Euro 2020 is getting more interesting after the group stages were completed and the round of 16 pairings have emerged.

So far, there has not been any top European nation that have crashed out of the tournament but the second phase of the competition will likely see some top contenders drop out of the race for the silverware.

The likes of Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, were the fist set of countries that made it through to the last 16 before other joined them after playing their last group matches.

The next round of matches is a straight knockout as some interesting fixtures emerged as Germany vs England emerged the pick of the bunch.

Another crunching contest will be that of Group B winners Belgium vs Portugal as both sides have the highest goalscorers so far in the competition including Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku.

SOURCE: Scorecard247

Read more: https://scorecard247.com/euro-2020-round-of-16-matches-who-looks-like-winning-the-title/

- Emmanuel Dennis has become the latest signing for newly promoted Premier League side Watford

- The Nigerian international joined the Hornets for a yet to be disclosed fee from Belgian side Club Brugge

- The 23-year-old scored 23 goals in over 90 appearances for the Jupiler side since joining in 2017

Emmanuel Dennis has completed a dream move into the Premier League as he joins Watford who got promoted from the Championships last season, Goal.

The Super Eagles striker spent the rest of last season on loan from Club Brugge with Bundesliga club FC Cologne and played only ten matches and scoring just a goal.

The 23-year-old fell out with his club last season after an incident occurred in the team bus where he was sent back home.

Read more on: Scorecard247.com

https://scorecard247.com/emmanuel-dennis-joins-newly-promoted-premier-league-club-from-club-brugge/

- WWE Hell in the Cell did not produce a new champion in any of the categories 

- Bianca Belair retained her SmackDown belt after defeating former champion Bayley

- Bobby Lashley also got the better of Drew McIntyre in their Hell in the Cell match

WWE Hell in the Cell produced some interesting results in the pay-per-view event as SmackDown Women's champion Bianca Belair retained her title, CNET.

The EST of the WWE was strong enough to endure Bayley's gruesome attacks on her left-hand, hair-pulling torture and several kindle sticks shots.

The champion turned the match in her favour after rescuing herself from a ladder assault as she inflicted the Kiss of Death on the former champion to get a 1-2-3 count.
In the RAW Women's championship match between Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair, the match ended in a disqualification in favour of the Queen.

However, the belt remains with Ripley and an anticipated rematch is expected in what could end their rivalry at SummerSlam.

Drew McIntyre could have had his last shot at the WWE title as he lost to Bobby Lashley for the third time in the second Hell in the Cell match on the night.

SOURCE: Scorecard247.com

Read More: https://scorecard247.com/wwe-hell-in-the-cell/

Hungary vs France ended in a 1-1 draw as Antoine Griezmann cancels out Attila Fiola's first half goal.

Les Bleus dominated most part of the game but it was the home side that got their noses in front at the Puskaz Arena.

It took one brilliant team play from Hungary to find the back of the net. Roland Sallai found Fiola whose first touch put him ahead of Raphael Varane before slotting home the ball past Hugo Lloris.

Fans at the stadium could not believe their eye as they went ahead of the world champions in the game.

Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema all missed glorious chances in the first 45 minutes and could have had themselves to blame if the result had gone the other way.

The Barcelona striker equalized six minutes after the hour mark with a stroke of luck as Mbappe did well to control a long ball from Lloris.

The Paris Saint-German forward tried to put Karim Benzema through but Griezmann was on hand to slam home the rebounded pass into the back of the net.

France piled up more pressure on the Hungarians but they held on to record a famous result over Didier Deschamps men.

The world champions will have to wait until their last game against Portugal who play Germany later to secure their spot in the round of 16.

Hungary still have a slim chance of qualifying into the next round as they must beat Germany by an unimaginable scoreline to ever think of making it through to the next stage.

They lost their first game to an inspired Cristiano Ronaldo led Portuguese side by 3-0 after holding off the Selecao for most parts of the game before conceding three late goals.

