The 26-year-old has made just 15 appearances for the London-based team since 2015
Original author: Seth Willis
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The 24-year-old forward has penned a deal for an undisclosed fee until 2025 after failing to get playing time at Parkhead
Ivory Coast striker Vakoun Bayo has sealed a transfer move from Scottish giants Celtic to KAA Gent in Belgium.
The 24-year-old struggled to get playing time at Parkhead, a decision that has forced him to move to the Belgian outfit until 2025.
“Today, 24-year-old striker Ivorian striker Vakoun Bayo has signed a contract with KAA Gent until 2025,” Gent confirmed on their official website.
“Bayo comes from Scottish club Glasgow Celtic and was loaned to French side Toulouse FC last season, where Brecht Dejaegere and Deiver Machado also played.”
The statement continued: “Bayo started his career at Stade Abidjan in his native Ivory Coast. In the 2014-15 season, he became the league's top scorer and was also voted best player.
“He then left for Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel and the next stage was Dunashka Streda in Slovakia (2017-19). There he scored 22 goals in 32 games and provided nine assists.
“These figures convinced Celtic that brought him to Scotland in the winter of 2019. Last season he went on loan to Toulouse, where he scored 13 goals and four assists in 36 games.
“Welcome to the Buffalo's Vakoun!”
On why the club signed the player, Gent Sports Manager Tim Matthys said: "Vakoun is a fast and agile striker who is very strong offensively, he is a player, who will offer our coach many opportunities up front.”
Bayo made his debut for Celtic against Kilmarnock on February 17, 2019, coming on as a late substitute shortly before Scott Brown scored a late winner.
On the international scene, Bayo has represented the Ivory Coast U23 team on four international assignments and also the senior team two times in 2018.
Gent are on a signing spree, and recently they unveiled Kenya defender Joseph Okumu from Swedish club IF Elfsborg.
Original author: Dennis Mabuka
The tactician has travelled home at a time when he is linked to a Second Division side in his native country
Gor Mahia head coach Manuel Vaz Pinto has left for Portugal, leaving the Football Kenya Federation Premier League side under his assistant Sammy Omollo.
Vaz Pinto has left the country after Gor Mahia were defeated by Tusker 2-1 in their latest Premier League engagement. The loss saw Gor Mahia cede more ground in the title race as Tusker maintained their position at the top.
The Portuguese managed to help Gor Mahia win the FKF Shield Cup against archrivals AFC Leopards on July 4 at Nyayo Stadium. According to a source close to the club, Vaz Pinto's move to leave for his homeland before the league ended has raised restlessness among the club's hierarchy.
"He requested to leave and attend to some family matters in Portugal and it means the club will now be effectively under Pamzo [Sammy Omollo]," the source told Goal on Saturday. "I tend to understand the coach has decided to quit the club because his chances of returning are slim.
"The friends close to him in the team have numerously indicated Vaz Pinto could choose to resign while in Portugal."
Recent reports indicate the former Saint George SC coach has been linked with Portuguese Division two side CD Nacional: "Such rumours have been there but I can not authoritatively confirm the coach left the country to negotiate with the team," the source added.
Vaz Pinto was appointed in January 2021 to take charge of the team after Brazilain tactician Roberto Oliveira was released because of issues that surrounded his qualification papers.
The Portuguese came at a time when Omollo was in charge of the club on an interim basis. The former Posta Rangers coach was appointed to steer K'Ogalo in the Caf Champions League before they were eliminated by CR Belouizdad of Algeria in the second round of the preliminary stage.
Omollo was later replaced by Stanley Okumbi at Posta Rangers, paving the way for the retired defender to make his Gor Mahia move as an assistant coach. Omollo will be tasked with helping the local heavyweights to try as much as they can to defend the league title.
Speculation is rife as to whether Vaz Pinto will make a return given that the previous two coaches; Dylan Kerr and Steven Polack, asked for time to attend to family matters only to resign while in their native countries.
