France extended its perfect start to its European Championship qualifying campaign to five matches with a 2-0 win over Ireland on Thursday. A spot at the Euro 2024 in Germany next summer now looks almost secured for France. They have been rock solid so far and have not conceded a goal, topping Group B with 15 points and a nine-point lead over the Netherlands and Greece. The Dutch defeated their Greek rivals 3-0, and still have two matches in hand.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram scored France's goals at the Parc des Princes. The game was played at Paris Saint-Germain's stadium because of the Rugby World Cup's opening game scheduled for Friday at the Stade de France. Giroud's 125th appearance did not last long as he was replaced by Thuram after just 25 minutes with an apparent ankle injury following contact with an Irish player.
A direct free kick from Antoine Griezmann almost caught Gavin Bazunu off guard. The Ireland goalkeeper managed to clear the ball with his chest. There was not much Bazunu could do three minutes later when Tchouameni made the most of Mbappe's back pass just outside the box to curl a superb 25-meter shot inside the far post.
Mbappe scored a goal but it was ruled offside. Thuram made it 2-0 in the 48th from the rebound after Mbappe's shot from inside the box was blocked. France goalkeeper Mike Maignan then secured another clean sheet with a reflex save to deny Ogbene's header.
UEFA reportedly starts to develop blueprints for Russia's return in football
According to reports, UEFA has reportedly started the groundwork to initiate Russia's return to club and international football only if a ceasefire is established in Ukraine.
UEFA has not ruled out the chances of Russia returning to football competitions around the globe if a total ceasefire is agreed upon in Ukraine. This was reported by the renowned British publication 'The Independent', citing its own sources.
The UEFA bans follow the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, sparking universal international criticism, such as FIFA and UEFA's March 2022 ban of Russian teams from every football competition.
However, UEFA has reportedly opened the groundwork to facilitate Russia's return in club and international football, with growing tensions within the members in UEFA.
UEFA may revoke the long-standing ban on Russian teams
Alexander Ceferin and Gianni Infantino. (Image Credit | Getty)
Next week, a UEFA congress will reportedly be held in Belgrade, and insiders say that plans are underway to bring Russian clubs and the national team back into official tournaments.
The publication states that UEFA is already formulating possible measures for restoring Russia's involvement in international football tournaments. It underlines that Russia still has immense power in world football, and there is growing pressure within UEFA on this issue.
The Independent further asserts that the main reason for the suspension of Russian teams by FIFA and UEFA after the beginning of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine was not so much moral principles as a practical necessity.
Russia's national football team last participated in the EURO 2020. (image Source | X)
Sources suggest that 12 European football associations signaled their willingness to boycott matches against Russian clubs, with the expectation that the figure could be as high as 18. In this case, football authorities would be faced with the decision of excluding a large number of national teams or only one. The suspension of Russia was therefore motivated by "technical" considerations and not political ideology.
The article points out that UEFA and FIFA attempt to avoid suspending nations for political reasons in order to stay away from being involved in the complicated legal scenario of every international conflict.
🚨 FIFA president Gianni Infantino has revealed he would like to see Russia return to play in the World Cup in the future. 🇷🇺
🚨 The Ukrainian FA says Russia's return to international football would 'ignore the suffering of thousands'. pic.twitter.com/8f7qLaTxqM
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 1, 2025
Earlier, UEFA President Alexander Ceferin made the point about football being employed as a tool for creating peace. He said he believed that contact between children from different nations could build understanding and destroy enmities.
Meanwhile, Ceferin also spoke of a "ferocious attack by politicians," especially those on the left wing, against the suggestion that young Russian teams should be brought back in club and international football.
Andriy Shevchenko calls on UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin to visit him in Ukraine and to reconsider letting Russia return to international football @SkySportspic.twitter.com/3K1NhuXdes
Back in 2023, UEFA overturned the decision that allowed Russia to return to international competitions, specifically the U-17 age group. Ukraine, England, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Denmark threatened to withdraw if such a thing happens, AP reported.
🚨 UEFA has spoken out in favour of Russia returning to European competitions at youth level! 🔙🇷🇺
“UEFA no longer wants children to be punished for actions for which adults are solely responsible.”
The Independent reports that the suspension of Russia will continue to remain in effect until a complete ceasefire is reached in Ukraine.
Nevertheless, top officials at UEFA are already preparing a plan for bringing back Russian teams in the case of peace, when sport can once again be "center stage." A halt of aggression by Russia would, therefore be followed by a said normalization in the world of sport.
