Catch the highlights of the Netherlands vs England UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final football match as England qualified for the final with a 2-1 win over Netherlands. Ollie Watkins with a late goal for the Three Lions.
Jul 10, 2024, 2:11 PM•1 min read
Hello and Welcome to SportzPoint for another UEFA Euro 2024 Live. The semi-final match between the Netherlands and England will kick off at 12:30 am IST. Stay tuned for all the live updates. We will see Liverpool sensation Virgil van Dijk representing his nation the Netherlands against Jude Bellingham's England in Dortmund.
Follow us on Twitter for all the updates on the upcoming matches. Subscribe to our newsletter to have the latest news on your favourite sport.
Jul 10, 2024, 9:11 PM
Spain 🆚 England
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 10, 2024
Berlin. Sunday.#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/f1NqmQfOpO
Jul 10, 2024, 9:10 PM
IMACT SUB 💥🔄 Sent in with 9 minutes to make a difference, Ollie Watkins' 4th touch sends England to the #Euro2024 Final pic.twitter.com/Q6GUE65DoN
— SOCCER.COM (@soccerdotcom) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 9:09 PM
The only England manager to reach two major international finals 👏 pic.twitter.com/SDCUc6mzKl
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 9:08 PM
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Jul 10, 2024, 8:57 PM
England are in the final. This will be the first time they will play the final of a major tournament on foreign soil. Back-to-back Euro finals for Gareth Southgate and England. Back-to-back semi-final defeats for Netherlands.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:54 PM
3 minutes added as injury time.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:53 PM
Yellow card for Simons.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:52 PM
Ollie Watkins is the hero for England. He received the ball from Palmer on the right and made a turn to beat De Vrij and Verbruggen to get the goal on the far post. England take the lead in the dying minutes. NED 1-2 ENG.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:49 PM
Yellow card for Gakpo for a foul on Guehi.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:49 PM
Great ball from Walker from the left. Bellingham could not get a touch on the ball in the middle but it fell on to the feet of Palmer. He took his time but shoot it wide.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:47 PM
Yellow card for Van Dijk for protesting against a decision made by the referee.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:46 PM
Yellow card for Saka for a foul on Gakpo.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:41 PM
Phil Foden and captain Harry Kane make way for Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins. Strange but brave from Southgate.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:39 PM
Goal by Saka but it looks like Walker was offside before sending the cross for Saka.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:38 PM
Simons on the volley does not get the connection he was looking for and the ball took a bounce before getting into the save hands of Pickford.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:35 PM
Quick and top-class from Kyle Walker. He catches Gakpo from behind with a well-timed challenge to dismiss the chance for Netherlands.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:31 PM
Yellow card for Jude Bellingham for a foul on De Vrij.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:25 PM
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A long free-kick from Veerman and it took a deflection from Van Dijk and it nearly went it before Pickford reacted well to get the save.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:23 PM
English singer-songwriter Adele is in the stands watching the Netherlands vs. England game. #EURO2024 #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/x0VBiqnADs
— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 8:22 PM
Gakpo with a great run for the Netherlands before he passed it to Dumfries on the right. Durmpries rolled the ball back to Veerman who looked for Weghorst on the box. However, his ball was too long for Weghorst and went for a goal kick.
Jul 10, 2024, 8:17 PM
After a very fast and end-to-end action in the first half, nothing big has happened yet in the second half. Both teams are waiting for that moment to take advantage of.
Change in formation from the Netherlands, not from England though. Shaw is playing in a big game after nearly months. Will Netherlands' danger man Weghorst be able to take advantage of that?
Jul 10, 2024, 8:11 PM
Bukayo Saka won 100% of his duels (3/3) and completed 100% of his take-ons (1/1) in the first half vs. the Netherlands.
— Play Squawka Selector for Free (@Squawka_Live) July 10, 2024
While he had more touches in the opposition box (5) than the entire Dutch side combined (4). 🌶️ #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/wMqtnSfNLY
Jul 10, 2024, 8:05 PM
Shaw replaces Trippier while Weghorst replaces Malen.
Jul 10, 2024, 7:50 PM
Exciting first half ends. England have been the most dominating of the two. They have more attacks, more possession and more chances as well. However, with the early goal from Simons and that goalline save from Dumfries, the score is still at 1-1.
Jul 10, 2024, 7:46 PM
3 minutes were added as injury time.
Jul 10, 2024, 7:42 PM
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Jul 10, 2024, 7:36 PM
Forced change for Netherlands as injured Depay makes way for Veerman.
Jul 10, 2024, 7:34 PM
Foden nearly with a stunning goal for England. We have seen this kind of goal from him many times for Manchester City. Foden made a quick cutback to his left before launching a shot with his left foot. Unfortunately for him, it hits the far post.
Jul 10, 2024, 7:30 PM
Dumfries with a brilliant header from a corner. However, it hits the crossbar.
Jul 10, 2024, 7:30 PM
Depay with a visionary pass for Malen, who again was outran by Walker. However, he could have looked to his left where Gakpo was free for a pass.
Jul 10, 2024, 7:28 PM
🏴 Most EURO final tournament goals for England:
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 10, 2024
⚽️7⃣ Alan Shearer
⚽️7⃣ Harry Kane#EURO2024 | #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/UPpaUyKq2e
Jul 10, 2024, 7:26 PM
No player in the history of the European Championships has scored more knockout stage goals than Harry Kane - 6⃣
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 10, 2024
Big game player 👑 pic.twitter.com/1V1NhxyKuy
Jul 10, 2024, 7:24 PM
Foden had beaten everyone up to beating Verbruggen on the right. However, his shot is blocked by Dumfries, right on the line.
