Top football squads from 24 nations have kicked off the battle for the European football crown in France. RT brings fans all the Euro 2016 action on the pitch and the hottest events off it.
01 July 2016
Wales has claimed a famous victory over Belgium, winning 3-1 to secure a place in the semi-final against Portugal in Lyon next Wednesday.
It will be the first time Wales has ever appeared in the semi-finals of a major tournament.
Wales has taken a 3-1 lead against Belgium with just five minutes left to play.
Sam Vokes scored a glancing header from a Chris Gunter cross to put Chris Coleman’s men within minutes of a famous victory.
Wales is leading 2-1 against Belgium.
On 55 minutes, Hal Robson-Kanu received the ball inside the Belgian penalty area with his back to goal, but turned past two defenders and placed the ball past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into the corner of the net.
Wales and Belgium are drawing 1-1 at half-time in their quarter-final match in Lille.
Belgium took the lead in the 13th minute when Radja Nainggolan fired in a stunning strike from 25 yards out.
But Wales captain Ashley Williams equalized with a bullet header from a corner in the 31st minute.
After last night's Euro 2016 action saw Portugal book its place in the semi-finals thanks to a penalty shootout win over Poland, tonight we'll find out who their opponents will be when Wales takes on Belgium at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille.
It’s been dubbed as Wales’ biggest game since it played in the 1958 World Cup, while Belgium will be seeking to make its mark as the highest-ranked team in the competition.
The two sides met in qualifying for the tournament with Wales coming out on top, winning 1-0 at home and holding Belgium to a 0-0 draw in Brussels.
Ahead of tonight’s clash, which kicks off at 9pm local time (19:00 GMT), Wales manager Chris Coleman said:
"We're not going to talk [the match] down. We're going to savor this occasion, as we have done all along. This is another huge test and it's another in a line of challenges that we've already met. It's a great position to be in. We've got to go and do all the things that have got us in this position in the first place," UEFA reported.
Belgium manager Marc Wilmots had this to say about the game against Wales:
"A manager is always scared of his team having an off-day… we must remain focused and not take it for granted that we will win easily. It will be a tough match, it's a different opposition this time. [Wales] are a team with pace, who play good football and a lot of them play in England.
They are a side who defend really well and who have real talent on the counterattack. Now the stakes are different, this is no longer a qualification game for points. We are going out there with the semi-finals of the Euro as a prize – that is completely different."
Wales can call on the talents of talisman Gareth Bale, and the Real Madrid star has provided three goals for the team so far this tournament.
Belgium have an array of stars, but stand-out performers have included Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.
Wales’ captain Ashley Williams has been ruled fit for the match after an injury scare with his shoulder.
Belgian central defender Jan Vertonghen will miss out, however, having been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after tearing ankle ligaments in training.
30 June 2016
Portugal beat Poland 5-3 on penalties in their Euro 2016 quarter final match, booking a spot in the semi finals. The win came after substitute Ricardo Quaresma scored the winning spot kick following Jakub Blaszczykowski's miss.
Portugal will now wait for the winners of Wales versus Belgium match, scheduled for this Friday night to find out their semi-final opponents on July 6.
The Euro 2016 quarterfinal match between Poland and Portugal has gone into overtime, with the teams being level a 1-1 after 90 minutes of play.
The first half of the Euro 2016 quarterfinal match between Poland and Portugal has concluded with a 1-1 score.
The Poles wasted no time, going in front in the 2nd minute of play, with the team’s biggest star, Robert Lewandowski, scoring confidently from inside the box, 1-0.
Portugal equalized half an hour later as a deflection helped 18-year-old talent, Renato Sanches, beat Polish keeper, Lukasz Fabianski, 1-1.
As kick-off approaches in the Poland-Portugal quarter-final, UEFA has shared a video of fans soaking up the atmosphere in Marseille.
The first Euro 2016 quarter-final action takes place this evening, when Poland takes on Portugal at 9pm local time (19:00 GMT) at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille.
Poland reached the last eight by defeating Switzerland 5-4 on penalties after their game finished 1-1.
Portugal overcame Croatia 1-0 in their clash, when Ricardo Quaresma scored deep into extra time.
Here are some of the key stats to note ahead of this evening's match.
Portugal has a slightly better record in the last 10 encounters between the two countries, winning four games, drawing three and losing three.
The two most recent games between the nations have ended in draws – 2-2 in Lisbon during qualifying for Euro 2008, and 0-0 in a friendly in Warsaw in 2012.
Poland is appearing in the last eight stage at a European Championship for the first time.
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski scored 13 goals in qualifying, but is yet to score at this year’s finals.
Portugal has drawn all its matches during regular time at this year’s tournament.
However, the Portuguese have a strong record of progressing far at European Championships – in the last six tournaments they have finished as semi-finalists three times, quarter-finalists twice, and runners-up (in 2004).
29 June 2016
In a tournament marred by fan unrest, Irish supporters have made the headlines for all the right reasons – with their dancing, serenading and good-natured antics.
Their contribution to Euro 2016 has been recognized by the mayor of Paris, who will give them a special award.
Read more about it here on RT.
The quarter-finals start tomorrow – for an appetizer on what to expect, see our latest RT Euro 2016 report.
28 June 2016
Wales appeared to be happy at England’s demise. The Welsh team celebrated wildly after Iceland’s equalizer on Monday….
And this Icelandic commentator is sure to have a sore throat today…
Iceland is reveling in its famous 2-1 win over England on Monday night in Nice.
The Icelanders fell behind to an early Wayne Rooney penalty, but quickly found themselves 2-1 up thanks to goals from Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson.
They then held out comfortably for the remainder of the game as England controlled possession but failed to create any clear-cut chances.
England manager Roy Hodgson resigned shortly after the game.
The result means the quarter-finals line-up is now complete:
27 June 2016
Defending champions Spain are out, losing 2-0 to Italy at the Stade de France.
Spain dominated the latter stages of the game and forced Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon into action several times, but Italy claimed a famous win when Graziano Pelle doubled their lead in stoppage time.
The victory gives Italy a measure of revenge for their defeat in the final against the Spanish four years ago.
Earlier, Spain goalkeeper David de Gea had kept his team in the game with a series of fine stops, although ultimately he ended up on the losing team.
Antonio Conte’s men now face Germany in the quarter-finals in Bordeaux on Saturday.
The final last-16 clash kicks off at 9pm local time (19:00 GMT) and sees England vie with Iceland for a quarter-final place against France.
Italy is 1-0 up at half-time in the match against Spain.
Italian pressure told on 33 minutes when defender Giorgio Chiellini followed up after David de Gea had parried an Eder free-kick.
De Gea pulled off a stunning save from a Graziano Pelle header early in the first-half with the scores level, and also denied Emanuele Giaccherinilate late in the half to keep the deficit at 1-0.
The defending champions have it all to do in the second-half.
Today’s Euro 2016 action includes a clash between two giants, as Italy faces defending champions Spain in a repeat of the 2012 final.
Italy will be out for revenge, having lost 4-0 to Spain in Kiev four years ago.
The two sides meet at the Stade de France at 6pm local time (16:00 GMT).
The winners of the tie will be rewarded with a quarter-final against Germany.
Later on, England faces underdogs Iceland in Nice for a place in the quarter-finals against hosts France.