UEFA Nations League 2025 Semifinals: Everything you need to know about the fixtures
In this article, get to know everything about the fixtures, dates, and teams and everything you need to know about the UEFA Nations League Semifinals 2025.
France eliminated Croatia after knocking them out in a penalty shootout (5-4) to secure their spot into the semis. Their match was tied 2-2 forcing them to move on penalties.
Spain had the last laugh as they knocked out the Netherlands after winning the penalty shootout 5-4. The game was tied too at 3-3 during the extra time.
Germany was the only team to advance in regulation over the two legs against Italy. They defeated Italy on a 5-4 aggregate as they reached the semis.
Portugal got the better of Denmark as they defeated them 5-3 on aggregate with the help of Cristiano Ronaldo's 929th career goal and Fransico Trincao's late brace.
Football fans from India can watch the UEFA Nations League 2025 Semifinals match LIVE on Sony Ten 3 TV Channel on Television and the Sony LIV app and website with a paid subscription.
Fixtures Details
The UEFA Nations League semifinals will be played over one leg on the 5th and 6th of June as the final takes place on the 8th of June. The losing sides from both matches will get to play another match for third place.
Spain vs France (6th June, 12:15 am IST)
Portugal vs Germany (5th June, 12:15 am IST)
Final Details
The final of the UEFA Nations League will take place on the 8th of June, 2025.
It is a childhood dream for everyone to represent their country in a global tournament like FIFA World Cup. But imagine, you are actually a young lad, and yet you are playing the tournament and winning it. For some lucky but no doubt exceptionally talented players, this became a reality.
In this article from Sportz Point, discover the 5 youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup, including legends like Pele and Ronaldo Nazario, who made history at an early age.
5 youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup:
RANK
PLAYERS
AGE
NATION
1.
Pele
17
Brazil
2.
Ronaldo Nazario
17
Brazil
3.
Giuseppe Bergomi
18
Italy
4.
Kylian Mbappe
19
France
5.
Thierry Henry
20
France
5. Thierry Henry | 20 Years | France:
Before Kylian Mbappe became a familiar name, there was Thierry Henry in a star-studded French team including the biggest stars like Zinedine Zidane, Lillian Thuram, and Patrick Viera led by Didier Deschamps. Henry at the age of just 20, burst into the limelight with France, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and craved his name among the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.
However, Henry did not make an appearance against Brazil, where France won 3-0. He had already played his role, scoring thrice in six matches. During the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Henry was one of the guaranteed starters in the squad.
4. Kylian Mbappe | 19 Years | France:
With astonishing speed and agility, it feels like he is in a sports car on a football field. Kylian Mbappe announced himself at the age of 19. Mbappe became the youngest player to score in the FIFA World Cup final since Pele in 1958, bringing back the title to France after 20 years.
He was one of the most important players for France throughout the season. In the round of 16, Mbappe managed to score a brace in five minutes, knocking out Lionel Messi's Argentina 4-3. Mbappe craved his name among the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.
3. Giuseppe Bergomi | 18 Years | Italy:
Giuseppe Bergomi was selected by the Italian national team coach Enzo Bearzot in the 1982 FIFA World Cup squad. He started the tournament on the bench and during the group stage did a great job marking Socrates and Serginho against Brazil in a memorable 3-2 win. Bergomi impressed everyone with his maturity in the Semi-final and the Final.
Giuseppe Bergomi was a FIFA World Cup winner just over a year after making his first appearance in the senior match. Bergomi is one of the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.
2. Ronaldo Nazario | 17 Years | Brazil:
Ronaldo Nazario "The Phenomenon" was a generational talent. If not for a catalog of serious knee injuries, he would probably be known as the greatest ever to play football. In 1994, a 17-year-old Ronaldo was part of the World Cup-winning Brazil team in the United States. However, he only made it to the bench and did not play a single minute. Ronaldo Nazario placed second in this list of the youngest players to win the FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo scored a staggering 115 goals in 134 games between 1994 and 1999 during two brilliant spells at Barcelona (37 goals, 34 games) and PSV (46 goals in 42 games). By 23, he had scored over 200 goals for club and country.
1. Pele | 17 Years | Brazil:
Pele is the most well-known footballer in the history of the sport and possibly the greatest attacking player of the 20th century. The Brazilian legend was just 17 years and 249 days old in 1958 when Brazil outdid Sweden by 5-2 in the final at the Rashunda Stadium in Solna, Sweden. Pele scored a brace, winning Brazil their first-ever World Cup.