GOAL LINE CLEARANCE BY DUMFRIES!#EURO2024 #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/lYlcCxva1m
— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 7:19 PM
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A brilliant penalty taken by the England captain. All along the ground, into the side net and Kane beats Verbruggen. England equalise. Game on!
Netherlands 1-1 England.
Jul 10, 2024, 7:17 PM
Penalty given to England. Yellow card for Dumfries.
Jul 10, 2024, 7:17 PM
Harry Kane went for a volley after Saka dribbled way through to the penalty box. Dumfries had a high boot and a VAR check is going for a tentative penalty.
Jul 10, 2024, 7:16 PM
It has been a great reply from England after the goal. After a few free-kicks from Foden, Harry Kane tries his luck with a long-range shot. He was on-target but Verbruggen was good enough to save that.
Jul 10, 2024, 7:10 PM
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What a start for the Netherlands! Xavi Simons won the ball from Declan Rice and made a quick turn to unleash a rocket of a shot with his right foot. Pickford had a touch with his fingers but was not enough to prevent the ball from going to the back of the net.
Netherlands lead. England now have conceded first in all of their knockout matches in Euro 2024.
Jul 10, 2024, 7:05 PM
The Netherlands are shipping their attack from the right with Xavi Simons making a great pass towards Malen, the only change Koeman made for the semi-finals. But Walker had him covered.
Jul 10, 2024, 7:04 PM
TEAM 💪 @OnsOranje 🇳🇱#EURO2024 | #NEDENG | #NED pic.twitter.com/56bJ2Puvh4
— UEFA EURO 2024 DE (@EURO2024DE) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 7:01 PM
Here we go! We are one match away from the finals now. Who will face Spain the final?
Jul 10, 2024, 6:59 PM
Anthems are done, and we are minutes away from the kick-off.
Jul 10, 2024, 6:55 PM
🇳🇱1⃣9⃣8⃣8⃣🏆#EURO2024 | #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/Wi5R6nPs1K
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 6:53 PM
Wherever you're supporting us from tonight: bring that noise! 💪📣 pic.twitter.com/S811E0ScVm
— England (@England) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 6:28 PM
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At 19 years and 82 days old, Kobbie Mainoo is the youngest player ever to represent England in a major semi-final.
Jul 10, 2024, 6:19 PM
England: Pickford, Walker, Rice, Stones, Guehi, Saka, Kane, Bellingham, Foden, Trippier. Mainoo
Subs: Shaw, Alexander-Arnold, Ramsdale, Konsa, Dunk, Toney, Gordon, Watkins, Bowen, Eze, Gomez, Henderson, Plamer, Warton
Netherlands: Verbruggen, Van Dijk, Ake, De Vrij, Simons, Depay, Gakpo, Reijnders, Malen, Dumfries, Schouten
Subs: Bulow, Flekken, Bergwijn, Blind, Brobbey, Frimpong, Geertruida, Gravenberch, De Ligt, Maatsen, Veerman, Van de Ven, Weghorst, Wijnaldum, Zirkzee
Jul 10, 2024, 6:13 PM
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Jul 10, 2024, 6:07 PM
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Guéhi replaces Konsa in the central defence for England.
Jul 10, 2024, 6:04 PM
THIS IS 𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐄! 🔥#NothingLikeOranje #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/uqlnVzVYHc
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 6:02 PM
Your #ThreeLions to play the Netherlands! 📋 pic.twitter.com/rDGci8kIAr
— England (@England) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 5:50 PM
✅ Check-In @OnsOranje 🇳🇱#EURO2024 | #NEDENG | #NED pic.twitter.com/dI3jd4VeKX
— UEFA EURO 2024 DE (@EURO2024DE) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 5:50 PM
Hey Wout! #EURO2024 | #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/q9WGzrMC56
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 5:49 PM
A Gareth Southgate lookalike has been spotted at Euro 2024 ahead of England vs. Netherlands 😅 pic.twitter.com/tWo1j66ETy
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 5:48 PM
Arrived and in the zone 🙌#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/wrlnxAfl07
— England (@England) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 5:30 PM
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It does not matter if you agree or not but Gareth Southgate is the most successful British manager of this century.
Here is a stat for you:
England have reached the semi-finals of three of their four major tournaments under Gareth Southgate (2018 World Cup, EURO 2020 + 2024), having not done so in any of their nine tournaments prior to that between 1998 and 2016.
Jul 10, 2024, 5:16 PM
Supporting our #ThreeLions 🦁❤️ pic.twitter.com/atwglzrmJG
— England (@England) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 5:15 PM
No words.#NothingLikeOranje #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/3xxRdQKors
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 5:15 PM
The atmosphere in Dortmund is building! #BBCEuros #Euro2024 #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/Satsc2FmEm
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2024
Jul 10, 2024, 2:14 PM
Netherlands' possible starting lineup:
Bart Verbruggen; Nathan Aké, Virgil van Dijk, Stefan de Vrij, Denzel Dumfries; Tijjani Reijnders, Jerdy Schouten, Cody Gakpo; Xavi Simons, Donyell Malen, Memphis Depay
England's possible starting lineup:
Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, Marc Guehi, John Stones; Kieran Trippier, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice; Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka; Harry Kane
Jul 10, 2024, 2:13 PM
Jul 10, 2024, 2:13 PM
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Jul 10, 2024, 2:12 PM
Match: Netherlands vs England - UEFA Euro 2024 Semi-Final
Date: 11/7/2024
Time: 12:30 am (IST)
Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany
Catch the highlights of the Real Sociedad vs Manchester United RO16 First Leg match tonight in UEL 2024-25 at the Anoeta Stadium, Spain.
