Kylian Mbappe's first goal at the European Championships was in vain as France were held to a 1-1 draw with Poland in their final group game at Euro 2024.
Mbappe curled home from the penalty spot in the 56th minute, but Robert Lewandowski, in possibly his final Euros game, hit back for Poland.
Lewandowski's goal also came from 12 yards, with the Barcelona striker converting at the second attempt to earn Poland's only point of the tournament.
France have finished second in Group D after Austria's win over the Netherlands in the other match, with Poland's fate already set.
Playing for pride, Poland made a bright start to the game, with Piotr Zielinski's half-volley forcing Mike Maignan into a smart stop early on.
Lukasz Skorupski was alert when called upon at the other end as he stuck out a foot to keep Theo Hernandez's effort before smothering Ousmane Dembele's strike 10 minutes later.
Lewandowski, making his first start of the tournament, also came close but could only thump a powerful header wide of the near post.
Mbappe had two glorious chances to break the deadlock just before half-time – his first flashed across the face of goal with help from a fingertip stop from Skorupski, who then made himself big to deny France's captain.
The battle between Mbappe and the goalkeeper carried into the second half, as Skorupski got a strong hand to a curler.
Yet Jakub Kiwior's clumsy challenge gave France the opening they needed when he clumsily brought Dembele down inside the box, and Mbappe made no mistake this time, sending Skorupski the wrong way.
Lewandowski gave Les Bleus a scare shortly after, picking Jules Kounde's pocket before firing a pacy shot just wide of the near post.
And Poland's talisman stepped up when Dayot Upamecano brought down Karol Swiderski, and though Maignan initially saved the VAR-awarded penalty, he came off his line early, and Lewandowski picked out the bottom-left corner on the second attempt.
Mbappe finally on the scoresheet
It was yet another game where France created a lot of chances but struggled to finish them off, or at least, that is how it looked in the first half.
Mbappe finally ended his European Championships goal drought in the 56th minute, with what was his 23rd shot in the competition.
Indeed, that was Mbappe's 13th goal at major tournaments for France, equalling Just Fontaine's record, with only Michel Platini (14) scoring more for Les Bleus.
Among European players since 2018, only Harry Kane (13) has scored as many goals as Mbappe, who France sorely missed in their goalless draw with the Netherlands last time out.
Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann got his own slice of history as he made his 33rd appearance at major tournaments, the most by an outfield player for France, overtaking Lilian Thuram.
Poland make their point
It has been a tournament to forget for Poland, who exited Euro 2024 without earning a single win.
Talisman Lewandowski was back in the fold after his thigh injury and had the most shots for Poland, and ensured they did not go home empty-handed.
The 35-year-old is the only player so far to have netted at the last four editions of the tournament, and is just the third player in history to score in four or more European Championships (along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric).
He also salvaged some pride as Poland avoided losing all three group games at a major tournament for the first time in their history.
Serhiy Sydorchuk is hopeful of keeping Ukraine's fairytale journey at Euro 2024 alive heading into their final group game against Belgium.
The Blue and Yellow conclude their Group E campaign in Stuttgart on Tuesday, knowing a win will secure their place in the last-16 of the tournament.
Slovakia face Romania in the other game, and with all three sides level on points heading into Matchday 3, the emphasis on winning has heightened.
Sydorchuk said his team know a triumph in their first meeting with the Red Devils would see them through to the last-16 as one of the top two, but he did not want to tempt fate.
"When you say something very loudly, the echo will be very loud as well, so I think we should be silent and we should do what we can do, and we'll see tomorrow at 8 PM what we could do," Sydorchuk said.
Ukraine are looking to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for a third time, having done so at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2020.
All four of their final group stage games have ended 1-0 – winning the first in 2006 against Tunisia but have lost their last three (vs England at Euro 2012, Poland at Euro 2016, and Austria at Euro 2020).
Sydorchuk knows the importance of a victory for the people of Ukraine and is hopeful that securing qualification alleviate some of the misery caused by the Russian invasion of his homeland.
"What will it mean for the country is that we will go on with this fairytale, this really fantastic fairytale for several more days for the whole country, because we are at war for almost 900 days," Sydorchuk said.
"For the Ukrainians, every game, every event like that means a lot, it means for them that they can come back to the usual pre-war times."
Bahamian judoka Alexander Strachan secured a bronze medal in the 90-kilogram (kg) division at the Pan American Judo Open in Lima, Peru on June 21, becoming only the second Bahamian to medal at the event after Cynthia Rahming in 2019.
