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Former striker Russel Molefe has urged Namibian striker Peter Shalulile to leave Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns only if an offer from overseas comes his way.

Shalulile has spent just one season with the Brazilians and was sensational in a season where the club won their fourth straight PSL title. The impressive 27-year-old star was named Footballer of the Season and Players' Player of the Season, and as a result, he has been linked with North African clubs, particularly Egypt's Al Ahly.

Molefe - a former player at Mamelodi Sundowns - believes the forward - who joined from Highlands Park FC at the beginning of the season - can still offer a lot to the Brazilians and urged him to remain with the PSL giants should an offer from a club outside the continent not come his way.

"For me, Peter has done wonderful this season at Sundowns, but I still believe he can do more if he can stay at least another season," Molefe told KickOff.com.

"For him to leave, no... I wish him to stay another season at Sundowns. What he did was not a fluke. Sundowns are on another level. Their game is set at another level. 

"There is no better team than Sundowns in Africa. I don't think so. Yeah maybe overseas if the offer is okay for him and the club."

In a recent interview, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi explained why the Namibian had an impressive debut season with the champions. "[Peter] is a very selfless individual, somebody who works for the team, gives everything to the team and, for that, I regard him highly and whatever he has achieved in football is at the back of the person he is," Mngqithi stated.

"At training, he is never late. Every day he gives his best, even when things are going well for him after scoring a few goals, he still fights very hard to do more than the people who didn't do better in the previous match.  

"And that is the quality that is going to help the whole group because everybody is learning a lot from him, and for those attributes and values I rate him very highly."  

Inter have put their planned swoop for Filip Kostic on standby, Goal can confirm, with Lazio and Roma now set to join the race to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt star.

Kostic has firmly established himself as one of the most important members of the Frankfurt squad since moving to Deutsche Bank Park from Hamburg in 2018, helping the club compete at a high level in both the Bundesliga and Europa League.

The 28-year-old's performances have not gone unnoticed, and he is being tipped to make a step up to a bigger club this summer, with three Serie A giants now on his trail.

Inter's pursuit of Kostic 

Inter reportedly identified Kostic as a primary transfer target after Ashley Young's departure earlier this month, with new head coach Simone Inzaghi now eager to bring in more cover on the left-hand side of the pitch with only Ivan Perisic left to call upon.

Goal has learned that Frankfurt will sanction the departure of a prized asset if they receive an offer of €25 million (£21m/$30m) or over, but the Nerazzurri are not currently in a strong enough financial position to pay such a fee.

Inter have, therefore, shelved their interest in Kostic until the sale of Achraf Hakimi is finalised, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain currently battling it out for the Moroccan full-back.

Lazio & Roma ready to enter the fray

Lazio are also interested in signing Kostic, but like Inter, they must first raise extra funds by selling one or more first team-players, with Joaquin Correa thought to be closest to the exit door.

It has been reported that the Argentine has asked to leave Stadio Olimpico amid links with Premier League outfit Tottenham, and he will likely command a high enough fee for Lazio to reinvest in Kostic.

The Frankfurt star could link up with fellow Serbia international Sergej Milinkovic-Savic at Lazio, but their cross-city rivals Roma are also keen to arrange a deal.

Incoming Giallorossi boss Jose Mourinho is a keen admirer of Kostic and sees him as the ideal fit for his 4-2-3-1 system, and Goal has learned that any final agreement with Frankfurt might also see Cengiz Under head to Deutsche Bank Park in return.

Under has just returned to Roma following a disappointing loan spell at Leicester City, and his inclusion in the negotiations could help Roma secure Kostic's services for a bargain price.

Kostic's record at Frankfurt

Kostic has made 127 appearances across all competitions for Frankfurt to date, including 30 in their latest campaign.

The Serbian has scored 26 goals for the club, while also providing an impressive 48 assists, but as he continues to edge towards his thirties, now may be the best time for him to undertake a new challenge with one of the top teams in Italy.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande has claimed most players with contracts expiring at the club have forgotten about the situation and focused on reaching the Caf Champions League final.

The Soweto-giants put themselves in a good position to reach the final after beating Wydada Casablanca of Morocco 1-0 in the first leg semi-final clash played last Saturday.

