Some of the stranger stories from around the world

Antoine Griezmann is struggling to get to grips with "cruel and magnificent" Euro 2016, but pledged France will kick on after the exasperating extra-time loss to Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Euro 2016 final dismay turned into elation as Portugal secured an "unforgettable" and historic win against France.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

One wouldn’t want to meet Antonio Conte in a dark alley on a dark night, writes John Leicester.

Italy 2 Spain 0: Graziano Pelle sealed Italy’s place in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals with a stoppage-time strike to sink reigning champions Spain at the Stade de France yesterday.

How much will Ireland’s historic victory affect the way Italy approach their showdown with Spain on Monday?

So the Italians will rest their star performers on Wednesday to afford Ireland an easy ride to joining them in the knockout stages of Euro 2016? Well, think again.

Chris Smalling sent England to Euro 2016 on the back of another win, but the late header could not mask an underwhelming display against Portugal.

Oxford boss Michael Appleton saluted a “magnificent” performance after Kemar Roofe sent Swansea tumbling out of the FA Cup.

There is never a good reason not to watch a football match, writes Liam Mackey

Aston Villa 1 Swansea City 2: Within hours of Tim Sherwood’s sacking as Villa boss, the club slipped to the bottom of the Premier League, following Sunderland’s 3-0 victory over Newcastle.

Southampton 3 Swansea 1: Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk starred at both ends of the pitch against Swansea and boss Ronald Koeman believes he will get even better.

New Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne admits the Reds have to improve this season but believes their summer recruitment has signalled their intent.

Hubris. Now there’s a word I really like, with its hint of a serpent’s hiss at the end offset by the near certainty that the slithery one is in for a nasty surprise.

Italy 1 (Pelle 29) England 1 (Townsend 79)

All friendly matches are equal but some are more equal than others, writes David Shonfield.

Euro 2016 qualifier round-up          

European round-up: Paul Pogba scored one goal and created another as leaders Juventus beat Chievo 2-0.

Ghana 1 Portugal 2

Shortly after Brazil’s dour scoreless draw with Mexico last week, a gang of kids lit a firework on a wide stretch of the pavement on Rua Das Laranjeiras in Rio.

United States 2 Portugal 2

WORLD CUP GROUP G:

Ezequiel Schelotto’s second-half equaliser salvaged a point for Inter last night in the Milan derby as AC had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Braga 1 Manchester United 3

Braga 1 Manchester United 3

Manchester United 3 Braga 2

Even Socrates regretted not getting to close the deal with the most beautiful woman in the world. But as he said, it can happen, and he could always say he at least got to dance with her

LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson praised his players after they secured their passage to the last 32 of the Europa League as Group K winners — with a match to go — thanks to a 1-1 draw against Steaua Bucharest last night.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson made 10 changes for their Europa League Group K clash against Steaua Bucharest in Romania as midfielder Joe Cole made his comeback after five weeks out with a hamstring injury.

Republic of Ireland winger Aiden McGeady has returned from an ankle injury for Celtic’s Europa League clash with Rapid Vienna at Parkhead tonight.

ON the train down to Mannheim, the morning after watching Brazil do just enough to edge out Croatia in the Olympiastadion in Berlin, we fell in with a friendly group of Croatian Football Association staff in the restaurant car.

Martin O’Neill’s men knew they had to produce the magic of Anfield at the Bessa Stadium tonight to make their first European final since 1970.

Celtic 1 Boavista 1

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