Original author: Kiplagat Sang
The former Chelsea boss is respectful of the Three Lions' talents, but believes they can be got at if Italy deploy the correct tactics
Former Italy boss Antonio Conte has been assessing England’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of the Euro 2020 final – and has some advice for the Azzurri as they prepare for Sunday’s game at Wembley.
Conte is well-placed to talk about English football, having won the Premier League and FA Cup during his two years in charge of Chelsea between 2016 and 2018.
Prior to that he spent two years in charge of the Italian national side and believes he has identified an area of the pitch his former players can exploit on Sunday.
What did Conte say?
Writing in his column for Gazzetta dello Sport, Conte praised England’s attacking players and believes they will pose more of a threat than Italy’s semi-final opponents Spain.
“Unlike Spain, who tended to pass it backwards, [England] always try to hit you in one-on-one situations,” said Conte, who led Italy to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.
“Dribbling, cutting inside and overlaps... there’s not only [Raheem] Sterling but also [Bukayo] Saka, [Phil] Foden, [Jadon] Sancho, [Jack] Grealish.
“And then of course Harry Kane. Many praise his ability to go get the ball and link up with the team, as with the equaliser against Denmark. Of course, he is very good at that, but it is in the middle of the penalty area that he is very strong, a sniper, and I would always keep him there as a manager, because he can be devastating.”
However, Conte believes that if Italy can contain England’s attacking threat, they are vulnerable at the other end of the pitch.
“In the middle of the park they have two very physical midfielders in [Declan] Rice and [Kalvin] Phillips, capable players who bring balance but very few vertical passes, often going for the easiest option,” he added.
“One of England’s weak spots is that, if their defence is pressed when building from the back, they aren’t as good as Spain at escaping their opponents’ press. But if you go after them with ultra-offensive pressing and they do escape, then watch out for their pace up front.
“Again, this is when the [Italy] players must show their experience at reading the various moments of the game.”
Further reading
Jorginho has been the unsung hero for Italy in the ongoing Euro 2020…
(Originally posted by Soham Mukherjee)
There are players that consistently deliver for their teams, but somehow they are under-appreciated
(Originally posted by Austin Ditlhobolo)
The Three Lions are through to their first major final since 1966 but Pickford might not win the end-of-tournament award..
England will be hoping to bring football 'home' when they take on Italy at Wembley in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final.
Gareth Southgate’s team are in form and seem to be really clicking in attack, with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane peaking at the right time.
However, the Azzurri must also try and break down England's backline that has yet to concede from open play in this tournament. Jordan Pickford in goal has been brilliant for the Three Lions and the Everton goalkeeper has played every single minute for the side.
While Harry Kane, with four goals to his name, has a chance of winning the Euro 2020 Golden Boot, Jordan Pickford might not be so lucky with respect to the Golden Glove despite being head and shoulders above any other keeper.
Who has kept the most cleansheets in Euro 2020?
Jordan Pickford is well clear in this list, keeping five cleansheets in six matches, with only Denmark's Mikkel Damsgaard managing to score a goal past the England goalkeeper. It must be noted that Pickford is yet to concede from open play, with Damsgaard's goal coming from a direct free-kick.
| Goalkeeper | Team | Cleansheets | Goals conceded | Saves Made |
| Jordan Pickford | England | 5 | 1 | 11 |
| Gianluigi Donnarumma | Italy | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Thibaut Courtois | Belgium | 3 | 3 | 14 |
| Tomáš Vaclík | Czech Republic | 2 | 4 | 14 |
| Robin Olsen | Sweden | 2 | 4 | 12 |
Why Pickford will not win the Euro 2020 Golden Glove?
Despite what transpires in the Euro 2020 final, Jordan Pickford is guaranteed to finish the tournament as the goalkeeper with the most cleansheets.
However, the 27-year-old will not win the Golden Glove at the tournament. Why? Simply because UEFA historically does not hand out Golden Glove at the Euros.
So officially, Pickford will not be handed the Golden Glove award but unofficially, he will be considered the best goalkeeper at the tournament.
Which all awards are handed out at Euro 2020?
There are six post-tournament awards at Euro 2020. But no Golden Glove.
