..::Football IV::..

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Rooney: I'd be happy to retire at Man Utd

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney says he is willing to sign a contract extension which would see him retire at Old Trafford.

Rooney has three years remaining on his current deal and recently admitted that he doesn't envisage himself playing for another club.And the 30-year-old has now extended those thoughts by admitting he is prepared to end his playing days at United by putting pen to paper on a new deal.

"I have a contract at the club that I want to see out and wouldn't be against extending it - but that's up to the club,” Rooney told United We Stand fanzine, in quotes reported by The Sun.Rooney has also revealed that he is ready to become a permanent fixture in midfield under Jose Mourinho next season.

England's record goalscorer, who is also second to only Bobby Charlton in United's stakes, has flirted with the role in the last two seasons at United, while he has shone in the position for the Three Lions at Euro 2016.And Rooney says he enjoys operating deeper as the position enables him to better showcase the all-round ability that he possesses.

"What I can say is I will continue to develop my game and adapt and improve throughout," Rooney added."Over time and with experience, you see the game and experience the game differently, which leads to different decisions.

"I think my record shows I have always enjoyed assisting goals as much as scoring them and I also enjoy the involvement from deeper positions."

 

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Arda Turan hits back at Turkey critics


Arda Turan has hit back at Turkey fans who booed him during their defeat to Spain and insists he has nothing to prove.

The Barcelona midfielder was loudly jeered in the second half of Turkey’s 3-0 loss which has left them bottom of Group D without a point.Fans also chanted ‘Arda out’ towards the Turkey captain, but the 29-year-old has defended his performances for his country.



"I have nothing to prove," he said."I have worn this shirt more than 90 times and the times I've played badly can be counted on the fingers of one hand."

 

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Vardy & Sturridge pushing to start against Slovakia - Hodgson


Roy Hodgson insists he is not concerned about the form and fitness of Harry Kane, but has acknowledged that Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge are both pushing to start for England against Slovakia on Monday.

Vardy and Sturridge both came off the bench to score in the Three Lions' 2-1 win over Wales at Euro 2016, following a second consecutive below-par display from the Tottenham star.

Hodgson does not feel that the striker's apparent struggles are an issue ahead of England's final Group B match, but admits that he may make changes to reflect the form of certain players."I don't think it's absolutely necessary," he told a news conference on Sunday, when asked about potential changes.
"The players are in good shape and it won't be a problem to keep the same side.But there are other players knocking hard on the door, anxious to get their chance and show what they can do. It's a question of what we'd like to do, rather than what we have to do."

Pressed on whether he has specific concerns about the condition of Kane, who has failed to replicate his impressive club form at the tournament, Hodgson replied:"No I don't. I have spoken to Harry. He's been very good in training the last couple of days.

"I don't think he's suffering more than any other player. No problem with him in that respect."As for Jamie and Daniel - I'm sure they'd like another chance too. It's a decision that has to be made."

The England manager has also responded to comments by Football Association chief executive Greg Dyke, who suggested to the BBC that Hodgson may have to guide the team to the quarter-finals or even the last four to earn a contract extension."It's been raised many times before," he continued.

"It doesn't make any difference to me to be honest. My contract runs out after this tournament. It's a fact everyone knows. Nothing changes in that respect. "There's only one thing on our mind ... to see how far we can go. We concentrate on what we can do. That's what we'll keep on doing.

"The FA will need to make a decision with regards to what they want to do."All we can do is prepare football teams. Success could depend on many things. We could play badly, look like a poor team and sneak through. Or you could play well and fall foul of something like we did against Russia," he added, referring to the late goal England conceded to draw their opener 1-1 in Marseille after dominating at Stade Velodrome.

"Does that mean we're doing very badly? As coaches all we can do is work hopefully. And then the people that make the decisions will decide if the people they've got leading the team are the right person."

 

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Barcelona chief confirms Funes Mori interest

Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez has confirmed the Camp Nou outfit are tracking the progress of Everton defenfer Ramiro Funes Mori.

Scouts from the Liga champions were in attendance as Funes Mori played for Argentina against Venezuela in the Copa America quarter-finals, leading to reports an offer could be made this summer.

Fernandez has quashed talk of a deal in the current transfer window for the 25-year-old, but hinted he would continue to keep an eye on his form in the future.

"He’s a good player and we’ve known him well for a long time, but we’re not going to sign him this summer," he told Sport.

Funes Mori enjoyed an encouraging first season at Goodison Park, making 28 Premier League appearances and scoring four goals.

