The final whistle blew at the National Football Stadium in Bratislava, and a wave of pure elation, mixed with an almost palpable sense of relief, washed over the English contingent. After 120 minutes of pulsating, end-to-end football, England's Young Lions had done it again. They had defeated Germany 3-2 in a dramatic UEFA Under-21 European Championship final, successfully defending their 2023 title and claiming their fourth crown overall. This wasn't just a victory; it was a testament to resilience, tactical nous, and the sheer depth of talent bubbling within English football. From the opening exchanges, this final promised to be a classic. England, under the astute guidance of Lee Carsley, started like a house on fire, displaying the attacking verve and intricate passing that had characterized their tournament run. Germany, known for their tactical discipline and relentless energy, found themselves on the back foot, struggling to contain the Young Lions' early onslaught. ...
Marta had intended to end her international football career on a high note, but not like this. Following her participation in the Olympics, the Brazil captain is set to conclude a glittering career on the international scene. Marta's swansong may have been cut short when she was sent off shortly before halftime in Wednesday's Group C match against Spain. The 38-year-old was given a straight red card for a high-footed lunge that struck La Roja's World Cup-winning hero Olga Carmona in the head. Is this Marta's last appearance on the big stage?