With the return leg scheduled for FNB Stadium on Saturday, Chiefs also have a number of players whose contracts are coming to an end including experienced player Bernard Parker and Itumeleng Khune but according to the 35-year-old Katsande, their main focus is to reach the final and win the trophy.

“No, no, no! We’re not even worried about what’s going to happen in terms of contracts because what’s in front of us is bigger,” Katsande said as quoted by Sowetan.

“Getting to the final of the Champions League…getting the trophy is bigger than our contracts because it’d put the club on the map.

“Whatever happens will happen after we complete the Champions League. At this stage, nothing is more important than winning the Champions League. I have played professional football since I was 17 years old and I hadn’t reached the Champions League semis, so I don’t need any disturbances.’’

Katsande also lauded the role of new coach Stuart Baxter in their win over Wydad despite the tactician watching the game from the stands as he’s yet to receive his work permit.

“Coach Stuart is a mastermind. He’s a great coach; remember, he was with the national team [Bafana]. He knows all of us and some of us worked with him during his first stint at the club, so I can say he had a big influence on our win in Morocco,” Katsande continued.

“Even the technical team he found at the club work nicely with him, so it was quite easy to adapt to what he wants us to do. He’s a breath of fresh air in the group to be honest. He knows Chiefs in and out.’’

Ahead of the game, Arthur Zwane, the Chiefs interim coach, has revealed that Lebogang Manyama will be available for selection after recovering from his injury, while Khama Billiat and Dumisani Zuma are still out injured.

Chiefs will reach the Champions League final for the first time in the club's history if they avoid a defeat against Wydad. 

Manyama's availability will come as a massive boost for the Soweto giants as the midfielder-come-striker has been one of the team's most influential players this term.

Much as the transfer window offers few guarantees, there is something to be said for a clear recruitment plan and how that exponentially increases the likelihood of successful outcomes.

After a promising season ended in disappointment at the last, Leicester City might have been forgiven for taking some time to lick their wounds.

After all, 2020/21 was the second season in a row in which they had lost out on a place in the Champions League on the final day, and that near-miss threatened to completely cloud the achievement of silverware in the form of the FA Cup.

This is, however, a club that has gradual progress down to a fine art.

This approach makes setbacks easier to parse and digest, and there is a sense already that the Foxes are primed to resume the hunt. Reports of a deal for RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka continue a theme of sensible recruitment, with an eye both on the present and toward the future.

A move for the Zambia international handily addresses a key need, as identified by manager Brendan Rodgers in the aftermath of the 4-2 reverse against Tottenham that snatched a Champions League place out of the club’s hands.

As far as providing 'a goal threat' goes, 22-year-old Daka has long been considered one of the deadliest finishers in Europe, and the time is right for him to finally take that next step.

Daka is quick, loves to run in behind opposing defences, gets into prime goalscoring positions and is adept at finishing with as few touches as possible.

If that calls to mind a certain 34-year-old former England striker, the similarity is not coincidental: it is clear the club are activating the ‘Jamie Vardy Succession Plan’ protocol.

While Vardy’s status as a Leicester City legend is set in stone already, he is clearly getting on.

He has done tremendously to retain his explosive burst this late in his career, and he pitched in with 15 goals and nine assists for the Foxes this past season. However, over the last four months of the season, much of the goalscoring burden at the club rested squarely on the shoulders of strike partner Kelechi Iheanacho; clearly, port and Red Bull do not make up the elixir of youth.

Of course, Vardy is not quite ready for the compost heap just yet.

He can still go, even if not quite with the same vigour. That makes the timing of this move perfect: coming in from the Austrian Bundesliga, it would be too much to expect Daka to take up the reins and lead a Champions League charge right away. A bedding-in period is required, not only to get him acclimated to Premier League football, but also to protect an important asset.

For his part, Daka will also not push to immediately start every match, unlike other potential targets of a bigger profile. It is a deal that works for every party involved.

Well, almost every party.

Iheanacho will perhaps feel conflicted at the news, even if only for the symbolism of it.

For so long, it was the Nigeria international anointed as Vardy’s heir; indeed, it was the implied promise that kept him patient at Leicester through the lean times when playing time was hard to come by.

Having seized the opportunity afforded him by injuries to Harvey Barnes and James Maddison to demonstrate his ability to score goals at Premier League level, there will no doubt be some surprise at the club going all in on such a blatant Vardy prototype.

