France endured a night to forget in Stuttgart as they lost a dramatic 5-4 thriller to Spain in the UEFA Nations League semi-final on Thursday, picking up some unwanted records along the way.

Despite a spirited late comeback, Les Bleus were blown away early on, conceding four goals without reply — a feat not seen since August 1982, when they trailed 4-0 against Poland, according to OptaJean.

Even more damning, the five goals shipped mark the first time France have conceded that many in a single match since a 5-0 defeat to England in March 1969.

Under Didier Deschamps, France came into the match with high hopes of reaching their second Nations League final, having won the title in 2021 after a 2-1 victory over Spain in Italy — a match famously sealed by a late winner from Kylian Mbappé.

But Thursday’s performance painted a different picture.

Spain, the newly crowned Euro 2024 champions, ruthlessly dismantled France’s defence, racing to a commanding lead before Les Bleus mounted a late but ultimately futile comeback.

While the attacking effort showed character, the ease with which Spain cut through France’s backline has raised serious questions about their tactical discipline and readiness for upcoming tournaments.

France now turn their attention to the third-place play-off against Germany on Sunday afternoon, hoping to salvage some pride and end their Nations League campaign on a positive note.

Meanwhile, Spain will clash with Portugal in the final later that day.

With a World Cup and Nations League title already under Deschamps’ belt, expectations are always high — but after this historic collapse, it’s clear France has defensive issues to resolve before the next competitive window.

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FIFA has announced the nominees for the prestigious 2024 Best FIFA Men’s Coach award, showcasing some of the finest managerial talents in global football.

The winner will be determined by a diverse panel that includes current coaches and captains of men’s national teams, one journalist from each FIFA-recognized territory, and global football fans.

Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, the reigning titleholder of the award, has been shortlisted again following another stellar season.

The Catalan tactician led City to their fourth consecutive Premier League triumph in 2024, making history as the first English top-flight team to achieve this milestone.

Also making the cut is Carlo Ancelotti, the experienced Real Madrid manager, whose leadership earned Los Blancos both the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy. Ancelotti’s achievements have also brought recognition to his players, with several nominated for individual honours.

Xabi Alonso, the celebrated coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has been nominated after an exceptional 2023/24 campaign. Under his guidance, Leverkusen clinched the Bundesliga title and maintained an extraordinary 51-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.

The Spaniard also secured a domestic cup victory, though his team narrowly missed out on Europa League glory, falling in the final.

On the international front, Luis de la Fuente receives a nod for his remarkable success with Spain, guiding them to victory at Euro 2024.

Meanwhile, Lionel Scaloni is recognized for leading Argentina to triumph in the Copa America, further solidifying his reputation on the world stage.

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach Award celebrates the immense contributions of these tacticians to the sport, with fans eagerly awaiting the final announcement at the Best Awards ceremony.

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2024 nominees

• Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
• Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
• Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
• Lionel Scaloni (Argentina)

🚨 OFFICIAL: The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2024 nominees!

• CARLO ANCELOTTI
• Lionel Scaloni
• Luis de la Fuente
• Pep Guardiola
• Xabi Alonso pic.twitter.com/lwVvDiynwA

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) November 28, 2024

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His performances throughout the season have been nothing short of exceptional, leading Manchester City to their fourth consecutive Premier League title and securing Euro 2024 glory with Spain, where they defeated England in a dominant final performance.

RODRI IS THE 2024 MEN’S BALLON D’OR! #ballondor @ManCity @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/heWvSQsOxn

— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024

Despite strong competition from Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who many expected to win due to his La Liga and Champions League success, Rodri’s consistent excellence ultimately tipped the scales in his favor.

He stood out not only for his defensive prowess but also his clutch contributions, scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists across 50 appearances for City in an outstanding season.

His dominance on the pitch continued until the FA Cup final, where he endured his only defeat of the campaign against Manchester United.

The first words of our 2024 Ballon d’Or, Rodri! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/HbcPorxTlp

— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024

With this win, Rodri joins an elite list of players, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, and Kaka, becoming the first Spanish player to lift the Ballon d’Or since Luis Suarez in 1960.

His award marks a monumental achievement, celebrating a defensive midfielder’s influence on the global stage—a feat that hadn’t been accomplished before in Ballon d’Or history.

HERE IS THE 2024 BALLON D’OR RANKING! #ballondor @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/3aPyAe5yAr

— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024

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Spain and AC Milan forward Álvaro Morata has opened up about his battle with depression ahead of Euro 2024, revealing how close he came to prematurely ending his football career.

The 31-year-old striker, who has played for major clubs such as Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Juventus, and Chelsea, faced an intense period of mental health struggles earlier in 2024, which left him fearing that he might never play again.

Morata’s decision to join AC Milan marked the third time he left Spain for a new challenge abroad, but the emotional toll weighed heavily on him.

Despite his success on the field, including winning Euro 2024 with Spain, Morata’s mental health battle became a major obstacle in his life.

His candid revelation highlights the mental challenges professional athletes face and underscores the importance of mental health awareness, even for those who seem to have it all.

“I thought I wouldn’t be able to put my boots on and go out on the pitch again. I received a lot of help from people, like Diego Simeone, [Atletico captain] Koke and [president] Miguel Angel Gil, and my psychiatrist,” he said on El Partidazo de Cope.

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Legendary former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andrés Iniesta has officially announced his retirement from football at the age of 40.

Iniesta, who famously scored the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final against the Netherlands, was a central figure for both his club and country, known for his exceptional technical ability and vision on the pitch.

Emerging in the early 2000s, Iniesta became a key part of Barcelona’s iconic midfield, forming a formidable partnership with Xavi.

His elegant style and intelligence made him one of the world’s finest players, and his career was marked by immense success. At Barcelona, he won four Champions League titles and nine La Liga titles, while with Spain, he was instrumental in their victories at the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.

🚨 Andrés Iniesta officially confirms his retirement from professional football.

🏆 World Cup
🏆 2x Euro
🏆 4x Champions League
🏆 9x LaLiga
🏆 3x Club World Cup
🏆 3x Super Cup
🏆 6x Copa del Rey
🏆 7x SuperCopa
🏆 1x Japanese Champion
🏆 1x Japanese Cup
🏆 1x Japanese… pic.twitter.com/AJBFEzrHQ5

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 7, 2024

Many believed his performances in 2010 would earn him the Ballon d’Or, but his Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi claimed the award, with Iniesta finishing second. Two years later, he secured another third-place finish in the prestigious award.

After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta extended his career with a five-year stint at Japan’s Vissel Kobe before playing a season with Emirates Club in the UAE.

In an emotional farewell speech, Iniesta reflected on his career, saying: “I never thought this day would come. I never imagined it. These tears we shed are tears of emotion, pride—not sadness. They are the tears of a boy from Fuentealbilla, who dreamt of being a footballer, and we achieved it through hard work and sacrifice.”

Iniesta, your football will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/bjrCf6GBIJ

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 8, 2024

He expressed gratitude for his journey, saying: “I feel happy to have achieved my dream. My sporting career has been like a fairy tale, filled with incredible experiences. It started on the small fields of my hometown and took me to Barcelona, the club that helped me fulfill my dream.”

Iniesta also spoke fondly of his time at Barcelona’s famed academy, La Masia, and his family, who supported him from the beginning: “La Masia changed me forever, and I am grateful to everyone who helped shape my journey. Coming to Barcelona at 12 years old was a dream that I worked hard to fulfill.”

His retirement marks the end of a truly remarkable football career, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, humility, and unforgettable moments on the pitch.

 

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A post shared by Andres Iniesta (@andresiniesta8)

Andres Iniesta career honours 🏆

Team

• 1 x FIFA World Cup (2010)
• 2 x UEFA European Championship (2008, 2012)
• 4 x UEFA Champions League (2005/2006, 2008/09, 2010/11, 2014/15)
• 9 x La Liga (2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18)
• 3 x FIFA Club World Cup (2009, 2011, 2015)
• 2 x UEFA Super Cup (2011, 2015)
• 6 x Copa del Rey (2008/09, 2011/12, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18)
• 5 x SuperCopa de Espana (2005, 2006, 2011, 2013, 2016)
• 1 x J League (2023)
• 1 x Japanese Super Cup (2019)
• 1 x Emperor’s Cup (2020)

Individual

• 1 x Ballon d’Or runner-up (2010)
• 1 x FIFA World Cup Dream Team (2010)
• 2 x UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament (2008, 2012)
• 6 x UEFA Team of the Year (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016)

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Gareth Southgate has announced his departure as manager of England’s men’s team, following the team’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

In an emotional statement, Southgate expressed his gratitude to the players, staff, and fans, saying, “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.”