Mar 6, 2025, 7:55 PM•1 min read
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 2024-25 Round 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!
Mar 6, 2025, 7:52 PM
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
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
We're held to a draw in San Sebastian but it's all to play for in the second leg 👊#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 6, 2025
Mar 6, 2025, 7:42 PM
Becker commits the foul on Mazraoui
Mar 6, 2025, 7:39 PM
Mar 6, 2025, 7:38 PM
Mar 6, 2025, 7:36 PM
Mar 6, 2025, 7:35 PM
IN: Jon Andar Olasagasti
OUT: Luka Sucic
Mar 6, 2025, 7:34 PM
IN: Victor Lindelof, Tobi Collyer
OUT: Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro
Mar 6, 2025, 7:31 PM
Becker makes a brilliant pass into the final third to Orri, but he fails to get the ball and misses a golden chance to take the lead.
Mar 6, 2025, 7:27 PM
IN: Sheraldo Becker
OUT: Takefusa Kubo
Mar 6, 2025, 7:24 PM
IN: Christian Eriksen
OUT: Alejandro Garnacho
Mar 6, 2025, 7:23 PM
Brais tries his luck with a long shot towards the goal, but Onana's full-stretched save declines the threat.
Mar 6, 2025, 7:22 PM
Mar 6, 2025, 7:16 PM
The Spanish side equalizes, Mikel Oyarzabal confidently nets the penalty
⚽ 70’ | 1-1 | GOOOOOLLLLL DE LA REEEAAALLL!!!
— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) March 6, 2025
⚽ ¡¡GOOOOOLLLLL DE MIKEL OYARZABAL DE PENALTI!!#UEL pic.twitter.com/D3DuiuOnbi
Mar 6, 2025, 7:15 PM
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
IN: Pablo Marin
OUT:Beñat Turrientes
Mar 6, 2025, 7:12 PM
IN: Orri Óskarsson, Jon Aramburu
OUT: Ander Barrenetxea, Aritz Elustondo
Mar 6, 2025, 7:06 PM
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.
GET IN, JOSH 👏#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/r6an5UQ3Bq
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 6, 2025
Mar 6, 2025, 6:58 PM
Mar 6, 2025, 6:56 PM
Zubeldia commits a foul on Hojlund, and the referee shows a yellow card to him
Mar 6, 2025, 6:54 PM
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
Real Sociedad 0-0 Manchester United
Mar 6, 2025, 6:40 PM
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
Mar 6, 2025, 6:34 PM
Onana rose above the crowd and punched the ball away, clearing a looming threat from Sociedad.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:31 PM
Mar 6, 2025, 6:31 PM
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Mar 6, 2025, 5:47 PM
Man United get things going at Anoeta!
Mar 6, 2025, 5:43 PM
Time to get in the zone 🧠⚽️#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 6, 2025
Mar 6, 2025, 5:42 PM
🇪🇺 We want to continue our winning run in 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲.#UEL pic.twitter.com/7lSDwNLPCi
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) March 6, 2025
Mar 6, 2025, 5:05 PM
United are in the building 👊#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 6, 2025
Mar 6, 2025, 5:04 PM
Final countdown #Scalpers | #UEL pic.twitter.com/ooeQDcsMoQ
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) March 6, 2025
Mar 6, 2025, 5:03 PM
Starting XI: André Onana (GK); Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui; Patrick Dorgu, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot; Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee
Subs: Lindelöf, Eriksen, Heaven, Amass, Colleyer, Dermot, Harrison
Head Coach: Ruben Amorim
🗣️ "UNITED! UNITED! UNITED!" ✊#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 6, 2025
Mar 6, 2025, 5:00 PM
Starting XI: Álex Remiro (GK); Aritz Elustondo, Nayef Aguerd, Igor Zubeldia, Aihen Muñoz; Luka Sučić, Beñat Turrientes, Brais Méndez; Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ander Barrenetxea
Subs: Óskarsson, Sheraldo, Lopez, Olasagasti, Marrero, Gomez, Traore, Aramburu, Marin, Martin, Aguirregomezcorta, Etxezarreta
Head Coach: Imanol Alguacil
📋 Our 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘-𝗨𝗣 for the Round of 16.#UEL pic.twitter.com/9bkQnfQzAB
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) March 6, 2025
Mar 6, 2025, 2:49 PM
Andre Onana, Dermot Mee, Elyh Harrison; Harry Amass, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Ayden Heaven, Victor Lindelof, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro; Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes; Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee.