With 11 of his 12 league goals coming in the final 12 matches of the season, there was a sense of Iheanacho stepping up, ready to assume the lead role in the Leicester attack as Vardy’s utility waned.

Instead, it appears Daka is now earmarked as the club’s flagbearer going forward, and that has to rankle a little bit. Of course, Iheanacho has thrived playing off a main striker, popping up in space created by Vardy’s runs to finish impressively, so there is no reason (in theory) he cannot forge a similarly symbiotic relationship with the Zambian.

Daka himself has tended to play with a strike partner in Salzburg’s 4-2-2-2, allowing him to focus his energies on maximizing shot locations.

However, playing a duo upfront has generally limited Rodgers to a back three system, and arguably alienates Harvey Barnes.

It is also unclear that it is a system the former Liverpool and Celtic boss would want to use permanently. If he does revert to a back four, Iheanacho could find himself the third wheel.

While Daka for now lacks some of the link-up and ball-carrying that makes him workable as a lone forward, that bedding-in period and his relative youth would afford him the latitude and time to round out and present a more complete profile when the keys are handed over to him permanently.

When the time comes to commit to a lone centre-forward to lead the line, it is he who will be expected to do so, not Iheanacho.

Having waited so long to be the main man, and finally looking like it during the latter stages of last season, it is clear now that this Leicester side will never quite be made in his image.

Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has been named as one of the ambassadors of the National Principal’s Cup competition.

The football tournament held amongst secondary schools remains Nigeria’s oldest grassroots tournament and it has produced several household names in the beautiful game.

And as part of the ministry of sports’ effort to give the championship a facelift, the former Nigeria international was announced as one of the faces of the Principal’s Cup.

Other ambassadors include Joseph Dosu, Daniel Amokachi, Tajudeen Disu and Mary Onyali.

Reacting to the development on social media, the 32-year-old Al Shabab striker expressed his delight with the ‘recognition’.

“Special thanks and appreciation to the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports for this recognition and honour for seeing me worthy to be the Face (ambassador) of the National Principal's Cup,” Ighalo wrote on Instagram.

“And for the acknowledgement of my contributions to help and mentor our Youth. I am indeed honoured and look forward to very fruitful working relationships.”

Nigeria’s sports minister Sunday Dare tagged the competition as a ‘factory’ for producing budding talent for the country while promising the tourney would continue to flourish even when he leaves office.

“The return of the Principal's Cup will ignite the passion for football and also the spirit of competition amongst our youth at the secondary school level,” Dare told Goal.

“Unlike in the past when you see the government do it solely, we have now evolved a public-private model. This is a partnership model that is sustainable and that’s why all the critical stakeholders are on this team, so, it doesn’t matter whether I am a minister or not.

“We’ve seen what has happened to our grassroots development, our talent basket has diminished over the last 15 years and Principal's Cup is the factory to produce football stars.”

Aside from Dosu and Amokachi, Segun Odegbami, Tarila Okoronwata, Stephen Keshi, Henry Nwosu and Samson Siasia are among several former Super Eagles stars discovered from the Principal's Cup.

Fosla Academy, Abuja are the reigning champions of the National Principal's Cup. They defeated Christ Comprehensive College, Kaduna 2-0 in the final played on March 30, 2021, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

Simba SC head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has stated he is confident of his team ahead of the Mainland Premier League game against Yanga SC.

Although the match has been scheduled for July 3, it is not clear whether it will be played as Yanga have remained adamant they will not honour the rescheduled fixture. The archrivals were to face off on May 8 but a disagreement over late changes to the kick-off time saw the game officially given a new date. A win in the game will see Wekundu wa Msimbazi seal the title race.

"I am not going to talk about the next match, but I have watched a few Yanga games, particularly the last one against Mwadui. I have my opinion, but they are a good team," the coach told the media after the Mbeya City game on Tuesday. "They like talking a lot about Simba, but in the last three or four months, we have proven our point with consecutive wins, that we are a strong team and that we can develop a wonderful style of football.

"I believe in my team, and we are competing to prove that we are the best, and we have proven that, but we must continue until the end of the season, despite the fact that we are in excellent shape.

"We are very satisfied because we have continued to win and it is very important because we now need one win to take the title, something that we have fought hard for the last two months. It is going to be like a final against Yanga in the next 10 days and so the win came at a time that is very important for us."

