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Manchester United’s capture of Donny van de Beek “came out of the blue”, says Wes Brown, but the Dutch midfielder is considered to be an “excellent” addition to a squad generating plenty of excitement ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has snapped up another creative playmaker in a £35 million ($46m) deal with Ajax.

Other targets had appeared to be figuring more prominently on the recruitment radar at Old Trafford – such as Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho – but a notable capture has been completed.

Van de Beek is being backed to slot seamlessly into the fold at United, with Brown confident that a side that surged to a top-four finish in 2019-20 can burst out of the blocks in the new campaign.

The former Red Devils defender told the club’s official website: “I’m really excited. It’s a new start for us.

“We’ve brought in Donny, which is excellent, out of the blue as well. He’s a good age and it looks like he’ll fit in well with what Ole is trying to do with the players we already have. Hopefully, we'll get a couple more players in too.”

Brown added on the momentum that United established over the second half of last season: “After lockdown, we came back excellently, we were very strong in most departments. There were a lot of games to jam in and people got tired but the lads did well.

“I want us to have a good start, the lads have had a little bit of a rest, but we have to start strongly and throw down benchmarks early on.”

United wrapped up a third-place finish in the Premier League under Solskjaer’s guidance, but did come unstuck at the semi-final stage of Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League competition.

And Brown believes those setbacks will serve as added incentive to go even better in the upcoming campaign.

A man who collected 11 major honours during his time at Old Trafford – including five Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns – said: “The end of the season was disappointing, in the fact that we got to two semis and didn’t get through, but I still think we’re moving forward. And the experiences from those two semis will help the players this season.

“Those defeats gave you a bit of a boost because, when you come to play those teams again and you’re walking out for the warm-up, you remember that maybe you got beat 2-0 the season before and how much they celebrated and that gives you a little bit more determination.

“The lads will remember those defeats and they’ll be trying to make it right this season.”

Gor Mahia have come out to deny reports they are in the market for a new coach to replace Steven Polack.

A week ago, a source within the club confirmed to Goal Gor Mahia are in the market for a new coach to replace Polack, who joined the club at the start of last season to fill the void left by Hassan Oktay.

“Yes, they [Gor Mahia] are looking for another coach but for now I cannot confirm whether he has resigned or he has been sacked,” a source told Goal on Friday.

Gor Mahia have now denied the reports with the club’s new treasurer Dolfina Odhiambo stating they have not fired Polack and they are ready for the new season with the British coach.

“The office has no intention to hire a new coach,” Odhiambo is quoted by The Star. “Polack has not tendered a letter indicating he has resigned neither has the management laid him off his duties.

“He and his assistant were fully involved in the player transfer and we are looking forward to the new season. If at all the management will need a new coach, we may not advertise the job since there were a host of applications last year.”

Polack has already responded to the exit reports revealing to Goal he does not respond to rumours and maintained the reports will remain rumours.

“Rumours are just rumours”, Polack told Goal when asked about his future at the club. “I don't comment on rumours.”

Polack took charge of K’Ogalo when they faced huge financial constraints as they operated without a sponsor. His time was characterised by reported go-slows by members of the playing unit but he managed to register solid results on the pitch nonetheless.

They fought and topped the league table consistently, especially after they had been eliminated in the Caf Confederation Cup by Daring Club Motema Pembe.

The team also managed to win the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) after Football Kenya Federation (FKF) moved to declare them champions after ending the 2019-20 campaign owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Gor Mahia who were sitting at the top of the table were awarded the title, beating Kakamega Homeboyz who were sitting third whereas Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United were promoted to the top-flight from the National Super League.

Gor Mahia are in the process of restructuring the playing unit in anticipation of a better campaign in the 2020/21 Caf Champions League.

They, alongside Wazito FC, are the KPL clubs who have been busier in the transfer market. They have moved with speed to cover the gaping holes that were left by Joash Onyango, Boniface Omondi, David Mapigano, Fredrick Odhiambo, and Dickson Ambundo.

Former Queens Park Rangers forward Eberechi Eze, Brice Samba, Said Benrahma are the only Africans in PFA Championship Team of the Year dominated by Leeds United.

Eze was named in a three-man midfield that parades Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips and West Bromwich Albion's Romaine Sawyers.