🚨 Ruben has named an 18-man squad squad for our trip to San Sebastian 🇪🇸#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 5, 2025
Mar 6, 2025, 2:47 PM
📋 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 for the first leg of the Round of 16. AUPA REAL!!!#UEL pic.twitter.com/qzdwDckUsr
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) March 5, 2025
Mar 6, 2025, 2:45 PM
A massive encounter in San Sebastian 🤩#UEL pic.twitter.com/JKnld8FP8y
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 5, 2025
Mar 6, 2025, 2:40 PM
| 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
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
Mar 6, 2025, 2:30 PM
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: Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
Tournament: UEFA Europa League 2024-25 Round of 16 tie, First Leg
Date: 6 March 2025
Time: 11:15 pm IST
Venue: Anoeta Stadium, San Sebastián, Spain
Discover, the players with the most goal contributions in Premier League history. Mohamed Salah is the only active Premier League player on this list, alongside legends like Alan Shearer, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney.
Egyptian talisman Mohamed Salah is having some season at Liverpool. After Liverpool triumphed in a 2-0 win over Manchester City, Salah touched 50+ goal contributions this season across all competitions.
Salah's goalscoring tally in the 2024-25 Premier League touched 25 goals and he also provided 17 assists in 28 appearances this season.
The Egyptian international is crushing records as Salah became the only active player on this list, along with legends like Alan Shearer, Teddy Sheringham, Sergio Aguero, and Thierry Henry.
Here is the full breakdown of the 10 players with the most goal contributions in Premier League history.
| RANK | PLAYERS | GOAL Contributions | GOALS | ASSISTS |
| 1 | Alan Shearer | 324 | 260 | 64 |
| 2 | Wayne Rooney | 311 | 208 | 103 |
| 3 | Frank Lampard | 279 | 177 | 102 |
| 4 | Ryan Giggs | 271 | 109 | 162 |
| 5 | Mohamed Salah | 267 | 182 | 85 |
| 6 | Andrew Cole | 260 | 187 | 73 |
| 7 | Harry Kane | 259 | 213 | 46 |
| 8 | Thierry Henry | 249 | 175 | 74 |
| 9 | Sergio Aguero | 231 | 184 | 47 |
| 10 | Teddy Sheringham | 222 | 146 | 76 |
Alan Shearer’s record as the Premier League’s top scorer is well-established. Still, the former English international also stands top for total goal contributions with an estimable further 64 assists for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.
Erling Haaland certainly has the goalscoring potential, but there is every chance he departs Manchester City for European heavyweights during his peak years.
The Premier League has seen some of the greatest scorers and creators. At the summit stands Alan Shearer, whose 324 combined goals and assists set a standard that remains unmatched. Wayne Rooney follows with an impressive 311 contributions, splitting his talent between scoring and assisting a true all-around offensive force.
Frank Lampard is the only Premier League midfielder who could achieve, accumulating 279 contributions from the center of the park. The man with the most goals and the most assists in Chelsea’s history.
Only three players have registered 100+ goals and 100+ assists in the Premier League, Ryan Giggs holds the outright record for Premier League assists with 162. Over fifty more than anybody else.
The former winger’s Manchester United career period from 1990 until 2014, during which time he contributed to 271 Premier League goals.
Mohamed Salah’s remarkable rise demonstrates how today’s high-intensity football can elevate a skilled wide forward. He has surpassed four Premier League legends in Aguero, Henry, Kane, and Cole after craving an insane tally of 25 goals and 17 assists, so far in his amazing 2024-25 campaign so far.
Andrew Cole, from an earlier era, matched Salah’s goal-scoring expertise but did so as a traditional number nine. Cole scored 187 Premier League goals, and he did not even score a goal with a penalty. A further 73 assists are not bad going, either.
Tottenham and England’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League, but Shearer's record looks safe after his 100 million euro transfer to Bayern Munich. Unfortunately, the number nine has failed to win any trophies with the North London side.
Surprisingly enough, despite dropping deeper and becoming more of a playmaker in his latter Premier League days, Harry Kane registers the fewest assists of any player in the top 10 with 46. Fourteen of those assists came in Tottenham’s 2020-21 campaign.
The Frenchman spent eight seasons in the Premier League. In 2002-03, Thierry Henry became the first player to register 20+ goals and assists (24 goals, 20 assists) in a Premier League campaign. Thierry Henry’s elegant style produced 175 goals and 74 assists.
Sergio Aguero established himself as one of the greatest Centre-forwards of the Premier League era. “We love him so much,” Pep Guardiola tearfully responded after Sergio Aguero played his final match for Manchester City back in 2021.
Aguero's consistency left an indelible mark on the league. The Argentine forward netted 184 goals, which is more than the Gunners' icon Thierry Henry.
Teddy Sheringham still holds the record for the oldest player to appear in the Premier League, having framed for West Ham at the age of 40. Given his career as a Premier League devotee, it is no surprise to see his name on this list.
The forward had already been a pro for nearly a decade by the time England’s top flight was rebranded in 1992. But he was still racing at the highest level as late as 2007 and did not retire until 2008.
Here are the top 10 players with the most hat-tricks in the UEFA Champions League history as of 2025 along with the clubs they achieved them with.
Many Players have experienced taking the UEFA Champions League match ball home. But few have done it multiple times. Listening to the UEFA Champions League anthem on the pitch while being in the starting lineup is the dream of every other kid football fan. But among the dreamers, few players go on to make further history in the game.