Pele is the youngest player to win the FIFA World Cup on this list. Brazil’s 5-2 triumph over France in the semi-finals saw Pele become the youngest scorer of a hat-trick in World Cup history. He also won the World Cup in 1962 in Chile. Later on, he went on to claim his third World Cup trophy after eight years in Mexico. He is the only player to have won 3 World Cup trophies.
What would you rather choose? Crashing out in the UCL semis or winning the Europa League
In this special article, Sport Point examines the advantages and disadvantages of either crashing out in the Champions League semifinals or winning the Europa League.
UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League are the two pinnacles of European club tournaments, awarding the coveted continental silverware to the top clubs in Europe.
Borth tournaments are prestigious for clubs competing in these, and hold different merits and various aspects of prizes that come with these silverware.
However, if you are a fan of a top club that crashed out of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, you would definitely be disheartened. But, on the other end, if your club clinches the Europa League, would you celebrate it in the same manner when your club reached the UCL semis?
This may be a tough choice for fans who naturally covet the utmost success for their beloved clubs. But this question may always arise in every football fan's mind, which one is better to choose? Crashing out in the UCL semis or winning the Europa League?
Sportz Point delves into this interesting discussion through this article.
Crashing out of UEFA Champions League Semis: Pros and Cons
(Image Credit | Al Jazeera)
Advantages
Playing in the UEFA Champions League is already competing at the highest level, and reaching the semifinals is a very significant achievement.
If a mid-table club in the top five European leagues manages, or a club that belongs to a league other than the lower coefficients in the UEFA European leagues ranking, reaching this level can also provide valuable experience for the team and contribute to their reputation.
Reaching the semifinals demonstrates a lot about the team. It means they were able to overcome the best clubs in Europe and reach the knockout stage.
If looked at from a monetary point of view, the UCL semifinalists receive a prize money of €15 million that helps the teams to look forward to their future. The Champions League also draws more marketing or TV ratings.
UEFA prize money distribution (as of 31 Jan):
7⃣3⃣% to UCL clubs (€2.14 billion) 1⃣8⃣% to UEL clubs (€528 million) 9⃣% to UECL clubs (€265 million) pic.twitter.com/anllbpFPQK
Losing at this stage can be disappointing, especially if the team had induced high hopes of winning the tournament. For example, Ajax in the 2018-19 UCL claimed attention in the best possible way, beating defending champions Real Madrid on the way, but crashed out of the semi-finals.
If a team loses in the semifinals without winning anything in the domestic league, it will be considered a disastrous trophyless season. Very few people would be impressed by a club simply for reaching the semifinals.
On the contrary, a semi-final defeat can disrupt a team's momentum, potentially affecting their performance in domestic competitions.
This also may lead to a massive exodus of players from the club, especially if the club is not an European powerhouse already. The top European players will go after the players who performed well for the team, leading to the dismantling of the core group, making it harder to repeat the feat in the future continental competitions.
Winning the UEFA Europa League: Pros and Cons
(Image Credit | Getty Images)
Advantages
For most of the clubs, winning a silverware is a huge achievement. Winning the Europa League has its own advantages, considering that most of the mid-table or apparently mediocre clubs compete in this tournament.
Winning the Europa League guarantees a continental silverware, which is always better than a trophy-less season. It also ensures a direct qualification in the next season's Champions League.
The winners of the Europa League also meet the Champions League winners in a season-end competition, called the UEFA Super Cup, which presents another opportunity to clinch another silverware.
Winning a major European trophy significantly enhances a club's global status and reputation. This success can attract sponsors, and elite players as well.
Disadvantages
The biggest drawback of taking part in the Europa League, particularly of winning it, is the scheduling of midweek games. This may lead to a congested fixture, resulting in fatigue among the players as well as higher injury risks. Consequently, this affects the players' performance within domestic leagues or other tournaments. The Thursday-Sunday format of the Europa League puts more pressure on players than the Tuesday-Wednesday format of the Champions League.
Although it is a big silverware, the Europa League is usually less prestigious than the Champions League, and therefore makes it less attractive than the clubs competing in the UCL.
Comparing to the Champions League, the Europa League offers lower prize money. This will be a downer for the clubs that are reliant on their European competition-generated revenue, more so those operating outside the major five European clubs.
The difference in prize money between 108 clubs playing UCL, UEL and UECL visualized. pic.twitter.com/T5IZwmOhsC
To be honest, it is subjective and depends on different contexts.