Source: Scorecard247.com

https://scorecard247.com/hungary-vs-france-griezmann-saves-le-bleus-from-embarrassing-defeat/

Griezmann finally equalizes for France from the midway point of the game. Kylian Mbappe did well to control a long ball from Hugo Lloris before making a pass into the box.

And a mix up from the Hungarian defence gave Griezmann the chance to slam home the effort. 1-1 it is. Game on.

Attila Fiola had put the Hungarian side ahead just before halftime.


More photos and details: https://scorecard247.com/hunagary-vs-france-griezmann-scores-as-les-bleus-level-matters/

- Deontay Wilder has revealed that he is from the heart beat of the nation, Edo state in Nigeria

- The 35-year-old will challenge WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury for the third time 

- The American suffered his first career loss to the Gypsy King in a technical knockout in 2020

Deontay Wilder categorically stated that he is from Edo state and would love to come back home to know about his cultural values.

The WBC number one contender who is preparing for a trilogy fight with champion Tyson Fury on July 24, 2021, made the statement in a recent interview.

The Bronze Bomber said that after he is done with his career, he would come back to his ancestral home to research about his roots and tribe.
He added that people know where they are from but do not really have an idea about their culture which is what he would be interested in doing.

Wilder is currently sweating it out in the gym in preparation for the blockbuster fight against the Gypsy King whom he lost to last February.
The 35-year-old's corner threw in the towel and the fight was stopped in the seventh round as Fury became the undisputed WBC champion.

Having signed a trilogy fight before his loss at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Fury has was ordered to fight the American which pulled the plug in his much-anticipated clash with fellow countryman Anthony Joshua.

Wilder who drew and lost his last two fights to Fury now has an opportunity to wrestle the belt back from the British heavyweight at the T-Mobile Arena in Nevada next month.

SOURCE: Scoredcard247.com

https://scorecard247.com/deontay-wilder-finally-reveals-the-state-he-hails-from-in-nigeria/

- Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is now 11-years-old as he father sends heart warming message on social media

- The youngster currently plies his trade alongside with his father with Italian giants Juventus

- Ronaldo is presently on duty for Portugal at Euro 2020 and scored a brace in their win over Hungary

Cristiano Ronaldo is one happy parent as his first fruit Ronaldo Jr. is celebrating his 11th birthday and the Portugal striker has sent birthday wishes to his son.

The Juventus forward posted a photo of his son in what looks like the driver's side of his yacht with a heart warming message on Instagram.

"Congratulations, my love! "You are a pride for Papa! 11 years of many joys and smiles! May you always fight for your dreams. "We love you very much." 


The 11-year-old is already making steps to becoming great like his father as several video clips on social media showed his superb brilliant skills on the ball.

Ronaldo Jr. plays for Juventus and in the next six years, the young lad could be invited to play for the Portugal national team at U17 level.

A birthday party might not hold for the young lad until Ronaldo is through with Portugal's Euro 2020 campaign. And things seems to be going according to plan following their 3-0 win over Hungary.

CR7 became the highest scorer in the European Championships after scoring two goals and took his tally to a total of 11.

Before the tournament, Mitchelle Platini had held the record for the most goals (9) in the Euros since his remarkable feat at the 1984 edition in Spain.

SOURCE: Scorecard247.com

https://scorecard247.com/portugal-striker-cristiano-ronaldo-celebrates-his-son-as-he-clocks-11/

Rafa Benitez is now the number one candidate to become Carlo Ancelotti's successor at Everton
The Spanish manager has had discussions with the Merseyside club and could be announced as new boss soon
The 61-year-old have spent several stints with Premier League sides Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle

Rafa Benitez is set to be announced as Everton's next manager in the coming days after the departure of Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid, Sky Sports.

The 61-year-old left Chinese club Dalian Yifang since January and has been tipped to take over the vacant managerial position Goodison Park.