Southgate reflected on his eight-year tenure, highlighting the team’s progress and his pride in leading a talented group of players. “The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. I am so proud of them,” he said.

Southgate extended his appreciation to his coaching staff, particularly Steve Holland, and the backroom staff, describing them as “the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.” He also thanked the fans, saying, “We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.”

Southgate’s departure marks the end of an era, but he remains optimistic about the team’s future. “I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.” The FA will begin searching for a successor immediately, with Southgate’s contract initially set to expire in December.

“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager… Thank you, England – for everything.”

After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the #ThreeLions.

— England (@England) July 16, 2024

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The winner of the UEFA Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament was confirmed in an official announcement after the final game of the competition.

Spain achieved a double triumph in the Euro 2024 individual awards, with Rodri winning the Player of the Tournament prize and Lamine Yamal taking home the Young Player of the Tournament award.

🏆 Player of the Tournament: Rodri #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/sxKEu8Fe4h

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 14, 2024

🏆 Young Player of the Tournament: Lamine Yamal #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/Mb8HEU2alr

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 14, 2024

Luis de la Fuente’s side were the best team from start to finish this summer, leaving little room for complaints about their success in Germany.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri continued his ruthless run of glory with an unbeaten summer. His campaign nearly hit a snag when he was substituted at halftime in the final against England, likely due to injury. However, missing the all-important final 45 minutes did not tarnish his reputation, as Rodri ultimately secured the Player of the Tournament prize.

Yamal had been among the favourites to win the overall individual award but was always expected to secure the Young Player of the Tournament trophy. The teenager, who broke Pelé’s record as the youngest male starter in a major tournament final, dazzled throughout the competition, finishing with four assists and a stunning strike in the semi-final.

The world is at his feet 🌍#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/ylFyJwq0YP

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 14, 2024

Truthfully, there were several Spain players deserving of individual honours at the end of this impressive campaign. Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo both shone in midfield, while Athletic Club winger Nico Williams concluded his tournament with a goal in the final.

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Berlin, Germany – In a thrilling finale at the Olympiastadion, Spain edged out England 2-1 to claim their record fourth European championship title.

The match came alive in the second half, with all three goals scored in a tense and dramatic encounter.

The opening half saw England’s defense hold strong, containing Spain’s attacking threats. Luke Shaw, who replaced Kieran Trippier at left-back, effectively neutralized Lamine Yamal’s impact.

Despite Rodri’s withdrawal at halftime, Spain struggled to break through England’s resilient defense.

However, Spain’s persistence paid off early in the second half. A well-crafted move involving Yamal and Nico Williams resulted in the latter scoring at the far post. England’s response came just shy of the 20-minute mark, with Cole Palmer expertly finishing a swift counter-attack initiated by Bukayo Saka.

In the final five minutes, Spain regained the lead through Mikel Oyarzabal’s first-time finish from Marc Cucurella’s cross. England pushed hard for an equalizer, with Unai Simon denying Declan Rice’s header and Dani Olmo clearing Marc Guehi’s rebound off the line. Spain held on through added time to secure their historic triumph.

• England’s Wait for Silverware Continues

England’s search for a major trophy extends to 57 years, since their 1966 FIFA World Cup victory. Spain, meanwhile, celebrates their fourth European championship title, cementing their status as a dominant force in international football.

“We knew it would be a tough game, but we believed in our abilities,” said Spain’s coach. “Our players showed great character and determination to win.”

“We gave it our all, but it just wasn’t our day,” lamented England’s manager. “We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”

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In a shocking twist, Luke Shaw is expected to start for England in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, replacing Kieran Trippier. Shaw, who overcame a long-term injury to feature in England’s last two matches as a substitute, will make his first start of the tournament.

Manager Gareth Southgate had earlier indicated that Trippier would be fit to play despite picking up a knock in the semi-final against the Netherlands. However, Southgate has opted for Shaw, who scored in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

According to The Telegraph, Southgate believes Shaw’s natural comfort on the left side of the field could be crucial to England’s chances of winning the trophy. Shaw will face the daunting task of containing Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, one of the top performers at the tournament.

The decision raises questions about England’s defensive setup, with Southgate considering a return to a four-man defence or sticking with the 3-4-2-1 formation that has brought success in the knockout stages.