That game kicks off at 9pm local time (19:00 GMT).
26 June 2016
Hungary is heading home after a devastating 0:4 defeat to Belgium, which is set to meet with Wales in a quarter-final match on Friday.
France has booked its place in the last eight of Euro 2016 after coming from a goal down to beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1. Robbie Brady had given the Irish the lead after only three minutes from the penalty spot. However, after being frustrated for long periods, France eventually leveled through Antonie Griezmann’s header on 58 minutes. The French forward scored his second three minutes later to make it 2-1 and help the hosts into the quarterfinals.
There are still five places in the quarterfinals of Euro 2016 left to fight for in order to try and join Poland, Wales and Portugal, who have already booked their spots in the last eight.
SUNDAY
France takes on Ireland (13:00 GMT)
Germany is in action against Slovakia (16:00 GMT)
Italy locks horns with Spain (19:00 GMT)
MONDAY
Hungary is up against Belgium (16:00 GMT)
England meets Iceland (19:00 GMT)
25 June 2016
Portugal beats Croatia to progress to a quarter-final clash against Poland.
An uneventful encounter finished 0-0 after full-time and looked to be heading to a penalty shootout, but Ricardo Quaresma headed in from two yards out in the 117th minute to claim the win for Portugal.
Quaresma's goal proved enough to send Portugal through to face Poland, who earlier in the day beat Switzerland in a penalty shootout.
In Saturday’s second match, Wales beat Northern Ireland 1-0 in their ‘Battle of Britain’ last-16 clash in Paris.
Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley scored an own goal, turning a Gareth Bale cross into his own net on 75 minutes to give Wales the win.
Wales now plays Belgium or Hungary in the quarter-finals.
Poland beat Switzerland on penalties after the match finished 1-1 after extra-time, with the Poles booking their place in the quarter-finals.
Poland took the lead through Jakub Blaszczykowski on 39 minutes, but Switzerland equalized thanks to a stunning strike from Xherdan Shaqiri eight minutes from time.
No side could press the advantage in extra-time, sending the game into a shootout.
Granit Xhaka was the only player to fail to convert his penalty and Grzegorz Krychowiak scored the winning spot-kick for the Poles as they won the shootout 5-4.
The Poles now face the winners of the last-16 tie between Croatia and Portugal later on Saturday.
24 June 2016
Saturday’s action is rounded off with a mouth-watering clash between Croatia and Portugal in Lens, which kicks off at 9pm local time (19:00 GMT).
Croatia looked in good form in the group stage as they topped Group E, defeating defending champions Spain in the process.
Portugal, meanwhile, failed to earn a win in their group matches, stuttering to three draws – although captain Cristiano Ronaldo sprung to life in the 3-3 draw with Hungary, scoring twice and providing an assist.
It will be an interesting prospect to see the Real Madrid man up against teammate Luka Modric and Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic in the Croatian midfield.
Saturday’s second game sees the ‘Battle of Britain’, with Wales taking on Northern Ireland at the Parc des Princes in Paris at 6pm local time (16:00 GMT).
Wales impressed many with their performances in topping Group B ahead of England – losing to Roy Hodgson’s men but beating Slovakia and claiming an impressive 3-0 win against Russia.
They will yet again look to star man Gareth Bale for inspiration, and the Real Madrid man will be looking to add to his tally of three goals so far in the tournament.
Northern Ireland qualified as one of the best third-placed teams, but won admirers for their gutsy performances in the group stages. They suffered 1-0 defeats to Poland and Germany, but gained a well-earned 2-0 win against Ukraine, which proved enough to secure their passage to the last 16.
They will look to goalkeeper Michael McGovern to continue his inspired form.
Wales will go into the game as favorites, as Northern Ireland has drawn four and lost four of the past eight games between the two countries – with their last win coming back in 1980.
Euro 2016 enters the knockout rounds tomorrow after a two-day break.
In the first game of the day, Switzerland takes on Poland in Saint-Etienne at 3pm local time (13:00 GMT).
The Poles finished the group stages unbeaten on seven points, second behind Germany on goal difference in Group C.
They will look to misfiring striker Robert Lewandowski to turn things around after a run of six games without a goal.
Midfielder Bartosz Kapustka is suspended for Poland after receiving two bookings during the group stages, while Lukasz Fabianski is set to continue in goal as Wojciech Szczesny is still out injured, Sky Sports reports.
The Swiss finished runners-up in Group A, ending on five points after a win and two draws, but also finding goals hard to come by.
Switzerland has only ever beaten Poland once – in a friendly match 40 years ago – the Poles winning four of the two teams’ 10 encounters, with five draws.
23 June 2016
One Icelander appears in confident mood ahead of his team's last-16 clash with England on Monday - so confident, in fact, that he is already offering the 'upcoming losers' England a free whale-watching trip as consolation. Read more about this story here.
RT has provided a summary of the action so far as we leave the group stages and head to the business end of the tournament.
The official UEFA website has compiled 10 of the best goals from the competition so far – you can vote for your favorite.
They include Dimitri Payet’s opening-game stunner for France against Romania…
Luka Modric’s volley for Croatia against Turkey….
Romelu Lukaku’s finish after a lovely counter-attack by Belgium against the Republic of Ireland…
Zoltan Gera’s long-range volley against Portugal…
And Ronaldo’s cute back-heel in the same game…
Opta football statistics agency has also issued a team based on the best players of the tournament so far.
With the group stage over, here are some of the most interesting Euro 2016 stats so far from Opta, as reported by Sky Sports.
Sixty-nine goals were scored during the group games.
The goals-per game rate for the group stage was 1.92 - the lowest average for a group phase at any European Championship
The tournament has gained a reputation for late winners so far, and that is borne out by the stats: 27.5 percent of the goals have been scored from the 80th minute onwards.
Sixty-five percent of all goals have been scored in the second-half of matches.
Wales and Hungary scored more goals than any other team – six each.
Three of those Wales goals came in the last group match against Russia, with Hungary also netting three in their last group game against Portugal.
Wales topped their group despite appearing in a European Championship for the first time, with Gareth Bale scoring in all three group games.
Ukraine failed to score a single goal during the group stages – losing all three games in the process.
No team won all three of their group matches – the first time this has happened since Euro 96.
Northern Ireland’s Niall McGinn scored the latest goal in regular time in European Championship history – netting on 95 minutes 48 seconds in the 2-0 win against Ukraine.
Belgium’s second goal in their 3-0 win against the Republic of Ireland was remarkable in that the Belgians made 28 passes prior to scoring – the most passes leading to a goal since Euro 1980.
Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has broken several records at the tournament so far.
He appeared in a record 17th European Championship Finals game when he played against Hungary. He also scored in that game, becoming the first player ever to score in four European Championships.
Ronaldo also became his country’s record appearance holder during the group stage, winning his 128th cap in the second group-stage game versus Austria. He now has 129 caps after appearing against Hungary.
Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly became the oldest player in European Championship history, and is the only player to have appeared while in his 40s.
There is no Euro 2016 action on Thursday or Friday, as the teams take a break after the exertions of the group stages.
The action will be back underway on Saturday, when the last-16 ties begin.
First up will be Switzerland versus Poland at 3pm local time (13:00 GMT), followed by Wales against Northern Ireland at 6pm (16:00 GMT), and finally Croatia versus Portugal at 9PM (19:00 GMT).