The Spanish gaffer who is vastly experienced in managing Premier League clubs has worked with Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Ironically, Benitez took over from Ancelotti at Real Madrid back in 2015 but was quickly replaced by Zinedine Zidane in January 2016 after performing below par.

The ex-Valencia boss managed Everton city and bitter rivals Liverpool for six years and won the Champions League, FA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup during his four seasons at Anfield.

During his spell with Chelsea ,he helped Blues win the Europa League in 2012 and steered Newcastle back into the Premier League from the Championship during the 2016/17 term.

Former Wolves boss Nuno Espirit Santo has also been linked to the Toffees as well as David Moyes, but the former Everton signed an improved contract with West Ham after a sterling season.

SOURCE: Scorecard247.com

https://scorecard247.com/another-former-real-madrid-manager-set-to-become-everton-boss/

- Italy continued their impressive run at Euro 2020 after brushing aside Switzerland in their second group game by 3-0

-Manuel Locatelli scored a brace as Ciro Immobile also got his name on the scoresheet to give the Azzurri maximum points

-The Azzurri have remained unbeaten in 29 matches since Roberto Mancini took over as coach after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup

Italy maintained a perfect record after making it through into the round of 16 at the ongoing Euro 2020 tournament following a 3-0 win over Switzerland.

The Azzurri produced a dominant display in the game as they continued from where they left off after their impressive display against Turkey in the first game.

It was a similar scoreline against the Swiss side but celebrations were delayed after captain Giorgio Chiellini thought he had scored from a goal-mouth scramble but the VAR ruled it out for a handball.

The Juventus center-half was forced to quit the game after a suspected injury as Francesco Acerbi replaced the veteran

Domenico Berardi made things easy for Manuel Locatelli to score from close range as fans at the Stadio Olimpico were thrown into rapturous celebrations.

Locatelli completed his brace and doubled the lead for his country with well taken shot form outside of the 18-yard box which gave Yann Sommer no chance in making a save in the second half.

A minute before the final whistle, Ciro Immobile made it 3-0 after his shot went straight into Sommer's left-hand corner.

Roberto Mancini's men strolled into the last 16 and are yet to concede a goal in the tournament likewise maintain unbeaten in their last 29 matches.

Italy will play their last group match against Wales who defeated Turkey by 2-0 and the battle for supremacy will be key in the fixture.

SOURCE: Scorecard247.com

https://scorecard247.com/italy-becomes-1st-nation-to-qualify-for-round-of-16-at-euro-2020/

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the world's most talked about player after his performance against Hungary where he scored two goals
The Portuguese is now the greatest goalscorer in the Euros and just three strikes away from becoming the all-time leading scorer at international level
Lionel Messi is Ronaldo's biggest rival in goals scored and everything related to winning a silverware for club and country

Cristiano Ronaldo is breaking and setting new records presently and with the way things are going, there might not be a player that will match his goalscoring feat.

The 36-year-old's brace against Hungary at the Euro 2020 competition made him the highest goalscorer in the European championships and the player with the most tournament appearance.

The Juventus striker bagged his 11th goal of the Euros beating France's Mitchelle Platini's long-standing record of nine goals.

It just keeps getting better for the Portuguese talisman as he is now three goals away from become the international top goalscorer.

On other hand, Ronaldo's biggest rival Lionel Messi is also in the running but just a little far behind the Portuguese in goals scored both on club and international level.

The Argentina has won a record six Ballon d'Ors to his name but the attacker has been far ranked behind Ronaldo who has never ceased to score goals since making his competitive debut in almost 20 years.

Messi scored a fantastic free kick against Chile at the ongoing Copa America beating Ronaldo to set a new record of most set-pieces scored between them. The 33-year-old is now on 57 while CR7 is on 56.

Both players did not do well for their respective clubs at club level as Ronaldo's Juventus came fourth in Serie A while Messi helped Barcelona finished third in La Liga.

The Euros and the Copa America is now a must win for both players to remain relevant in the race for another Ballon d'Or accolade.