In a lighthearted moment, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe joked about Shaw’s hamstring concerns, urging him to take care of his hamstrings after a long spell on the sidelines.

Shaw’s surprise start has added an extra layer of excitement to the highly anticipated Euro 2024 final.

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Spain secured their place in the final of Euro 2024 with a 2-1 victory over France in Munich on July 9, 2024.

Les Bleus took an early lead, but their advantage was quickly overturned by a resurgent La Roja side, who responded swiftly to turn the game around.

Luis de la Fuente’s men will now face either England or the Netherlands, who play in Dortmund on Wednesday, in the final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion this Sunday.

France opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Ousmane Dembele dribbled in from the right flank and found Kylian Mbappe on the opposite wing. Mbappe delivered a perfect cross to Randal Kolo Muani, who got past defender Aymeric Laporte and headed his team in front.

However, France’s lead lasted only 12 minutes. Spain’s Lamine Yamal received the ball 25 yards out, moved infield, and unleashed a looping strike over goalkeeper Mike Maignan, making history as the youngest scorer in the European Championships.

Spain took the lead soon after when Dani Olmo’s low strike deflected off Jules Kounde and into the net after France failed to clear their lines in their own box.

Didier Deschamps made several attacking substitutions early in the second half in an attempt to regain control, but France could only create half-chances.

Spain’s progression to the final was confirmed after five minutes of stoppage time, ending France’s hopes of a first European title in 24 years.

A sensational goal from 16-year-old phenomenon Lamine Yamal helped Spain come from behind to beat France 2-1 in Munich and secure their place in the Euro 2024 final. Yamal became the youngest player to score at a European Championship or World Cup, surpassing the record previously held by Brazil legend Pele, with his stunning 25-yard effort.

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A dramatic goal by Mikel Merino in extra time gave Spain a thrilling 2-1 victory over Germany in the quarter-finals of the European Championship on Friday. The match, held at the Stuttgart Arena, featured a clash between two of the most successful nations in the tournament’s history.

As the game neared the 119th minute, with the prospect of a penalty shootout looming, substitute Merino rose to the occasion, heading in the winning goal from a precise Dani Olmo cross. This last-minute strike left the home crowd in Stuttgart heartbroken and secured Spain’s spot in the semi-finals.

The first half ended scoreless, but Spain took the lead six minutes into the second half when Olmo fired a first-time shot into the bottom corner. Germany, however, equalized in dramatic fashion with a goal from Florian Wirtz in the 89th minute, pushing the game into extra time.

Spain’s triumph marked a historic moment, as they became the first nation to eliminate the hosts at the quarter-final stage of the European Championship. Merino, who had a stint with Newcastle United during the 2017/18 season, was the hero with his crucial header.

Spain will now face either France or Portugal in the semi-finals, with their next match set for Tuesday night in Munich. Despite Germany’s relentless efforts to find a late equalizer, Spain’s defense held firm, securing their advancement to the last four.

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• Mattia Zaccagni strikes at death to crush Croatia and send Italy through to last 16

• Spain complete perfect Euro 2024 group stage as Albania go out

Spain continued their flawless start to Euro 2024 with a 1-0 victory over Albania on Monday, securing their third consecutive win in the tournament. Ferran Torres’ superb strike in the 13th minute, assisted by Dani Olmo, was enough to seal the win.

Spain, already qualified for the last 16, dominated the match with Torres, Mikel Merino, and Joselu coming close to scoring. Despite Albania’s spirited efforts, with Kristjan Asllani and Armando Broja testing Spanish keeper David Raya, they were unable to find the net. This result sees Spain top Group B, while Albania exits the tournament.

In the other Group B match, Italy secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Croatia, earning them a place in the last 16 as group runners-up. The match was tightly contested, with Croatia’s Luka Modric having a penalty saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 54th minute. However, Modric quickly redeemed himself by scoring the rebound, becoming the oldest scorer in European Championship history at 38 years and 289 days.

Italy fought back and, in added time, Mattia Zaccagni scored a stunning equalizer from distance, breaking Croatian hearts and ensuring Italy’s progression. Croatia, with two points, now awaits the results from other groups to see if they can advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

Spain topped Group B with nine points, Italy followed with four points, and Croatia finished third with two points. Albania, finishing last with one point, has been eliminated. This result guarantees that England, France, and the Netherlands will finish at least among the best four third-placed teams, securing their spots in the knockout stages.

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