost a second Champions League final in three years last week but Capello wants new rules to force every Serie A club to start with at least three Italians. And Capello - a constant critic of the influence of Pep Guardiola 's tactics in the game - said: 'I'm not surprised how Norway dominated us. In Academies, kids are told to follow tactics, keep possession, and back-pass to the goalkeeper, instead of being encouraged to develop quality and creativity. 'Where do you think we're going like that? Let me say we've taken the worst aspects of Guardiolism, our midfielders never turn towards the opponents' goal, while others constantly look forward and execute at a speed we can only dream of. Even the Champions League Final showed us that.'
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Germany vs. Portugal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
After edging past Italy in the quarter-finals, Germany continue their successful UEFA Nations League campaign on home soil as they host Portugal at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Wednesday. Germany boast a strong recent record against Portugal, having won the last five meetings between the two sides since 2006. The most recent victory came at Euro 2021, when they triumphed 4-2 under then-head coach Hansi Flick. Advertisement But Germany captain Joshua Kimmich played down the relevance of past results ahead of the semi-final. 'That's not a topic for us within the team. It's a new team compared to the one from 2021. Both teams have changed. It'll be a completely different game,' he said at a press conference on Monday (via iMiaSanMia). Julian Nagelsmann's side are unbeaten since their painful extra-time Euro 2024 defeat to eventual champions Spain. Portugal, meanwhile, overcame a first-leg quarter-final defeat to Denmark (1-0), responding with a dramatic 3-2 win in the return leg to seal a 5-2 aggregate victory after extra time. Advertisement Germany have received a boost with the return of goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who is expected to start after a lengthy injury layoff, with Nagelsmann having reaffirmed his status as the team's No. 1. Meanwhile, youngsters Tom Bischof and Nick Woltemade have received their first senior call-ups. With both Kai Havertz and Tim Kleindienst sidelined, Woltemade could even be handed a starting role in attack. Injuries have ravaged the German squad. In addition to Havertz and Kleindienst, Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rüdiger, and Nico Schlotterbeck are all unavailable. Angelo Stiller, Nadiem Amiri, and Jonathan Burkardt have also pulled out after their initial call-ups, adding to Germany's growing injury list. Advertisement 'We're trying to focus on the players who are here,' said Kimmich. 'Of course it's bitter and annoying that there are so many injuries, but there's no point in talking about that because the players who are at home won't help us. "We still have a lot of quality and enough good players to win both games," added the captain, who is set to play his 100th game for Germany. Portugal, by contrast, are expected to arrive in Munich with a fully fit squad. Predicted Germany vs. Portugal lineups: Germany (4-2-3-1): ter Stegen – Kimmich, Tah, Anton, Mittelstädt – Pascal Groß, Goretzka – Sané, Wirtz, Gnabry – Woltemade. Portugal (4-2-3-1): Diogo Costa - Dalot, Ruben Dias, Inacio, Nuno Mendes - Joao Neves, Vitinha - Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao - Cristiano Ronaldo.
Irish Examiner
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Louise Quinn led Women's football in Ireland from the front, both on and off the pitch
Niall Quinn ensured his surname left an indelible mark on Irish football. His namesake Louise can take similar pleasure after bowing out of the women's team as third highest cap holder. News of the defender's retirement had been anticipated. A change of Ireland manager and campaign hastened the exits of Niamh Fahey, Julie-Ann Russell and Diane Caldwell in quick succession. Three months later and the 34-year-old has followed, hampered by a hip injury but enthused from herself and partner Eilish O'Gara becoming parents to baby Darragh last month. That combination of personal factors, allied to uncertainty over her future at Birmingham City and the World Cup qualifiers still 10 months away, transposed the inevitably into reality. Ireland manager Carla Ward had wanted to reunite with her former Brum player but she'll retire from the scene with his latest cap being the momentous 3-1 win over France at Pairc Uí Chaoímh last July. The centre-back from Blessington in Co Wicklow was first called for international duty as a 14-year-old in the U17 squad, her Ireland career blossoming in tandem with the strides made on the club circuit around Europe. Stints in Sweden and Italy were forerunners to inroads towards the English scene but her first foray met a shuddering thud. Read More Republic of Ireland centurion Louise Quinn announces retirement from football Notts County were preparing for the top-flight Spring series in 2017 when the club folded. Quinn was one of the fortunate free agents, snapped up on an initial short-term by Arsenal, for whom she played in the FA Cup final at Wembley and won the 2019 league title. Top-level club exposure leant itself to Quinn nailing down a regular spot for Ireland. Alongside fellow centurion Caldwell, and another in Fahey when they opted for three, the central defensive unit proved a critical element of Ireland's progress in reaching the Euro 2021 playoff and eventually a first major tournament in 2023. Their contribution wasn't limited to goal prevention. Under Colin Bell and especially Vera Pauw, Quinn supplied goals from set-pieces. All bar one of the 16 came from her head and though it was a friendly, her winner against Australia in 2021 can be considered a springboard to their successful campaign that ensued. That World Cup in Oz was her highpoint. 'I can let Daragh know his Mam did well,' she said on Tuesday with a bundle of modesty. 'She used to play football for Ireland and she's been to the World Cup. There's really something special about being Irish and I'm incredibly proud of our little country and so proud to have worn that badge on my chest. 'The Ireland team is the reason why I always wanted to play this game. Some of the best moments of my life have been in the green jersey. I've been part of something so special. "The foundations were laid by legends of the women's team before me and for a short period I was lucky enough to play with a few of them too. Then it was up to us to continue that fight to put the Ireland team on the map on the international stage. "We built, we fought ... and the World Cup proved that dreams do come true.' Quinn has already dabbled in punditry but once the maternal duties settle the expectation is for football involvement to be revived. Ward has spoken of her retired veterans assuming mentoring functions around the squad and none better than someone who led from the front, both on and off the pitch.