With the latest happening between Ronaldo and Messi, the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T.) looks like it has tended towards the Portuguese in terms of goals on club and international level.

Let's not forget that Messi still needs to match up with Ronaldo's five Champions League titles despite winning more league trophies than his opposite number

SOURCE: Scorecard247.com

https://scorecard247.com/does-ronaldos-goalscoring-record-at-euros-international-level-settle-the-g-o-a-t-debate-with-messi/

Lionel Messi recorded victories in all of the five matches he played against Nigeria
The 33-year-old denied Nigerian of winning the U20 World Cup and Olympic gold
The Barcelona starman also did damage in two consecutive World Cups at senior level

Lionel Messi has scored against many teams and Nigeria is one of his customers when it comes to finding the back of the net.

Another fact is that no Nigerian team has been able to defeat an Argentine squad that have Messi in their line up in their last five meetings.

Messi's onslaught against the Nigeria side was first witnessed at the 2005 U20 World Cup where the little man in the midfield did damage in the final to deny the Flying Eagles the cup.

The Flying Eagles with the likes of Mikel Obi, Taiye Taiwo and Chinedu Obasi had an impressive run up until the finals where Messi scored two penalties to give Argentina the win.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics men's football final match is another point of reference. The same Flying Eagles team graduated into the U23 squad also known as the Dream Team and clashed with Messi and co.

Only one goal scored by Angel di Maria separated both sides as the Argentine team won gold in the football event.

The Super Eagles were grouped alongside Argentine at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with Messi in the Albiceleste line up.

Vincent Enyeama made several saves in the match but a corner kick headed in by Gabriel Heinz was good enough to earn the blue and white stripes the victory.

Four years on, Nigeria were were also pegged ij the same group with Argentina but this time Messi was on fire as he scored a brace - one from a free kick and the other from a rebounded shot. The contest ended 3-2.

Just before the World Cup the three-time African champions played a friendly with Argentina and recorded an impressive 4-2 victory but Leo was not in that team.

However, the trend continued at the World Cup in Russia as Argentina beat Nigeria by 2-1 and Messi's fantastic in that game strike was given the goal.

Source: Scorecard247.com

https://scorecard247.com/will-nigeria-ever-record-a-victory-over-argentina-if-lionel-messi-is-in-the-line-up/

Nigeria’s Israel Adesanya has retained his Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight belt after defeating Italian contender, Marvin Vettori, at the Gila River Arena in Arizona on Sunday.

He won via a unanimous decision – 50-45, 50-45, 50-45.

The win is Adesanya’s third title defence after losing to Jan Blachowicz in a bid to add the light heavyweight title to his laurels.

Adesanya showed improvements on his groundwork as he expertly untangled himself from all of Vettori’s takedowns.

Renowned as one of the best strikers in the division, the 31-year-old landed several leg shots and jabs as he dimmed Vettori’s dream of becoming the first Italian UFC champion.

It is the second time both fighters faced themselves in the UFC with Adesanya running out victorious via split decision in their first meeting in April 2018, which was the Nigerian’s second outing in the UFC franchise.

Both fighters have had heated conversations on social media and during press conferences but Adesanya had said he was ready to defend his title and rule the middleweight division after failing to secure the light heavyweight title from Poland’s Jan Blachowicz last March.

He earlier promised to send the Italian to the floor in the second round but the fight ended at Round five.

Vettori attempted to make history early Sunday morning as he looks to dethrone Nigerian Israel Adesanya to become Italy’s first UFC titleholder.

Vettori, ranked third in the division, has won five straight bouts leading into this championship tussle.

Vettori is unofficially nicknamed “Angry Marvin” appropriately as he brings an aggressive, bar-room-brawling stand-up style to his fights. His footwork and movement are choppy, forcing him to rely on his power and belligerent forward pressure as opposed to any fluidity of movement or defensive evasiveness.

