..::Football IV::..

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Payet stunned by match-winning goal in Euro 2016 opener


An emotional Dimitri Payet was taken aback by his exploits in Friday's successful Euro 2016 opener as his stunning late strike lifted France to a dramatic 2-1 win over Romania.

It was like Payet opened up a release valve and eased the stress and pressure amid the hype of an entire nation when he produced a trademark goal from outside the penalty area to give hosts France the perfect start in Group A at the Stade de France.

A tearful Payet was overcome with emotion as he celebrated the 89th-minute winner and after his dazzling display in Paris, the West Ham star said: "There was stress and pressure. If someone told me that it went like that tonight, I wouldn't have believed it."That emotion came out in the goal."Romania were determined to spoil the party in the French capital, with the visitors frustrating France throughout the night.

Following a goalless opening 45 minutes, Bogdan Stancu's penalty cancelled out Olivier Giroud's 57th-minute opener.But just as Romania thought they had earned a point, Payet curled a brilliant left-footed effort into the top corner of the net, sparking joyous celebrations.

"We knew we were a bit timid in the first quarter of an hour. We came up against a side who played very well," he said."When we scored, they levelled, but throughout the preparation we showed we could go out and win the game. Now we're able to rest and work calmly for the next game."

Asked if winning in such a manner was the best start possible, Payet added: "I thought about that. Had we won by two or three might have misled us. That shows there's going to be no easy matches.

"The crowd have high expectations for us and the opposition are waiting for us, and that was the best demonstration of that possible tonight."

 

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Chile 2-1 Bolivia: Vidal scores controversial last-gasp penalty

Chile had a controversial 101st-minute penalty to thank for Friday's 2-1 win over Bolivia as the side's Copa America Centenario campaign was re-ignited in Group D.

Bolivia's Jhasmani Campos cancelled out Arturo Vidal's second-half opener when he scored an incredible free kick midway through the second half at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

But just as Bolivia looked to have taken a share of the spoils, the assistant referee called a controversial handball in the box to award a penalty against Luis Gutierrez in the eighth minute of stoppage time and Vidal made no mistake from the spot as he dispatched the winner for the defending champion in the 101st minute.

Juan Antonio Pizzi made three changes to the Chile side that lost 2-1 to Argentina in their Copa America opener last week as Mauricio Pinilla, Fabian Orellana and Pablo Hernandez came in for Eugenio Mena, Eduardo Vargas and Marcelo Diaz respectively.Bolivia, meanwhile, was searching for its first win in seven games having lost the last six.

The side was unlucky to have Yasmani Duk ruled offside in the opening 10 minutes when he looked to be onside and through one-on-one only to be denied by the linesman's flag as he bore down on goal.

Chile still dominated, however, with over 75 percent of possession and in the 39th minute the Bolivia penalty area looked more like a battle field as defenders made a number of scrambling blocks, the most impressive of which came from Zenteno who blocked a fierce Sanchez shot on the line, to deny Pizzi's side a deserved opener and ensure parity at halftime.

But parity did not last long in the second half as Vidal opened the scoring just a minute after the break, netting his first goal for Chile outside of South America having started a delightful move.

Pinilla was released by Vidal into the box and got his head up in time to cut the ball back into a dangerous area, with the latter sharp enough to pounce, turning it into the back of the net courtesy of a simple finish.

But if anyone thought Chile would run away with the win after taking the lead, they were proven wrong when substitute Campos stood over a 61st-minute free kick having just been introduced by coach Julio Baldivieso.

Campos strode to the ball confidently and dispatched an incredible shot that looked to be going well wide before curling in and finding the back of the net via the cross bar as Claudio Bravo was left helpless.

Sanchez was turned away by a brilliant save from Carlos Lampe in the 72nd minute but the Chileans were not to be denied in contentious circumstances as Vidal stepped up and converted a penalty in the 11th minute of stoppage time after Gutierrez was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area, much to the anger of Bolivia.

 

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Argentina 5-0 Panama: Masterful Messi scores second-half hat trick

Lionel Messi scored a breathtaking second-half hat trick upon his return as Argentina qualified for the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals courtesy of a 5-0 demolition of 10-man Panama in Group D on Friday.