Although the Superhoops finished in distant 13th in the log having accrued 58 points from 46 encounters, the Anglo-Nigerian put up notable performances that saw him account for 13 goals and eight assists.

That saw three awards tumbled for the 22-year-old during QPR’s end-of-season awards. He scooped the Ray Jones Players' Player of the Year, Junior Hoops Player of the Year, as well as QPR's Supporters' Player of the Year.

Ultimately, that earned him a five-year-deal with Premier League giants Crystal Palace plus a call-up to England’s U21 squad.

Brentford winger Benrahma joins teammate Olli Watkins and Fulham Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Algeria international was one of the best performing players for the Bees as they reached the final of the play-off last season.

The 25-year-old bagged 17 goals with nine assists in 43 league games – which included two hat-tricks against Hull City and Wigan Athletic. He was also crowned Brentford Supporters' Player of the Year and has also been linked with a move to Arsenal and Chelsea.

Samba is the only Nottingham Forest player in the selection. Aside playing in all 40 league games, Republic of Congo goalkeeper who joined City Ground from Caen in 2019 put up several strong displays, nevertheless, the Reds stuttered in their ambition to earn a Premier League berth.

He took to social media to express his delight following his selection by the Professional Footballers' Association.

“Very honored to be part of this team for my very first season in England we go for more,” the 26-year-old tweeted.

Anthony Martial was pleased to have made an impact for France upon his return to the squad after two and a half years in the wilderness as the world champions defeated Croatia 4-2 in the Nations League.

France head coach Didier Deschamps called up Martial to the national team for the first time since March 2018 following a stellar season at club level for Manchester United.

The 24-year-old came on as a substitute in the 1-0 victory over Sweden on Saturday and won a penalty that Antoine Griezmann fired over.

With Kylian Mbappe ruled out of Tuesday's Nations League clash against Croatia after testing positive for coronavirus, Martial was handed a start and set up Griezmann to restore parity after Dejan Lovren's opener in Paris.

Martial then saw his effort from Wissam Ben Yedder's cross hit the post and go in off the back off goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, putting France ahead before half-time.

Josip Brekalo equalised 10 minutes after the restart but Dayot Upamecano's header and a penalty from Olivier Giroud gave Les Bleus victory in the replay of the 2018 World Cup final, which they won by the same scoreline.

"It's been a long time since I played for France and it was important to me to have a good match," Martial told TF1. "I managed to score and provide an assist. We won and I'm very happy.

"It was a bit complicated in the front three at the start because we didn't have the ball, but as soon as we managed to combine, we knew how to put them in danger.

"The victory was great. We scored points and that's important."

France laboured to victory over Sweden and Deschamps persisted with the same 3-4-3 formation against Croatia, though he changed seven players in his line-up.

Deschamps hopes to iron out the kinks in the system ahead of the delayed Euro 2020 next year.

"It's a good thing we had difficulties. The formation is new and we don't have all the automatisms. I changed seven players between the two matches, but I'm not looking for excuses," he told TF1.

"We need to be having difficulties now. June 2021 will not be the time for that.

"Everyone can analyse as they please. This system has advantages and disadvantages, but it will be necessary to repeat this system to develop the automatisms."

Brescia and Italy sensation Sandro Tonali appeared to confirm his transfer to Serie A giants AC Milan via social media.

Tonali is reportedly set to undergo his Milan medical on Wednesday ahead of his €35 million (£32m/$41m) switch from Brescia.

The 20-year-old midfielder, compared to Italian great Andrea Pirlo, had been tipped to join city rivals Inter following his exploits for Brescia.

But Tonali - a Milan fan as a child - seemingly announced his move to the Rossoneri before any official announcement.

Tonali uploaded a picture of himself as a child to his Instagram stories, wearing an AC Milan shirt via Instagram, with the caption: "Blame the fairytales".

A technically gifted midfielder renowned for his dribbling and passing abilities, Tonali scored once and registered seven assists for Brescia as they were relegated from Serie A in 2019-20.

Tonali – who ignored offers from Barcelona and Manchester United – had played a key role in Brescia's promotion to Italy's top tier in 2018-19.

Brescia chief Massimo Cellino confirmed on Sunday that Tonali wanted to join AC Milan, however he preferred the talented midfielder to move to Roma because of his personal connection with the capital club.

