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A brace and an assist by Lionel Messi propelled Argentina to a convincing 4-1 win over Bolivia in their final group game at the Copa America 2021.

La Albiceleste qualified for the quarterfinal by topping their group with 10 points from four matches and they will now face Ecuador in the knock-out stage.

The two goals against Bolivia helped Lionel Messi to surpass India's talismanic forward Sunil Chhetri's goals tally (74) as he now has 75 goals in his kitty. The FC Barcelona star has so far scored three goals in four matches in the ongoing Copa America and provided two assists.

The Argentine star is now the joint-ninth highest goalscorer in international football along with Hungary's Sandor Kocsis, Japanese legend Kunishige Kamamoto and Iraq's Bashar Abdullah. 

The 34-year-old star also achieved another milestone as he played his 148th international match donning the Argentina jersey and is now the most-capped player in the country's history. He surpassed his former Barcelona and Argentina teammate Javier Mascherano (147).

Last week, Messi's closest rival Cristiano Ronaldo had equalled Iran's Ali Daei's record of highest international goals as he netted his 109th goal against France in Portugal's final group game at Euro 2020. 

The Portuguese star is still the highest goalscorer in the ongoing Euro but Portugal have been knocked out of the competition after losing 1-0 to Belgium in the round of 16.

Who are the top international goalscorers of all time?

Former Argentina star Andres D'Alessandro confessed that he was over the moon to have been the childhood hero of Chelsea's England midfielder Mason Mount, and vowed to swap his Nacional shirt with the youngster's Blues jersey should the opportunity arise. 

D'Alessandro spent six memorable months in the Premier League with Portsmouth in 2006 on loan from Wolfsburg, helping the club avoid relegation to the Championship with his talents on the ball. 

And though that spell was brief, it was enough to catch the eye of a young Pompey fan with a big future ahead of him. 

"I'm so proud!" 

While Mount joined the Chelsea academy at just five years old, he remained an avid follower of his hometown side and for his 10th birthday received a shirt signed by his idol D'Alessandro , while he is now keen to see the Argentine's signature on a Blues top.

"Andres D’Alessandro was one of the players whose shirt I got, and I got it framed on up my wall," he later told the FA's official website .

"He was a player who I always loved when he played, even though it was only for half a season."

"Really? That makes me so proud!" the 40-year-old, who is now at Uruguayan giants Nacional, said when told by  Goal  of Mount's admiration for his talents.

"Of course [I'll sign a shirt for him], I would love to. I'll swap shirts with him, I'll swap him a Nacional shirt for his Chelsea shirt. It would make me proud, it would be a pleasure to have his shirt.

"I've seen him because I watch English football, he's a player who has enormous potential. Obviously he's still young but he's shown that he has enormous talent, a player who can use both feet, quick, he scores goals. I hope he keeps growing. He is in one of the best clubs in the world, if he's there, there is a reason for it, but I can see he has amazing ability and the potential to keep growing."

England or Germany? 

Tuesday sees two of D'Alessandro's former homes clash as England and Germany meet in the last 16 of Euro 2020. 

Mount is a doubt for the match after isolating following his contact with Covid-positive Scotland player Billy Gilmour, but while the Argentine refuses to pick a favourite for the Wembley clash, he hopes the Blues star can make a positive impact. 

"I am going to watch if I can, I've watched all of the Euros too. Germany perhaps come into the game a little worse than England, but that doesn't mean anything, when you play a knockout game, they are two world powers, on an individual basis they have players who are stars in their clubs and it will most likely be a great game," he added.

"May the best team win, I don't have a preference. I'd like Mason to score a goal, let's root for him then, we are going to get behind Mason, I hope he can play."

Further reading

Roberto Martinez has confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are likely to miss Belgium's quarter-final clash with Italy.

Hazard and De Bruyne both limped out of Belgium's 1-0 victory against Portugal in the European Championship round of 16, leaving Martinez sweating on their fitness for the next stage.

The Red Devils boss has now revealed that neither man has sustained a serious injury, but he is pessimistic about their chances of returning to action in time for the clash with Italy on Friday.

What's been said?

"The initial information that we have from medical staff is positive for both, they will remain with the squad and they have no structural damage," Martinez said during his latest press conference.

"But we are running up against time and it is very difficult to see them fully fit. So, we have to take it day by day to try and get them fit.

"We were all a bit concerned before we got the news from the scans and it was a relief to all that we can now work on trying to get them fit again."

