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'Lionel Messi and Neymar best players' - All awards at the 2021 Copa America

Argentina ended their 28-year-wait for an international trophy after beating Brazil 1-0 in the 2021 Copa America final at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. 

It capped a memorable tournament for the La Albiceleste  who last won a trophy in the 1993 Copa America. 

Their talismanic striker Lionel Messi also had a great tournament, winning his first ever senior international title. 

Let's take a look at all the awards at the 2021 Copa America:

Who won the 2021 Copa America Golden Boot?

Lionel Messi had a fantastic tournament, scoring four goals and laying on five assists.

Though Colombia's Luis Diaz also scored four goals, Messi registered more assists and was named the Golden Boot winner.

Who won the 2021 Copa America Best Player award?

Lionel Messi, who had a hand in nine of the 12 goals Argentina scored during the tournament, was aptly named the Best Player of the Tournament along with Brazil's Neymar who had scored two goals and registered three assists himself. 

"It is not possible to choose only one player, because this competition has two best players," CONMEBOL said in a statement.

"They demonstrated in each match their different qualities that make them players of integrity, with technical and tactical quality, for their intelligence with and without the ball, and their decision making, which is always decisive."

The study group that made the decision included Colombia's Francisco Maturana and Carlos Restrepo; Uruguay's Daniel Bañales and Gerardo Pelusso; Argentina's Sergio Batista and Nery Pumpido and Brazil's Oswaldo de Oliveira.

Who won the Golden Glove at the 2021 Copa America?

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was adjudged the best goalkeeper at the Copa America and was presented with the Golden Glove. He kept four cleansheets throughout the tournament including one in the final. 

He was also their hero in the semifinal shootout against Colombia where he saved three penalties. 

Martinez is also the first Argentine goalkeeper to win this award. 

Who won the Man of the Match award in the 2021 Copa America final?

Argentina winger Angel Di Maria, who scored the all-important winner in the 22nd minute, was named the Man of the Match in the final. 

The PSG attacking midfielder got on the end of a rasping through ball from Rodrigo de Paul and lobbed Ederson in the Brazilian goal to net the winner. Di Maria was a constant thorn in the final down the right wing. 

Who won the fairplay award at the 2021 Copa America?

Brazil, losing finalists, won the fairplay award at the Copa America.

(Originally posted by Ashwin Muralidharan)

Messi vs Neymar - Who performed better in Copa America 2021?

Lionel Messi has been the standout performer in the Copa America....

Lionel Messi and Neymar were rivals on the pitch when Brazil and Argentina locked horns in the final of Copa America 2021 at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday. 

The former FC Barcelona teammates, very close friends off the pitch, are two of the biggest superstars in South America and World football and the titanic battle saw Messi's Argentina come out victors 1-0, courtesy of an Angel Di Maria strike. 

While Brazil have scored 12 goals in the competition, Argentina also score the same number of goals.

Both Messi and Neymar were both impressive in the Copa America but when it comes to the impact and importance of the players to their respective sides, Messi is clear of him. 

The former FC Barcelona skipper has scored four goals and five assists. He has had a direct influence on nine out of the 12 goals Argentina has scored. Compared to Messi, Neymar has scored two goals and provided three assists, contributing to five goals out of Brazil's 12 strikes.

It has been Messi's tournament and the icing on the cake was La Albiceleste winning the trophy. Argentina have not won an international trophy since winning the Copa America in 1993 and Messi himself has never won an international title losing four finals (one World Cup and three Copa Americas) in his career before Sunday's victory.

How have Messi and Neymar performed at the 2021 Copa America?

Player Games Goals Assists Free-kick goals Conversion rate Passing accuracy Dribbles per match
Lionel Messi 7 4 5 2 23.53% 80.78% 5.5
Neymar 6 2 3 0 11.76% 80.18% 5.2

Stats courtesy: Squawka

What did Neymar and Messi say before the final?

"Messi is, as I've always said, the best player I've ever seen play and he's a great friend, but now we're in a final, we're rivals. I want to win and I really want to win this title, which would be my first Copa America," Neymar said. 

"Messi has been looking for his first title with the national team for many years, and every time we [Brazil] are not present at the tournament, I cheered for him. That's what I've been cheering for in the 2014 World Cup final when he faced Germany.

