D.C. United-Real Salt Lake preview (The Associated Press)

D.C. United is embarking on a four-game road trip, and playing on enemy soil has been an issue for the MLS team all season. D.C. United visits Real Salt Lake on Friday in Sandy, Utah, to start a stretch in which it doesn't play at home again until July 31. "We have to switch our mentality a little bit," D.C. United coach Ben Olsen told reporters.

Sabres re-sign McCabe to 3-year, $4.8 million contract (Yahoo Sports)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed defenseman Jake McCabe to a three-year, $4.8 million contract extension.

Ronaldo struggles as Portugal reaches Euro 2016 semis (The Associated Press)

When Cristiano Ronaldo failed to deliver, it fell to an 18-year-old newcomer starting his first game to help Portugal reach the semifinals of the European Championship. Teenager Renato Sanches had a coming-of-age outing for Portugal, scoring with a stunning shot from distance to cancel out Robert Lewandowski's early goal for Poland, and then converting his penalty in Thursday's shootout. At 18 years and 316 days old, Sanches became the youngest player to score in a knockout round at the continental competition, quite a way to return the trust placed in him by coach Fernando Santos on his first start of the tournament.

Earthquakes-Fire preview (The Associated Press)

The San Jose Earthquakes seek their first road win of the season and the Chicago Fire will take any kind of positive result to help dig out of a deep hole as the teams meet Friday in a Major League Soccer match at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. The Earthquakes (5-4-7, 22 points) are tied for seventh in the Western Conference and make their first visit to Chicago since 2013. The Fire (2-7-5, 11 points) are mired in the Eastern Conference cellar and haven't won an MLS match since May 21, a 1-0 decision over Houston.

Stamkos: Staying in Tampa Bay provides best chance to win (Yahoo Sports)

Loyalty, respect and the potential to win for years to come kept Steven Stamkos in Tampa Bay. The Lightning captain said Thursday that he followed his heart in re-signing with the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2008 rather than testing free agency, where he likely would have commanded much more than the $68 million he's due to earn over the next eight seasons.

Carli Lloyd is rested and ready for the road to Rio (The Associated Press)

Carli Lloyd says the time she's taken to recover from a minor knee injury has been a blessing in disguise because it helped her to slow down and reflect after a wild year. The 5-2 win gave the U.S. national team its third overall title in the game's most prestigious tournament, and made Lloyd a household name.

At Euro 2016, Ronaldo doesn't make same mistake twice (The Associated Press)

Cristiano Ronaldo didn't make the same mistake twice. In a semifinal penalty shoot-out against Spain at the 2012 European Championship, Portugal's star played no part. Spain had won the shootout 4-2 and Ronaldo never even got to take his kick.

Soccer: U.S. to meet Cuba in first friendly in 69 years (Reuters)

(Reuters) - The U.S. men's national soccer team will play their first friendly against Cuba in 69 years when they meet in Havana's Estadio Pedro Marrero on Oct. 7, U.S. Soccer said on Thursday. "We are happy to have the chance to bring our team to Cuba," U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said in a statement. "In addition to good competition, we are always looking for our group to have different experiences, and this is a unique opportunity." The friendly comes as the two countries work toward normalizing relations and follows an exhibition baseball game between the Cuban national team and Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays at Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana in March.

Quaresma the shootout hero as Portugal beats Poland (The Associated Press)

Ricardo Quaresma scored the winning penalty as Portugal beat Poland 5-3 in a shootout in the European Championship quarterfinals on Thursday following a 1-1 draw after extra time. After scoring an extra-time winner in the round of 16 against Croatia, Quaresma sent his spot-kick past Lukasz Fabianski to give Portugal a semifinal against either Wales or Belgium in Lyon on Wednesday. Earlier, Poland striker Robert Lewandowski had put his team in front with the quickest goal of the tournament, scoring inside two minutes.