Belgium dealt major blow

Real Madrid star Hazard will be a big loss for Belgium in the last eight after featuring in all four of their games at Euro 2020 so far, but he has pledged to remain a part of the camp and continue to do whatever he can to support the team as captain.

Thorgan Hazard could now be moved forward to cover for his brother on the left-wing, and Martinez also has Yannick Carrasco to call upon, but De Bruyne will be far harder to replace.

The Manchester City midfielder has one goal and two assists to his name from his first three outings at the Euros, and has arguably been one of the best players at the tournament.

His absence will leave a creative hole in Belgium's starting XI as they try to break down a well organised Italian defence, but Leander Dendoncker could step in again, with the Wolves star having impressed in their opening 3-0 group stage win against Russia.

Who could Belgium play in the semi-finals?

If Belgium can get past Italy, they will be rewarded with a semi-final tie against either Spain or Switzerland, who produced the shock of the tournament so far by beating world champions France on penalties in the round of 16.

Further reading

Sweden face Ukraine at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening in what is the final game of the last-16 at Euro 2020.

The Swedes have been consistent in front of goal, scoring in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions - drawing their only blank in their opening match of this tournament against Spain. Alexander Isak has been in excellent form despite not scoring, with the Real Sociedad forward attracting plenty of admirers for his all-round play.

Ukraine, meanwhile, came into the competition on a six-match unbeaten run which included a 1-1 draw in World Cup qualifying against France, but Andriy Shevchenko's men have already lost twice at Euro 2020 and conceded in all three group games.

Here's how to watch Sweden vs Ukraine in India.

Contents

What time does Sweden vs Ukraine start?

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How to watch Sweden vs Ukraine 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.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

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Where will Sweden vs Ukraine take place?

Hampden Park | Glasgow | Scotland

Capacity: 52,063 | reduced to 25% capacity
Games: Group stage & last 16 (four games)
Year built: 1903 (renovated 1999)

Hampden Park in Glasgow hosted three matches in Group D and will complete its EURO2020 duty with this last 16 game.

The oldest stadium to be used at Euro 2020, Hampden Park is the home of football in Scotland, playing host to the national team as well as being the venue for various national cup finals.

It has been the stage for three European Cup finals (1960, 1976 and 2002), two Cup Winners Cup finals (1962 and 1966) and the 2007 UEFA Cup final. It was also used for football games at the 2012 Olympics.

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Sweden vs Ukraine: Team news & key stats

Sweden have a fully fit squad heading into the game, with the main selection issue being who will accompany Alexander Isak up front.

Ukraine, for their part, have injury doubts over Denys Popov and Oleksandr Zubkov.

Key stats:

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Further reading: 

England will be out to banish memories of Euro 96 disappointment when they welcome Germany to Wembley in Tuesday’s Euro 2020 last 16 clash.

Although always considered models of consistency at this level, it is hard to know what to expect from Joachim Low’s team after a topsy-turvy group stage. After opening their campaign with a frustrating 1-0 defeat that saw them fail to really trouble France, they exploded with an exciting 4-2 victory over Portugal before just about earning the draw they required versus Hungary.

In contrast, the Three Lions have been extremely steady so far, yet to concede a goal but scoring just twice themselves in three controlled yet uninspired performances.

Here's how to watch England vs Germany in India.

Contents

What time does England vs Germany start?

Return to top

How to watch England vs Germany 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.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

Return to top

Where will England vs Germany 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 will host a total of eight matches at Euro 2020 including a last-16 game, the semi-finals and the final. It will also be the scene of three games in Group D, where it shares 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.

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England vs Germany: Team news & key stats

Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell will face late fitness tests as they come out of COVID-19 isolation on the day of the game, while Southgate is reportedly weighing up switching from a back four to a back three for this clash.

Mats Hummels, Ilkay Gundogan, Serge Gnabry and Thomas Muller all played against Hungary after overcoming minor injuries, leaving Jonas Hoffman and Lukas Klostermann as the only doubts here.

Key stats:

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Further reading: 

Morocco international Amine Harit has offered support to Kylian Mbappe after the forward missed the penalty that ensured France crashed out of Euro 2020.

With the thrilling Round of 16 showdown between Les Bleus and Switzerland ending 3-3 after 120 minutes, kicks from the penalty mark were used to separate both teams in Bucharest.