"Now Brazil is in the dispute, so our friendship is on the line. The respect between us is still great but only one can win.

"When you're friends with someone, it's hard to forget the friendship you have - but for example when you play video games with a friend, you want to beat him anyway. It'll be the same thing on Saturday."

Messi, meanwhile, said this - "Brazil, with Neymar, are going to be very difficult. We know his potential, what he does individually.”

What did Messi and Neymar do after the final?

Messi and Neymar, immediately in the aftermath of the final, were seen embracing each other wholeheartedly. 

 

Further reading

Records that Messi can break in the Copa final

Last five Brazil vs Argentina matches in major international tournaments

 

(Originally posted by Ritabrata Banerjee)

Italy vs England: Last five meetings in competitive games

England and Italy face-off in what promises to be a thrilling Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
(Originally posted by Ritabrata Banerjee)

Christian Pulisic Out of Everton Clash With (Another) Hamstring Injury

The Brazilian star wanted to congratulate his friend for fulfilling a lifelong dream

Neymar found Lionel Messi moments after Brazil's 1-0 defeat in the Copa America final on Saturday night and gave the Argentina forward a hug as he congratulated his long-time friend.

The former Barcelona team-mates remain great friends off the pitch, so Neymar wanted to congratulate his tournament rival even as he still had tears in his eyes from the loss. Later, the duo sat next to one another on the field to talk.

Neymar had struggled with physical challenges from defenders during the match as Messi earned his first senior international tournament triumph.

What happened?

How did Argentina win?

Angel Di Maria burst past the Brazil back line and chipped a shot over the head of Ederson in the 22nd minute.

Neymar and Co. then found it difficult to create chances, with Richarlison coming closest to an equaliser in the second half.

Bigger picture

Neymar had put together a phenomenal tournament before losing in the final, scoring two goals and delivering three assists, but that won't ease the pain of falling just short of Copa America glory after watching injured from afar when Brazil won in 2019.

Further reading

Messi puts PSG two clear in win over Lyon

The Napoli winger collided with Trinidad & Tobago goalkeeper Marvin Phillip just minutes into Saturday's match

Mexico star Hirving Lozano was carted off just 18 minutes into Saturday's Gold Cup opener after a scary collission with Trinidad & Tobago goalkeeper Marvin Phillip.

The collision came as Lozano was darting into the box with the ball while battling with two T&T defenders.

The Mexican star was bumped down straight into an onrushing Phillip, whose knee collided with the Mexican star's head, halting play for several minutes before a bloodied Lozano was taken off the field on a stretcher.

Lozano's record with Mexico

Lozano has been among Mexico's most important players for several years, having amassed 14 goals in 48 career caps.

He was a member of Mexico's squad at the Copa America Centenario, 2016 Summer Olympics, 2017 Confederations Cup and, most notably, the 2018 World Cup.

Lozano was one of several big-name selections by head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, who opted to bring a strong team to the Gold Cup this summer as CONCACAF's other powerhouse, the U.S. men's national team, turned to a different type of squad without the team's European stars.

Lozano's replacement

With Lozano coming out just 18 minutes in, Mexico turned to LA Galaxy starlet Efrain Alvarez, who has recently committed to El Tri amid interest from the USMNT.

Alvarez was called up by the USMNT in November as Gregg Berhalter looked to integrate him to the program, but the 19-year-old midfielder now looks set to take his talents to Mexico's senior team going forward.

Further reading

'Messi said it was my final!' - Argentina hero Di Maria revels in 'unforgettable' Copa America triumph

The Paris Saint-Germain winger scored the goal that ended his country's international trophy drought

Angel Di Maria revealed that Lionel Messi told him the Copa America final would be his moment to shine as the duo helped Argentina seal a long-awaited triumph over Brazil.

Di Maria scored the game-winning goal in the 1-0 win over the Selecao, helping Messi get his hands on an elusive senior international trophy.

The Paris Saint-Germain star's strike came after he was forced to miss several big games in recent years due to injury issues, including the 2016 Copa America final, making this summer's triumph all the sweeter.

What did Di Maria say?

"It's going to be unforgettable," Di Maria said after the game. "Messi told me thanks to me, I said thanks to him! 

"He told me that it was my final, that it was the rematch for the finals that I couldn't play. It had to be today and today it was."