Adesanya entered the fight off a March loss to Blachowicz in a battle for Blachowicz’s light heavyweight title.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/breaking-ufc-263-israel-adesanya-defeats-vettori-to-retain-middleweight-title/%3famp

- June 12 Euro 2020 group B game between Denmark and Finland was declared inconclusive
- Christian Eriksen went to ground unchallenged as the midfielder needed emergency treatment
- The former Tottenham star was stretchered off the pitch as players of both teams went back into the dressing room

The June 12 game between Denmark was abandoned due to an emergency as Christian Eriksen collapsed to ground unchallenged.

UEFA immediately called off the game after the Inter Milan midfielder needed emergency medical help to save his life.
The Scandinavian derby played in Copenhagen was still goalless before the incidence occurred.

Players were in tears as Eriksen's wife was also comforted by the Danish captain Kasper Schmeichel as she could not bear seeing her husband in a critical condition.

The Danish star was stretched off the pitch with fans encouraging the former Tottenham star. Eriksen was surrounded by his teammates as the medical team had him covered with protection from eyes.

Players from both teams left the pitch as well as officials who declared the match inconclusive.

SOURCE: Scorecard247

https://scorecard247.com/june-12-players-in-tears-as-eriksen-sustains-injury-as-denmark-vs-finland-abandoned/

- Euro 2020 promises to be an explosive competition with the top teams in the continent aiming to win the silverware
- All the top teams and their players are ready to give it their best shot with Italy blazing the trail in their first game against Turkey
- Five teams have been tipped as strong contenders for the coveted European title current holding across centers in the continent

Euro 2020 began with the opening match as Italy recorded a comprehensive 3-0 win over Turkey in the first game and several teams have been tipped to win the tournament.

Top ranked countries will be looking to make their mark like the Azzurri's who have remained unbeaten since former Man City boss Roberto Mancini took over.

Six nations in Europe dominated the top ten latest FIFA ranking as all of them have been given the advantage to lift the most prestigious trophy in the continent at national level.

READ MORE: https://scorecard247.com/euro-2020-5-countries-likely-to-win-tournament-as-ronaldo-set-to-become-all-time-topscorer/

SOURCE: Scorecard 247

- UFC 263 witnessed a heated exchange between Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori during the build up press interaction
- The Last Style Bender will defend his middleweight championship for third time against the Italian Dream
- Izzy who won the first meeting back in 2081 with a majority point decision promises to finish his opponent in round 2

UFC 263 is getting more exciting as the pre-match and stare downs for the fight night cards took place at the Gila River Arena, in Arizona.

The main event between Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori was the pick of the bunch as both fighters traded words during the press conference.

The most interesting part of the cross-interview while the trash talk was going on between both fighters was when the Italian Dream told the Last Style Bender “Don’t let me in speak the Nigerian language”.

And Izzy responded immediately in Yoruba dialect on UFC YouTube: “Ma gba e lese aya e lenu, iwo olodi yi,” which means ‘I’m going to hit you in the mouth, you dull brain.
The fight will be Israel’s first after moving to the light heavyweight division and recording his first MMA loss to Jan Blachowicz.

Vettori being a wrestler believes he can also pull an upset in the middleweight division having won five straight fights since his loss to Izzy in a majority decision back in 2018.

On the other hand, the Broken Native promises the fight will not o the distance like the first and that he would score a second-round knockout over the Italian.

The co-main event will see Deiveson Figueiredo defend his flyweight belt for the second time against Brandon Moreno.

The first clash ended in majority draw as the bout was regarded as the best flyweight contest in UFC's history by the company's president Dana White.

Nate Diaz and Leon Edward will also be among the five-round contest at UFC 263 and the winner could be the next challenger for Kamaru Usman's welterweight championship.

