Football

Germany's Nations League campaign ended with a 1-1 draw in Hungary, while the Netherlands were held to the same scoreline by Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Germans had already secured top spot in Group A3, while the Dutch were assured of second place. Hungary, despite the draw, remained four points ahead of Bosnia, who were already relegated.In Budapest, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann made several changes to his team, which had clinched top spot with a 7-0 win over Bosnia last week. Felix Nmecha broke the deadlock in the 76th minute, but Hungary's Dominik Szoboszlai equalized from the penalty spot in the 99th minute."With a win, we would've gone into the break with a nicer feeling, but we can still be very satisfied about what we achieved in 2024 and can kick things off again in March," said German midfielder Robert Andrich.In Group B4, Wales secured automatic promotion to the top division with a 4-1 victory over Iceland. Turkey's 3-1 defeat in Montenegro meant that Wales finished one point ahead of the Turks.Czech Republic claimed top spot in Group B1 with a 2-1 win over Georgia. Ukraine leapfrogged Georgia into second place by defeating Albania.In League C, Sweden topped their group with a 6-0 thrashing of Azerbaijan. Viktor Gyokeres scored four goals for Sweden, while Dejan Kulusevski added a brace.

In a thrilling Nations League encounter, the Netherlands secured their place in the quarter-finals with a dominant 4-0 victory over Hungary. The match was marred by a medical emergency involving Hungary's assistant coach, Adam Szalai, who received treatment on the sidelines before being stretchered off.The Oranje took the lead in the 17th minute when Wout Weghorst converted a penalty after a handball by Tamas Nikitscher. Cody Gakpo doubled their advantage in the 11th minute of added time, dispatching another spot-kick after Zsolt Nagy fouled Donyell Malen.After the break, Denzel Dumfries sealed the Netherlands' victory with a well-taken volley in the 65th minute. Teun Koopmeiners added a fourth in the 86th minute, nodding in a cross from Malen.Meanwhile, Germany continued their impressive form with a resounding 7-0 win over Bosnia and Hercegovina. Jamal Musiala opened the scoring after just two minutes, followed by goals from Tim Kleindienst and Kai Havertz. Florian Wirtz netted a brace, including a stunning free-kick, while Leroy Sane and Kleindienst completed the rout.The emphatic result leaves Germany five points clear at the top of Group A3, while the Netherlands are second with one match remaining. In Group B1, Georgia and Ukraine played out a 1-1 draw, while the Czech Republic drew 0-0 in Albania. Turkey remain top of Group B4 after a 0-0 draw with Wales, while Iceland beat Montenegro 2-0.

France and Germany secured crucial victories in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, thanks to the contributions of stand-in forwards.In Brussels, France overcame fierce rivals Belgium 2-1, with Randal Kolo Muani scoring both goals for the visitors. Kolo Muani, who has started only two games for Paris Saint-Germain this season, has now scored in all three of his appearances for France against Belgium.Belgium, who have lost their last three matches against France, took the lead through Loïs Openda's header in the 38th minute. However, Kolo Muani equalized just before halftime, heading in Lucas Digne's cross.The Paris Saint-Germain striker then grabbed the winner in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to slot home from close range. France held on to their lead despite being reduced to 10 men after Aurélien Tchouaméni was sent off for a second yellow card in the 76th minute.In Munich, Germany defeated the Netherlands 1-0, with Jamie Leweling scoring the only goal of the game in the 64th minute. Leweling, who was making his debut for Germany, fired a powerful drive into the bottom corner from outside the box.The victory was a welcome boost for Germany, who have been struggling for form in recent months. It was also a fitting farewell for four players who recently retired from international duty: Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, and Ilkay Gundogan.Italy and Hungary also recorded victories in the Nations League on Monday. Italy defeated Israel 4-1 in Udine, with Mateo Retegui, Giovanni Di Lorenzo (2), and Davide Frattesi getting on the scoresheet. Hungary, meanwhile, beat Bosnia 2-0 in Sarajevo, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Martin Adam scoring the goals.With two group games remaining in November, France, Italy, and Germany are all on the verge of clinching a top-two finish and spots in the quarterfinals.