The French tactician also explained why he has been tinkering with playing formations: "We decided to change the system a little bit as many know that we have used the 4-3-3 formation many times and the last game we played with a 4-2-2 style, but against Mbeya, I decided to employ a 3-5-2 formation," he added.

"The change came as a result of our knowledge of Mbeya City strikers and I wanted to secure our deep midfield and the centre-backs. We could be more offensive in the formation, especially on the wings, and I am very pleased that things turned out in an interesting version."

Although Da Rosa gave his players a vote of confidence, he was not particularly happy with how they played against Mbeya City.

"Against Mbeya, we were relaxed, especially in the second half, we lost a lot of balls to the opponents and we missed many chances. We are winning, but we need to be more vigorous, particularly when we are in the attacking area," he concluded.

"We dropped too many balls, but we need to fix that, but I don't want to blame my players."

Coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa passes a vote of confidence on Simba SC ahead of the Kariakoo Derby against rivals Yanga SC in July.

Joachim Low has said he will make a late decision on Thomas Muller's fitness with Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka both waiting in the wings to replace the Germany forward against Hungary.

Germany will progress to the Euro 2020 knockout stage if they avoid defeat against Hungary in their final group game at Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.

However, they may have to get the job done without one of the men who inspired their 4-2 victory over Portugal on matchday two, with Low revealing that Muller has been absent from training over the past few days due to a knock.

What's been said?

RB Leipzig full-back Lucas Klostermann is also a doubt for the Hungary clash, as Low told reporters: “After our match against Portugal, some of the players got slightly injured and that’s why we brought them off the pitch.

“Our medical staff had a lot of work to do the last two or three days but in the final training session, all those players, like Mats Hummels, Ilkay Gundogan, they trained with the team.

“Only Thomas Muller couldn’t, and Lucas Klostermann either. With Thomas Muller we will have to wait, he will do another test [in the] morning, whereas the other players will train here at the hotel.

“And we will see and make a decision whether Thomas Muller will be at our disposal or not.”

Sane & Goretzka to fight for Muller's spot

In the event that Muller does miss out, his Bayern Munich team-mate Sane is ready to step in and make his first start of the tournament.

"Leroy is keen to play. He performed very well in training," Low said of the winger. "He has improved significantly in some areas over the past year. If Leroy gets the chance, he'll be there too."

Goretzka, who also plies his trade at club level with Bayern, is in contention too following his return from injury in a second-half cameo against Portugal.

Low added on the 26-year-old: "He makes a very good impression in training, very dynamic. I think he's absolutely ready."

The bigger picture 

Muller will be a big loss for Germany should he be absent for the crucial Group F encounter, with a man who has hit 39 goals in 104 appearances for his country to date having slipped back into the international fold seamlessly following a two-year exile.

Low still has plenty of alternative options at his disposal, though, and Germany will be expected to make light work of a Hungarian side that lost 3-0 to Portugal in their opening game before earning a surprise 1-1 draw with world champions France.

Further reading

Zambia will take their bow at the historic 20th edition of the Cosafa Cup on July 7 when they play Comoros Islands at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium.

According to the fixtures released on Tuesday, Eswatini and Lesotho will kick-off the tournament at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on July 6, before hosts South Africa meet Botswana at the same venue later in the day.

Six-time winners Zimbabwe are in action on July 8 against Mozambique at the same venue, while West African guest nation Senegal will enter the fray as well when they debut against Namibia.

The group stages will be completed on July 14, with the semi-finals, for the three group winners and best-placed runner-up to be played two days later at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The winner of Group A, which includes, South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana and Eswatini, will take on the best runners-up in the semis, with the victors in Groups B (Zambia, Malawi, Comoros, Madagascar) up against the winners of Group C (Senegal, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique).

The losing semi-finalists will be involved in the bronze-medal match on July 18, with the final to be staged later in the day. Both are at the magnificent 2010 Fifa World Cup venue.

Cosafa have also confirmed due to Covid-19 restrictions, all matches will be played without fans and will be behind closed doors, while the limit on the number of people that will be on site at the venues means there will be no media present either.

Cosafa full fixtures;

July 6: Group A: Eswatini vs Lesotho and South Africa vs Botswana.

