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Italy were crowned Euro 2020 in dramatic fashion, victoriously winning the penalty shootout in the final against England after the game ended 1-1 after full-time.

The Azzurri won their penalties 5-3, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka ultimately missing the decisive penalties – and handing Italy the title.

After the final, Italy veteran Giorgio Chiellini admitted to 'cursing' Saka before his penalty miss. So what is this 'curse' all about? Goal takes a look.

What is the Kiricocho 'curse'?

Legend has it that Juan Carlos 'Kiricocho' was a die-hard fan of Argentine side Estudiantes de la Planta during the 1980s, and would show up to watch the team train during the week.

Coach Carlos Bilardo, however, started to notice that some of his players picked up injuries whenever Kiricocho was around to watch training.

But instead of banning Kiricocho from attending Estudiantes sessions, Bilardo – who was a superstitious fellow – instructed Kiricocho to watch the training sessions of other teams, believing that the fan possessed some kind of mystical presence that could cause others to get injured.

Bilardo also encouraged Kiricocho to welcome the visiting teams to the ground, in order to wish misfortune upon them.

Following this, Estudiantes won the Argentine title in 1982, falling to just one defeat in the season. Coincidentally enough, it was the one game where Kiricocho did not attend.

The myth of Kiricocho spread quickly throughout Spanish-speaking countries, with supporters embracing the superstition and muttering Kiricocho's name whenever they wanted to jinx an opposition player.

"Kiricocho was a kid from La Plata who was always with us, and since that year we were champions [in 1982], we adopted him as our mascot," Bilardo had said.

"He was a good kid but then I didn't see him again. The last time I was coaching Estudiantes [in 2003-04] I asked after him and nobody knew anything."

Bilardo went on to manage Sevilla in the 1990s, with fans of the Spanish side then adopting the jinx for themselves, muttering 'Kiricocho' from the stands whenever rival players were to take a penalty.

Which footballers have used 'Kiricocho'?

Chiellini confirmed that he himself used the Kiricoho curse against England, the Italy defender yelling "Kiricocho!" before Saka took the penalty kick.

Saka's penalty was ultimately saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, and the rest is history.

“Hello Christian, I confirm everything! Kiricocho!” Chiellini said in a video in response to a question asked by ESPN after the game.

Erling Haaland has also used the Kiricocho curse to his own advantage, yelling the word at Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou after scoring his penalty during Dortmund's Champions League quarter-final clash in 2021.

Haaland, however, didn't know what the word meant at the time. The Norway forward had his penalty kick saved, but it had to be retaken after Bounou was found to have left his line too early.

Bounou apparently yelled "Kiricocho!" as Haaland stepped up to the plate, but Haaland ultimately had the last laugh. After converting the penalty on the retake, he ran at Bounou and repeated "Kiricocho!" back at him without fully understanding its meaning.

The German side won the tie 5-4 on aggregate, progressing to the next round.

When asked what Haaland had said at Bounou after the game, the striker said: "I don't want to say. I don't know what it means but I said what he said after I missed the first one."

Haaland added: “Maybe it’s karma in this world.”

Are there other 'curses' in football?

Superstition and mysticism have always been popular in the world of sport, especially when it's felt that 'help from outside forces' is needed – or when it seems that only the paranormal can account for extraordinary, unbelievable happenings.

The infamous 'Drake Curse' is a belief that athletes will be the recipient of bad luck should they be associated with the Canadian rapper.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Layvin Kurzawa, for example, was photographed with the musician right before his club succumbed to a painful 5-1 defeat by Lille.

Sergio Aguero missed a penalty in the Champions League knockout phases with Manchester City in 2019, not long after meeting with the rapper.

And Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang attended a Drake show at the O2 Arena in London and had given him a shirt – and the Gunners fell to a 1-0 loss to Everton afterwards.

England have their own penalty shootout curse. They thought they had broken it during the 2018 World Cup against Colombia, only to have it reinstated once again after they lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final in a dreaded shootout.

Christian Pulisic may not like it but his nickname of 'Captain America' has certainly stuck.

Since making his professional debut for Dortmund in January 30, Pulisic has carried the hopes of the U.S. men's national team on his shoulders.

Arguably, as the most talented USMNT player ever, he has been dubbed Captain America, named after the famous Marvel Comics character.

Who is the 'real' Captain America?

Captain America is a Marvel Comics superhero who dresses in the red, white and blue colours of the American flag.

Dating back to his creation by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon in 1941, the unashamedly patriotic super-soldier for the American government was invented in response to World War II.

