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Home , Crimean Premier League, Denis Cheryshev, Domenico Berardi, Janne Andersson, Markku Kanerva, Sam Vokes

SATURDAY • 12th JUNE 2021

Italy’s forward (top) and teammates celebrate an own by Turkey defender during today’s EURO 2020 Group A match at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. – AFPPIX

Statement of intent Italy record biggest opening win of European Championships after own goal, Immobile and Insigne down sloppy Turks

‘Devils are WAG OF THE DAY Wales hope Euro 2020 fixtures, great even Jessica Melena to emulate results and whiout boys of 2016 standings De Bruyne page 3 page 4 page 7 page 8 2 SATURDAY 12th JUNE 2021

LET THE GAMES BEGIN … A fireworks display is triggered over the Olympic stadium today in Rome as part of the Euro 2020 opening ceremony, prior to the Turkey vs Italy match. – AFPPIX Impressive Azzurri Hosts sends out statement across Europe in tournament’s first game

“We played a good match, even in the first and Immobile nodded a cross wide as the hosts TALY kicked off the European half without being able to score. A great team. stretched the Turkish defence. Championship with a convincing 3-0 There was a lot of help from the crowd.” Insigne curled a shot straight at Cakir from victory over Turkey in Group A at Rome’s Goalscorer Insigne added: “Our strength is the edge of the box and Immobile fired into the Stadio Olimpico this morning with Ciro the group; the coach has created a great group keeper’s arms as Italy headed in at the break IImmobile and Lorenzo Insigne on target. in which there are no starters and bench players with 14 attempts to none from Turkey. ’s side had been frustrated and each one of us is always ready to sacrifice Italy’s patience was rewarded when Berardi by Turkey’s defensive approach in the first half for our teammates. Winning is the most fired a cross into the six-yard box where but broke through in the 53rd minute when a important thing – if I score, even better. It was a Demiral chested the ball into the net – the first hard-hit cross from Domenico Berardi flew in great night.” time in European Championship history that off defender Merih Demiral for an own goal. After a build-up featuring a spine-tingling the tournament’s opening goal was an own The Azzurri, now unbeaten in 28 matches, performance from opera singer Andrea Bocelli, goal. doubled their lead in the 66th when Leonardo a spectacular fireworks display and a typically Spinazzola had a shot beaten away and Spinazzola’s drive was parried by goalkeeper raucous rendition of Italy’s national anthem, the ’s low effort was palmed wide Ugurcan Cakir but Immobile reacted well to slot 16,000-strong crowd was in fine voice by kickoff. before Immobile doubled Italy’s lead by home the loose ball. Italy were determined to make a strong start pouncing on Cakir’s parry from another Insigne made it 3-0 in the 79th minute with a five years on from their last major tournament Spinazzola effort to knock in the rebound. confident, curling finish after some sloppy appearance, having failed to qualify for the 2018 The Azzurri’s dominance was rewarded defending from the disappointing Turks, who World Cup, and they started strongly. again when Immobile threaded a pass to lost their fifth consecutive opening match of a Mancini told Rai. The visitors were happy to sit deep and invite Insigne, who placed a precise finish into the European Championship campaign. “It was a great evening, I hope there will be pressure and rarely ventured into the Italian half bottom corner with 11 minutes remaining. Italy’s third goal made history as it marked many more, but there are still six to go before throughout the opening period, but Mancini’s Mancini told his players in the pre-match the first time they had scored three goals in a Wembley”. side were left frustrated in their efforts to break press conference that they should enjoy match at the Euros in their 39th attempt. Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup through the wall of red shirts. themselves and seek to entertain, and that was “It was important to start well here in Rome but are now on a 28-match unbeaten run under had a header tipped over exactly what they did for a jubilant home crowd. and it is a joy for us and for all the Italians,” Mancini. with a spectacular one-handed save by Cakir – Reuters/Agencies SATURDAY 3 12th JUNE 2021

