Most people didn't expect much from Italy at Euro 2016, but no team has looked better so far. The italians have yet to concede a goal in the tournament and held one of the world's best players, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, without a shot on goal.
The USMNT beat Ecuador 2-1 in a match that pretty much had everything. Clint Dempsey bagged a goal and an assist, Gyasi Zardes grabbed the second, and Michael Arroyo pulled one back for Ecuador to set up a grandstand finale.
It was all so close to going gloriously, pathetically, predictably wrong for England. They put in a first half against Wales that was reminiscent of everything that England had ever done wrong in the past: there was talent on the field, more talent than the opposition, but England not only couldn’t get ahead, they found themselves behind. When Gareth Bale sent in his deep, deep free-kick past Joe hart, who maybe should have done better, it seemed like history was doomed to repeat itself.
Romania vs. Switzerland ended 1-1 after a frenetic and entertaining battle. Romania took a shock lead through another penalty by Bogdan Stancu, but the Swiss pegged them back in the second half on the back of an absolute stunner by Admir Mehmedi. Switzerland dominated the match for large periods, but their final ball was well below par and they wasted a multitude of good opportunities, while Romania threatened often on the break.
The result is official. Portugal have lost to tied with Iceland 1-1. It’s a result that somehow isn’t surprising but doesn’t make any sense at the same time.
Euro 2016 is well underway as we approach the end of the first round of group matches, and there have been some engrossing storylines so far. We here at The18 took a look at some of the highlights and surprising moments from the past week across France.
Dimitri Payet
West Ham announced the signing of Algeria international Sofiane Feghouli today. The 26-year-old was signed on a free transfer after six years at La Liga side Valencia.
We are delighted to confirm the signing of Algeria winger @sffeghouli on a three-year contract! #FeghouliIsAHammerhttps://t.co/YbBZdRdzs9
A great goal deserves a great call, and Jesus "Tecatito" Corona's goal against Venezuela Monday definitely deserved a great call.
Fortunately, a great call was provided by Univision announcer Pablo Ramirez Gomez.
Italy have defeated Belgium 2-0, and can you hear that? That deafening silence? That’s the rest of Europe coming to terms with the fact that Italy are once again a team to be reckoned with at a major tournament.
Ireland. Sweden. Zlatan. Euros. The Irish played very well in their 1-1 draw with Sweden Monday, but there was one problem they couldn't account for. They didn't have Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
They did, however, have Wes Hoolihan, who scored teh opener and set drunken Irish fans dancing about and singing and buying each other pints and stereotypes.