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The Guardian
29 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Putellas at the double as rampant Spain hit rain-soaked Belgium for six at Euro 2025
Spain, looking ominously ruthless, continued their rich goalscoring form to reach the knockout stages of the 2025 European Championship as they put six goals past Belgium on a rain-soaked evening in Thun. The world champions were twice pegged back by equalisers, but Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir's side were eventually overpowered and were eliminated by Portugal's 1-1 draw with Italy on Monday night, a result that also ensured Spain's place in the last eight. Spain had scored five times in their opening victory against Portugal last Thursday and went one better in their second outing. This Group B match was being contested in the pretty town of Thun, where surfers love to ride the Aare river, in the centre of the old town, including earlier on Monday afternoon, as the heavy downpours of rain only strengthened the river's force. Each time the surfers fell and were swept downstream, they would swim back upstream, to try their luck again, adjacent to the tournament fan zone. The scene proved rather reminiscent of Belgium trying to resist wave after wave of Spanish attacks in the second half, but it felt as though every time Belgium clawed themselves back into the match, a fresh torrent of Spanish brilliance swept them away again. Alexia Putellas began the relentless scoring when she rounded off a neat team move, after superb play from Vicky López, to clinically tuck the ball home. Justine Vanhaevermaet briefly stunned the pre-tournament favourites as she headed in from a corner, but Spain were soon back in front when Irene Paredes headed in to make it 2-1, towards the end of a first half where Olga Carmona had also driven a powerful strike narrowly wide. The crowd were momentarily sensing a monumental shock might be on the cards, when Hannah Eurlings sprinted in behind Spain's defence and slotted in, but almost immediately after the restart, Esther González met Putellas's outstanding pass to restore Spain's lead and make it 3-2. By this point, the Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, still returning carefully to full fitness after contracting viral meningitis before the tournament, had been brought on as a half-time substitute and she was showing her usual creativity and style in midfield. Her head coach, Montse Tomé, said: 'Aitana could play but I think we must be patient. According to the medical team, she is fine, but we don't want to risk her. As we have other players who allow us to keep the level. I believe Aitana will be 100%.' Spain were mounting pressure and shortly after the hour Mariona Caldentey tucked in from close range, before a marvellous strike from Clàudia Pina in the 81st minute, curled into the far corner from distance, made it 5-2 with a goal that will undoubtedly be included in the goal‑of-the-tournament shortlist. Putellas said of Pina's strike: 'Her goal was special, as always. Honestly, she's so good, it was a perfect goal, it was impossible to stop it.' Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women's football after newsletter promotion Putellas, who was named player of the match, showed her class with a fine finish for her second of the game and Spain's sixth, and Tomé's team continue to look like they will justify their status as favourites. The Barcelona midfielder said: 'The team had an excellent performance. We have room for improvement but the team is feeling fine, we feel comfortable that if something doesn't work, we can change and adapt.' Tomé's side will top Group B if they continue their form against Italy in their final group match, and the head coach was full of praise for Putellas, in particular, adding: 'Alexia has a high performance for the whole team. She thinks collectively. She understands the spaces, she flows, and you see she enjoys it. I'm glad for her and also for the rest of the team.' Gunnarsdóttir, appeared crestfallen by her team's fate but was also proud of their endeavour in attack. Trying to see the bigger picture, the Icelandic coach said: 'When I was hired to coach the team, it was about more than leading the team to the Euros – it was about building a team that can compete regularly against the top teams in Europe. 'I've only been here for five months. I've learned so much. I know I have a lot more to learn [but I] really feel we're going in the right direction. I would never have taken this job if I didn't believe the Red Flames could be a top nation in Europe. 'I walked into the locker room today and I really wanted to cry. I loved seeing my players giving everything they had. I'm going to be happy with a lot of things but it's going to take some time until I get to a point where I see it.'
