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The 2022 World Cup, set to be held in Qatar, could very well be the first major global sporting event since the Covid-19 pandemic to be held with no restrictions on presence of fans. After the pandemic disrupted the sporting schedule in 2020, numerous events were cancelled or postponed like the Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics. 

They were held this year but with restrictions. While the Euro 2020 only had limited fans at each stadium, the Tokyo Olympics was held without the presence of any. Of course, fans have been allowed into Premier League games and other European league matches but Qatar 2022 is expected to be a celebration of return to normalcy, or at least a semblance of what it was before Covid-19. 

Fatma Al Nuaimi, Executive Communications Director for the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), has touched upon the same while highlighting Qatar's commitment to deliver an amazing World Cup for the fans. In fact, 'Deliver Amazing' is a tagline for the Qatar 2022 and Al Nuaimi says the Middle-East nation is leaving no stone unturned in realising the meaning of it. 

"We are going to make sure we deliver an amazing experience to every type of fan. We are looking at everyone, people who will be coming to the tournament and people who will view the tournament digitally. We have mapped everything and we have planned for everything," she told Goal.

"I just wanted to emphasize on health, safety and security. It was always a priority for us. Within the circumstances of the world and Covid-19, we are going to make this a priority and this is where our fan experience will revolve around."

One of the most revelling experiences for fans going to World Cups will be the fan zones and areas where you celebrate matches of your favourite teams with fervour. Al Nuaimi was eager to point out that such fan zones and entertainment options for the fans will be available during the 2022 World Cup. The endeavour from Qatar is to ensure the fans do not miss out on the festivities and the Qatari cultural experience. 

"There will be fan fests like every World Cup which have fan fests where people can come and watch a football match and at the same time join the festivities of the World Cup. There will be some cultural festivities across Qatar. We are working with the cultural sector. For fans to actually celebrate with music and food. This will be a part of the experience. There is a lot of planning that is happening," she stated. 

And Al Nuaimi also stressed on how Qatar planned to 'Deliver Amazing' to fans from all sorts of backgrounds, financially, culturally and socially. Qatar have taken steps to ensure accommodation and entertainment facilities for all sections of fans are available when the World Cup starts in November 2022. From five-star hotels to service apartments to unconventional stay options, Qatar are exploring all possibilities.

"We will be catering to every fan preference. Sometimes there are misconceptions that Qatar only has five-star or luxury hotels but fans will find different types of accommodation. In the upcoming period, we are actually going to announce more details about the accommodation solutions for the fans. We have mentioned this in the past that we are looking at turning cruise ships into hotels. People might not always stay in a hotel and stay in a service apartment or rent a place in Qatar.

"We are trying, as a part of the experience, to facilitate the fans to find these locations and they can find them at affordable prices. From five-star and three-star hotels to cruise ships. All these will be temporary solutions as we don't want to, from a legacy perspective, we don't want to build for the demand.

"We don't want to end up having a lot of real estate locations that might not be usable beyond the tournament. So for us having these desert camps, cruise ships at reasonable prices. We are going to roll out a full-fledged communication plan specifically to address this to fans at the right time."

She also hopes that fans not only enjoy the atmosphere and revel in a World Cup but also take a piece of Qatar back home via the memories from the World Cup.

"From a personal experience, I have been to Russia for the 2018 World Cup and Brazil for the 2014 World Cup. This is where you can make the most of the memories. You watch the games in beautiful stadiums, but the memories you take away is what have you done in that country, seeing the soul of the country itself and this is what we are trying to give the people - a beautiful memory and we are working closely with the tourism department and cultural institutions of Qatar to ensure that."

South Africa claimed their maiden win in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualification - Group G - when they defeated Ghana 1-0 at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations final venue, FNB Stadium on Monday evening.

Bongokuhle Hongwane was the hero for Bafana Bafana as the Maritzburg United marksman grabbed a late winning goal which took the Southern African giants to the top of Group G standings with four games left.

Youngsters Hlongwane, 21, and Ethan Brooks, 20, were handed their full competitive debuts for Bafana as coach Hugo Broos made two changes to the team which faced Zimbabwe in their opening Group G game on Friday. 

