France beat Ireland to reach Euro 2016 quarterfinal
Lyon (France), June 27 (IANS) Antoine Griezmann scored twice to help hosts France beat Ireland 2-1 and reach the quarterfinals of European Championship here.
Griezman cancelled out a 1-0 lead of Ireland with a header in the second half and then scored the winner three minutes later during the match on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.
Ireland took a surprise 1-0 lead after only two minutes when France midfielder Paul Pogba made a foul on Shane Long from behind and Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli immediately pointed at the penalty spot.
Robbie Brady, who plays for English Championship side Norwich City, stepped in to fire a low penalty into France keeper Hugo Lloris’s left-hand post.
France looked nervous in front of a watching President Francois Hollande but they soon controlled the game and their attacking trio of Olivier Giroud, Dimitri Payet and Griezmann regained sharpness as expected.
In the 58th minute, Payet found Bacary Sagna on the right wing and the Manchester City right back crossed for Griezmann to head home on the penalty spot.
Euro 2016: Belgium beat Hungary 4-0 to reach quarterfinal
Toulouse (France) June 27 (IANS) Atletico midfielder Yannick Carrasco scored the final goal in injury time, helping Belgium beat Hungary 4-0 to reach Euro 2016 quarterfinals.
Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld’s header broke the deadlock for Belgium in the 10th minute from De Bruyne’s free kick during the match on Sunday, and substitute Michy Batshuayi scored the second in the 79th minute from captain Hazard’s pass, who scored his own goal just one minute later, Xinhua news agency reported.
Carrasco, 23, added the final goal in injury time.
Belgium will face Wales in Lille next Friday for a place in the semi-finals.
Rio 2016 receives keys to velodrome
Rio de Janeiro, June 27 (IANS) Rio 2016 organisers received the keys to the city’s new velodrome as labourers continued to work around the clock to ensure the venue is ready for the Olympic Games in August.
Journalists were allowed only partial access during the ceremony on Sunday, which was preceded by a testing session of the track by Brazilian and Swiss cyclists, Xinhua news agency reported.
“I like it. I think it looks great. I’m satisfied,” said the International Olympic Committee’s Games director, Christophe Dubi.
“There are still some finishing touches that need to be done, but the most important aspect, which is where the athletes will compete, is very good.”