Speaking to Il Messaggero, Cellino said: "Sandro has supported Milan since he was a child.

"The negotiation with them made me doubly happy – I also respect a club that gives value to money.

"[Milan technical director, Paolo] Maldini has Milan DNA and has all the prerequisites for becoming a great manager.

"I would have seen Sandro more at Roma. It's a beautiful team, a hot city. [Roma vice-president, Mauro] Baldissoni told me some time ago that he was their dream, but now I don't know who is in charge of their transfers.

"I had an excellent relationship with [former president, Franco] Sensi and I know [former director of football, Walter] Sabatini very well.

"I feel very attached to Roma. For this reason, when I sold Cagliari, I had the dream of buying Roma and rehabilitating it, enhancing its potential through my work and my experience. It remained just a dream."

Cristiano Ronaldo revealed his delight at his 100th and 101st Portugal goals on social media on Tuesday.

Ronaldo scored a brace against Sweden in a 2-0 away Nations League win.

At the same Stockholm stadium where the forward scored a hat-trick in 2014 World Cup qualifying, his first was a stunning free-kick to bring up a century in international football.

Ronaldo was not done there, though, and curled in a fine second, with Ali Daei's record tally of 109 goals for Iran within his sights.

The Portugal captain posted on Instagram: "Huge pride in this historical goal for our national team!

"When they tell me I can reach 100, I say it's not enough...101 goals for Portugal."

Ronaldo's Portugal team-mate and Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes was full of praise for the 35-year-old after Tuesday's game, saying that the veteran can still make the difference in any match.

"We know that [with Ronaldo] it is easier to reach the goal," Fernandes said. "He has a nose for goal and can solve a game at any time.

"That was what happened before half-time, in a free-kick situation. Just yesterday he had six or seven like that in training and today he did the same.

"It's great to have Cristiano. He makes any team stronger."

Portugal's Nations League campaign has got off to a flying start as they attempt to defend the title they won in the inaugural competition in 2019.

They are sitting top of Group 3 in League A, with the Sweden victory and a thumping 4-1 win over Croatia on Friday earning the maximum of six points on offer.

France have also won both their matches against Sweden and Croatia but are ranked behind Portugal with two-less goal difference.

The two European powerhouses will meet in a top-of-the-table clash on October 11 in Paris.

France have won 10 of the last 11 meetings between the two nations - dating back to 1975 - but Portugal won the last battle 1-0 in extra-time at the 2016 European Championships.

Jack Grealish has described his England debut as 'emotional' with the Aston Villa star finally pulling on a Three Lions shirt in the 0-0 draw against Denmark.

The 24-year-old came on as a 76th minute substitute for fellow debutant Kalvin Phillips as Gareth Southgate's side failed to break down a stubborn Danish defence in Copenhagan on Tuesday.

Grealish has been long-tipped to make an impact on the international scene and got his opportunity in the squad for the Iceland and Denmark matches after Marcus Rashford's withdrawal.

The Villa skipper felt it was an honour to play for his country and hoped there would be many more appearances to come.

"I was actually a bit emotional. It's something you dream of. Everyone dreams as a little kid of playing for England," Grealish told Sky Sports.

"It was such a privilege coming on and it's a shame we couldn't get the win in the end. I want to thank Gareth [Southgate] for giving me the opportunity and hopefully it is the first of many.

"I got told to warm up and I stayed out there for 10, 15 minutes until I got the call. When I did it was obviously a brilliant moment for me. I'm sure I'll have a few messages but it's obviously a brilliant day for myself and one of the best of my career so far.

"It's my first game and I was happy with how I've done with my debut and as I say hopefully it's the first of a few. I've enjoyed every single minute. Everyone has made me feel welcome here."

Alongside Grealish and Phillips, Wolves captain Conor Coady and Arsenal full-back Ashley Mailtland-Niles also made their first Three Lions appearances.

Coady - who become the first Wolves player to start for England since Steve Bull in 1990 - was proud to feature for his nation for the first time.

"Immensely [proud]. It's a dream come true. It's incredible to play with this group of players," Coady told Sky Sports. "There are world class players in this group - don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

"We're disappointed not to go away with the win but from a personal point of view I'm immensly proud.

