Europe

Six years ago, the France national team was on strike at the World Cup. Two years ago, the German national team was celebrating their World Cup triumph. Earlier today, the Germans were bossing the French around like the varsity scrimmaging the JV in practice. How things can change in a hurry.

The first half, as mentioned, was a lecture in everything this German generation has become known for. For stretches, they barely let one of the best teams in the world out of their own half. Then it became a lecture in everything they've become known for not doing.

Jonas Hector scored the decisive penalty in the ninth round of penalty kicks after Leonardo Bonucci had canceled out Mesut Ozil’s strike in regular time to send Germany into the Euro 2016 semi-finals.

Germany altered their lineup to effectively null any Italian attacking strength, and a fascinating tactical battle between two of Europe’s greatest footballing nations struggled to match the pregame hype. 

After playing in nearly 400 matches for Barcelona with the numbers two, six or 22 on his back, Dani Alves has elected to wear the number 23 at Juventus in honor of NBA star LeBron James.

LeBron just recently captured his third NBA championship, and his first since returning to play with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Alves is hoping to emulate LeBron’s ability to accept a challenge in a new environment and lead his team to glory.

The Brazilian defender completed his move to Juve from Barcelona on Monday and spoke at his introductory news conference regarding the new number.

The world champions have awoken in France, and the rest of the field have been warned. Germany’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over Slovakia in their round of 16 encounter gave evidence to the brilliance, balance and cohesion this German side is able to muster. 

Jerome Boateng scored a wonderful opening goal in the eighth minute, Mario gomez added a second in the 43rd and Julian Draxler capped a superb individual performance with Germany’s third in the 63rd minute. 

Northern Ireland vs. Germany finished 1-0 in favor of Die Mannschaft, but it could have been so much worse.

Germany could have ended the first half 5-0 in front, but Northern Ireland held on, thanks in large part to the performance of goalkeeper Michael McGovern, who made seven magnificent saves throughout the match.

The result sees Germany top Group C, while Northern Ireland's ability to keep the score down means they are very much still alive in this competition. 

The Czech Republic vs. Turkey kicked off with both teams needing to win in order to give themselves a chance to progress.

An opening goal from Burak Yilmaz, followed by a rocket from Ozan Tufan gave Turkey a 2-0 victory, knocking the Czechs out of the competition.

Despite the win, it may not be enough for Turkey to progress, as they sit third with three points and a goal differential of negative two. 

If you happened to watch Switzerland grind out a 0-0 draw with France on Sunday, we're sorry. We're so very, very sorry. 

It was a dull game, a fact which becomes all the more prevalent when you consider the fact most of the post-game analysis has been regarding the material of the Swiss team's Puma-produced jerseys. 

The United States were punished 2-0 by Colombia on Friday night to open the 2016 Copa America Centenario. A heavily pro-Colombian crowd in Santa Clara, California, watched as Geoff Cameron carelessly allowed Cristian Zapata to put his side ahead early before James Rodriguez capitalized from the spot on a sophomoric handball from DeAndre Yedlin.

England took on Portugal today in an internatinoal friendly. The match was really more of a tune-up game for the imminent Euro 2016 tournament than anything else, and so both sides were looking to learn more about their players, try out some new things, and generally just finish off the day better than they started it.

Except for Bruno Alves. Bruno Alves almost killed Harry Kane.

In the southeastern Roman neighborhood of Quadraro, Atletico Diritti play their home matches under the shadow of the Felice Aqueduct. The aqueduct was completed in 1586 by Pope Sixtus V, bringing water back to the hills of Rome, which had been waterless and sparsely inhabited since the sixth century.

By 1589, the aqueduct was filling no less than twenty-seven public fountains. As the aqueduct provided for the people of Rome, so Atletico Diritti hopes to provide for the migrants, refugees, prisoners and former prisoners in the area.