Portugal beat Poland on penalties to reach semi-final (Reuters)

Portugal reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 by beating Poland 5-3 on penalties after the two sides drew 1-1 after extra time on Thursday. Jakub Blaszczykowski failed to convert Poland's fourth penalty, which was saved by Rui Patricio, as Portugal earned a semi-final against either Wales or Belgium in Lyon on Wednesday. Poland raced into the lead in the second minute when Kamil Grosicki burst down the left and crossed into the middle where Robert Lewandowski sidefooted the ball into the net for his first goal of the competition.

Del Bosque leaving Spain job after 8 years in charge (The Associated Press)

MADRID (AP) -- Vicente Del Bosque says he is standing down after eight years in charge of Spain, having guided the team to World Cup and European titles.

US men to play exhibition game in Cuba on Oct. 7 (The Associated Press)

The United States will play Cuba in a friendly for the first time since 1947 on Oct. 7 in Havana. It will be just the second visit to Cuba in the last 69 years for the American men, who won 1-0 on Sept. 6, 2008 in a World Cup qualifying match. The exhibition game comes a month after the United States concludes the semifinal round of CONCACAF qualifying for the World Cup with matches against St. Vincent and the Grenadines and then against Trinidad and Tobago.

LA Kings' Dustin Brown unhappy with loss of captain's "C" (Yahoo Sports)

Dustin Brown doesn't agree with the Los Angeles Kings' decision to strip him of their captaincy after eight seasons and two Stanley Cups. Brown aired his displeasure in a phone interview Thursday, two weeks after the Kings appointed Anze Kopitar as their new captain. Brown feels he was a strong leader while the Kings grew from a terrible team to a two-time NHL champion during his tenure.

Hurricanes buy out final year of D Wisniewski's deal (Yahoo Sports)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Hurricanes have bought out the final year of veteran defenseman James Wisniewski's contract.

Capitals sign Tom Wilson to $4 million, 2-year contract (Yahoo Sports)

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) -- The Washington Capitals have signed right wing Tom Wilson to a $4 million, two-year contract.

Bruins sign D Torey Krug for 4 years, $21 million (Yahoo Sports)

The Boston Bruins have signed defenseman Torey Krug to a four-year contract worth $21 million. Earlier Thursday, the team bought out the contract of defenseman Dennis Seidenberg, saving $2.83 million. Krug's 40 assists last season were ninth among all NHL defensemen.

Vertonghen out, Hazard in: Belgium injury worries take shift (The Associated Press)

Belgium's injury problems ahead of its European Championship quarterfinal against Wales have shifted from Eden Hazard to Jan Vertonghen. While captain Hazard has recovered from a thigh injury in time for Friday's game in Lille, Vertonghen has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament after tearing ligaments in his left ankle. Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said that Vertonghen traveled with the team to Lille where a MRI scan revealed the extent of the injury.

Sharks re-sign F Tomas Hertl to 2-year contract (Yahoo Sports)

The San Jose Sharks signed pending restricted free agent forward Tomas Hertl to a two-year contract. The deal announced Thursday is worth a reported $6 million and keeps one of San Jose's top players in the fold as the team tries to build on last season's trip to the Stanley Cup Final. The 22-year-old Hertl is coming off his best season as a pro, having recorded career highs with 21 goals and 25 assists in 81 games.

Blackhawks agree to 1-year deals with Rozsival, Mashinter (Yahoo Sports)

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to one-year contracts with veteran defenseman Michal Rozsival and forward Brandon Mashinter.

AP Source: Carle, Seidenberg among players on buyout waivers (Yahoo Sports)

A person with direct knowledge of the moves tells The Associated Press that Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Matt Carle and Boston Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg are among the players on buyout waivers.

Wales warms to pressure of history-making Belgium game (The Associated Press)

The last time the spotlight was on Wales in the way it is now at the European Championship, a 17-year-old Pele scored the only goal for Brazil in a World Cup quarterfinal. On Friday, Wales can go one stage further than it did in 1958 - the last time it made the finals of a major tournament - when it takes on Belgium for a place in the semifinals of Euro 2016. ''You have to put this down as the biggest game our country has ever been involved in (since),'' Wales coach Chris Coleman said on Thursday.