He added:  "I am happy for my daughters, my wife, my parents, all the people who supported us and for all the crazy people who came here.

"A World Cup is coming up soon and this is a huge boost."

'Messi needed everyone, and we needed him'

While it was Di Maria that got the goal, Rodrigo De Paul was also a force in the midfield, helping Argentina take it to a strong Brazil team.

It was a game where Messi was not neccesarily required to be the here, having scored four goals to get Argentina this far, and De Paul was glad to be one of several team-mates to pay Messi back with a trophy.

"This is more than we dreamed of," De Paul said. "Being champion in the Maracana against Brazil exceeds all kinds of expectations. I am very happy.

"Messi needed everyone, and we needed him. He is the best of all time." .

Further reading

Tavares picks Henry & Smith Rowe as his favourite Arsenal players

The left-back has expressed his admiration towards the France legend and the England youth international

Nuno Tavares has named Thierry Henry, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Sako as his favourite Arsenal players.

The Portugal youth international of Cape Verdean descent joined the Premier League side on a five-year deal for £7m ($9.7m) to become the Gunners' first signing of the summer.

He broke into Benfica’s first team at the beginning of the 2019-20 campaign and went ahead to make 41 senior appearances in all competitions for the Eagles, scoring once and providing seven assists.

When asked to name his preferred Arsenal stars, the 21-year-old mentioned the legendary French forward as well as the youngsters who are part of Mikel Arteta’s current squad.

“In the present, I like [Emile Smith Rowe], because he is my generation,” Tavares told Arsenal website.

“He's played against us, on the same side - he played on the right, I played on the left - for the selection (youth) team.

“He's a good player, and I see Saka too. Young players, good players. From the past I like Henry. A very good player, and it's good for me to remember that story.”

He also pointed out that the North London team has a good project because he would develop alongside the young players in the Gunners’ setup.

“You have a good project,” he continued. “Young people, it's good for me and we learn together, because we can understand together, and we can have an evolution together with the young guys.

“It's the same. It's a good project with young guys and we understand each other.”

Tavares had expressed his delight in joining the 13-time English champions while highlighting the role Edu and Arteta played.

"I'm so excited because it is a big club and for me as a young guy, it is a pleasure to be here," he added.

"When I finished the season, my agent told me that Arsenal were interested in me.

“In the first instance I was very happy and after this I dreamed about it, and [spoke about it] with my mum. I was so excited to be here, and now I'm here I'm so happy.

"Mikel and Edu helped me so much. They speak with me every time and call me and I feel people want me here. I like that because I need this power and I'm so grateful for this."

(Originally posted by Shina Oludare)

'The GOAT debate is over!' - Messi finally gets hands on elusive international title with Copa America triumph

The Albiceleste star was finally able to guide his country to glory in his fifth international final

After falling short so many times, Lionel Messi was finally able to get his hands on a senior international trophy with Argentina in Saturday's Copa America triumph over Brazil.

Argentina seized the lead in the first half through Angel Di Maria, who scored what turned out to be the game-winner as the left side of Brazil's defence fell asleep, allowing him to dart in and chip a helpless Ederson.

That goal paved the way for Messi to finally get his hands on that elusive trophy in what was his fifth major international final.

How did Messi do at the Copa America?

Messi finished the tournament level with Colombia's Luis Diaz for most goals with each player scoring four times.

The Barcelona star scored against Chile to open the tournament before wrapping up the group stage with a brace against Bolivia.

He added another in a 3-0 quarter-final win over Ecuador while also converting in Argentina's shootout triumph against Colombia in the semi-final.

Following the victory, Messi was recognised as the tournament's best player.

Following the game, there was plenty of reaction as Messi's legendary status was even further cemented.

'The GOAT debate is over!'

Further reading

LIVE: Argentina vs Brazil

14' Casemiro bundles over Montiel and the referee awards a free-kick to Argentina. It has been a scrappy start to the contest to say the least.

13' BLOCK! Richarlison nods an offload back to Neymar in the box, but the striker sees his effort on the half-volley blocked by Otamendi.

12' Paqueta tries to release Renan Lodi down the left flank. Rivero gets across to make the interception, but gets clattered by Renan Lodi after the fact.