The tournament had 76 judokas from 23 countries competing for coveted qualification spots for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
Strachan defeated Honduran Axel Garcia to secure one of the defining moments of his young career.
“Winning the bronze medal fills me with a mix of excitement and validation,” Strachan told the Nassau Guardian.
“It was a testament to the sacrifices made and the relentless effort put into my training. It also fueled a desire to return next time and strive for even greater accomplishments,” he added.
Strachan’s preparation for the tournament involved consistently attending eight hours of vigorous and grueling training sessions six days per week.
Overcoming nerves proved to be one of the biggest challenges for Strachan during the competition, he admitted.
Strachan then explained that he overcame those nerves through trusting the work that he's put in to prepare for the moment at hand.
“I had to overcome my nerves during the competition,” he said.
“I made up my mind to trust the process and believe in my abilities. That mindset allowed me to perform at my best and overcome any obstacles that came my way,” he added.
From a technical standpoint, Strachan was able to maintain a constant awareness of his and the opponent’s position on the mat, quickly seizing opportunities and execute various foot sweeps.
“I focused on getting my grip first and was always ready to switch positions when necessary,” Strachan explained.
“These strategies played a crucial role in my success and helped me secure the bronze medal,” he added.
Argentina's Mariano Coto Bersier took home the gold medal ahead of Remi Feuillet of Mauritius.
Czechia head coach Ivan Hasek insisted he has players ready to replace Patrik Schick in their must-win final group game against Turkiye on Tuesday.
Shick, who became his nation's top scorer at the European Championships with his goal against Georgia, limped off shortly after scoring and is a doubt for their final Group F fixture.
"Patrik has been with the physios and doctors for the last two days," Hasek said. "He wasn't training. He's getting better, but we will see tomorrow.
"Schick is a key player, one of the best scorers in Europe. But if he's not able to play, we need to replace him. And we have players who are able to replace him and they are ready and been working hard," added Hasek.
After claiming a point in their opening two group games, Czechia know they must rectify their current three-game winless run against their opponents on Tuesday to progress to the last-16 of Euro 2024.
Turkiye have won their two previous matches against Czechia at the European Championships, with both of these encounters, as per this year’s, coming in the last group game.
"There is a positive energy in the team," Hasek said of the feeling among his squad ahead of the game at the Volksparkstadion.
"Some of the players have not played yet, not got that many opportunities and we want to win for them, mostly so that their chances of getting on the pitch and playing here remains.
"I really have great trust in my team, they play as one man and I think we will show that on the pitch."
Vinicius Junior acknowledged that he and his team-mates must improve following their goalless draw with Costa Rica in their opening game of the Copa America.
The nine-time champions were frustrated by their opponents at the SoFi Stadium, with Los Ticos becoming only the third CONCACAF side to keep a clean sheet against the Selecao Canarinho at the tournament after Mexico (2001 and 2007) and Honduras (2001).
Brazil registered 19 attempts at Patrick Sequeira's goal, but only three were on target, with Rodrygo (6) and Lucas Paqueta (5) having the majority of those chances.
Vinicius failed to make an impact on proceedings in Los Angeles and was replaced by future Real Madrid team-mate Endrick for the final 20 minutes.
The 23-year-old has now been substituted in Brazil's last six competitive matches and knows Dorival Junior's side must improve to achieve success at the tournament.
"We know we can improve, we have to improve," Vinícius said. "I also know what I can improve, evolve and do for our team."
Vinicius, who scored 24 goals in 39 appearances for Los Blancos this season, arrived at the tournament with the weight of a nation on his shoulders with all-time leading scorer Neymar, out of the Copa America due to injury.
The Real Madrid winger has registered just one assist in his last five appearances for his nation, but has called for patience from the Brazil fans.
"New coach, new players, everything takes time," Vinícius said. "Our fans want everything immediately done, but we're going little by little. In the next game, I'm sure we'll play much better because we now already understand what the competition will be like, what the pitch, what the referees will be like.
"Every time I enter the field for the national team, I have three or four players marking me."
Brazil face Paraguay in Las Vegas on Saturday before concluding their Group D campaign against Colombia, who beat the Albirroja on Matchday 1.
Emma Raducanu is through to the second round at Eastbourne after a commanding straight-sets victory over Sloane Stephens on Tuesday.
Despite an early scare, Raducanu cruised through, winning 6-4 6-0 in just one hour 17 minutes.
Raducanu and Stephens traded blows early on in the first set, with both getting double breaks to stay neck-and-neck before the Briton edged it in the final game by breaking the American's serve once more.
She then brushed Stephens aside in just 25 minutes for the second without dropping a single game, to set up a meeting with Jessica Pegula in the next round.
Data Debrief: Raducanu in control
Raducanu finished off the match in style, winning the last nine games in a row, and broke Sloane's serve six times.
The 21-year-old finished with 23 winners to just 13 unforced errors to tee up a marquee match-up in the second round.
Liam Livingstone is hopeful England are coming good at the perfect time ahead of their T20 World Cup semi-final against India, having grown into the tournament after a slow start.
The defending champions almost succumbed to a humiliating group-stage exit, with only old rivals Australia keeping them in with a dramatic victory over Scotland.
Having finished second in Group B, Jos Buttler's team did likewise in Group 2 at the Super-8 stage, a resounding victory over the United States sending them through at West Indies' expense.
England now have a chance to reach their fourth T20 World Cup final and their third in the last four editions, while a third triumph at the tournament would take them clear of the Windies for the outright record.
All-rounder Livingstone says England have a chance to prove tournaments are not about how you start, but how you finish.
"In tournament cricket, sometimes it is better to sneak up and nick it at the end," said Livingstone. "Hopefully that is the way we will go.
"A lot of lads have been contributing in the last few games which should stand us in good stead going forward. We've hopefully got two more massive games."
Livingstone sustained a torso injury while batting against Namibia in the group stage but has shrugged that problem off to play all of England's matches.
He has yet to truly hit top form, taking two wickets and scoring 13 and 33 in his two innings with the bat in the middle order, but he is confident a big finish is coming.
"As a kid I always wanted to be involved, that's the reason I started bowling a few years back," he said.
"So batting at seven and maybe bowling one over, that's where the hard bit comes as you want to be involved.
"Thankfully the last two games I struck the ball well against South Africa and bowled pretty well [against the USA], so I feel I'm in a good place."
Marseille have announced they have agreed a deal in principle for Roberto De Zerbi to be their head coach.
In a statement, Marseille said they were "working with all stakeholders to formalize the arrival of the Italian coach, as well as that of his staff, on the OM bench and prepare for his arrival in Marseille in the coming days."
De Zerbi, whose shock departure from Brighton was announced the day before the end of the 2023-24 season, led the Seagulls to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League after taking over from Graham Potter in 2022, securing European football for the first time in their history.
Brighton topped their Europa League group, beating Marseille in the process, but were knocked out by Roma in the round of 16 before slumping to an 11th-place finish in the league.
The French side, meanwhile, went through three managers last season, with Jean-Louis Gasset overseeing the end of the campaign as Marseille finished eighth in Ligue 1, outside the European places.
For Shamar Nicholson, Jamaica's senior Reggae Boyz 1-0 loss to Mexico in their Copa America opener was a bittersweet occasion, as that encounter marked his 50th international appearance for the country.
Though Nicholson would have loved to celebrate the significant milestone in victory, but it was not to be. As such, he was left ruing what could have been, as he reflected on his career journey which started at Trench Town High school, blossomed at Boys' Town Football Club, and he is now bearing fruit as one of Jamaica's top-rated strikers.
Across those 50 games, Nicholson has so far tallied 19 goals and won three medals –silver and the 2017 Caribbean Cup and Concacaf Gold Cup, and an historic bronze at 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League.
"Yeah, it was special moment," Nicholson declared in a recent interview with Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) media.
"It's just a pity that we didn't get to win to make it more special, but it was a proud moment for me and my family, my friends, coaching staff, and everyone, who have supported me along the way during bad time and good time. So it was really a proud moment," he added.
Shamar Nicholson (right) and rising sensation Keheim Dixon.
Nicholson’s rise to becoming one of Jamaica's key players has been marked by determination and hard work. Though a man of few words, the 27-year-old's achievements on the international stage is a testament to his dedication and talent, as his true personality comes to light when the ball is at his feet.
Since making his debut in 2017, the towering striker has become a mainstay in the senior Reggae Boyz team, especially giving his scoring prowess and physical presence on the field, which makes him a constant threat to opponents.
In fact, it is for that reason why Nicholson has made the rounds at clubs in Slovenia, Belgium, Russia and now France. In Slovenia he scored 18 goals for Domzale, and later tallied 30 goals for Belgian outfit Charleroi. He later moved to Spartak Moscow, where he had eight goals and won the Russian Cup, before being loaned out to French Ligue 1 side Clermont, where has four goals to date.
Each league and club offered a different challenge, but for Nicholson, the experiences were worthwhile contributions to his development.
"Yes, I will say culture wise (France and Belgium are somewhat similar), but I think it was also a good experience, you know, because the level is high and really physical, and it also challenges you mentally. So I think it was a good experience and I learned a lot," Nicholson shared.
Despite the defeat to Mexico in keen contest where Michail Antonio had a goal ruled out for offside and the Boyz generally squandered a few good half chances.
While that result was not in their favour, Nicholson believes there were positives to take from the game, and, as such, he remains optimistic and focused on the challenges ahead, particularly the upcoming clash against Ecuador.
Shamar Nicholson celebrates with Reggae Boyz teammates.
He emphasized the importance of staying positive and focused, as the Heimir Hallgrimsson-coached Boyz hunt an historic first goal and, by extension, point at the prestigious Copa America tournament
The Reggae Boyz have shown in previous tournaments that they can bounce back from setbacks, and Nicholson is confident they will do so again. Hallgrimsson’s side is currently at the foot of Group B without a point, a statistic they could very well change with victory over Ecuador on Wednesday at Allegiant Stadium.
They will then close out the group stage against current leaders Venezuela on Sunday.
“The vibe is right, you know, everyone is positive despite the loss (against Mexico), and we all have a positive mindset. So, it's just to take things step by step. You know, we prepare in training, so it's just to go there and believe, and I think we're ready for that game,” Nicholson ended.
Hungary coach Marco Rossi has visited Barnabas Varga in hospital after the forward underwent surgery on the worrying facial injury he suffered against Scotland.
During the second half of Sunday's 1-0 win over Scotland, which sealed Hungary's third-place finish in Group A and likely qualification for the last 16 of Euro 2024, Varga collided with the elbow of opposing goalkeeper Angus Gunn while attempting to reach a cross into the box.
Sheeting was placed around Varga as other players called for urgent medical attention, and it was later confirmed he had been knocked unconscious, suffering a concussion and breaking several bones in his face.
The Hungarian Football Federation later confirmed he had undergone surgery and was expected to be discharged on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the national team's social media accounts shared an image of Varga giving a thumbs-up from hospital, with coach Rossi, full-back Endre Botka and other backroom staff members alongside him.
UEFA has insisted there was "no delay" to Varga receiving treatment in the aftermath of the collision, after Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai accused medical staff of a slow response.
Luciano Spalletti raged at suggestions a pact with his players resulted in Italy's switch to a 3-5-2 formation for Monday's draw with Croatia, as they scraped into the last 16 at Euro 2024.
Following a 2-1 win over Albania and a deserved 1-0 defeat to Spain, the defending champions entered their final match in Group B with their fate in the balance.
Luka Modric's goal – which made him the oldest goalscorer in Euros history at 38 years and 289 days – put them on the brink of a third-place finish, which would have left them waiting nervously on other results to discover whether they had qualified.
However, Mattia Zaccagni stepped off the bench to curl home a brilliant equaliser after 97 minutes and 19 seconds, the second-latest goal in Euros history (excluding extra time), after Hungary's Kevin Csoboth versus Scotland one day earlier (99:33).
Italy will now face Switzerland for a quarter-final spot on Saturday, but their performances have not been universally welcomed at home.
Reports in the Italian media suggested Spalletti abandoned his favoured 4-3-3 setup for a 3-5-2 shape at his players' behest, and the former Napoli boss was furious when asked about those claims in his post-match press conference.
"In my opinion, this is what you were told," Spalletti said, before asking the reporter his age.
"You're 51, you still have 14 years before you get to 65 like me. I speak to the players, I need to hear with their ears and see with their eyes, so I talk to them, what is the problem?"
Spalletti went on to claim someone in the Italy camp had leaked details of his conversations with the squad, saying: "Don't claim this is your poetic licence, this is just a weakness of those who leak things.
"There is an internal environment and an external one and if in the internal environment there are those who speak of certain things outside, it's someone who harms the national team.
"I did my thesis at Coverciano on 3-5-2. I'll let you see it later. It's only natural that I speak to the players."
Though Italy attempted over twice as many shots as Croatia (13 to six), they only hit the target three times and lost the expected goals (xG) battle, 1.49-0.98.
Asked whether he was afraid of failing at his first major tournament, Spalletti said: "Am I afraid?
"What am I afraid of? If I was afraid, I would have just come here like you guys to watch the games. I would have done another job.
"I know so many people that would have given me free tickets. It's only natural that there's pressure, but we go out there to play."
Mercedes chief Ola Kallenius believes Max Verstappen would "look good in silver" as he strongly hinted at the team's continued interest in the Red Bull driver.
Lewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari at the end of the year, though the team are yet to announce who his replacement will be.
Since Hamilton's announcement, Mercedes have talked up Verstappen, who has a contract with Red Bull until 2028.
However, rumours have circled the Dutchman's future with the team after legendary designer Adrian Newey announced his departure at the end of the season, with Verstappen, who won the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend, stressing he wants to be in the "right environment" in the fastest car.
Speaking to Sky Germany, Kallenius once again made his interest in drawing Verstappen over to Mercedes clear.
"The best driver wants to have the best car. And that's our job, to bring the best package together," Kallenius said.
"The cards will be reshuffled in 2026. New order with new rules. That's also an opportunity. Who knows?
"But I think Max would look good in silver, wouldn't he?"
Despite those comments, Toto Wolff previously confirmed there had been no official talks with Verstappen.
It is rumoured that 17-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli could be in line to partner George Russell next season, while Verstappen remains an outside target.
Real Madrid have announced their captain, Nacho, is leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of the month.
Nacho joined Madrid's youth academy in 2001 at 10 years old and is ending a 23-year association with his boyhood club.
The defender made his debut in 2012, going on to make 364 appearances for the first team, winning 26 trophies, making him the joint-most decorated player in the team's history, along with Luka Modric.
He captained Los Blancos to their 15th Champions League title in June, lifting the trophy for the sixth time himself. He also won five Club World Cups, four LaLiga titles and two Copa del Reys in his extensive haul.
In a statement on social media, Nacho said: "Dear Madridistas. I want to dedicate a few words to you, which are too few to express everything I feel at this moment.
"I am saying goodbye to the club of my life, Real Madrid. I arrived when I was 10 years old. I trained as a person and, as a player, I learned to win and to lose, to fight and to suffer, to enjoy, and to always live with enthusiasm and determination. I learned everything I am today. I have been coming to train in the same place every day for almost 25 years, which is an understatement, learning the values of Madridismo, giving my life and fighting for this crest: you have given me everything.
"It's very difficult for me, but now it’s time to leave with the confidence and peace of mind of knowing that I have always given my best to represent this crest, on and off the pitch. When I was a boy, I often dreamed of playing in our stadium, the Santiago Bernabéu, and today I have the honour of ending my time as the captain who managed to lift our 15th Champions League.
"There are no words to express my feelings. I always wanted my end as a Real Madrid player to be beautiful and at the top, and I can tell you that it is impossible to have a better one than this."
Nacho, who is currently representing Spain at Euro 2024, is expected to move to the Saudi Pro League when his contract runs out, with Al-Qadsiah the favourites to sign him.
Spain are "free to dream" of Euro 2024 glory but must ensure they remain humble after maintaining a perfect record through the group stage, says coach Luis de la Fuente.
La Roja topped Group B – thought by many to be the most difficult group at the tournament – with nine points and no goals conceded, beating Albania 1-0 in their third match on Monday despite resting most of their star players, courtesy of Ferran Torres' goal.
They have become just the second team to win all three group-stage matches at a Euros tournament to nil, after eventual champions Italy at the delayed 2020 edition.
It is also the first time La Roja have ever gone through an entire group stage at a major tournament (World Cup or Euros) without conceding.
With his team now being tipped as one of the favourites to lift the trophy for a record-breaking fourth time, De la Fuente has warned against complacency.
"We are all free to dream, but we have to keep our feet on the ground. Being considered favourites doesn't guarantee you anything," De la Fuente said.
"We welcome the fact that people value the work we are doing and recognise the talent of this generation. Winning all three games, with clean sheets in all three, it's extremely difficult.
"But let's not get carried away. We know how things work in Spain. One day you're at the top and the next day you're worthless."
Spain's last-16 tie will be played at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne on Sunday, though they must wait to discover the identity of their opponents.
They will face a third-place finisher from Group A, D, E or F, meaning their foes will not become clear until the final two groups have concluded on Wednesday.
That does not sit well with De la Fuente, who added: "Now we will have to spend a night awake because of the short time we have to study the next opponent.
"Of course we have room for improvement, it's a principle that we have established in the dressing room. We are not satisfied and this group is very ambitious.
"But in any case, we'll be mentally prepared and ready to go all out to overcome this tie. Of course we will."
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