Boateng leading from the back for Germany at Euro 2016 (The Associated Press)

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, Germany (AP) -- Jerome Boateng has been a central figure in Germany's advance to the quarterfinals of the European Championship without conceding a goal, so it's a huge relief for his team that a calf injury won't keep him out of Saturday's quarterfinal against Italy. Boateng has helped set the tone for his side at Euro 2016 - at both ends of the field. It all started with a spectacular goal-line clearance against Ukraine when Germany was only 1-0 up.

Italy's strength as a group can upset Germany at Euro 2016 (The Associated Press)

Italy full back Mattia De Sciglio believes that what the Azzurri lack in star quality, they more than make up for in their strength as a group. Italy arrived at the European Championship with an aging team that was much criticized by the media back home. Next up for Antonio Conte's side is its old foe and reigning world champion Germany.

Ibrahimovic says on social media he's joining Man United (The Associated Press)

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Zlatan Ibrahimovic says on his official social media accounts that his next club will be Manchester United.

Southampton hires Claude Puel as manager (The Associated Press)

SOUTHAMPTON, England (AP) -- Southampton has hired Claude Puel as manager of the English Premier League club after being impressed with his command of French side Nice.

Premier League club Southampton hires Claude Puel as manager (The Associated Press)

SOUTHAMPTON, England (AP) -- Southampton has hired Claude Puel as manager of the Premier League club after being impressed by his command of French side Nice.

Leicester to Iceland: Don't start thinking about us (The Associated Press)

A member of Leicester City's backroom staff has advice for Iceland's national team as it heads for a quarterfinal at the European Championship against host France: Forget about us. ''Don't start dreaming, because as soon as you do that, you are thinking about the consequences of the result,'' Leicester performance psychologist Ken Way told The Associated Press. Leicester won the Premier League last season against the odds - one of the most improbable triumphs in English soccer history.

Evra urges France teammates to 'wake up' before Iceland game (The Associated Press)

France has failed to score in the first half at Euro 2016 and has been scraping through with gutsy second-half performances. ''We should be telling ourselves that one day it won't come off for us, and that it might be against Iceland,'' said Evra ahead of Sunday's game at Stade de France. France needed an 89th-minute winner from Dimitri Payet to beat Romania 2-1, then last-gasp goals from Antoine Griezmann and Payet to see off Albania 2-0.

Shanghai SIPG announces Hulk transfer from Zenit (The Associated Press)

Shanghai SIPG signed Hulk from Zenit St. Petersburg on Thursday, making the Brazilian forward the first high-profile signing in what is expected to be a mega-spending transfer window in the Chinese Super League. SIPG did not disclose 29-year-old Hulk's transfer fee, but the $60 million fee reported by Russian media would set a new Asian transfer record, topping the $56 million Jiangsu Suning paid this year for Brazilian Alex Teixeira. Guangzhou Evergrande paid $47 million for Colombia's Jackson Martinez.

5 Belgium players to watch (The Associated Press)

Belgium is facing Wales in a European Championship quarterfinal on Friday. Coming off a disappointing Premier League season with Chelsea, marred by a three-month layoff following knee surgery, Thibaut Courtois wants to cement his status as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. Courtois kept a clean sheet in all three games since, also denying Zlatan Ibrahimovic on several occasions during the Swede's last international game.

5 Wales players to watch (The Associated Press)

LILLE, France (AP) -- Wales is facing Belgium in a European Championship quarterfinal on Friday. Here are five Wales players to watch:

The Latest: Hazard returns to training for Belgium (The Associated Press)

The Latest from soccer's European Championship (all times local):

Czech Republic coach Pavel Vrba moving to Russian league (The Associated Press)

PRAGUE (AP) -- The Czech Republic Football Association says national coach Pavel Vrba has ended his contract to manage in the Russian Premier League.