The alter ego of Steve Rogers, the Marvel hero boasts increased strength, speed, agility, durability and mental processing power after he was given the super-soldier serum. He also wields a shield that's almost entirely indestructable.

Captain America is also one of the leaders of the Avengers - a team of superheroes brought together on the big screen by the Marvel Universe.

How has the nickname been used?

Since moving to Chelsea for £57.6m ($73m), the attention on the winger has only intensified.

It has led him to receive more column inches than most, playing at one of the world's top clubs, in the most talked-about league while serving as a posterboy for American soccer.

The name Captain America has been known to be used in the dressing room environment, having also been used by written media for sometime.

Having recently won his first trophy as the captain of his national team, Pulisic appeared on the huge U.S. daytime TV show Good Morning America. The host Michael Strahan introduced him as Captain America in his latest high-profile appearance to a mass audience in the United States.

What does Pulisic think about the nickname?

Despite the popular usage, Pulisic doesn't like the nickname Captain America.

“I’m not a big fan of being called that, to be honest - especially by my teammates,” Pulisic told GQ when asked about the moniker.

It could be in part due to Pulisic not enjoying the limelight of the professional sports world as much as most. Equally, he bears a lot of pressure through his status for his national team that has seen him earn both a lot of hype and vilification.

Ultimately, a nickname is not something you can control when it comes into such popular usage, so the forward might have to embrace it in the years to come.

Chelsea suffered fewer injuries than most of their rivals last season, which ultimately helped them on the road to winning the Champions League.

Aside from some minor muscle problems, the Blues were effective in their management of their players. Indeed, even with the best sports science programmes, there will always be health concerns, and the Blues right now have two worries in addition to a suspension as they begin the pre-season.

When are those who are currently out expected to return? Goal takes a look.

Andreas Christensen pulled out of Denmark's European Championship semi-final match with England because of a hamstring injury. 

However, it is understood by Goal that the injury is not serious and is unlikely to affect his participation with his club ahead of the new season.

Like many of those who were at the Euros, the Denmark international remains on holiday.

Cesar Azpilicueta is suspended for Chelsea's opening match against Crystal Palace after receiving a red card on the final match of last season. He got two bookings against Aston Villa, which has prompted the one-match ban.

Furthermore, Charly Musonda continues to progress his return from a career-threatening knee injury and has been invited to train with Thomas Tuchel's first team in pre-season.

It remains unclear how quickly he will progress into playing senior football and whether his future remains with the west London club.

Former Egypt and Al Ahly midfielder has questioned how Kaizer Chief qualified for the final of the 2021 Caf Champions League.

Playing at that stage for the first time in their history, Amakhosi were defeated 3-0 by the Egyptian Premier League side at the Stade Mohammed V on Saturday.

Stuart Baxter’s team gave as good as they got in the match until they were reduced to ten men after Happy Mashiane was sent off on the stroke of half-time for a reckless tackle on Tawfik Akram.

Pitso Mosimane’s men exploited the South Africans’ numerical disadvantage, outplayed them, and found the net courtesy of Mohamed Sherif, Mohamed Afsha, and Amr El Solia.

Commenting on the Red Devils’ triumph, the 2008 Caf Champions League winners claimed his former team had it easy against Chiefs and was puzzled how they even reached the final played in Casablanca.

“Al Ahly win came after a lot of hard work, the final was easy, but the journey to the final was very difficult,” Hassan told ONTime Sports TV per Kingfut.

“Al Ahly respect all the teams they play against, but I don’t know how Kaizer Chiefs could reach the final, they have very limited resources.

“With Al Ahly possessing the ball, we had no doubt that they will score eventually.”

Al Ahly have now won the African tournament for a record tenth time and will participate in the next edition of the Fifa Club World Cup billed for Japan.

Also, they will square up against Caf Confederation Cup winners Raja Casablanca in the Caf Super Cup.

The legendary African star also opened up about the offer he received from another former team Zamalek to become their club’s football director.

“I received an offer from Zamalek to be the club’s football director, but I don’t have any intentions to take the position,” he added.

During his time on the pitch, he represented nine teams in a career that spanned from 1991 to 2012.

On the international scene, he won four Africa Cup of Nation titles with the North African nation.

He is also the second most-capped player in international football history.

Albert Lokonga has expressed his eagerness to play in the Premier League after making the "big step" with a move to Arsenal.

The 21-year-old completed his move to the Gunners from Belgian top-flight side Anderlecht for £18 million ($25m) on Monday.

