Mourinho's Fenerbahce paired with Feyenoord in Champions League qualifying. Benfica gets Nice
Fenerbahce, which finished runner-up in the Turkish league, will go to Rotterdam for the first leg on Aug. 5 or 6 and host the return in Istanbul on Aug. 12.
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Fox Sports
6 hours ago
- Fox Sports
Chloe Kelly's Heroics And Spain's Bitter Loss: England's Euro Victory Had It All
England are back-to-back European champions and once again it was Chloe Kelly who provided the perfect conclusion. The Arsenal star walked up to the penalty spot with confidence and poise, rolled the ball backward a couple of times, and then did her signature hop before firing a shot into the upper left corner past Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll. It was a fitting moment to an epic final between the two best teams in the world, one that saw England manage yet another comeback at this tournament. Two goals scored from headers – Mariona Caldentay's opener in the 25th minute and Alessia Russo's equalizer in the 57th minute – set up a dramatic finish in Sunday's final. Neither team was able to find the back of the net again in extra time, meaning the game would have to be decided by a penalty shootout. England's 24-year-old goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made three saves, including one against two-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí. It was then Kelly's time, who scored the game-winner as the Lionesses prevailed. Here's what stood out from the match: Kelly's legend keeps growing Kelly etched her name into women's football lore three years ago when she scored the game-winning goal for England against Germany to win the 2022 Euros. She tore off her shirt in celebration like Brandi Chastain, and the moment forever changed the sport in England. Earlier this year, she made a permanent transfer to Arsenal and proceeded to help the club win the Champions League title. And then this summer, she played a major role for England as a game-changer off the bench, tallying two assists and two game-winning goals in the knockout round. Kelly could have been sour about not being a starter, but she clearly trusted manager Sarina Wiegman's strategy and was an important solution off the bench. It always worked in England's favor, especially when it was Kelly who also scored the game-winning goal in the semifinal vs. Italy that sent the Lionesses to the final, and then stepped up as the fifth PK shooter in the final. England is now the first nation to win consecutive European championships since Germany in 2013. And Wiegman has now won three straight Euro titles: 2017 with the Netherlands and 2022 and '25 with England. England's resilience prevails There's no doubt this victory was especially sweet for England, which lost to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final. Widely considered to be the No. 1 team in the world – despite technically being ranked No. 2 behind the United States in FIFA's rankings – Spain was a more formidable opponent than the German squad England faced in the Euro final three years ago. And the way England had to come together and defeat the Spanish was probably the most impressive part. Throughout this tournament, the Lionesses didn't always look like the best team. They lost their first match against France before needing to create their own luck to come from behind and beat Sweden and Italy in the quarterfinal and semifinal, respectively. That was the recipe Wiegman's team used against La Roja on Sunday. When Spain took the lead or controlled the tempo or just looked like the more talented team, England didn't get flustered. Down 1-0 at halftime, the group came out of the break smiling and loose. They faced adversity head on and found a way to win. "For those that don't think mentality and resiliency matter, they matter," U.S. women's national team legend and FOX Sports analyst Carli Lloyd said on the broadcast after the match. "You can have all the tactics in the world, you can have some of the best players in the world on the field playing the most beautiful football. "But at the end of the day, the adversity, the resiliency, the togetherness is what you need." Disappointment for Spain Even with the loss, Spain has arguably the most talented squad in the world. They will be back and now have even more ammunition as they prepare to defend their World Cup title in less than two years' time. The reigning World Cup champions were an overwhelming favorite to win the Euros. While England was tested throughout each round with adversity, Spain mostly dominated opponents. Sure, La Roja was challenged by hosts Switzerland (buoyed by their home crowds) and perennial powerhouse Germany, but they were always the stronger side. After taking a 1-0 lead into halftime in Sunday's game, the overall feeling was that Spain needed to score again early in the second half to take England out of the match. Instead, the Lionesses equalized early in the second half. Bonmatí, whose beautiful goal vs. Germany in extra time Spain to the final, wasn't as involved as she could have been. Alexia Putellas also had a quiet night as she was subbed off in the second half. Penalties were off to a solid start for Spain when Coll stopped shots from Beth Mead and Leah Williamson, but misses by Caldentay, Bonmatí and Salma Paralluelo ultimately set up the dramatic game-winner from Kelly. And despite the loss, Bonmatí was awarded the player of the tournament – the first time a player from a losing side had been awarded the trophy. The women's game keeps growing This tournament has been yet another shining example of how women's soccer is growing around the world. If the colorful and passionate scenes of the pre-match fan walks throughout Switzerland during the tournament weren't enough, these Euros registered record-breaking attendance numbers. UEFA reported a record 657,291 spectators attended the tournament, surpassing the previous record of 574,875 fans who attended the 2022 Euros in England. "UEFA Women's EURO 2025 has marked a major milestone in the evolution of women's football," UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said in a statement. "With record-breaking attendance, exceptional media coverage and unprecedented global interest, the tournament has captured the world's attention. "The success of the tournament also showcases our continued, significant investment in the women's game, reflecting our long-term commitment to its growth. We are proud of the remarkable progress made in the women's game – yet this is just the beginning." Laken Litman covers college football, college basketball and soccer for FOX Sports. She previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, USA Today and The Indianapolis Star. She is the author of "Strong Like a Woman," published in spring 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Follow her at @LakenLitman . Get more from the UEFA Euro Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