Player of the tournament - awarded to the best player of the tournament Golden Boot - awarded to the top goalscorer Silver Boot - awarded to the second-highest goalscorer Bronze boot - awarded to the third-highest goalscorer Young Player of the tournament - awarded to the tournament's best U21 player. Team of the tournament - awarded to the best combined team of players at the tournamentFurther reading:
Original author: Anselm Noronha
Goal rank every single one of the African-origin players to have featured in the knockout stages of the European Championship
(Originally posted by Ed Dove)
The Three Lions are through to their first major final since 1966...
England will be hoping to bring football 'home' when they take on Italy at Wembley in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final.
Having edged past Denmark 2-1 after extra-time in the semis, Gareth Southgate’s team are now against an opponent that is currently enjoying their record unbeaten streak. Roberto Mancini's men have conceded just 10 goals in the 33 matches since they last tasted defeat.
However, the Azzurri must also try and break down a host backline that has only let in two goals in 12 fixtures and is yet to concede from open play in this tournament. Italy, too, have conceded just three goals in the tournament.
Here's how to watch Italy vs England in India.
Contents
What time is Italy vs England? How to watch Italy vs England Where will Italy vs England take place? Italy vs England: Team news & statsWhat time does Italy vs England start?
| Game | Italy vs England |
| Date | Monday, July 12 |
| Time | 12:30am IST |
How to watch Italy vs England on TV & live stream in India
In India, the Euros will be broadcast live on the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN). It will be livestreamed on the SonyLIV app.
| TV channels | Online stream |
|---|---|
| Sony Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi) | SonyLIV, Jio TV |
Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.
| Malayalam & Bengali TV channels | Tamil & Telugu TV channels |
|---|---|
| Sony Six SD & HD | Sony Ten 4 SD & HD |
Where will Italy vs England take place?
Wembley Stadium | London | England
Capacity: 54,990 | reduced to 25% capacity, subject to increase
Games: Group stage, last 16, semi-finals & final (eight games)
Year built: 2007
Wembley is set to host it's eighth match at Euro 2020 on Sunday. It started off with three games in Group D, where it shared hosting duties with Scotland's Hampden Park.
The London venue was initially only supposed to host the semi-finals and final, but was assigned an extra four games following the exclusion of Brussels as a host city and another one when Dublin was removed as a host.
Rebuilt in 2007, it is one of the biggest football stadiums in the world and second only to Barcelona's Camp Nou in terms of Europe's biggest arenas.
Italy vs England: Team news & key stats
Gareth Southgate is likely to stick with the same line-up that started against Denmark, although he could also opt to revert to a back three.
Federico Chiesa will be assessed after picking up a knock in the semi-final victory over Spain, while Alessandro Florenzi is still doubtful. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Leonardo Spinazzola are both ruled out.
Key stats:
This will be England’s first ever appearance in a European Championship final, and their first in the final of a major tournament since winning the 1966 World Cup. It’s the longest gap between major finals (World Cup/EUROs) for any European nation (55 years).Italy have finished as runners up of the European Championship on two occasions, losing to France in 2000 and Spain in 2012. Only Germany and USSR (3 each) have finished as runners up more times than Italy in the competition.
England’s Raheem Sterling has attempted (32) and completed (18) more take-ons than any other player at EURO 2020. Seven of these have been in the opposition penalty area (the joint-most), one of which led to England’s penalty against Denmark in the semi-final which led to their winning goal.
Italy’s Roberto Mancini will be just the second manager to have won the English top-flight title to take charge of a European nation in a major tournament final (World Cup/EUROs), after Alf Ramsey who won the English top-flight title with Ipswich and the 1966 World Cup with England.
Further reading:
Original author: Anselm Noronha
La Albiceleste won the last of their 14 titles way back in 1993 and have ended up on the losing side in four of the last six finals.
Argentina will be desperate to end their long wait for Copa America glory when they take on Brazil in Sunday's final at the Maracana.