shorts Courtois not worried about Covid-19 case in Russia camp Time running out THERE are no concerns in the Belgium camp about a Covid-19 Pressure on Red Devils to make their golden generation count outbreak in the Russia team who they face in St Petersburg █ MELISSA REDDY problem, but it’s a major one given the structure tomorrow at the start of their he offers in midfield. European Championship Bar that worry, it’s pretty much standard campaign, goalkeeper Thibaut HE measurement that most outlines procedure for Martinez’s charges except the Courtois has said. the scale of Belgium’s collective pressure has been escalated. Andrei Mostovoy strengths is the shrugging of shoulders Following a third-placed finish at the 2018 tested positive for the novel around . World Cup, the Euros and next year’s global coronavirus and was replaced in TSure, it would be quite the welcome thing if tournament represent the last opportunity for the squad by defender Roman he rediscovered his unplayable self, sparked the this golden generation to lift major silverware. Yevgenyev on Friday in a blow to team, and scorched the tournament’s defenders. De Bruyne and Lukaku are in their prime, the Russians. But, if he doesn’t, see and among the undisputed best in their positions They follow the Netherlands, Romelu Lukaku. across the game. Mertens and Vertonghen are Spain and Sweden on the list of They are the headliners, but when a past their peak and the Qatar showpiece might countries who have been hit by supporting act features the likes of Thibaut be too much in the distance for the pair. Covid-19 cases before the Courtois, Dries Mertens, Axel Witsel with Youri Hazard’s most efficient spells look to be in the tournament kicked off earlier Tielemans not even guaranteed a starting spot, rear-view mirror in light of his injury issues, and today. it’s simple to see why opponents view Roberto at 30, the explosiveness is not going to endure. But Belgium’s Courtois shrugged Martinez’s men as such a threat. This doesn’t only feel like a nearing to a off any potential unease at a news They coasted through qualifying, winning all conclusion for a generation, but the manager conference yesterday ahead of 10 of their games while scoring 40 and being too. the Group B clash. breached a paltry three times in a group that He has a year left on his contract and has “It is not something that frightens contained Russia and Scotland. fielded several club approaches this summer – us. It is something that has Shed of the experience of retired trio Vincent three from the but did not want happened a lot over the last Kompany, Marouane Fellaini and Mousa to commit ahead of the tournament. season in many leagues,” he said. Dembele, Belgium are still a well-balanced unit He has never hidden that the buzz of working “We are kind of used to that. It is that can bank on a clarity of vision and tactical with a group every day still appeals to him and unfortunate for them but I think we execution. having steered Belgium to the world’s No. 1 are protected and I don’t think we They have traditionally lined up in a 3-4-3 ranked team for close to three years, a new have a problem with that.” and the starting line-up is easy to sketch when challenge seems the natural evolution. Belgium face Russia some 18 everyone is available. De Bruyne underwent a The Euros has built into a critical point for the months after handing their hosts a successful operation to the left eye socket he next chapter of the nation’s story: do they crown comprehensive 4-1 beating in the fractured in a tussle with Antonio Rudiger during a proud era with silverware, or will a ridiculous Euro 2020 qualifiers. the Champions League final and may only sit out pool of talent be left looking back with ‘what ifs?’. “When you play against a team tomorrow’s (3am Malaysian time) opening There is an overwhelming confidence that you’ve already played match. stemming from the team, born out of their surety previously, you know them a little “I would say at the moment I’m not counting in roles and approach. better,” added Courtois. on Kevin to be in the first game, but if that It has been interesting to see Martinez “You know their weak points a changes it will be because he adapts well to his reference how much of his team feel at home at little better and that’s always a own programme,” Martinez said. Wembley, which hosts the semifinals and the good thing, although I suppose it “But we’re not going to push any sort of climax of the competition. could also count against you the timeline into Kevin’s recovery. (He) is here, is The thinking is very big and very far, as it other way round. But we know mentally really enthusiastic and excited, and we should be. There may not be other time for all each other well and we are again need to take every 24 hours in real focus.” the ingredients to combine so well for Belgium’s well prepared for tomorrow.” Witsel then is currently the sole injury golden generation to turn their consistency into concern as he attempts to shake off an Achilles champions currency. – The Independent ‘Devils are great even without De Bruyne’ BELGIUM will be without key they are still the overall favourites to top Belgium have too much for their Group B opener in the European the group. Championship but Russia manager “I perfectly remember that the (pix) said Roberto Belgians are very strong, disciplined and fire power for Russia Martinez still has a formidable squad to organised. I perfectly understand what is Leicester City. pick from. expected of me in the game. We have omping through the European “Yuri is very important,” Martinez Kevin De Bruyne did not travel for the experience and we have analysed all RChampionship qualifiers, added. “He plays very smart, he Belgium’s first match, against Russia in St our matches,” Dzyuba said. Belgium looked every bit the top- knows how to change tempo, Petersburg, as he continues to recover “There are some nerves but of the ranked team in world football and attack, defend. It’s a talent that we from a fractured eye socket and nose pleasant kind because this is an strong contenders for their first are happy to have in our team.” while Axel Witsel is recovering from an important tournament. major tournament title. Up front, Romelu Lukaku comes Achilles tendon injury. Like any player I But some 18 months on, while they into the tournament on the back of “They have 18 players from that World would like to still top the FIFA rankings, a leading role in ’s Serie Cup squad, as far as I know. We have score but the expectations for the finals have A success and confirmed his form played them three times, all three team comes been cooled by a series of injuries by extending his scoring record for matches were interesting and first. – to key members of the team. Belgium to 60 goals with the winner spectacular for the fans,” Cherchesov Reuters/ When they play Russia in their in Sunday’s friendly against Croatia. told reporters on Friday. Agencies opening Group B game in St One of those 60 came in “We are studying them and our task Petersburg tomorrow (3am), November 2019 when Belgium for tomorrow’s game is to be at the Belgium will be without Kevin De were last in St Petersburg, thumping peak of our abilities. We suffered two Bruyne and Axel Witsel and have their Russian hosts 4-1 to ensure a defeats but we must not forget that captain Eden Hazard only on the 100% finish to their qualifying Belgium is a great team. bench. campaign. “We understand where we’re at. We The absence of such quality, Russia qualified a distant second, are not among the tournament essentially the heartbeat of the six points behind in the group, and favourites, but that doesn’t mean team, would be fatal to most. tomorrow’s home advantage anything.” But Belgium’s considerable seems irrelevant given how Russia were dealt a late blow when resources means it is an comprehensively Belgium picked midfielder Andrei Mostovoy tested opportunity for Youri them apart previously. positive for Covid-19, with defender Tielemans to step up into a “Yes, their team is strong, but we Roman Yevgenyev taking his place in leading role, just one will make every effort to play well the squad yesterday. month after his FA Cup against them,” conceded Anton All eyes will be on Russia’s towering final heroics. Shunin, who has the difficult task of striker and captain Artyom Dzyuba, who “An intelligent filling the void in the Russian team has scored 29 goals for his country, two who allows left by talismanic goalkeeper Igor goals shy of becoming their all-time us to expand our Akinfeev. top scorer. attack but who is also Russia will need their 6ft 6in Dzyuba said that De Bruyne’s very clever striker Artyom Dzyuba to prove absence would defensively. He lives disruptive, with the assistance of be a big loss for up to all our Denis Cheryshev and Alexander Belgium but that expectations,” said Golovin, if they are to stand any Belgium coach chance. Roberto But their best chance of success Martinez of the could be a five-man defence set 24-year-old out to frustrate their guests. – from Reuters/Agencies 4 SATURDAY 12th JUNE 2021 Magnificient 7 Young Euro stars that could shine at 7the European Championship thereabouts for as long as Holland scoring in a shock 2-1 World Cup qualifying win HE forthcoming European Ryan Gravenberch can go into the tournament and away to Germany earlier this year. Championship is a stage on which (NED) will no doubt benefit from the The 21-year-old midfielder has amassed 80 some of the best players in the world Another fine product of experience. appearances for Napoli and was named can showcase their skills. the fabled Ajax academy, Macedonian footballer of the year in 2019 – with TBut, while the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Harry 19-year-old midfielder Eljif Elmas (MKD) a strong tournament his stock will only continue Kane and are household Ryan Gravenberch will be Tournament to rise. names – invariably a young, less familiar talent hoping to make his mark debutants North becomes the breakout star. at the Euros. Macedonia will Phil Foden (ENG) Here’s seven precocious players whose names With two Dutch titles be looking to Phil Foden’s rise to the heady heights could be on everyone’s lips by the end of the and a 2018 U-17s World provide some of the game has been anticipated for summer. Cup winners’ medal to memorable some time and the Manchester City his name already, the upsets in their forward enjoyed a fine season for club Joao Felix (POR) defence-minded first appearance at and country. Joao Felix may not be the most shocking teenager made his a major finals. Still only 20 years of age, he collected a name to make this list but the tournament could senior Holland debut Elmas will third Premier League winners medal last provide a coming-of-age moment for the 21- in March. undoubtedly play a month, scoring 16 goals across all year-old. While he may not big role for the competitions for ’s side. He can now add his LaLiga title with Atletico be in the team for the newcomers, much He also broke into the senior England Madrid to his Portuguese winner’s first game as he did when squad for the first time, scoring twice in a 4- medal and the Nations League crown of 2019 but against 0 Nations League win over Iceland in a squad as talented as Portugal’s, he can Ukraine, he in November and he could sometimes get lost in the shuffle. will be prove to be Gareth He has three goals from his 16 caps to date there or Southgate’s joker in the and will have to add to that when given the pack if the Three Lions opportunity if he is to begin to emerge from the are to progress deep shadow cast by the likes of Ronaldo, Bernardo into the tournament. Silva and Bruno Fernandes. Pedri (ESP) Unlike the majority (SWE) of young talent that Juventus may have breaks into the endured a frustrating first season but there is no team, Pedri is not doubt that Dejan a product of the Kulusevski emerged as a club’s famed La positive force during the Masia academy. campaign. The 18-year- The 21-year-old winger old joined from scored and assisted in the 2- Las Palmas and 1 final win over played in 37 his former side Atalanta LaLiga games in his first season at the before his place in Nou Camp. Sweden’s squad was The midfielder became the second confirmed. youngest player in Barca history to reach He has 11 caps to 50 appearances and made the cut for his name and, with ’s 24-man squad with the Zlatan Ibrahimovic hope of getting a chance to impress for sidelined, Kulusevski his country. is likely to be among those players who Dominik Szoboszlai (HUN) the Swedish A highly rated 20-year-old supporters will midfielder, Dominik Szoboszlai has gravitate towards – not had the best preparation for the especially if he has a finals having been unable to play since strong showing over the turn of the year following a groin the summer. inury. In fact, he has not featured for RB Leipzig since signing from Salzburg in the January transfer window – so it is testament to how well he is regarded by Hungary boss Marco Rossi that he has been included in the squad. If Szoboszlai is able to prove his fitness and get some game time during the competition, he will want to show the Leipzig fans what they have been missing – and what they can expect from him in the future. The Independent