Hazard returns to training for Belgium (The Associated Press)

Belgium captain Eden Hazard has returned to training ahead of the team's European Championship quarterfinal match against Wales.

Germany vs Italy: Heavyweights collide at Euro 2016 (The Associated Press)

Except one of them won't even get past the quarterfinal stage at Euro 2016. The continental heavyweights - owners of eight World Cups and four European Championships between them - collide in Bordeaux on Saturday in a match that stands out for many reasons. Germany and Italy have played each other eight times at the highest level and, bizarrely, the Germans haven't recorded a single victory.

NHL free agent pool is deep even without Stamkos (Yahoo Sports)

The big fish is gone, so now teams will circle around the other targets when NHL free agency opens Friday. ''There's some high-end guys this year and it'll be interesting to see what they get paid,'' Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said. If Stamkos' $8.5 million cap hit established Wednesday sets the bar, it's good news for not only Lucic, Eriksson and Okposo but the next level of free agents.

Sabres sign defenseman Nelson to 2-year contract extension (Yahoo Sports)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Casey Nelson to a two-year contract extension.

Predators acquire P.K. Subban from Canadiens for Shea Weber (Yahoo Sports)

Subban won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman in 2013 and had six goals and 45 assists last season before suffering an injury. The offensive-minded, dynamic 27-year-old has 63 goals and 215 assists in 434 career games, all with the Canadiens. Montreal general manager Marc Bergevin said trading Subban is ''one of the most difficult decisions'' he has had to make.

AP Sources: Steven Stamkos elects to re-sign with Lightning (Yahoo Sports)

Two people familiar with the decision have confirmed to The Associated Press that Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is staying put in Tampa Bay. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity on Wednesday because the Lightning have not announced the decision. The agreement was reached two days before the 26-year-old Stamkos had the opportunity to test free agency, where he was expected to command lucrative offers from numerous bidders, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings.

Pitch concerns return ahead of Euro 2016 quarterfinals (The Associated Press)

For organizers at a tournament like the European Championship, the less talk there is about the pitch, the better. Portugal coach Fernando Santos is concerned that the state of the grass at Marseille's Stade Velodrome could mean less of a spectacle when his team faces Poland on Thursday. France coach Didier Deschamps went as far as to call the Marseille pitch ''a disaster'' after players slipped during his team's group stage win over Albania.

AP Source: NHL forwards Nystrom, Raymond placed on waivers (Yahoo Sports)

A person with direct knowledge of the moves tells The Associated Press that Nashville Predators forward Eric Nystrom and Calgary Flames forward Mason Raymond have been placed on waivers in order for their teams to buy out the remaining year of their contracts. Nystrom, a nine-year NHL veteran, had no goals and seven assists in 46 games last season. Raymond, a nine-year veteran, had four goals and an assist in 29 games last season.

Blues sign Kyle Brodziak to 2-year contract extension (Yahoo Sports)

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The St. Louis Blues have signed forward Kyle Brodziak to a two-year contract extension.

Devils acquire former No. 1 pick Taylor Hall from Oilers (Yahoo Sports)

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- The New Jersey Devils have acquired former No. 1 overall draft pick Taylor Hall from the Edmonton Oilers for defenseman Adam Larsson.

Wild re-sign LW Jason Zucker for 2 years, $4 million (Yahoo Sports)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Wild have re-signed left wing Jason Zucker to a two-year, $4 million contract.

5 Portugal players to watch (The Associated Press)

MARSEILLE, France (AP) -- Portugal is facing Poland in a European Championship quarterfinal on Thursday. Here are five Portugal players to watch:

5 Poland players to watch (The Associated Press)

MARSEILLE, France (AP) -- Poland is facing Portugal in a European Championship quarterfinal on Thursday. Here are five Poland players to watch:

Belgium plots on how to break down obdurate Wales (The Associated Press)

Containing Gareth Bale doesn't appear to be Belgium's top priority heading into its European Championship quarterfinal against Wales. Recent experience shows that Belgium has found it difficult breaking down the Wales defense. Drawn in the same qualifying group for the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016, Belgium has struggled against Wales.