"It's such a big moment. We found out this morning and it was an incredible feeling to see my name on the board with those players.

"I'm here to help these players and the team we're all here to improve the team. We've done alright but we wanted to come away with the win."

With Coady and Phillips starting the match, and Grealish and Maitland-Niles entering the fray as substitutes, it was the first time England played four debutants in a match since October 1962.

Bruno Fernandes lauded Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after his 100th and 101st international goals secured a 2-0 Nations League win at Sweden.

Ronaldo came into the match looking for a milestone strike at international level and the superstar captain reached a century of Portugal goals just before half-time in Stockholm Tuesday.

Gustav Svensson was sent off for a second bookable offence, allowing Ronaldo to fire in a stunning free-kick to celebrate his 100th Portugal goal.

Portugal were in complete control but needed a second goal of similarly high quality from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to make the points safe in the Group A3 encounter.

The victory gave defending Nations League champions two wins to begin this season's competition, having defeated Croatia 4-1 on Saturday without Ronaldo, who missed out with a toe infection.

Manchester United midfielder Fernandes was full of praise for the 35-year-old after Tuesday's game, saying that the veteran can still make the difference in any match.

"We know that [with Ronaldo] it is easier to reach the goal," Fernandes said. "He has a nose for goal and can solve a game at any time.

"That was what happened before half-time, in a free-kick situation. Just yesterday he had six or seven like that in training and today he did the same.

"It's great to have Cristiano. He makes any team stronger."

Portugal could not match the four goals they ran in against Croatia, though, and Fernandes added: "We managed the game well, we knew how to take advantage of opportunities.

"We could have scored more goals, but we are happy here, because we took what was important and we are at the top of the group."

Portugal coach Fernando Santos has also marvelled at his side's superstar, saying that the Juventus forward thrives on setting more records.

He told a news conference: "What more can I say? A team that has the best in the world cannot be better without the best in the world.

"[Ronaldo] goes on breaking records and records and then, when everyone thinks he is going to finish, there are even more records to beat. He feeds on it."

Cristiano Ronaldo compared football without fans to going to a circus and not seeing clowns after he scored both goals in Portugal's 2-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday night. 

It was a milestone night for the attacker, who surpassed 100 international goals in the Nations League encounter, and helped guide Portugal to a comfortable victory. 

The match in Stockholm was however played without fans as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and Ronaldo revealed afterwards just how much he misses interacting with fans. 

"There is no need to regret, when I do something I like to be whistled because it gives me chills. But health comes first, if the WHO says that these aren't safe conditions, that's it. The most important thing is the human being," Ronaldo told RTP post-match.

"Playing without fans is like going to the circus and not seeing clowns, it’s like going to the garden and not seeing flowers."

Ronaldo, who scored in either half against Sweden, returned to Portugal's side after sitting out of their recent 4-1 win against Croatia with a toe infection. 

Prior to the match on Tuesday, there were some speculation whether Portugal were ready to perform without Ronaldo, but the 36-year-old confidently brushed off those suggestions post-game. 

"I didn't follow the news, it's an opinion. I knew I left a mark the last time I played at this stadium, now it was the same," he said. "I don't care about provocations, what I have done speaks for itself.

"Obviously the 100 mark, with two great goals, I am very happy. The future belongs to God alone, I am privileged to play with this lot of players, the manager already knows me, there are no words.

"When I had the problem with my toe, I knew that I could recover for this game. I like being here, with this group, with this coach, with this staff. I knew that in the first game everything was going to be okay, our team is very good.

"I will go after [the international goals record] but the records are not an obsession."

Portugal, who won the inaugural Nations League tournament, have won their past four matches in all competitions by a margin of 14-1. 

England manager Gareth Southgate has said that axed duo Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood must rebuild trust before they are reconsidered for another international call-up.

The pair were sent home early from England duty after breaking coronavirus protocols in Iceland, amid allegations they invited girls back to their hotel room.

Foden and Greenwood's first senior call-up ended with the pair facing a possible fine from Icelandic authorities for violating the country's regulations.

Speaking after England drew Denmark 0-0 in the Nations League on Tuesday, Southgate admitted that the Man City and Man Utd stars had work to do before they'd be considered for a second England call.

