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The U.S. men’s national team entered this summer’s Copa America with enormous expectations. Two years ahead of a World Cup on home soil, this group of players, most of whom play in Europe’s best leagues, has been heralded as a team capable of bigger things than any U.S. men’s squad before it. There was a belief they were capable of making a run that could capture the country. This Copa was seen not just as a dress rehearsal, but also a chance to prove they were ready to be real contenders for the sport’s biggest trophy in 2026. After a shocking 2-1 loss to Panama on Thursday night in Atlanta, the U.S. will instead go into the group finale trying simply not to be eliminated. It is a snap back to reality for the discourse around this U.S. team and a dismal night ended with multiple players being subjected to racist abuse on social media. In a statement, U.S. Soccer said it was “deeply disturbed” by the comments. The federation also contacted Conmebol and will be offering mental health se...

The Premier League has written to its clubs to explain its rules regarding the fair valuation of players involved in transfers after “a significant number requested clarification” following recent swap deals. Earlier this week BBC Sport revealed that at least one club intended to raise the issue with the Premier League. It came amid concerns some clubs may be looking to sell each other players in order to exploit a potential loophole in Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR), which limit losses, before an accounting deadline on Sunday. In the letter the Premier League warns that part of a transfer fee would have to be returned by the selling club if it decides a fee has been “inflated”. Academy products Tim Iroegbunam and Lewis Dobbin were exchanged in separate deals between Everton and Villa for a reported £9m each. Then BBC Sport reported Villa were close to selling another academy youngster - teenager Omari Kellyman - to Chelsea for a reported £19m. Next, there was confirmation tha...

In March, the streets of Tbilisi became the centre of an impromptu procession to celebrate an incredible Georgia success as they reached a first major tournament. Now, they've gone one step better and reached the Euro 2024 knockout stage. It came through an upset of the highest order, overcoming the odds to stun Portugal 2-0 in their final group-stage game and write a new chapter in their nation's history. Star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had no doubt of the result's magnitude. "This the best day in the lives of Georgians," he said. The Napoli forward clung to the shirt of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo in his post-match news conference - the same Ronaldo whose side had been frustrated in defeat, having been undone defensively and misfired in the final third. Georgia are ranked 68 places below Portugal in Fifa's rankings and completed the greatest upset by that metric. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez conceded their unfancied opponents had shown an "i...

Denmark finished second in Group C by virtue of having a better disciplinary record than Slovenia after a dull draw with Serbia. Neither side produced a performance that reflected their potential, but Denmark were the better team in a forgettable encounter in Munich. Denmark ended on an identical record to Slovenia, meaning they had to be separated by the amount of yellow cards they received. Both sides picked up six yellow cards on the pitch, but Slovenian coach Novakovic Milivoje was also booked in the first game, which Uefa do not count on their disciplinary statistics page, and that ultimately gave Denmark the slimmest of edges. While Denmark and Slovenia both go through, Serbia are out - although none of the three teams won a group game. Denmark ease into last 16 as Serbia struggle All four teams from Group C had a chance of reaching the knockout stages before Tuesday's matches kicked off, but Serbia never looked like winning this one. Cheered on from the stands by 24-time Gra...

Legendary former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry is one of the names being considered to succeed Rob Page as Wales manager. Henry, who has managed Monaco and Montreal Impact, is in charge of France’s Under-21 side and is preparing to lead his country’s Olympic team in the Games in Paris next month. The 46-year-old has a connection to Wales, having studied for his coaching badges with the Football Association of Wales (FAW). The FAW sacked Page last Friday after three-and-a-half years in charge following Wales’ failure to qualify for Euro 2024. The governing body plans to take its time in appointing a successor, with no fixture for Wales until they begin their Nations League campaign at home against Turkey in September. Some FAW bosses are keen to hire a big name, as they did when they appointed former Wales and Manchester United captain Ryan Giggs in 2018. Henry would be an even higher-profile appointment, as one of his generation’s greatest players who remains prominent a...

Captain Nacho has left Real Madrid after winning 26 trophies including six European Cups. The Spain defender, 34, joined Madrid's youth academy aged 10 and made 364 appearances following his senior debut in 2012. His final appearance was the 2-0 Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund earlier this month that saw him become one of five players to win six European Cups with the club. Nacho, who is with the Spain squad at Euro 2024, is expected to now join Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah., external "It has been months of reflection, indecision and doubts, but I come to tell you that I need to live one last and different experience with my family, and this is the perfect time," said Nacho, who has 26 international caps. Nacho also won four La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups, five Club World Cups, four European Super Cups and five Spanish Super Cups with his only senior club. "Since he arrived at our youth academy as a child, Nacho has been an example to everyone an...