Despite being deemed fit to play by coach Gerardo Martino, Messi was named among the substitutes in Chicago, but the captain came off the bench and took the game by storm to seal Argentina's passage through to the knockout round of the centenary tournament at Soldier Field.

Defender Nicolas Otamendi had given Argentina a seventh-minute lead and after Panama's Anibal Godoy saw red just past the half-hour mark, Messi utilized his team's numerical advantage within eight minutes of his introduction in the 68th minute.

Messi brought the crowd to their feet 10 minutes later with an exquisite free kick and he completed his scoring three minutes from time for his 53rd international goal, moving to within three of the all-time record held by Gabriel Batistuta.Substitute Sergio Aguero scored from close range in the 90th minute as the spirited Panama side was blown away in the second half.

Back-to-back wins saw Argentina improve to six points, meaning the 14-time Copa winner cannot be eliminated as defending champion Chile and Panama sit three points adrift ahead of their final-game fixture.

 

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Copa America Group Stage Fixtures 2016.06.11

Copa America Group Stage Fixtures 2016.06.11

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USA Vs Paraguay

Colombia Vs Costa Rica

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Euro 2016 Group Stage Fixtures 2016.06.11

Euro 2016 Group Stage Fixtures 2016.06.11​

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Albania Vs Switzerland

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Wales Vs Slovakia

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Hat-trick hero Messi happy to be back

Lionel Messi was very happy to make his return from injury with a second-half hat trick, though the Argentina captain was quick to praise his teammates as they advanced to the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals.

After sitting out as an unused substituted in Argentina's opening win over the defending champion last week due to a niggling back problem, Messi made a breathtaking return to the pitch, scoring three goals in 30 minutes to inspire Friday's 5-0 rout of 10-man Panama in Chicago.

The 28-year-old skipper, whose hat trick was highlighted by a stunning 78th-minute free kick now has 53 internationals goals to his name, closing to within three of Argentina's all-time record.

Speaking after the Group D encounter at Soldier Field, man-of-the-match Messi said: "I am grateful for all this support. It was great to be here, especially because of the public. I am very grateful.

"I lost the pain gradually. Then, I managed to make my first goal. It was a team effort, in a tense game, with very tall grass, dry. It was tricky, but we got where we wanted."Argentina has two wins from as many matches as the 14-time Copa America champion looks to end the 23-year wait for a major title, following the penalty shootout loss to Chile in last year's tournament.

Messi, who scored within eight minutes of introduction in the 68th minute, continued: "We are doing a good job, growing little by little. By winning the first two games, it is very good."

 

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Puyol: Spain must reach Euro 2016 final at least


Carles Puyol is hoping Spain can reach at least the final of Euro 2016 as they prepare for their opening game against Czech Republic on 13 June.

Vicente del Bosque’s side will be hoping to retain the title they won in Poland and Ukraine and will be favourites to progress from Group D where they face the Czechs, Croatia and Turkey.

Puyol, who was part of the Spain side that won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup winning team, says he is optimistic ahead of the tournament and highlighted Spain’s strength in depth.

“I hope that Spain reaches at least the final and wins. It depends, as always, on the players’ physical condition because most of them have come off a long season,” he told Goal.

“We have a very good team with good players. The generational change is the law of life, you know? There are several young players with international experience in their clubs.

“Casillas, Pique, Ramos, Busquets, Iniesta, Cesc, Silva, they all have spent many years, they are leaders. And you also have youngsters like Thiago, Saul, Isco.”

Puyol also paid tribute to Gerard Pique who has taken over his role for Barcelona and in the national team, although he feels Thiago Silva is the best defender in the world at the moment.“Pique is the best at Barça and is a very important player. I've been so fortunate to play many years with him,” he explained.

“We understood each other very well and I think we matched. Best one right now? I love Thiago Silva, a complete player who can read the game. He is fast, has good output of the ball and great passing. I like when people say we are similar.”

Pique also took time out to discuss former team Barcelona where he heaped praise on Javier Mascherano, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Camp Nou, and also spoke about Pedro’s move to Chelsea.“He [Mascherano] is a very important in recent years for Barcelona. How many players do you know that can fit to other positions like a central defence?” he said.

