Sports
France beat Belgium 1-0 to reach Euro 2024 quarter-finals
France beat Belgium 1-0 to reach Euro 2024 quarter-finals
Jan Vertonghen’s late own goal took France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Monday as they edged Belgium 1-0 in a tense tie in Duesseldorf.
France had dominated the last-16 clash but their profligate finishing looked set to force extra time until they finally found a way through with five minutes left.
Substitute Randal Kolo Muani collected the ball inside the Belgian penalty area and hit a shot that was going wide until a deflection off the unfortunate Vertonghen took it past goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
The lucky break sent the 2022 World Cup runners-up into a last-eight tie in Hamburg on Friday as they remain on course to become European champions for the third time.
France are yet to score from open play in four matches at the tournament — captain Kylian Mbappe netted once from a penalty against Poland, while their other two goals came from opposition defenders.
Crucially, however, they are rock solid in defence, having conceded only one goal, from a penalty, so far.
Their back line was outstanding against Romelu Lukaku and his fellow attackers, and Belgium bow out after what will go down as a disappointing tournament for them.
Both of these sides were looking for revenge, in Belgium’s case for their 1-0 defeat against France in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, a result that still hurts six years on.
France, meanwhile, had a point to prove at the Euros after going out in the last 16 three years ago on penalties to Switzerland, a deeply disappointing result in between runs to consecutive World Cup finals.
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The French were widely seen as the favourites to win this tournament before arriving in Germany, but they were below par during the group phase.
The broken nose suffered by Mbappe in their opening game against Austria did not help, and the uncertain form of Antoine Griezmann has been a problem too.
Griezmann was dropped for the last group match against Poland but returned here in one of two changes, with Marcus Thuram also coming in as wingers Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola made way.
• Forwards struggle to impress –
Meanwhile Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco’s reaction to his own side’s unconvincing displays in the group stage was striking.
Yannick Carrasco and Lois Openda were given starts to provide as much attacking threat as possible in support of Lukaku, while skipper Kevin De Bruyne played a more withdrawn role.
The hope, for the neutrals at least, was that so much attacking talent would lead to an open game full of goals, but the reality was rather different.
Belgium were happy to sit back and thwart France, and did not test opposition goalkeeper Mike Maignan at all in the first half.
France had lots of the ball, yet often looked untidy, imprecise and rather flat, with Griezmann appearing lost on the right wing.
But they had chances in the first half, with Thuram heading just wide from Jules Kounde’s inviting cross just after the half-hour mark and Aurelien Tchouameni twice firing off-target.
Real Madrid midfielder Tchouameni then tested Casteels with a deflected long-range strike as France upped their game at the beginning of the second half.
France beat Belgium 1-0 to reach Euro 2024 quarter-finals
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Sports
Ex-Super Eagles Striker Dies After Collapsing During Training
Ex-Super Eagles Striker Dies After Collapsing During Training
Former Nigerian international striker Mike Eneramo has died after collapsing during a routine training session in Kaduna on Friday, throwing the football community into mourning.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of the day at a primary school pitch in the Ungwan Yelwa area, where the 40-year-old was said to be undergoing personal fitness training. According to accounts from local sources, Eneramo suddenly slumped during the session, prompting efforts to rush him to a nearby hospital. However, he was reportedly confirmed dead before arrival, with preliminary reports attributing the incident to a suspected heart attack, though no official medical report has yet been released.
Eneramo enjoyed a successful professional career spanning Nigeria, North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. He began his rise in Nigerian football with Lobi Stars before moving abroad, where he made his biggest mark with Espérance Sportive de Tunis. During his time in Tunisia, he won the Tunisian Ligue 1 title five times, finished as the league’s top scorer in two seasons, and also claimed the Tunisian Cup three times. He further distinguished himself as the top scorer in the 2009/2010 CAF Champions League.
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He later moved to Turkey, where he featured for Sivasspor, Beşiktaş, İstanbul Başakşehir, Karabükspor, and Manisaspor. Eneramo later returned for a second spell with Espérance before concluding his career at Türk Ocağı Limasol SK in Cyprus, retiring from professional football in 2018.
At the international level, he represented the Nigeria national football team, earning 11 caps and scoring three goals. He made a memorable debut during a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Tunisia national football team, scoring against the same country that had reportedly tried to persuade him to switch allegiance. Despite that interest, he remained committed to playing for Nigeria throughout his career.
Eneramo is remembered for his strength, work rate, and goal-scoring ability, particularly during his successful years in Tunisia. His sudden death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from fans, former teammates, and football stakeholders, many of whom have described him as a dedicated professional and a respected figure in Nigerian football.
The incident has also reignited discussions around health monitoring for retired athletes, especially concerning cardiovascular risks that may persist beyond active playing years. Experts continue to advocate for regular medical check-ups and improved emergency response systems during both training and recreational sports activities.
Further details, including funeral arrangements and official medical findings, are expected to be announced by his family and relevant authorities in due course.
Ex-Super Eagles Striker Dies After Collapsing During Training
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Sports
Haaland Fires Man City Top as Burnley Relegated After 1–0 Defeat
Haaland Fires Man City Top as Burnley Relegated After 1–0 Defeat
Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League table after a narrow 1–0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor, with Erling Haaland’s early goal proving decisive in a match that also confirmed Burnley’s relegation.
Striker Erling Haaland struck in the fifth minute, finishing clinically after a fast start from City, as Pep Guardiola’s side immediately seized control of the game. The goal was enough to separate both sides in a contest where City dominated possession but struggled to convert their superiority into additional goals.
The result lifted Manchester City above Arsenal on goal difference, with five matches remaining in what has become a tightly contested Premier League title race. It also marked the first time City have topped the table since the opening weeks of the season.
City created several chances throughout the match, with sustained pressure pinning Burnley deep in their own half. However, missed opportunities and strong defensive organisation from the hosts kept the scoreline tight, ensuring a tense finish.
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Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, showed brief resilience after conceding early, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Despite a few promising openings, they were unable to find the finishing touch needed to rescue their survival hopes.
The defeat confirmed Burnley’s relegation to the Championship after a difficult campaign marked by inconsistency and a lack of attacking efficiency, with just one win recorded in their last 25 league matches.
Speaking after the match, City manager Pep Guardiola said the focus remains on maintaining momentum in the title race, emphasising control and consistency in the remaining fixtures.
Burnley boss Scott Parker admitted his side were punished for failing to take their chances, acknowledging that missed opportunities across the season ultimately cost them their Premier League status.
Manchester City now turn their attention to an upcoming FA Cup semi-final clash against Southampton, while Burnley begin planning for a return to the Championship and rebuilding ahead of next season.
Haaland Fires Man City Top as Burnley Relegated After 1–0 Defeat
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Sports
Furious Rosenior Calls Out Chelsea Players After 3-0 Defeat to Brighton
Furious Rosenior Calls Out Chelsea Players After 3-0 Defeat to Brighton
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior delivered a scathing assessment of his team after their humiliating 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, describing the performance as both “indefensible” and “unacceptable” amid growing unrest among supporters.
The loss at the Amex Stadium marked another low point for Chelsea FC, with fans audibly voicing their frustration as early as the first half. Boos and chants rang out when Brighton took a 1-0 lead, reflecting mounting dissatisfaction during what has become a troubling run of form.
Chelsea’s display raised serious concerns. The Blues failed to register a meaningful attempt on goal until the 40th minute, looked disjointed in attack, and repeatedly made costly defensive errors. Brighton, by contrast, controlled proceedings with composure, capitalizing on Chelsea’s lack of intensity to secure a comfortable victory.
The defeat extended Chelsea’s alarming streak to five consecutive losses without scoring, their worst run in over a century, dating back to 1912. The statistic underscores the scale of the crisis currently engulfing the club.
Speaking after the match, Rosenior did not shield his players from criticism. He pointed to a lack of effort, desire, and basic fundamentals as the root of the collapse.
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“It was unacceptable in every aspect of the game, unacceptable in our attitude,” he said. “That’s indefensible, that performance tonight. The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels that we lost, the lack of intensity in the team—something needs to change drastically right now.”
The manager revealed that Chelsea lost around 80% of duels and failed to win a single header—figures he described as unacceptable at any level, let alone for a club of Chelsea’s stature. He emphasized that the issues went beyond tactics, instead pointing to a deeper problem with mentality and commitment.
“This wasn’t about tactics,” Rosenior added. “This was about desire, spirit, courage—and I did not see enough of that tonight.”
Despite previously defending his squad during difficult moments, the coach admitted this performance could not be excused. He called on both players and himself to reflect, stressing the need for accountability across the board.
“I think the players need to have a look in the mirror… and I need to look in the mirror as well. The general attitude, spirit, determination was lacking apart from maybe three or four players. That is nowhere near enough for this club.”
The defeat unfolded in front of influential club figures, including co-owner Behdad Eghbali, adding further scrutiny to the team’s struggles. With Chelsea now sitting seven points behind Liverpool FC in the race for European qualification—having played a game more—their Champions League hopes are rapidly fading.
Attention now turns to a crucial FA Cup semi-final clash at Wembley against Leeds United. The match is widely seen as a defining moment in Chelsea’s season—and potentially for Rosenior’s future.
While the manager dismissed suggestions of a disconnect with his players, he acknowledged that results and performances inevitably shape perception. “There is a lack of spirit and belief,” he admitted, conceding that the current run has made criticism unavoidable.
The coming days could prove decisive for Chelsea, as pressure intensifies from fans, club leadership, and the broader football community. With morale low and expectations high, Rosenior and his squad face a critical test of character to salvage their season.
Furious Rosenior Calls Out Chelsea Players After 3-0 Defeat to Brighton
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