Both sides have scored at least a dozen goals in the tournament. This edition of the Copa America has seen strong defensive performances from both teams en route to the final, with Argentina having conceded just three in six matches while Brazil have leaked in just two.
Will Lionel Messi win his first major international competition or will reigning champions Brazil retain their title?
Here's how to watch Argentina vs Brazil in India.
Contents
What time is Argentina vs Brazil? How to watch on TV & live stream in India Argentina vs Brazil: Team news & statsWhat time does Brazil vs Argentina start?
| Game | Argentina vs Brazil |
| Date | Sunday, July 11 |
| Time | 5:30am IST |
How to watch Argentina vs Brazil on TV & live stream in India
In India, the Copa America 2021 will be broadcast live on the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN). It will be livestreamed on the SonyLIV app.
| TV channels | Online stream |
|---|---|
| Sony Ten 2 SD & HD | SonyLIV, Jio TV |
Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.
| Malayalam & Bengali TV channels | Tamil & Telugu TV channels |
|---|---|
| Sony Six SD & HD | Sony Ten 4 SD & HD |
Argentina vs Brazil: Team news & key stats
The visitors are likely to stick with the same line-up that edged past Colombia on penalties in the semis. It remains to be seen whether Lionel Scaloni would hand a chance to Angel Di Maria to add more teeth to their attack.
Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out of the final as he serves the second game of a two-match ban incurred for a dangerous red-card tackle in the quarter-final victory over Chile. Lucas Paqueta and Roberto Firmino will be in contention for a start alongside Richarlison and Neymar to form the front three for Brazil.
Key Stats:
The two Latin American giants have faced each other 111 times in the past out Argentina have won in 46 matches, Brazil have won 40 matches and the remaining 25 matches ended in a draw.The last time these two sides came face-to-face was in a Superclasico de las Americas tie in November 2019. La Albiceleste had won it courtesy of a Lionel Messi strike.
Brazil are the current holders of the Copa America, having landed the crown on home soil in 2019. Neymar sat out that tournament through injury, meaning that he is still looking for a first winners' medal.
With five assists in six matches in the ongoing Copa America 2021, Lionel Messi scripted the record of providing the most number of assists in one edition of Copa America.
Further reading:
Original author: Anselm Noronha
The striker is hoping to be the first Three Lions captain to lift a major trophy in nearly 60 years
Harry Kane says he has dreamed of getting his hands on a trophy with England as the striker said he's eager to follow in Bobby Moore's footsteps.
Moore is the last England captain to lift a major trophy, having famously led the Three Lions to glory at the 1966 World Cup.
And Kane can end that trophy drought on Sunday as he leads England against Italy in the Euro 2020 final in a game he's been dreaming of for quite some time.
What did Kane say?
“Whenever your name is mentioned in the same company as players like that, it only gives you motivation, gives you confidence," he said when asked about following in Moore's footsteps.
“Of course it would be an incredible achievement. We’ve all waited so long as players, as public, as people to see us in a final. So these are the opportunities you have to grab with both hands.
“We have an amazing chance to win our second major trophy as a country. The players we’ve had over the years and produced, we feel proud to be representing them as well.
“We’ve got to be excited for it, we’ve got to enjoy it, but of course, any football match, we’re all winners here, we all want to win, and we’re going to need every bit of that to get the job done on Sunday.”
He added: "I think for sure as players you think of that moment, you dream of that moment.
“Obviously we’re all grounded enough to know we have a very tough game on our hands on Sunday. But there’s a good belief in this team.
“We came close a few years ago (reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup), so to bounce back in this tournament and go one step further has been a great sign, a great mentality that we’ve created. But of course, we all want to win.
“You dream of these moments as a kid, lifting trophies for your country, and we have that opportunity now.”
'A 50-50 game'
Kane, who has yet to capture a major trophy at club level with Spurs, admitted that Sunday's game is the biggest of his career so far.
On the other side is an Italy team that has shined throughout this tournament, more than earning their place in the final, as Kane says England will now face a team that certainly has the ability to ruin the Three Lions' potential Wembley coronation.
“It’s a real 50-50 game I think,” said Kane.
