England will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday after a last-minute strike from substitute Ollie Watkins sealed victory over the Netherlands. Gareth Southgate’s side looked to be going into extra time for the third successive game after Harry Kane’s contentious first-half penalty equalised a thunderous early strike from Xavi Simons until Watkins struck.
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Heimir Hallgrimsson has been appointed as the new head coach of the Republic of Ireland. He replaces interim manager John O’Shea, who has been in charge since Stephen Kenny’s departure in November last year. The 57 year old guided Iceland to Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup in Russia before a stint in Qatar. He most recently managed the Jamaican national team at the Copa America.
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Lamine Yamal became the youngest goalscorer in European Championship history as Spain beat France in an absorbing contest to reach the final of Euro 2024. After Randal Kolo Muani headed in Kylian Mbappe’s cross to give France an early lead, Yamal curled home a stunning strike from outside the box and Spain were ahead just four minutes later as Dani Olmo’s shot was turned home by France defender Jules Kounde.
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Thiago Alcantara has retired from football after leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract. The former Spain midfielder, 33, was restricted to just one appearance during the 2023-24 season because of injury. Thiago had hip surgery towards the end of the 2022-23 season but was unable to return until February 2024, when he came on as a late substitute in a defeat at Arsenal and suffered another injury.
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The Netherlands came from behind to see off Turkey and set up a semi-final against England at Euro 2024. An own goal from Mert Muldur, bundling the ball over his goalline under pressure from Cody Gakpo, meant the Dutch clawed back the lead having trailed at the break. Centre-back Samet Akaydin had deservedly put Turkey in front when he headed in Arda Guler’s dinked cross, capping an impressive first-half display.
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