France keen to keep fans on board against Iceland (The Associated Press)

Like a theater audience demanding to be entertained, French football fans can be a fickle lot. The team will be keen that tradition doesn't remerge on Sunday when it takes on Iceland in the quarterfinals of the European Championship. Iceland, after all, is extremely popular among neutrals after its 2-1 victory over England in the round of 16.

Blue Jackets sign Seth Jones to $32.4 million, 6-year deal (Yahoo Sports)

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Seth Jones to a $32.4 million, six-year contract. Jones will count $5.4 million against the salary cap through the 2020-21 NHL season. Jones was the fourth overall pick in the 2013 draft to the Nashville Predators.

Italy's midfield worries piling up ahead of Germany clash (The Associated Press)

Italy coach Antonio Conte has some fresh worries over his team's midfield ahead of its European Championship quarterfinal clash against Germany on Saturday. Daniele De Rossi, a veteran of the triumphant 2006 World Cup side, is a doubt after picking up a thigh injury in Italy's 2-0 round of 16 win over Spain on Monday. ''We are doing everything to get him back but time is running out,'' Italy doctor Enrico Castellacci said Wednesday.

Undefeated Iceland basking in underdog status at Euro 2016 (The Associated Press)

Iceland's players will go into Sunday's quarterfinal against France with exactly the same approach they had when sensationally eliminating England from the European Championship. As the smallest nation to appear at a European Championship, Iceland was not burdened by the expectations heaped on England in Monday's round of 16 match. ''The pressure was always so much more on England.

Former England player Paul Gascoigne to stand trial (The Associated Press)

Former England player Paul Gascoigne will stand trial after pleading not guilty to a racially-aggravated public order offense. The former Tottenham and Lazio midfielder is alleged to have directed the abuse at a black security guard in November at his stage show, ''An Evening with Gazza,'' in Wolverhampton, central England. The 49-year-old Gascoigne appeared Wednesday at nearby Dudley Magistrates' Court, signing autographs for fans outside the court.

The Latest: Italy's De Rossi misses training again (The Associated Press)

Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi has missed a second successive training, raising questions over his fitness for Saturday's European Championship quarterfinal against Germany. De Rossi limped off in the 54th minute of Italy's 2-0 win over Spain in the round of 16 on Monday, after taking a knock to his right thigh. Italy coach Antonio Conte is already without winger Antonio Candreva, who has missed the past two matches with a groin injury.

Belgium won't be lacking for support for Wales match (The Associated Press)

Belgium won't be lacking for support when it takes on Wales in the quarterfinals of the European Championship as it tries to make the final four in a major competition for the first time since the 1986 World Cup. For two of the Belgium's players, Eden Hazard and Divock Origi, it will be homecoming of sorts. Wales' boisterous fans will do their best to compensate, no doubt.

Austria captain Christian Fuchs retires from national team (The Associated Press)

VIENNA (AP) -- Austria captain Christian Fuchs says he is retiring from the national team, a week after Austria was eliminated from the European Championship.

Hulk arrives in Shanghai ahead of expected move to SIPG (The Associated Press)

SHANGHAI (AP) -- Brazilian forward Hulk is expected to join Shanghai SIPG in a deal local media is predicting could be a record for the Chinese Super League.

Jessica McDonald named NWSL Player of the Week (The Associated Press)

Western New York Flash forward Jessica McDonald was named the National Women's Soccer League's Player of the Week on Tuesday for her hat trick against the Boston Breakers.

