England u21s clash with Germany SUSPENDED as stadium plunged into semi-darkness and players taken off pitch
The decision was made following lengthy discussions
THREE LIONS SHOCK England u21s clash with Germany SUSPENDED as stadium plunged into semi-darkness and players taken off pitch
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
ENGLAND UNDER-21s' clash with Germany came to a halt after floodlight failure.
With just seconds left of the first half remaining, the Nitra Stadium in Slovakia was plunged into semi darkness.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
1
England took on Germany in Slovakia
Credit: Getty
That forced Dutch referee Sander van der Eijk to stop the action.
Eventually, with only a minute of additional time to go, the official called in captains Harvey Elliott and his German counterpart Merlin Rohl.
Lights on one side of the ground were still working, but none on the other were either.
Both sets of players were left walking around with half the ground in darkness.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
GLEE WREX Former Premier League club in 55,000-seater new stadium proposal
Following further discussions, the decision was made to blow 30 seconds early for the break while technicians quickly got to work trying to fix the problem.
That summed up a dire first half for Lee Carsley's side as they went in two goals behind.
Lukas Ullrich floated a beautiful ball over the head of flat-footed Jarell Quansah that was met by an excellent touch from Ansgar Knauff before the winger drilled past James Beadle after just two minutes.
And the scorer turned provider moments before the lights went out as his cross was headed home by Nelson Weiper.
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Thomas Frank calls for unity at Tottenham after replacing Ange Postecoglou
Spurs will play in the Champions League for the first time since 2022 courtesy of victory over Manchester United in Bilbao in May, despite recording their lowest finish of 17th in the Premier League. The Frank Philosophy 🧠 — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 18, 2025 It was this fact, together with 22 league defeats, that persuaded Levy to dismiss Postecoglou and turn to Frank. 'I've only heard good stuff about all the people here, the training ground, the players,' Frank told the club's website. 'It's a good squad. It's an exciting, massive club with massive potential. So, it's just super, super exciting. 'I had very good conversations and meetings with Daniel Levy, (chief executive) Vinai Venkatesham and (technical director) Johan Lange where we discussed everything in depth, details about the club structure, processes, and of course I came with my views on things, how I saw it, my ideas, and the way I want to do things and how I try to build a team and a club.' There has been open hostility between Levy and supporters in recent seasons with fans largely directing their ire at the chairman rather than Postecoglou last season as the defeats mounted. Daniel Levy has been a target for Spurs' fans frustrations (John Walton/PA) Levy has at different times been accused of failing to invest in the team and has been blamed for the club's apparent drift since they reached the Champions League final in 2019. Frank is Spurs' fifth permanent appointment since Mauricio Pochettino, who led them to that final in Madrid, was sacked five months later. 'If you want to do something quick, you can go alone,' said Frank, who led Brentford to 10th place last season following finishes of 13th, ninth and 16th in their three previous Premier League seasons. He also brought them into the top flight via the play-offs in 2021. 'If you want to do something big or achieve something big, you go together. So, it's definitely about doing things together – me, the staff, the players. 'I think alignment is key, from top to bottom. Of course it starts from Daniel, Vinai, Johan, and me, and the more the four of us can be aligned, just like a unit, an unbreakable unit, the stronger we'll be. 'There'll be ups and downs. Right now, it's a fairytale. Everyone's happy, the sun is shining, it's fantastic.'
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Trent Alexander-Arnold already showing signs of old class in Real Madrid shirt even if he's put a new name on the back
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Here's why the ex-Liverpool star can be quietly pleased with his debut in the Miami heat TAA DAA Trent Alexander-Arnold already showing signs of old class in Real Madrid shirt even if he's put a new name on the back TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD was caught up in a Club World Cup clash far more dramatic than anyone could have predicted as he made his Real Madrid debut. The ex-Liverpool right-back played the first 64 minutes of a 1-1 draw against Saudi big spenders Al-Hilal. Advertisement 12 Trent Alexander Arnold launched his Real Madrid career on the right of defence as an inverted wing-back Credit: Alamy 12 He drifted into midfield when Real had the ball Credit: Getty And the England ace had an eventful evening at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. He saw Gonzalo Garcia slot a brilliant team goal to launch Xabi Alonso's reign as Real boss in majestic style. But former Wolves anchorman Ruben Neves soon levelled with a 41st-minute penalty after Raul Asencio pulled Marcos Leonardo's short. Al-Hilal were furious with a spot-kick award against Mohammed Al Qahtani when his arm went across Fran Garcia's face on the corner of the box in the 90th minute. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL RISE & TYNE Newcastle to offer Rashford chance to revive career after Man Utd woes WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN But ex-Sevilla keeper Yassine Bounou guessed correctly from Federico Valverde's penalty - plunging to his right to keep it out and ensure a deserved point in the Group H opener. Meanwhile, TAA was not just in a new top, he had a new moniker on the back - simply "Trent". So was his first Real game just as straightforward? Advertisement Here's our man STEVE BRENNER's verdict on the 26-year-old's performance. 12 Alexander-Arnold outshone the very quiet Jude Bellingham Credit: Getty 12 He was heavily involved up and down the right side 12 TAA is looking forward to his future - with something new on his back Credit: Getty Advertisement BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK An attacking threat? With the searing afternoon temperatures in Miami edging closer to a sweltering 33 degrees, the tempo of the game was a long way off the standard intensity. 