“Changes are always difficult. When he [Pedro] was at Barcelona, he just didn’t get much chances. It sounds obvious but what a player wants is to play. [At Chelsea] there is a lot of competition, you have three of the world’s best players for that same spot.

"Pedro is a great player who always gives everything, he has a lot of attitude. Now he made a decision and has to face it. Whenever you change to another league, adapting is not way easy. Next year he’ll be luckier.”The former defender also revealed his delight at watching Leicester win the Premier League and has compared Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes to Atletico Madrid.

“It's amazing, I'm happy for them, they’ve done a terrific job. They started very well, in the end they believed in themselves and managed to win a tournament that is so hard to conquer between those big teams,” he said.

“In Spain we could also have one Leicester of course. Soccer it’s about dynamic and self-trust. It’s almost impossible to compete with Barcelona and Madrid, but look at Atletico.”

 

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Del Bosque defends De Gea over allegations over sexual abuse case

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has defended David de Gea after allegations the goalkeeper was involved in a sexual abuse case.

Spanish newspaper El Diario published alleged court documents on Friday which named De Gea and Athletic forward Iker Muniain in relation to an ongoing case involving pornography businessman Ignacio Allende Fernandez.

De Gea denied having any involvement after the allegations emerged, and insists he will remain part of Spain's Euro 2016 plans after instructing his lawyers to handle the case.

Del Bosque came out to defend the Manchester United shot-stopper after he explained the situation to the public and the rest of the Spain squad.

"I think De Gea has given the explanations he needed to, and he's left it clear that he had nothing to do with it all," the 65-year-old said. "He said it as well to the whole squad. We all had a meeting, and the kid, with sincerity and tranquillity, gave his explanation that he had nothing to do with it."

However, Del Bosque could not guarantee De Gea a starting spot as the two-time defending champions open their tournament with a clash against Czech Republic in Group D on Monday.

"Everything that happens in life, you have to give it a spin and turn it around. We are in a period of reflection, and you have to spin it around," he said."I can't say at the moment if he will start or not."

 

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Albania 0-1 Switzerland: Schar wins it, Cana sent off


Fabian Schar's fifth-minute header proved decisive as Switzerland edged out 10-man Albania 1-0 in their Euro 2016 opener at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday.

Albania goalkeeper Etrit Berisha ventured off his line to try and claim Xherdan Shaqiri's corner but was beaten to the delivery by Schar, who got Switzerland's Group A campaign off to a winning start.

Gianni Di Biasi's team scored just 10 goals in eight games during qualifying and their task was made all the more difficult by the dismissal of captain Lorik Cana, earning his 91st cap.

The defender received a second booking for a handball on the edge of his own box, and the right-hand post stopped Blerim Dzemaili compounding their misery from the ensuing set-piece.Despite being a man light Albania pressed for an equaliser, while Berisha tried to make amends for his costly error by making a string of saves from Seferovic.

There was to be no addition to the scoreline, however, Albania substitute Shkelzen Gashi wasting a glorious opening in the 87th minute with defeat putting pressure on the Eagles to get a result in their next match against hosts France in Marseille.


A positive start from Switzerland paid dividends within five minutes when Shaqiri's in-swinging corner from the right was met by the head of Schar, who steered the ball into the back of the net to leave Berisha flapping at thin air.

Dzemaili combined with Haris Seferovic to send the latter straight through the heart of the Albania defence 10 minutes later, but his shot was straight into the goalkeeper's arms.

Although Taulant Xhaka blazed Albania's first sight of goal over the top it helped his team gain confidence and they forced Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer into action in the 31st minute.Sommer raced off his line and stuck out a leg to stop Armando Sadiku bending home Elseid Hysaj's sublime pass around the back of the defence.

However, Albania suffered a huge blow before half-time when Cana was shown a second yellow card.The captain slipped while racing back towards his own box with Seferovic and handled the ball in his attempts to stop the striker going clean through.

It could have been even worse for Albania had Dzemaili's thunderous effort from the subsequent free-kick on the edge of the area not cannoned back off the post.Switzerland could smell blood, but Dzemaili fired wide and Seferovic was denied by Berisha as Albania held on until half-time.

Vladimir Petkovic's team were given a scare when Sadiku came close to latching onto a loose touch from Johan Djourou inside the box, and they responded through Seferovic, who was again kept out by Berisha.