Jessica Melena is the wife of , the Italian forward who is also the striker for club Lazio. Her dream was to be a criminologist but she gave it all up after she fell in love with Ciro. wag of the day the of wag She now takes care of their three children. SATURDAY 5 12th JUNE 2021

away version, and knocked this up in five Finland we’d prefer lots of little squares to these uro 2020 is finally in sight, a festival of seconds flat. Home: When the printer runs out of ink. big chunky ones, or some innovation like Efootball which we hope brings plenty Away: We’re fairly sure Rory McIlroy wore the wavy number Davor Suker and co to enjoy after a largely forgettable year or Switzerland this at The Open but, golf aesthetic aside, wore at France 1998. so. Home: It’s a bit… red. Nothing to get it’s a lovely shirt. The buttons, the shoulder Away: Black kits need to be menacing As ever, a major tournament brings excited about here. The Swiss FA logo trim, the simple dark blue finish. We like. and this one is. Smart design with a simple with it a bin-bag full of fresh international also seems an unnecessary addition. trim. Well done to all involved. kits, and we’ve decided to cast our eye Away: We see your cheeky reference to England over the good, the bad and the ugly. the Alps and we like your “vivid graphics” Home: The centralised crest and swoosh is Netherlands You almost certainly won’t agree with (Puma’s words). We still don’t see the nice, the collar is exquisite and the detail Home: At some point in time the Dutch our order, in which case please add your need for the Swiss FA’s logo on down the sides adds a certain pivoted away from white trim to black trim own assessments in the comments below, your shirts, but this is fun and we something something. A and only when this is rectified will we be but we hope you enjoy perusing these want one. minimalist masterpiece. truly happy. Saying that, Dutch kits are sartorial delights. Away: Firstly, England’s always nice because orange. Ranked from worst to best, here are Denmark Away: Another black kit and another good the football shirts of Euro 2020: second kit should be Home: Looks like a one, enhanced by the flashes of orange red. Secondly, this is North Macedonia generic kit you buy the most intense and the fact it commits to only two colours. from prosoccerUK Fans eagerly waited to see what attire the blue we’ve ever The collar is sharp too. We like this. small Balkan nation would wear for its to play five-a-side, come across. It’s maiden major tournament. The Euro kit but the iconic eye-burningly Spain Hummel Home: It’s hard to get too excited about reveal was met with fierce backlash. The blue. We like this colour looked like it would be from some but it’s this but it’s simple and effective. Looks a bit like the curtains you get in villas at Centre Walmart Portugal jerseys. The Lynx outline a lot gets worse with each jersey colour. For Parks, which needn’t be a bad thing. starters, the red kits were far too Away: Clinical, with one of the best sleeve trims around, just enough to remind you dark. The president of the Football Federation of Macedonia (FFM) who you’re up against.