Germany's Nations League hopes received a boost on Friday as Deniz Undav's brace secured a 2-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The win puts Germany on the cusp of the quarter-finals, while the Netherlands salvaged a 1-1 draw in Hungary despite playing with 10 men.Undav, making his second international start, opened the scoring for Germany in the 30th minute, tapping in a backheel assist from Florian Wirtz. The Stuttgart forward doubled his tally in the second half, converting Maximilian Mittlestaedt's cross. Bosnia responded with 20 minutes remaining through Edin Dzeko's header, but Germany held on for the victory.In Budapest, Hungary took the lead against the Netherlands through Roland Sallai's close-range finish. However, the Dutch equalized in the 83rd minute when Denzel Dumfries headed in a free-kick from Cody Gakpo, despite Virgil van Dijk's red card four minutes earlier.Elsewhere, Wales squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Iceland in Reykjavik. Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson gave Wales a comfortable advantage at the break, but Iceland fought back in the second half with goals from Logi Tomasson and Danny Ward's own goal.Turkey defeated Montenegro 1-0, while Sweden and Slovakia drew 2-2 in Bratislava. The Czech Republic earned a 2-0 home win over Albania, and Ukraine defeated Georgia 1-0.

Johan Neeskens, a legendary Dutch footballer who played a pivotal role in the development of "total football" in the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 73. Neeskens was an integral member of the Ajax and Netherlands teams that captivated the world with their innovative and dominant style of play.As a midfielder, Neeskens possessed exceptional tackling skills, sublime vision, and an uncanny ability to convert penalties. He was a key figure in Ajax's three consecutive European Cup triumphs from 1971 to 1973. Alongside Johan Cruyff, Neeskens formed a formidable partnership that revolutionized the game.Neeskens' impact extended beyond the club level. He was a vital cog in the "Clockwork Oranje" Dutch national team that reached the World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978. His 49 caps for the Netherlands showcased his unwavering commitment and exceptional talent.After retiring from playing, Neeskens embarked on a successful coaching career, sharing his knowledge and expertise around the world. Despite his fierce competitive spirit on the pitch, Neeskens was known for his gentle and compassionate nature off the field. He was a devoted family man and a respected figure in the football community.The Dutch football federation (KNVB) paid tribute to Neeskens, describing him as "a legend" and "one of the leading players that Dutch football has ever produced." Ajax and Barcelona, where Neeskens played after leaving Ajax, also expressed their condolences and hailed him as a true icon.Johan Neeskens' legacy will forever be etched in the annals of football history. His contributions to the development of "total football" and his unwavering passion for the game have left an enduring mark on the sport. His passing is a profound loss for the football world, and his memory will continue to inspire generations of players and fans alike.

England's resilience and clinical finishing have propelled them to the Euro 2024 final, despite not being the most aesthetically pleasing team. In the knockout stages, they have consistently found ways to win, even when trailing.Against the Netherlands in the semi-final, England faced an early setback with Xavi Simons' stunning goal. However, they remained composed and equalized through a controversial penalty converted by Harry Kane. The game remained tense until substitute Ollie Watkins' last-minute strike sealed the victory.England's success is not based on overwhelming opponents but on their ability to defend resolutely and capitalize on their chances. Despite averaging only 9.1 shots per game in the past two Euro tournaments, they have proven that clinical finishing is crucial in knockout scenarios.Watkins' late winner against the Netherlands was the latest winning goal in a European Championship or World Cup semi-final (excluding extra time). It also highlighted England's ability to create space and take advantage of opportunities.Phil Foden's improved performance in the semi-final was also a key factor. His movement and creativity created chances for his teammates.However, the final against Spain will present a different challenge. Spain is a mobile and persistent team that will test England's defense. England may need to adjust their tactics and rely on counterattacks to exploit Spain's attacking tendencies.Regardless of their approach, England has earned the right to dream of their second major tournament victory. Their resilience, clinical finishing, and unwavering determination have carried them to the brink of glory.

