By Tim Stannard

1) Griezmann stakes claim in new wave of world beaters

Friday sees the rest of the world catching onto the fact that Antoine Griezmann has been an exceptionally good footballer, after two goals to knock out Germany in the previous day’s Euro 2016 semifinal. But regular, brilliantly intelligent viewers of beIN SPORTS would have known this for some time having caught games for both Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, the two clubs the Frenchman has played for in La Liga.

“"He's a great player and he proved that tonight,” said French coach, Didier Deschamps, on the footballers who has now scored six goals in the tournament to top a fine season for Atletico where the footballer bagged 44 league goals over the past two seasons. Tune into the XTRA at 7PM for a special report on the Ronaldo v Griezmann battle in Sunday’s European final.

Karim Benzema is apparently not one to hold grudges, which is very un-French of the striker. Despite being exiled by France coach, Didier Deschamps, Benzema used the omnipresent medium of social media to both send a good luck message to the French team ahead of the victory against Germany and also a note of congratulations. “First never follows” says a promotional Benzema in his tweet, in a non-accurate statement when it comes to cycling and a yellow jersey wearer staying safe in a peloton for a mountain stage. Just sayin’.

2) Bielsa walks out on Lazio after only just walking in

Marcelo Bielsa continues to enforce his reputation as ‘EL Loco’. Just two days after officially taking up the reigns at Lazio, the Argentinean has quit his role 24 hours before he was to begin his first day on the job for the Serie A side. "We note with surprise the resignation of Mr. Marcelo Bielsa,” said a Lazio statement. The reason for the swift U-turn is either a possible run at the currently vacant Argentina national team job or the fact that Bielsa is a pickle jar short of a picnic.

At least someone one’s set to stay in Italy’s capital city. And that someone is Roma midfielder, Radja Nainggolan, who has announced that is remaining at Roma despite transfer links to Chelsea.

Despite an apparent offer from Atletico Madrid, Mauro Icardi’s wife and agent, Wanda Nara, has said that her hubby and client has no plans to leave Inter Milan.

3) Barca sniff conspiracy in Messi tax evasion take-down

CONSPIRACY GOSSIP! Here’s one to get some Barcelona fans up in arms. The local state lawyer who lead the case to prosecute Leo Messi in the tax evasion affair when the district attorney didn’t see the need? Former Real Madrid director with close ties to Florentino Perez. Mmm.

TRANSFER GOSSIP! ‘Marca’ claim that Barcelona are taking a long hard look at Deportivo striker, Lucas Perez, who netted 17 league goals for the Galicians last season. The 27-year-old is thought to be worth in the region of $22 million.

SPONSORSHIP GOSSIP! The current gap on Barcelona’s shirts may well be filled after the departure of Qatar airways. Amazon could be the new sponsors of Barcelona, claims local press over on the east coast of Spain. Although others claim a possible deal is off. Who knows. Either way, Sports Burst copyrighting ‘Amazon Prime’ headline for the next big win from Barcelona.

4) Klopp rewarded with super long deal with Liverpool

Liverpool certainly have big love for Jurgen Klopp. Despite only being in charge at the Anfield club for nine months, the German coach has had his contract extended from 2018 to 2022, the reward for taking Liverpool to the League and Europa League finals. "We are very much at the beginning of our journey, but to already have the connection we have with this very special place is incredible,” said a very perky Klopp.

It’s good to have goals, apparently. Jurgen Klinsmann’s is to take the US team to the semifinals of the World Cup in Russia. Which would be nice.

5) Raonic bidding for Wimbledon final in Federer face-off

Do not despair US tennis fans after Venus Williams failed to make it an all-American ladies final on Saturday! Canada is still waving the North American flag with Milos Raonic bidding to out fox Roger Federer in the first men’s big semi of the day – no innuendo intended – whilst Andy Murray takes on Thomas Berdych straight after.

Stage seven of the Tour de France is underway as the cyclists hurtle towards the mountains of the Pyrenees in a run from L'Isle-Jourdain - Lac de Payolle, where it will be time for the climbers. Despite a dramatic stage win for Mark Cavendish on Thursday, Greg van Avermaet still holds the yellow jersey.

What is Sports Burst?

The life philosophy of sports burst is that if you are not upsetting someone, then you are not trying hard enough. sb is a daily trawl and troll through the morning's sports news to bring you fact-nuggets to make you both smile and swear. hopefully at the same time.