Players who leave a lasting impression through their quality, be it defending, goalkeeping, or even scoring goals. In this article, we will have a look at the players with the most hat-tricks in the UEFA Champions League history.
| RANK | PLAYERS | HAT-TRICKS | CLUBS |
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 8 |
Real Madrid (7), Juventus (1) |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | 8 | FC Barcelona (8) |
| 3 | Robert Lewandowski | 6 | Borussia Dortmund (1), Bayern Munich (4), FC Barcelona (1) |
| 4 | Karim Benzema | 4 | Real Madrid (1) |
| 5 | Luiz Adriano | 3 | Shakhtar Donetsk (3) |
| 6 | Mario Gomez | 3 | Bayern Munich (3) |
| 7 | Filippo Inzaghi | 3 | Juventus (2), AC Milan (1) |
| 8 | Neymar Junior | 3 | FC Barcelona (1), Paris Saint-Germain (2) |
| 9 | Kylian Mbappe | 3 | Paris Saint-Germain (2), Real Madrid (1) |
| 10 | Harry Kane | 2 | Tottenham Hotspurs (1), FC Bayern Munich (1) |
On 26th September 2017, Harry Kane hit his first hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League against APOEL FC, Tottenham Hotspurs won that match 3-0 in the group stage and Kane finished the group stage joint second in the top scorers chart with six goals.
On 18th September 2024, Harry Kane hit his second hat-trick against Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Champions League. Kane scored 4 goals and Bayern Munich won that match 9-2 at Allianz Arena in Munich.
On 23 October 2019, Mbappe scored his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Club Brugge. Mbappe bagged three goals and Paris Saint-Germain won 5-0 against Club Brugge.
On 17 February 2017, Kylian Mbappe scored his second UEFA Champions League Round of 16 hat-tricks against the mighty FC Barcelona in Parc des Princes. Mbappe scored 3 goals and Moises Keane scored the last goal against Barcelona and they won 4-1 against the Blaugranes.
On 20th February 2025, Kylian Mbappe scored his third UEFA Champions League career Hat-trick against Manchester City in the League phase Knockout's second leg. With Mbappe's hat trick, Real Madrid beat the mighty Manchester City 3-1 and aggregated 6-3, and secured a spot in the Round of 16.
On December 11, 2013, Neymar Jr. scored his first-ever hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League at Camp Nou in Spain. In that Lionel Messi was injured, but Neymar stepped up and scored a hat-trick against Celtic FC and FC Barcelona triumphed over a dominant 6-1 win against Celtic FC.
Neymar Junior scored his second UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Red Star Belgrade on 4 October 2018. The Brazilian scored his second Champions League hat-trick with Paris Saint-Germain.
Neymar Junior scored the third UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Istanbul Basaksehir. With the help of the Brazilian wizard's hat-trick, PSG triumphed in a 5-1 win over Istanbul in Parc des Princes in the UEFA Champions League group stage on 9 December 2020.
Filippo Inzaghi scored his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Dynamo Kyiv. Filippo Inzaghi became the first Juventus player to score a UEFA Champions League hat-trick when he found the back of the net on three occasions against Dynamo Kyiv in March 1998. Juventus won that match with a comfortable 4-1 scoreline.
On 13 September 2000, Filippo Inzaghi netted his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Hamburg. Filippo Inzaghi's hat-trick rescued Juventus as an astonishing Champions League match against Hamburg finished 4-4 in Germany. Juventus led 3-1 at one stage before falling 4-3 behind and it needed a late penalty from Inzaghi to rescue a point.
The former Italian international scored his third UEFA Champions League hat-trick in his iconic AC Milan Jersey against Deportivo La Coruna. With the help of his hat-trick AC Milan won with a comfortable 4-0 scoreline in the 2002-03 season.
Mario Gomez scored his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick against the Romanian side CFR Cluj in November 2010. Almost a year to the day later, the German forward scored a match-winning hat-trick against Napoli to seal a 3-2 win.
Luiz Adriano had registered his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick two years prior when he netted three times in Shakhtar's 5-2 win over Danish side Nordsjaelland in November 2012. Luiz Adriano netted his second UEFA Champions League hat-trick against BATE Borisov in the 2014 season. The Brazilian recorded his third hat-trick against BATE as he inspired Shakhtar to a 5-0 win.
Karim Benzema netted his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick for Real Madrid against Auxerre in December 2010. The Frenchman would wait five years for his second as he scored three times in an 8-0 win over Malmo.
The Frenchman would wait five years for his second as he scored three times in an 8-0 win over Malmo, scoring three against PSG in March 2022, Benzema recorded his fourth UEFA Champions League hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Chelsea in April that year.
The only player in UEFA Champions League history to score the hat-trick for three different clubs.
Robert Lewandowski truly announced himself on the world stage with a four-goal haul for Borussia Dortmund against Real Madrid in April 2013, he scored his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick in Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid.
The Polish forward had already agreed on terms with Bayern at that point and Lewandowski recorded four hat-tricks for the German giants when opposing Dinamo Zagreb, Red Star Belgrade, Benfica, and lastly Red Bull Salzburg.
A move to Barcelona in 2022 brought Lewandowski his sixth UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Viktoria Plzen.
Lionel Messi scored a UEFA Champions League hat-trick in five consecutive calendar years from 2010. He scored his first UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Arsenal in 2010. The Argentine Talisman became the first player in the competition's history to score five goals in a single UEFA Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen in 2012.
