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France Ends Penalty Shootout Curse, Knocks Out Ronaldo’s Portugal to Reach Euro 2024 Semifinals

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HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — France’s longstanding penalty shootout woes came to an end as they secured a 5-3 victory over Portugal, advancing to the Euro 2024 semifinals. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, leading to a tense shootout in which Portugal’s Joao Felix hit the post with the only miss. Theo Hernández clinched the win for France with a confident kick into the top corner.

This marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record sixth and final European Championship. The 39-year-old scored Portugal’s first penalty and consoled his tearful teammate Pepe afterward. Ronaldo’s illustrious 20-year Euro career included a 2016 title victory over France. It’s uncertain if he will continue playing for Portugal through the 2026 World Cup.

Despite the presence of star Kylian Mbappé, France struggled to find their form, reaching the semifinals without scoring from open play. Their passive performance allowed Portugal to dominate possession, but France’s defense held firm. Ousmane Dembele’s energetic display off the bench suggests he may start in the upcoming match against Spain. To reclaim the European crown, France will need to ignite their attacking prowess.


 

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Tolu Arokodare Makes History as Sixth Nigerian to Win the Ebony Shoe Award

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Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare has added his name to an elite list by becoming the sixth Nigerian to win the prestigious Ebony Shoe award. He now stands alongside legends like Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Okpara, Celestine Babayaro, and Paul Onuachu as Nigerian winners of the award, which is given to the best African player in the Belgian league.

Arokodare is the 34th recipient of the prize and was presented the award by Pierre Kompany, father of Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany. He beat tough competition from fellow Nigerian Raphael Onyedika, DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki, Moroccan talent Zakaria El Ouahdi, and Promise David—who now represents Canada.

Reacting to the win, Arokodare said, “I’m very happy and honestly speechless. It’s a huge honour to be the sixth Nigerian to win this. It means a lot to be part of Belgian and Nigerian football history.”


 

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Gary Neville Says Man United Must Sell at Least 10 Players to Fix the Team

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Manchester United icon Gary Neville has urged the club to clear out at least ten players this summer if they want to fix their ongoing struggles. It’s been a dismal season for the Red Devils, especially in the Premier League, where they’re on track for their worst finish ever. With 17 losses already, it’s their most defeats in over five decades.

Speaking on The Overlap, Neville didn’t hold back, saying, “There are about eight to ten players who need to go. Three or four will leave as their contracts run out, but the club has to actively move out five or six more—even if it means paying them off.” He went on to describe United as a “graveyard” for new signings over the past ten years, with Bruno Fernandes being the rare exception.

United currently sit 16th in the league with two matches left, but they still have a shot at ending the season on a high when they face Tottenham in the Europa League final later this month.


 

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“He’s the most crucial player” – Evra Warns Man United Not to Lose Fernandes

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Former Manchester United star Patrice Evra has urged the club’s top brass not to make a costly mistake this summer—losing Bruno Fernandes. Evra stressed that United must do everything possible to keep their captain at Old Trafford, especially with Saudi clubs circling.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the former defender said Fernandes is the heart of the team and letting him go would be a terrible move. He emphasized that the Portuguese playmaker is a major reason the Red Devils reached the Europa League final and that age shouldn’t even be a talking point.

“I’ve heard about the big money offers coming from Saudi for Bruno, but selling him now would be a huge mistake,” he said. “People talk about him turning 30, but that doesn’t matter. He’s the most crucial player in that squad. Without him, United probably wouldn’t have made it this far.”

Despite a rocky league season where they hovered close to the relegation zone, Manchester United will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on May 21 in Bilbao.


 

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