Fernando Santos warned that Iceland “are more than just physically strong” as he prepared a Cristiano Ronaldo-powered Portugal for their opening Group F game. Portugal and Iceland commence Group F bids with their third meeting Portuguese won both previous matches, in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Cristiano Ronaldo set to win his 127th cap, equalling Luís Figo’s Portugal record Icelanders are ...

Italy showed they remain a force to be reckoned with after starting their UEFA EURO 2016 Group E bid with an impressive 2-0 victory against highly rated Belgium. For all their gifted individuals, the Red Devils looked a disjointed force in the opening half as both Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne ran into white shirts whenever they took possession. ...

The Republic of Ireland were denied victory in their Group E opener after Ciaran Clark’s own goal 19 mintues from time salvaged a point for Sweden at Stade de France. Ireland had been the more purposeful team in the first half and Hoolahan’s goal just after the break gave them a deserved lead. It was wonderfully constructed and taken, Seamus Coleman’s ...

Spain’s bid for a third straight UEFA EURO title began with a dramatic Group D victory as Gerard Piqué’s towering 87th-minute header ensured they found a way past the Czech Republic. Andrés Iniesta’s inswinging cross was met by the head of his Barcelona colleague just when it seemed the points were to be shared. The Czech defence were missing the ...

Goals from Shkodran Mustafi and returning captain Bastian Schweinsteiger earned world champions Germany a win in their UEFA EURO 2016 Group C opener against Ukraine in Lille. Mustafi connected with an exquisite Toni Kroos free-kick to head his first international goal and give Joachim Löw’s side a 19th-minute lead, but Ukraine fought back with a flurry of chances in a ...

Uefa has threatened to disqualify England and Russia from Euro 2016 if there is any further violence by fans. It has begun disciplinary proceedings against Russia – but not England – after “totally unacceptable” scenes at Saturday’s England-Russia game. Footage appeared to show Russia fans rush at England supporters after the Euro 2016 1-1 draw in Marseille. Charges against Russia ...

Arkadiusz Milik broke the resistance of Northern Ireland and earned Poland their first UEFA European Championship finals win at the seventh time of asking. If Poland were irked at not having led at the break after a one-sided first half then that annoyance will have dissipated with the Ajax forward’s 11th international goal, a low shot beyond Michael McGovern from just ...

Substitute Hal Robson-Kanu applied the finishing touch after an Aaron Ramsey assist to give Wales victory against Slovakia on their UEFA EURO finals debut on Saturday. Wales had been grateful to Ben Davies for his crucial early goalline clearance after Marek Hamšík’s superb solo run. And not long afterwards Jonathan Williams, preferred up front to Robson-Kanu, was fouled on the edge ...

Vasili Berezutski headed in a 92nd-minute equaliser in Marseille, restoring parity after Eric Dier had put England ahead in the Group B contest. Berezutski struck in added time as Russia, second best for long periods, rescued a draw from their UEFA EURO 2016 opener against England. The Russia captain outjumped Danny Rose inside the penalty area, looping a header over Joe ...

Roy Hodgson is “pleased” with the selection headaches he has before England’s Group B curtain-raiser against a Russia side missing two first-choice midfielders. England and Russia begin their Group B campaigns at the impressive Stade Vélodrome Russia helped to eliminate England in qualifying for UEFA EURO 2008 Roy Hodgson’s England won all ten matches en route to UEFA EURO 2016 ...