The Emirates Stadium giants saw off competition from Italian teams to land the promising midfielder who remains eligible to represent DR Congo at international level.

Lokonga may have had to deal with swapping countries at a tender age, however, he stated he will do all it takes to fulfil his potential in the English elite division.

“It's a big move because I have been playing for Anderlecht for 10 years so it's going to be my first big move to another country,” he told Arsenal Media.

“It's a big step, but I feel confident because we have to be. In the football world, you have to feel confident about yourself, but I'm looking to play in this league and I can't wait to start.”

Thanks to this move, the former Belgium youth international becomes the eighth player of African descent in Mikel Arteta’s squad after Thomas Partey (Ghana), Bukayo Saka (Nigeria), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon), Nicolas Pepe (Cote d'Ivoire), Mohamed Elneny (Egypt), Eddie Nketiah (Ghana), Folarin Balogun (Nigeria), and Arthur Okonkwo (Nigeria).

Having been handed jersey No 23, he took part in Monday’s training session with his new teammates for the first time. Also, he is expected to be a part of the squad for their pre-season trip to the United States of America.

Following Matteo Guendouzi’s move to Olympique Marseille and Dani Ceballos' return to La Liga giants Real Madrid, the youngster is expected to provide a lot of options in Mikel Arteta's side's midfield.

When asked if he prefers box to box or a more attacking role, Lokonga said: “I can play both.

“I can play as a six and I can play like a box to box, but people say that I’m better in the six position.”

He also talked about his experience working with Arsenal great Thierry Henry at the Belgian national team.

“It's very great, very great,” he added.

"It was really great [to work with him in the Belgian national team]. A great experience because in the few times I was with him on the pitch I learnt a lot, so it was a really great experience.

“I think it's a good thing for me because Thierry Henry was a legend over here."

Inter Allies defender Hashmin Musah has confessed to scoring two intentional own goals in Saturday’s Ghana Premier League clash with Ashanti Gold in order to defy an attempt at match-fixing from his own team. 

The club went down 7-0 in the match, with Musah coming off the bench to net twice past his own keeper in the final 12 minutes. 

He claims that he did so on purpose as he believes that the score had been agreed in advance for betting purposes.

What was said?

“After the game, my technical team commended me for spoiling the bet they had staked,” Musah told Kumasi FM , as reported by Citisportonline.

“I promised my coach that if he allows me to play from the bench, I will spoil the bet. And after the game, my team congratulated me.

“I heard it in our hotel that a bet had been made for a correct scoreline of 5-1 against my club Inter Allies.

“I decided to spoil that bet because I don’t condone betting."

The bigger picture

Inter Allies went into the final game of the season already condemned to relegation from the Premier League, and were 5-0 down before Musah's introduction. 

Musah himself was substituted out of the match just before full-time following his two own goals.

While videos of the defender’s goals have gone viral on social media, prompting calls for investigations, Ashanti Gold have stressed they had no involvement in the alleged match-rigging agreement.

“We take notice of the videos circulating in relation to our game against Inter Allies and wish to unequivocally disassociate [ourselves] from any wrongdoing,” Ashanti Gold said in a statement on Monday.

"Ashanti Gold played competitively in the entire duration of the game, with our players scoring five great goals through hard work and team effort in the 15th, 26th, 42nd, 49th and 77th minutes respectively.

“We have no idea as to why the opponents’ player scored two own goals after we were up by five goals, with 13 minutes to end the game.

“We demonstrated throughout the game we were determined to play to the best of our abilities, and not to play to any pre-determined score line as it’s been circulated,” AshGold’s statement continued.

“We therefore vehemently disassociate ourselves from any match-fixing and wish to urge all persons and organisations wrongfully accusing the club of match fixing to desists from that, as we won’t hesitate to take legal actions against such parties.

“As a renowned sporting brand, we have always believed in fair play and would continue to act in the good interest of the game.”

The Ghanaian FA have subsequently announced their intention to look into any alleged irregularities, affirming in a statement: “The Ghana Football Association (GFA) wishes to inform all its members and the public that the Association has opened investigations into the Ghana Premier League Matchday 34 game played between Ashanti Gold SC and Inter Allies FC at the Len Clay stadium at Obuasi on Saturday, July 17, 2021,” the GFA has stated in a statement on its official website on Monday.

“The GFA has resolved that: (1) The Compliance & Integrity Officer and the GFA Prosecutors will lead the “sporting” investigations by the GFA, and (2) The Association will further lodge a complaint on the match with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana wing of Interpol for the criminal investigation of the game.

“The Association will immediately require statements from the two clubs and the players and the technical team members of the two clubs.

“The GFA further urges any member of the public, the media, players, technical team members to also send any evidence or information whatsoever connected to the match (a statement, video, audio etc) to assist the investigations through the GFA integrity Hotline and email.”

Further reading 

Gor Mahia stand-in head coach Sammy Omollo has claimed the Football Kenya Federation Premier League side already has a replacement for Kenneth Muguna.
 
The midfielder is set to complete a move to Tanzania Mainland Premier League side Azam FC and Omollo believes he already has players to fill the void the attacking midfielder will leave.

The former Posta Rangers head coach added that he wishes the player well as he is expected to sign with a new team in a new competition.

"I am always happy for players who get greener pastures, since, during my time at Gor Mahia, I also moved to greener pastures. Should Muguna’s deal mature, I will definitely have a suitable replacement from within the team," Omollo told Citizen Digital.

"I only want to wish Muguna well since I also left Gor for another club when I saw an opening and my then coach gave me his blessings."
 
Azam have already signed two players, Charles Zulu and Rodgers Kola, as they hope to boost the squad for duties - including continental ones - that lie ahead next season.

Should he finally complete the move, Muguna will join his fellow Kenyan internationals plying their trade in the Tanzanian top flight. Farouk Shikhalo is at Yanga SC while Joash Onyango is at Simba SC. 
 
The Tanzania Football Federation has already announced the transfer window is open for teams playing in the Premier League and in the lower leagues, as well as for women's sides.
 
Meanwhile, Omollo conceded they have failed to retain the FKF Premier League title as they are fifth on the table, 14 points below leaders Tusker.

Although they missed out on the Champions League slot, K'Ogalo will be among the country's representatives in the Caf competitions after winning the FKF Shield Cup.
 
The tactician added that the players - who drew 1-1 against Nairobi City Stars in the last league game - have relaxed since they grabbed the Confederation Cup ticket.
 
"I can for sure not lie. It is not possible [to win the league] at this time," he continued.

"We lost it all when we slipped to Tusker FC. I can say players are also not up in the game knowing very well that they are already into the Continentals after clinching the FKF Cup."
 
Gor Mahia ceded more ground in the title race after they were defeated 2-1 by Tusker recently.

Milan have confirmed that Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz has re-joined the club on a two-year loan deal. 

Diaz, 21, moved to Madrid in 2019 from Manchester City but found first-team opportunities scarce at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

And after impressing at San Siro on loan last season, the winger will return to Serie A once more. 

What was said? 

"AC Milan is delighted to announce the signing of Brahim Abdelkader Díaz from Real Madrid CF on a temporary basis for two years. The contract ties the football player to the Rossoneri Club until 30 June 2023," the club revealed in a statement published on their official website on Monday.

"Brahim, after scoring 7 goals in 39 appearances with AC Milan last season, will continue to be a Rossoneri player, wearing the number 10 jersey."

The bigger picture

Diaz, who had left his native Spain for City as a 16-year-old, moved back home after signing for Madrid in a £15.5 million deal in June 2019. 

But he failed to make much of an impression with the Blancos, making just 15 Liga appearances in the 18 months he spent at the club. 

A loan move to Milan at the start of 2020-1 saw Diaz finally receive the chance to shine, as he became a key part of the side which finished second behind arch-rivals Inter in Serie A and seal their return to the Champions League after a seven-year absence. 

Goal understands that Milan will cover the full cost of the youngster's salary over the next two seasons, but that there is no compulsory purchase option included in the agreement struck with Madrid. 

The player's own wish to stay at San Siro was key in completing the loan , as Madrid still see plenty of potential in Diaz and are not interested in releasing him on a permanent basis.

Further reading

Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has chosen his spell in China with Changchun Yatai as the high point of his career. 

The deal from Watford to the Asian country was a big-money move which cost around £20 million, at the time the biggest for either club.

During his two-and-a-half-year stint in China, the 32-year-old scored 46 goals in 72 appearances in the Chinese Super League and he also won the Chinese FA Cup in 2019.

"Well, I will say when I signed my deal with China. It was a good contract. And I was pleased with it," Ighalo told This Day Style when asked what the high point of his career was.

"I was bought from Watford to Changchun Yatai for £20 million and it was a huge transfer and the biggest transfer in the history of both clubs. 

"I went there and played for two years. I did so well with the team. I played about 50 or 52 games with 36 goals. 

"It was one of the best moments in my career life. I would also say the day I got signed to Manchester United.  Nothing compares to that feeling." 

Following the expiry of his loan deal at Old Trafford, Ighalo moved to Saudi Arabia top-flight club Al Shabab in February. 

Before the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, the former Watford attacker had made his mark with nine goals to his name in 13 league matches. 

He continued: "It’s going well. I just finished my first six months with them, and I did well (thirteen games with nine goals and four assists). Not a bad one for a start, even though I know, I could have done better. 

"I am looking forward to starting a new season with them, and hopefully, I can score more goals." 

Back in July 2019, the 32-year-old called time on his international career after the Super Eagles clinched bronze in the last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. 

Ighalo explained the reasons behind his decision. 

"It was a bit tough. I got injured. I was playing throughout the tournament with pains and an injury," he added. 

"My club in China wasn’t too happy. Also, there was the issue of the distance from China to Nigeria.

"Besides, I am not getting any younger, so I decided to allow the younger ones to continue from where I stopped. I am still in contact with everyone in the National team, and they are all doing very well."

Anderlecht are considering Chelsea's Ike Ugbo as a replacement for Albert Lokonga who joined Arsenal on Monday for £18 million ($25m).

Fellow Belgian giants Genk are also said to be the other front-runners for Chelsea's 22-year-old academy produced striker.

Chelsea are now considering raising the price tag beyond the initial £5 million ($6.8m) they previously set due to additional interest being received from clubs like Watford, Fulham, Bologna and Monaco.

Why are so many clubs in for Ugbo?

The striker has attracted interest due to his successful season on loan at Cercle Brugge last season and has just one year left on his Blues contract.

Ugbo's 17 goals in 34 games for the relegation-threatened side alerted scouts from across Europe, who tend to watch Belgian football closely.

It followed on from a season at Dutch side Roda JC where Ugbo was also clinical.

Ugbo's career has been transformed by a decision to play overseas having initially had several underwhelming loan spells in the lower leagues of English football beforehand.

"On my first loan [at Barnsley], I didn't feel I showed the qualities that I really had. I think it was just a different world for me to go out into first-team football and adapt. I don't think that I adapted quickly enough," Ugbo told Goal last season.

Russian side Rostov have already seen a £3m ($4m) bid in January rejected by the west Londoners.

Ugbo is currently training with Thomas Tuchel and played 45 minutes in the recent 6-1 friendly win over Peterborough United.

What else is going on in the academy and loan groups?

Chelsea have sold Marc Guehi for £18 million ($25m) to Crystal Palace after he excelled in an 18-month loan spell at Swansea City.

Tino Livramento, Lewis Bate, Myles Peart-Harris and Dynel Simeu could all also leave the Blues as they face an exodus from their youth groups.

However, Armando Broja has signed a new five-year Chelsea contract and could get a chance in Thomas Tuchel's senior team next season.

Thierno Ballo could move on loan later in the transfer window with Rapid Vienna, Sturm Graz, Mainz and Arminia Bielefeld all interested.

Meanwhile, Wigan are among the clubs interested in taking Henry Lawrence on his first loan move away from the Blues.

Anderlecht and Genk are interested in Ike Ugbo as Chelsea consider raising the asking price with Monaco, Fulham and Watford also in the market for the young striker.

Tiemoue Bakayoko is keen to move to AC Milan, while Trevoh Chalobah is attracting interest from Brentford and across Europe after a successful loan spell at Lorient.

Further Reading

The Ghana Football Association has announced it has begun looking into the alleged match-fixing allegation in the Premier League game between Inter Allies and Ashanti Gold on Saturday.

The two teams have been accused of playing a match of convenience after viral social media footage showed what looked like two deliberate own goals scored by Inter Allies defender Hashmin Musah in the 7-0 win for home side AshGold.

The 24-year-old came from the bench in the fixture at Obuasi’s Len Clay Stadium and twice put the ball into his own net within 12 minutes before being substituted himself just before full-time.

“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) wishes to inform all its members and the public that the Association has opened investigations into the Ghana Premier League Matchday 34 game played between Ashanti Gold SC and Inter Allies FC at the Len Clay stadium at Obuasi on Saturday, July 17, 2021,” the GFA has stated in a statement on its official website on Monday.

“The GFA has resolved that: (1) The Compliance & Integrity Officer and the GFA Prosecutors will lead the “sporting” investigations by the GFA, and (2) The Association will further lodge a complaint on the match with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana wing of Interpol for the criminal investigation of the game.

“The Association will immediately require statements from the two clubs and the players and the technical team members of the two clubs.

“The GFA further urges any member of the public, the media, players, technical team members to also send any evidence or information whatsoever connected to the match (a statement, video, audio etc) to assist the investigations through the GFA integrity Hotline and email.”

Musah has been quoted by CitiSports as admitting to deliberately scoring the two own goals, saying it was his own way of “spoiling a bet” after getting wind of information that the standing scoreline at the time of his substitute introduction was in line with a plan by betting syndicates.

Ashanti Gold have, however, moved quickly to distance themselves from any match-fixing allegations, emphasising their goals were a result of “hard work”.

Allies were already confirmed for relegation before the game while AshGold ultimately finished on the ninth position on the standings.

The GFA statement did not mention Sunday’s match between Legon Cities and Eleven Wonders, which has also been alleged to have been fixed after videos of “cheap goals” scored in the tie emerged.

Olympic Games winner Andres D'Alessandro still fondly remembers winning gold with Argentina at Athens 2004, labelling the experience "one of the most important" of his trophy-laden career. 

The Albiceleste ran out Olympic football winners for the first time in their history 17 years ago, beating out neighbours Paraguay to take the crown. 

And D'Alessandro, still active at the age of 40 for Uruguayan giants Nacional, believes that the competition is like no other in the professional game. 

What was said? 

The playmaker won multiple league titles at the start of his career with River Plate, and also drove Internacional to the Copa Libertadores in 2010. 

However, for him, the Olympics ranks up there with the most treasured moments of his time in the game. 

"It is definitely one of the most important [titles] for me, because you can't play the Olympics often," D'Alessandro, who starred alongside the likes of Carlos Tevez, Gabriel Heinze and Javier Saviola at the 2004 Games, explained to  Goal . 

"It was brilliant to have been at the Olympics, representing my country, spectacular, previously it was very important to bring home Argentina's first gold medal in football, it was a really proud moment, we had a great team. 

"The Olympics are special because you live in that amateur spirit, in the Olympic Village, that is fantastic because things happen which don't happen in other competitions, like sharing an apartment with another team, taking the bus to have breakfast, eat your meals, sharing your table with athletes from other sports, we all used to meet up with other Argentine athletes to eat, that was really amazing. 

"Then, we played a brilliant Olympics, we were unbeaten, beating big teams with big names. I remember Italy with [Andrea] Pirlo and [Daniele] De Rossi in the quarters and Paraguay in the final with [Carlos] Gamarra.

"It was a unique experience and, without a doubt, one of the most important titles I have in my career." 

Where is D'Alessandro's medal? 

That gold, the first of two Argentina managed in the men's football discipline in consecutive games – the nation also won in 2008 with Lionel Messi and Juan Roman Riquelme starring – remains in safe hands, as D'Alessandro went on to explain.  

"My mum and dad have the medal, they keep everything [from my career]," the Nacional man revealed. 

"Not even I can take it off of them because they have it kept very safe! Those things are staying there for the day after [retirement]. In the future, I will show them to my children so that they can see how it feels and what their dad achieved."

Third time lucky? 

Argentina are back in Olympic action in 2021, as the Games finally begin after a one-year postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The team coached by Fernando Batista kick off their Group C campaign on July 22 against Australia before going on to meet Egypt and Spain in the first round of the competition.

Further reading 

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has not been offered to Manchester United, club sources assured Goal. 

The Brazilian forward is one of president Florentino Perez's favourite players at the club, and is also held in high esteem by the coaching staff. 

Despite rumours to the contrary, therefore, Vinicius is expected to play a big part in Madrid's plans in 2021-22. 

Varane, not Vinicius

While reports in England had suggested a move to Old Trafford was a possibility for the Brazilian, no such talks between United and Madrid are in process. 

The only negotiations currently involving the two sides regard Raphael Varane, who is close to moving to the Premier League after 10 years at the Spanish giants.

Vinicius, moreover, counts on another powerful new ally in the Madrid set-up. 

New coach Carlo Ancelotti gave the 21-year-old his blessing after arriving at the club and believes that he can help to get the best out of him, after a muted 2020-21 season that yielded just six goals and seven assists. 

The bigger picture

Vinicius is currently on holiday after representing Brazil in their unsuccessful defence of the Copa America in June and July. 

The Madrid man saw limited action at the tournament, playing just 64 minutes in total, including the final half-hour of Brazil's final defeat at the hands of Argentina. 

Brazil made repeated overtures to also include the forward in their Olympic Games squad, only for Madrid to reject the call-up. 

In his spare time Vinicius has set up the Vini Jr institute in his home neighbourhood of Sao Goncalo, Rio de Janeiro, which aims to provide further educational opportunities and resources to young residents. 

Further reading 

Inter Allies defender Hashmin Musah has stated his two own goals scored in Saturday’s Ghana Premier League clash with Ashanti Gold were intended.

The 24-year-old has become a topic of discussion among the Ghana football fraternity  after putting the ball in the back of his own net twice within the space of 12 minutes, just a few minutes after coming on as a substitute.

The game, a final matchday fixture at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium, ended in a 7-0 defeat for his side.

Subsequently, Musah has told the Ghanaian press that his actions were a calculated attempt to change the score at the time, which he believes was machinated by betting syndicates.

“After the game, my technical team commended me for spoiling the bet they had staked,” Musah told Kumasi FM , as reported by Citisportonline.

“I promised my coach that if he allows me to play from the bench, I will spoil the bet. And after the game, my team congratulated me.

“I heard it in our hotel that a bet had been made for a correct scoreline of 5-1 against my club Inter Allies.

“I decided to spoil that bet because I don’t condone betting."

Although himself a second-half introduction, Musah was substituted out of the match just before full-time after completing his supposed mission.

Allies, already relegated heading into the final match week, were 5-0 down before he decided to take things into his own hands.

Videos of the defender’s goals have gone viral on social media, with many calling for an immediate probe into the unfortunate turn of events.

“We take notice of the videos circulating in relation to our game against Inter Allies and wish to unequivocally disassociate [ourselves] from any wrongdoing,” Ashanti Gold said in a statement on Monday.

"Ashanti Gold played competitively in the entire duration of the game, with our players scoring five great goals through hard work and team effort in the 15th, 26th, 42nd, 49th and 77th minutes respectively.

“We have no idea as to why the opponents’ player scored two own goals after we were up by five goals, with 13 minutes to end the game.”

Ultimately, Ashanti Gold finished the season in the ninth position.

“We demonstrated throughout the game we were determined to play to the best of our abilities, and not to play to any pre-determined score line as it’s been circulated,” AshGold’s statement continued.

“We therefore vehemently disassociate ourselves from any match-fixing and wish to urge all persons and organisations wrongfully accusing the club of match fixing to desists from that, as we won’t hesitate to take legal actions against such parties.

“As a renowned sporting brand, we have always believed in fair play and would continue to act in the good interest of the game.”

Another game between Legon Cities and Eleven Wonders has also similarly triggered match-fixing suspicions.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association has released a statement on the incidents over the weekend.

“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) wishes to inform all its members and the public that the Association has opened investigations into the Ghana Premier League Matchday 34 game played between Ashanti Gold SC and Inter Allies FC at the Len Clay stadium at Obuasi on Saturday, July 17, 2021,” the GFA has stated in a statement on its official website on Monday.

“The GFA has resolved that: (1) The Compliance & Integrity Officer and the GFA Prosecutors will lead the “sporting” investigations by the GFA, and (2) The Association will further lodge a complaint on the match with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana wing of Interpol for the criminal investigation of the game.

“The Association will immediately require statements from the two clubs and the players and the technical team members of the two clubs.

“The GFA further urges any member of the public, the media, players, technical team members to also send any evidence or information whatsoever connected to the match (a statement, video, audio etc) to assist the investigations through the GFA integrity Hotline and email.”

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) technical committee on Monday decided to extend Indian national team head coach Igor Stimac's contract till September 2022.

The committee took note of the fact that the Blue Tigers are to partake in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers from February to September 2022. 

How has India performed under head coach Igor Stimac?

India's 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign ended with a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Stimac's side directly progressed to the 2023 Asian Cup qualifying third round by finishing third in Group E.

The highlight of the Stimac era was the draw against reigning Asian champions Qatar in 2019. A gritty Indian side without their star player Sunil Chhetri had managed to hold the mighty Qataris to a goalless draw in their second World Cup qualifying game in Doha. It was a spirited performance by the Blue Tigers and a lot of credit must go to their coach.

So far, the former Croatian international has handed debuts to as many as 20 Indian footballers in his stint. FC Goa's midfielder Glan Martins became the 20th player to make his international debut under Stimac on June 3 against Qatar.

Under his tutelage, India has won only two matches. Their first win came against Thailand on June 8, 2019, in the King's Cup in Buriram where Anirudh Thapa's strike had made the difference.

Challenges faced by India coach Igor Stimac

The biggest challenge that the Croatian coach faced as India's coach was the 16 months gap where the Indian national team did not play a single game due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. After a busy 2019, where the Blue Tigers played 10 matches under Stimac's tutelage, not a single international match was played in 2020. 

Thus after playing their last competitive game in November 2019, it was only in March 2021, that Stimac got to reassemble the squad. India played two friendly matches against Oman and UAE in March 2021.

Further reading:

Hearts of Oak may have been crowned as Ghana Premier League champions on Saturday but it is an alleged match-fixing scandal that is the leading football trend on Monday.

On Saturday, Inter Allies lost 7-0 to Ashanti Gold, with two of the goals being own goals from defender Hashmin Musah.

Viral social media videos of the goals have raised eyebrows as they appeared to have been conceded in a very casual manner.

Another video showing Legon Cities' goals scored in their 3-2 win over Eleven Wonders in Obuasi to avoid relegation also drew the attention of Ghana's football fraternity.

Thousands of people have taken to social media to react to the "suspicious" goals on the final matchday of the 2020-21 season.

Below are the best reactions:

Enrique Cerezo has been quizzed on the speculation Antoine Griezmann and Saul Niguez are generating, with the Atletico Madrid president admitting "everything is possible".

The reigning Liga champions are readying themselves for the defence of their domestic crown in 2021-22, with movement in the transfer market expected.

There has been talk of World Cup-winning forward Griezmann returning to the Spanish capital from Barcelona, potentially as part of a swap deal, but Cerezo claims to be unaware of any discussions.

What has been said?

The Atletico president is ruling nothing out, and told reporters at the Platino Awards of the Griezmann rumours: "I have no idea, they haven't told me anything, I don't know anything. 

"I do not know how the negotiations are, not even if there are any, but there is time left for you to know what is going to happen. In the world of football everything is possible but in the Griezmann's case I have no idea, nor have I asked."

Is Saul going or staying?

Amid the links to Griezmann, it has been suggested that Spain international midfielder Saul could be used as a makeweight in any deal with Barca.

Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked with the 26-year-old whose agent, Joshua Barnett, has revealed there are "many options" to be considered this summer.

Cerezo claims to be in the dark there as well, saying of Saul: "A lot of people will ask about all the players, as always, but in this case I don't know if Liverpool has acted. We do have a technical service that deals with this very well and will be aware of everything."

Could Felix move on?

While reluctant to be drawn on the speculation surrounding Griezmann and Saul, Cerezo is prepared to bring any uncertainty regarding Joao Felix's future to a close.

The Portuguese forward is another to have seen an exit mooted, but Atletico consider the 21-year-old to be an integral part of their long-term plans.

Cerezo said: "Joao is an Atletico Madrid player, has a long-term contract and is one of the leading figures in European football."

Further reading

Memphis Depay is looking to "win many titles" during his time at Barcelona and considers the Camp Nou outfit to be a "perfect" fit for his attacking playing style.

The Netherlands international, who represented his country at Euro 2020 this summer, has arrived in Catalunya to link up with his new team-mates.

He is joining the Blaugrana as a free agent after reaching the end of his contract at Lyon and is eager to get going as he prepares to live the dream with the Liga giants.

What has been said?

Depay told Mundo Deportivo after arriving in Barcelona: "It is a special day, I am very excited to go to the club and to the stadium. It is all very beautiful and it will be an incredible day.

"I hope to win many titles, which is why I have come to this great club. It is what the club represents, it has a very rich history. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone at the club.

"I just came from vacation and now it's time to refocus. I want to start the season well and be totally focused here. I will try to adapt as quickly as possible."

What will Depay bring to Barcelona?

The 27-year-old Dutchman endured a tough time at Manchester United when making another high-profile move back in 2015.

He has, however, matured and developed since then and hit 76 goals through 178 appearances during a four-and-a-half-year stint at Lyon.

Depay has been transformed from a tricky winger into a prolific frontman - for club and country - and sees those qualities slotting seamlessly into the Barca fold under fellow countryman Ronald Koeman.

He added: "I love playing attacking football and being creative on the field, generating chances, assists and goals. Barca's style of play is perfect for me. I'm very happy."

Depay went on to say of working with Koeman, who previously coached him on an international stage: "I have made great strides with him, especially in the national team, being important in the team. 

"It gave me a lot of confidence and it also helped me when I was injured. He gave me a lot of support and insisted on coming here and signing for the best club in the world. 

"I am very happy that he is here and I am ready to fight for him."

Further reading