Ronaldo poses biggest threat yet to Polish rearguard (Reuters)

By John Geddie MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) - Poland have an impressive defensive record at Euro 2016 but standing in their way to a semi-final spot is arguably one of sport's greatest-ever athletes, Cristiano Ronaldo. The monstrous Polish center back pairing of Michal Pazdan and Kamil Glik face their toughest challenge yet when they come up against Portugal in the last-eight clash in Marseille on Thursday, though their previous matches have not provided much by way of preparation for facing the Real Madrid star. Describing 29-year-old Ronaldo as the "perfect athlete", U.S. lifestyle magazine Men's Health says he hits speeds of more than 32 kph, jumps nearly a meter in the air off one leg, runs an average of 16 km per match and hits more winners in the last 20 minutes than anyone else.

The US women will have a new home kit in Brazil (The Associated Press)

The U.S. women's national team will have a new home uniform this summer at the Olympics.

Odd-man out in Florida, Kulikov excited to join Sabres (Yahoo Sports)

Dmitry Kulikov was initially excited upon learning the Florida Panthers had acquired and then signed free-agent defenseman Keith Yandle to a long-term contract last week. Little did Kulikov realize that Yandle's addition would lead to him being the odd man out a few days later, when the Panthers traded the seventh-year defenseman to the Buffalo Sabres. ''I was comfortable with Florida,'' Kulikov said during a telephone conference call on Tuesday.

NHL fines Canucks $50,000 for GM comments ahead of draft (Yahoo Sports)

The NHL has fined the Vancouver Canucks $50,000 for tampering after general manager Jim Benning mentioned specific players the team might be interested in. Benning noted the Canucks' interest in Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban and Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos last week during a radio interview before the NHL draft in Buffalo, New York.

AP Source: Avalanche place Brad Stuart on waivers (Yahoo Sports)

A person with direct knowledge of the decision has confirmed to The Associated Press that the Colorado Avalanche have placed veteran defenseman Brad Stuart on waivers with the intention of buying out the final year of his contract. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity on Tuesday because the Avalanche have not announced the move. A nagging back injury limited Stuart to appearing in just six games last season.

Germany, Nordic group in 2024 European Championship bid race (The Associated Press)

Germany and a combined Nordic nations bid currently head the possible candidates to host the 2024 European Championship. The leading contenders are clear though they have expressed only unofficial interest for a contest that should be decided in 2018, UEFA interim general secretary Theodore Theodoridis said Tuesday. Turkey had been an expected bidder, after it was edged by France for the hosting rights to Euro 2016 and declined an invitation from UEFA President Michel Platini to bid to host Euro 2020 alone.

Soccer embarrassment, political turmoil after double Brexit (The Associated Press)

In a city that was once the playground of the British aristocracy, England's millionaire soccer players departed Tuesday looking as far from soccer nobility than at any time in the team's 144-year history. The latest chastening blow to the nation's sporting prestige was magnified by the instigators of their downfall in Nice being Iceland, the smallest team to ever qualify for a major soccer tournament which had spent years admiring the supposedly superior English. As the North Atlantic island nation prepared for a quarterfinal against France at its first-ever European Championship, the England team flew home to the latest in a long line of post mortems into why the country which invented soccer and hosts its wealthiest competition has not won a title since the 1966 World Cup.

Hodgson reluctantly faces music after seismic Iceland loss (The Associated Press)

Roy Hodgson faced the music on Tuesday for England's shock loss to Iceland at the European Championship, reluctantly appearing at a news conference to show that he wasn't afraid of the wave of criticism directed at the now ex-manager of England and the team. ''I don't really know what I'm doing here,'' Hodgson said at a news conference called by England's Football Association. While all critics agreed that England played appallingly in the 2-1 loss to an island nation of some 330,000 people, they disagreed on just how badly it ranked in England's sorry history of underperforming at major tournaments.

French champion PSG names Unai Emery as its new coach (The Associated Press)

Unai Emery, who guided Spanish club Sevilla to its third straight Europa League title last month, has been named as the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain. The French champion said in a statement Tuesday that Emery has signed a two-year deal, with the option for an extra year. The 44-year-old Spaniard replaces Laurent Blanc at PSG.