July 7:  Group B: Madagascar vs Malawi and Zambia vs Comoros.

July 8: Group C: Mozambique vs Zimbabwe and Senegal vs Namibia

July 9: Group A: Lesotho vs Botswana and South Africa vs Eswatini.

July 10: Group B: Malawi vs Comoros and Madagascar vs Zambia

July 11:  Group C: Zimbabwe vs Namibia and Mozambique vs Senegal

July 13: Group B: Comoros vs Madagascar and Zambia vs Malawi

July 13: Group A:  Botswana vs Eswatini and South Africa vs Lesotho

July 14: Group C: Namibia vs Mozambique and Senegal vs Zimbabwe.

July 16: Semi-finals: Winner A vs Best Runner-Up and Winner B vs Winner C

July 17: Third-place play-off loser semi 1 vs Loser Semi 2

July 18: - Final.

Chelsea youngster Levi Colwill is set to sign a new four-year contract and head out on a loan deal to the Championship for the 2021-22 campaign.

The 18-year-old spent the end of last season training with Thomas Tuchel's first team as an emergency back-up for Andreas Christensen, who was injured towards the end of the campaign.

It is understood that he was convinced to sign a contract based on an exciting pathway being offered at Stamford Bridge that will see him eventually come into contention for a first-team place.

Why renewing Colwill's deal matters

Colwill is regarded as the most exciting defensive prospect at the Cobham academy who is yet to make a senior appearance.

There were fears that Chelsea could lose the England Under-18 international, who predominantly operates as a left-footed central defender but can also play at full-back.

He will, however, spend the 2021-22 campaign on loan with a Championship club as he looks to further his development.

Any other business in the academy?

The Blues are in talks to keep hold of fellow youth-team star Lewis Bate, who is attracting loan interest from clubs in the Championship and League One.

There are concerns that Chelsea could lose Tino Livramento, however, with the 18-year-old drawing admiring glances from the likes of Aston Villa and AC Milan, amongst a host of other clubs.

Livramento's pathway could be blocked by the Blues' pursuit of Achraf Hakimi, with Tuchel's side battling PSG for the Inter full-back's signature.

The 18-year-old is eligible for a Portuguese passport which means that he is a more than viable transfer option for clubs in the European Union.

Chelsea won't lose him without a fight, however, and talks to renew his contract are continuing, with just one year left on his current deal.

The contract of another top young defender, Dynel Simeu, expires this summer and Chelsea are also fighting to keep him.

The likes of Jack Wakely, Declan Frith, Danilo Pantic, Jamal Blackman, Izzy Brown and Marco van Ginkel have, meanwhile, all been released by the club.

Van Ginkel has joined PSV, Brown has signed for Preston and Pantic has sealed a permanent move to Partizan Belgrade.

Further reading

Bafana Bafana assistant coach Helman Mkhalele says he is open to releasing Kaizer Chiefs players for Caf Champions League duty, so that they bolster Amakhosi's squad.

The 51-year-old tactician named Happy Mashiane, Siyabonga Ngezana, and Bruce Bvuma in his 20-man squad for the 2021 Cosafa Cup which is set to be staged in Gqeberha from July 6 to 18.

Chiefs will face either Egyptian football powerhouse Al Ahly or Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis in this season's Champions League final on July 17 if they defeat Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca on aggregate in their semi-final.

Amakhosi will carry a 1-0 aggregate lead into their second-leg clash against Wydad which will be played at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

“We have more players on standby just in case Chiefs proceed to the final, so we have players in place to fill in those gaps, not that we don’t wish Chiefs to go to the final, we want them in the final but now we will find ourselves in a situation whereby we have omitted Chiefs players,” Mkhalele told the media. 

“We have selected players based on our tactical plan that we want to apply, that is the main reason why we select players. So we felt that for our initial plan, we need these players, that’s why we included them but we have players that are there if Chiefs proceed to the final.”

The Cosafa Cup falls outside of the Fifa calendar, meaning clubs are not obliged to release players and Mkhalele is expected to take charge of Bafana in the absence of head coach Hugo Broos.

“For us right now we are in a position of saying that we will be communicating with players, requesting them and it will be up to the teams whether they want to release the players or not. If they refuse then we have to look for option B to select from the players that are on standby but definitely, I  believe that South Africa has huge talent,” he added. 

