2016/17 UEFA Champions League season kicks off

Flora Tallinn 2-1 Lincoln (Alliku 35, Sappinen 49; J Chipolina 57)Estonian champions Flora will look to defend a slender lead in the second leg in Gibraltar thanks to a goal either side of half-time, Joseph Chipolina giving Lincoln hope just before the hour.Second leg: Wednesday 6 July, 19:00CESTThe New Saints 2-1 Tre Penne (Quigley 13, Mullan 40; Fraternali 16)Welsh title holders The New Saints enjoyed the lion's share of the chances in Oswestry but could only establish a one-goal lead advantage for the second leg, Jamie Mullan getting what could prove a crucial goal before the break.Second leg: Tuesday 5 July, 20:...

UEFA EURO 2016 given colourful lift-off

Can-can dancers, a French Air Force flyover, a pop-up Eiffel Tower, cutting edge music and a mosaic of all 24 competing teams ... UEFA EURO 2016 was given an absorbing lift-off at Stade de France on Friday night.There had been so much colour, such a carnival atmosphere inside and outside the stadium in the hours leading up to the kick-off, that creative director Julie Brassard's show was in danger of playing second fiddle. However, it certainly didn't disappoint and a month-long festival of football was ushered in with a beautifully understated, cultural introduction celebrating all things French ... and also

UEFA EURO reporter’s view: Hungary

Squad analysisHungary have changed little since the EURO qualifiers. Their strengths lie in the squad's unity and spirit – with no superstars around, competition for places is high and a sense of equality pervades the ranks. However, the lack of world-class talent is obviously a hindrance on the field, and though the side are consistently tight defensively, Hungary struggle to score goals and rely heavily on captain Balázs Dzsudzsák's set pieces.One to watchLászló Kleinheisler was plucked from the Hungarian third division last November to start the play-off first leg against Norway in Oslo, a game in which he struck a fairy-tale wi...

UEFA EURO reporter’s view: Northern Ireland

Squad analysisOff the pitch, Michael O'Neill has cultivated a special 'club spirit'. On it, he boasts experienced players in key areas, epitomised by captain Steven Davis and defenders Jonny Evans, Gareth McAuley and Craig Cathcart. Crucially, he is also getting the best out of the likes of Jamie Ward (Nottingham Forest), Conor McLaughlin (Fleetwood Town), Oliver Norwood (Reading) and Stuart Dallas (Leeds United). His only question mark? The left side of defence after losing Chris Brunt to a serious knee injury in February.One to watchThe influential Davis and forward Kyle Lafferty, who scored seven goals in qualifying, are the obvious an...

UEFA EURO reporter’s view: Belgium

Squad analysisMissing out on injured captain Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Lombaerts – the favoured central defensive duo – leaves some puzzling for coach Marc Wilmots. If that issue is resolved satisfactorily, moments of magic from the likes of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, as well as Romelu Lukaku up front, could make Belgium a force to be reckoned with.One to watchAtlético Madrid's 22-year-old winger Yannick Carrasco has only racked up four caps since his debut in March last year, but Wilmots likes his speed and depth. Carrasco becoming the first Belgian to score in a UEFA Champions League final only increases his chances of ma...

All 24 UEFA EURO 2016 squads confirmed

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Paris joins UEFA quest to find All-time EURO 11

Paris city hall, hip hop cultural centre La Place and UEFA are joining together to bring the quest to find the All-time EURO 11 to a dramatic conclusion.Fans have until 1 June to select their team of all-time competition greats by visiting all-time11.uefa.com, with a massive artistic project planned following the unveiling of the selection at a press conference on 5 June. A team of 11 internationally renowned graffiti artists selected by La Place will immortalise the 11 players in spray paint, with the pictures to be shown at the French capital's Place de la Concorde until 9 July – the day before the final of UEFA EURO 2016."This historic project bringing the worl...