With seven key Black Stars players missing after being recalled by their European clubs over Covid-19 fears in South Africa, Ghana coach Charles Akonnor made seven changes to the team which took on Ethiopia last week. 

Ghana were the better side in the opening exchanges with Mubarak Wakaso forcing goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into a low save from a free-kick and Andre Ayew dragged his shot wide of the target from inside the box.

South Africa were finding it difficult to penetrate the Black Stars' resolute defence at this point with Percy Tau looking ineffective in the right forward and Gideon Mensah was doing a good job to contain Bafana's star attacker.

Tau looked dangerous when playing in a central role and he thought he handed Bafana the lead when he headed home Nyiko Mobbie's cross following a good team move by the hosts, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The momentum was with Bafana towards the half-time break and they were winning set-pieces near the Black Stars' box, but keeper Richard Ofori made two good saves to deny Teboho Mokoena and Tau from set-pieces.

The hosts started brightly in the second-half and they should have taken the lead when Ofori allowed Mokoena's cross to sneak between his legs, but somehow Mothobi Mvala missed a gaping open goal from closed range.

Hlongwane then cut inside and unleashed a shot which was bravely blocked by Jonathan Mensah at the near-post, before an unmarked Evidence Makgopa connected with Tau's corner-kick, but he failed to direct the ball towards goal.

The pressure was mounting on the visitors and Mvala's acrobatic's effort hit the side-netting and Akonnor reacted by pulling a tired-looking Ayew and he introduced speedy winger Samuel Owusu with 19 minutes left.

Things were not going Ghana's way on the night as their finest keeper Ofori went down injured and the Orlando Pirates shot-stopper was replaced by Lawrence Ati-Zigi.

Broos then introduced Njabulo Blom, who was involved in the build-up to the hosts' goal after the Black Stars failed to clear Thapelo Morena's cross and Hlongwane was there to tap the ball home to hand South Africa a 1-0 lead in the 83rd minute.

Ghana then surged forward in numbers as they looked to snatch a late equalizing goal, but the hosts' defence stood firm and ultimately, South Africa claimed a well-deserved 1-0 victory on the night.

The Group G action will continue next month with Bafana taking on Ethiopia both home and away, while the Black Stars are also scheduled to take on Zimbabwe twice.

The Amir Cup 2021 final which will be held on October 22, 2021, will be played at the newly constructed Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar's Al Thumama district.

This will be the 49th edition of the premier cup competition of Qatar and the final will be played between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan. Al Sadd are the defending champions and have won the competition on 17 occasions in the past.

Last year, Al Sadd, managed by former FC Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez, had defeated Al Arab 2-1 in the final to win the trophy. 

Al Thumama, a 40,000-seater capacity Stadium will be the sixth ready venue for the upcoming 2022 World Cup after Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali and Al Bayt stadiums. The newly constructed stadium will be inaugurated on October 22, 2021, on the occasion of the Amir Cup 2021 final.

The newly constructed stadium is designed by renowned Qatari architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah. It will host group stage matches as well as one quarter-final and one semifinal ties of the 2022 World Cup. 

The Amir Cup 2021 final was originally scheduled to happen on May 14 at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Al-Sadd Sports Club but it was later postponed as the organisers wanted to host it in the presence of the fans.

Since May 2021, restrictions related to COVID-19 were slowly relaxed in Qatar. New health protocols were implemented which saw international sporting events being held in the country. 

The 2021-22 season of the Qatar Stars League is all set to be kicked off on September 11 with Al Gharafa taking on Al Shamal in the opening match of the season. Xavi Hernandez-led Al Sadd are the defending champions of the league.

Salernitana sporting director Angelo Fabiani has denied reports the club are interested in signing David Luiz.

Rumours had suggested the Serie A side were ready to offer the 34-year-old a route back into football after leaving Arsenal at the end of last season.

Fabiani, however, says the club's transfer business is now complete following the arrival of former Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery.

What did Fabiani say about Luiz?

Fabiani was speaking at a news conference announcing the signing of Ribery on a one-year contract.

The deal for the former France international is seen as something of a coup for the Campania-based outfit, who are back in the Italian top-flight after a 23-year absence.

“I’d like to thank Franck’s agent Davide Lippi because he made him understand what playing for Salernitana means,” Fabiani said.

Asked whether there was the prospect of more new faces, he added: “With Ribery, our transfer window is over. We’ve told each other that we’ve done enough. Ribery is our last signing, we’ve signed some excellent players.”

Luiz denies transfer rumours

Luiz himself had earlier taken to social media to deny rumours of an imminent transfer.

“Every day a different fake news,” he posted on Instagram. “It’s up to us to choose what we want to believe.”

A number of Brazilian sides including Flamengo are believed to be interested in Luiz, but the defender would rather stay in Europe.

Goal reported last month that former club Benfica had held talks with the player, while Ligue 1 outfit Marseille have also been linked with a move.

Further reading

Ex-France and PSG defender, of Senegalese descent, Jean-Pierre Adams has died after being in Coma since 1982.

The former centre-back died on Monday morning at the age of 73 at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Nimes Hospital in France. Adams has been in a coma for 39 years after the anesthetist overdosed him by anesthesia. 

The defender had sustained a ligament rupture injury and was booked for surgery on 17th May 1982 at the Edouard Herriot Hospital in Lyon. But in an attempt to lure the player to sleep, an anesthesiologist committed an aforementioned error that made the player suffer bronchospasm that starved his brain of oxygen and he eventually slipped into a coma.

Eight years later, the responsible parties, the anesthetist and his trainee, were given one-month suspended sentences and fined $815.

The incident had prematurely ended the player's career considering his influence in the game. His partnership with Marius Tresor at the heart of the PSG defence was referred to as the 'Black Guard' owing to their solidity. 

He leaves behind his wife Bernadette who bore him two sons.

After a youth development career with US Cepoy, CD Bellegarde, and USM Montargis respectively, Adam started his senior career at Entente BFN where he played from 1967 to 1970.

Between 1970 and 1973, he joined Nimes, playing 84 matches for them and scoring eight goals in the process. Nice went for his services from 1973 to 1977. At the club, he played 126 matches for them and scored 15 goals.

His next step was with PSG between 1977 and 1979. He played 41 matches for them and scored a goal.

Adam played a combined 34 matches for Mulhouse and Chalon respectively and scored two goals.

At international level, he played 22 matches for France.

Napoli paid Lille €68 million for the permanent signing of Victor Osimhen, club president Olivier Letang has confirmed.

Letang who succeeded Gerard Lopez as Lille CEO last December, dismissed reports that the Ligue 1 champions collected €81m for the Nigeria international in July 2020.

Osimhen joined Napoli on a five-year contract after his outstanding debut season in the French top-flight where he won the 2020 Prix Marc-Vivien Foe.

Letang, in response to Lopez who claimed Osimhen was sold for €71.3m with €10m bonuses, explained that the valuation of the four players added in the deal by Napoli caused the confusion.

“Initially everyone thinks that the sale of Osimhen is 81 million euros,” the former Rennes president told La Voix des Sports via L'Equipe.

“The sale of Osimhen on the transfer agreement is 68 million euros. Four players arrived from Naples.

“The valuation of these four players, in aggregate, is according to the specialized players a maximum of 500,000 euros. These four players were bought for twenty million euros.”

The 48-year-old added that no agent was paid by Lille to complete Osimhen’s departure to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

"Not a single intermediary was paid. An agent was indeed appointed on July 27, 2020 and the transfer contract was signed on July 27, 2020. This is also factual so we must stop lying and manipulating,” Letang said.

Osimhen has settled in well in Naples following the success of the move, and he scored 10 goals in 30 matches for the Parthenopeans across all competitions last season.

However, the 22-year-old started the 2021-22 Serie A campaign on the wrong foot after he was shown a straight red card, 22 minutes into their opening fixture against Venezia on August 22.

As punishment, he was handed a two-match ban and he could miss Saturday's clash against Juventus but Luciano Spalletti's side is working to appeal against it.

10-man Uganda have managed to register a 0-0 draw against Mali in Group E's 2022 World Cup Qualifier at St Mary's Stadium in Kitende on Monday.

The Cranes had to face the West African nation with fewer men after Murushid Juuko was shown a red card in the second half. However, the dominant Mali side was unable to find a way past Uganda who defended with all their might.

Isaac Mulemwe, who kept his position despite the changes made to the squad, delivered a ninth-minute free-kick but Ibrahim Mounkoro, in the Mali goal, tipped the goal-bound ball over the bar. 

Mounkoro, was alert in the 10th minute when he dived in the right direction and punched Joseph Ochaya's pinpoint free-kick into a corner that the hosts failed to harvest anything from.

Mali's most open chance came in the 28th minute when Juuko handled the ball just at the edge of the box, but Adama Traore was not able to find the back of the net with the resultant free-kick from a promising position.

Uganda's Juuko was yellow-carded in the 34th minute as the visitors piled more pressure on the Cranes in the last moments of the first half.

Although the teams headed back for the half-time break with the score reading 0-0, Mali were dominant in the first half and attacked their rivals, while the Cranes were confident in sitting back and possessing the ball in their own half.

At the hour mark, Mali made a change as Mohamed Camara was withdrawn and substituted by Adama Noss Traore.

Uganda were reduced to 10 men in the 65th minute when Juuko, with a yellow card from the first half, was sent off after a foul on Ibrahima Kone.

In the 67th minute, Innocent Wafula replaced Emmanuel Okwi, while Mustafa Kizza came on for Ochaya as Uganda made their first changes. Another change was made in the 88th minute, with Ibrahim Orit replacing Milton Karisa.

This is Uganda's second draw after registering the first one against Kenya on September 3, while Mali opened the qualifiers with a 1-0 win against Rwanda.

Uganda Cranes XI: Isima Bin Rashid Watenga, Denis Iguma, Isaac Muleme, Enock Walusimbi, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Milton Karisa, Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Derrick Nsibambi, Joseph Benson Ochaya.

Subs: Charles Lukwago, Joel Mutakubwa, Innocent Wafula Esimu, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Abdul Aziizi Kayondo, Ibrahim Orit, Richard Basangwa, Steven Desse Mukwala, Yunus Sentamu, Mustapha Kizza, Moses Waiswa Ndohondi, Kenneth Semakula.

Mali XI: Ibrahim Muonkoro, Hamari Traore, Falaye Sacko, Charles Traore, Boubakar Kouyate, Moussa Doumbia, Diadie Samassekou, Amadou Haidara, Mohamed Camara, Adama Traore, Ibrahima Kone,  

Subs: Mohamed Niare, Ismael Diawara, Mamadou Fofana, Senou Coulibally, Mayhem Siby, Aliou Dieng, Cheick Doucoure, Adama Traore, Mahahamadou Doucoure, Lassine Sinayoko, Rominigue Kouame.

Andreas Christensen has hinted that his time at Chelsea could be extended beyond the summer of 2022, with the Danish defender optimistic his contract situation "looks good".

As things stand, the 25-year-old is due to become a free agent next summer when his current deal expires.

However, Christensen is in favour under Thomas Tuchel and talks are being held regarding fresh terms for a man enjoying being in the trophy hunt with the Champions League winners.

What has been said?

Christensen, who is on World Cup qualifying duty with his country, told Ekstra Bladet: "I know a lot is being said right now. I can not say too much, but I think it looks good.

"We have won the Champions League and the Super Cup. I am very happy to be at this club and feel Chelsea are the right place to be in England."

He added, having overcome a testing period in his Blues career when he fell down the pecking order: "I know Thomas Tuchel believes in me. I have also played a big role since he came.

"I had a very difficult period under [Frank] Lampard, shortly before he was fired. Now luckily it’s going the right way for me. Things can go fast in this world. The most important thing is just that I have never given up."

What has Tuchel had to say?

Christensen made 19 appearances for Chelsea following Tuchel's appointment in January, with those including one off the bench in the Champions League final win over Manchester City.

He has played every minute of the Blues' three Premier League games this season having also figured in the UEFA Super Cup win against Villarreal, and has the support of his manager when it comes to a new contract.

Tuchel has said when asked whether Christensen is likely to remain in west London: "Hopefully. He is very strong. Super talented. He loves Chelsea, he is a Chelsea boy from the academy. This has a huge impact.

"In the moment I think he feels the trust. He knows he can absolutely help. He is a top defender and top guy. I have the feeling he is growing every week in confidence and personality, which is good. He is doing fantastic since day one and getting better and better."

Further reading

FIFA have released an official statement following the suspension of the World Cup qualifying fixture between Brazil and Argentina on Sunday.

The contest at Corinthians Arena was called to an abrupt halt minutes after kick-off when health authorities attempted to reprimand three Argentina players for breaching Covid-19 rules.

The visitors eventually walked off the pitch and roughly an hour after the game was stopped South American football's governing body CONMEBOL confirmed its suspension, and now FIFA have pledged to look into the incident in greater detail.

What's been said?

"FIFA regrets the scenes preceding the suspension of the match between Brazil and Argentina for the CONMEBOL qualifiers of World Cup 2022 which prevented millions of fans from enjoying a match between two of the most important football nations in the world," their statement reads.

"The first match official reports have been sent to FIFA. This information will be analysed by the competent disciplinary bodies and a decision will be taken in due course."

Which players were involved?

Aston Villa duo Emiliano Buendia and Emi Martinez, and Tottenham pair Giovani lo Celso and Cristian Romero were accused of falsifying documents to travel to Brazil from England prior to the heavyweight international fixture.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni took the decision to start Martinez, Lo Celso and Romero anyway, leading to a dramatic intervention from the country's health officials.

The Brazilian government originally recommended mandatory quarantine and deportation for the four accused players, but Scaloni and his squad boarded a plane to head home five hours after the suspension of the game amid the threat of detainment.

What's next?

No date has been set for the match to be replayed as of yet, and it has been suggested that Brazil could be handed a victory by default due to the alleged breach of quarantine procedures from Argentina's players.

For the time being, both nations will now look forward to their next respective World Cup qualifiers on Friday, with Brazil due to play Peru and Argentina scheduled to face Bolivia.

Further reading 

Bengaluru United defeated Central Reserve Police Force Football Club (CRPF FC) while Jamshedpur FC got the better of Sudeva Delhi in their respective 130th Durand Cup fixtures, on Monday.

Mohammedan Sporting kicked off the tournament with a 4-1 win over the Indian Air Force football team on Sunday, courtesy goals from Milan Singh (19'), Arijeet Singh (31'), Azharuddin Mallick (45') and Marcus Joseph (77'), with Saurav Sadhukhan (47') scoring a consolation goal for Indian Air Force at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Pedro Manzi on target as Bengaluru United beat CRPF

I-League second division outfit Bengaluru United rode on a 63rd minute strike by Pedro Manzi to emerge victorious against a 10-man CRPF side 1-0, at the Kalyani Stadium. 

Former I-League winner with Chennai City, Pedro Manzi, missed a few chances in the first half. He hit the crossbar from a direct free-kick minutes before he struck home the winner in the second half. The Spaniard did brilliantly to latch on to a long delivery in the box from Asraf Mondal before finding the back of the net.

CRPF finished the tie with 10 men as Moses Antony was sent off for a handling the ball outside his area while trying to block Luka Majcen's shot on goal in the 71st minute.

The win takes Richard Hood's side second on the table in Group A, thanks to Mohammedan's massive win in their opener.

Jamshedpur FC edge Sudeva Delhi

Jamshedpur FC opened their maiden Durand Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Sudeva Delhi at the Mohun Bagan ground.

The Indian Super League (ISL) side's academy graduate Lalruatmawia scored in the 34th minute which eventually turned out to be the match winner. Lalruatmawia took advantage of a defensive lapse to find himself through on goal before placing the ball in the bottom left corner.

For Sudeva, FC Bayern U-19 world squad player Subho Paul came close to equalising from the penalty spot but was denied by Jamshedpur goalkeeper Vishal Yadav.

Jamshedpur currently lead Group B, with FC Goa facing Army Green in the same group on Tuesday.

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has joked that he would welcome an opportunity to replace Kevin De Bruyne in the Blues' midfield, with the Brazil international claiming that such a move would "not change anything".

A Golden Glove-winning 28-year-old has seen his technical ability talked up on a regular basis since completing a big-money move to the Etihad Stadium back in 2017.

City have history when it comes to playing keepers outfield, with Stuart Pearce famously bringing David James off the bench as a striker in a final day showdown with Middlesbrough in 2005, and Ederson says he would be up for following in the former England star's footsteps.

What has been said?

Ederson has told CityTV when discussing James' cameo against Boro: "If I were to go outfield like this, I would not ask to be a striker. 

"I would prefer to play in the midfield. In Kevin's place! 

"If I were to choose, if someone asked me to play, I would say: 'Take off De Bruyne and play me!' It would not change anything!"

Will Ederson take a penalty?

The chances of Ederson filling an outfield role for City appear to be remote, with Pep Guardiola not the kind of coach to take unnecessary risks or make outlandish selection calls.

It could, however, be that a South American star gets an opportunity to prove his worth from the spot at some stage.

City have experienced plenty of penalty-taking struggles in recent years, with calls for Ederson to be given a chance mounting in intensity.

He is one of the cleanest strikers of a ball on the Blues' books and, while giving little away when it comes to technique, continues to make no secret of the fact that he would relish a shot at goal from 12 yards.

Ederson added when quizzed on how he would take a penalty: "I don't know. It depends on the game, what the game brings. 

"Of course the pressure is higher it it's 0-0. In a penalty shooutout as well. But if you're winning 3-0 and there's a penalty, the player is much more relaxed. 

"But I don't know how I would take it. But I can't say anyway. I haven't taken a single one and I won't be giving hints for the opponents. I hope someday it happens and you will see."

Further reading

Inter have joined the race to sign Ajax's Andre Onana, who has less than 12 months left on his current contract.

Arsenal, Tottenham, Lyon and Borussia Dortmund have all shown an interest in the Cameroon international in the last few months, but a doping ban has scuppered any possible moves.

The ban has since been reduced on appeal allowing the 25-year-old to play from November, and the Dutch giants are aware they are set to lose the goalkeeper and now target earning a fee from a January sale.

What have Ajax said?

Director of Football Marc Overmars spoke about his side's former No 1: "You can never say never in football [about him renewing his contract], but at the moment I do not see that he extends his contract with us.

"We have been very clear. We have spent a lot of time negotiating to extend his contract, but it did not work. We then gave him the space to move during the summer and it did not work either. He can leave in January, otherwise he will leave for free next June."

Who could win the race?

Arsenal have signed goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for £24m ($33m) from Bournemouth after opting against a player subject to a FIFA ban.

They may yet look to Onana again should they opt to push Bernd Leno out in the coming months. Meanwhile, Onana's agent Albert Botines has spoken publicly about a possible move to Lyon.

Equally, Dortmund and Tottenham have signed alternative options but Nuno Espirito Santo's side have only added Pierluigi Gollini on loan from Atalanta - albeit with an option to buy at the end of the season.

Onana was previously valued at around £15 million ($21m) but that price tag is likely to plummet in January with so little time left on his contract.

Although he is free to sign on a pre-contract ahead of a free transfer move in the summer from January 1, any club willing to pay a fee may steal a march to sign the shot stopper.

Further reading

Trent Alexander-Arnold has conceded he "found it a lot more difficult" in midfield during England's rout of Andorra, while revealing the decision to move him from his usual full-back position was an "experiment" from Gareth Southgate.

Alexander-Arnold has spent his entire career as a right-back for Liverpool, making a huge contribution in both defence and attack to help Jurgen Klopp's side win Premier League and Champions League honours.

The 22-year-old has also occupied that spot at international level, but it has been suggested his long-term future could lie further up the pitch and Southgate put that theory to the test in the Three Lions' latest World Cup qualifying fixture.

What has been said?

Alexander-Arnold completed 81 per cent of his passes from midfield as England earned a 1-0 half-time lead against Andorra at Wembley, with Jesse Lingard grabbing the goal.

The Liverpool star also managed one shot on target, but he was shifted back into defence for the second period and Southgate's side ended up winning 4-0 thanks to another Lingard effort, a Harry Kane penalty and a Bukayo Saka header.

Alexander-Arnold has now admitted he struggled to adapt to the new position, telling talkSPORT: "It’s a new role for me, a bit different, I think there’s been a lot of questions being asked whether I can or cannot play in there and a lot of opinions being voiced over the last few weeks.