“It is so difficult to communicate with players to tell them that you are on standby as with some players it might work positively and with some, it might work negatively. We felt that we keep the list [of standby players] within ourselves and when the time arrives then we will just be in contact with that particular player.

South Africa have been pitted against Botswana, Eswatini, and Lesotho in Group A as they look to go all the way and clinch their fifth Cosafa Cup. 

Leicester City first-team coach Kolo Toure and Cercle Brugge assistant manager Radhi Jaidi have received their Uefa Pro Licences.

The former Cote d’Ivoire and Tunisia centre-backs completed their coaching badges with the English Football Association a year ago.

However, they were presented with their certificates on Tuesday alongside former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.

A Uefa Pro Licence is required for anyone who is keen on managing a football club in the top-tier of any European nation's league system on a permanent basis.

The 45-year-old took to social media to express his delight following his recent feat.

“I am delighted to receive my certificate today, one year after graduating,” Jaidi wrote on his Twitter handle.

“I worked with a lot of passion and desire to achieve this goal. This has allowed me to take an important step forward in my coaching career.

“My ambitions are always high. Looking forward to achieving more.”

After spells at Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City, Jaidi signed for Southampton where he represented them between 2009 and 2012 before taking up a managerial role in the Saints’ U23s five years later.

The Tunisian moved on to the United Soccer League where he was named as Hartford Athletic head coach in November 2019.

In February 2021, he was named as an assistant coach at Belgian First Division A side Cercle Brugge. In his maiden season, he helped the Green and Black maintain their Belgian First Division A status after they finished 16th in the 18-team league.

His ultimate dream is to become the first Tunisian and first-ever African-born manager in the English top-flight.

"I notice so many people from former clubs Bolton, Southampton and Birmingham fans, still think I am still playing!” Jaidi told Hampshire Live.

"I am so committed to my coaching that I do not communicate enough outside, to let people know that I am a coach now.

"I was the first Tunisian to play in the Premier League and the first Tunisian to win a trophy as a coach in England.

“I am very hungry to achieve more, I want to be one of the first Tunisians to take in a senior team at the top level as a head coach.

"The dream is the Premier League, but there are so many challenges, challenges like unconscious bias and there is so much competition.

"I still believe in my ability as a coach and I've shown so many strong performances since being a coach at Southampton."

For Toure, he joined Celtic's coaching staff as a technical assistant in September 2017. Two years later, he left Scotland for the King Power Stadium as a first-team coach.

Euro 2020 is in full swing, with some of Europe's biggest heavyweights currently involved in a battle for continental glory.

The likes of England, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal and France have been named as tournament favourites, but with a while still to go until the knockout stages are confirmed, there is plenty left to play for.

Goal has what you need to know about which teams have qualified and more.

Italy became the first team to qualify for the Euro 2020 knockout stage with their emphatic 3-0 win over Switzerland, their status as group winners exemplified following a comfortable 1-0 victory over Wales in their final Group A game.

The Azzurri are currently maintaining perfect form at the tournament under coach Roberto Mancini, and  equalled their all-time record unbeaten run against Wales – now going 30 games without defeat.

Wales qualified as Group A runners-up despite losing to Italy in their final group game and Switzerland advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

Netherlands were the second side to win their group, booking their place in the knockout stage with a comfortable 2-0 win over Austria. Austria also progressed to the knockouts, after beating Ukraine 1-0.

Belgium had their spot as Group B winners confirmed with a 2-0 win over Finland, while Denmark registered an emotional 4-1 win over Russia in the final day of Group B games to qualify in second place.

In Group E, Sweden are assured of a place in the last 16, but their final position still needs to be confirmed. Spain, Slovakia and Poland are battling it out for the other place or places.

Euro 2020 favourites France are assured of their place in the last 16, but they must defeat Portugal in order to take top spot in Group F. Reigning European champions Portugal and Germany are not yet guaranteed safe passage.

England finished as Group D winners with a 1-0 win over Czech Republic, while Croatia's 3-1 victory over Scotland earned them a spot as runners-up.

There is no player in world football that has drawn more plaudits for his physical qualities and dedication to his craft than Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Juventus and Portugal star boasts an extraordinary set of athletic skills, combining rapid pace and agility with elite aerial ability and power.

