There’s soccer (the European Championship and Copa America), and tennis (Wimbledon). As far as a weekend of sporting finals go, it’s a big one. The blockbuster line-up is in stark contrast to 2020, when all 3 tournaments were cancelled because of COVID. A year on, it’s time to settle in. Or if it’s not your thing, at least you’ll be armed with a line to drop into conversation…

WHAT’S WHAT WITH THE SOCCER?
For the Euros, it’s England v Italy at Wembley Stadium, London. It’s the first time England has made the final since the competition started in 1958, and their biggest international finals appearance since 1966’s World Cup. And long-suffering fans are relishing the opportunity… But it won’t be easy with Italy coming in unbeaten in their last 33 games. If England does come out on top at home, fans will need a new chant… And if that’s not enough for football fans, there’s Copa America to decide the best side in South America. Argentina will play against hosts Brazil at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro. Not only is it a showdown between arch-rivals, 2 of the best players in the game – former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Neymar (Brazil) – will face off. Argentina is looking to equal Uruguay’s record of 15 Copa America titles, and Brazil wants its 10th, plus bragging rights…

AND AT WIMBLEDON?
Let’s start with the women. Our world #1 Ash Barty has made it into the finals after defeating 2018 champion Angelique Kerber in straight sets overnight. “Now we get a chance on Saturday to try and live out a childhood dream,” she said on court. She’s aiming to become the first Aussie woman to win Wimbledon since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980. She’ll play #8 Karolina Pliskova in Saturday night’s decider (Oz time) at the All England Club. It puts Barty into her 2nd grand slam final, having previously won the French Open in 2019. As for the men, we’ll know tonight who goes through to Sunday night’s final. Novak Djokovic is in the hunt for a 6th Wimbledon title and a 20th Grand Slam crown to draw level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. No pressure… And Dylan Alcott has powered into the quad singles final, continuing his quest to win a ‘golden slam’ of all 4 major titles and the Paralympics. He has already won the Oz Open and French Open titles this year and is the favourite to defend his Wimbledon crown on Saturday against #3 Sam Schroder. All match times are just a scroll away in Squiz The Day…