“From our point of view we have full belief in what we have been doing and how we have been setting up, and of course we believe we can win the game. But we also know it will be very tough. They’ve got some great players, some great experience.
“In any final, in any big game, you have to be on it on all aspects. We know that’s the case on Sunday and hopefully we can swing it in our favour.”
Further reading
The Three Lions will need to deal with a different type of Azzurri side in the final on Sunday
Gareth Southgate has lauded the work of Roberto Mancini in making Italy virtually unrecognisable from the squad he encountered in his playing days, warning of the threat Mancini's modernised system poses.
Given Italy's strength, Southgate said his team must play at their best in order to have a chance of securing victory.
The England boss believes the Three Lions and the Azzurri are the two best teams of Euro 2020 and deserved foes in the final on Sunday.
What has been said?
"They've got a very clear way of playing, great spirit, great energy in the way they play, tactically like all Italian teams very good, but also the style of play is probably different to the Italian teams from when I was younger - very modern," Southgate told Sky Italy.
"I've been watching them closely for two years, because I know the job Roberto Mancini was doing.
"It's an exceptional team and I think, without doubt, the two best teams in the tournament have made the final."
Jordan Henderson offers similar Italy praise
"In the games that I've seen, they look so strong defensively but also have got fantastic players going forward that can hurt teams and score goals and create chances," said the England midfielder. "So it's a very tough game and a difficult game for us, but at the same time I feel like if we perform to the levels we are capable of, then we can cause them problems as well."
Bigger picture
Mancini took over after Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and he's led a run of 33 straight unbeaten matches.
Contrary to the stereotype of Azzurri teams being plodding and defensive, this group presses high up the pitch and scores goals in bunches. They've notched 12 goals in six matches at the tournament.
Further reading
Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
(Originally posted by Goal)
Alphonso Davies has been ruled out of Canada's Gold Cup squad because of an ankle injury, Canada Soccer has announced.
The Bayern Munich left-back went down in training earlier this week and is now on his way back to his club to begin his recovery.
Davies had scored four goals and a team-best five assists in six appearances for Canada in 2021, including World Cup qualifiers.
Ankle injury history
Davies missed significant time for Bayern Munich in 2020-21 with an ankle ligament injury and has also experienced knee problems before, meaning lower-body pain is not new for the player.
The extent of this ankle problem has not yet been revealed.
Canada Gold Cup fixtures
The CONCACAF tournament begins on Saturday and runs through August 1.
Canada begin group stage action against Martinique on Sunday before facing Haiti on June 15 and the United States on June 18.
Further reading
The Belgium goalkeeper went out of his way to call out Manchester United's striker in an interview
Thibaut Courtois has questioned whether Manchester United forward Anthony Martial should be considered a star player in an interview conducted by Belgium team-mate Jan Vertonghen.
Courtois had been asked to name all of the important European players left out of Euro squads and could only pick out centre-back Sergio Ramos. When Vertonghen included Martial as he rattled off answers Courtois could have given, the goalkeeper scoffed and suggested that Martial shouldn't have been mentioned.
Courtois and Martial used to be Premier League rivals when Courtois played for Chelsea.
What has been said?
"Name three star players who will not compete in [the Euros]," said Vertonghen on Pickx.
"Sergio Ramos ... umm ... umm..." replied Courtois, struggling for an answer.
Vertonghen then listed Erling Haaland, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Virgil van Dijk, Moise Kean, Miralem Pjanic and Martial among valid possibilities.
"Martial?" Courtois asked. "He is a star player?"
Courtois then shrugged and both players laughed.
Martial's record at Man Utd
The French striker, left out of his nation's Euro 2020 squad, is the 74th most expensive transfer of all time, but he has not quite lived up to massive expectations so far at Old Trafford.
Martial has scored 55 Premier League goals for Manchester United in six seasons - an average of nine per campaign. He has also recorded 25 assists in domestic action.
Injuries have played a major role in his limited production, as he tore a knee ligament in March to prematurely end his season. He also battled thigh problems in 2019-20.