Asharq Al-Awsat
27-03-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Villa Defender Tyrone Mings Named on Euro 2028 Board of Directors
Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings was named on Thursday on the board of directors for the European Championship in Britain and Ireland in 2028. The 32-year-old Mings is the only player among the three independent non-executive directors helping to organize the tournament, The Associated Press reported. Mings has played for Villa since 2019 and has made 18 appearances for England, for which he was part of the squad at the 2021 tournament. He has missed large chunks of the past two seasons because of injuries and will be 35 when Euro 2028 takes place, likely meaning he won't be involved in the England squad then. Confirmation of Mings' involvement came in the announcement of the company — officially named 'UK & Ireland 2028 Limited' — tasked with delivering Euro 2028. English Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt will also chair the Euro 2028 board. A tournament anchored in England with modern stadiums generating huge matchday revenues was a safe choice for UEFA eyeing its bottom line after the high-maintenance, low-revenue Euro 2021 that was staged during the pandemic in half-empty venues across 11 countries. UEFA cash reserves after the pandemic dropped to 360 million euros in its most recent financial report, and Euro 2028 is set to lift the number back above UEFA's target of 500 million euros. The men's Euros, held every four years, is the foundation of UEFA's finances and funds development payments to its members. Everton's new waterfront stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock is set to open for the start of next season, replacing the club's long-time home of Goodison Park, and was included in the list of venues hosting Euro 2028 matches announced in April 2023. Bramley-Moore Dock is currently staging test events. Casement Park, a derelict stadium in Belfast, was also on the initial list but has since been dropped, with the British government unable to commit to providing the funding to redevelop it in time. UEFA says it hasn't yet decided where to reallocate the games that would have been in Belfast.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Villa defender Tyrone Mings named on Euro 2028 board of directors
Aston Villa's goalkeeper Robin Olsen punches the ball clear as Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings, left, go for the ball and Brentford's Nathan Collins during the English Premier League soccer match between Brentford and Aston Villa at the Gtech Community stadium in London, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings, center left, and Morgan Rogers during a training session before their Champions League soccer match against Club Brugge on Wednesday, at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, Birmingham, England, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Nick Potts/PA via AP) Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings and teammates practice during a training session at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, Birmingham, England, Monday March 3, 2025, one day ahead of their Champions League soccer match against Club Brugge. (Nick Potts/PA via AP) Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings and teammates practice during a training session at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, Birmingham, England, Monday March 3, 2025, one day ahead of their Champions League soccer match against Club Brugge. (Nick Potts/PA via AP) Aston Villa's goalkeeper Robin Olsen punches the ball clear as Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings, left, go for the ball and Brentford's Nathan Collins during the English Premier League soccer match between Brentford and Aston Villa at the Gtech Community stadium in London, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings, center left, and Morgan Rogers during a training session before their Champions League soccer match against Club Brugge on Wednesday, at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, Birmingham, England, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Nick Potts/PA via AP) Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings and teammates practice during a training session at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, Birmingham, England, Monday March 3, 2025, one day ahead of their Champions League soccer match against Club Brugge. (Nick Potts/PA via AP) Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings was named on Thursday on the board of directors for the European Championship in Britain and Ireland in 2028. The 32-year-old Mings is the only player among the three independent non-executive directors helping to organize the tournament. Mings has played for Villa since 2019 and has made 18 appearances for England, for which he was part of the squad at the 2021 tournament. Advertisement He has missed large chunks of the past two seasons because of injuries and will be 35 when Euro 2028 takes place, likely meaning he won't be involved in the England squad then. Confirmation of Mings' involvement came in the announcement of the company — officially named 'UK & Ireland 2028 Limited' — tasked with delivering Euro 2028. English Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt will also chair the Euro 2028 board. A tournament anchored in England with modern stadiums generating huge matchday revenues was a safe choice for UEFA eyeing its bottom line after the high-maintenance, low-revenue Euro 2021 that was staged during the pandemic in half-empty venues across 11 countries. UEFA cash reserves after the pandemic dropped to 360 million euros in its most recent financial report, and Euro 2028 is set to lift the number back above UEFA's target of 500 million euros. Advertisement The men's Euros, held every four years, is the foundation of UEFA's finances and funds development payments to its members. Everton's new waterfront stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock is set to open for the start of next season, replacing the club's long-time home of Goodison Park, and was included in the list of venues hosting Euro 2028 matches announced in April 2023. Bramley-Moore Dock is currently staging test events. Casement Park, a derelict stadium in Belfast, was also on the initial list but has since been dropped, with the British government unable to commit to providing the funding to redevelop it in time. UEFA says it hasn't yet decided where to reallocate the games that would have been in Belfast. ___ AP Sports Writer Graham Dunbar in Geneva contributed. ___ AP soccer:
