Euro 2024 social round-up: Yaremchuk's tears of joy, Mbappe's new look

By Sports Desk June 21, 2024

We are now a full week into Euro 2024, and the tournament continues to serve up plenty of entertainment – sometimes in the places fans least expect.

While there was nothing to separate the Netherlands and France in a dour goalless draw on Friday, Austria put on a show in Group D's other match, eliminating Poland with a 3-1 win.

Earlier on, there were emotional scenes as Ukraine claimed their first major tournament win since Euro 2020, fighting back to beat Slovakia 2-1 in Group C.

There was also plenty more happening away from the pitch, and we run through the best of the day's content here, in our social media round-up.

Tears of joy for Ukraine 

Ukraine's first game at the tournament fell flat as they were thrashed 3-0 by Romania, and they were staring at an early exit when they went 1-0 down to Slovakia on Friday.

However, second-half goals from Mykola Shaparenko and Roman Yaremchuk turned the game on its head, throwing up the prospect of all four Group E teams entering the final matchday on three points.

It was an understandably emotional occasion for Ukraine and for winning goalscorer Yaremchuk, who was pictured in tears at the full-time whistle. 

Heartbreak for Tierney

From ecstasy to agony. Friday began with the news that Scotland full-back Kieran Tierney would miss the remainder of the tournament with the hamstring injury he sustained against Switzerland earlier this week.

Taking to Instagram, Tierney said he was "heartbroken" after it was confirmed he would return to Arsenal for tests.

Scotland will be hoping to give him something to cheer on Sunday, when a victory over Hungary would likely book a last-16 place. 

Leipzig turns Oranje

There is nothing quite like the sight of the Netherlands' fans turning a host city orange, and that is precisely what happened ahead of their meeting with France. 

Bouncing in tandem at the team's fan zone, these supporters certainly brought the party to Leipzig.

Some might even have regretted leaving for the Red Bull Arena, after sitting through the tournament's first goalless draw.

The masked crusader

After he suffered a broken nose during France's opening game against Austria, Kylian Mbappe's condition has been a hot topic of debate.

On Thursday, he was seen going through his paces in a tricolour protective mask sure to impress French patriots.

However, with UEFA regulations stipulating that any mask he wears competitively must be all one colour, he unveiled a new, sleek look on Friday.

He did not get off the bench against the Netherlands, but France's masked crusader will be itching to return to the field against Poland on matchday three.

Scenes to savour for Austria

A huge contingent of Austrian fans made the short trip to Berlin to witness another highly impressive display from Ralf Rangnick's team on Friday.

This one was capped with three points, too, as second-half goals from Christoph Baumgartner and Marko Arnautovic handed them a deserved 3-1 win over Poland.

Arnautovic appeared overcome with emotion when he was substituted late on, and he was later seen directing the celebrations as Austria underlined their status as potential dark horses. 

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    Brazil are "convinced" they will come good at the Copa America, as they aim to get back on track after a 0-0 draw with Costa Rica, so says Dorival Junior.

    The Selecao were frustrated in their opening Group D match, accumulating 1.71 expected goals and having 19 shots, though only three were on target. 

    With Colombia having started their campaign with a win over Paraguay, the pressure is on Brazil to deliver when they face the same opponent on Friday. 

    Coach Dorival, though, urged for calm heads and a touch of patience.

    He told reporters: "It's natural that we all expected a slightly different result in the last game, but we can't fail to appreciate how we performed. The way we put our opponents in their defence.

    "I am convinced of what we are doing and what we are achieving. It is work we have just started, but I think we are progressing in a balanced way.

    "We have to be calm, balanced and confident. If every game we have doubts about everything we are doing, we will get nowhere.

    "We need to understand it's a time of change, of transition, you can't build a team overnight.

    "It's a natural process. The team has shown more positives than negatives in every match, not just the last one."

    Brazil will need more cutting edge than they showed on matchday one. 

    They made 695 passes in their opening match, more than any other team in the first round of the competition.

    The omens are not brilliant, either. Brazil and Paraguay have drawn their last four encounters in the Copa America. These four draws represent the longest consecutive streak of draws between two teams in the history of the competition.

  • Man Utd part ways with captain Zelem Man Utd part ways with captain Zelem

    Manchester United have confirmed the departure of captain Katie Zelem.

    England international Zelem has spent six years with United, helping them gain promotion to the WSL in her first season.

    Zelem has scored 32 goals in 161 appearances for the club, and led them to a maiden Women's FA Cup triumph in 2023-24.

    However, she is now set for pastures new, with the 28-year-old joining forward Lucia Garcia in departing upon the expiration of her contract.

    "Everyone at Manchester United would like to place on record their thanks to Katie for her excellent service and wish her the best of luck in the next phase of her career," a club statement read.

    Zelem and Garcia do not appear to be the only big names who will be leaving United after the end of their current deals, with England goalkeeper Mary Earps reportedly set to join Paris Saint-Germain.

  • Foden heading back to Germany following birth of third child Foden heading back to Germany following birth of third child

    England star Phil Foden was set to join back up with his team-mates on Thursday, according to reports.

    Foden left England's Euro 2024 camp on Wednesday due to a "pressing family matter".

    It was subsequently confirmed Foden was attending the birth of his third child.

    The 24-year-old was then travelling back to Germany late on Thursday.

    England face Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday.

    Foden has started all three of England's matches at the tournament so far, though the Premier League Player of the Season has so far failed to find his best form.

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