"The consequence has been there and they now need support. Everyone is wading in on them. They need help to rebuild," Southgate told Sky Sports.

"They need to understand the expectations of being an England player. We must help them on that process. We need to build trust and you have got to help young people back on their feet."

Southgate said that the pair's actions would have seen them axed from the England squad even if there were no coronavirus regulations in place.

"I've spoken to both of them as I said yesterday they know what happened is unacceptable on both a Covid basis and, as I've learned more details, on any basis. Either way they would have gone home."

When asked if he'd consider the duo for a recall in October, Southgate responded: "I'll make a decision on that. A lot of trust must be built first. My mindset is not to hurt these boys any more.

"They're going through that with their families and friends and I don't need to add into that."

While Foden and Greenwood each made their England debut in Saturday's 1-0 win over Iceland, another Premier League star, Jack Grealish, won his first England cap against Denmark on Tuesday.

Grealish has backed his England team-mates to learn from their mistakes and come back stronger in the future.

"I've tried not to look into it too much," Grealish told Sky Sports of the incident. "They're young kids who will learn. It's my first England camp myself and I've just focused on myself and tried to impress the manager.

"They're both brilliant kids and I'm sure they'll learn from what they've done."

Standard Liege have completed the signing of Jackson Muleka on a four-year contract from Democratic Republic of Congo giants TP Mazembe.

The Belgian First Division A club confirmed the acquisition of the 20-year-old, over three weeks after TP Mazembe disclosed his trip to Belgium.

Prior to his move abroad, the Lubumbashi-born forward spent his entire career in his native town. He rose through the ranks at TP Mazembe's academy - Katumbi Football Academy and later made his first-team debut in 2017.

Muleka scored over 50 goals for the Congolese giants during his three-year stint, and he remains the leading top scorer in the Caf Champions League this season with seven goals in eight games.

He is expected to boost Standard Liege's frontline after their unbeaten start to the 2020-21 season where they have won three and drawn one of their four league outings.

Muleka expressed his excitement after joining Galatasaray's Christian Luyindima, AS Eupen's Jonathan Bolingi and Merveille Bope in the list of players who moved from Lubumbashi to Liege.

"Very proud and happy to join Standard Liege. Thank you to the Lord for his grace and thank you all for your support," Muleka wrote on Instagram.

He joins compatriots John Nekadio, Merveille Bokadi, Cameroon's Collins Fai, Morocco's Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez, Selim Amallah and Burkina Faso's Abdoul Tapsoba in the Reds set-up this campaign.

On the international scene, Muleka earned his maiden invitation to DR Congo national team in 2019 after shining in the U20 and U23 teams the previous year.

The 20-year-old has played four games for the Leopards so far and he opened his international goal account in their 2-2 draw against the Gambia in an Afcon qualifying match last November.

Rennes starlet Eduardo Camavinga has become the youngest senior France international since 1914. 

Camavinga came on in the 63rd minute of France's 4-2 Nations League win over Croatia on Tuesday, replacing N'Golo Kante to make his international debut at the age of 17 years and 303 days. 

The teenager became France's third-youngest debutant when he came on the pitch at Stade de France, making him the youngest player to play for France since Maurice Gastiger, who made his debut in 1914 at the age of 17 years and 128 days.

"First of all I feel joy and pride for my family and for all French people," he told TF1 after the match. "I have no idea where this confidence comes from, I have often played with older players, and it surely allowed me to have a greater maturity to play with them.

"It was pretty crazy this first week at Clairefontaine, I had already come with the Bleuets (France youth national teams). I was very well received and it went well.

"Yes, my goal is to come back, of course, and first of all to concentrate on performing well with my club because we have a match on Sunday and then with the national team if I am called back."

Though Real Madrid have been credited with an interest in Camavinga, the teenager has insisted that he will stay with Rennes for the 2020-21 season.

Camavinga has said he is inspired by Paul Pogba  and has been compared to his countryman, who helped lead France to the World Cup title in 2018. 

Pogba scored in the final against Croatia, which ironically ended with the same 4-2 scoreline as Tuesday's match, as did Antoine Griezmann. 

Griezmann netted again on Tuesday, levelling the match in the 43rd minute after Dejan Lovren had opened the scoring for the visitors. 