 

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Rakitic hopes Spain will rest 'magical' Iniesta


Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic has voiced his admiration for Andres Iniesta and hopes Spain will rest his Barcelona team-mate for their final Group D game on Tuesday.

Spain have already clinched qualification for the round of 16 following wins over Czech Republic and Turkey and are expected to make a number of changes to their starting XI for the upcoming clash with Croatia.Iniesta is one of the candidates to be rested by Vicente del Bosque with an eye on the knockout stages and Rakitic would not mind if the 32-year-old were to miss out.



The attacking midfielder has been one of the stars of the tournament, scooping up man of the match awards against both Czech Republic and Turkey, and Rakitic has nothing but praise for the Spain ace.

"I don't think Andres is surprising anyone with his superb performances," said Rakitic."He has reached such a high level that we are only surprised if he is not at that high level.

"To speak about Andres is to talk about the magic of football, the enjoyment.
"I think he is enjoying himself enough now, but I hope he has a rest against us."
Croatia, who threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with the Czechs last time out, sit second in their group with four points from two games.

 

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Wenger: Arsenal will only sign two more players

Arsene Wenger claims he will only buy two more players this summer as he is wary of upsetting the ‘balance’ of Arsenal’s squad.

The Gunners have already secured a deal for Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka, and had activated Jamie Vardy’s £20 million release clause before Wenger admitted that the striker is set to stay at Leicester City.

And when asked about any further transfer business this summer, Wenger conceded he will not overhaul his squad as Arsenal look to end their 12-year wait for the Premier League title.

“We’ve already bought one player – Granit Xhaka – from Monchengladbach, because we’ve lost three players. We’ve lost [Mikel] Arteta, we’ve lost [Tomas] Rosicky and [Mathieu] Flamini,” he told Tencent Sports.

“So we’ve bought one midfielder and we’re still in the market to buy one or two more players.

“But it is not easy. It is not just buying. We also have to keep a good balance. If you buy too many players you destabilise your team. So three is the maximum.”

 

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Ibrahimovic yet to decide on next club, says agent


Zlatan Ibrahimovic is yet to make up his mind on where he will play his football next season, according to his agent Mino Raiola.The Sweden striker is at Euro 2016 and has been heavily linked with a free transfer to Manchester United, with his Paris Saint-Germain contract set to expire after four successful years in France.

Ibrahimovic, 34, scored 50 goals for PSG in 2015-16 and is expected to link up with new Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho having played under him at Inter.

Raiola described United as a top club but stressed that while he knows where he would like his client to play, Ibrahimovic himself is only focused on Sweden.

"Manchester United are a glamorous team and they have a great coach," Raiola said to Telefoot. "They are fascinating."I have made my decision about the next destination, but he has not made his – he is really busy with the Euros.

"Out of respect for the Euros, the team, the country and the coach he has to be professional and concentrate on that."

 

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Come to Manchester United Ibra!​

 

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Mkhitaryan's agent 'confident' of agreeing Manchester United deal

Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s agent Mino Raiola insists he is confident that the Borussia Dortmund midfielder will join Manchester United this summer.

The Armenia international’s contract with Dortmund expires this summer, and while the midfielder will not sign another deal, the Bundesliga club have remained adamant that they will not sell this summer.

But Raiola, who has already declared that United is Mkhitaryan’s preferred destination, insists talks are still ongoing.

“It would be a sin to stop talking,” Raiola told the BBC.

“I am a positive guy. If I wasn't confident of reaching some kind of conclusion, I wouldn't try.

“I am very proud Manchester United want him and the talks are being held in a good atmosphere, but at the moment Dortmund are still saying no.”

 

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Switzerland 0-0 France: Tie sends both teams into last 16

France sealed top spot in Group A despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Switzerland in Lille.

The Euro 2016 hosts got the point they needed to ensure they would finish top of the section, while the result also sees Switzerland confirm their place in the last 16 as runners-up.With qualification already secured, France made five changes to their starting line-up in Didier Deschamps' 50th game in charge.

Les Bleus were the dominant team, with the returning Paul Pogba striking the crossbar twice in the first half and substitute Dimitri Payet doing the same after the break as Switzerland failed to muster a single shot on target.France will now play a third-place finisher from Groups C, D or E in the next round and Switzerland will face the runners-up of Group C.

The visitors came close to taking an early lead when Fabian Schar's header struck Pogba and deflected towards goal until it was inadvertently blocked by his central-defensive partner Johan Djourou on the line.France swiftly moved into the ascendancy from then on, with the crossbar coming to Yann Sommer's rescue after he had unconvincingly dealt with a Pogba strike.