Muamed Sejdini issued an apology Scotland to fans and quickly announced the Home: Good solid shirt, although team would revert to the original the watercolour splurges across jerseys. Enough said about this the middle are a bit weird. fiasco. Away: This is great if only to evoke

Czech Republic the feeling that Argentina are Home: Much better than the away Euro playing in the Euros. We also edition, and that is all we have to say appreciate a circular crest when we on the matter. see one. Why this image was cropped Away: “We’ll be bibs.” 2020 kits with Scott McTominay’s neck left in (yes, we’ve checked, it’s him) we’re Poland not sure, and frankly now we’ve Home: This is almost brilliant but then, ranked from noticed it we can’t stop looking. at the last minute, the designer Let’s move on. dragged the national crest from the left breast to the centre, and they worst to best Austria ruined it. Home: Very nice indeed. Lovely Away: We mentioned how the crest was clean collar and sharp sleeve trim, moved to the middle and looks weird, but and the pattern is weirdly somehow it looks much better on the chevrons save mesmerising. For some reason all we away kit than the home. Tidy, if a little it from full to take can see is Tomas Rosicky playing for unexciting. disaster. in. The collar with Arsenal during Arsene Wenger’s “thanks Away: Fine. Nice. two buttons is lovely, for the memories” years, but we don’t hold Belgium Nice and fine. the lion print is fine, the that against it. Home: We think some people will like this red tints work nicely. The Away: Lord yes. The golden Puma. The kit and we think they’re wrong. The heavy Portugal whole shirt reminds us of Dominic black which runs right up to the shoulders streaks across the body make it look like Home: The deep red is beautiful Calvert-Lewin, which is absolutely a and neck line. The pattern which can only an advert for Continental tyres. but it’s the flash of green trim on each positive. But boy it’s blue. be described as ‘turquoise chandelier’. Away: Another one of Adidas’s boxy sleeve and down the sides which really Beautiful, exquisite, almost perfect, except… editions but this one seems to work a little elevates this shirt into elite territory. A Italy they forgot to do the back. better, perhaps because the collar golden Nike swoosh is a lavish touch Home: Woof. The closest thing Italy have seamlessly blends into the shirt itself. Nice which we also enjoy. Very, very satisfying. made to the 1994 World Cup kit since, erm, Germany sleeves, perfectly acceptable abstract Away: Fun, colourful, eye-catching. A 1994. This shirt evokes memories of Home: Germany have often had great background, and a crest with a crown useful reminder to brush your teeth. ’s ponytail and Franco shirts and while this doesn’t live up to their over it is just objectively cool. We don’t Baresi’s half-bald head, golden days. golden period in the 90s (see home 1996, make the rules. France Aesthetically clean and sharp lines, a home 1992, away 1990), it’s a big Home: The horizontal stripes work, the classic colour palette and a heavy dose of improvement on recent tournaments. The Turkey red flash is lovely and the two stars nostalgia. What more can we ask? horizontal stripes are simple but effective, Home: Simple, perhaps too simple? A bit above the cockerel remind you who Away: Hard to muster anything to say the sleeve trim adds colour and the shirt Pro Evolution Soccer. you’re dealing with. They’re probably about this shirt either way. It’s fetching collar is tidy. The four black stars on a Away: Absolutely adequate. Cheers, going to lift the trophy and they’re going enough, but the fact that pretty much any white background standout and say Turkey, have a good one. to look good doing it. side in the tournament could wear it as an ‘you’re going to need to beat us in 90 Away: We can’t decide if this is a lovely, away kit is a minus point. A dash more minutes because penalties will be futile’. Ukraine crisp, clean kit or so empty of detail as to Tricolore required. Away: This is an absolutely ferocious kit. It Home: The good people at Joma have be a bit boring, the sort of kit you design sends a shiver down the spine. If you tried had a decent crack at this, and the end for your Euro 2020 fantasy football team Hungary to fight this kit you would lose and it would result is broadly palatable but highly called something like ‘Giroud Let The Home: Mmm, nice. Could have added a be a painful and humiliating defeat. The contentious. Revealed barely a week Dogs Out’. It would look good on Giroud, some skinny white and green trim to the crest and logo lurk in the shadows like before the opening match, the jersey has come to think of it, but then even Czech sleeves, if we’re being fussy, which we are. assassins, and the sleeves’ hint of colour is Russia up in arms because it features a away would look good on that man. The Away: We enjoy the separation of red on just right. My word. map of the country that includes . sturdy jawline, the coiffed hair, those the shoulders and neck, and green on the UEFA responded by instructing the dreamy eyes… what were we talking sleeves and sides. Why is it hanging Wales Ukraine FA to remove a slogan on the about? suggestively from a metal railing? That’s Home: Simplicity + sleeves is such a trusty shirt but has okayed the map. What they not for us to say. combination and Wales nail it here. That will finally wear on Monday against the Sweden shade of red is pitch perfect. The crest, the Netherlands is a mystery but full marks for Home: It’s a bit… boxy. The sleeves, the Russia collar, the shoulders: everything is neat going on the offensive even before collar, everything is just a bit chunky and Home: Fine kit. and smart. And then those sleeves. kickoff. obvious and, crucially, it fails to stir Away: This is one of the best white kits at Phwoar. Mmhmm. Yep. Even though they Away: Thanks for coming, Joma. memories of Tomas Brolin and Henrik the tournament, with just enough colour to do scream Aldi. Larsson at USA ‘94. Do better, Sweden make it interesting. The blue and red lines Away: The yellow is just a great colour, but Slovakia (they do). cutting across the chest and arms are a the way that deep green frames the crest, Home: Psychedelic. Slovakia normally Away: Wow. The pinstripes are beautiful thing of beauty, and the red neck and sits on the shoulders and ties in with the wear white as their home colour so this is and terrifying all at once against a shoulder trim ties in neatly with the Adidas Adidas logo is gorgeous. The only thing bold and controversial, but we’re moody, intense dark blue. The V-neck logo. that might enhance this kit is flash of green broadly fine with it. works well and the ratio of yellow flashes on the sleeves or the side of the body, but Away: We assume Slovakia put so many to shirt is perfection. A king among loyal Croatia we’re nitpicking. Tremendous. man-hours into designing the home shirt subjects. A deity among mortals. A royal Home: It is hard to make a Croatia home that they forgot entirely about doing an robe among mere football kits. kit look bad, in truth. This is lovely, though The Independent/Agencies 6 SATURDAY 12th JUNE 2021 Red white ‘roligan’ might Danish FA opens stadium gates to let in more fans for matches