Ronaldo was not born with those traits, though; the rippling physique we see today is a marked transformation from the skinny teenager that arrived at Manchester United from Sporting back in 2003.

So how was the incredible athlete and five-time Ballon d'Or winner created?

With the help of 15 fitness tips Ronaldo revealed himself, Goal takes a look at the secrets behind his strength and speed.

How does Cristiano Ronaldo train?

First thing's first: start with a warm-up to decrease the risk of injury. "In training we do a few laps of the pitch, stretching and cardio warm-up exercises," Ronaldo explains.

"Make sure you do something similar in your training, even if it is jogging to the gym or a warm up on the treadmill or bicycle."

When in the gym, Ronaldo's main workout is split between cardiovascular training - such as running and rowing - and weights. "Mix it up," Ronaldo advises - as well as keeping things interesting, it's important to ensure all areas of the body are targeted and exercises improve both strength and stamina.

On the pitch, the focus is on high-intensity drills that reflect match situations. "We do a lot of sprinting drills in training and they can be incorporated into your workout whether you are in the gym or outdoors," Ronaldo says. "Try and add it to every workout you do."

Workouts are not restricted to the time Ronaldo spent at training facilities, though. "Fit in exercise wherever you can," he adds.

"You can do an abs workout in your bedroom when you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed. If you get into a routine then it makes it easier as it will become a habit."

What does Cristiano Ronaldo eat?

There's no point having the nicest car if you're not going to put the right fuel in it.

Ronaldo, unsurprisingly, takes his diet very seriously. "A good workout must be combined with a good diet," he states. "I eat a high protein diet, with lots of wholegrain carbs, fruit and vegetables, and avoid sugary foods."

The Portugal international has a personal dietician who has worked with him ever since his Real Madrid days, eating six small meals a day – or one every three to four hours.

He particularly likes fish – particularly swordfish, sea bass and sea bream – and his favourite dish is bacalhau a braz, which is a mixture of cod, onions, thinly sliced potatoes and scrambled eggs. He also eats plenty of fruits and lean proteins. At restaurants, Ronaldo says he often orders steak and a salad, and never anything frozen - everything he eats is fresh.

For his breakfast, Ronaldo is partial to the likes of cheese, ham, low-fat yoghurt alongside plenty of fruit as well as avocado toast.

"Eat regularly," Ronaldo continues. "If you train regularly it’s important to keep energy levels high to fuel your body for better performance. I sometimes eat up to six smaller meals a day to make sure I have enough energy to perform each session at top level."

Hydration is vital, too - "drinking water is so important," Ronaldo affirms - but one of the sacrifices he makes to keep his body in top condition is avoiding alcohol and carbonated drinks.

In 2021, he hit headlines for a disdainful assessment of soft drink Coca-Cola at Euro 2020, urging people to "drink water" instead. 

What other secrets does Cristiano Ronaldo have?

Healthy living is not something that Ronaldo dedicates a few hours to each day - it's a way of life he adheres to at all times.

That is not only a physical challenge but a mental one, too. "Learn to train your mind as well as your body," Ronaldo says. "Mental strength is just as important as physical strength and will help you achieve your goals.

"Be disciplined. Keeping yourself motivated and sticking to your routine is key. For me, there is no room for easing off so I have to be strict."

You can help yourself by setting goals and working with a training partner, adding competitiveness and company to your routine.

When he is not exercising Ronaldo tries to maintain a relaxed, restful lifestyle despite his massive fame and the attention he commands.

"Training and physical sessions are most important, but living a relaxed lifestyle helps you to be the best you can be, physically and mentally," Ronaldo explains. "I spend my free time with family and friends, which keeps me relaxed and in a positive mindset."

Something unique in Ronaldo's fitness regime is that he does not sleep for the traditional eight hours a day. Rather, instead, he chooses to take five 90-minute naps a day.

Says Professor Littlehales in his book "Sleep: The Myth of 8 Hours, the Power of Naps... and the New Plan to Recharge Your Body and Mind": it is better for athletes to take five naps each day consisting of 90 minutes each instead of a full night's sleep.

According to the Daily Mail, Ronaldo takes this advice of forced rest seriously.

Ghana international Abraham Okyere has sealed a transfer to Belgian Jupiler Pro League outfit Beerschot V.A.