10' Richarlison tries to put the pressure on De Paul to attempt to win possession in the final third, but he fouls the Argentina midfielder.

8' Both sides are putting in heavy challenges in the early stages of the game. The referee will have his work cut out tonight.

6' Acuna tries to press down the left flank, but he fouls Danilo as he tries to reach an offload on the byline.

5' The Albiceleste get their foot on the ball in the early stages to press at Brazil's backline, but are yet to make any meaningful penetration in the final third.

1' We're under way at the Maracana.

In the 111 matches between the two sides, Brazil are edging the head-to-head duel winning 46 of the contests compared to Argentina's 40.

Brazil are unchanged from their win over Peru in their semi-final clash. Neymar leads the line for the Selecao supported by Everton, Richarlison and Paqueta. Marquinhos and Thiago Silva will draw on their experience to attempt to thwart Messi at the back.

Scaloni has made five changes to his side that advanced to the final in their shootout win over Colombia. Montiel, Rivero and Acuna slot into the backline to replace Pezzella, Molina and Tagliafico. Paredes comes into the side in the middle of the park, while Di Maria replaces Gonzalez in the final third.

BRAZIL SUBS: Alisson, Alex Sandro, Everton Ribeiro, Weverton, Emerson, Eder Militao, Fabinho, Vinicius Junior, Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Barbosa, Leo Ortiz, Douglas Luiz.

BRAZIL (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Renan Lodi; Casemiro, Fred; Richarlison, Lucas Paqueta, Everton; Neymar.

ARGENTINA SUBS: Franco Armani, Nicolas Tagliafico, German Pezzella, Sergio Aguero, Agustin Marchesin, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolas Gonzalez, Guido Rodriguez, Angel Correa, Alejandro Gomez, Lisandro Martinez, Nahuel Molina.

ARGENTINA (4-3-3): Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Rivero, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Acuna; Rodrigo de Paul, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria.

Brazil are chasing their eighth Copa America crown and to successfully defend their title won in the 2019 competition. The Selecao defeated Peru 3-1 in a routine victory in 2019, but know the Albicelete will provide a tough test of their mettle. Tite's side overcame Peru in th semi-finals courtesy of a strike from Lucas Paqueta. They have been solid in the knockout stages and will be determined to see off Messi and company tonight.

Argentina are aiming to win the Copa America for the first time since 1993 and to end a dismal run of failures in the final. The Albiceleste have qualified for the final four times since their last triumph, but have ultimately failed on the grand stage. Lionel Messi has the chance to win a first major crown at international level after playing a starring role in the tournament to date. It will not be easy as Lionel Scaloni's men had to go through the drama of a penalty shootout to reach the final, narrowly seeing off Colombia in a shootout. They need a flawless performance tonight to overcome Brazil.

Good evening and welcome to the live commentary of the Copa America final between Argentina and Brazil at the Maracana.

Transfer rumours: Antony's Man City snub; Chelsea's Rafael Leao bid

Having impressed with the Gunners’ youth team, the teenager has now progressed to the club's senior squad

Arthur Okonkwo has been promoted to Arsenal’s first team; the English Premier League club has confirmed.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper joined the likes club’s senior team after signing a long-term contract with the Emirates Stadium giants.

Okonkwo has been with the Gunners as an under-9 player before he was signed as a scholar in July 2018.

In the 2020-21 campaign, he trained with the first team regularly and also travelled with the squad as a third choice goalie.

Club’s manager Mikel Arteta is excited to see the teenager join his team and is looking forward to seeing him develop and improve his goalkeeping.

“We welcome Arthur to the first-team squad. We are so happy another academy player has come through our system at the club,” the Spaniard told the club website.

“Together with Arthur’s huge talent and hard work, we thank our colleagues at the academy for developing Arthur in recent years to get to this stage, they are doing great work with the players’ development here and should be really proud.

“Arthur was working and travelling a lot with the first team last season and we have all seen his quality at first hand.

“He is a strong young goalkeeper with great potential and we’re so pleased he has signed a new deal. He has absolutely earned his place in the first-team squad.

“Arthur will now join us every single day in training, where we look forward to watching him continue to develop and improve his goalkeeping.

“I know all our fans will join me in congratulating Arthur on this positive step in his career.”

This sentiment was also echoed by Arsenal’s technical director and former Brazil international, Edu.