The former Barcelona legend scored other six UEFA Champions League hat-tricks against Ajax, APOEL Nicosia, Celtic, Manchester City, and PSV Eindhoven, a record equaled by Cristiano Ronaldo just six months later.
Cristiano Ronaldo never bagged a UEFA Champions League hat-trick for Manchester United. The Real Madrid legend netted his first hat-trick in the competition against Ajax in 2012. Ronaldo netted seven UEFA Champions League hat-tricks while he was in Real Madrid, the seven club names were - AFC Ajax, Shakhtar Donetsk, VfL Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich, Atlético de Madrid, Galatasaray, and Malmo FF.
Although the most memorable one came against Atlético de Madrid the second time. This time in the colors of Juventus. Juventus progressed 3-2 on aggregate to reach the quarterfinals.
UEFA Nations League Women's 2025 gets all the key details, including teams, fixtures, format, schedule, and how to watch.
The UEFA Women's Nations League kicks off on 21st February 2025, Friday with some blockbuster matches set to take place.
The competition returns for its second season, embracing the senior women's national teams from the Football Association UEFA. The Women's Nation League offers nations a highly competitive qualification track to major tournaments while improving interest and investment in the Women's game.
Teams across all three leagues are eligible for Relegation and Promotion.
The four lowest-performing teams in League A and League B will be relegated at the end of the league stage, while the winners of League B and League C will earn promotion. The Lowest-ranked third-place League B team will also face relegation due to the composition of League C.
Besides the Nation League Finals, playoff matches will be performed amongst the remaining teams to decide which teams will be promoted and relegated or remain in their respective leagues.
Friday 21 February 2025
Tuesday 25 February 2025
Wednesday 26 February 2025
Friday 4 April 2025.
Tuesday 8 April 2025
Group A1
Austria vs Netherlands
Germany vs Scotland
Group A2
Iceland vs Switzerland
Norway vs France
Group A3
Belgium vs England
Spain vs Portugal
Group A4
Denmark vs Italy
Sweden vs Wales
Group B1
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Poland
Northern Ireland vs Romania
Group B2
Republic of Ireland vs Greece
Türkiye vs Slovenia
Group B3
Belarus vs Serbia
Finland vs Hungary
Group B4
Croatia vs Albania
Czechia vs Ukraine
Group C1
Faroe Islands vs Gibraltar
Moldova vs Slovakia
Group C2
Andorra vs Cyprus
Malta vs Georgia
Group C3
Kazakhstan vs Armenia
Liechtenstein vs Luxembourg
Group C4
Montenegro vs Azerbaijan
Group C5
Israel vs Bulgaria
Group C6
Kosovo vs North Macedonia
Friday 30 May 2025
Group A1
Germany vs Netherlands
Scotland vs Austria
Group A2
France vs Switzerland
Norway vs Iceland
Group A3
Belgium vs Spain
England vs Portugal
Group A4
Denmark vs Wales
Italy vs Sweden
Group B1
Northern Ireland vs Poland
Romania vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Group B2
Slovenia vs Greece
Türkiye vs Republic of Ireland
Group B3
Belarus vs Finland
Serbia vs Hungary
Group B4
Czechia vs Croatia
Ukraine vs Albania
Group C1
Moldova vs Faroe Islands
Slovakia vs Gibraltar
Group C2
Andorra vs Georgia
Malta vs Cyprus
Group C3
Kazakhstan vs Liechtenstein
Luxembourg vs Armenia
Group C4
Azerbaijan vs Lithuania
Group C5
Estonia vs Israel
Group C6
Latvia vs North Macedonia
Tuesday 3 June 2025
Group A1
Austria vs Germany
Netherlands vs Scotland
Group A2
Iceland vs France
Switzerland vs Norway
Group A3
Portugal vs Belgium
Spain vs England
Group A4
Sweden vs Denmark
Wales vs Italy
Group B1
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Northern Ireland
Poland vs Romania
Group B2
Greece vs Türkiye
Republic of Ireland vs Slovenia
Group B3
Finland vs Serbia
Hungary vs Belarus
Group B4
Albania vs Czechia
Croatia vs Ukraine
Group C1
Faroe Islands vs Slovakia
Gibraltar vs Moldova
Group C2
Andorra vs Malta
Georgia vs Cyprus
Group C3
Kazakhstan vs Luxembourg
Liechtenstein vs Armenia
Group C4
Lithuania vs Montenegro
Group C5
Bulgaria vs Estonia
Group C6
Latvia vs Kosovo
Finals
Draw: 6 June 2025, Nyon (date TBC)
Semi-finals (two legs): Between 22 and 28 October 2025
Final/third-place play-off (two legs): Between 26 November and 2 December 2025
Promotion/relegation play-offs
Draw: 6 June 2025, Nyon (date TBC)
Matches (two legs): Between 22 and 28 October 2025
In this special article, Sportz Point explores the footballers in international football who played crucial roles in their team's success but often remained underrated.
Feb 7, 2025, 2:17 PM•13 min read
Football is a sport that often brings limelight to certain footballers but sometimes keeps many at bay. Around football discussions worldwide, these footballers are not mentioned often, even after achieving significant accolades.
Talking about the underrated footballers in International football, we must understand that it is very different from club football. It is tougher to leave a mark except performing in the continental and World Cup-like tournaments in every four years.
However, these footballers have always performed masterfully well while donning their national kit, bringing noteworthy achievements to their respective nations. Still, they have remained underrated in the consideration of either the fans or the football pundits.