Taulant Xhaka was part of European Championship history as he lined-up against his brother Granit, and he made no effort to hide his anger at being substituted in the 62nd minute.

Switzerland introduced Breel Embolo and he made a rapid impact when he released Seferovic, who was once again kept out by the resurgent Berisha.Albania continued to fight and Sadiku drilled into the side netting after latching onto another incisive pass from Hysaj as the clock wound down.

Gashi had the chance to salvage a point with three minutes remaining when he sprung the offside trap, but Sommer charged out to deflect his effort over and assure Switzerland of three points.

 

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No distractions for Spain or De Gea - Pedro

Spain forward Pedro insists he and his team-mates have not been distracted by David de Gea's alleged implication into a sexual abuse case.

El Diario published alleged court documents on Friday, which named De Gea and Athletic Bilbao forward Iker Muniain in relation to an ongoing case involving pornography businessman Ignacio Allende Fernandez.

However, De Gea has denied having any involvement and insists that he will remain part of Spain's Euro 2016 plans after instructing his lawyers to handle the case, while Muniain also denied any involvement.And Chelsea forward Pedro says neither De Gea nor the team have been destabilised.

"I don't think it will affect the team. We already know what has happened yesterday. We trained like normal - David was very impressive yesterday too," he said at a news conference ahead of Spain's opening game versus the Czech Republic on Monday.

"We all are together and focused just on the game. The vibe in the dressing room is great, we are very motivated and we want to start in the best way possible which is winning because we know is a vital game for us."He [De Gea] is very well. He was calm in the meeting when we talked to him.Moreover, he has already spoken here and explained what happened.

"He knows we are with him and we are trying to support him but as I said he is very calm and I don't think it will affect us, despite it not coming at the best time because we are just about to start the Euros. "He is a great professional and he keeps a cool head, that's the most important thing for the group."

Pedro also says that Spain are intensely motivated to win a third consecutive European Championship having endured a poor World Cup defence in Brazil two years ago, when they were knocked out in the group stages."I was here four years ago [when Spain won Euro 2012] and now the players have a different mentality," Pedro added.

"There is a desire to do something great, to have a great tournament."Maybe it is because we didn't have a good World Cup and we want to turn that situation around."

 

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Henry stunned by Vardy's hesitance over Arsenal move

Thierry Henry admits he is struggling to understand why Jamie Vardy has not already agreed a move to Arsenal.

Goal can confirm the Gunners have activated the 29-year-old’s £20 million release clause but the striker has remained silent over his future ahead of England’s Euro 2016 campaign.

And Henry, who remains Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer, insists the Leicester City forward should have jumped at the chance to join Arsene Wenger’s side.

"He's 29, right? You have Arsenal coming for you, and you're telling them you're going to think about it?" Henry told BBC 5 Live.

"Listen. All I can say is if I was playing for Leicester and I had Arsenal coming, I would have gone."

 

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Wales 2-1 Slovakia: Robson-Kanu wins it as Coleman's men end 58-year wait


Wales' first major international tournament match in 58 years ended in victory as Hal Robson-Kanu struck late to seal a 2-1 Euro 2016 win against Slovakia.

Gareth Bale stepped up to beat Matus Kozacik with a brilliant whipped free-kick from 30 yards to put his side into an early lead in Bordeaux.Bale had scored or assisted nine of the 11 Wales goals in qualifying and the Real Madrid forward seemed to have made the difference for his team once more.

But substitute Ondrej Duda had other ideas, shooting low past Danny Ward after superb work by Robert Mak early in the second half.Another substitute then struck the decisive blow with 10 minutes to go as Robson-Kanu bundled in an untidy finish after Aaron Ramsey created the opening.

Slovakia's unbeaten run ends at eight games as a result of their defeat, with Russia up next for Jan Kozak's side, while Wales will be buoyed ahead of their clash against England in Lens on Thursday.

All the pre-match build-up had focused on Bale against Hamsik, and it was the Slovakia star who was first to threaten with a brilliant solo run inside three minutes.

Hamsik robbed Bale and drove away from three Wales defenders before beating Ward with a low shot, but Davies got back superbly to clear.That block proved vital as Bale opened the scoring in fine style after just nine minutes.