SOURCE: Scorecard247.com

https://scorecard247.com/ufc-263-ma-gba-e-lese-aya-e-lenu-adesanya-warns-vettori-in-yourba-during-pre-match-conference/

- Cameroon vs Nigeria did not produce any goals in their second friendly game played in Austria

- Both sides settled for a 0-0 scoreline and the Indomitable Lions had a game advantage better than the Super Eagles

- Gernot Rohr has won just five out of his 19 friendly matches since he became technical adviser of the national team

Cameroon vs Nigeria ended in a goalless draw as the Indomitable Lions had a best out of two legs, winning one and drawing the other.

On the part of the Super Eagles, it is a time to reflect and go back to the drawing boards to re-strategize the players’ performances.

With the Nation Cup six months away, Nigeria are still lagging behind in terms of blending the whole squad to become strong contenders for the soccer fiesta in January 2022.

Gernot Rohr’s men will begin their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign against Liberia in September 1, and will take on Cape Verde four years later.

The fact about the three-time African champions is that they have not won in their last nine friendlies and since the appointment of Rohr, he has only managed five wins out of 19 test games.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should also pay attention to friendly games not only qualifiers and tournaments.

With the quality of foreign stars in Rohr’s possession, the German gaffer has no excuse to lose some crucial test matches even if a few of the players are not present in the team.

Some African and European countries are not blessed with the amount of talents scattered in all the top leagues in Europe, but they still manage to form formidable squad.

Being the longest serving coach of the national team, Rohr should not be handled with kids glove when executing matches in any capacity for the Super Eagles.

During the era of indigenous coaches, they were not give much time to groom a team to perfection. In fact they work under intense pressure and criticisms from the footballing body and fans.

Rohr could not qualify Nigeria beyond the first round at the 2018 World Cup while the late Stephen Keshi won the AFCON 2013 and with the same squad qualified into the round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Late Shuaibu Amodu won two AFCON bronze with the Super Eagles at the 2002 and 2008 AFCON and qualified the team to the South Africa 2010 World Cup, only to be sacked for Swedish Lars Lagerback before the tournament.

Anything less than winning the next AFCON competition should be the target set for Rohr and the next national coach should be employed at local level.

SOURCE: Scorecard247.com

- Israel Adesanya vs Marvin Vettori UFC263 will be the main event in the much-anticipated rematch
- It will be the Last Style Bender's second fight with Vettori having defeated the Italian Dream back in 2018
- Izzy's undefeated mixed martial arts record was stopped by light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz

Israel Adesanya vs Marvin Vettori UFC263 will have the middleweight strap put on the line as both fighters will be clashing for the second time.

The Last Style Bender had his undefeated record dented when he moved up weight to challenge light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz and lost all all three judges scorecard.

The Nigerian-born New Zealander has now cut weight back to the middleweight division and will take on Vettori who has a five-fight winning streak since his loss to Adesanya back in 2018.

The Italian Dream is hoping to become the first man from his country to be crowned a UFC champion but he will have to go through his 21-1 opponent Adesanya.

The result of their clash back in 2018 was a split decision win with one out of the three judges giving the fight 28-29 to Vettori, while the two other went in favour of the kicking boxing specialist.

Izzy is highly favoured in the contest after knocking out big names in the middleweight division including veteran Anderson Silva, Kevin Gastelum, Robert Whittaker, and Paulo Costa.

On the other hand, Vettori's five straight victories have come against Cezar Ferreira, Andrew Sanchez, Karl Robertson, Jack Hermansson, and Kelvin Holland.

The co-main event of UFC 263 will have another rematch Deiveson Figueiredo defend his bantamweight title against Mexican fighter Brandon Moreno. Their first encounter ended in a majority draw.

In the welterweight bout, Leon Edwards will square up against veteran American Nate Diaz in what promises to produce fireworks.

Demian Maia and Belal 'Remember the Name' Muhammad will also do battle and undefeated Jamahal Hill will test his might against Paul Craig in the light heavyweight contest at the Gila River Arena in Arizona.

SOURCE: http://scorecard247.com/israel-adesanya-ready-to-defend-ufc-middleweight-title-against-marvin-vettori-in-tricky-contest/