French champion PSG names Unai Emery as its new coach (The Associated Press)

PARIS (AP) -- Unai Emery, who guided Spanish club Sevilla to its third straight Europa League title last month, has been named as the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain.

Iceland headlines European Championship last-8 lineup (The Associated Press)

Somehow, a classic encounter between Germany and Italy is not the main attraction of the quarterfinal-stage at the European Championship. Iceland's next act in what is already one of the most surprising stories in European Championship history is the match that's drawing most attention. Can the team, which surprised so many by beating England 2-1 in the round of 16, do the same to host France when they meet at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis?

Germany coach not afraid of old foe Italy at Euro 2016 (The Associated Press)

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) -- For Germany coach Joachim Loew, all of his country's previous failures to beat Italy at a major tournament will count for nothing when the two sides meet on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the European Championship. Loew's biggest disappointment in almost 10 years in charge came in the semifinals four years ago, when Italy forward Mario Balotelli struck twice in Warsaw to knock his side out with a 2-1 defeat. The loss still hangs over the Germany coach, though he said it also helped him lead the side to World Cup success in Brazil in 2014.

Hazard misses training but Belgium coach not concerned (The Associated Press)

Belgium captain Eden Hazard was a noticeable absentee from Tuesday's training session as his team prepared for its quarterfinal match against Wales at the European Championship. Coach Marc Wilmots said that Hazard, who inspired Belgium to its 4-0 victory over Hungary on Sunday, had a muscle problem. ''Eden felt a slight spasm in the quadriceps at halftime against Hungary,'' Wilmots said.

The Latest: Germany and Nordics indicate Euro 2024 interest (The Associated Press)

Germany and a combined Nordic nations bid are possible candidates to host the 2024 European Championship. UEFA interim general secretary Theodore Theodoridis says the contenders have expressed only unofficial interest for a contest that should be decided in 2018. Turkey was edged by France for the hosting rights to Euro 2016 and declined an invitation to host Euro 2020 alone.

England's woes stretch into more years of hurt (The Associated Press)

For England, the 2016 European Championship will be a tournament few will ever forget - for all the wrong reasons. The 2-1 loss to tiny Iceland in the round of 16 on Monday in Nice has prompted the usual questions back home. Are England's footballers overly pampered-millionaires who lack patriotism?

England's woes stretch into more years of hurt (The Associated Press)

For England, the 2016 European Championship will be a tournament few will ever forget - for all the wrong reasons. The 2-1 loss to tiny Iceland in the round of 16 on Monday in Nice has prompted the usual questions back home. Are England's footballers overly pampered-millionaires who lack patriotism?

Tiny Iceland's dream Euro 2016 rolls onto quarterfinals (The Associated Press)

NICE, France (AP) -- Iceland has become the darling of the European Championship thanks to its underdog status and an uncompromising 4-4-2 formation that has made the team unbeatable so far in France.

Leadership crisis England's big concern after Iceland loss (Reuters)

By Ed Dove NICE, France (Reuters) - England's shock defeat by Iceland in Nice and subsequent Euro 2016 exit on Monday suggested that the British government isn't the only national institution threatened with a leadership vacuum. Roy Hodgson's post-match resignation leaves the Football Association searching for a successor, but the national team's crisis of authority stretches beyond the dugout following another characterless display lacking in the mental qualities that have underpinned England's greatest football achievements. "We haven't got leaders," former winger Chris Waddle told the BBC in the immediate aftermath of England's inglorious exit.

British media decry 'clueless' England after loss to Iceland (Reuters)

England's newspapers reacted with outrage to the country's 2-1 defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016, condemning the performance as "clueless" and "confused" and pouring scorn on departed manager Roy Hodgson. "They lacked leadership from Roy Hodgson here. "The lacking were deservedly sent packing by a more intelligent, committed, organized Iceland.

