In an occurrence rarer than Bigfoot sightings, a goalkeeper in the NPSL (the fourth tier of professional competition in the United States) has scored from his own penalty spot. Now, the length of soccer pitches can of course vary, but, if we’re going by the standard 115 yards, this goal was scored from over 100 yards out.
Six years ago, the France national team was on strike at the World Cup. Two years ago, the German national team was celebrating their World Cup triumph. Earlier today, the Germans were bossing the French around like the varsity scrimmaging the JV in practice. How things can change in a hurry.
The first half, as mentioned, was a lecture in everything this German generation has become known for. For stretches, they barely let one of the best teams in the world out of their own half. Then it became a lecture in everything they've become known for not doing.
Portugal were always favorites to overcome Wales and advance to the Euro 2016 final, but, for 50 minutes in Lyon, Wales appeared ready to upset the footballing hierarchy once more. It took an inspirational header from Cristiano Ronaldo and a fortunate goal from Nani for Portugal to overcome Wales 2-0 in their Euro 2016 semifinal.
Italian penalty specialist Simone Zaza has issued a public apology through his Instagram account after his ridiculous penalty kick sailed over the bar against Germany.
Zaza, who was introduced in the 120th minute for Giorgio Chiellini, has become a viral sensation for his scampering approach to a spot-kick. It was an unorthodox technique that was ultimately humiliating from start to finish.
However, none of that is funny anymore.
Tim Howard’s presence in MLS was clearly felt during his return on Monday as the American goalkeeper registered a shutout in the 0-0 draw between Colorado Rapids, Howard’s new club, and the reigning MLS champion Portland Timbers.
Howard’s debut electrified Colorado’s fanbase — the club typically averages 14,978 spectators per match but had a season-best 18,759 attend Monday’s July 4th matchup.
Rapids fans were keen to see Howard and Jermaine Jones, both returning from Copa America action with the United States, take the field together for the first time for the club.
Neymar’s brilliant 2015-16 season with Barcelona resulted in the Brazilian forward inking a new five-year contract with the club, including a staggering release clause starting at £167 million.
Neymar scored a personal best 24 La Liga goals last campaign. He added four in the Copa del Rey and three in the UEFA Champions League — a grand total of 31 goals in 49 appearances.
Wales became the first British team to reach the semi-finals of a major tournament since England in Euro '96 as they trounced Belgium 3-1 to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2016. Radja Nainggolan opened the scoring for Belgium with an absolute screamer, but Wales were by far the more determined and energetic side, and fully deserved to win.
This result means that a potentially tantalizing clash between Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo will take place in the semi-finals.
Portugal have advanced past Poland to the semifinals of Euro 2-16 courtesy of Ricardo Quaresma’s match-winning penalty in a penalty shootout.
The match finished 1-1 after 120 minutes of play. After an early goal by Robert Lewandowski in the 2nd minute, the second earliest in Euro history, it seemed like this game was going to be an electric affair.
Spain were sent crashing out of Euro 2016 at the hands of Italy following a 2-0 defeat in the round of 16. In a rematch of the 2012 final in Kiev, a dominant victory for a brilliant Spanish side, Italy met Spain in an early round of 16 clash of the titans.
The world champions have awoken in France, and the rest of the field have been warned. Germany’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over Slovakia in their round of 16 encounter gave evidence to the brilliance, balance and cohesion this German side is able to muster.
Jerome Boateng scored a wonderful opening goal in the eighth minute, Mario gomez added a second in the 43rd and Julian Draxler capped a superb individual performance with Germany’s third in the 63rd minute.