For a world-class team that can contest the Champions League, playing in the Europa League could be a disappointment or a consolation for the team, the management and mostly, for the supporters.
However, if a team has no practical hope of winning the Champions League but can contest the title for the Europa League, it would be preferable to lift the trophy instead of qualifying to the semi-finals.
In conclusion, the Champions League semi-final defeat is an indicator of greater competition and ability, while the Europa League win is a concrete victory. So, we can say that there is no definite 'better' result between these two.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Highlights UEFA Europa League 2024-25 | Manchester United Held by Real Sociedad After Confident Oyarzabal Penalty Round of 16 First Leg | FT RSO 1-1 MUN
Catch the highlights of the Real Sociedad vs Manchester United RO16 First Leg match tonight in UEL 2024-25 at the Anoeta Stadium, Spain.
Hello and welcome to another LIVE coverage of European football. Tonight, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the UEFA Europa League 2024-25Round of 16 First Leg face-off between Real Sociedad and Manchester United at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastián, Spain.
Real Sociedad advanced to the RO16 by thrashing FC Midtjylland 7-3 over two legs in the Europa League play-offs. Manchester United, on the contrary, are the only team that finished unbeaten in the league phase, positioned third on the leaderboard with 18 points in 8 matches.
Both teams are about to go against each other in an important match of the European campaign, setting up a fierce encounter. So, sit back and relax as Swastik Debnath and Soumit Bhattacharya get you the buildup, news, images, live scores, news, and updates of the Real Sociedad vs Manchester United match from our webdesk.
Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scorelines.
Don't forget to refresh the page for latest updates. Enjoy the coverage!
LIVE Updates
Mar 6, 2025, 7:52 PM
Thank You and Stay Tuned!
This is it for this game.
Hope you enjoyed the Live match.
We will be back very soon with another Live.
Good Night, Stay Tuned!
Mar 6, 2025, 7:51 PM
Final Verdict
In a tightly contested match, Real Sociedad and Manchester United shared the spoils, with Joshua Zirkzee showcasing his skill with a brilliant goal in the 57th minute. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a controversial penalty in the 70th minute, leveling the scoreline. The penalty decision will undoubtedly spark debate, but both sides ultimately deserved a point from this hard-fought encounter.
Mar 6, 2025, 7:44 PM
FULL TIME WHISTLE BLOWS! RSO 1-1 MUN
We're held to a draw in San Sebastian but it's all to play for in the second leg 👊#MUFC || #UEL
— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) March 6, 2025
Mar 6, 2025, 7:15 PM
68' | Potential VAR Check
A penalty shout in the United's box and the referee awarded the penalty as he confirmed Bruno Fernandes' hand ball.
Mar 6, 2025, 7:13 PM
64' | Change for Sociedad
IN: Pablo Marin
OUT:Beñat Turrientes
Mar 6, 2025, 7:12 PM
63' | Substitutions for Sociedad!
IN: Orri Óskarsson, Jon Aramburu
OUT: Ander Barrenetxea, Aritz Elustondo
Mar 6, 2025, 7:06 PM
57' | GOALLL!!! RSO 0-1 MUN
The Red Devils take the lead. What an exceptional strike by Zirkzee. Garnacho makes a crucial pass into the box for Zirkzee, and his left-footed shot is strong enough to net the ball.
Zubeldia commits a foul on Hojlund, and the referee shows a yellow card to him
Mar 6, 2025, 6:54 PM
47' | Great defending by De Ligt!
Kubo crosses a beautiful ball from the right side of the pitch into the final third, but De Ligt blocks the cross.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:50 PM
46' | Second half Begins!
Real Sociedad 0-0 Manchester United
Mar 6, 2025, 6:40 PM
Hart-time verdict | HT RSO 0-0 MUN
Both teams were organised in an intense half of few chances, with a Garnacho effort from long range and a Zirkzee back-heel among United's attempts. The visitors twice looked dangerous from counterattacks – a threat Real Sociedad will be wary of.
via Juan Díaz, UEL Reporter
Mar 6, 2025, 6:34 PM
45'+3' | The half-time whistle is blown! | HT RSO 0-0 MUN
Mar 6, 2025, 6:34 PM
45'+2' | Onana punches it away
Onana rose above the crowd and punched the ball away, clearing a looming threat from Sociedad.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:31 PM
45' | 3 minutes of added time confirmed
Mar 6, 2025, 6:31 PM
45' | Chance for Sociedad
Sucic was about to strike the ball from close to the goal, but the ball soared outside wide off the far post.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:29 PM
42' | Remiro collects it easily
Following a long ball by Bruno Fernandes from down the middle, Dalot powered a header on target, but Remiro made a routine collection.