12 Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals he's been 'waiting a long time' to join Real Madrid For most of the first half, Alexander-Arnold, along with his new pals, tried to conserve energy when possible. Advertisement But it was his initial pass deep in his own half that started the move which ended with Gonzalo Garcia's 34th-minute opener. The England international pumped his fists into the air when the ball hit the back of the net. Early in the second half, he found himself on the edge of the box with the ball at his feet, but the killer pass just eluded him. He also appeared to operate slightly more centrally after the break as Real searched for a winner. Advertisement Defensively sound? The former Liverpool man was operating in an inverted wing-back role, which saw him largely tuck inside closer to the centre-back pairing of fellow new boy Dean Huijsen — making his Real debut following his move from Bournemouth — and Asencio. When the Spanish giants were in possession, TAA drifted into midfield and was on hand to try and penetrate a robust Al-Hilal backline. He made a couple of key interceptions as the first half wore on — including one which helped set up the opener — and looked defensively solid. 12 Alexander Arnold was straight into the thick of the action Credit: Alamy Advertisement 12 This graph shows how he never switched flanks 12 The Three Lions ace looked solid defensively Has he settled in already? Certainly looked that way. Having fellow England international Jude Bellingham — who was very quiet here — must help, as will his already noticeable Spanish skills, which will only improve as he fully integrates himself into the Madrid way of life. With Alonso also starting afresh in the Spanish capital, everyone, including Trent, is beginning with a clean slate. Advertisement Any surprises/anything new? Just having 'TRENT' on the back of his shirt was a new look for the 26-year-old. At Liverpool, and for England, the Scouser was the main man for free-kicks. But when one was given on 57 minutes, it was Turkish ace Arda Güler who stepped up—and subsequently failed to deliver. His race was run after 64 minutes, with Alonso keen to bring on fresh legs, but the sparks from his debut were promising enough. What did he say about it? "It's an incredible day for me to make my Real Madrid debut. It's something almost every player dreams of so to be able to achieve it is huge for me. Advertisement "Of course, there's some disappointment in there because we haven't won the game. It's the mentality you need to have as a Real Madrid player is to want and expect to win every game that you play in. "It's disappointing not to win. But there were a lot of positives, especially in the second half." On the support... "Incredible. I felt the support from the moment I signed for the club. It's absolutely sensational. The fanbase that is truly global all over the world. You feel it every single day, the fans at the training ground and the hotel and on social media. Advertisement "It's a huge thank you for that. We dominated the stands today, which was incredible. The support was truly amazing." On the game... "I think in the second half we kept the ball really well - that is what we lacked in the first half. "In this heat, it is important to keep hold of the ball as best as you can. We were in and around their box a lot. Advertisement "We put in crosses, got shots off but it just wasn't meant to be. We also had the penalty late on. These things do happen in football. "Nobody is to blame and we take the positives, and we have things we can work on. I am sure we will do that going into the next game." And on how long he's been learning Spanish... "Not too long. A couple of months. It was something important that I had to do. I want to adapt and give myself the best start possible going to a new country, new city and new team. Advertisement "It is important to show the intent that I want to embrace the culture, immerse myself in it and try to adapt as best as possible." 12 Alexander-Arnold looked at home in a clash that was also Real legend Xabi Alonso's first game back at the club as manager Credit: Getty 12 In contrast Bellingham was largely anonymous for the Spanish giants Credit: Getty 12
Powys County Times
an hour ago
- Powys County Times
Manchester City start Club World Cup campaign with comfortable win
The late sending off of Rico Lewis marred a comfortable victory for Manchester City in their Club World Cup opener on Wednesday. Goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku at each end of the first half proved enough as City saw off Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca 2-0 in Philadelphia. But the Group G encounter ended on a sour note for the Premier League outfit as Lewis was shown a straight red card for catching an opponent in the face in a challenge two minutes from time. The incident changed the mood of what had been a professional performance by City in hot and humid conditions. Starting off with a win 🙌 🩵 2-0 🔴 #FIFACWC — Manchester City (@ManCity) June 18, 2025 Lincoln Financial Field, home of the reigning Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles, was at nowhere near its 67,594 capacity – something which has been a recurring theme in the early days of the tournament – but the atmosphere generated by the 37,446 present was still lively. The Wydad supporters, massed in red behind one of the goals with flags and a percussionist, brought a particular vibrancy and their enthusiasm perhaps deserved better their side conceding so early. Yet it was the perfect start for City. Manager Pep Guardiola opted to hand debuts to two of his new signings in Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki while some big stars, including Erling Haaland and Rodri, began on the bench. Foden, looking to make a fresh start after an underwhelming 2024-25 season, was quick to step up and take responsibility. The midfielder was in the right place to turn home after Savinho's deflected cross from the right was pushed into his direction by goalkeeper El Medhi Benabid. Omar Marmoush shot wide soon after but Wydad, the most successful team in their country's history with 22 league titles, responded well. Mohamed Moufid got behind the City defence and Thembinkosi Lorch was close to getting on the end of his dangerous ball inside before later attempting to catch Ederson off his line from distance. 1 minute, 51 seconds. The fastest goal of the #FIFACWC so far, scored by @PhilFoden 👏 — FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 18, 2025 Lorch also skipped past Vitor Reis only to slip as he shaped to shoot. He did manage to lay off to Cassius Mailula, but Ederson parried his effort. City should have doubled their lead when Cherki picked out Foden in front of goal, but Benabid produced a fine save. Foden quickly made amends by delivering the corner from which Doku broke free to volley in City's second three minutes before the break. Doku could have had another after seizing on a defensive error, but Benabid turned away his shot. Doubling our lead ⚡️🩵 — Manchester City (@ManCity) June 18, 2025 City's largely American following may not have replicated the chanting of the Etihad Stadium, however, they greeted the entrances of Rodri and Haaland on the hour with fervour. Haaland went close when he wrong-footed two defenders, but fired over from the edge of the area. The game appeared to be winding down when Lewis sparked controversy with a challenge on Samuel Obeng. The City defender won the ball as he slid in but caught Obeng in his follow through and was promptly dismissed, much to Guardiola's fury on the touchline.