Sommer redeemed himself with an excellent diving save to keep out another effort from the inspired Pogba, prior to the Juventus midfielder almost scoring what would have been the goal of the tournament.Pogba collected a pass from Antoine Griezmann and surged forward before unleashing a stunning, swerving left-footed effort from 25 yards which had Sommer completely beaten as it struck the bar.

A bizarre incident early in the second half saw the ball burst when Valon Behrami challenged Griezmann, with Sommer doing well to keep out the Atletico Madrid forward a few moments later.Deschamps introduced Payet for Kingsley Coman midway through the second half and the West Ham star almost scored a magnificent late winner.

Moussa Sissoko made superb ground down the right, beating defenders at ease before picking out the onrushing Payet, whose exquisite volley bounced off the bar.
Payet made a huge impact and was just off-target with a long-range effort as well as seeing a late free-kick accidentally blocked by team-mate Sissoko as France had to settle for a share of the spoils.

 

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Romania 0-1 Albania: Sadiku goal gives underdogs chance of progress


Albania pulled off one of the biggest upsets of Euro 2016 thus far as they defeated Romania 1-0 in Group A on Sunday.Gianni De Biasi's side had lost their opening games against Switzerland and hosts France but produced a superb performance to claim their first win at a major tournament.

Having scored just seven goals in qualifying for the competition, Albania showed why they have struggled in front of goal by spurning some gilt-edged opportunities in the first half.

Ermir Lenjani hit over from close range in the 23rd minute but Albania were not made to pay for that miss, Armando Sadiku netting what proved to be a decisive first tournament goal for De Biasi's men.

Romania improved in the second half and only the crossbar prevented Florin Andone from levelling matters 14 minutes from time.However, Romania could not restore parity and exit the tournament with just one point from three games, while Albania must now wait on results in other groups to see if the victory is enough to take them through to the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Ovidiu Hoban was the first to test Albania goalkeeper Etrit Berisha before being on the receiving end of a rash high tackle from Migjen Basha for which the midfielder was fortunate to only receive a yellow card.

Bogdan Stancu then threatened to score for the third straight game with a volley that stung the palms of Berisha.

For all Romania's superiority in the early stages, Albania would have gone ahead if not for the profligacy of Lenjani, who blazed Andi Lila's ball to the far post over with the goal at his mercy following a well-worked move.

Ledian Memushaj was the next to pass up an excellent opportunity for Albania, neglecting the other options in the box and firing straight at Romania goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu at the near post.

But Albania finally took the lead their first-half showing deserved when Sadiku capitalised on Tatarusanu's decision to come off his line by converting from Memushaj's right-wing delivery with an excellent looping header back across goal.

Romania brought on Lucian Sanmartean for Andrei Prepelita ahead of the second-half restart but their cause was dealt a blow when striker Denis Alibec was taken off on a stretcher and replaced by Gabriel Torje.Memushaj forced Tatarusanu into action with a shot that he could only parry as Albania continued to create the better openings.

Anghel Iordanescu's Romania finished the stronger and were unfortunate to see Andone rattle the woodwork, but that proved to be their only real chance of the half, Albania holding on for a famous triumph and sparking scenes of jubilation among their supporters.

 

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Deschamps hails Pogba as 'heart and soul' of France


Didier Deschamps described Paul Pogba as "the heart and soul" of a strong first-half display in France's final Euro 2016 Group A game with Switzerland.

Having been dropped from the starting XI against Albania and been forced to apologise for a gesture aimed at the press box at the end of the game, Pogba produced a much-improved performance having been reinstated to the line-up for Sunday's clash in Lille.

The Juventus star twice hit the crossbar and forced man-of-the-match Yann Sommer into a superb save in the first 45 minutes, and the 23-year-old showed incredible strength to hold off the challenge of four Switzerland players before setting up Antoine Griezmann for a good opening after the break.Deschamps was highly impressed with Pogba's performance and hopes to see him hit top form in the knockout stage.

"Paul was the life-force of the first half, the heart and soul," he said. "He didn't get forward as much in the second half but he has huge potential and I have a lot of confidence in him."We had three games in nine days, which is why I put in some fresh legs. But we need Paul Pogba at a top level.

"This [result] suited us to get top spot but we had four chances, had we been more clinical we'd have scored. They were better on the ball at times but didn't threaten much. Clearly there are things to improve upon but I've seen almost every match and apart form two or three all sides have had tricky games.

"You can always criticise people, the players are aware we can improve in a number of areas. When the goalkeeper is man of the match it shows we had chances."We kept a clean sheet, which is good, but this was a crucial match to finish top so I decided not to change the back six because they play like clockwork.

"There are expectations and those are significant. This is not a friendly match, it felt a lot more important than a third group game as soon as we left the hotel. We need to be able to let go more in matches, even though we didn't have to push too much tonight."

Deschamps handed starts to Moussa Sissoko and Yohan Cabaye in midfield and he was impressed with the performances of the England-based duo alongside Pogba."I started him tonight – I didn't say 'here's a gift, go and play'," he said of Sissoko. "I know what he's capable of, he always does it for us.

"He contributed a lot, he was excellent at the World Cup, too. Yohan Cabaye also played a good game, which is good. I've got some other players who haven't played who are no doubt disappointed. But once I stressed that the match is crucial, I rotated a little bit but tried to make sure the team was at the same level."

 

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Real Madrid in talks over Paul Pogba, confirms agent

Real Madrid have begun negotiations over a move for Paul Pogba, according to the midfielder’s agent Mino Raiola.

The 23-year-old has attracted interest from Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City following his impressive rise at Juventus.

But Raiola claims that Pogba admires Zinedine Zidane and feels that could play a key role in a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

“We are in the first stage of the negotiations,” Raiola told Marca.

“Paul admires Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane and that will obviously be important towards his decision.

“€120 million, €140 million? Paul is worth whatever a club is willing to pay for him.”

 

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Euro 2016 Group Stage Fixtures 2016.06.20

Euro 2016 Group Stage Fixtures 2016.06.20

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Russia Vs Wales

(SL Time 12.30AM(21st June)

Slovakia Vs England

(SL Time 12.30AM(21st June)​

 

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Spain not moved by favourites tag - Silva


David Silva says it is "normal" for Spain to be named favourites to win Euro 2016, but has urged his side to remain level-headed in the hunt for a third consecutive European crown.

Spain headed into the tournament as double defending champions but a less-than-impressive performance at the 2014 World Cup meant Vicente del Bosque's side were not the clear favourites. But after solid showings in their opening two group games - 1-0 and 3-0 wins over the Czech Republic and Turkey respectively - Spain have staked their claim at Euro 2016.

Silva believes the side can cope with being favourites, but insists they must stay focused if they are to secure Euro glory once again.

"At this stage it is normal that they make you favourites. We have won the last two European Championships and also for the games in the past few days," the Manchester City attacker said. "But we need to keep our feet on the ground. We are calm and we need to continue that way.

"We have had a very good start. We have won two games and now we have a very difficult game against Croatia."We need to win or draw to stay top of the group. We need to maintain our level and if it remains so high, we can win the tournament."

 

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Wanyama flies in to complete £13.5m Tottenham move

Victor Wanyama is set to finalise a £13.5 million move from Southampton to Tottenham, Goal understands.

The midfielder, who has one year left on his contract at St Mary's, travelled from Nairobi to London on Sunday to undergo a medical and finalise a deal to become Mauricio Pochettino's first signing of the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old will return to Kenya following an official unveiling, which is expected early this week.

The move will see Wanyama reunite with his former manager at Southampton, with Pochettino bringing the Kenya captain to English football from Celtic in a deal worth in the region of £12.5m in 2013.

Wanyama will compete with first-choice centre-midfield pairing Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele, both currently with England and Belgium at Euro 2016, as Tottenham embark on their first Champions League campaign in six years and look to build on their third-place finish in the Premier League.

"It's always a tough moment leaving a club where you are so much used to their tradition and fans but it's always the dream of any footballer to play at the very top level like the Champions League," Wanyama reportedly told Soka25east on Saturday.

"I will definitely miss the awesome Southampton fans who always showed me love and I know they will fully understand my decision."

Wanyama's arrival prompts further questions over the futures of midfielders Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason, who both struggled for minutes in midfield under Pochettino last season.

The pair, who broke into the first team after time spent with the youth setup, have been linked with summer moves away from White Hart Lane.

 

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Marquinhos remains Barcelona's No.1 target as deal for Umtiti nears completion

Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos remains Barcelona's top summer transfer target as a deal for Lyon's Samuel Umtiti nears completion, Goal understands.

Brazil international Marquinhos has been on the Catalan club's radar for a while now, with Goal reporting back in April that the Liga champions had agreed a deal with the player only to have come unstuck in negotiations with PSG.

But Luis Enrique's side remain keen on the former Roma centre-back, with Marquinhos now set to discuss his future with the Ligue 1 winners after Brazil suffered elimination from Copa America at the group stage.

Marquinhos still has three years remaining on his current deal with PSG although he revealed on June 7 that he was set for talks with the club to determine his future.