After a slow-burning start, Euro 2016 burst into life yesterday with some thrilling matches.
Here’s a reminder of yesterday’s action.
In Group E, Ireland grabbed a last-gasp winner against Italy to send them through to the last-16 stage.
Italy qualified as group winners, but Ireland’s win ensured they finished third and qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.
Belgium beat Sweden 1-0 to secure second spot in the group, with Sweden heading out in what proved to be record-scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s last international match.
In Group F, and stunning game between Hungary and Portugal ended 3-3.
Portugal came from behind three times thanks to a Nani goal – assisted by Ronaldo – and two goals from Ronaldo himself. Hungary’s goals came from a Balazs Dzsudzsak double and a cracking volley from Zoltan Gera.
Hungary finished as group winners, but the draw meant Portugal qualified in third place as a result of Iceland’s victory against Austria.
In that game, Iceland took a first-half lead through Jon Dadi Bodvarsson. Austria missed a first-half penalty, but pegged Iceland back in the second half through a goal from Alessandro Schopf.
However, the stage was set for a stunning finale when Arnor Ingvi Traustason scored in injury time to give Iceland their first win at a major tournament.
22 June 2016
Belgium collected a narrow win against Sweden on the last match day in Group E, guaranteeing themselves second spot.
Radja Nainggolan put in a spectacular volley from outside the box in the 84th minute to send the Swedes packing.
Ireland snatched third spot in Group E after a surprise 1-0 win against the in-form Italian team.
Robert Brady sent his team to the playoffs by netting a header in the 85th minute.
Despite the loss, Italy remained in first spot in the group, with 6 points. Ireland has 4 points in the bag after the victory.
Sweden and Belgium also failed to find the net in the first half of their Group E encounter, with the draw being enough to qualify for the Belgian and their rivals needing nothing but victory.
No goals were scored in the opening half of the Group E clash between Ireland and Italy, which already guaranteed themselves qualification for playoffs from first spot.
Hungary goes through as the winners of Group F on five points, while Iceland finishes second, also on five points from three matches, but with an inferior goal difference.
Portugal finishes third after threw draws, but qualifies for the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
The two Group F games have ended.
In a thrilling game, Portugal came from behind three times to claim a 3-3 draw with Hungary.
Goals from Zoltan Gera and a second-half double from Balazs Dzsudzsak had put Hungary in front three times, but each time they were pegged back by Portugal, who scored through Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo, who bagged a double and became the first player to score in four European Championships.
Iceland beat Austria 2-1 in an equally thrilling game.
Bodvarsson gave Iceland the lead on 18 minutes, but Alessandro Schopf equalized for Austria in the second half.
Austria also missed a first-half penalty when Aleksandar Dragovic’s spot-kick hit the post.
In dramatic scenes, Arnor Ingvi Traustason scored in injury time to give Iceland the win – their first at a major tournament.
Goal for Iceland. Arnor Ingvi Traustason has scored in injury time to make it 2-1 against Austria.
Just under 10 minutes to go in both games - Hungary winning the group, Portugal currently in second, with Iceland in third and also set to qualify. Austria are heading home as it stands.
As it stands, Portugal is now second in the table due to having fewer bookings than Iceland. Hungary still tops the group on five points.
It's now 3-3 between Portugal and Hungary – a quite amazing game sees Ronaldo score his second of the game on 62 minutes.
The Portugal captain scored with a powerful header from six yards out.
Can either side go on to win it?
Midfielder Alessandro Schopf has now equalized for Austria against Iceland as the gals continue to flow in the final round of Group F games.
Hungary has retaken the lead against Portugal in a thrilling game in Lyon. Balazs Dzsudzsak struck his second of the game on 55 minutes to make it 3-2.
It’s now 2-2 in the game between Hungary and Portugal.
Hungary took the lead for the second time through Balazs Dzsudzsak on 47 minutes, but Ronaldo equalized just three minutes later – scoring his first goal of the tournament and becoming the first player to score at four European Championships.
Both Group F games have reached half-time.
It’s 1-0 to Iceland against Austria, while Portugal and Hungary are tied at 1-1.
As it stands, Hungary tops the group on five points, Iceland is second, also on five points but behind by virtue of goal difference, Portugal is third on three points, and Austria is bottom on one point.
Both Austria and Portugal will be out unless they can turn things around in the second half.
Nani has equalized for Portugal against Hungary with a 42nd minute goal. The score is now 1-1 as the game approaches half-time.
Aleksandar Dragovic has missed a penalty for Austria in the game against Iceland, hitting the outside of the post with his effort.
Iceland has also taken the lead against Austria thanks to a goal from Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.
Goal for Hungary in their game against Portugal.
Zoltan Gera has scored with a half-volley from 20 yards out.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be making a record-breaking 17th appearance at the European Championships in the game against Hungary this evening, and will be looking to put an indifferent start to the tournament behind him.
The Real Madrid star saw a host of chances go begging in the opening game against Iceland, and missed a penalty in the 0-0 draw against Austria.
Ronaldo has also been in the spotlight for his behavior off the pitch.
The final Group F games are set to kick off in less than an hour.
Hungary – already through to the knockout stages – takes on Portugal in the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, while Iceland battles it out with Austria at the Stade de France in Paris.
Portugal, Iceland and Austria all still have a chance of joining Hungary in the last 16.
The Euro 2016 account has tweeted the team news ahead of the games.
Iceland-Austria
Hungary-Portugal
Wednesday is another action-packed day of football in France.
Group F teams play their final games at 6pm local time (16:00 GMT).
Group leaders Hungary play Portugal, safe in the knowledge that they have already qualified for the knockout stages.
Cristiano Ronaldo and co need a win to ensure qualification, but a draw would see them finish second or third, depending on the result in the Iceland-Austria game.
Austria needs a win against Iceland – any other result would send them home.
Iceland can guarantee qualification with a win, but even a draw could see them through as the second or third-placed team.
The Group E finale kicks off at 9pm local time (19:00 GMT) and sees Italy play the Republic of Ireland and Belgium take on Sweden.
The Italians already through as group winners after two wins from two, while Ireland desperately needs a win to stand any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
Belgium currently sits second, and needs just a point to ensure qualification in second place. However, they can go out of the tournament if they lose and the Republic of Ireland wins.
Sweden can take second spot if they win and Ireland fails to beat Italy by at least three goals.
21 June 2016
Turkey climbed to third place in Group D after a 2-0 victory against their rivals the Czech Republic.
The Turks scored a goal in each half through Burak Yilmaz and Ozan Tufan to snatch their first win of the tournament.
Croatia came from a goal down to upset defending European champions Spain 2-1 and win Group D.
The teams exchanged goals in the opening half, with Alvaro Morata giving Spain the early lead and Nikola Kalinic equalizing for Croatia seconds before the break.
The Croats snatched the victory on 88th minute as Ivan Perisic finished off a speedy counter-attack.
Croatia finishes Group C on top, with 7 points, while Spain settles for second spot a point behind.
It’s 1-1 at half-time between Spain and Croatia.
Alvaro Morata gave defending champions Spain the lead on 7 minutes, but Nikola Kalinic leveled for Croatia on the stroke of half-time.