Sportz Point explores the top 20 most underrated players in international football in this special article. This list is not a rank, but a summarisation of some underrated footballers who deserve more praise.
Notable trivia: Angel Di Maria is not given the importance he deserves for the recent successes of the Argentina National team. The 36-year-old winger retired from international football in July 2024, leaving behind an unmatched legacy.
Most importantly, Di Maria won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa America titles in 2020 and 2024, and the Finalissima 2022, as he scored in each of the finals for Argentina except for the 2024 Copa, showing his towering presence for the national team.
Di Maria remained underrated for the gigantic presence of Lionel Messi as his teammate, but nothing can belittle his huge contribution to Argentina's recent success of winning four trophies in four years.
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Notable trivia: Thomas Muller has 10 goals and 6 assists in 19 World Cup appearances for Germany. The attacking midfielder registered 5 goals and 3 assists in his first-ever World Cup campaign in 2010, earning him the Golden Boot.
In the following World Cup, Muller was pivotal in Germany's World Cup glory, having scored 5 goals and 3 assists. Although he lost the Golden Ball to Lionel Messi that year, Muller was undoubtedly the best player of the German team, along with Manuel Neuer and Miroslav Klose.
Muller won the 2014 World Cup and finished third in EURO 2012 with Germany, as he retired in July 2024 after Germany's elimination from the EURO 2024.
Notable trivia: Despite playing for a country that produced goalscorers such as Thierry Henry, Michel Platini, Karim Benzema, and David Trezeguet, Olivier Giroud tops the list of the all-time top scorers for the France national team with 57 goals.
Giroud's achievements are often overlooked both at the international and club levels, though he is one of the best French footballers of this generation. Giroud finished the EURO 2016 as the joint second-highest scorer, with 3 goals and 2 assists.
Giroud was also part of the 2018 World Cup and 2021 Nations League-winning France team, providing significant contributions to the team. He also scored 4 goals for France in the 2022 World Cup. However, the striker retired from international football in July 2024.
Notable trivia: Davor Šuker is arguably the greatest Croatian footballer ever, leaving an unparalleled legacy behind him for the national team.
The year 1998 is popularly known as the 'Davor Šuker Year' among football fans, as the forward led the Croatia team to a third-place finish in the 1998 World Cup. He also scored 6 goals in 7 appearances in the tournament to earn the Golden Boot.
Šuker also won the Silver Ball as the second-best player of the tournament in 1998 WC. He is the top Croatian goalscorer of all time as well, bagging 45 goals in 68 official appearances before retiring in 2002.
Notable trivia: Antoine Griezmann achieved innumerable honours with the France national team, but sadly, is often not regarded as one of the greatest international footballers ever.
Griezmann led France to a second-place finish in EURO 2016, scoring 6 goals and 2 assists to win the Golden Boot. He was also named the Player of the Tournament in that edition.
However, Griezmann achieved his first senior international silverware in 2018, when France won the World Cup in Russia. The attacking midfielder was crucial for the team with a tally of 4 goals and the tournament-most of 4 assists, also being named the third-best player of the tournament.
Apart from the 2021 UEFA Nations League title, Girezmann orchestrated the French attack in the 2022 World Cup, providing three assists to be the joint-top assist provider. However, he retired from international football in September 2024.
Notable trivia: We all are yet to see a central-defensive midfielder in modern football who has such a high IQ in reading the game, such as Sergio Busquets.
Busquets was popularly called 'Octopus' for his immaculate passing ability and intimidating defensive screening without breaking a sweat most of the time. the Spanish midfielder became the heart of Barcelona but his contribution was often overlooked at the national team level.
In a star-studded midfield with Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, Busquets emerged as the only one of his kind, making significant contributions to Spain's World Cup glory in 2010 and EURO 2012 victory. Busquets retired from international football in December 2022.
Notable trivia: It is said in football, that being a goalkeeper is a 'thankless job'. Goalkeepers are always the last guardian of a team, but their contributions are hugely overlooked. Hugo Lloris, the former French goalkeeper is a burning example of that sensation.
Lloris kept three clean-sheets in all 7 appearances for France in the World Cup 2018, leading the team to the final glory. The French custodian has kept a staggering 68 clean-sheets overall for France in 145 appearances.
He also captained the Les Bleus in three World Cup editions from 2014 to 2022. Lloris retired from the national team in January 2023, being the most-capped player for France in history.
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Notable trivia: Edin Džeko is not often mentioned as one of the best international footballers in the modern era, only because he represents a country like Bosnia, that mostly fail to apear in big tournaments.
Yet Džeko, the greatest Bosnian footballer, led the Bosnia team to its first-ever World Cup appearance in 2014 after scoring a whopping 10 goals to be the second-top scorer in the qualification round.
He also scored 9 goals in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying round to be the second-top scorer in the qualification round as well. Džeko also ranks sixth among the active footballers with most international goals.
Notable trivia: Michael Laudrup is often considered the greatest Danish footballer of all time, yet he doesn't always receive the full recognition that his remarkable talent deserves. He delivered outstanding performances for Denmark, scoring 37 goals in 103 appearances.
Laudrup won the 1995 Confederations Cup with Denmark, providing commendable performances throughout the tournament. German legend Franz Beckenbauer praised the Danish midfielder in the best possible way, saying, “Pele was the best in the 60s, Cruyff in the 70s, Maradona in the 80s, and Laudrup in the 90s.”
