Euros

Nothern Ireland got their first ever victory in the European Championships after defeating Ukraine 2-0. Gareth McAuley scored the first goal in a major championship for Green and White Army since 1986. It was an odd match, as there was a match delay due to 'adverse weather conditions'. Heavy rain turned to hail, but I'm sure it was nothing Northern Ireland and Ukrainian players couldn't handle. It was an odd decision by the referee as the delay only lasted 5 or so minutes, but it didn't cool down the lads from Northern Ireland. Here are the highlights of the match via twitter:

It was all so close to going gloriously, pathetically, predictably wrong for England. They put in a first half against Wales that was reminiscent of everything that England had ever done wrong in the past: there was talent on the field, more talent than the opposition, but England not only couldn’t get ahead, they found themselves behind. When Gareth Bale sent in his deep, deep free-kick past Joe hart, who maybe should have done better, it seemed like history was doomed to repeat itself.

Gareth Bale is already a better leader and winner at 26, than Wayne Rooney has ever been in his almost fifteen year career. That, along with a few other reasons is exactly why Wales will beat England tomorrow.

Bale Wins More On UEFA’s Big Stage:

Gareth Bale has already won two Champions League trophies at Real Madrid. Bale is only 26 and is just about to hit his prime on a Galacticos team that will only continue to spend and remain competitive in the years to come.

It is not easy to keep up the pressure in the heat of Marseilles. Especially if your opponents play with discipline and commitment.

Albania went onto the field with the focus reserved for the most important of games, and they immediately showed it. The Balkans awre spurred on by a wall of fans who came all the way to the Velodrome of Marseilles to support their country. A great sight.

Albania put on such a fight that France regretted not having their big names on the field. Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann started the game on the bench.

Romania vs. Switzerland ended 1-1 after a frenetic and entertaining battle. Romania took a shock lead through another penalty by Bogdan Stancu, but the Swiss pegged them back in the second half on the back of an absolute stunner by Admir Mehmedi. Switzerland dominated the match for large periods, but their final ball was well below par and they wasted a multitude of good opportunities, while Romania threatened often on the break. 

Russia vs. Slovakia ended 2-1 in favor of Slovakia as two moments of Marek Hamsik magic gave the small nation their first European Championship victory. It was a massive three points for Slovakia, and it mounts pressure on England in Group B as they get set to take on Wales tomorrow.  

The game started out slow, as both teams fought for control in the midfield. As such, neither team really had any clear cut opportunities. Fedor Smolov came close with a low drive that went just wide, while Marek Hamsik came close with a dipping volley. 

The result is official. Portugal have lost to tied with Iceland 1-1. It’s a result that somehow isn’t surprising but doesn’t make any sense at the same time.

Euro 2016 is well underway as we approach the end of the first round of group matches, and there have been some engrossing storylines so far. We here at The18 took a look at some of the highlights and surprising moments from the past week across France.

Dimitri Payet

In case you missed it, a video surfaced earlier this week of Germany coach Jogi Low scratching his crotch then sniffing his hand during Germany's 2-0 win against Ukraine. It was very funny and led to some content for some websites for which we are very grateful. But there's more.

Apparently, this was not an isolated incident.