“The work of our academy and development of young players for the first team is a huge part of what we stand for as a club,” he said.

“They have produced some top players in recent years all of who have a special connection with the club and our fans.

"It’s great that we have our third goalkeeper who has progressed from our academy and we look forward to seeing more young players coming through. Arthur has worked hard to get this far and we’re confident he’ll have an exciting future.”

Okonkwo will wear jersey number 33 for the 2021-22 campaign as he would be hoping to rival Runar Alex Runarsson and Bernd Leno for a place in the starting XI.

Born in London to Nigerian parents, he is eligible to represent the Super Eagles at senior level despite playing for England at U16, 17, and U18 levels.

Original author: Shina Oludare

Man United open talks with Alaves over Pellistri loan move

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
Original author: Goal

Where are they now? The first XIs when Man United and AC Milan first met in the Champions League in 2005 were stellar

The goalkeeper had been linked with a move to Arsenal and Inter but looks set for a transfer to France instead

Lyon are in talks to sign Andre Onana from Ajax, the goalkeeper's agent has confirmed.

The Cameroon international has been linked to a move this summer, with Arsenal and Inter reported to be eager to sign him.

But the 25-year-old looks set to reunite with former Ajax coach Peter Bosz instead, with Dutch news outlet NOS reporting his agent confirmed a personal agreement has been reached with the French club.

What has been said?

Onana's agent Albert Botines has said that Ajax and Lyon are in negotiations over a deal ahead of the new season.

He told Voetbal Primeur: "Yes, they are interested. The clubs are in talks."

L'Equipe claims that the former Barcelona player will sign a five-year contract with the Ligue 1 side. The French outlet says Ajax are demanding around €10 million (£9m/$12m) for Onana, though Lyon are hoping to talk them down to a deal worth €6m (£5m/$7m) plus bonuses.

What about Onana's ban?

Onana was hit with a 12-month suspension from football in February after testing positive for a banned substance.

Ajax and Onana claim that the substance was in his system because he took his wife's medicine by accident.

He appealed against the ban and it was reduced to nine months in June.

Onana will be able to start training again in September and will be eligible to play again in November.

How has he performed at Ajax?

Onana joined Ajax from Barcelona in 2015 and started off playing in Dutch football's second tier with the Under 21 team.

He was promoted to the senior team in 2016 after Jasper Cillessen left the Eredivisie giants.

Onana had been the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for five seasons until he was banned from playing.

Further reading

(Originally posted by Peter McVitie)

Chetambe’s hard work will push Bandari to perform better - Odhiambo

The manager called on fans to show respect and avoid giving the opposition any extra motivation

Gareth Southgate has pleaded with England fans not to boo Italy's national anthem before Sunday's Euro 2020 final.

Sections of England fans have been heard booing the national anthems of Germany and Denmark during the Three Lions' knockout clashes at Wembley Stadium.

And, with 60,000 fans set to be in the building on Sunday, Southgate has asked all of the England supporters to show respect and avoid giving Roberto Mancini's team any additional motivation.

What did Southgate say?

"It's important our fans always respect the opposition," Southgate said.

"We know that when we play abroad and fans boo our anthem it inspires them more. I don't think it will help the team.

"We can intimidate the team booing during the game, but it is different for the anthem."

The road to the final

England's road to the final has seen the team play just one game outside the friendly confines of Wembley, allowing fans to support all through their Euro 2020 journey.

Southgate's men began the tournament with all three group-stage games at home before a win over Germany in the round of 16.

Following that famous win, their lone game outside of London came in Rome against Ukraine in the quarter-final round.

In that game, the Three Lions cruised to a 4-0 win over an overmatched Ukraine side, paving the way for a semi-final win over Denmark back at Wembley.

Further reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has inspired revival of 'never say die' attitude at Man Utd

The former Selecao star is happy to see the PSG attacker shine for the national team and backed Kylian Mbappe to win the Ballon d'Or

Ronaldinho has dubbed Neymar his heir as the star of the Brazil team.

The 2005 Ballon d'Or winner was an icon for the national team and helped guide them to World Cup glory in 2002 and the Copa America in 1999.

Brazil have not been able to replicate that level of success since the former Paris Saint-Germain star retired, but Neymar can help them claim a second consecutive Copa America crown when they meet Argentina in the final on Saturday night.