Notable trivia: Gabriel Batistuta was nicknamed 'Batigol' for his ability to score from almost anywhere on the pitch with unmatched power and precision.
Batistuta was mostly recognized for his inhuman performance in the 1991 Copa America, as Argentina won the title and he was the highest goalscorer of the tournament with 6 goals. He won his second Copa with Argentina in 1993, scoring a brace in the final.
Although he could not achieve the coveted success in the World Cups, Batistuta was one of the greatest footballers for Argentina in the World Cups, with 10 goals in 12 appearances.
Notable trivia: Current UEFA vice-president and former Polish footballer Zbigniew Boniek praised Andrea Pirlo by saying something that probably best defines the Italian midfielder. He stated, "To pass the ball to Andrea Pirlo is like to hide it in a safe."
Andrea Pirlo is inarguably one of the most prolific playmakers who ever graced the football pitch. Famous for his outstanding passing and free-kick skills, Pirlo was essential to Italy's victory in the 2006 World Cup. Pirlo won three man of the match awards in the tournament, most by any player in that edition.
Retiring in 2017, Pirlo remains one of the supreme players who played exceptionally well at international levels, but the recognition was never enough to praise the midfied maestro.
Notable trivia: Ronald Koeman is often overlooked, but he was a top-tier central defender known for his exceptional passing ability and masterful free-kick skills. With a record of 238 goals across club and international levels, Koeman is the highest-scoring defender in football history.
However, the defender was a crucial part of Rinus Michels' formidable Netherlands team in the 90s, which won the 1988 European Championship. He also won the Dutch Footballer of the Year award twice in 1987 and 1988.
Notable trivia: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is often overlooked among the contemporary Dutch stars of his generation. The forward is the third-highest goalscorer for the Dutch national team, with 42 goals.
Although he had a brief appearance in the 2010 World Cup, Huntelaar proved himself crucial for the team, scoring the most goals (12) in the 2012 European championship qualification round.
However, he was also a part of the Netherlands squad that finished third in the 2014 World Cup. He retired in 2021 but never got the recognition he deserved.
Notable trivia: "Maradona Good, Pele Better, George Best" is the greatest quotation that can define how good George Best was. The Irish winger is also considered as the greatest footballer who never played in a World Cup.
Despite having immense talent and potential, he is often overlooked in the discussion of the greatest footballers. He was named European Player of the Year in 1968, delivering consistent performance for his club and national team.
If he did not struggle with his self-destructing lifestyle, he may have achieved more accolades with Northern Ireland before retiring in 1982.
Notable trivia: Gheorghe Hagi was such a good player that he was nicknamed "Maradona of the Carpathians". The attacking midfielder was also called 'Regele', which translates to 'The King' for his immaculate shooting ability, playmaking skills, and vision on the pitch.
The attacking midfielder was the heart of an exciting Romania team of the 1990s. Hagi put up a memorable performance for Romania in the 1994 World Cup, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists to lead the team to the quarter-finals, where they eventually lost against Sweden.
He retired in 2001 but still holds the record for the most goals scored for the Romania national team, alongside Adrian Mutu, with 35 goals.
Notable trivia: Günter Netzer played an integral role in Germany's 1972 European Championship victory.
The midfielder provided two assists in the semi-final of the tournament, inspiring a 2-1 win over Belgium.
Netzer was also included in the 1974 World Cup squad for Germany. Although he did not play in the final, Netzer is still regarded as the first World Cup winner who, at the time of his victory, played for a club based outside his home country.
Despite not having many opportunities to represent the national team, he was often considered as one of the best German footballers in the 70s.
Notable trivia: Hristo Stoichkov was the standout performer in the 1994 World Cup as he inspired Bulgaria to a fourth-place finish and was awarded the Golden Boot for being the top scorer with 6 goals. In the tournament, he scored in the shock wins against Argentina in the Group stage and against Germany in the quarter-finals.
Stoichkov, who re-defined the 'inverted winger' role in world football, scored 37 goals in 83 games for the Bulgarian national team before retiring from international football in 1999.
Notable trivia: Despite Franco Baresi's absence, Gaetano Scirea was pivotal in Italy’s victorious 1982 World Cup-winning campaign. The defender, who played mostly as a sweeper, remained underrated due to his contemporary Italian defenders.
Playing for a country where the best defenders are born and brought up, Scirea always stayed out of the recognition. His untimely death at the age of 36 in 1989 also restricted his legacy.
Notable trivia: Rudi Völler was a very dependable player striker at both club and international levels. He came off the bench to equalize in the 1986 World Cup Final after scoring in the semi-final against France. Unfortunately, the Germans lost the final against Argentina. However, after four years, he played a crucial role for Germany that became World Champions in 1990, scoring 3 goals and 2 assists.
His contemporary Jurgen Klinsmann always received the highlight for the Germans, but it can not tear down his achievements with the national team. Völler's international goal-scoring record is impressive with a staggering 47 goals in 90 caps.
Notable trivia: Matthias Sammer was sometimes overlooked compared to their contemporary Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini. However, he played a crucial role in Germany's victory at the 1996 European Championship, where he was named the tournament's best player.
The midfielder also won the Ballon d'Or in 1996 and was also named the German Footballer of the Year in 1996, after earning the same accolade in 1995.
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