During the ensuing kick, the Paris Saint-Germain star had his spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Yann Sommer, earning Vladimir Petkovic’s Schweizer progress to the last eight.

And, with that defeat, the reigning world champions’ ambition of winning a third European diadem faded into thin air.

Nonetheless, the Schalke 04 midfielder has taken to social media to encourage his former France U20 teammate.

“Never forget someone who has given you so much, the end is not good but other deadlines come quickly. You remain among the best my brother. Big strength to you, Kylian Mbappe,” Harit tweeted.

The inconsolable Mbappe had taken to social media to tender his apologies stating he wanted to help the team but failed.

“The sadness is immense after this elimination, we could not reach our goal," he wrote on Instagram.

"I'm sorry for this penalty. I wanted to help the team but failed. Getting to sleep will be difficult but unfortunately, it is the ups and downs of this sport that I love so much.

"I know you fans have been disappointed, but I still want to thank you for your support and for always believing in us.

"The most important thing will be to get up even stronger for the next upcoming deadlines.

"Congratulations and good luck to Switzerland."

During his post-match reaction, captain Hugo Lloris refused to blame Mbappe for France defeat.

"In football, we win together and we lose together," the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Lloris told beIN Sports.

 "We're all responsible for the elimination. It's painful and there is no one to point the finger at. We all fought together against the opponent and there is no excuse to seek. And we have to highlight the Swiss team, they were great.

 “I think the regrets we may have tonight are certainly that we could have managed the game better at 3-1. Our strength in the past was to be strong. And tonight, we left them in the game. 

"Despite that, we didn't give up. We went to the end of the end. Now we have to digest our pain."

Lionel Messi has broken Argentina's record for most national team caps in style, scoring twice and delivering an assist in the first half against Bolivia after taking the field for the 148th time in his career.

The winger passed Javier Mascherano with his Monday appearance in the Copa America group stage.

Argentina are set to win Group A with three wins and a draw if their 3-0 half-time advantage holds up.

What has happened?

Messi has played the role of distributor and scorer brilliantly in the first half on Monday.

He sent Alejandro  "Papu" Gomez through with a dinked pass for the opener before netting from the spot and chipping goalkeeper Carlos Lampe in transition.

As a result, Argentina entered the break up by three goals.

How have people reacted to Messi's performance?

Further reading

English League Two side Tranmere Rovers have confirmed the arrival of Emmanuel Dieseruvwe from Salford City.

After completing loan spells at Chester and Oldham Athletic, the 26-year-old was shipped to Prenton Park on a one-year deal.

There, he would be hoping to get regular playing time under manager Micky Mellon as the Super White Army chase promotion to League One.

The Nigeria prospect, who has since linked up with his new teammates on Monday is thrilled to join Tranmere, as he looks forward to helping them achieve their ambition.

“I am very happy the move has been agreed, it has been happening for a couple of weeks,” Dieseruvwe told the club website in his first interview.

“After speaking to the management team, I thought it would be a good fit and I am ready to play games and to prove to myself and to everyone I am capable of not playing at just level but higher too. 

“It is a tough division, and a lot of teams are pushing for promotion. Every game is competitive, so you have to play at your maximum and give 100% for the team. 

“The manager told me I am the right fit for the team, and he trusts my abilities and get good minutes, so I am ready.  

“This is a massive football club and as soon as I heard about the interest, I jumped at it. A club of this stature, it is really exciting to play for Tranmere Rovers. 

“I have heard nothing but good things about Tranmere Rovers from everyone I have spoken to. I am ready for the challenge.” 

For manager Micky Mellon, he claimed that the towering forward boasts the attributes to do the club well.

“We are pleased to get a player into the group with the qualities that he has. He is a striker with great physicality, and he will compete at that end of the pitch,” said Mellon.

“He will be able to get hold of the ball and allow us to play the type of football we want to play.  

“He has the attributes to do really well for us. He is another part of a group of players that we want to put together and he will provide us with an opportunity to be successful this season.”

Man of the Match midfielder Granit Xhaka was lost for words as he praised his Switzerland side, saying they were "f*cking amazing" in their shootout triumph over France on Monday.

The Swiss stormed back from two goals down to draw level at 3-3 through 90 minutes before going on to win the shootout 5-4 to eliminate the 2018 World Cup winners.

All of that came after Switzerland wasted their own chance to go 2-0 up from the spot in regular time, and Xhaka, who will miss Switzerland's clash with Spain for yellow card accumulation, was left absolutely stunned by his own team's resilience against a Euro 2020 favourite.