The Barcelona man's goal was his 31st for France, taking him into a tie with Zinedine Zidane for fifth in his country's all-time international scoring list. 

Only David Trezeguet (34 goals), Olivier Giroud (40), Michel Platini (41) and Thierry Henry (51) have netted more times for France than Griezmann.

Griezmann would also notch an assist on the night, as his corner kick found Dayot Upamecano's head in the 65th minute to give France a 3-2 lead.

It was Griezmann's 21st assist for France, with only Henry (25) having registered more assists for France in the 21st century.

Olivier Giroud rounded off the scoring in the evening with a penalty, making it four successful penalties from four attempts with France, and bringing him within one goal of Platini on France's all-time scoring list.

England's switch to a 3-4-3 setup yielded scant rewards in a 0-0 Nations League draw against Denmark in Copenhagen.

Southgate's preparations for the match were thrown into flux when Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood were banished from the squad for breaking coronavirus protocols in the aftermath of Saturday's 1-0 win over Iceland.

Conor Coady and Kalvin Phillips made their debuts but a solitary blocked shot was all England had to show for their forgettable first-half efforts, with Kasper Dolberg almost giving Denmark a deserved lead.

Harry Kane had a stoppage-time effort hacked off the line by Mathias Jorgensen when Kasper Schmeichel erred, but that near-outcome would have flattered England.

Southgate's tactical switch saw his side control significant chunks of possession early on, although the front three of Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho and captain Kane were frequently isolated. 

Denmark went closest to the breakthrough before half-time - Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite flashing a 31st-minute shot past the post from the edge of the area before Dolberg brought a fine save from Jordan Pickford, Christian Eriksen having left former Tottenham team-mate Eric Dier in his wake.

Eriksen clumping a 65th-minute free-kick high into the stand behind Pickford was a less astute contribution to a contest that continued to plod.

England belatedly crafted a clear opening with a little over 20 minutes remaining, with Kane unable to convert Kieran Trippier's left-wing cross at the far post.

Kasper Schmeichel then saved unconvincingly from Sterling, with Mason Mount's introduction in place of Sancho having belatedly injected some playmaking impetus for the visitors.

Eriksen hacked over from 10 yards under timely pressure from Joe Gomez before Kane almost made it two last-gasp wins from two.

What does it mean: Southgate must ditch imbalanced plan B

Fingers will be pointed at England's formation after this tepid affair, but Southgate's squad is full of players used to switching systems frequently under some of the most innovative coaches in the game. The problem here was a lack of balance, with right-footed players deployed in the left of the back three, on the left flank and on that side of the forward trident.

Mount's introduction paid obvious dividends and should have come sooner, although Southgate does have the inconvenience of planning around Foden and Greenwood's indiscretions as mitigation when assessing a bad night at the office.

Eriksen shows his class

The experienced playmaker has a point to prove at Inter this season but frequently posed eloquent questions that seemed beyond England's midfield. His three shots were more than any other Denmark player.

Rice turns in stodgy showing

Southgate is committed to giving Rice a run of games as his midfield anchorman and it is time for the West Ham man to start repaying some of that faith. His pass completion rate was only 76.7 per cent, with debutant Phillips looking far more adept in a game both players did not need to start.

What's next?

Matchday three in Group A2 sees England host Belgium, with Denmark travelling to Iceland. Roberto Martinez's men have six points after dismantling Iceland 5-1.

France came from behind to defeat Croatia 4-2 in a replay of the 2018 World Cup final on Tuesday.

Didier Deschamps' side won by the same scoreline when the teams met in Moscow two years ago and they came out on top again in the Nations League Group A3 clash at the Stade de France.

A fine strike from Dejan Lovren put the visitors in front, but Antoine Griezmann struck and Dominik Livakovic scored an unfortunate own goal in the space of three first-half minutes to turn the game around.

Substitute Josip Brekalo restored parity after the restart, only for Dayot Upamecano's header and a penalty from Olivier Giroud to keep Les Bleus level with Portugal at the top of the group.

Croatia took the lead in the 16th minute when Lovren exquisitely controlled a looping ball, beating Lucas Hernandez with a fine first touch and then firing a low effort beyond Hugo Lloris.