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd 'close' to midfielder transfer amid fresh talks for Bryan Mbeumo
Manchester United are still locked in talks with Brentford over the signing of winger Bryan Mbeumo, but have reportedly agreed a different deal for a midfielder Manchester United remain busy in the summer transfer window, with the squad overhaul demanded by Ruben Amorim beginning to take shape. United know that major changes are needed if they are to climb the Premier League table in the upcoming campaign following a miserable 2024/25 season. They have already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Diego Leon, but want many more deals. The club are working on the sales of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and more. They know that departures will be key if they are to give Amorim a chance of turning things around. But the backroom staff are also continuing to pursue new signings in a competitive market. The lack of European football at Old Trafford next season is hampering things, but a few new arrivals could be close, according to the latest reports. Mbeumo talks continue Manchester United 's pursuit of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has been going on for a while now, but they are still yet to make the breakthrough. Nevertheless, the deal is still expected to go ahead – things are just taking a while. Brentford are understandably playing hard ball over the transfer fee after Mbeumo's outstanding 2024/25 campaign, in which he reached 20 Premier League goals, and United remain locked in talks. The Cameroon international is keen to join United and personal terms aren't a problem Fabrizio Romano now reports that United remain optimistic about striking a deal, but talks are expected to continue, with no agreement yet. Remain patient United fans, it will happen. Deal for midfielder 'close' Elsewhere, there's a bolt from the blue with Italian outlet Calciomercato reporting that United are close to signing Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra. AC Milan have shown an interest in the 22-year-old, but United have apparently stolen a march. Milan were lining up an offer of between €25m and €30m (£21m-£25m), while Mundo Deportivo have credited Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa with an interest in Guerra. He has two years left on his contract with Valencia, where he has eight goals and four assists in 89 games so far. Greenwood cash boost As previously mentioned, United know they need sales to help fund their recruitment drive. They have no say over the potential sale of Mason Greenwood this summer, having sent him to Marseille last summer, but he could still provide them with some cash. Greenwood performed well for Marseille last year, scoring 21 Ligue 1 goals, and Juventus and Barcelona have been linked with a move for the ex-United striker. Reports in Spain say that Al-Ahli have now entered running and have put a €70m (£60m) offer on the table. That could be good news for United, who have a 50 per cent sell-on clause. Greenwood is under contract with Marseille until June 2029. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Wrexham hit with major Jamie Vardy blow as rival boss hints at stunning deal
Wrexham have been linked with a move for Jamie Vardy, but Rangers have now emerged as a potential destination and manager Russell Martin has addressed the rumours Rangers boss Russell Martin has refused to rule out signing Jamie Vardy this summer, with the former England international available on a free transfer. Vardy left Leicester after 13 years last season and has also been linked with a move to Wrexham. The 38-year-old scored 145 Premier League goals for Leicester, a figure that puts him 14th on the all-time list, and Rangers have been mooted as a potential destination. And when asked about a move for Vardy following a pre-season friendly against Club Brugge, Martin refused to be drawn. "I think I've been asked about so many players," he said. "Some miles away, some on the money. So, basically, I'm not going to give you an answer on that. But I guess you'll find out who's real and who's not in the next few weeks. "I think we definitely want to do more [signings], for sure. And also probably some players need to move on as well at some point because the squad's going to start looking very big and very heavy." Although Wrexham have long been credited with an interested in Vardy, reports emerged from Italy recently claiming that Genoa had been in pole position to sign the striker. It was claimed that the club's sporting director, Flavio Ricciardella, was keen on signing Vardy. Riccardella is said to have lined up a deal which would have been financed by support from sponsors, but Genoa boss Patrick Vieira reportedly vetoed the move. Vardy has said he believes he can still compete at the highest level, telling Sky Sports back in May that he has no doubts about his ability. "No, but that's just me," he said. " Football is a crazy world. "You never know what's going to happen. I'll keep going until my legs tell me I need to stop. My legs are fine. I'm doing a sport that I love, it's what I've done since I was a little kid so long may that continue." Reflecting on his time at Leicester, Vardy added: "You can speak to my family and they'll all say I'm emotionless. It might do at the end of the game or whatever, but until that happens, I'm literally just focused on the game. "You don't get a chance to look back on it. It's about seeing out the season with momentum to start next season. I keep saying it and it's weird, but you don't get a chance to look back on it. Because you're in it, the season finishes, you shut off completely. "Mentally and physically, it's a killer. It does you in. So by the time you've then had your couple of weeks to switch off, you're then back in, getting ready for the new season. So it just keeps rolling into one."
