France vs Iceland, Euro 2016: Live Open Thread, How to Watch Online

The knockout stage of Euro 2016 has been as good as advertised. We've seen three hard-fought, emotional matches so far, with two of the three going to penalties. The last quarterfinal also reserves a lot of emotion, pride, excitement, and maybe the biggest upset in history.

France take on Iceland. The Home Nation against the Hero Nation. The Favorites against The Ultimate Underdogs. Iceland has been an incredible surprise so far. We all know by now how small the country is, that the coaching staff has other jobs, there are very few professional player on the island, and they are a bunch of lovable Vikings. But at their core, they're a organized football team, who's found a way to win without superior talent, through pure passion and sacrifice.

After knocking out England, they face an even bigger challenge in France. They are talented, they are deep, they are well coached, and they have three players able to change a game in an instant: Dimitri Payet, Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba can make Iceland's dream turn into a nightmare in seconds. Or the heroes will once again prevail, survive the talented opposition and shock the universe again.

This will be fun. And you cannot miss it.

Match Info, How to Watch

Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France

Start time: 9pm local time, 8pm BST (UK), 3pm ET, Noon PT (US), 12:30am IST (India, next day)

On TV: ESPN2, ESPN 3 (US), ESPN Deportes (US - Spanish), TSN (Canada), ITV 1 (UK), Sony LIV, Sony ESPN, Sony Six (India), TeleCinco (Spain), more

Online: WatchESPN (US), ITV Hub (UK), ESPN.in Live Streaming (India), more

(Listings via LiveSoccerTV)

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Germany vs Italy, Euro 2016: Live Open Thread, How to Watch Online

Portugal have their semi-final opponent - the sensation Wales that came from down 1-0 to beat Belgium by a score of 3-1. Despite being underdogs in just about every game they played, Wales showed tremendous heart and excellent tactical preparedness and Belgium became their latest victim. The win did come at a cost though as Wales will have to face Portugal without Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey.

Today begins the quest for the second semi-final - and it's a big one as heavyweights Germany will take on Italy. Germany were considered one of the main contenders for the title and while they sometimes failed to impress, the Germans continually do just enough to get the necessary result - which has led to three wins and a draw - all without allowing a single goal. The Germans also have a healthy squad and won't have any player miss out due to suspension.

Italy aren't that lucky as Thiago Motta is suspended while Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Candreva are struggling with injuries. Italy, despite their obvious talent, weren't considered by many to have a chance at the title, but led by the tactical brilliance of Antonio Conte the Italians have showed remarkable consistency and have won three games - all without allowing a goal, and lost a single game - after they already secured a first place group finish, but this will be Italy's biggest challenge so far, even though they already beat Spain in the round of 16.

This Germany vs Italy match-up is arguably the biggest game of the Euro so far. Let's hope it doesn't disappoint.

Match Info, How to Watch

Venue: Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France

Start time: 9pm local time, 8pm BST (UK), 3pm ET, Noon PT, 12:30am IST (India, next day)

On TV: ESPN2, ESPN3 (US), ESPN Deportes (US - Spanish), TSN (Canada), ITV 1 (UK), Sony ESPN, Sony Six, Sony LIV (India), TeleCinco (Spain), more

Online: WatchESPN (US), ITV Hub (UK), ESPN.in Live Streaming (India), more

(Listings via LiveSoccerTV)

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FC Barcelona News: 2 July 2016; Ultras Attack Ivan Rakitic, his Family in Croatia, Pele Talks Lionel Messi

Neymar signing a good start, but Barcelona have work to do this summer - ESPN FC
After months of negotiations and speculation, Barcelona announced their first signing of the summer on Friday morning. To be truthful, it was in fact Neymar who announced his contract renewal, which was quickly described as the best signing Barca will make this season.

New Neymar contracts turns him into Messi's undisputed successor at Barca - Goal.com
Just as Neymar - eventually - showed he has no doubt his football future lies at Barcelona, the club have also given their Brazilian a huge vote of confidence. His new bumper contract spells out one fact: the Blaugrana have chosen him to carry the club standard once Lionel Messi is ready to stand down from his role as the world's most dazzling football star.

Video: Neymar Jr's top ten goals of the 2015/16 season | FC Barcelona
Neymar Jr, with the Olympic Games in his native Brazil around the corner, has renewed his contract for the next five years. Last season he appeared in 41 games and scored 31 goals, with some absolute beauties against the likes of Arsenal, Athletic Bilbao and Atlético Madrid.

Croatia ultras ‘attack Rakitic’ | Football Espana
A group of Croatia ultras reportedly attacked Ivan Rakitic and his family at their holiday home on the island of Ugljan on Friday. According to Vecernji list via AS, six youngsters – understood to be fans of the country’s football team – threw stones at Rakitic’s villa on the island.

‘Messi will play at next World Cup’ | Football Espana
"I have no doubt that Leo will play at the World Cup, I have a lot of faith [in him doing so] and we have to leave him alone," he told Pop FM, Clarin reports. "I trust his silence. He loves the national team and gives everything for his country.

Pele: Messi should reconsider Argentina retirement - Goal.com
Lionel Messi should reconsider his retirement from international football, according to Brazil great Pele. The Barcelona star announced his intention to hang up his boots after Argentina's Copa America final defeat to Chile.

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Pele Says Lionel Messi Should Reconsider his Argentina Retirement

The legendary Brazilian had this to say...

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international play after Argentina's heartbreaking loss to Chile in the Copa America final.

Pele called Messi "the world's best player for the past 10 years," and had this advice for him:

"It's normal that he is sad and disappointed, but he has to wait a bit and forget this incident, since it is something that many good players have gone through. Everyone has missed a penalty at some point."

"O Rei," as he is known in Brazil, won three World Cups, but Messi's Argentina have lost four international finals, a stark contrast to his amazing trophy haul at club level.

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Wales vs Belgium, Euro 2016: Live Open Thread, How to Watch Online

And we have our first semi-finalist of the Euro 2016. That team is Portugal, who reached the semi-final without a single win in 90 minutes. They drew all three games in the group, disposed of Croatia in extra time and edged Poland in a penalty shootout yesterday.

Today Portugal will get their opponent as the surprising Wales will take one of the quiet favorites Belgium. Wales have been nothing less than a pleasant surprise this tournament. Viewed by many as just one of the teams that filled up the new extended format of the Euro, Wales impressed in each match and accumulated three wins so far, over Slovakia, Russia and Northern Ireland. Belgium started the Euro slowly, losing to Italy, but they started building steam quickly, first hammering Republic of Ireland and then edging Sweden, before demolishing Hungary in the Round of 16.

The two sides last met in the qualifying phase for the Euro where the first match ended in a scoreless draw while the second saw Wales edge Belgium courtesy of Gareth Bale. The Belgium defense could be the difference maker today as they will be without starters Jan Vertonghen (injured) and Barcelona man Thomas Vermaelen (suspended). With both teams in good form this promises to be a good night for football.

Match Info, How to Watch

Venue: Stade Pierre Mauroy - Lille Métropole, France

Start time: 9pm local time, 8pm BST (UK), 3pm ET, Noon PT, 12:30am IST (India, next day)

On TV: ESPN2, ESPN3 (US), ESPN Deportes (US - Spanish), TSN (Canada), ITV 1 (UK), Sony ESPN, Sony Six, Sony LIV (India), TeleCinco (Spain), more

Online: WatchESPN (US), ITV Hub (UK), ESPN.in Live Streaming (India), more

(Listings via LiveSoccerTV)

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FC Barcelona News: 1 July 2016; Neymar Extends Contract, Samuel Umtiti Agreement Reached

Neymar extends contract until 2021 | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona and the player Neymar Jr. have signed a contract extension for the footballer which will keep him at the Club for the next five seasons, until 30 June 2021.The player’s buy out clause has been fixed at 200 million Euros for the first year of his contract, 222 million for the second and 250 million for the remaining three years.

The key points from Bartomeu’s press conference | FC Barcelona
Bartomeu revealed to the media that Barça had reached an agreement with Olympique Lyonnais for the transfer of French international defender Samuel Umtiti, as well as clearing up the club’s stance on the two goalkeepers, Neymar Jr and Javier Mascherano.

Josep Maria Bartomeu: "We are in an enviable situation" | FC Barcelona
The 2015/16 season officially ended on June 30 and Josep Maria Bartomeu presented his annual review on Thursday. "The football team has won four major trophies and we celebrated the seventh double in club history" he was proud to say. "The handball and roller hockey teams got great results too. But basketball and futsal were a little disappointing".

'The Balcony', the perfect summer terrace at Camp Nou | FC Barcelona
This July, FC Barcelona is offering The Balcony, a terrace where anyone can enjoy the chance to have lunch or dinner right next to the Camp Nou pitch while taking in the breath-taking views of the stadium terraces all around – the place that has brought so much excitement to fans over the years and that brings back so many marvellous memories.

Former Barcelona defender Dani Alves owes over a million euros in back taxes - report - ESPN FC
Juventus defender Dani Alves is alleged to owe €1.3 million to Spain's tax authorities according to a new list of tax evaders released Thursday by Hacienda, Spanish news agency Efe reports. Alves' taxes were due Dec. 31, 2015, according to the tax agency. The former Barcelona right-back was included on a list of 4,768 people or groups who owe a total of €15.7 billion in tax money.

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La Liga News: 1 July 2016; Manchester City Confirm Nolito Transfer, Watford Sign Isaac Success

Gareth Bale's pay set for rise to £300,000 a week at Real Madrid - reports - Eurosport
Real Madrid have reportedly opened contract talks with Gareth Bale and a deal is expected to be agreed that pays £300,000 per week. The Daily Telegraph claims Madrid and Bale’s camp are discussing a new contract longer than the three years remaining on his existing terms that would pay £298,000, around €362,000.

Nolito completes transfer to Manchester City from Celta Vigo | Sky Sports
City were able to secure the deal for the 29-year-old Spain international forward after triggering his £13.8m release clause with the La Liga club. Nolito, whose real name is Manuel Agudo Duran, has finalised his reunion with his old Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium following Spain's exit from Euro 2016 at the hands of Italy on Monday.

Sevilla's Grzegorz Krychowiak expecting PSG transfer news soon - ESPN FC
Grzegorz Krychowiak expects to have news soon about whether his proposed move from Sevilla to Paris Saint-Germain will be completed. Krychowiak, 26, was part of the Poland side that lost 5-3 on penalties to Portugal following a 1-1 draw in their Euro 2016 quarterfinal in Marseille on Thursday.

Official: Kuzmanovic joins Malaga | Football Espana
Malaga have confirmed the signing of Serbia international midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic on a season-long loan from Basel. Kuzmanovic passed a medical at Malaga’s headquarters on Thursday morning before putting pen to paper on a deal that includes a purchase option.

Watford sign Isaac Success from Granada for club-record fee | Sky Sports
Watford have completed the signing of Isaac Success from Granada for a club-record fee in the region of £12.5m, according to Sky sources. The Nigerian has agreed a five-year contract and his arrival comes after Watford rejected a bid in the region of £20m from Premier League champions Leicester City for captain Troy Deeney last month.

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