What did Xhaka say?

"Sorry to say this word, but it's f*cking amazing, man," Xhaka told UEFA after the game. "We can make score the 2-0 and finish the game but the penalty we missed breaks us a little bit.

"After 3-1, to come back like this against France, to show big character, this team is f*cking amazing, man."

Shootout hero Sommer speaks

While Xhaka dominated the midfield, it was Yann Sommer who made the key save in the shootout, diving to his right to stop Kylian Mbappe.

That save was the only one needed to win the shootout, and Sommer believes his side were deserved winners for how they handled the adversity of Monday's battle.

"I'm very proud of the team and we did it," he told SRF. "It's so nice to see that in front of my parents. The manner was superb.

"We played against an incredible team but they had a moment when they were too arrogant and we said to ourselves that we would go to the end."

He added: "It was an incredible evening of football, we showed a big mentality, of heart, going up two goals against the world champions, in a phase where we are a little down.

"I am incredibly proud of this team. At 3-1, nobody believed in us anymore, but before the match we said to ourselves that whatever happens, whatever the scenario, we will go to the end, to the end.

"Quarter-final: that's history. We absolutely wanted to do it, we are proud."

Further reading

France captain Hugo Lloris has backed Kylian Mbappe after the Paris Saint-Germain star's missed penalty saw France shockingly knocked out of the Euros by Switzerland.

After a stunning 3-3 battle through 120 minutes, Mbappe saw his spot kick saved by Swiss hero Yann Sommer, giving Switzerland the 5-4 shootout victory.

And, with that victory, Switzerland knocked out the 2018 World Cup winners and this summer's favourites, with their talismanic star the one missing on the last kick.

What did Lloris say?

"In football, we win together and we lose together," Lloris told beIN Sports when asked about Mbappe.

"We're all responsible for the elimination. It's painful and there is no one to point the finger at. We all fought together against the opponent and there is no excuse to seek. And we have to highlight the Swiss team, they were great."

He added: “I think the regrets we may have tonight are certainly that we could have managed the game better at 3-1. Our strength in the past was to be strong. And tonight, we left them in the game. 

"Despite that, we didn't give up. We went to the end of the end. Now we have to digest our pain."

'We lacked everything'

France initially went behind 1-0 before conceding a penalty, which was saved by Lloris. Moments later, France were up 2-1, with Karim Benzema scoring both goals in a matter of minutes.

Paul Pogba added a stunning third, curling in from outside of the box 75 minutes in to seemingly win it for the world champions.

However, Switzerland stormed back, with Haris Seferovic scoring in the 81st minute before Mario Gavranovic added an equalizing goal in the 90th.

That collapse led to France's elimination, with Varane lamenting his side's defending in the second half.

"It really is a huge disappointment," he told TF1. "We reacted tonight, we missed everything in the first half. In this second half, we reacted well but we left plenty of space and they got back in the game.

"We're disappointed. It is difficult to have the ability to analyze. We lacked everything.

"There was a lot of frustration with what we wanted to do. We reacted well and there were some positives in the second half but it wasn't enough. Then the penalty shootout is a lottery.

"It’s difficult tonight. It’s mostly disappointment. We have a good group, we have a good mentality. We will analyze, keep our heads high. In the locker room, it will be very quiet. Unfortunately, it stops today for us. Not much else to say right now. It's difficult".

Further reading

Nigeria U20 midfielder Nnamdi Ofoborh has sent his goodbye message to AFC Bournemouth ahead of the completion of his permanent move to Scottish Premiership champions Rangers.

Ofoborh is set to leave the Vitality Stadium as a free agent this week and he already signed a four-year pre-contract with the Gers back in February.

The 21-year-old who played eight Championship games with Wycombe Wanderers last season, expressed his gratitude to his teammates and the club management for their support.

Ofoborh started his football career at Bournemouth at the age of 16 and he rose through the ranks before he was handed his first professional deal in 2017.

The Nigeria youth star had the opportunity to play just three league matches for the Cherries during his four-year stint at the club.

“As this chapter in my life closes, I just want to thank AFC Bournemouth for taking me in at 16 and helping me grow into the player I am today. teammates who have turned into brothers. I wouldn’t change it for nothing. Thank you,” Ofoborth wrote on Instagram.

“Thank God, I can’t wait for this next chapter…let’s go!”