our favour. “We have a lot of confidence, but to go and whether or not goal-poacher Teemo Pukki, who ENMARK hope having thousands “They are the ones who help us when we win, that’s what we have to do if we want to go scored 10 goals as the Finns came second in of passionate fans back in the really need it, the ones who cheer when we put far. I think there’s a lot of bumps we need to get their group to qualify, will be fully recovered stands in tomorrow in a tackle and score a goal,” Hjulmand told over first,” he added. from an ankle injury. morning (12.01am) will help them reporters. Coach , who has taken Coach says his side is toD victory over a Finnish side making a first Defender Mathias “Zanka” Joergensen, who over the reins after Age Hareide orchestrated relishing the challenge. appearance at a major tournament finals. grew up a stone’s throw from the stadium, the successful Euro qualifying campaign, “Denmark are a really tough team and they On Thursday, Denmark’s government echoed the sentiments of his boss. bristled with confidence as he said the get to play on home soil, but we have proved we approved having up to 25,000 fans at Saturday’s “There’s something special in Parken that tournament was the biggest thing ever to can challenge even bigger countries than Group B clash, but the football association said can really give the home team a boost, and I’m happen on Danish soil. Denmark,” he told UEFA.com. it would not be able to change capacity ahead sure we’ll experience that during our home “We are in a good place, we have a good “If we look at their last few matches, they’ve of the Finland game, when around 16,000 are games,” he said. balance in the squad. We are well-prepared, we had some magnificent results and have scored a expected to attend. Despite the lack of a big-name striker, the are full of energy, we are excited, we are lot of goals. Regardless of numbers, coach Kasper free-scoring Danes have netted 17 goals so far confident and respectful of our opponent. We “Their defence has worked and they have Hjulmand expects the fans – known in Danish in 2021 and conceded only once, and are are where we need to be,” he told reporters. some great individual players. For example, as “roligans” in a play on the word hooligan but relishing their status as the tournaments dark Defender Kjaer shared his coach’s confidence, Andreas Christensen who’s fresh from winning meaning calm and fun to help his side horses. but sounded a note of caution with tough games the Champions League. There are others too. It maximise the advantage of playing their three “It’s probably because we’ve got good against Belgium and Russia to follow. is really impressive. group games at home. results, played football that’s worth watching “We have a huge amount of belief in “It is a dynamic team – they have the speed “That boost and the margins that all these and won some matches that we take with us,” ourselves, but we take one game at a time and and they have the individual performances. matches will be about, I believe the Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen told a media one day at a time,” he said. They have really high quality, also on the fans in Parken (stadium) can tip the balance in conference. Finland’s chances will be dependent on bench.” – AFP/ Reuters/Agencies