The attacker is still just 25, though, and has time to reach the heights fans desire.
Further reading
The European championship will be concluded on Sunday with England and Italy set to battle it out in the final
Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr is backing England to win the Euro 2020 final against Italy at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
The German tactician believes Gareth Southgate’s side are a more complete team with a better tactical approach than the Italians.
England are set to play in the final of a major tournament for the first time since 1966 when they won the Fifa World Cup on home soil after defeating West Germany 4-2.
The Three Lions defeated Denmark 2-1 on Wednesday after a tensed 120 minutes of football at Wembley while Italy booked their place for Sunday’s showdown after beating Spain 4-2 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw at the end of extra-time.
Rohr, however, condemned England fans for booing Denmark during their national anthem – an issue Uefa is investigating and they have consequently charged the English team.
When asked about the team that will come out victorious on Sunday, the 68-year-old told Nation Sport: “Of course, England is favourite at home. They are a complete team, physically and tactically on the top.
"The fans are a big support, but I regretted their attitude to whistle the opponents, even the national anthem.”
Although he is backing Southgate’s team, the former Bordeaux and Gabon coach said he is anticipating a ‘nice’ encounter at Wembley with respect to both teams’ style of play.
“I think that Italy can be a winning outsider, solid block-playing with fast counter attacks,” he continued.
“Both teams can play with three or four in the defense. A lot of teams now have a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 organisation, evolution, defending, and attacking together.
“So, a nice final on Sunday. Each ambitious team today should be able to play in different systems, defending and attacking together.”
England are yet to win the Uefa European Championship in their footballing history and their best finish was in 1968 when they won their third-place match.
Italy, on the other hand, have lifted the coveted European trophy just once in 1968 when they defeated Yugoslavia 2-0 in a rematch in Rome.
Portugal are the defending champions while Germany and Spain are the most successful teams in the tournament’s history with three titles each.
Original author: Taiye Taiwo
The 31-year-old is committed to improving the lives of people in the West African nation
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye joined a non-profitable organisation, For Hope Association, in providing foodstuffs and baby cots to a nursery in Senegal.
The former Everton and Aston Villa star was in the company of his spouse, Pauline Gueye and volunteers as they visited Kaolack nursery.
After their donation, Gueye and his team interacted with the people to know their needs for further assistance.
They also visited villages in Ngelou before the 31-year-old returned to Paris to join Mauricio Pochettino’s side in preparing for the 2021-22 season.
“Thank you to all the volunteers of our association, For Hope Association which allowed us to carry out the first operation with the children of the Kaolack nursery,” Gueye wrote on Instagram.
“It was an incredible moment of sharing, rich in emotions. We then went to the villages of Ngelou where we spoke with the inhabitants, with the aim of making several adjustments. We will continue to do everything to make your daily life more enjoyable. Stay tuned.”
Gueye is not the only Senegal international who touched lives in the West African country with his resources this summer.
In celebrating his 30th birthday a few weeks ago, Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly bought two ambulances and medical equipment for hospitals in Senegal.
The items including stretchers, personal protective equipment and thousands of protective masks, which were reportedly shipped to Africa from the port of Naples.
Liverpool star Sadio Mane is another player in Aliou Cisse's national selection who took a step to impact lives during his holiday.
The 2019 African Footballer of the Year donated about £500,000 to help fund the construction of a hospital in Bambali - his hometown.
He also met with the President of Senegal Macky Sall in June to seek the government’s contribution in providing medical personnel for the medical facility.
The new hospital project is set to have maternity care, dental facilities and consulting rooms.
Two years ago, the 29-year-old contributed £250,000 to build a school in the same village.
(Originally posted by Taiye Taiwo)
The battle for bronze will play out in the Brazilian capital, with Los Cafeteros locking horns with La Blanquirroja
Colombia takes on Peru in the Copa America third-place play-off on Friday, with the teams colliding at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia.
Watch Colombia vs Peru on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)
Having lost out on penalties to Argentina in the semi-final, Colombia come into the game having exerted themselves for longer, with Peru losing in regulation time against Brazil.
