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Gregg Berhalter was left impressed by several of the U.S. men's national team's youngest stars following Thursday's 6-1 rout of Martinique.

Berhalter opted to start a young squad against an overmatched Martinique team, with the starting XI having an average age of 23 years old and an averages total of five caps per player.

That team, which featured highly-regarded youngsters like Gianluca Busio, James Sands, Miles Robinson, Matthew Hoppe and George Bello, left Berhalter impressed as the U.S. boss feels confident that his young players are ready for the bigger tests to come.

What did Berhalter say?

"It's a nice feeling when you give guys opportunities and they take advantage of it," said Berhalter, who went on to congratulate debutants Matthew Hoppe and Donovan Pines for earning their first caps.

"But when I look at them and I looked at some of the other younger guys like Busio, Bello, Sands, Robinson, it was a really young group today and to have that performance in a game that you know we wanted to win and we wanted to improve and we wanted to win convincingly, I think was it shows what type of quality they have."

He added: "I think [Busio] is doing a great job, along with James Sands and George Bello. These are guys that have really impressed me in camp, some of the younger guys."

Hoppe: I wanted to show the world I can do this

One of several young standouts, Hoppe shined in his first USMNT appearance, assisting Dary Dike's game-opening goal.

Hoppe played his way into the USMNT picture after shining at Schalke last season, scoring six goals in the Bundesliga.

And, with his first cap under his belt, the 20-year-old forward is hoping to prove to both his coach and his country that he deserves more.

"I wanted to make my debut with the national team. I wanted to show the country and the world that I can do on an international level," said Hoppe. who is one of only four European-based players missing parts of their club's preseason to join up with the Gold Cup squad.

"So that's why I decided it'd be best for me to stay with the national team right now. We've been together for a little over a week, and we've been getting closer. We've been forming a good bond and I think that it's going to be a special team that we will witness throughout the whole tournament."

Berhalter, meanwhile, was left impressed, adding: "I think he did an excellent job, and for Matthew, we had him slated as a winger and today he played as an attacking mid and in the pocket sometimes, sometimes running behind when they were going high.

"It's not easy to take in all of that information and perform as well as he did. He also showed quality. The pass he gave Daryl is a high-level pass. I think he did well, and we're also bearing in mind that he is in preseason and hasn't played a competitive game, has been at home training, and this is the output you get. So, overall pleased with his performance."

Further reading

Ballon d'Or is an annual award presented by a French weekly magazine named France Football to the best men's footballer of the year.

Started in 1956, the Ballon d'Or is the oldest individual award in football and is also one of the most prestigious awards in the world along with The Best FIFA Men's Player award.

England's Stanley Mathews was the first recipient of this award in 1956. The award has been held every single year since 1956 barring last year when the organisers had decided to cancel the award to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which had cut short the domestic seasons of several nations.

From 2010 to 2015, France Football had entered into an agreement with FIFA to merge the Ballon D'or temporarily with the FIFA World Player of the Year award which was started in 1991. In these six years, the new award was called FIFA Ballon D'or. 

Argentine star Lionel Messi is the current holder of the award and has won it the most number of times (6) followed by Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo who has one less than Messi. 

In terms of podium finishes, both Ronaldo and Messi are tied (12). Since 2007, there have been only two occasions when either of the players did not finish among the top three players. While Ronaldo finished outside the podium in 2010, Messi did the same in 2018.

Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten have won the award thrice in history.

Real Madrid are one of the most successful clubs in Spain with an illustrious history of 119 years. The club has won every single title including winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League record 34 and 13 times respectively.

From yesteryear legends like Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas to modern-day greats like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and Cristiano Ronaldo, several top stars in world football have donned the Royal White jersey over the years and have brought laurels to the club. 

But among all the greats who have played for Los Blancos, Spanish legend Raul Gonzalez has played the most number of matches for the club. 

A product of Real Madrid's youth system, Raul graduated and made his senior professional debut in 1994. He went on to play for 16 years and appeared in 741 matches for the club. At Madrid, the Spanish forward won every major trophy including the La Liga six times and the Champions League thrice.