Tight-knit Fins aim to please Players to miss Schmeichel up through the center- That number could increase to inland goalkeeper Lukas back pairing of Andreas Christensen 25,000 for the next two games games due Hradecky didn’t sugar coat things and Simon Kjaer to Tottenham against Russia and Belgium after the whenF summing up the difference midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and government on Thursday announced to Covid-19 between his team and Denmark at the Inter Milan playmaker Christian Eriksen. it would ease pandemic restrictions. European Championship. Finland, though, showed great It will be the first time Denmark plays THE European Championship kicked off this “They have better players than us in cohesiveness in qualifying for its first a major tournament game at home. morning with many participating nations still every position,” Hradecky said bluntly major tournament under coach “It’s something completely unique struggling with new Covis-19 infections and ahead of Finland’s major tournament Markku Kanerva. and something I’ll probably never some players not inoculated. Listed below debut at Euro 2020. That’s in part because the core of experience again,” Schmeichel said. “I are players affected by the pandemic: Then the Bayer Leverkusen Kanerva’s team has been together am really looking forward to it. goalkeeper touched on the one thing since he led them to the U-19 European “But on the other NETHERLANDS that could speak in his team’s favour Championship in 2009. hand, we must » tested positive on May 28. going into tomorrow (12.01am With that kind of tight-knit bond, also keep a The Netherlands left first choice goalkeeper Malaysian time) Group B game in Finland could spring a few surprises cool head and out of their squad after he tested positive, Copenhagen. at Euro 2020. And Denmark, of not get swept with coach not prepared to “But we have shown before that the course, knows all about springing up in the risk how long he needs to recover. sum of all the parts in our puzzle is an upset at this tournament – having emotions and greater than what people think,” he won the 1992 European the football said. Championship in one of the sport’s fever that is RUSSIA Few would argue with either of biggest shocks. happening in » Andrei Mostovoy tested positive Hradecky’s assessments. Denmark has the added Denmark. We yesterday. While the closest thing Finland has to advantage of playing all three have to go in Russia replaced midfielder Mostovoy with a star is Norwich striker , group games at its Parken Stadium and do our defender Roman Yevgenyev in their lineup Denmark has an impressive spine that in Copenhagen, where about 16,000 job.” – after the former’s latest coronavirus test runs from goalkeeper Kasper fans will be on hand against Finland. Agencies came back with “unfavourable results”.

SCOTLAND Captain Sparv shines Lukas » John Fleck tested positive on June 2. Hradecky Midfielder Fleck returned a positive test at spotlight on Teemu the team’s base camp in Spain ahead of a an international friendly against FINNISH football fans have waited “I think he’s always good Netherlands. As a precaution, six other a lifetime to see their side reach for a goal – even if we’ve players did not travel for the friendly. the finals of a major tournament been playing poorly he’ll and will be hoping striker Teemu pop up and score a Pukki can continue his club and crucial goal.” SPAIN country goalscoring form when “He’s a symbol for » tested positive on June 6. the party gets underway. Finnish football – he has » Diego Llorente tested positive on June 9. As Denmark will discover absolutely zero ego, he’s Captain Busquets tested positive eight days when they face the Finns in their so humble, one of the before their first match at Euro 2020 and is opener on June 13 (12.01am guys that works the set to miss Spain’s opening fixture against Malaysian time) in Copenhagen, hardest for the team, Sweden on Tuesday (3am Malaysian the unassuming 31-year-old the way he presses, the time). Defender Llorente tested hitman looks like your average way he closes down positive five days before Spain’s journeyman footballer – until the defenders, the way he Euro 2020 opener. However, he ball gets into the opposition makes it difficult for the was set to return to the squad’s penalty area. opponents.” training camp after testing Once there, Pukki bursts into As is usual for Nordic negative in another two life, scoring all manner of goals teams based on a strong rounds of tests. There were for Norwich City and Finland that collective, Sparv does not indications he had have led to the most unlikely make a habit of singling out returned a false positive. successes. individuals but he makes an Norwich have been promoted exception for Pukki. SWEDEN to the Premier League twice “The intensity he has in » Dejan Kulusevski and Mattias thanks to his goals, while for the everything he does, it’s an national team his 10 in Euro inspiration for everyone else. Svanbergtested positive on June 8. qualification finally got Finland into He’s our talisman, the way he Sweden midfielders Kulusevski and the finals for the first time. has been playing for the last Svanberg will miss the opening game No other player in qualifying four or five years is against Spain. After the first of the two Group J, which featured more exceptional,” he says. players returned a positive test, Sweden heralded sides like Italy, Bosnia If Pukki can maintain his head coach said no and Greece, managed more scoring form, he could easily reserve would be called up as he hoped than four. help Finland emulate the Kulusevski would be able to rejoin the “His performances these last Iceland team that caused a squad after the Group E opener. few years have been sensation by getting to the sensational,” Finland captain Tim quarterfinals of Euro 2016. – Reuters Sparv told Reuters. Reuters SATURDAY 7 12th JUNE 2021