La Blanquirroja also arguably holds a psychological edge over the Colombians after defeating them 2-1 in the group stage of this tournament, but previous form can count for little in a knockout match.
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 | Colombia players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Ospina, Vargas, Quintana |
| Defenders | Medina, Murillo, Cuesta, Tesillo, Mina, Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Fabra |
| Midfielders | Barrios, Cuellar, Cardona, Cuadrado, Perez, Perlaza |
| Forwards | Zapata, Muriel, Diaz, Borre, Borja, Morelos, Campaz, Chara |
Colombia will be without Porto midfielder Mateus Uribe and Pachuca's Yairo Moreno, who are injured.
Luis Diaz is their top scorer in this tournament with two goals and he will be keen to add to his tally, though it remains possible that Reinaldo Rueda will mix things up for the final match.
Predicted Colombia starting XI: Ospina; Tesillo, Sanchez, Mina, Munoz; Diaz, Cuellar, Barrios, Cuadrado; Zapata, Muriel.
| Position | Peru squad |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Gallese, Caceda, Carvallo |
| Defenders | Abram, Corzo, Santamaria, Araujo, Trauco, Ramos, Lopez, Callens, Garces, Lora |
| Midfielders | Tavara, Pena, Cueva, Tapia, Caragena, Carrillo, Yotun, Arias, Garcia |
| Forwards | Lapadula, Valera, Iberico, Ormeno |
Andre Carrillo, who has two goals to his name in the tournament, sat out the semi-final defeat to Brazil but should return for this game.
Gianluca Lapadula is expected to lead the line once more.
Predicted Peru starting XI: Gallese; Callens, Ramos, Santamaria; Trauco, Tapia, Yotun, Corzo; Pena, Cueva; Lapadula.
Recent results & head-to-head
Last five results
| Colombia results | Peru results |
|---|---|
| Argentina 1-1 Colombia (3-2 P) (Jul 6) | Brazil 1-0 Peru (Jul 5) |
| Uruguay 0-0 Colombia (2-4 P) (Jul 3) | Peru 3-3 Paraguay (4-3 P) (Jul 2) |
| Brazil 2-1 Colombia (Jun 23) | Venezuela 0-1 Peru (Jun 27) |
| Colombia 1-2 Peru (Jun 20) | Ecuador 2-2 Peru (Jun 23) |
| Colombia 0-0 Venezuela (Jun 17) | Colombia 1-2 Peru (Jun 20) |
Head-to-head
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Jun 20, 2021 | Colombia 1-2 Peru |
| Jun 3, 2021 | Peru 0-3 Colombia |
| Nov 19, 2019 | Colombia 1-0 Peru |
| Jun 9, 2019 | Peru 0-3 Colombia |
| Oct 10, 2017 | Peru 1-1 Colombia |
(Originally posted by Ryan Kelly)
Asante Kotoko legend Samuel Opoku Nti has labeled expatriate coaches as perennial underperformers in Ghana.
Debates over the appointment of a foreign coach become topical anytime a vacancy opens at any of the prominent teams in the West African country.
The discussions have mostly centered around the Black Stars, as well as Ghana's two biggest clubs Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
"This is my personal opinion, I don’t think white coaches have helped Ghana, whether Asante Kotoko or Ghana or any other club. At the end of the day, what happened?” Opoku Nti, who won the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana and the 1983 Caf Champions League with Kotoko during his playing days, told Silver FM.
"Our terrain is not really suitable for the white coaches. So we the administrators need to seriously give this a thought. The kind of support we give these white coaches, our local coaches are deprived of such.
“But when things go south for the white coaches, we fail to condemn them equally as we do to our local coaches in the same or similar circumstances."
Kotoko's Portuguese coach Mariano Barreto has been in the news recently as the Porcupine Warriors have all but lost out on the Ghana Premier League title to archrivals Hearts of Oak.
The two clubs sat level on points ahead of matchweek 31 but a defeat to Hearts has seen the Kumasi-based fold lose ground in the title chase, now with just two more rounds of games to end the season.