Two on-target chances already for the Red Devils, but no goals whatsoever.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:25 PM
37' | That was close for United!
Garnacho and Dalot combined up on the right, resulting in Dalot finding Bruno in the middle of the box, but the United skipper's left-footed effort while going down was denied by Elustondo on the line!
Zirkzee found the second ball but fired it wide off the target!
Mar 6, 2025, 6:21 PM
34' | Chance for Sociedad
Kubo tried to find a channel in search of delivering a cross from the right, but United's defence forced the attack to end up in a corner.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:18 PM
30' | Two quarters are up!
In the last five minutes, the only noteworthy thing that happened is Dorgu getting a little bit uncomfortable, creating tension on the United bench. However, he is well and back on the pitch after receiving medical attention.
The game is now mostly being played in the middle of the park.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:12 PM
25' | The game has slowed down
It has been a slow approach from both sides in the last couple of minutes, culminating the game into a slow progression.
It's been a game of minimal chances so far, with La Real creating 0.07 expected goals (xG) and Man Utd producing 0.06.
More actions are yet to come!
Mar 6, 2025, 6:07 PM
20' | Off target for Dorgu
Garnacho was quickly covered by three of the opposition defenders inside the box, and he channeled a pass to Dorgu on the left. However, Dorgu cut inside and skied his shot way over the crosspiece.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:05 PM
18' | Wide from Turrientes
Turrientes slid past Bruo Fernandes and a Casmiro who threw a tackle; but his grounded shot went wide off the far post.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:03 PM
16' | Good collection from Onana
Barrenetxea floated a ball into the penalty area, hoping for the trigger strikers to anticipate it for a header, but Onana came up and collected it.
Mar 6, 2025, 5:59 PM
12' | Save from Remiro
Dorgu and Garnacho combined inside the box for an attempt at goal, but the Argentine's curling effort from the left was well-claimed by the Sociedad custodian.
Mar 6, 2025, 5:56 PM
9' | Effort from Hojlund
Hojlund might have created something out of the attack from te right flank, but the United forward got his heel clipped, extending the wait for a better opportunity to come.
Mar 6, 2025, 5:52 PM
5' | United stay alert
The hosts fiercely started the game, pressing upwards on the United defence. However, the Red Devils stayed alert in scanning the cross from the left, and blocking the shot afterwards.
United defeated Sociedad 1-0 in the Anoeta in their last meeting. (Image Credit | The Independent)
Competition
Date
Home Team
Score
Away Team
UEFA Europa League
2022/11/03
Real Sociedad
0 - 1
Manchester United
UEFA Europa League
2022/09/09
Manchester United
0 - 1
Real Sociedad
UEFA Europa League
2021/02/26
Manchester United
0 - 0
Real Sociedad
UEFA Europa League
2021/02/18
Real Sociedad
0 - 4
Manchester United
UCL
2013/11/06
Real Sociedad
0 - 0
Manchester United
UCL
2013/10/24
Manchester United
1 - 0
Real Sociedad
Mar 6, 2025, 2:36 PM
Head-to-head stats (All Competitions)
Real Sociedad have won just one of their previous six European encounters against Manchester United (D2 L3), with that win coming in the group stage of this competition at Old Trafford in September 2022. They won that game 1-0 courtesy of a Brais Méndez penalty, which remains their only goal against them.
Real Sociedad have never beaten an English side on home soil in Europe (D1 L3), failing to score in each of the last three matches (all against Man Utd). They are, however, one of six sides to score in 100% of their UEFA Europa League games this season (10/10), with Man Utd also doing so (8/8).
Man Utd have lost just one of their last eight away games against Spanish opposition in Europe (W5 D2), however that defeat did come in their most recent such encounter, losing 3-0 at Sevilla in the second leg of the 2022-23 UEFA Europa League quarter final.
Matches played: 6
Real Sociedad won: 1
Man United won: 3
Draws: 2
Mar 6, 2025, 2:32 PM
Tonight's Venue | Anoeta Stadium
Mar 6, 2025, 2:30 PM
How to watch the match?
The match will be streamed Live on the Sony Liv app and website. Viewers can also watch the game live on TV on Sony Sports Network.
Mar 6, 2025, 2:30 PM
Match Details
Match: Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
Tournament: UEFA Europa League 2024-25 Round of 16 tie, First Leg
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