Ambitious, hungry Dragons Wales hope to ROBERT PAGE has embraced Wales having the third youngest squad at Euro 2020 by insisting his inexperienced players have the ambition and hunger to succeed. emulate boys of 202016 Wales have an average age of 25 years, six months and 26 days – almost two years younger than the squad which reached the semifinals of Euro 2016 in Important to get good start, says Vokes France. Gareth Only England and Group A rivals Turkey █ RICHARD EDWARDS Repeating that magic in Wales will need him to be Bale have younger groups than Wales, with tournament spread across Europe similarly influential in the ’s squad the second might be a tough task, but Vokes is coming weeks. youngest at Euro 2020 with an average N England there are the boys of confident that navigating a group “He was just ridiculous age of 25 years, three months and nine ’66. Across the border in Wales, containing Switzerland, Italy and in the Euros,” says Vokes. days. they also now have a team Turkey is well within their compass. “He’s a superstar but when “I have a great group and a very good which has assumed a similarly “It’s important to get a good start,” you’re playing alongside him, mix,” interim boss Page said ahead of Imythical significance. All Robert he says. “We started well in 2016, then he’s just another Wales’ tournament opener against Page’s side have to do in the coming getting the winner against Slovakia teammate really, just one of the Switzerland in Baku today (9am). weeks is match them. in the last 10 minutes and that really lads. “The older ones have got great Sam Vokes was a member of set the whole thing off. “A lot of us are very lucky to have character, temperament and Chris Coleman’s side at Euro 2016, “I think we’re going to need come through the younger age personality. and sealed Wales’ famous win over something similar against groups together so we’ve been “But we’ve got young, heavily fancied Belgium in the Switzerland to get us up and playing together a long time. ambitious and hungry players quarterfinal in Lille, popping up with running. Can Wales get out of the “He never changed is probably coming into the squad that four minutes to go to make it 3-1 and group? Definitely… then who knows? the best way to put it. He loves want their jerseys. Nobody spark the party to end all parties in a Once you get into the last 16 then its going away with Wales and I can rest on what they’ve done country that, quite simply, had never effectively a playoff every match. think you see that passion and before. seen anything like it. “It would be nice to have the that pride every time he puts on “There’s a good blend and The inhabitants of a small town in points on the board going into that that shirt. on top of that they’re good northern Brittany were pretty last group match against Italy. “It’s great to have someone characters. pleased too. Hopefully we will have qualified and like that in your armoury “I liken it to a club “It’s funny, we stayed in a small that match becomes almost like a because he can produce that environment and that is hard town in the north of Brittany called free hit. little bit of magic that you to achieve when you’ve only Dinard,” Vokes says. “There has been a big transition need to win games and he got them for sporadic “It’s only a small place but they in terms of players since Euro 2016. has done it so many moments throughout the really embraced the Welsh culture, We’ve seen a lot of good young times.” year.” you would see Wales flags flying players come through under Ryan Another appearance Sixteen players have 20 outside people’s houses.” Giggs and now under Pagey (Robert in the last four is a caps or less, five have under Every tournament has its Page). tall order but, 10 appearances and underdogs, and five years ago “But it’s important to have those as they midfielder Rubin Coleman’s men fitted the bill older heads in (Aaron) Ramsey, proved Colwill made his debut perfectly. , (Joe) Allen and Chris against France last week. What started out as one big Gunter, who now has over “There’s absolutely no adventure and a sense that Wales 100 caps. You need in fear with youngsters,” were just pleased to be in a major those old heads to France, Page said. It’s not just tournament for the first time in 58 help the younger boys anything is about having talented years, soon turned into something a and pull them possible. footballers. It’s about the whole lot more enticing. through the tough Expect the inhabitants of Dinard right characters as well “Just to get to the tournament was games.” to be dusting off those flags in the and all our players have a huge achievement at the time,” says Bale was a force of hope the Welsh dragon can fire got that.” – The Vokes. nature at Euro 2016, and again. – The Independent Independent sidenetting

Bullish Petkovic has no ‘Fully fit and raring to go’ … as Rodriguez issues Wales midfielder is “fully fit Gareth warning and raring to go” for today’s European Switzerland defender Ricardo Rodriguez fear of any team Championship Group A opener against issued a warning to his teammates for their match, is always more important and Switzerland in Baku, interim coach Robert European Championship opener against ladimir Petkovic has made a this is how we behave, without setting Page said yesterday. “No issues with Wales today – give Gareth Bale space to Vhabit of creating sides that punch any limits. Aaron whatsoever. He said yesterday play at your own peril. “He’s undoubtedly a above their weight, his Switzerland “We have to give 120%, to try to he’s in a good place mentally and good player and has a lot of experience. team reaching the round of 16 at the play our game without fearing the physically,” Page told reporters. “I spoke But all together we can stop him,” European Championships the year opposition, and every match gives us to him a month ago about what he Rodriguez said. “We need to cover tightly he took charge, 2016, and the 2018 a springboard to the next one needed to get into the right frame of and leave little space because once Bale FIFA World Cup. because we always want to get mind. There was always a plan in place turns, it will be difficult to stop him,” As they head into their fourth better. of how many minutes we needed to Rodriguez told reporters. consecutive major final tournament, Looking towards today’s match achieve with one eye on Switzerland. The the odds are once more stacked against Wales and the other group ... while Seferovic hopes against the Swiss, who take on Wales, matches, Petkovic said: “Wales are medical team have to take an enormous amount of credit. Today we’re sat here for clockwork finish neighbours Italy and Turkey in Group definitely a team that deserves Switzerland’s Benfica striker Haris Seferovic A. respect – a team that reached the with 26 players fully fit and raring to go is hoping a calmer attitude will help take his However, the Sarajevo-born semifinals in 2016. and Aaron falls into that category, he’s former journeyman midfielder “We know Italy and their quality ready.” club form this season into the European knows not to be intimidated, mindful well. Over the last few years with Championship. The 29-year-old is set to that, at the Euros, crazy things can (Roberto) Mancini, they have done … and skipper ‘not worried’ lead the Swiss attack at the tournament happen. well. It’s not by accident they have about goal drought over the next month, starting with today’s “The team has become self- extended his contract until 2026. Wales captain Gareth Bale said yesterday Group A clash against Wales. Seferovic aware, optimistic and, yes, definitely “They believe they will get success, he was unconcerned about his narrowly missed out on the top scorer’s realistic,” Petkovic told .com. and they’ve declared themselves international goal drought on the eve of crown in Portugal, finishing second with 22 “We know what we can do, what favourites for the Euro. On the other his side’s Euro 2020 opener against goals, but he has been unconvincing for his we want and how far we can go, but hand, there are 90 minutes to play. Switzerland. Bale, 31, last scored for country at previous major tournaments. He always with the aim of getting as We want to spring a surprise in this Wales against Croatia in October 2019 but has played at the last two World Cups and much as we can, so not limiting game. has created four goals in his previous the 2016 Euros but scored only once in 11 ourselves to one opponent, not “Turkey have developed a lot in seven appearances. “It doesn’t matter. games. “I have to make better use of my limiting ourselves to one match or the last few years. They have players I’ve made assists. I’m still contributing. I’m opportunities, that’s clear,” he told reporters. another, but always wanting to that play in different leagues at a high not worried,” he said. “If the chances arise He said his impressive season at Benfica, improve, always wanting to win level. to score, hopefully I can take it. I feel who finished third, had come about after against every opponent. “They’ve had good results against good, very sharp, very fit and ready to adopting a better mental approach. “I used “We respect our opponents – higher-ranked teams. So they will go,” Bale added. Wales coach Robert to get upset about missed opportunities and that’s very important – but we’re not come with the biggest of ambitions, because of these negative thoughts, I would scared of anyone. like the other teams in our group. Page backed his star player. “It’s not the lose my concentration,” he said. “Now I’m “To be talking about the last 16, the “If you ask all the teams in our end of the world. If he’s not scoring he’s last eight, at this stage, without group what they think, they will say supplying goals,” Page said. “If he’s not calmer. If there is a chance, I’ll just shoot. And knowing who the opposition might they will definitely finish in the top two. scoring it’s important he’s setting up goals, if that doesn’t come off then I know the next be, it shows a lack of respect. That’s nice, but it’s difficult too.” – and he’s doing that.” chance will come – and I will then use it.” “The next opponent, the next Agencies 8 SATURDAY • 12th JUNE 2021