Ofoborh, who was part of the Flying Eagles' team to the 2019 Fifa U20 World Cup in Poland, will link up with his compatriots Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun in Steven Gerrard’s squad next season as they will be looking to defend the Premiership title.

Earlier this year, the 21-year-old disclosed that his intention is to play in Europe’s elite club competition after Rangers' successful league campaign last season.

“It has always been a dream for me to play in the Champions League,” Ofoborh said.

“I’m a person who is confident in my ability and I’ve been through a lot already in my career.

“But I always told my friends that one day I’ll play in that tournament. If I get that chance at Rangers, I’ll have done it way earlier than I expected.

“It would be a massive achievement for me. I’m buzzing about the move. It’s still a bit surreal to me that I’m actually joining a club like Rangers. I just can’t wait to get up there, get started and do what I need to do.”

Spain coach Luis Enrique has praised goalkeeper Unai Simon for the way he responded to his mistake in the Euro 2020 win against Croatia on Monday.

The Athletic Club shot-stopper gifted Croatia the lead in the last-16 tie when he failed to stop Pedri's pass back from the middle of the field. 

But Spain recovered and so did Unai Simon, as he made crucial saves while his side went on to lead 3-1 before Croatia struck twice late on to take it into extra time.

What has been said?

La Roja took charge again with Alvaro Morata and Mikel Oyarzabal restoring their lead, but only after the shot-stopper played a pivotal role once again, making another fine save early on.

The coach says that the 24-year-old's attitude showed why they have faith in Unai Simon, who has been first-choice for the national team since making his debut last November. 

Luis Enrique told reporters: "[Unai Simon] has taught everyone a lesson. After a mistake, your mistake does not matter, but your attitude after the mistake.

"It is a lesson for all his team-mates and for all the children who want to play football."

How did the game go?

Spain bounced back from the goalkeeper's blunder just before half-time when a save from Dominik Livakovic bounced into Pablo Sarabia's path and the winger fired into the net.

Cesar Azpilicueta gave his side the lead just before the hour mark when he headed in his first goal for the national team, then Ferran Torres appeared to have wrapped up the win for Luis Enrique's men after 77 minutes.

But Croatia fought back in the final five minutes, with Mislav Orsic and Mario Pasalic taking the match into extra time.

Spain regained control in the first half by scoring the last two goals to ensure they progressed to the quarter-finals. 

"It was an epic match. It had positive and some negative things," the coach said.

"Football is a sport of mistakes. The two sets of fans have applauded the two teams for the effort and show that the two teams have given.

"I have lived through some very intense matches, but this is one of the most."

Further reading

Newly promoted Serie A side Venezia have announced the arrival of Tyronne Ebuehi from Benfica.

The Nigeria international will represent the Winged Lions during the 2021-22 Italian topflight campaign, with an option to be signed permanently.

“Venezia FC announces that today the agreement with SL Benfica has been signed for the passage in Gli Arancioneroverdi with the formula of the annual loan with obligation to buy in case of stay in Serie A of the player Tyronne Ebuehi,” a statement from the club website read.

“The defender, born in Haarlem in the Netherlands and also holding Nigerian citizenship, played for FC Twente last season, scoring one goal and one assist.

“He grew up in ADO Den Haag, a club with which he made his debut in the Eredivisie in the 2014/15 season, and was signed by Benfica with whom he played seven games in the Liga Revelacao U23 and six games in Liga Portugal 2 in the 2019/20 season.

“During his career, Ebuehi also played 10 matches for Nigeria, including an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match and a World Cup match. Welcome Tyronne!”

Following his inability to get regular playing time at Estadio da Luz, the 25-year-old was loaned to Eredivisie side, Twente.

There, he was a regular figure in Ron Jans’ squad – featuring in 33 league games with a goal [against Feyenoord] to his credit

Before moving to Italy, the Super Eagle had taken to social media to thank the Pride of the East for the chance to prove his worth ‘at the highest level’.

“That after two years of injury suffering and many difficult periods in my career I have been given the opportunity by FC Twente to show myself again at the highest level,” Ebuehi wrote on Instagram.

“I will be forever grateful to the club for. I would also like to thank my teammates, trainers, medical/technical staff and of course the supporters of the club very much for last season.

“Unfortunately, we have not been able to finish the season the way we started it and will separate our paths here, but I wish the club all the best!”

At the Stadio Pierluigi Penzo, the African star would be aiming to get regular playing time under manager Paolo Zanetti.