“It was an experiment the manager wanted to try out, but it was difficult to get on the ball for me, I found it a lot more difficult to get on the ball in those spaces, but whether I’m starting in there or starting right back I think naturally I just find myself drifting into midfield, getting the ball and affecting the game.

“The second half we changed the system a little bit and I was able to find a lot more space and get time on the ball and get in positions that were fairly similar to playing in midfield anyway.”

Alexander-Arnold's international record

Alexander-Arnold's appearance against Andorra marked his 14th cap for England and his first international outing since sustaining a thigh problem in a friendly win over Austria in June.

The Reds talisman missed the European Championships as a result of the injury, and had to make do with a place on the bench behind Chelsea's Reece James for the Three Lions' first World Cup qualifying win of the international break against Hungary last week.

Alexander-Arnold will be back in contention for a place in Southgate's line-up when England travel to Poland on Wednesday night.

Further reading

Guinea left-back Issiaga Sylla said they are still in shock after the attempted coup d’etat that took place in Conakry on Sunday.

The Toulouse star confirmed that the Syli Nationale are safe in their hotel but they saw updates about the violence on social media.

On Sunday, Guinea President Alpha Conde was taken by the country's armed forces who went on to announce that they have dissolved the government on national TV.

The incident happened just a day before Didier Six’s men were scheduled to host Morocco at the Stade General Lansana Conte for their 2022 World Cup qualifying fixture, which has since been postponed to a later date by Fifa and Caf.

Although their camp is secured with soldiers, Sylla claims they are worried about the safety of their family members who are in the country.

“We found out around 8 o'clock on our way to breakfast that something was going on,” Sylla told L’Equipe. “Then we saw on social networks that soldiers were shooting from everywhere. But we didn't really know what was going on.

“The coach then came to see us to tell us that there was a coup. Soldiers were called in to secure our hotel.”

When asked if he heard gunshots, the 27-year-old, who has played five Ligue 2 matches this season replied: “No, we didn't hear anything, because we are far enough from the city center. But seeing the videos, we are all in shock.

“We did not expect all that, we were focused on the match against Morocco. The staff have set up indoor training. We tried to stay focused, even though we quickly knew the match wouldn't take place. Everyone is in shock about their family.

“We are at home, in Guinea, and everyone is thinking of theirs. For the moment, all is well for our people, but we are worried.”

According to reports, Morocco were said to have been escorted out of Guinea after coach Vahid Halilhodzic disclosed that he heard gunfire around his team's base in Conakry.

With their second Group I game indefinitely postponed and airports closed in the country, Sylla disclosed that leaving Guinea would be difficult for the players with club football set to resume this weekend.

“It's going to be a bit complicated, we're worried about that,” he continued.

“Everything is closed, the airport is closed. We went to see the coach to find out how it was going to go for us to return to our clubs. But we still don't know. He spoke with the president of the Federation, but we do not have an answer for the moment. We're ten minutes from the airport, but we can't move.”

Liverpool are in "constant contact" with Naby Keita after the Guinea international midfielder was caught up in a volatile political situation that has seen a reported coup d’etat attempted in his homeland.

Unrest in Guinea  led to the World Cup qualifying clash with Morocco, due to take place on Monday, being postponed indefinitely.

There are reports of borders being closed, with it yet to be determined when Keita will be cleared to head back to Anfield.

What has been said?

Liverpool are unable to offer any clarity as they ready themselves for a return to Premier League action away at Leeds on Sunday, but they are working on a resolution. 

A statement from the Reds read: "We are in constant contact with Naby and have had regular communication via his national team management. We are satisfied that he is safe and well cared for.

"Obviously the situation is fluid and we will maintain regular dialogue with the relevant authorities as we work to get Naby back to Liverpool in a timely and secure manner."

What has happened in Guinea? 

The developing situation is unclear, although an unverified video has shown the nation's president Alpha Conde surrounded by soldiers, who claim to have seized power over the country and dissolved the government.

Contrary to those reports, the defence minister is reported by the BBC as having said that an attempted takeover bid has been thwarted following “hours” of heavy gunfire in the capital.

Keita and co were able to play Guinea-Bissau last Wednesday, which ended in a 1-1 draw, but it remains to be seen when they will be cleared to return to action.