The 18-year-old has arrived in Europe from Inter Allies but was playing on loan at Al Hilal United in the United Arab Emirates.

The Belgian outfit has confirmed the signing on their official website by stating: "Eighteen-year-old Abraham Okyere is Beerschot's latest recruit.

"The Ghanaian youth internatiional from Inter Allies was on loan at Al Hilal United in the United Arab Emirates, where he excelled as a box-to-box player and was chosen in the Team of the Season.

"Yesterday [Tuesday] he signed a two-year contract with Beerschot."

Okyere learned his trade in Inter Allies' Youth Academy and made his debut in their first team at the young age of 16.

The club is renowned for their academy and produced players like Joseph Aidoo (formerly with Racing Genk, now at Celta de Vigo) and Daniel Amartey from Leicester City.

Okyere is their third talented player to make the move to Europe. Last season he was on loan at Al Hilal United where he played all games.

Beerschot technical manager Sander Van Praet welcomed the signing of the youngster by stating: "Abraham is a central midfielder, technically strong and with impressive running ability.

"[Okyere] is yet another fine acquisition for our club," Beerschot chairman Francis Vrancken acknowledged. "We are happy, satisfied and proud we were able to snatch him under the eyes of a handful of other interested clubs.

"Great work from our scouting cell."

Inter Allies' chairman Rabeh El-Eter shared Vrancken's pride and happiness; "Okyere is a shining example for our club. He is passionate about his football, very disciplined and works really hard.

"This transfer is another step up for him. We will be missing him a lot but he deserves this opportunity to make the grade in Europe. I am sure he will easily adapt in Belgium and soon become a happy and valuable asset at Beerschot.

"We wish him all the best."

Jack Grealish has admitted that he is hoping to "follow in the footsteps" of Paul Gascoigne and Wayne Rooney by laying down a marker for England at Euro 2020.

Grealish won his ninth cap for the Three Lions on Tuesday night as Gareth Southgate's side beat the Czech Republic 1-0 to qualify for the last 16 as Group D winners, and provided the assist for Raheem Sterling's decisive first-half goal.

That Wembley outing was the Aston Villa playmaker's first start of the tournament, but he is now aiming to emulate two of the most famous players in his country's history and announce himself on the biggest possible stage.

What's been said?

Asked whether he feels the European Championship can be a springboard for his career, Grealish told reporters: "Definitely. I have spoken about how big these tournaments can be in players' careers.

"If you look back and think of Gazza at Italia 90, that is where he first made a… well he was obviously still well known before, but I think everyone remembers him for that tournament especially.

"You look at Wayne Rooney in Euro 2004 - I think that was where he set his marker to say: 'I am going to be one of the best in the world'.

"I am hoping to follow in their footsteps and hopefully I can do that if I get more chances in this tournament."

Grealish shines as England progress

Mason Mount started ahead of Grealish in England's first two games against Croatia and Scotland, but the 25-year-old got his chance against the Czechs after the Chelsea star was forced to self-isolate with Ben Chilwell in accordance with Covid-19 protocols.

Grealish seized the opportunity with both hands as the Three Lions dominated the opening 30 minutes, driving the team forward with his outstanding dribbling ability and impressive passing range.

He provided a pin-point cross for Sterling to head home the winner and lasted 68 minutes before being replaced by Jude Bellingham as Southgate began to ring the changes with one eye on the first knockout stage.

"I love playing football. That is what I was born to do," Grealish said of his performance. "I just play football every day of my life. When I go out there and play it is no pressure on me whatsoever. 

"I felt like I had a good performance good but I still maybe felt like in the second half I could have got on the ball a little more and probably tried to dictate the game a little more from an England point of view.

"I have never played in the Europa League or Champions League before, so it is obviously different to what I am used to. I love it and if I perform on this stage it is a matter of showcasing my talent to the world and that is what I want to do."

Grealish hails Saka 

Grealish went on to praise Bukayo Saka, who was also handed his first start of the Euros and helped England to find plenty of gaps in the Czech Republic defence with his dynamic style of play.

"It is no surprise to us," said the Villa midfielder. "He is fearless and he is direct. He is only 19, still young, but he is obviously a great talent and a lovely kid as well. He is so liked in the changing room by everyone and by the coaching staff.

"He is just one of those kids you can just tell has come from a lovely background. He has got the world at his feet."

Further reading