The Phobians, who could clinch the league title with a game to spare on Sunday, are led by Ghanaian coach Samuel Boadu.
“Look at the working conditions we make for our local coaches. They are poor as compared to the white coaches but we criticise them more than we do the whites.
"Asante Kotoko should dive deep into their history, no white coach has won an African competition for the club. Even how many white coaches have won the local league for Kotoko? So let’s look at this critically and give our local coaches the needed support and respect
“The song that we keep playing, this is our own, let’s cherish our own, are we cherishing our local coaches? If I have power, no white man will coach my team."
Ghana have won Afcon on four occasions, with all four titles masterminded by home-based coaches.
(Originally posted by Prince Narkortu Teye)
The Anderlecht midfielder is set to join Mikel Arteta's ranks over the summer - here's your guide to the Belgian
Arsenal are poised to sign midfielder Albert Lokonga from Anderlecht, having recently agreed a deal with Benfica for left-back Nuno Tavares.
The 21-year-old Belgian is set to undergo a medical before completing his move to Emirates Stadium, after Arsenal agreed a deal in principle worth up to £18 million ($25m).
Goal brings you everything you need to know about Arsenal’s soon-to-be new signing.
Who is Albert Lokonga?
Lokonga was born in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, on October 22, 1999.
He joined the Anderlecht youth system in 2014, before signing his first professional contract with the club in November 2017, making his senior debut on December 22 that year in a 1-0 league win over Eupen.
He became a first-team regular in the 2019-20 season, making 26 appearances in all competitions for Anderlecht before the Belgian First League season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2020-21, Lokonga made a career-high 37 senior appearances and scored three goals, including his first senior strike, which came in a 1-1 draw against Eupen - again - on September 27.
Anderlecht finished fourth in the table to qualify for next season's Europa Conference League - meaning they play continental football next season, something Arsenal will not.
How much will Albert Lokonga cost Arsenal?
Arsenal have agreed an initial fee believed to be around £15m ($21m) for Lokonga.
That is a fee that will increase, however, due to several add-ons that will be included in the final deal. In all, Arsenal are expected to pay close to £18m for the young midfielder, should those add-ons and bonuses be met.
Why do Arsenal want to sign Albert Lokonga?
Goal's Arsenal correspondent Charles Watts: "Arsenal view Lokonga as a player with immense potential and he fits the profile of the type of player the club are looking to recruit this summer.
"At just 21 and having only been playing in Belgium, he is not expected to come in and be an instant replacement for Roma-bound Granit Xhaka, but he will still get a lot of game time as he adjusts to the demands of the Premier League.
"With Matteo Guendouzi having joined Marseille, Dani Ceballos having returned to Madrid and Lucas Torreira expected to leave, Arsenal are well aware of the need to bolster their midfield ranks this summer.
"Lokonga will do exactly that and will look to put pressure on Thomas Partey and whoever is brought in to replace Xhaka in the heart of midfield as the season progresses."
Which position does Albert Lokonga play?
Lokonga primarily plays as a central midfielder, on the right side of a 4-3-3. He has also been deployed as the central, more defensive player of the middle three.
In Mikel Arteta's preferred 4-2-3-1, he would most likely play in the two, but would also fit into the 3-4-2-1 and 4-3-3 formations that Arsenal used at times in 2020-21.
What national team does Albert Lokonga play for?
Lokonga has declared for Belgium, although he was eligible to play for DR Congo - his brother, former Spurs youth player Paul-Jose M'Poku, has played 14 times for the African nation.
The younger brother has played seven times for Belgium's Under-21s and was called up for the senior squad for their friendly against Greece in June. However, he has yet to make his debut for Roberto Martinez's side and missed out on the squad for Euro 2020.
What is Albert Lokonga's FIFA 21 rating and potential?
Lokonga's overall rating in FIFA 21 is 73, with a potential of 82. He has got a three-star skill moves rating. He prefers to shoot with his right foot and his work rate is medium.
His best stat is ball control, which is 81, while he has 78 in short passing, stamina, agility and composure.
