With Day 12 of Euro 2016 in the books, we have collated some of the best of our content from the last 24 hours in one place. All the latests news, plus group guides, kick-off times and news from around the teams can be found at our special microsite.
Germany’s main man
Germany progress as Group C winners, able to testify to the benefits of trading a false nine for a genuine No 9, after moving Mario Gotze to the left and bringing in Mario Gomez. His was a centre-forward's goal, a predatory finish from close range. Gomez started Euro 2016 as a substitute. His first start produced the only goal against Northern Ireland. That Germany did not win more handsomely was due largely to the excellence of Northern Irish goalkeeper Michael McGovern. But it was enough to preserve their position at the top of the group on goal difference above Poland, who beat Ukraine by the same scoreline in Marseille.
Germany are now able to testify to the benefits of trading a false nine for a genuine No 9, writes Richard Jolly.
Pellegrini to the Russian rescue?
Departing Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has been offered a job as the new Russia coach, according to reports. The Russian Football Association (RFS) has apparently targeted the 62-year-old Chilean after coach Leonid Slutski departed on Monday following Russia's 3-0 defeat to Wales at Euro 2016 which resulted in his side crashing out of the tournament. The Chilean's contract with City expires on June 30, with the club having already announced the appointment of Pep Guardiola as his replacement.
Will Pellegrini accept the Russian challenge? Russia have offered Pellegrini a "millionaire" two-year contract to manage the country until the 2018 World Cup, to be played on home soil.
Andy Mitten’s Euro 2016 diary
Mitten is taking the alternative route around France for Euro 2016. In his Day 10 diary entry from St-Etienne, he writes: The England fans came in peace and were met with smiles from local police, rail officials, volunteers and business owners. The friendly Slovaks added to the mood, the sunshine amid days of cloud and rain helped too. In St-Etienne's biggest square, the English hung their flags. Giant George Crosses, most bearing the names of provincial towns and their clubs. Ipswich, Barnsley, Plymouth. "Club and country" they declared proudly among messages like "God Save the Queen" and "Rule, Britannia". Everything was bright in St-Etienne and without a mob of 150 Russian fighting machines to alter the mood, it stayed that way.
Croatia fight back against Spain
Holders Spain lost for the first time in 15 matches at the European Championship finals on Tuesday when Croatia beat them 2-1 to win Group D at Euro 2016. Ivan Perisic scored the winner with three minutes left after Croatia keeper Danijel Subasic had saved a penalty from Spain captain Sergio Ramos with 20 minutes remaining. Croatia's Nikola Kalinic had cancelled out an early goal from Spain striker Alvaro Morata in the first half. Spain meet Group E winners Italy in the last 16 on Monday in Paris, while Croatia will play one of the third-placed teams in Lens on Saturday. Kalinic's goal just before the break was the first goal conceded by Spain in 948 minutes of European Championship matches since October 2014.
Greg Lea talking points
In his daily talking points, Greg Lea writes about how Spain’s Group D encounter with Croatia did not disappoint, but that the former will likely regret their defeat because now the defending champions have to face an inspired Italy side led by Gigi Buffon in the last 16. They may also have to face Germany or France early if they progress farther – all because thet relinquished the top position in the group. But it was a great win for Croatia, and a memorable one.
sports@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport