France Boss Deschamps Offers Sympathy to Banned Pogba

Things have only been going downhill for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, and a return to first-team football looks far from likely for him at the moment after his counter-analysis test failed to come through. Pogba is now facing a two to four-year ban at the least, and France boss Didier Deschamps has offered his sympathy.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1988, Van Basten and the Dutch Conquest

Euro 1988 is remembered for many different reasons but mostly for Marco Van Basten's performances that led the Netherlands to the title. After missing the last three major tournaments, the Dutch had made their long-awaited return with a team very similar to the dream team of Johan Cruijff in the 1970s.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1984, Platini’s Edition to Remember

Euro 1984 is fondly remembered by many avid viewers of the game as one of the greatest international tournaments to date. This was in no small way attributed to Michel Platini’s heroics. The Frenchman went on to score in every single game his side took part in, leading host country France to the title and tallying an impressive nine goals in the process.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1980, The Belgium Challenge

UEFA Euro 1980 would see an introduction to a new-look tournament featuring eight teams. Italy did not make it past the group stage but cemented the base of a side that would go on to become World Cup champions two years later. Belgium's golden generation proved to be the tournament surprise despite losing to mighty West Germany in the Final.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1976, The Year of The Panenka

Euro 1976 seemed set to give us another chapter of an unfolding football rivalry as West Germany and the Netherlands found themselves together at the latter stages of a European Finals for the first time. However, the stage was stolen by Czechoslovakia and a mostly unknown player whose name would eventually go on to become a verb: Antonin Panenka.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1972, Dream Debut for West Germany

Belgium seemed to be a fitting neutral host nation in the climate of Cold War relations and it was perhaps for that reason that it was chosen to host the European Championship in 1972. The tournament retained the four-team format that had by now become familiar and there was no doubt as to which team went into it as favorites: Gerd Muller's debuting West Germany.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1968, A Year of Firsts and Lasts

This week we look at UEFA Euro 1968, a year of firsts, a year of chance and a very different competition to the tournament we know today. Italy were the host nation and went on to win their only European championship to date in a pretty unconventional manner - making their way past the USSR by means of a coin toss and beating Yugoslavia in a Final that was played twice.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1964, Spain’s Forgotten Glory

Before Xavi and co. had ushered international football into an era of Spanish dominance, you would have been forgiven for not recalling the last name to come close to landing some silverware for La Roja. The Euro 1964 hero, Luis Suarez, managed to bring the best out of his teammates on the way to lifting the only trophy Spain would claim for the next 44 years.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 1960, The Humble Beginnings

In the lead up to the UEFA Euro 2021, The Cult of Calcio will be turning over the extraordinary moments that have been a part of one of the greatest events in international sport. Today, we begin with a look at the very beginning, a tournament that would belong to one man: USSR's legendary goalkeeper Lev Yashin.
Italy booked their place into the Nations League Final Four on Wednesday night as they easily disposed of Bosnia Herzegovina in their last group stage test

Italy Beat Bosnia, Claim Spot into Nations League Final Four

Italy booked their place into the Nations League Final Four on Wednesday night as they easily disposed of Bosnia Herzegovina in their last group stage test. Andrea Belotti and Domenico Berardi's goals wrapped the Azzurri's 22nd consecutive game without conceding a defeat and sent them...home, as the Final Four will be hosted in Milan and Turin in October 2021.

Italy Outclass Poland to Catch Nations League Group Top Spot

Stronger than injuries, even stronger than Covid. Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri continue to offer one convincing performance after another. Italy dominated Poland in Reggio Emilia and took all the three points on offer in their penultimate Nations League Group Stage test, courtesy of a Jorginho penalty and a late Domenico Berardi goal.

Nations League Round 4 Recap: Some Shocking Defeats to Report

Round 4 was exciting and surely a step up after the results witnessed three days prior. With two international games under their belts, the teams gave a better account of themselves, and there were far fewer chinks in the armors at the display. While France and Portugal reassured their positions with convincing victories, Spain and England lost to Ukraine and Denmark.