Darwin Nunez scored as Uruguay began their Copa America campaign with a 3-1 win over Panama in Miami, Florida. The Liverpool striker, 25, volleyed home at the near post with five minutes of normal time remaining to double Uruguay's lead after defender Ronald Araujo had opened the scoring after 16 minutes. Left-back Matias Vina added a third in added time for the 15-time champions, before defender Michael Amir Murillo scored a consolation for Panama. "When it comes to Uruguay's aspirations, we will see that and build it match by match," said Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa. "My expectation is that each match will increasingly help us to improve on our level. Uruguay has players of a very good level and we need to see if I can build with those players." Uruguay have been in fine form and have been tipped to impress at the Copa America after beating Argentina and Brazil in World Cup qualifiers over the past 12 months. Group C's other game saw Christian Pulis...

  At the end, Steve Clarke stood at the edge of his technical area for an age, like a man surveying a wreckage - which in a way it was. Angus Gunn was flat on his back in his own box. Jack Hendry was on his knees near the halfway line. Others were bent over with hands on knees or head in hands. A few just stood there, motionless. Stunned, sickened, suckered and out of Euro 2024 following a 1-0 defeat by Hungary. The footballing gods have had their fun with Scotland again. This twisted game of theirs never gets old, does it? Never. We were deeper than deep into added time when the nightmare hit. Scotland's desperation was acute. They were playing with what felt like 10 strikers at the time. Gunn had to be told to retreat at one point or else their shape would have been akin to a 0-0-11. They had a huge penalty shout waved away not long before when Stuart Armstrong was taken out in the box. Clarke was livid in the aftermath, but some of his comments about the Argentinian referee, Fac...

Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has picked a new captain after Nacho Fernandez left the club as a free agent this summer. Nacho is set to sign for newly-promoted Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsia. According to COPE, Ancelotti has installed veteran midfielder Luka Modric as the new Real skipper. Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez will be handed the vice-captaincy roles. Los Blancos still have a lot of experience within their squad, but have lost two key players in Nacho and the retiring Toni Kroos. This is the fourth consecutive year Real will lose their captain after the departures of Marcelo, Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos. Visit HighCPMGate

Gareth Southgate’s side would have topped Group C with a win after the earlier draw between Slovenia and Serbia - but were ultimately grateful for a point from a disorganised, shambolic mess of performance. Harry Kane scored in his fourth successive major tournament to give England an 18th-minute lead but, as so often under manager Southgate, this was the signal for them to shrink into their shell to allow Danish domination. Denmark got the equaliser they deserved when Morten Hjulmand struck a thunderous 25-yard equaliser after 34 minutes. Phil Foden struck the post after the break and, while England are still at the head of their group, they must deliver vast improvements against Slovenia. As an audition for potential favourites to win Euro 2024, this was a disappointing failure. England’s dreadful display was placed firmly in context by the fact manager Southgate, hardly known for hasty or rash changes, made four substitutions with more than 20 minutes left. The England fans inside F...

  Wales have sacked manager Rob Page after three and a half years in charge. Page, 49, led his country to a first World Cup in 64 years and guided them to the second round of Euro 2020. But he has paid the price for Wales' failure to qualify for Euro 2024, with this month's miserable friendly displays against Gibraltar and Slovakia proving to be the final straw. Football Association of Wales (FAW) bosses held talks for more than a week before eventually coming to an agreement that a change was needed. Following an underwhelming performance at the 2022 World Cup, Page faced heavy criticism after an embarrassing home defeat by Armenia during Euro 2024 qualifying. Wales responded with a memorable victory over Croatia, but their hopes of reaching a third successive European Championship ended in agonising fashion as they were beaten on penalties in the play-off final against Poland in March. The FAW backed Page in the immediate aftermath of that crushing disappointment, with presid...

As Denmark fans descended on Germany for Euro 2024, sporting viking hats and red wigs, there was one name that featured heavily on the backs of their shirts - Rasmus Hojlund. The 21-year-old is set to spearhead the attack as the Danes look to upset Group C when they take on England in their second game on Thursday. Seen as his country's rising star, the Manchester United forward, who signed from Atalanta for £72m last summer, has the hopes of a nation riding on his shoulders. He played a key role in Denmark's qualifying campaign, scoring seven goals to help them top their group. Hojlund also enjoyed a breakout debut season for United, scoring 15 goals in 36 Premier League and Champions League appearances. But, despite showing glimpses of his threat in their 1-1 draw with Slovenia, he has now scored just once in his past nine international matches. The match will be shown live on BBC One and the BBC Sport website and app, with a 17:00 BST kick-off. 'He makes a big impression...