£34.9m Liverpool Transfer Target Rejects Everton
Malick Fofana Transfer Update: Belgian Star Rejects Everton Amid Champions League Ambitions Malick Fofana, one of Belgium's brightest young attacking prospects, appears to be setting his sights far higher than a move to Goodison Park. The 20-year-old had an excellent season for Lyon in Ligue 1, registering 11 goals and five assists, and that form has naturally attracted attention across Europe. While Premier League clubs have been circling, the former KAA Gent academy talent seems in no rush to make a decision based on who knocks first. Everton were the first to act decisively, with reports from Fabrizio Romano confirming the Toffees are 'in advanced talks' with Lyon, offering a package worth around €36 million including bonuses. Lyon, however, are holding out for a guaranteed €40 million. But according to respected Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, 'Malick Fofana has other plans than joining Everton Football Club. As told yesterday, the Belgian Red Devil knows some teams playing Champions League that are waiting to make room in the squad are interested in him.' Champions League Clubs Hold the Key Fofana's ambitions are clear: he wants a club playing at the highest level of European football. Despite Everton's determination and financial push, it's a sporting project Fofana is prioritising. Liverpool had reportedly opened talks with the player's representatives earlier this month, as reported by Le'Equipe. The Reds are known to be in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer, following the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for £65.5 million. The interest in Fofana appears to be genuine, even if not yet advanced. Other suitors reportedly include Bayern themselves and clubs from Italy and Spain, all watching the situation develop as they balance their current squads and financial restrictions. Not Just About Money Fofana has also turned down Nottingham Forest, signalling that his next destination must match his trajectory and aspirations. His intent is not merely a move to the Premier League but a step towards elite competition. While Lyon are open to selling, they won't accept anything below their valuation. It's a deal that will require the right mix of finances, sporting prestige and vision. Liverpool's Interest Still Active Liverpool's scouting network has been diligent this summer, with Arne Slot aiming to build on last season's title-winning success. Fofana fits the age profile and stylistic mould Liverpool have often pursued in recent windows. His acceleration, directness and sharp end product would certainly add depth to Slot's frontline. However, patience will be crucial. Clubs in the Champions League are still adjusting their squads, and the real movement could come once a domino falls. If Liverpool decide to accelerate their interest, they may still be able to position themselves favourably. But as it stands, no agreement is imminent. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Fofana's stance is actually reassuring. This is a player who knows what he wants. Turning down Premier League clubs like Everton and Forest because they don't offer Champions League football suggests he's focused on legacy, not just wages. With Luis Diaz now officially a Bayern Munich player, there's a clear need to fill that void. Fofana, with his ability to operate on either flank, sharp movement and age profile, fits what Arne Slot might be looking for. But given Slot's reputation for tactical cohesion and discipline, it will be interesting to see if Liverpool push for a player who is still relatively raw at 20, even if the ceiling is sky high. Slot's Premier League title win in his debut campaign gives him both credit in the bank and a foundation to attract top talent. If Fofana truly wants to play Champions League football and develop under a progressive manager, Liverpool ticks every box. However, it's worth remembering that the tragic loss of Diogo Jota this summer has created both an emotional and tactical gap. The club may prioritise someone with a bit more experience to step into that role immediately. Fofana feels like a longer-term project, albeit one with immense potential. If Liverpool are in the race, it won't be to simply make up numbers. Keep an eye on this one.
Fox News
10 hours ago
- Fox News
A New 'Golden Generation'? FOX Sports Crew Discuss Spain's Recent Dominance
Does it feel Spain has been at the center of the soccer world in recent years? Between its men's and women's teams, La Roja has certainly been the sport's major force. Part of the reason for women's team dominance has been star players playing a lot of games together across club and country. Star duo Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí have led Barcelona to two Champions League titles in 2023 and 2024. "There's a lot of Barça players on this pitch, they're familiar with each other," said FOX Sports analyst Ari Hingst, who won four Euro titles and three World Cups with Germany. "You know the running patterns, six of them are in the starting XI today, and that definitely helps." FOX Sports analyst and U.S. women's team legend Carli Lloyd pointed to Spain's midfield as the catalyst for their success. "I look at the Spanish midfielders as the best midfielders in the world. They provide linkup play for one another," Lloyd said. "I look at it as the golden generation like Barcelona men's players - Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets - it's amazing to see." Spain is aiming for its first Euro title – and its third straight trophy – on Sunday, having already defeated England at the 2023 Women's World Cup. The team has also won the 2024 Nations League crown. As for the men's team, they'll be among the favorites next year at the 2026 World Cup (watch all games on FOX). Behind teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, the team has also had recent success with winning the 2023 Nations League and 2024 Euro. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