Bale's first international goal was a free-kick against Slovakia in October 2006 and when Jonny Williams was fouled 30 yards out, the stage was set for a repeat performance.

And the world's most expensive player delivered with a viciously swerving strike that completely deceived a bewildered Kozacik, who took a decisive step the wrong way as Bale hit the ball.

Wales could have had a penalty after 32 minutes when Martin Skrtel barged Jonny Williams over, but even though the incident was right in front of the extra official behind the goal, no foul was given.

After Mak had wasted a 54th minute chance, Bale almost doubled Wales' advantage only for Kozacik to save his powerful header.

Slovakia were back on terms on the hour-mark, though, Mak's driving run into the heart of the Wales half worked an opening for Duda, - who had only come on as a substitute 52 seconds earlier - the midfielder finishing well into Ward's bottom-left corner.

Ward, who was thrust into the Wales side at short notice after number one goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey succumbed to a back spasm, then saved from Juraj Kucka as Slovakia pressed.

Ramsey then looped a 72nd minute header over from Robson-Kanu's cross, but he made amends with 10 minutes to play.His driving run opened a chasm in the Slovakia defence and Robson-Kanu, a free agent after being released by Reading, beat Kozacik with a low finish.

Adam Nemec went close to a late equaliser after getting across Ashley Williams, but his header came back off the post with Ward beaten, leaving Wales to celebrate.

 

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Fellaini reveals text message from Mourinho after Manchester United arrival

Marouane Fellaini has revealed that he has already been in touch with new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.

The midfielder has been one of several players linked with a summer move away from Old Trafford following the Portuguese's arrival as Louis van Gaal's replacement in May.

But Fellaini has since divulged that he and Mourinho have got off to a good start after receiving a text from the ex-Chelsea boss wishing him luck ahead of Belgium’s Euro 2016 campaign.

“Mourinho contacted me by SMS to say welcome to United and to wish me a good Euro,” said the 28-year-old.

Fellaini, who joined United from Everton in 2013, insists he has no plans to leave United and hopes to impress at the Euros to prove to Mourinho he can trust him next season.

“As far as my future is concerned, I'm under contract with Manchester United,” he said.

“In addition, a great manager, Jose Mourinho, is arriving.

“He likes to win titles and I would be honoured and proud to work with him. Now it's up to me to show he can trust me.”

 

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Kanu believe it? Wales & Bale make history after 58 years of pain


It was 58 years in the making, but Wales’ 2-1 win over Slovakia on Saturday finally ended their long, painful period in the shadows of international football. And while Gareth Bale did his bit, it was substitute Hal Robson-Kanu whose name the jubilant supporters were singing by full-time.

Despite Robson-Kanu having started eight of Wales’ 10 qualification games, Chris Coleman made the strange decision to leave him on the bench and go with Bale as the sole striker from the first whistle. And while it was the Real Madrid star who grabbed the first goal, he was far from a success in the No.9 role. It is something Coleman will gladly learn from and move on after picking up a win in the country's first appearance at a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup.

Bale’s free-kick in the 10th minute was not an epic strike. Well struck though his set-piece was, Matus Kozacik in the Slovakia goal made the grave error of taking a step towards his wall side and could only watch as the ball hit the back of the net in the half of the goal he should have been patrolling.



It was only the second or third time he had got on the ball, with Coleman’s decision to play him as the figurehead up front proving to be an exercise in isolating his greatest outlet up against three Slovak defenders.

For all the will in the world, Jonny Williams and Aaron Ramsey could supply nothing like the distraction Bale needed from either side of him to free up some space, although things might have looked a little better for the trio had Martin Skrtel been sent off for an assault on Williams shortly before half-time.

The Liverpool defender threw out an elbow at Williams as the two raced to the Slovakia bye-line inside the penalty area. Despite the close attentions of the goal-line official, neither he nor the referee decided that Wales had been wronged, instead pointing for a goal kick. It was every bit as key in Slovakia’s fight back as Bale’s misallocation as a striker.

As Jan Kozak’s side continued to dominate possession they were always likely to cause Danny Ward more trouble in the second half, and by the time Ondrej Duda struck low to the rookie keeper’s left Wales were beginning to run right out of ideas.