After Raul, another club and Spanish football legend Iker Casillas is the second most-capped Real Madrid player of all time. Making his debut in 1999, the legendary custodian went on to play 725 matches in the next 16 years. After Raul left the club in 2010, Casillas replaced him as the club captain.

Among the active players who feature in this list are Sergio Ramos, who left the club at the end of the 2020-21 season and Karim Benzema who is still playing for the club. 

Ramos left the club in 2021 after wearing the Real Madrid shirt in 671 matches over 16 years. Benzema, on the other hand, is currently on the 10th position with 559 appearances same as former Spanish international Michel.

Here, we take a look at the top 10 players who have made the most appearances for the club.

Juventus midfielder Arthur will miss the start of the new Serie A season after he was slated for surgery on a long-term knee injury, Goal can confirm.

The Brazil international will be forced to sit on the sidelines across the next two months, ruling him out of the Bianconeri's domestic openers - but could return in time for their Champions League commitments.

The news will come as a blow to Massimiliano Allegri's side, as the coach returns to Turin following a three-year absence in an attempt to restore fading fortunes at Allianz Stadium.

Why must Arthur have surgery?

The 24-year-old sustained a knee injury back in late 2020, suffering the knock in a clash with Atalanta on December 16.

Under Andrea Pirlo's watch and with Juve struggling to keep pace near the summit of Serie A, Arthur opted to postpone any potential operation in order to both bolster the club's top-four chase and keep himself in contention for this year's Copa America.

The midfielder's decision ultimately yielded mixed results; the Bianconeri were able to scrape to a fourth-place finish on the final day of the season, but Arthur was overlooked for selection by the Selecao who went on to finish as runners-up to Argentina at the rearranged tournament.

When will Arthur be back?

With the player due to undergo the operation imminently, hopes are high that he will face only a two-month layoff from action for Juventus.

That would see him return to contention sometime around mid-September, with the new Serie A campaign around three or four weeks underway by then.

Though a blow for Allegri's early domestic commitments, Arthur could return just in time for the first round of Champions League fixtures, which are due to take place over September 14-15.

The bigger picture

Arthur's absence will leave a hole to be filled in midfield across those initial weeks, with Juventus set to kick off their Serie A campaign against Udinese.

The Bianconeri are yet to make any major moves in regards to incoming faces at Allianz Stadium during the transfer window, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has moved on to join Parma, ending the latest chapter in his long association with the club.

Captain Giorgio Chiellini meanwhile is yet to agree to new terms following his triumph with Italy at Euro 2020, though that is thought to merely be a formality for the club and the 36-year-old.

Further reading

Former Super Eagles star Vincent Enyeama is the greatest Nigerian ever to play in the Caf Champions League, according to Samuel Olatunji-Okuku.

After joining the Aba giants from Ibom Stars in 2001, the goalkeeper became a key figure in Kadiri Ikhana’s Enyimba team that ruled Africa in 2003 - a feat which ended Nigeria’s wait to win the African title.

His best performance came in the second leg of the final against Ismaily as he made crucial saves to deny Theo Bucker's El Daraweesh.

The following year, he was in goal as the Nigeria Professional Football League side ruled the continent for the second consecutive time – this time, they negotiated their way past Etoile du Sahel in the final.

As the build-up for Saturday’s final between Al Ahly and Kaizer Chiefs continues, Goal asked the seasoned football administrator who was his greatest Nigerian to play in the competition.

And after considering so many factors, he picked the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner ahead of the likes of former Africa Player of the Year Emmanuel Amuneke and several of his Enyimba teammates who won the annual football showpiece twice.

“Honestly, this is a very tough call to make because most of the players who featured in the first edition played a major role in the title defence,” Olatunji-Okuku told Goal.

“However, I will be sticking out my neck out for Vincent Enyeama. The reason is simple, of all the players who have emerged as champions; he stood the test of time - talking about his career in Europe and the senior national team.

“I think winning the Africa Cup of Nations as well as winning earning over 100 caps for the Super Eagles is a big deal for a player who shot into limelight in Africa’s biggest club competition.

“In Europe, he excelled greatly during his time at Bnei Yehuda and Hapoel Tel Aviv before he moved to Ligue 1 side Lille.

“No disrespect to the likes of Emmanuel Amuneke, Willy Opara, Obinna Nwaneri and Dele Aiyenugba who also did so well in the competition, I decided to go for Enyeama based on what he achieved after his feat with Enyimba."

Since Enyimba’s success in 2004, no Nigerian side has won the competition. Only Heartland went closer to winning the diadem in 2009 – albeit, they lost to TP Mazembe in the final.

Dijon forward Desire Oparanozie is back in the Super Falcons’ fold as they begin preparations for the Aisha Buhari Cup in Austria.

Nigeria are camped at the Event Hotel Pyramide in Vienna as they get ready to host the United States of America, Ghana, Morocco, South Africa and Cameroon for the six-nation tourney that will take place in Lagos in September.

The competition is organised in honour of Nigeria's first lady, Aisha Buhari and it will be a week-long event in the Southwestern part of the country.

Randy Waldrum handed debut call-ups to the Ijeh sisters (Josephine and Evelyn) who both play for Sweden's BK Hacken alongside Leicester City's Ashleigh Plumptre who declared her intention to represent the nine-time African champions in June.

The Aisha Buhari Cup is expected to get the Super Falcons ready for the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ghana in October, after they failed to register a win in three matches at the US Summer Series last month.

They suffered a 1-0 loss to Jamaica, followed by a 3-3 draw against Portugal before the United States beat them 2-0.

Meanwhile, Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala is the notable star absent in the training camp that will last for eight days.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Tochukwu Oluehi (CD Pozoalbense, Spain); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Patience Okeke (Bayelsa Queens); Yewande Balogun (California Storm, USA).

Defenders: Glory Ogbonna (Edo Queens); Osinachi Ohale (Madrid CFF, Spain); Esther Ogbonna (Edo Queens); Chidinma Okeke (Madrid CFF, Spain); Onyinyechi Zogg (FC Zurich, Switzerland); Nicole Payne (West Virginia University, USA); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash Reserves, USA); Megan Ashleigh (Leicester City, England); Josephine Ijeh (BK Hacken, Sweden)

Midfielders: Rita Chikwelu (Madrid CFF, Spain); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Eskilstuna United, Sweden); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Mowaninuola Dada (Watford FC, England)

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Francisca Ordega (Levante UD, Spain); Gift Monday (FC Robo Queens); Joy Bokiri (Bayelsa Queens); Uchenna Kanu (Linkopings FC, Sweden); Ebere Orji (Sundsvall DFF, Sweden); Ini-Abasi Umotong (Lewes FC, England); Evelyn Ijeh (BK Hacken, Sweden); Desire Oparanozie (FC Dijon, France).

Group B  continues in the Gold Cup on Thursday, with Martinique  playing the  U.S. national team  in Kansas City.

Watch Martinique vs USA on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Martinique suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Canada in its opening Gold Cup game, knowing another defeat could knock the team out of the competition.

The USMNT fared better, picking up a 1-0 win over Haiti thanks to an early goal from Sam Vines. A win against Martinique would seal progress to the knockout stage.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), this year's Gold Cup games can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

Martinique has never beaten the USMNT before, but needs a result on Thursday to stay in the Gold Cup.

Goalkeeper Gilles Meslien will need to be in better form against the United States than against Canada, where he conceded four times.

Despite losing 4-1, Martinique is not expected to make many changes to its starting XI.

Predicted Martinique starting XI : Meslien; Dondon, Cretinoir, Barthelery, Camille; Grelet, Abaul, Herelle; Fortune, Riviere, Pastel.

Paul Arriola is a major doubt for the USMNT after being forced off injured just 14 minutes into the 1-0 win over Haiti.

Nicholas Gioacchini replaced Arriola from the bench and could be in line to play from the start against Martinique, although Daryl Dike has also been suggested as a potential replacement.

With few European-based players on the roster, Sebastian Lletget captained the side and should wear the armband again for the remainder of the tournament.

Reggie Cannon is unlikely to play after missing the first game with a thigh problem.

Predicted USMNT starting XI:  Turner; Pines, Zimmerman, Robinson, Vines; Acosta, Roldan, Lletget; Busio, Zardes, Gioacchini.

Recent results & head-to-head

Last five results

Head-to-head

Rangers are hoping to replicate their domestic winning run and qualify for the 2021-22 Champions League group stage, according to Nigeria defender Leon Balogun.

The Gers are yet to play in the group stage of the top European tournament since their last outing in 2010.

Thanks to their Premiership success last campaign, Steven Gerrard’s men will begin their quest to play in the Champions League in the third qualifying round.

They are four matches away from the group stage, however, Balogun is confident of the Gers' progress.

"We have our heads set on qualifying for the Champions League, and that has always been a dream for me," the 33-year-old told Rangers TV.

"We have to put in the work for that, but everyone really has that target set and is keen on that. I am working under an amazing management team with some amazing players and some amazing talent, and it is elite, definitely.

"The focus is high and I can sense that feeling of everyone wanting to replicate that winning feeling again as it has been so overwhelming and so nice that you don't want to lose that.

"It is something I have seen from the first day I came in, and it is quite contagious. If you look at the gym, you have a real culture there of everyone pushing on and working on weaknesses and working on strength as well just to make sure everybody is in the right state of mind and body as well."

The Super Eagles centre-back won the first silverware of his career last season after helping Rangers lift their 55th league title.

He initially moved to Ibrox Stadium on a short-term deal before the contract was extended by another year towards the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

Balogun recently recovered from a calf injury and he is relishing the opportunity to join Gerrard’s squad for their pre-season training programme with a friendly fixture lined up against Arsenal on Saturday.

“Last season I didn't really have a break - I came straight off playing games, but this year, I had a break so it is very important, as for everyone else,” he added.

"It is my first full pre-season in a long time as I have always been away on internationals, so it is good to feel your body like that again as I always say this is the time where you can break through some limits that you had before and set some new limits, and also work on the mental side, working through the fatigue and that pain that you have sometimes.

"So I welcome it - even though it hurts at times!"

The LA Galaxy have announced that midfielder Efrain Alvarez has signed a two-year contract extension through the 2023 season, with a club option for 2024. 

Alvarez, 19, is currently away with Mexico at the Gold Cup, where his international future was sealed when he played against Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday.

With that appearance, Alvarez became cap-tied to Mexico after a tug-of-war between El Tri and the United States for his services.

What was said?

“Efrain is a top, young attacking talent and has an exciting future ahead of him in LA and for the Mexican national team,” said Galaxy general manager Dennis te Kloese in a club release.

“The Galaxy are committed to fostering talent from within the academy and Efrain’s contract extension further cements that responsibility."

Alvarez's career so far

Alvarez signed his first professional contract with LA Galaxy II, the club's reserve side, in 2017 at the age of 15.

One year later, Alvarez joined the Galaxy's senior team and has gone on to tally four goals and five assists in 41 games played (18 starts) with the club.

In the current season, Alvarez has scored one goal in nine appearances (six starts) with the Galaxy.

Alvarez was born in Los Angeles and grew up there, but his parents were born in Mexico and he was subject to a heated battle between El Tri and the USMNT for his international allegiance.

The teenager has been called up by the USMNT but did not play a game for Gregg Berhalter's side, and his Gold Cup appearance at the weekend ended the battle for his national team future.

Further reading

Bafana Bafana’s Cosafa Cup coach Helman Mhalele is returning from isolation while midfielder Masilake Pohlongo has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of Friday’s semi-final clash against Mozambique.

TS Galaxy linkman Pohlongo has tested positive together with the team’s physiotherapist Nhlanhla Ndlovu.

With the infected requiring to isolate for 10 days, this rules Phohlongo out of the Cosafa tournament which ends on Sunday.

But coach Mkhalele will be back on the bench again together with goalkeeper-coach Lucky Shiburi who was also out after testing positive for Covid-19.

“Physiotherapist Nhlanhla Ndlovu tested positive for the virus as well as midfielder Masilake Phohlongo,” Safa said in a statement.
 
“On arrival in Gqeberha, coaches Helman Mkhalele and Lucky Shiburi tested positive and were immediately isolated. Having undergone the mandatory 10-day isolation they have been cleared today [Thursday] and are no longer deemed infectious.

“The same process will be undertaken for the most recent cases [mandatory isolation for 10 days] and they will be under medical supervision until day 11 when they’re able to de-isolate.”

In Mkhalele’s absence, Morena Ramorebuli was in charge and managed to lead the team to three wins and a draw.

Bafana Bafana are yet to concede a goal and would want to keep that encouraging record against Mozambique on Friday.

“Out of all the positives in this tournament is the character that these boys have shown,” said Ramoreboli as per Sowetan Live.

“You started to see this team winning matches under difficult conditions, to see individuals raising their hands saying they would fight for the country.

“You can look at our goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, who has been doing well. Our defence has been solid because we haven’t conceded a goal. You look at Rushine de Reuck, Thabani Dube‚ Njabulo Ngcobo‚ Nyiko Mobbie.

“You go into the midfield. I think we have created a lot of chances through our combination play, which is our strength. You look at the ability in the middle with Lebohang Maboe, Siyethemba Sithebe‚ Yusuf Maart and Sphelele Mkhulise.

“Upfront we’ve also had competitive players. I believe we have raised the bar and said we are ready to go to the semi-finals.

“But what we need to do now is go out and dominate. Because it’s the knockout stage, crunch time – we need to fight with everything we have.”

Bafana are bidding for a fifth Cosafa Cup title which would put them on par with Zambia while coming just behind record holders Zimbabwe who have six titles. 

Riyad Mahrez has spoken out on how tennis star Rafael Nadal continues to inspire him as his role model to stay hungry, with the Manchester City man stating that it keeps him striving to surpass his old achievements.

The Algeria international has enjoyed a trophy-laden domestic career ever since he helped steer Leicester City to a shock Premier League triumph in 2016, winning further titles across multiple competitions since heading to the Etihad Stadium under Pep Guardiola.

Given that the winger has conquered virtually every domestic honour placed before him, he acknowledges that he draws upon his inspiration Nadal - the joint all-time leader in men's Grand Slam triumphs in tennis - to help keep him focused on always bettering himself.

What has Riyad Mahrez said?

"It's like Rafael Nadal," the 30-year-old told YouTube channel Oui Hustle in regards to driving himself on. "Once, he'd won 11 times at [home of the French Open] Roland Garros - and he was losing in the final of another tournament [in 2019].

"He said he heard a voice in his head saying "it's okay Rafa, you've already won 11". But no, he continues, even injured. He pushes and he wins.

"Those are the real champions. When you win, you have to win again or we'll say we're over. You have to surpass yourself all the time."

Mahrez on Mbappe's Euro heartbreak

Mahrez was also drawn on Kylian Mbappe and the disappointment of Euro 2020 for the France international, stating that he believes the attacker will bring the right mindset to putting his heartbreak behind him.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker saw his decisive penalty saved during Les Bleus' shootout defeat to Switzerland in the last-16, to condemn Didier Deschamp's reigning World Cup holders to a shock early exit.

"Football is a constant challenge," Mahrez adds. "We saw it with Mbappe. He won the World Cup three years ago. Then he missed a penalty. Everyone has fallen on him.

"Everything you did yesterday, they don't care, it is in the past. You have to look ahead. When you win, next year you have to come back and try to win again. This is the right mindset. and those who have are very successful."

The bigger picture

Mahrez will look to add more to his medal drawer this coming season as Guardiola looks to drive his title-winning squad onto even greater highs both domestically and internationally.

Having fallen short in the Champions League at the last hurdle in May - edged out by Chelsea in Portugal - the Premier Legaue champions will look to go one better this time around.

Before then however, they will have to face Mahrez's old club Leicester at Wembley Stadium in the FA Community Shield, before a second trip to London to face Tottenham in their Premier League season opener.

Further reading

Ghana’s 2010 World Cup defender Lee Addy has revealed a lack of agreement with Hearts of Oak scuppered a move to the club for the current season.

After returning from a spell in Ethiopia, the centre-back became highly linked with the Phobians after being spotted training with the outfit.

He was expected to join the Accra-based side, who have ultimately won the league, but the transfer failed to materialise, leaving him without a club up until now.

“Nothing happened,” Addy said about the deal ultimately falling through, as reported by Starr Sport.

“I just couldn’t reach an agreement with the management of Hearts of Oak for a deal.

"Everyone was okay with me, I am proud I joined [for the training spell] them at a very difficult time.”

Last year, Addy was among a group of stranded Ghanaian footballers who had to be evacuated from Ethiopia after a public plea following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease.

On his return, he told the media he was in talks with Ghana’s two biggest clubs Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak as he sought a return to the Premier League.

"I am talking to three clubs Kotoko, Ashanti Gold and Hearts of Oak and we hope to come to a conclusion soon," the 31-year-old told Max FM in August last year.

"Hearts and Kotoko are like Barcelona and Real Madrid but I also respect AshGold very well, so any of them that gives me a good offer I will gladly accept.

"I am a footballer and will take any offer which is good for me, it could be in Africa or Europe and I will embrace the offer."

With the 2020-21 GPL headed for a conclusion on Sunday, Addy will hope to make a return when the championship returns again next term.

“I have watched some of the games at the stadium and the talent and everything is wonderful,” Addy said of the ongoing domestic campaign.

"I really admire the FA for organizing a successful 2020-21 Ghana Premier League season, more grease to their elbow.”

Addy represented Ghana both at the 2010 World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Newly crowned Tanzania Mainland League champions Simba SC, and Azam FC settled for a 1-1 draw at the Azam Complex, in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam on Thursday.

Idi Nado was on target for the hosts with veteran Rwanda attacker Meddie Kagere ensuring the spoils were shared.

With Wekundu wa Msimbazi winning the league and the Ice-cream Makers sealing a third-place finish, the game was reduced to a dead rubber. Having not defeated Mnyama in league assignment since January 2017, this was a good opportunity for them to get maximum points.

The 2014 champions needed 43 minutes to get their goal. Mudathir Yahya received a good pass in Azam's half, went past his marker before playing a long pass to Nado.

The latter controlled the ball well before placing it past the desperate Simba custodian.

After the break, the 22-time champions came back stronger, trying to attack with every opportunity they got. However, it was not easy to beat the composed Azam defence.

It seemed the former champions were on the verge of breaking the jinx but with five minutes to go, Mnyama equalized.

Kagere held his composure to ensure Wekundu wa Msimbazi maintain their unbeaten run against the Chamazi Street-based heavyweights.

Simba have won 25 of their 33 matches played, drawing five and losing just three. They have managed to score 74 goals, and conceding 14 in the process.

The Ice-cream Makers are on 65 points after 18 wins from the 33 matches they have played. They have drawn 11 and lost four, scoring 49 goals and conceding 22.

Meanwhile, Yanga SC emerged 2-0 winners against Ihefu FC in another top-tier assignment at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Feisal Salum struck twice to help Timu ya Wananchi pick up the victory on home soil and are now assured to keep second spot and feature in the Caf Champions League in the 2021/22 season.

Salum scored the opener for Yanga in the 17th minute as the visitors struggled to deal with the hosts who attacked, especially from the wings. The Tanzanian added the second goal in the 36th minute, taking his season tally to five goals.

With the goals, Salum bettered his record with Yanga in the last two seasons: In the 2018/19 campaign, he found the back of the net four times in 37 games, and in 2019/20, he scored two goals in 27 games compared to five this season in 33 games.