EURO 2020 • FIXTURES • RESULTS • STANDINGS

June A June B June C 12 3am, Rome Turkey vs Italy : 30 13 12.01am, Copenhagen Denmark vs Finland : 14 12.01am, Bucharest Austria vs Macedonia : 9pm, Baku Wales vs Switzerland : 3am, St Petersburg Belgium vs Russia : 3am, Amsterdam Netherlands vs Ukraine : 17 12.01am, Baku Turkey vs Wales : 16 9pm, St Petersburg Finland vs Russia : 17 9pm, Bucharest Ukraine vs Macedonia : 3am, Rome Italy vs Switzerland : 18 12.01am, Copenhagen Denmark vs Belgium : 18 3am, Amsterdam Netherlands vs Austria : 21 12.01am, Rome Italy vs Wales : 22 3am, Copenhagen Russia vs Denmark : 22 12.01am, Amsterdam Macedonia vs Netherlands : 3am, Baku Switzerland vs Turkey : 3am, St Petersburg Finland vs Belgium 12.01am, Bucharest Ukraine vs Austria :

P W D L F A PTS P W D L F A PTS P W D L F A PTS ITALY 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 DENMARK 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NETHERLANDS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 WALES 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 FINLAND 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 UKRAINE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SWITZERLAND 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 BELGIUM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 AUSTRIA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TURKEY 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 RUSSIA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N. MACEDONIA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

June D June E June F 13 9pm, England vs Croatia : 15 12.01am, St Petersburg Poland vs Slovakia : 16 12.01am, Budapest Hungary vs Portugal : 9pm, Glasgow Scotland vs Czech Rep : 3am, Seville Spain vs Sweden : 3am, Munich France vs Germany : 19 12.01am, Glasgow Croatia vs Czech Rep : 18 9pm, St Petersburg Sweden vs Slovakia : 19 9pm, Budapest Hungary vs France : 3am, London England vs Scotland : 20 3am, Seville Spain vs Poland : 20 12.01am, Munich Portugal vs Germany : 23 3am, London Czech Rep vs England : 24 12.01am, Seville Slovakia vs Spain : 24 3am, Munich Germany vs Hungary : 3am, Glasgow Croatia vs Scotland : 3am, St Petersburg Sweden vs Poland : 3am, Budapest Portugal vs France :

P W D L F A PTS P W D L F A PTS P W D L F A PTS ENGLAND 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SPAIN 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 HUNGARY 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 CROATIA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SWEDEN 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 PORTUGAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SCOTLAND 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 POLAND 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 FRANCE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 CZECH REP 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SLOVAKIA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 GERMANY 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Second stage Quarterfinals Quarterfinals Second stage June 12.01am, Amsterdam June 3am, Glasgow 27 B1 QF2 QF4 30 E1 3am, Munich 3am, Rome A / D / E / F3 July 2 July 4 A / B / C / D3 Winner B1 vs A / D / E / F3 Winner E1 vs A / B / C / D3 3am, London Semifinal FINAL Semifinal 12am, London Winner A1 vs C2 Winner D1 vs F2 27 A1 30 D1 SF 1 July 7 3am, London SF 2 July 8 3am, London C2 July 12 3am, London F2 Winner QF2 Winner QF4 Winner SF1 Winner SF2 3am, Bucharest Winner QF1 Winner QF3 12.01am, Budapest 29 F1 QF1 12.01am QF3 28 A / B / C3 July 3 St. Petersburg July 4 12.01am, Baku Winner F1 vs A / B / C3 Winner C1 vs D / E / F3 12.01am, Copenhagen 3am, Seville Winner D2 vs E2 Winner A2 vs B2 29 D2 28 A2 E2 B2

MONEY LEAGUE Roll call of champions , London Euro 2020 champions will take home Since first championship in 1960, Original stadium, with its famous twin towers, hosted Olympic Games around €34m (RM170.6m) in prize money 10 teams have lifted Henri in 1948, England’s 1966 FIFA World Cup Final triumph over Germany Delaunay Trophy, with and iconic Euro 96 tournament. New stadium, opened in 2007 on Spain and Germany same site, staged UEFA Champions League Finals in 2011 and 2013 winning three times each. Portugal claimed success in 2016, beating France 1960 USSR 1964 Spain Denmark 1992 1968 Italy Germany 1996 1972 West Germany France 2000 1976 Czechoslovakia Greece 2004 1980 West Germany Spain 2008 1984 France Spain 2012 1988 Netherlands Portugal 2016 Source: UEFA Pictures: AP, Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS

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