But as soon as Coleman threw on Robson-Kanu, they looked a different side. Suddenly they seemed to have options everywhere, with Bale’s threat from deep asking new questions of the Slovakian back line. The interchangeability of Robson-Kanu, Bale and Ramsey left them ragged.

However fortunate Robson-Kanu’s strike might have been, it was a true reflection on the ability within the two striking departments. Slovakia were let down by their lack of quality in the final third, Wales by their inability to make more of their vast stocks of it.

If Coleman can harness that, then they have every chance of progressing beyond Group B and perhaps even recording a knockout win. The belief, desire and togetherness on display amongst the red shirts was magnificent, but they need their star players on top form if they are to achieve to their full capability in France.

Right now, though, there is an opening win to be rightly celebrated. And after 58 years in the wilderness, it is one that Wales fans in Bordeaux and beyond will never, ever forget.

 

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England 1-1 Russia: Wasteful Three Lions miss chance to win


Russia captain Vasili Berezutski scored an injury-time equaliser to deny England a deserved win in their Euro 2016 opener in Marseille.

Roy Hodgson's side were dominant from start to finish at the Stade Velodrome, but were left to rue a combination of wasteful finishing and Russian resilience as Leonid Slutsky's side somehow escaped with a 1-1 draw.

Eric Dier finally gave England the lead their performance merited with an unstoppable free-kick from just outside the area in the 73rd minute, but Russia kept themselves in the game and stole a point when Berezutski's looping header at the back post beat Joe Hart two minutes into stoppage time.

The equaliser also ignited unsavoury scenes behind Hart's goal, as fan clashes seen on the streets of Marseille in the days leading up to the game erupted inside the Velodrome.

Much of the pre-game talk was centred around Hodgson's team selection, and the England boss plumped for a front three of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana, with captain Wayne Rooney deployed in a deeper role.

Hodgson was rewarded with a hugely impressive first-half display, particularly from his skipper, with Russia clinging on in the face of wave after wave of England pressure.Understandably, England's intensity dropped after the break, but it looked as if Dier's intervention was going to be enough to earn all three points.

However, Russia had a response, leaving Wales sitting top of Group B heading into Thursday's Home Nations clash in Lens after their win over Slovakia earlier in the day.

England began on the front foot and Lallana's stinging half-volley, which came about after an enterprising run forward from Kyle Walker, forced Igor Akinfeev into a smart save seven minutes in.

Rooney was being afforded the freedom of the Velodrome from his deeper position, and the England skipper started a move that ended with Dele Alli glancing Sterling's inswinging cross from the left wide, with Kane just unable to make contact behind him.Russia were struggling to get out of their own half, and another two England chances went begging in the opening 20 minutes.

First, Alli failed to anticipate Danny Rose's dangerous low delivery from the left that would have left him with a tap-in, before Lallana dragged a shot wide after more good work from Walker.

Kane then finally had the ball in the net only to be correctly denied by the offside flag, before Rooney - advancing forward for the first time - fizzed an effort from 20 yards straight at Akinfeev.Half-time came at the wrong time for a relentless England side, and they struggled to move back through the gears after the interval.

Russia looked increasingly comfortable as England's intensity dropped, and Fyodor Smolov had Joe Hart scrambling when he attempted to curl an effort into the bottom corner just after the hour.

Slutsky had his goalkeeper to thank for keeping his team level in the 70th minute. Danny Rose's low cross was only half-cleared to the onrushing Rooney, who tried to place a low effort into the corner only to be denied by a stunning one-handed stop from Akinfeev.But there was nothing Akinfeev could do moments later, when Dier finally broke the deadlock in some style.

It appeared as if Kane would strike the free-kick from just outside the box, but he ran over the ball to allow his Tottenham team-mate to thump an unstoppable, side-footed drive into the top corner.

Dier's goal was no more than England deserved, but they were made to pay for their lack of ruthlessness when skipper Berezutski rose highest to nod back across goal and in.

 

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England nam pattama unlucky​

 

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Dier praises England performance despite late Russia equaliser


Eric Dier believes England's performance was good enough to beat Russia after Vasili Berezutski's late header snatched a 1-1 draw in Marseille.

England looked on track for victory in their opening Euro 2016 game after Dier's sublime free-kick put Roy Hodgson's side in front, but Berezutski sent a looping header beyong Joe Hart in injury time.

Despite the disappointment of dropping two points in the closing minutes, a disappointed Dier praised his team's display prior to the late sucker punch."I thought the level of performance was extremely high," Dier told ITV, agreeing it was the best showing he has been involved in at inernational level.

"I thought we did everything right. We controlled the game, we played it out from the back, we pressed when we needed to."We won the ball back, we countered, I think it had it all from us apart from controlling it at the end.

"Of course [it feels like a defeat]. We're very disappointed because I think we played very well all game and to give away the draw at the end, it's very disappointing."

Dier denied that a lack of experience was the reason for Russia's late equaliser as Berezutski towered over Danny Rose in the penalty area, insisting that he and his team-mates will pick themselves up and go again.

"It's not inexperience, it's not got anything to do with experience. We just didn't see it out in the right way and it's disappointing but we didn't lose," the Tottenham man said."We've got to pick ourselves up and go again. I think we can take a lot of positives from the game but it's just disappointing we couldn't see it out.

"I just like to talk game by game and we've got another big game - every game is a big game - and we're looking forward now to the next game. We've got to put this behind us - it's gone."

England's next outing is a clash against Wales, who beat Slovakia in their Group B opener, on Thursday.

 

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Russian ultras attack England fans following Euro 2016 draw


Russian Ultras resumed fighting against England fans at the final whistle of their Euro 2016 Group B opener at the Stade Velodrome.

Two nights of trouble in the Old Port area of Marseille preceded the Three Lions' opening clash and continued into the match action, with several supporters having to climb over containment barriers in order to escape the violence.

As soon as the full-time whistle blew in Marseille, ultras from the Russian end made their way towards England supporters and began throwing punches and kicks, with a strip of blue tarpaulin the only thing separating both sets of supporters.A failed attempt to invade the pitch earlier in the first half of the 1-1 draw was also reportedly from a member of the same Russian ultras group.
A lack of police presence after the whistle raises questions due to France being on high alert following the Paris terror attacks, but also due to crowd trouble in the Velodrome stands throughout the 2015-16 Ligue 1 season.

It was a miserable end to another dark day for England.After an afternoon of fans rioting with their Russian counterparts and French police across Marseille for a third day in succession, they failed to break their duck of winning the first game at a European Championship.

Eric Dier's wonderful 73rd-minute free-kick looked to have won it for England, only for Russia skipper Vasili Berezutski to deny the Three Lions with a towering, injury-time equaliser.

But it was entirely in keeping with the day as a whole that the football would be marred by more violence on the terraces.And it should be made clear: it was not England fans to blame, with goalkeeper Joe Hart urging supporters to 'be safe, stay here' after the final whistle.

Having already set off fireworks from their end, Russian fans charged across the flimsy divider to lay into innocent English supporters attempting to cope with the disappointment of the late leveller.Stewards were powerless while there seemed to be no police presence whatsoever.

Eventually, calm was restored but it is seems unthinkable that UEFA will not take further action against both Russia and England after the ugly events of the last few days.

 

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Russians!​

 

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Jamie Vardy’s wife ‘tear-gassed and caged’ amid violence between England and Russia fans

Jamie Vardy’s wife was among the England fans caught up in the violence during Saturday’s Euro 2016 opener against Russia.Prior to the game, several England fans required medical attention after violent clashes in the Vieux Port (Old Port) area of Marseille.

The match finished 1-1 at the Stade Velodrome as Eric Dier’s free-kick was cancelled out by Vasili Berezutski’s injury-time equaliser.But the result was marred after Russia fans appeared to attack England supporters inside the stadium following the full-time whistle.

And Rebekah Vardy, who married the Leicester City striker shortly before the tournament, claims she was sprayed with tear gas by police inside the stadium.
“That has to be up there with the worst experience EVER at an away game! Teargassed for no reason, caged and treated like animals! Shocking!” she posted on Twitter.

“I witnessed this with my own eyes! I can’t comment on things I didn’t see but what I got caught up in was horrific and uncalled for!
“And this happened before the game even kicked off!”