What has been said?

Ronaldinho believes the 29-year-old attacker has taken his place as Brazil's hero, telling  France Football : "Yes, without a doubt, he's my heir.

"He's our main player, the idol of the Brazilians.

"He hasn't lost his daring, his dribbling, and it's always a pleasure to see him on the pitch." 

Ronaldinho tips Mbappe for Ballon d'Or

Ronaldinho has also been impressed by Kylian Mbappe's impact for PSG and France.

He has backed the World Cup winner to follow in his footsteps by winning the Ballon d'Or in the future. 

"He reminds me a bit of Ronaldo. I love this child. He's a great player, very talented," he added.

"He has all the qualities to conquer the Ballon d'Or. I like to see him play, especially when Neymar plays with him.

"In terms of top players, Paris is very well served."

Further reading

Original author: Peter McVitie

Fabinho aiming to add important quality to his game at Liverpool ahead of third season at Anfield

El Tri has a strong squad at the Gold Cup and will be looking to add a 12th trophy to the cabinet, getting underway against the Soca Warriors

Mexico kicks off Gold Cup 2021 with a clash against Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Watch Mexico vs Trinidad & Tobago on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The reigning champions and most successful team in the history of the competition with 11 trophies, El Tri comes in as one of the hot favorites.

The Soca Warriors, meanwhile, had to come through the qualification stage to book their place in the tournament, but will be eager to emulate their performances at the 2015 edition, when they reached the quarters.

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

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), the game 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 & squads

Position Mexico roster
Goalkeepers Talavera, Cota, Orozco
Defenders Araujo, Salcedo, O. Rodriguez, K. Alvarez, Moreno, Sepulveda, L. Rodriguez, Gallardo
Midfielders Edson Alvarez, J. dos Santos, Sanchez, Pineda, Cervantes, Gutierrez, Herrera, Efrain Alvarez
Forwards Pulido, Funes Mori, Corona, Lozano

Gerardo Martino has named a strong squad for the Gold Cup, with star players such as Napoli's Hirving Lozano and Atletico Madrid midfielder Hector Herrera included.

Rogelio Funes Mori has been brought to the competition too after his switch of international allegiance from Argentina, while LA Galaxy duo Jonathan dos Santos and Efrain Alvarez will be pushing to start.

Predicted Mexico starting XI: Talavera; O. Rodriguez, Salcedo, Sepulveda, L. Rodriguez; Edson Alvarez, Gutierrez, Herrera; Corona, Lozano, Funes Mori.

Position Trinidad & Tobago roster
Goalkeepers Phillip, Frenderup, Foncette
Defenders David, Peters, Gonzalez, Abu Bakr, Hackshaw, Jones, Justin Garcia, Hodge, Russell, Williams
Midfielders Arcia, Hyland, Molino, Judah Garcia, Moore, Fortune II, Muckette
Forwards Telfer, Joseph, Lee

Denmark-born goalkeeper Nicklas Frenderup has been preferred to the veteran Marvin Phillip and looks likely to get the nod for the tournament.

Columbus Crew midfielder Kevin Molino is Trinidad and Tobago's key player and they will look to him for inspiration.

Predicted Trinidad & Tobago starting XI: Frenderup; David, Jones, Russell, Peters; Hackshaw, Hyland, Judah Garcia, Molino; Telfer, Joseph.

Recent results & head-to-head

Last five results

Mexico results Trinidad & Tobago results
Mexico 4-0 Nigeria (Jul 3) Trinidad & Tobago 1-1 French Guiana (8-7 P) (Jul 6)
Mexico 3-0 Panama (Jun 30) Trinidad & Tobago 6-1 Montserrat (Jul 2)
Mexico 0-0 Honduras (Jun 12) Trinidad & Tobago 2-0 St Kitts & Nevis (Jun 8)
USMNT 3-2 Mexico (AET) (Jun 6) Bahamas 0-0 Trinidad & Tobago (Jun 5)
Mexico 0-0 Costa Rica (5-4 P) (Jun 3) Puerto Rico 1-1 Trinidad & Tobago (Mar 28)

Head-to-head

Date Result
Oct 2, 2019 Mexico 2-0 Trinidad & Tobago
Oct 6, 2017 Mexico 3-1 Trinidad & Tobago
Mar 28, 2017 Trinidad & Tobago 0-1 Mexico
Sep 5, 2015 Trinidad & Tobago 3-3 Mexico
Jul 15, 2015 Mexico 4-4 Trinidad & Tobago
(Originally posted by Ryan Kelly)

Man Utd & Man City to Miss Opening Weekend of New Premier League Season

The England star is excited for the opportunity to test himself against one of the best partnerships in the world

Harry Kane is relishing the chance to play against Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, a pair he sees as two of the best centre-backs in the world, as the England star reflected on his own slow start at Euro 2020.

Kane will be charged with breaking down the Juventus duo on Sunday in the Euro 2020 finale as England face off with Italy at Wembley Stadium.

And, after saying he wants to emulate Bobby Moore by leading England to glory, Kane says he's excited to take on two "amazing" defenders as this England team looks to seal legendary status.

What did Kane say?

"They are two amazing defenders. They have had great experience in big matches over their careers. I want to play against the best centre-backs in the world and those two are definitely up there," Kane said.

"But it's not about me. The game is about England vs Italy and we have a great belief in the team," he added.

"We have great strength in the squad and a lot can happen in a final and we need to make sure we're on the right side of it."

Kane reflects on slow start

Kane still has an outside chance to seal the Golden Boot, having scored four goals in England's three knockout stage games.

Those goals come after he was held goalless in the group stage, with Raheem Sterling scoring both of the Three Lions' goals in Group D.

"Don't get me wrong, I would have loved to have scored three or four goals in the group stage," Kane said

"At the World Cup it was such an amazing start. Mentally I lost a bit towards the latter stages.

"It's about staying in the moment, not getting carried away and knowing we're on the right track. It's worked out pretty well."

Further reading

10-man Raja Casablanca beat JS Kabylie to win Caf Confederation Cup

Despite playing with a man less, the Green Eagles saw off the challenge of Lions of Djurdjura to pick up the African title

Raja Casablanca won the Caf Confederation Cup with a 2-1 victory of JS Kabylie on Saturday evening.

First-half goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Ben Malango Ngita were all the Green Eagles needed to emerge as winners inside Cotonou’s Stade de l'Amitie.

Although they played the last 27 minutes with ten men following the dismissal of Omar Arjoune for a dangerous play, Lassaad Chabbi’s men held their nerves to win the competition for the second time in their history.

The Moroccans came into the game with low morale – having failed to win any of their last three games in all competitions. However, they reigned supreme thanks to an impressive showing in the first 45 minutes.

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(Originally posted by Shina Oludare)

Chiellini: I wasn't playing mind games with Alba before penalty shootout

The Italy defender joked with his Spain counterpart during the coin toss prior to penalties in the semi-final

Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini says he was not playing mind games with Jordi Alba when he grabbed the Spain left-back before the penalty shootout in the Euro 2020 semi-final.

The defender laughed, shoved and jokingly punched Alba during the coin toss to decide which side would take the first penalty in the shootout, which the Azzurri won.

It was speculated that the 36-year-old was trying to get a psychological advantage over the Barcelona star, but he insists he was just enjoying himself.

What has been said?

"You can see in these last matches that I have grown as a player but I am also really savouring every last drop of my career," Chiellini said at a press conference ahead of the Euro 2020 final against England.

"I always have a smile on my face but have the utmost respect for my opponents. I will hug them, smile or have a laugh but that’s something that I have always done. I have done that in these games and even more so in this European Championship. I am trying to really enjoy every single moment.

"It wasn’t mind games [with Jordi Alba]. That’s how I am in good and bad times. My team-mates love me and there may be times when opponents like me less, but I feel there’s always mutual respect.

"I feel I have always given and received a lot on that one."

Chiellini hails 'chef' Mancini

The Juventus defender says his side's successful campaign has been down to the mix of characters in the dressing room.

But he praised coach Roberto Mancini for bringing the squad together and turning them into a winning team.

"There are some more introverted and extroverted members of the team," he said.

"There are inexperienced and experienced members, and players who try to take the sting out of things with a word or two.

"Everybody has their own role and we're all very important. That's what brings us together, and we've got a great chef alongside us who is able to mix the ingredients. That's certainly helped us a great deal."

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