His role in the team is likely to be the deal breaker, with the 22-year-old wanting more first-team chances in the centre of defence having had to play second fiddle to Thiago Silva and David Luiz during the 2015-16 campaign.

Barca would need to pay in excess of €40 million to get their man, should PSG, who are set to name a new manager with Goal exclusively revealing that Unai Emery is ready to replace Laurent Blanc, alter their stance and subsequently allow Marquinhos to leave the club.

If the centre-back decides to remain in Paris, though, Goal understands Barca will turn their attentions back to Las Palmas star Mauricio Lemos, with the mid-table Liga club expected to demand a fee of around €10m.

A deal for Umtiti, meanwhile, is close to completion and Luis Enrique's side are set to close negotiations with Lyon in the coming days after the French club confirmed there had been an approach for the player at the beginning of June.

The France international himself declared his admiration for Barca in a press conference on June 16 and is now all set to make the move to Camp Nou. He said: "The rumours? I'm fine with them. I'm happy to be here [at Euro 2016] and I just want to enjoy this moment.

"I have my agents who are there to manage everything about my future. I don't think too much about this. FC Barcelona are a very big club and many players would like to play there. But I don't want to think about this right now."

 

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Ibrahimovic 'wants revenge' on Guardiola

Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to take revenge on Pep Guardiola, according to the Sweden striker's agent Mino Raiola.

The 34-year-old is widely expected to join Manchester United on a free transfer, with his Paris Saint-Germain contract set to expire after four prolific years with the French champions.

Ibrahimovic - who scored 50 goals for PSG in 2015-16 - and Guardiola are on poor terms after their relationship broke down during the striker's one-year spell under the head coach at Barcleona in 2009-10.Guardiola is taking over at Manchester City for the new season and, with Ibrahimovic set for United, two of football's biggest names are primed to rekindle their rivalry in the Premier League.

Raiola told Marca: "I think he wants revenge on Guardiola, although he does not live for it because you shouldn't have two graves - one for him and one for the enemy."It seems destiny wants to see that meeting take place. One option is to go to the Premier League but for as long as Sweden continue in the Euros there will be no solution.

"You learn more from defeats than you do from victories and Zlatan learned a lot from what happened with Guardiola."As a person, I don't like him either. Zlatan admits he is a great coach and I can think it, but I refuse to admit it."

 

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Blanc set to leave Paris Saint-Germain

Laurent Blanc's departure from Paris Saint-Germain will be completed in the next few days, his agent has confirmed.

Goal understands the French champions are hoping to announce the appointment of Sevilla boss Unai Emery as Blanc's successor on Thursday.

Blanc has guided PSG to the domestic treble in the last two seasons but has paid the price for failing to deliver the Champions League, with the club bowing out at the quarter-final stage in each of his three terms in charge.

PSG won Ligue 1 at a canter in 2015-16, along with the Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue, but were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Manchester City in the Champions League last eight.

“Before the end of the week, PSG and Laurent Blanc will be parted,” Blanc's representative, Jean Pierre Bernes, told French radio station Europe 1.

Blanc joined PSG in 2013 and has won three successive Ligue 1 titles, along with two Coupe de France trophies, three Coupe de la Ligues and three Trophee des Champions crowns.

The former Bordeaux boss became the first coach to lead a club to a major domestic treble in French football history in 2014/15 and went on to repeat the feat this season.

Blanc also won the 2015 Ligue 1 Manager of the Year award in France but is now set to depart the club, with Emery in pole position to be confirmed as his replacement.

Emery has seen his stock rise significantly in recent years after guiding Sevilla to three Europa League titles on the spin since his appointment at the club in 2013.

 

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Del Bosque: No punishment for Pedro


Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has stressed that he will not punish Pedro for his recent outburst as they prepare to take on Croatia on Tuesday.Pedro stated earlier on Monday that he was considering his options following his lack of game-time at Euro 2016, insisting he is not happy with his substitute role.

However, the Chelsea winger subsequently offered his apologies following conversations with Del Bosque and the rest of the Spain squad and will not face any disciplinary measures."Pedro's comments caught me by surprise," Del Bosque said.

"But it's not bad that he talks and explains how he feels. I spoke to him and he apologised. He explained that he did not want to create any problems.

"I will not punish him. I already know pretty much who I will play against Croatia. Pedro's comments do not change anything."This team is like a family. There is a good atmosphere and this will not change that. I don't think this will do any damage.

"We have to bear in mind that there are always 12 players who are not in the starting XI. It is inevitable that some of them will be disappointed. Pedro spoke up and he has now apologised."

Pedro featured for just eight minutes in the 1-0 win over Czech Republic, while he remained on the bench against Turkey.