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his disappointment over the controversial penalty decision that went against his team in their Euro 2024 semi-final loss to England. The Dutch side fell to a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat after Ollie Watkins scored a late winner, but the match was marred by a contentious penalty call that leveled the game for England.In the 14th minute, Harry Kane and Denzel Dumfries collided inside the Netherlands box. Referee Felix Zwayer initially awarded a goal kick but reversed his decision to a penalty after a VAR review. Van Dijk was adamant that the call was incorrect, stating that "certain moments were obvious that they should have gone our way, but they didn't."The penalty decision sparked outrage among fans and former players, with Gary Neville calling it "a disgraceful decision" and Jamie Carragher stating that it was "never a penalty." Van Dijk echoed these sentiments, expressing his frustration that the referee did not come forward to explain his decision."They keep changing certain things, small changes that could have a big impact," Van Dijk said. "Maybe it's a good thing that they could be held accountable as well. They didn't come here and speak to you and explain themselves like we have to when we do something wrong."Despite the controversial penalty, England ultimately emerged victorious and will now face Spain in the Euro 2024 final. The Netherlands, meanwhile, will be left to rue what could have been, with Van Dijk lamenting the missed opportunities that cost his team a place in the final.

England manager Gareth Southgate believes his team is on the cusp of history as they prepare to face the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final on Wednesday. The Three Lions are aiming to reach their first major tournament final on foreign soil and take a step closer to ending their 58-year wait for a major trophy.Southgate's men have endured a rollercoaster ride in Germany, narrowly avoiding early exits against Slovakia and Switzerland. However, they have shown resilience and determination, with individual brilliance from Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka proving decisive.England's captain, Harry Kane, is eager to make amends for his sluggish performances in the tournament. The Bayern Munich striker has scored two goals but has been criticized for his lack of mobility. Kane is determined to lead his team to glory and believes reaching back-to-back finals would be an "amazing achievement."The Netherlands, meanwhile, have found their rhythm after a shaky start. Ronald Koeman's side has won their last two matches, including a hard-fought victory over Turkey in the quarter-finals. Cody Gakpo has been in scintillating form, scoring three goals and leading the race for the Golden Boot.The Dutch face travel chaos ahead of the semi-final, with issues with the German train system disrupting their plans. However, Southgate believes it will not affect their performance.The selection of referee Felix Zwayer has raised eyebrows, given his previous involvement in a match-fixing scandal. Bellingham was fined for criticizing Zwayer during his time at Borussia Dortmund.England and the Netherlands have a rich history in football, and Wednesday's clash promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Three Lions will be looking to make history, while the Dutch will be aiming to reach their first major tournament final since 1988.

England and the Netherlands, two footballing giants with a history of underachievement, have defied expectations to reach the semifinals of Euro 2024. Despite their illustrious pasts, both teams have struggled to replicate their domestic success on the international stage.England's lone major trophy remains the 1966 World Cup, while the Netherlands have never lifted the World Cup despite producing a plethora of world-class players. In the Euros, England has reached the final only once, losing to Italy in 2021, while the Netherlands won the tournament in 1988 but have not reached the semifinals since 2004.This tournament has been a tale of struggle for both teams. England narrowly qualified for the knockout stages, while the Netherlands suffered a humiliating defeat to Austria in the group stages. However, both teams have shown resilience and determination in the knockout rounds.England's Jude Bellingham scored a stunning equalizer against Slovakia in the Round of 16, while Harry Kane netted the winner in extra time. In the quarterfinals, Bukayo Saka's late goal forced a penalty shootout against Switzerland, which England eventually won.The Netherlands trailed Turkey until the 70th minute of their quarterfinal before Stefan de Vrij equalized. Six minutes later, an own goal by Mert Muldur sent them to the semifinals.Both teams have a lot to play for in the semifinals. An Euros trophy would not only end their trophy droughts but also revitalize their football cultures. The neutrals are likely to support the underdogs, and England and the Netherlands have a golden opportunity to break out of their long-standing underachieving status.