A clever UEFA volunteer taking part in the pre-match ceremonies for the Euro 2016 semifinal between Portugal and Wales decided to make the most of his pitch access by photobombing the Portuguese team.
Tag: Euro 2016
A fond farewell to several particular Iceland fans
Iceland were eliminated from Euro 2016 in the quarterfinals by host nation France, ending a spectacular run that has made them the darlings of the footballing world. The team itself was a special one, but their fans — the 8% of the Icelandic population that traveled to France to support their nation in its first ever major tournament — also played a big part in building the mystique of Icelandic football. So here’s a tribute to a few in particular.
Gigi Buffon gave out free hugs outside Italy’s hotel
The day after Italy’s agonizing shootout loss to Germany in the Euro 2016 quarterfinals, it was time to go home. As the team boarded the bus outside their hotel, the gathered fans remained ardent with their support. So to show his gratitude, goalkeeper and captain Gigi Buffon stopped just before boarding, went over to them and gave out a few world-class hugs.
Germany prove they can’t lose a shootout, even when their penalties suck
Germany beat Italy in one of the most hilariously horrible penalty shootouts to reach the Euro 2016 semifinals. Here’s a sampling of the madness this match produced:
The best moments from Wales’ celebrations after beating Belgium
Wales beat Belgium 3-1 to become the smallest nation to ever reach a Euros semifinal, setting up a tasty showdown between Real Madrid teammates Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
It looked like Wales’ fairytale run in their first ever Euros appearance might come to a predictable end with the far more talented Belgium scoring early, but Wales went on to score three unanswered goals over the final hour of the match to advance. The performance elicited underdog sports cliches about heart and teamwork that have carried them through this tournament. And after the match, they really drove that point home.
Iceland shirts are selling best in Scotland, home to England’s most dedicated trolls
It should come as no surprise that Iceland kitmaker Errea has been unable to keep up with global demand for the shirts of Euro 2016’s undisputed darlings. It should also come as no surprise that the place where demand is highest for the shirt of the nation that stunned and embarrassed England by beating them 2-1 in the round of 16 is Scotland, the place where trolling England is a national pastime (especially when they’re the only nation of the British Isles not to qualify for a major tournament).
Cristiano Ronaldo surrenders spotlight to help Portugal reach Euro 2016 semifinals
When you reach the penalty shootout in the quarterfinals of a major tournament without winning a single match in 90 minutes, ideal scenarios lose importance. This was the situation Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal found themselves in against Poland, after three draws in the group stage and needing 117 minutes to score against Croatia in the round of 16.
Will Grigg became Euro 2016’s standout player without actually playing
Like the World Cup, the Euros have a history of turning little known players into highly sought after stars with a few dazzling performances over the course of a several weeks. But Euro 2016 has proven different in that the player it has launched to international stardom didn’t actually play a single minute at the tournament.
Crowdfunding page set up for Wales pundit who parked short-term at airport before Euro 2016 departure
Dean Saunders, who has 75 caps for Wales, is working as a pundit for the BBC at Euro 2016. He was so convinced that Wales would go out in the group stage that he made a couple of brave gambles before traveling to France. They did not pay off.
Wales player forced to miss Beyonce concert for Euro 2016 quarterfinal
Wales have surpassed even their own expectations at Euro 2016 by reaching the quarterfinals. This has caused considerable problems for several members of the squad — like defender Neil Taylor, who will be forced to miss a Beyonce concert he planned to attend in Cardiff on Thursday.