The 2024 European Championships in Germany has been a spectacular footballing event, with the biggest and best teams from across the continent doing battle in some spectacular contests.

Whilst the likes of holders Italy and highly fancied Belgium have already been eliminated and pre-tournament favourites England and France requiring plenty of luck to sneak through to the quarter finals, it has been a tournament packed with drama.

With the tournament having reached the quarter final stage, there are plenty of sides in the hunt for Euro 2024 glory with many football betting sites and there are plenty of options out there for punters and bookmakers alike, with some superb sports betting bonus offers on the market for Euro 2024 currently.

Another side that have been through the mill at the tournament is the Netherlands, a team that were seen as one of the dark horses in the competition from the outset and despite some tetchy moments, they have progressed to the last 8.

An opening last gasp win over Poland was backed up by a turgid draw with France and a pain-staking loss to Austria, results that left the Dutch finishing 3^rd in Group D and with plenty of work to do if they are to go all the way at Euro 2024.

Next up was a potentially tricky tie against Romania, a game that the Dutch comfortably prevailed from and the goal threat of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, a man who always steps up for his country and who finds himself in the conversation for the Euro 2024 Golden Boot.

Glorious Gakpo

The impact Cody Gakpo has had on this Dutch side at Euro 2024 has been huge, with plenty of reds fans hugely enthralled by the performances he has been putting in for Holland at this tournament.

Playing on the left and cutting in on his right foot is a new role for Gakpo under Ronald Koeman for the Dutch national team but it maybe something incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot looks to employ, as he seeks to get the best out of a player that has yet to develop a sense of consistency at Anfield.

Cody Gakpo has been the talisman for the Netherlands so far at Euro 2024, scoring the opening goal against Poland, before backing that up with further goals against Austria in the group stages and against Romania in the last 16.

3 goals in 4 games has propelled him firmly into Golden Boot contention and how Liverpool would love to have a fully fit and confident Gakpo this summer, before he returns to Anfield for a big season ahead in 2024/25.

Dutch Dream

The Netherlands last won a major tournament back in 1988 and their long wait for silverware is only three games away at Euro 2024.

Next up for Koeman, Gakpo and co. is a tricky looking tie against Turkiye, one of the best supported sides in the tournament and if they win that, the likes of England or Switzerland will be waiting for them in the semi-finals.

Despite the collective opinion that the Netherlands haven’t hit anywhere near top gear in Euro 2024, they have progressed through to the quarter finals relatively seamlessly and they will believe that if their performances improve, they could have the tools to go all the way and end their 36 year wait for a major tournament victory.

Golden Boot glory

With each of the sides left in the competition all having played 4 games each, the goal tallies across the competition from some players have been hugely impressive. 

Cody Gakpo is joined at the top of the tree by German wonderkid Jamal Musiala, a player that has set the tournament alight thus far and who will be looking to propel his home nation to glory here at Euro 2024.

Elsewhere, big names such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Kai Havertz have all netted twice in the tournament and with their presence in the Golden Boot race noted, it could be an epic battle for individual honours here in Germany.

If the Netherlands are to go all the way however, it would be a huge achievement for Cody Gakpo and his Liverpool team mates Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, who will be buoyed when they return to club life ahead of next season.

THIS weekend, Pembrokeshire welcomed elite badminton players from across Wales to the first-ever West Wales Graded competition. Hosted by Haverfordwest Badminton Club, the event showcased over 100 players vying for ranking points at the impressive Pembrokeshire Sports Village.

The graded competition is a series of 4 tournaments across held across Wales in which Badminton Wales, the national governing body of badminton, pick the best players to compete in the annual Four Nations Graded International against England, Scotland and Ireland.

Badminton Wales Huw John, who has played badminton for over 50 years and a former All England Masters singles champion described the event as “Truly fantastic, a super tournament. It was wonderful to see some new faces taking part and what a lovely place Pembrokeshire is to come and visit. The event has been a credit to your club.”

Huw currently trains young and upcoming badminton talents like Miya Pan and Janis Leung and it was no surprise to him that both players reached the Women’s singles final, with Miya eventually taking the crown.

The standout performer of the day in the men’s E/F grade competitions was Jamie Noble, who achieved a remarkable treble by winning the men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Jamie, a 24-year-old from Flintshire, North Wales, shared his excitement:
“This is the first time I’ve won all three events at a single competition, and it feels good — quite surreal, to be honest. I’m exhausted though, and my legs are still hurting 48 hours later! I really enjoyed the day; it was a great event with a good standard of play, and I had some tough but fun games.”

Jamie has been playing badminton since the age of 7 but has faced challenges this year due to injuries. The West Wales Graded competition marked his return to competitive play after over two months. Jamie’s talent became evident at age 11 when he received one-on-one coaching from Luke Tanner, a coach based in North Wales. Now, he plays twice, sometimes three times a week, and encourages others to take up the sport, citing its fun nature and fitness benefits.

The club expressed their gratitude for the crucial funding provided by Valero, without which the competition would not have been possible. Stephen Thornton, Valero’s Manager of Public Affairs, commented: “Hosting this event is a fantastic achievement for Haverfordwest Badminton Club and for the sport in the county. Valero’s ethos is all about promoting inclusivity and excellence, and this event encapsulates both.”

Following the success of the competition, Badminton Wales has revealed that it is very likely they will return to Pembrokeshire in 2025.

IN a nail-biting finish this week (Jun 26), Carew Cricket Club emerged victorious over Cresselly Cricket Club by a slender margin of 7 runs in a closely contested match played at Kilgetty. This encounter, filled with intense moments and standout performances, kept the spectators on the edge of their seats.

Batting first, Carew set a target of 158 for 9 in their allotted overs. The innings saw valuable contributions from Shaun Whitfield (31), Brian Hall (30), and Rhys Davies (16). However, the standout performance came from Luke Hicks, who blasted a quickfire 42 off just 15 balls, providing the much-needed impetus towards the end. The Cresselly bowlers shared the spoils, with Tom Murphy and Christian Phillips both claiming 2 wickets for 22 and 23 runs respectively. Dan James (2-23), Tom Arthur (2-45), and Charlie Arthur (1-38) also made significant inroads.

In reply, Cresselly put up a valiant effort, but ultimately fell short, finishing at 151 for 4. Morgan Lewis played a magnificent innings, remaining unbeaten on 75, while Alex Bayley also shone with an undefeated 55. Despite their heroics, the disciplined bowling from Carew, especially Joel Rhead who conceded just 7 runs in his 4 overs while taking a wicket, proved crucial. Iori Hicks (1-24), Shaun Whitfield (1-36), and Rhys Davies (1-34) each chipped in with a wicket to ensure a tight finish.

The match was officiated by umpires Rob Bellerby and Dave Bonner, with scoring duties carried out by Julie Davies, Cerys Jenkins, and Phoenix Phillips.

This thrilling win for Carew underscores their resilience and sets them up as formidable contenders as the season progresses. Fans will undoubtedly look forward to more such exhilarating performances.