Further reading

Daniel James was never "Manchester United standard" says Rio Ferdinand, with the Wales international winger told a £25 million ($35m) transfer to Leeds will prove beneficial to all concerned.

Two-and-a-half years on from missing out on a deadline day switch to Elland Road, the 23-year-old has linked up with Leeds in a big-money deal.

His qualities are expected to sit better in Marcelo Bielsa's plans than they did under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Ferdinand saying a man who made 74 appearances for the Red Devils was never quite ready for the step up from Swansea.

What has been said?

Ferdinand, who spent time with Leeds and Manchester United in his playing days,  told his FIVE YouTube channel of James' move to West Yorkshire: "They’ve been on him for ages, they’ve wanted this boy for time.

"Listen, Dan James, I don’t think he’s Man Utd standard, but he’s definitely Premier League standard and the way Leeds play, he’s going to be a problem for a few teams.

"The kid in that team will be getting the ball and getting forward quick, and that suits his game.

"When you have to break down two banks of four like Man Utd that doesn’t suit James’ game, he likes space. Leeds United for Dan James will be a fantastic move for both parties."

What was James' record at Man Utd?

James joined United for £15 million ($21m) in the summer of 2019, with that deal being done a few months after a switch to Leeds broke down.

Eyebrows were raised when the Red Devils bought into his potential, but an immediate impact was made as he opened his goal account on debut against Chelsea.

James faced fierce competition for places and was unable to nail down a regular spot on the right of United's attacking unit. He did manage nine goals in his 74 outings, but was always on borrowed time at Old Trafford following the emergence of Mason Greenwood and acquisition of Jadon Sancho.

The Welshman could now make his bow for Leeds when they return to domestic action after the international break with a Premier League home game against Liverpool.

Further reading

Harvey Elliott has handed Liverpool an injury concern after withdrawing from England's U21 squad for their latest European Championship qualifier against Kosovo on Tuesday.

The FA have confirmed the news in an official statement, with Tottenham's Ryan Sessegnon also forced to pull out after picking up a knock in training.

"Harvey Elliott and Ryan Sessegnon have withdrawn from the England men's under-21s squad to play Kosovo on Tuesday," the statement reads.
 
"Liverpool player Elliott reported for international duty with an injury sustained during his side’s recent draw against Chelsea. Following further assessment, it has been decided that the 18-year-old is unlikely to play any part in the game in Milton Keynes so has returned to his club."

More to follow.
 

Nigeria have arrived in Sao Vicente for Tuesday's 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying match against Cape Verde.

The Super Eagles initially landed at the Amilcar Cabral International Airport on Sal Island because the Cesaria Evora Airport in Sao Vicente was closed.

A few hours later, it was opened and they connected to Sao Vicente via the chartered Air Peace flight that took them out of Lagos in the early hours of Monday morning.

The encounter is scheduled to take place at the Estadio Municipal Aderito Sena in Mindelo but the Super Eagles will be without their UK-based stars due to travel restrictions.

Rangers duo Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo, Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, Everton's Alex Iwobi, Watford's William Troost-Ekong and Oghenekaro Etebo have left camp to return to their respective clubs.

The Premier League banned players from travelling to red-listed countries on the British government's coronavirus watch.

Nigeria started their qualification campaign for Qatar 2022 with a 2-0 win over Liberia at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Friday, thanks to Iheanacho's first-half strikes.

The win shot them to the top of Group C with three points after Cape Verde settled for a 1-1 draw with Central African Republic in their opening fixture on September 1.

Tuesday’s match in Mindelo is expected to be on an artificial pitch and in a closed stadium, however, Gernot Rohr’s men familiarised themselves with the conditions by training at the Legacy pitch of the National Stadium, Lagos on Saturday.

Victory over the Blue Sharks would stretch Nigeria’s dominance in Group C and they have been boosted with monetary promise if they could secure all three points on the road.

Before they took off from the Muritala Mohammed International Airport on Monday, the CEO of Air Peace Allen Onyeama vowed to give the Super Eagles 20 million naira if they win.

The three-time African champions have previously met Cape Verde just once in an international friendly fixture which ended in a goalless draw in January 2013.