Griezmann was denied by the leg of Livakovic in the 33rd minute, though the goalkeeper could not stop the Barcelona forward adding a fine finish to a slick move two minutes before the break.

Les Bleus were in front before half-time as Anthony Martial's attempt from Wissam Ben Yedder's excellent low cross hit the post and rebounded in off the back of Livakovic.

Brekalo replaced Ante Rebic for the second half and scored within 10 minutes after evading Ferland Mendy to latch onto Mateo Kovacic's stunning throughball.

Deschamps responded by sending on Eduardo Camavinga - who, at 17 years and 303 days old, became France's youngest debutant since 1914 - and Giroud, but it was Upamecano who rose highest to head home Griezmann's corner shortly after the hour mark.

Giroud tucked home from the penalty spot 13 minutes from time after Marcelo Brozovic was penalised for handball, while Nikola Vlasic saw a late 20-yard drive cannon back off the upright as Croatia were defeated by a familiar scoreline.
 

What does it mean? Slight improvement for Les Bleus

France lacked coherency in their new 3-4-3 system in their victory over Sweden but there were signs of improvement against Croatia, despite the absence of Kylian Mbappe after he tested positive for COVID-19. Wing-backs Mendy and Moussa Sissoko were more readily involved, but the team took a while to get going and could have been more co-ordinated in their pressing.

Griezy does it

After the disappointment of missing a late penalty against Sweden, Griezmann rebounded in style on his 37th consecutive appearance for France – a run only bettered post-World War Two by Patrick Vieira's 44 straight appearances between 1999 and 2002. He scored the first for Les Bleus and assisted Upamecano's header.

Rebic looks rusty

Rebic was key to Milan's upturn in form this year but he struggled to get involved in Paris and was replaced at half-time. He had just 17 touches and did not use any of them to have a shot or create a chance for his team-mates, while he completed just five successful passes.

What's next?

France and Portugal will put their 100 per cent starts on the line when they meet on October 11, while Croatia will warm-up for their next group game against Sweden with a friendly versus Switzerland on October 7.

Morocco will play Senegal and Democratic Republic of Congo during the next international break in October, the country's football governing body have announced.

Vahid Halilhodzic's men will play Senegal national team on October 9 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat before playing host to DR Congo four days later at the same venue.

Both matches will be played 7pm local time as preparation for their double-header Afcon qualifying fixture against Central African Republic on November 9 and 17 respectively.

Morocco have not been in action since their 3-0 victory against Burundi in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers back in November 2019.

Senegal, on the other hand, also have a date with Mauritania on October 13 at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies.

The Teranga Lions were last in action in November when they defeated Eswatini 4-1 away from home in an Afcon qualifier.

Next month, they resume their 2021 Afcon qualifiers with fixtures against Guinea-Bissau.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 100th and 101st international goals saw Portugal to a 2-0 Nations League win away at 10-man Sweden.

Ronaldo became just the second men's player to a century of strikes for his country as he netted a stunning free-kick late in the first half in Stockholm on Tuesday.

That effort came after Gustav Svensson was sent off for the home side, who never threatened to rescue a result, with Ronaldo instead adding another wonderful goal after the break.

Having also thrashed Croatia last week, Portugal - winners of the inaugural Nations League - top Group A3 just ahead of world champions France through two matches.

Fernando Santos' men survived an early scare as Marcus Berg wastefully skewed a header wide, although the visitors were similarly profligate as Pepe failed to turn in a glorious cross from Bernardo Silva, who was injured in the process.

Ronaldo was twice then denied his milestone goal as Robin Olsen made a pair of instinctive stops with his legs, blocking a snapshot on the turn before diverting a powerful one-on-one blast onto the crossbar and over.

But the game was taken away from Sweden on the brink of half-time as Svensson, already booked, lunged in recklessly on Joao Moutinho and was shown a second yellow card.

Ronaldo dispatched the subsequent free-kick into the top-left corner to finally bring up his ton after a near 10-month wait.

Portugal toiled in pursuit of a second and Bruno Fernandes prodded against the bar, so it was predictably left to Ronaldo to make the points safe, his 101st goal at this level a beautiful effort curled over Olsen into the top-right corner.

Joao Felix might have added his name to the scoresheet in the closing stages but could not stretch to reach Fernandes' low ball and then found Olsen his equal.