In the other Group D match, Turkey leads the Czech Republic 1-0 through a goal by Burak Yilmaz, after good work from Emre Mor on the right flank.
The German football squad has sealed the top spot in Group C with a 1-0 win against Northern Ireland.
The only goal of the game was scored after 30 minutes of play by Mario Gomez, who was set up by Thomas Muller.
The Germans complete the group stage with seven points, leaving the Poles in second spot due to a better goal difference.
Poland beat its neighbors from Ukraine 1-0 to finish second in the Group C standing at Euro 2016.
A clever play on the corner allowed Jakub Blaszczykowski to fire an unstoppable volley from inside the box early in the second half.
Ukraine leaves France after a disappointing performance as the team lost all three of their matches, in which the failed to score a single goal.
The final round of Group D games gets underway at 9pm in France (19:00 GMT).
The group’s top two teams meet in the Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux, as Croatia – currently second on four points – takes on Spain, group leaders on six points.
In the other clash, the Czech Republic takes on Turkey.
Both teams still have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages – with the Czechs hoping to overtake Croatia in second place, and Turkey eyeing the possibility of a third-place finish if they can claim the win.
The final round of Group C games has finished, with 1-0 victories for both Germany and Poland - both sides now qualify for the last 16 stage.
The German team overcame Northern Ireland, meaning they finish on seven points, level with Poland but top of the group on goal difference.
Northern Ireland wait to see if they can qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Ukraine’s 1-0 defeat means they have lost all three matches at Euro 2016, failing to score.
The Group C table now looks like this:
Goal for Poland in the match with Ukraine.
Jakub Blazszczykowski has scored after 54 minutes.
The Hungarian Football Federation has been fined €65,000 (US$73,000) for incidents involving fans during the last match against Iceland.
UEFA charged the federation for crowd disturbances and fans setting off fireworks and throwing objects.
It's half-time in the final Group C games.
Germany leads Northern Ireland 1-0 thanks to a Mario Gomez strike - a scoreline that would be higher were it not for some fine stops from Michael McGovern.
In Marseille, it's 0-0 between Poland and Ukraine.
As it stands, Germany tops the group on seven points, with Poland in second on five points, Northern Ireland in third on three points, and Ukraine bottom on a single point.
Mario Gomez has struck to give Germany the lead in their match against Northern Ireland.
Gomez scored from close range in the 29th minute, after Northern Ireland keeper Michael McGovern had saved several German efforts.
The final round of Group C games is approaching kick-off time.
Germany is taking on Northern Ireland in the Parc des Princes, Paris.
Northern Ireland names an unchanged team from the victory in the last match against Ukraine, while German manager Joachim Low has brought in striker Mario Gomez to lead the line.
In the other game, Poland faces Ukraine in Marseille.
Ukraine is already out of contention for the knockout stages, having lost the first two matches.
Poland will be looking to leapfrog Germany at the top of the group, or at least securing second place.
Ukraine manager Mykhaylo Fomenko has made five changes to the team, bringing in Bohdan Butko, Aleksandr Kucher, Ruslan Rotan, Aleksandr Zinchenko and Roman Zozulya.
There are four changes by Poland manager Adam Nawalka. Lukasz Piszczek, Krzyszto Maczynski and Kamil Grosicki – all on yellow cards – are rested, as is Jakub Blaszczykowski.
Thiago Cionek comes into defense and midfielders Piotr Zielinski, Tomasz Jodlowiec and Bartosz Kapustka also step in.
Sweden star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced he will be retiring from international football after Euro 2016.
The 34-year-old is his nation’s leading scorer, with 62 goals in 115 appearances.
"The last game for Sweden at the Euros will be my last game with Sweden... I hope it will not be tomorrow," Ibrahimovic said ahead of his country's game with Belgium on Wednesday.
"I will not participate in the Olympics... So let's hope we go as far as possible here. Either way, it will not end in disappointment... I am very proud to be captain of Sweden."
"I want to thank all the supporters... Wherever I go… I will always bring the Swedish flag with me and stand with it, for me disappointment doesn't exist, I'm very thankful..."
Tear gas is reported in Marseille, France, as police allegedly intervene against Polish fans gathering outside the stadium ahead of the Poland-Ukraine match.
Tuesday sees a packed day of Euro 2016 action involving the teams from Groups C and D.
In Group C, Northern Ireland takes on Germany while Ukraine plays Poland.
It’s all still to play for in the group, but Germany needs just one point to guarantee qualification, while a win would ensure they win the group.
Poland can top the group if they win by two goals more than Germany does, or if they win and Germany drops points.
Northern Ireland must win to qualify, with a draw or defeat meaning a third-placed finish.
Ukraine has no chance of qualify for the knockout stages, having lost both its games so far.
In Group D, Spain is safely through and can secure top spot by beating or drawing with Croatia.
Croatia needs just one point to ensure progression to the last 16.
The Czech Republic has to win and hope that Croatia loses to stand any chance of finishing second.
Turkey must beat the Czechs to stand any chance of taking third place and the possibility of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
20 June 2016
Russia is out of Euro 2016 after a 3-0 defeat against Wales.
Russia finishes bottom of Group B on one point, while Wales qualifies for the last 16 as group winners, claiming six points from three games.
England played out a 0-0 draw with Slovakia, and qualifies as the second-placed team, on five points from three matches.
Slovakia finishes third on four points, and stands a decent chance of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
Gareth Bale has scored for Wales, making the score 3-0 in the game against Russia.
It’s Bale’s third goal of the tournament.
Wayne Rooney has come on for England to make his 114th appearance for the team.
Leonid Slutsky has made a change, bringing off captain Roman Shirokov and replacing him with Aleksandr Golovin.
We are back underway in the Group B games. Russia desperately need to find a route back into the game against Wales in the second 45 minutes, otherwise they will be heading home.
It’s half-time in the final Group B games.
Wales lead Russia 2-0, while it’s 0-0 between England and Slovakia.
As things stand, Wales top the group on six points, England are second on five points, with Slovakia third on four points.
Russia are on one point and are heading out of the tournament unless they can do something momentous in the second half.
Wales have scored again in the game against Russia.
Wales have taken the lead in the game against Russia, Aaron Ramsey scored after being played through and chipping the ball over Russian keeper Igor Akinfeev.
Russia faces Wales in Toulouse.
Manager Leonid Slutsky has make four changes to the team that started in the 2-1 defeat to Slovakia last Wednesday.
Georgi Shchennikov, Aleksandr Golovin, Aleksandr Golovin and Oleg Shatov are replaced by Roman Shirokov, Denis Glushakov, Pavel Mamaev and Dmitri Kombarov.
For Wales, Sam Vokes comes in for Hal Robson-Kanu.
England and Slovakia meet in Saint-Etienne.
England boss Roy Hodgson has made six changes to the England team that beat Wales 2-1 in the last match.
Captain Wayne Rooney is rested, and others to make way are full-backs Kyle Walker and Danny Rose, midfielders Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling, and striker Harry Kane. Replacing them are defenders Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand, midfielders Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson, and strikers Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge.
Slovakia sticks with the same starting 11 that beat Russia 2-1 in the last game.
Spain defender Sergio Ramos has issued an impassioned plea via Instagram for fans to respect each other and end the violence that has plagued Euro 2016 so far.
The Spain star tells fans: “Football is a reason to celebrate and feel alive, and to meet people from all corners of the world. It's not about tension or an excuse to justify violence. Euro 2016 is a festival of football. Let's enjoy it together in peace, regardless of our colours.”
Team Russia is looking to wear black armbands in today's match with Wales in memory of the children who died in the mass drowning in NW Russia.
Latest reports put the total number of arrests made at Euro 2016 at 557.
Irish fans are continuing to win hearts in France, with a recent video showing dozens of supporters from the Emerald Isle serenading a French lady on Saturday.
They’ve also been filmed singing a lullaby to a local baby.
Monday’s Euro 2016 action sees the final matches in Group B.
Slovakia takes on England in Saint-Etienne, while Russia faces Wales in Toulouse. The matches kick off at 9pm local time in France (19:00 GMT).
England currently tops the group on four points, with Wales and Slovakia level on three points each. Russia sits bottom on one point, but a win could still see them qualify in second place (if England wins) or as one of the best third-placed teams.
19 June 2016
Albania has held on to claim a famous win against Romania.
Florin Andone hit the post for Romania as they pressed for an equalizer in the second half, but they were unable to break down the Albanian defense.
It’s Albania’s first-ever win at a major tournament.
Albania will now have to wait and see if they can qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
It’s finished 0-0 between France and Switzerland.
France came close in the second half when substitute Dimitri Payet hit the crossbar, while Switzerland had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down right at the end.
Both teams progress to the knockout stage, with France winning the group. They will now enjoy a break before their next game on Sunday 26 June. Switzerland qualify in second place.
This is Group A as it stands – with France topping the table and Switzerland finishing second and joining them in the knockout stages.
Albania would have to wait and see if they can qualify as the one of the best third-placed teams.
There’s been more flare-throwing from fans, this time in the Albania-Romania game.
Albania has taken the lead against Romania.
Armando Sadiku scored on 43 minutes to give Albania their first goal at a major tournament.
In the match against Switzerland, Paul Pogba has hit the crossbar twice for France and has been in imperious form so far.
In the Albania-Romania game, Ermir Lenjani had a good chance to give Albania the lead in the 23rd minute but blazed over from five yards.
The final round of Group A matches is underway.
France are taking on Switzerland in the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, with the hosts already guaranteed a place in the last 16.
France have made five changes, including the return of Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann to the starting lineup, and a start for Yohan Cabaye.
Switzerland need a point to guarantee they will join France in the knockout stages.
Romania are playing Albania at the the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
Both sides know that only a win would be good enough to give them any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
UEFA has charged the football associations of Hungary, Belgium and Portugal over disorder involving their fans at Euro 2016.
Hungary fans were involved in clashes with police in the stadium before their team’s 1-1 draw with Iceland on Saturday and also set off fireworks and flares.
The Belgian football association has been charged after fans set off fireworks and threw objects during the team’s 3-0 victory against Ireland in Bordeaux.
Portugal faces action after a fan invaded the pitch after the 0-0 draw with Austria – the supporter ran up to striker Cristiano Ronald and managed to get a selfie with the star before being escorted off the pitch.
18 June 2016
It’s finished 0-0 between Portugal and Austria in an eventful game in which Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty and spurned several chances to become the first player to score in four European Championships.
The result means Hungary are top of the group on four points, while Portugal and Iceland follow on two points each. Austria are bottom on one point from their two games.
It will be all to play for in the final round of Group F games on Wednesday, when Hungary play Portugal and Austria face Iceland.
Sunday’s Euro 2016 action will see the final round of Group A matches, when hosts France take on Switzerland and Romania face Albania.
France top the group and are already through to the last 16 after two wins from two, while Switzerland will be confident of joining them as they sit second on four points. Romania are on one point while Albania are yet to claim a point after their opening games.
Ronaldo has now had a header disallowed for offside as Portugal press for a winner.
Cristiano Ronaldo has missed a 78th-minute penalty for Portugal.
Ronaldo hit the post taking a spot-kick that he won after being man-handled in the box.
Ronaldo missed the chance to become the first player to ever score in four European Championship Finals.
Portugal versus Austria is goalless at half-time in Paris.
Portugal have had the better of the chances so far. Nani hit the post with a header in the 29th minute, while Ronaldo was guilty of missing a straightforward chance by his standards on 23 minutes, when he side-footed past the post from 8 yards.
Austria came close through David Alaba’s free-kick, which was headed away by Vieirinha as Martin Harnik looked set to pounce.
The Group F game is underway between Portugal and Austria in the Parc des Princes, Paris.
Both teams are looking to put disappointing opening games behind them – in Portugal’s case a 1-1 draw with Iceland, and for Austria a 2-0 defeat against Hungary.
The match between Iceland and Hungary has ended 1-1.
The result means Iceland has two points from two games, while Hungary moves onto four points.
There were clashes between fans and police in the Stade Velodrome in Marseille before the game, but the situation was quickly calmed.
Hungary have equalized against Iceland through an 87th minute own goal scored by Saevarsson.
After the goal, flares appeared to be set off by the Hungary fans.
It’s well into the second half in the Group F match between Iceland and Hungary.
Iceland is leading 1-0 through a Gylfi Sigurdsson penalty, after Russian referee Sergey Karasev awarded a spot-kick for a foul on Aron Gunnarsson.
If Iceland can hold on it would be a famous victory for a national with a population of just 330,000.
Belgium's victory over Ireland means Italy have won Group E, thanks to their two wins from two games – defeating Belgium 2-0 in the opening match and claiming a 1-0 win over Sweden on Friday.
It’s game over in Bordeaux, where Belgium have run out comfortable 3-0 winners against Ireland.
All the goals came in the second half, with Everton striker Romelu Lukaku netting a double and Zenit St. Petersburg man Axel Witsel scoring with a header.
Ireland are left on one point and will need a win in their final group game against Italy on Wednesday to stand any chance of going through.
Belgium are now in a strong position to progress, and will face Sweden in their last group game.
Lukaku has scored his second and Belgium’s third after a lightning counter attack. The game is surely beyond Ireland now.
Axel Witsel has doubled the lead for Belgium. The Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder scored with a powerful header in the 61st minute.
Belgium have taken the lead against Ireland thanks to a strike from Romelu Lukaku just two-and-a-half minutes into the second half.
Moments before, Ireland had a strong penalty appeal turned down for a high boot on striker Shane Long.
It’s 0-0 at half-time between Ireland and Belgium in Group E.
Belgium had a Carrasco effort disallowed for offside in the 24th minute, and dominated possession in the early stages.
They also came close just before half-time through a header that was cleared off the line by Ireland player Wes Hoolahan.
The Republic of Ireland versus Belgium game is underway at the Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux.
Both sides are looking to claim a first win in the tournament. Ireland drew their first game 1-1 against Sweden, while Belgium fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Italy.
Belgium have made three changes to the team, bringing in Thomas Meunier, Mousa Dembele and Yannick Carrasco. Laurent Ciman, Radja Nainggolan and Marouane Fellaini drop to the bench.
17 June 2016
Saturday’s Euro 2016 matches see Ireland against Belgium in Group E, while the Group F teams will be in action later on – with Iceland playing Hungary and Portugal taking on Austria.
Speaking about the unrest during Croatia’s match against the Czech Republic today, Croatian manger Ante Cacic has branded the fans responsible “sports terrorists.”
In the post-match news conference, Cacic said:
“Probably 90-95% of Croatia supporters are ashamed in front of the whole of Europe… We are very, very sad.
"These are sports terrorists. This is maybe just a question about six to 10 individuals. I hope they can be identified and punished. I hope the Croatia FA is doing everything to prevent this, but it is impossible to avoid."
Spain have comfortably seen off Turkey 3-0, and are already guaranteed a place in the knockout stages after securing two wins out of two.
Juventus striker Alvaro Morata bagged two goals, while Celta Vigo midfielder Nolito scored the other.
The defending champions will face Croatia on Tuesday, hoping to draw or win to ensure they top the group, while Turkey will be in action against the Czech Republic.
The Czechs staged a dramatic comeback to draw 2-2 with Croatia earlier today, in a game that was marred by crowd disturbances.
Spain are now 3-0 to the good against Turkey. Morata has scored his second of the night, tapping in from a Jordi Alba assist just three minutes into the second half.
UEFA has confirmed it will open disciplinary proceedings over crowd disturbances during Croatia’s match with the Czech Republic.
The game was stopped for several minutes when flares were thrown onto the pitch, and there were also scenes of unrest as fans clashed in the Croatia end of the stadium.
Spain are 2-0 up against Turkey in their Group D match in Nice.
Alvaro Morata broke the deadlock on 34 minutes with a guided header into the corner. Nolito doubled the lead just minutes later, leaving Turkey with a mountain to climb in the second half.
As things stand, Spain are through to the last 16.
It’s finished 2-2 in the Croatia-Czech Republic game.
Croatia now have four points from their opening two games, while the Czech Republic’s comeback means they claim their first point of the tournament.
The game was marred by flares being thrown onto the pitch and scenes of unrest in the end of the stadium where Croatia fans were gathered.
The Czech Republic have equalized through a penalty in stoppage time.
There are reports of fights breaking out in the Croatia end of the stadium, and play has been stopped after flares were thrown onto the pitch.
The Czech Republic have pulled a goal back against Croatia thanks to a Milan Skoda header on 75 minutes.
Croatia are now 2-0 ahead against the Czech Republic after Ivan Rakitic beat the offside trap and chipped the ball over Petr Cech on 59 minutes.
Croatia are leading the Czech Republic 1-0 at half-time in their Group D meeting. Ivan Perisic's strike on 37 minutes has put the Croats 45 minutes away from the knockout stages.
The winning goal from Eder was a fine finish after he picked the ball up on the edge of the box and fired in from 18 yards.
Italy have beaten Sweden 1-0 in their Group E match in Toulouse.
The result means Italy have qualified for the knockout stages. Antonio Conte’s side won thanks to an 88th minute goal by Eder Citadin Martins.
Sweden remain on one point, and realistically will need a win in their remaining group match against Belgium to stand a chance of progressing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the violence at Euro 2016 “wholly unacceptable.”
"It's very sad that fan violence [at Euro 2016] gets more attention than the football itself. I feel really sorry about that,” said Putin, speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
"I also don’t understand how 200 Russian fans beat up several thousand England fans.
"[The violence at Euro 2016] is wholly unacceptable… But in any case, the authorities should punish those responsible equally."
The Group E match between Italy and Sweden has kicked off at the Stadium Municipal in Toulouse.
Italy are looking to build on their superb 2-0 opening-game win against Belgium, while Sweden are hoping to claim a first win at Euro 2016 after drawing 1-1 with Ireland in their first match.
16 June 2016
A Russian fan has received a three-month suspended sentence for his participation in fights in Lille that followed the game between Russia and Slovakia on Wednesday, AFP reported. A Lille court announced the fan’s punishment, saying he had been involved in clashes with British fans near a train station in the city. Images from the scene reportedly show the man throwing a chair at his rivals.
Another Russian detained in the same brawl has not been sentenced, but will be deported from France. Neither man will be allowed in France for one year.
The main problem of #Euro2016 finally revealed
It’s finished 0-0 between Germany and Poland at the Stade de France. The game failed to live up to pre-match expectations, and is the first goalless draw of the tournament.
The result means both teams move to four points at the top of Group C, one point ahead of Northern Ireland, who earlier defeated Ukraine 2-0.
The final round of Group C games is on Tuesday, when Northern Ireland face Germany and Ukraine take on Poland. Both Germany and Poland will be favorites to progress to the knockout rounds, although Northern Ireland will be eying a potential shock.
Friday’s first match sees Italy play Sweden in Group E. Later in the day Group D teams will be in action, with the Czech Republic taking on Croatia and Spain playing Turkey.
It’s goalless at half-time between Germany and Poland. The threat from Joachim Low’s World Cup winners is being well-contained by Poland so far.
Two Russian football fans detained for taking part in disturbances in Lille will be deported from France following a request from Nord’s prefect, Michel Lalande, the Russian embassy said.
A 64-year old man died from cardiac arrest during the Euro 2016 Ukraine-Northern Ireland match in Lyon, local media reports. Paramedics were not able to revive the man whose name remains unknown.
Northern Ireland have beaten Ukraine 2-0 in Group C.
Niall McGinn scored in stoppage time to double the lead and ensure the win.
The result leaves Ukraine without a point from their first two games, while Northern Ireland move to three points, level with Poland and Germany.
The Poles take on Germany later this evening.
Northern Ireland have taken the lead against Ukraine, courtesy of a Gareth McAuley header four minutes into the second half.
It’s 0-0 at half-time in the encounter between Ukraine and Northern Ireland.
The Group C clash between Ukraine and Northern Ireland has kicked off at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Both sides are looking for their first points of the tournament after losing their opening matches.
Three Russians have been jailed for up to two years by a French court for their role in clashes that took place in Marseille during the Euro 2016 football tournament in France.
READ MORE: Russian fans jailed for up to 2 years in France over Euro 2016 violence
England have beaten Wales 2-1 in the match in Lens. England came from behind to win, scoringtwo second-half goals through substitute Jamie Vardy and an injury-time strike from Daniel Sturridge.
England have equalized in the game against Wales. Substitute Jamie Vardy scored on 56 minutes.
It’s 1-0 to Wales at half-time in the match against England. The Welsh lead thanks to a 42nd-minute free-kick scored by Gareth Bale.
"Black lists of football hooligans are to be made before the 2018 FIFA World Cup," said Russian Deputy PM Arkady Dvorkovich.
"These lists will include Russian hooligans as well as ones from visiting countries."
English fan Andrew Bache, 51, left in a coma after clashes in Marseille on the day of the England versus Russia match, has opened his eyes and moved his arms, according to reports.
The number of arrests made at Euro 2016 has reached 323.
Three Russian fans to face trial in Marseille over Euro 2016 violence.
"The decision will be announced today," the Russian consul-general in Marseille said, talking to TASS. "Russian citizens will have their trials today, among many others that are scheduled."
15 June 2016
France have beaten Albania 2-0 in Marseille. The hosts left it late, but took the lead thanks to a 90th minute header from substitute Antoine Griezmann and doubled the lead through Dimitri Payet in injury time.
Albania also had chances and hit the post in the 52nd minute. In the end they could not hold out and slipped to their second defeat in the tournament.
The result means France are top of the group on six points and are already through to the last 16 knockout stage.
Thursday’s games see England take on Wales in Group B, while in Group C Ukraine face Northern Ireland and Germany play Poland.
A total of sixteen fans, including six Russians, were detained in Lille on Wednesday, a communique released by the prefecture of Lille’s Nord department said.
“Sixteen people, including six Russians who took part in Saturday’s disturbances in Marseille, were detained in total,” the document says, according to RIA Novosti.
READ MORE: Police use tear gas to disperse England football fans in Lille, France
It also notes that Michel Lalande, the prefect of the department, “welcomes the cooperation between the police officers in Marseille and Lille who carried out the detentions.”
Several English and Wales fans were injured during a fight on a train from Calais to Lille, AFP reported. The scuffle was “truly violent,” but the participants only suffered light injuries, the train inspector said.
It’s 0-0 at half-time in the game between tournament hosts France and Albania at the Stade Velodrom in Marseille. So far, Albania have restricted the much-fancied French side to very few chances and are defending solidly.
French authorities will deport three Russians and a Ukrainian detained for taking part in disturbances, the prefecture of Lille’s Nord department said, according to AFP.
French police have blocked a large group of English and Wales football fans not far from Lille’s central train station, according to TASS.
Some sporadic skirmishes between football fans are currently in progress in Lille, the local police department reports.
“We are following the situation and we’ll have more data, however, we are not able to update the information every five minutes, the police are constantly stepping in because Russian and English fans are engaging in brawls every now and then,” a source told TASS.
French police have started pushing English fans away from the city center, RIA Novosti reports. The large group is now congregated near the train station and in an area in front of two nearby bars, who were chanting songs and slogans while burning flares, RIA Novosti reported.
It has finished all square at 1-1 between Switzerland and Romania at the Parc des Princes in Paris. The result leaves the Swiss top of Group A on four points, with group rivals France and Albania meeting this evening at the Stade Velodrom in Marseille.
Switzerland have equalized in the Group A game against Romania. Admir Mehmedi scored with a fierce drive into the top corner in the 57th minute.
#EURO2016: festival of street violence
Romania have taken the lead in the game against Switzerland, thanks to an 18th-minute penalty from Bogdan Stancu.
The Group A match between Romania and Switzerland at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris has just kicked off.
The fans who lit the flare during the Russia-Slovakia match are not the only ones to blame, Russian Sports Minister and head of the Russian Football Union Vitaly Mutko said to R-Sport, adding that there should be proper screening systems at the Euro 2016 stadiums.
The flares could have been a provocation carried out by a non-Russian citizen. There is still a possibility that UEFA won’t punish Russia, sports official Dmitry Svishchev told R-Sport.
Specialists have destroyed an unidentified object found at the press-center of the Stade Pierre Mauroy stadium, where the match between Russia and Slovakia took place, Russian reporters who witnessed the procedure said.
The match has ended with Slovakia winning 2-1 in the second game of the Euro 2016 championship.
Russian fans set off flares to celebrate their team’s goal despite the suspended sentence handed down by UEFA for clashes with English supporters on Saturday.
Police have released 11 of the 43 fans detained outside Cannes so far, the Russian consular-general in Marseille reported.
“Eleven of the detained fans were set free,” the Russian diplomatic mission said.
Russia has finally responded with a goal by midfielder Denis Glushakov in the 80th minute, assisted by winger Oleg Shatov.
French Ambassador to Russia Jean-Maurice Ripert has been summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow in view of the 43 Russian citizens detained on Tuesday outside Cannes, a statement on the ministry’s website says.
“Russia’s Foreign Ministry has called on the French authorities to pay serious attention to the situation and asked to settle the matter in a lawful and civilized manner as soon as possible,” it says.
The second goal of the game was scored by midfielder Marek Hamšík, extending Slovakia’s lead to 2-0.
Russia is to join efforts with the UK aimed at preventing fan violence at the Euro 2016 championship, Russian Sports Minister and head of the Russian Football Union Vitaly Mutko said, adding that he has come to an agreement with British sports minister John Whittingdale.
“Fans are mostly normal and civilized people. Some of them are emotional and aggressive, but we will have to deal with them,” Mutko said.
France has seen a new wave of clashes between Russian and English supporters at the Euro 2016 football tournament. But the fans' violence is only one of several major challenges facing the country. There was a terror attack on Tuesday and then there are the ongoing labor strikes too.
The Euro 2016 Group B clash between Russia and Slovakia at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille has begun. Slovakia lead 1-0 at half-time.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described the incident with Russian fans detained outside Cannes as “absolutely unacceptable” since the Russian embassy and consulate were not duly informed. Russian diplomats became aware of what had happened via social networks, Lavrov said while addressing the Russian State Duma.
“It was an absolutely unacceptable situation when a bus with more than 40 Russian fans was detained by police. The people were asked to leave the bus for passport and identification checks,” Lavrov noted.
French authorities “were obliged” to notify the embassy or the consulate-general in Marseille “the moment they carried out the detention.” They were about to call in special police forces to storm the bus, but Russian diplomats turned up in time to calm the situation, the minister said.
Police in Lille banned Russian fans from walking around the city with the country’s national flag.
“Police asked us to keep the flags and other stuff away since they can’t protect us. We were allowed to go on only when we hid flags and they threatened to detain us,” a Russian football fan told R-Sport news agency.
Two Russian and two Ukrainian fans have been detained in the French city of Lille ahead of the Euro 2016 Group B match between Russia and Slovakia, local police reported. The Ukrainians were arrested for possession of weapons.
Four other Russian citizens are to be deported from France, Lille’s police head Michel Lalande said.
“They are currently in detention and the French side hasn’t made any decision about what to do with them,” the Russian embassy in France’s press attaché Sergey Parionov said. There has been no information whether the fans were detained for hooliganism or not, he noted.
Russian football fans who didn't take part in any of the Marseille scuffles, but were still detained outside Cannes on Tuesday while traveling by bus, will be released soon, Russian Sports Minister and head of the Russian Football Union Vitaly Mutko said.
14 June 2016
French police have stopped scuffles between Russian, English, and Welsh football fans in the center of the city of Lille. British fans have reportedly been provoking Russians. Several fans have been detained, but police have not yet disclosed their nationalities. Lillle will host a match between Russia and Slovakia on Wednesday, and England will play a match against Wales in neighboring Lens on Thursday.
Citing security concerns, authorities of the French city of Lille have decided to close 350 bars overnight on Wednesday as a precautionary measure ahead of the 2016 UEFA Euro Cup group stage match between Russia and Slovakia, TASS reports local officials as saying.
“In total, 350 bars will be closed overnight on Wednesday and overnight on Thursday. They must be closed starting at midnight and until the morning hours,” Michel Lalande, the prefect of the Nord department with the administrative center in Lille, told TASS.
Russia is playing its next match against Slovakia on Wednesday, June 15, at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille.
13 June 2016
Defending European champions Spain have won their first Group D game at Euro 2016.
The only goal in their 1-0 win against the Czech Republic was scored by Gerard Pique with three minutes left on the clock.
Two English football fans, who took part in clashes ahead of their team’s Euro 2016 match with Russia in Marseille on Saturday, have received prison sentences in France.
Alex Booth, 20, was sentenced to two months, while another fan, Ian Hepworth, 41, was handed a three-month sentence by a Marseille court.
READ MORE: French court sentences 2 England fans to jail after Euro 2016 clashes
French police raid Russian fans’ rooms in Marseille hotel.
Forty police officers have conducted searches in the rooms of Russian fans reports Aleksandr Shprygin, head of the Russian Fans Union, via his Twitter account.
"It was a very strange measure that violates human rights. Just imagine, you are lying on the bed in your room, then policemen come inside, wake you up with a whistle, check your documents, take your picture, search through your belongings. That definitely doesn't add any feel-good factor to visiting Euro 2016," Shpygin told the "Govorit Moskva" radio station.
English fan injured in Marseille is still in a critical but stable condition.
Overall 35 injuries were reported after Saturday's clashes with four of them said to be in critical condition.
Six Britons, one Austrian, three Frenchmen and two Russians are reportedly due to appear in court in Marseille on hooliganism charges after Saturday’s clashes.
12 June 2016
The German national team scored two unanswered goals in their opening Group C match against Ukraine.
The first goal was scored in the 19th minute of play as Shkodran Mustafi headed past Ukrainian keeper, Andriy Pyatov, 1-0.
Substitute Bastian Schweinsteiger settled the final score, finishing off a great German counter attack in stoppage time, 2-0.
Clashes erupted between the fans from Ukraine and Germany ahead of their national teams’ Group C match, scheduled to take place in Lille later on Sunday.
Poland has beaten Northern Ireland 1-0 in the first Group C encounter of Euro 2016. The only goal of the game was scored by Polish attacker Arkadiusz Milik in the 51st minute of play.
French Minister of Internal Affairs calls for sanctions against Russian & English teams.
Bernard Cazeneuve, French Minister of Internal Affairs, stated that the national teams of Russia and England should be penalized for their fans’ behavior during their Saturday match day in Marseille.
"It is necessary to punish the national federations of the teams, whose fans are involved with unrest both in the stadiums and outside."
Cazeneuve also addressed heads of the French cities that host the Euro 2016 matches, asking to ban the sale of alcohol around the stadiums.
"I ordered to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol in the areas where unrest could possibly accrue in the match days."
Croatia has kicked off Euro 2016, with a narrow 1-0 win against Group D rivals, Turkey.
The Croats were better throughout most of the game, but scored just once, when Luca Modric netted a spectacular shot from outside the box on the 41st minute.
The UEFA executive committee has warned Russia and England of possible disqualification from Euro 2016 if fan disorder continues.
"[UEFA] will not hesitate to impose additional sanctions on the Football Association (FA) and the Russian Football Union (RFU), including the potential disqualification of their respective teams from the tournament, should such violence occur again," the statement reads.
At least 35 people were injured during yesterday's unrest in Marseille. Four of them are reportedly in critical condition. Six people have been detained by French authorities, including one Russian citizen, who was later released.
Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko supported UEFA’s decision to open disciplinary proceedings over the misbehavior of Russian fans in Marseille. He said the fans, who had marred the match against England with violence, were a disgrace to Russia and should be held accountable.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has opened disciplinary proceedings against Russia’s football union over the misbehavior of Russian fans at the Euro 2016 match against England in Marseille.
The union charged the Russians with two counts of public disturbance, racist behavior and two counts of setting off fireworks. A decision on the incidents will be taken on Tuesday, UEFA said.
The English Football Association was not charged with any offense. UEFA, however, acknowledged that there were segregation issues during the match and said additional security personnel would be deployed to address the problem.
An England team supporter in his 50s is in grave condition following clashes, said Laurent Nunez, a police prefect in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of Marseille prefecture. The man also had a heart attack, Nunez added.
The fan was beaten with iron bars, “presumably to the head,” police sources told BFMTV.
The number of people injured in Marseille clashes over the past three days has risen to 35, according to French daily La Provence. Most of them suffered minor injuries and have been discharged from hospitals, but at least four people remain in a “critical” condition.
11 June 2016
The Russian Football Union will identify and punish the Russian fans who behaved inappropriately during the England – Russia match in Marseille, said the Russian Sports Minister. He went on to blame improper organization and “weak” security measures at the match for the brief scuffles, which he claimed to have been exaggerated.
After the fans left Stade Velodrome, sporadic clashes continued throughout the city. Hooligans let off flares and threw chairs and bottles as they raged in the streets of Marseille, according to reports on social media.
A French woman was hospitalized after apparently falling on the tracks in the Baille metro station on Boulevard Baille in Marseille.
Earlier social media speculated that an English fan had died, apparently pushed under a train. The UK's ambassador to France refuted that claim.
At least seven people were arrested following scuffles in Nice.
Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi condemned the fighting in Nice on his Twitter page, saying "the behavior of these hooligans is unacceptable and must be severely punished."
The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will review the conduct of Russian fans at the stadium on Sunday.
Fighting broke out in the southern city of Nice the night before the European Championship match between Poland and Northern Ireland. Local hooligans are to blame for the violence, local media reported.
Following Russia’s 1-1 draw with England, Russian fans broke into the England team supporter’s zone at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome, instigating a fist fight.
Russian national football team have scored in stoppage time to snatch a 1-1 draw against favorites England in their starting Group B match at Euro 2016 in Marseille, France.
READ MORE: Russia draws England in Euro 2016 opener
But England was more dangerous throughout most of the game and eventually went in front on 73rd minute of play at Velodrome stadium.
Defensive midfielder, Eric Dier, blasted from free-kick to leave goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev no chance, 0-1.
But the Russians kept looking for an equalizer till the final whistle and found one on 92 minutes, with substitute Aleksandr Glushkov scoring into an empty net after captain Vasily Berezutsky won an aerial battle in the English box, 1-1.
An RT France correspondent was injured during clashes between the football fans in Marseille.
“The journalist was broadcasting on Periscope. Some of the England fans didn’t like that he was doing it and our employee was punched in the face,” RT’s press-service said.
According to the correspondent, he was assaulted by an England supporter.
The Welsh team cruised to a 2-1 win against Slovakia in the opening Group B match at Euro 2016, and Wales’ first ever game at a major football event.
The team’s star player, Gareth Bale, made it 1-0 in the 10th minute of play from a free-kick.
Slovakia equalized through Ondrej Duda after the break, but only to concede again as substitute Hal Robson-Kanu resorted the lead for Wales in the 80th minute, 2-1.
At least, five people have been injured, with one person in serious condition, in clashed involving around 500 English and Russian fans in Marseille, the police told BFMTV.
An England fan is reportedly in hospital in serious condition after sustaining a heavy head wound.
Tear gas was used by security forces to calm the English football fans, who clashed with police in Marseille for the second time in two days, ahead of their team’s Euro 2016 fixture with Russia.
READ MORE: Battle of Marseille: Violent English fans clash with French police ahead of Russia match
Switzerland started their Euro 2016 run with a narrow 1-0 win against Albania in Group A.
The Swiss went in front on the fifth minute of play after Fabian Schar capitalized on a mistake by keeper, Etri Berisha, and scored an easy header.
Late in the first half, Albania’s captain Lorik Cana left his team with 10 men after being sent off for a second yellow card.
Switzerland lead Group A together with hosts France, who also have three points in the bag after a 2-1 win against Romania on Friday.