Who next for the 'Impossible Job' as England coach? (The Associated Press)

Wanted: Someone to turn around the fortunes of soccer's most consistently underperforming international team. England was beginning its search for a new coach Tuesday after Roy Hodgson's departure following the team's latest embarrassing exit from a major tournament, this time at the hands of tiny Iceland at the European Championship. Gareth Southgate, the coach of England's under-21 team, is an early if underwhelming favorite to succeed Hodgson.

Mane latest player to join Liverpool from Southampton (The Associated Press)

Senegal forward Sadio Mane has become the latest player to leave Southampton for Liverpool, moving to Anfield for a reported fee of 34 million pounds ($45 million). Liverpool announced the signing of Mane on Tuesday on what the club said was a ''long-term contract,'' without disclosing financial details. Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne have all moved to Liverpool from Southampton in the last two years.

Ronaldo aims for Euro record but faces tough Polish defense (The Associated Press)

If Cristiano Ronaldo is to send Portugal to the semifinals and match Michel Platini's all-time European Championship scoring record, he'll have to find a way through a Poland defense that's among the toughest of the tournament. Ronaldo has scored eight goals from four championships, one shy of Platini's nine, though he's been on inconsistent form in Platini's home country. Frustrated and angry in Portugal's opening draws with Iceland and Austria, Ronaldo has shown flashes of his true talent since then, scoring two goals in a 3-3 draw with Hungary and setting up Ricardo Quaresma's winner against Croatia in the round of 16.

Italy breaks jinx to end Spain's long European reign (Reuters)

By Patrick Vignal PARIS (Reuters) - Italy broke a 22-year hoodoo to end Spain's bid for a record third successive European title with a deserved 2-0 win over familiar foes in an absorbing last 16 clash between the two heavyweights at Euro 2016 on Monday. Italy triumphed with goals from Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle and will face Germany in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Bordeaux in another battle between a couple of powerhouses in European football. The Italians, who had not won a competitive match against Spain since the 1994 World Cup and were humiliated 4-0 by their old rivals in the Euro 2012 final in Kiev, were the better side on a damp evening, especially in the first half.

Iceland stuns England as Euro dream continues (Reuters)

By Mitch Phillips NICE, France (Reuters) - Iceland pulled off one of the biggest shocks in European Championship history when they stunned abject England 2-1 on Monday, leading Roy Hodgson to quit and sending the tiny nation into a quarter-final against hosts France. Although the soccer pedigrees of the two countries could not be more different, Iceland looked the better team in just about every aspect of the game and fully deserved to extend their dream run on their first tournament appearance. After falling behind to a fourth-minute Wayne Rooney penalty they levelled almost immediately through Ragnar Sigurdsson and struck again in the 18th with a shot by Kolbeinn Sigthorsson.

Time to rebuild for Spain after another early elimination (The Associated Press)

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) -- At least Spain leaves the European Championship knowing exactly what it needs to do. After two consecutive European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012 and an intervening World Cup, Spain was dumped out of Euro 2016 at the round of 16-stage by a resilient and well-drilled Italy. It's the second straight major tournament that Spain has failed to reach its previous heights.

Youthful England will learn from failure - Hart (Reuters)

(Reuters) - Goalkeeper Joe Hart has urged the youngsters in the England squad to learn from the experience of their humiliating exit to Iceland at the Euro 2016 championship on Monday. England's 50-year wait for their first major trophy will continue after Iceland, the smallest country to qualify for the European Championship, battled back from an early penalty to win 2-1 and book a quarter-final against hosts France on Sunday. Manager Roy Hodgson, who selected England's youngest 23-man squad for Euro 2016, resigned afterwards, having won just three of his 11 matches in major tournaments.

Iceland celebrates biggest victory with win over England (The Associated Press)

Aron Gunnarsson, every inch the bearded Viking, ran shirtless toward the Iceland fans and led them in their victory chants. Beating England at the European Championship was more than just Iceland's greatest sporting success. The Scandinavian nation of just 330,000 people, by the far the smallest country to qualify for a European Championship, inflicted a shattering 2-1 defeating on England - the country that has been the model for Icelandic football for decades.