What does it mean? Holders off to a flier

Portugal were aided by the red card here, but the defending Nations League champions are quickly making their mark in this competition once again.

They have two wins from two and, even with France still to play home and away, they show no signs of slowing - nor does their 35-year-old goalscorer...

Ronaldo record in sight

Having sat out of the Croatia game, meaning his tally of 99 goals had not improved since November 2019, Ronaldo was evidently determined to get on the scoresheet.

Olsen twice got the better of the Juventus talisman, but a pair of stunning strikes were fully deserved and he can now look towards the global record of 109 international goals, held by Iran great Ali Daei.

Svensson sinks Swedes

The villain was as obvious as the hero in Stockholm. Sweden were clinging on even before Svensson's foolish red card.

The Seattle Sounders midfielder should have known better than to dive in when on a booking, yet his attempted challenge was so strong and so late he might have earned a straight red if not for his earlier card.

What's next?

A busy October sees Portugal face Spain in a friendly before a Nations League double-header against France and Sweden again. The Swedes face Russia and Croatia before that return fixture.

Belgium moved two points clear at the top of their Nations League group as they came from behind to thump Iceland 5-1.

Roberto Martinez's men fell behind in bizarre fashion through Holmbert Fridjonsson's deflected effort that marked the first of three goals in seven minutes.

Axel Witsel promptly levelled and Michy Batshuayi made it 2-1 to hosts Belgium, who spurned further first-half chances to extend the lead.

But Dries Mertens put Belgium firmly in command early in the second half before Batshuayi doubled his tally and Jeremy Doku bent home a brilliant first senior international goal.

It is a win that gives them breathing room from England in Group A2 after Gareth Southgate's men were held to a goalless draw by Denmark.

The flurry of goals started in remarkable fashion in the 10th minute when Fridjonsson's effort from the edge of the area deflected off Jason Denayer and over the head of a helpless Koen Casteels.

Iceland's lead lasted just three minutes when Witsel's effort crossed the line before being cleared, the Borussia Dortmund man pouncing after Ogmundur Kristinsson tipped Mertens' free-kick onto the crossbar.

And Witsel was heavily involved when the turnaround was completed in the 17th minute as Kristinsson could only parry his low effort as far as Batshuayi, who tucked home from point-blank range.

Belgium then could have put daylight between themselves and the visitors but Mertens fired over the bar.

Kristinsson denied Mertens shortly before half-time but five minutes into the second half, after Kevin De Bruyne's shot narrowly deflected wide, the Napoli forward atoned for his earlier miss.

De Bruyne was typically to the fore as, following the resulting corner, he slid a neat pass into Mertens, who cut inside off his left foot to fire into the bottom-left corner.

Casteels was forced off and replaced by Simon Mignolet following a collision with Jon Fjoluson but that was a minor blemish on a triumph that became more emphatic in the 69th minute.

Witsel was twice denied before De Bruyne played in substitute Yari Verschaeren, whose cutback was flicked home by Batshuayi.

Doku applied the finishing touches, collecting a wonderful pass from De Bruyne before coming in from the left and curling a sublime finish into the top-right corner.

What does it mean? - Red Devils set pulses racing

With De Bruyne, Mertens and Witsel standout performers, Belgium produced a typically scintillating attacking display. They dominated the play - completing 90.4 per cent of their 784 passes - and finished with 20 shots and 11 on target. The margin of victory could have been much greater.

De Bruyne shows his class

De Bruyne delivered yet another demonstration of his PFA Footballer of the Year quality with an instrumental showing that saw him produce three key passes including assists for Mertens and Doku.

Hermannsson's horror show

Plenty of Iceland players endured evenings to forget, but right-back Hjortur Hermannsson will be particularly keen to put this one behind him as Belgium found joy down the left time and again. 

Hermannsson completed just 59.1 per cent of his passes, won only a third of his 12 duels and conceded two fouls, including one that led to Belgium's opener.

What's next?

These two sides will play the return fixture in Iceland on October 14. Before that, however, Belgium have a friendly with New Zealand and a trip to Wembley to face to England.

Of much larger importance to Iceland will be their Euro 2020 play-off with Romania on October 8. They then return to Nations League action against Denmark before welcoming Belgium to Reykjavik.