Looking for Soccer News?

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is looking for Lionel Messi to make his contract call "as soon as possible", with Sergio Aguero "helping" talk his fellow Argentine into penning fresh terms.

Uncertainty surrounding the future of six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi proved to be an unwelcome distraction at Camp Nou throughout the 2020-21 campaign.

Messi is still due to become a free agent this summer, but an extended stay at Barcelona is also being mooted and Laporta has stated his confidence on a regular basis when it comes to reaching an agreement.

What has been said?

Laporta remains optimistic but does want a decision, telling La Vanguardia: "I would like Messi to tell us ‘yes’ as soon as possible. He would help us in every way."

He added: "Aguero is helping. He is telling him every day to stay."

Laporta went on to say that he is "in communication with [Messi] every other day". The Barca president also claims to have been encouraged by the attitude of Messi during talks, adding: "He is excited and I am grateful to him for the desire he is showing to stay."

When does Messi's contract expire?

Messi's contract is due to expire on June 30, meaning that Barca are running out of time to get an extension in place. Interest from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain has been mooted, but no formal discussions have been held.

Messi is away on international duty at the 2021 Copa America, but has always made it clear that he will not be rushing into any decision on his future.

The bigger picture

While still waiting on Messi to put pen to paper, Barca have been working hard to get fresh faces on board. Deals have been done for Aguero, Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal, with Dutch forward Memphis Depay the latest to arrive on a two-year contract.

Laporta hopes there is more business to be done, saying that the Blaugrana are looking to make "three of four more signings" this summer.

He has however conceded that the financial situation he inherited when taking presidential reins for a second time is "worse than what I had expected", with Barca managing crippling debts.

Further reading

Daley Blind has insisted that Christian Eriksen can defy his doubters and play again after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch.

Eriksen spent six days in hospital after collapsing during Denmark's opening Euro 2020 fixture against Finland, having been given emergency on-field CPR when his heart stopped beating.

The Inter star has been discharged after being fitted with an ICD heart-starting device, which his former Ajax team-mate Blind is also required to wear after suffering a similar health scare two years ago.

What's been said?

Blind, who is also currently starring at the European Championship with the Netherlands, has been able to successfully resume his career with the help of the heart monitor, and is backing Eriksen to do the same despite widespread calls for the 29-year-old to retire early.

"The images from Copenhagen – with Christian lying on the grass – had such a big impact on me," said Blind. "Those images were so ­recognisable to me. It was so real again, this is why it was so emotional for me.

"I had to climb over a big, mental hurdle before I could manage to play the following day for Holland in our first group game. All the emotions came out. I am proud of myself that I managed to play for so long in that game. I did it, but it was hard.

"When this happened to me, the whole world was telling me I was finished as a player, that I would not be able to play again. Look where I am today. This is why I say to everyone, ‘Leave Christian alone!’."

Blind added on his return to playing: "I felt I was ready and I felt comfortable to return once I got the green light from the ­doctors in the hospital and the medical staff at Ajax.

"There was no reason why I could not play at the top level again. The most important thing is that you have to feel free in your head. I had no fear. I was just ­incredibly happy that I was ­allowed to be part of the squad again and to be back in the team.

"Once the doctors tell you that you are okay to play again, you only feel the tension and ­excitement of playing, not the tension of fear."

What's next for Eriksen?

Eriksen has now reunited with his family at home to continue his recovery, with the Danish Football Union confirming that he has also visited the national team camp to embrace his team-mates and wish them good luck for the rest of the Euros.

No timeframe has been given for a verdict on whether the midfielder will play again, and he will now watch on from the sidelines as his country attempts to qualify for the round of 16.

Denmark lost their first Group B fixture to Finland after the game was restarted and also suffered a defeat to Belgium in their next match, but still have an outside chance of progressing as one of the four best third-placed teams if they can beat Russia by a comfortable scoreline on Monday.

Further reading

Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has explained how midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah helped him to settle into life in Italy.

The 30-year-old, who was part of the Black Starlets squad that took part and won the 2009 Fifa U20 World Cup staged in Egypt and later landed a loan move to Recreativo in Spain, the same year before switching to join Italian Serie A side Udinese in 2010 where he spent most of his playing career.

Badu, who says he struggled with language on his first trip to Italy, has thanked Asamoah, who was then playing for Udinese for helping him to settle out.

“Fortunately for me, when I joined Udinese I met Kwadwo Asamoah there and he was my senior at the national team, he really helped me to settle well because of the language barrier he was the one talking to me,” Badu told GHOne TV as quoted by Football Ghana.

“Whatever information the coach gives at training he explains to me, he will take me out for lunch, dinner, and when I want to buy something he will just help, when I want to send something to my family he will help me out.

“Gradually I became comfortable with the language so Asamoah helped me to settle well in Italy and am grateful.”

On his overall experience in Serie A, Badu said: “Italian Serie A is very tough but at the time I was leaving Ghana to Europe I was already playing for the Black Stars and playing with players like Sulley Muntari, Michael Essien, John Paintsil, Asamoah Gyan and other experienced players, I think I was having the experience so I didn’t suffer a lot to gain the experience to play in the Serie A.”

Currently unattached, Badu is on the lookout for a new club after parting ways with Hellas Verona last year but in a recent interview, the player said he will also consider venturing into coaching when he hangs up his playing boots.

“Coaching is an option but I would love to be a scout for a club. If I can be a scout for [former side] Udinese [on whose books he was from 2010 until last year] in Africa, it will be very wonderful,” Badu said.

“I have a good relationship with Udinese so I can speak to them and see how it goes. I know a lot of coaches in a lot of clubs.

“Coaching is my second option. I am not ready to be a CEO of a club because I don’t have experience at that level.”

Earlier in January, Badu also announced his retirement from international football with Ghana, another indication that his career is nearing its end.

Badu joined Verona ahead of the start of last season on a season-long loan with an option to buy and he made 10 appearances for the side in Serie A, his time in Verona heavily weighed down by health and fitness issues.

Badu previously played for Bursaspor in Turkey, Berekum Arsenal and Asante Kotoko in Ghana. 

Raheem Sterling admits he is "not happy" with his game time at Manchester City in 2020-21, as he stars for England at this summer's European Championship.

The 26-year-old has taken his game to new heights under Pep Guardiola at Etihad Stadium with three 20-plus goal seasons at club level.

However he only scored 14 efforts in the campaign just gone with bench duty forced upon him at times - including in the Champions League quarter-final and semi-final ties - and questions have been asked of his future.

What has been said?

Sterling, who has played all but one minute of England's quest for Euro 2020 glory, concedes he is disappointed to be overlooked by any manager.

He told reporters: "It is just happiness, just being happy, enjoying my football and that is what I am doing being here with the national team. If you're not playing, you're not happy. That's me, that's been me since I was a kid, if I'm playing football I am really happy, if I'm not I'm not happy."

The bigger picture

Sterling netted England's match-winner in their Euros opener against Croatia before playing the full 90 minutes in the goalless draw with arch-rivals Scotland.

A disappointing team showing in that contest has seen criticism aimed at Gareth Southgate and his side, but those inside the Three Lions camp are ignoring any "outside noise".

Sterling said: "I do feel there's a bit of an overreaction on the whole. I just feel there's more of a panic on the outside than inside the building.

"The players who have been at a few tournaments, who have huge experience, try to help the other ones.

"I don't see anyone in the camp that feels any pressure or feels hard done by. As much as we can inside the building the best thing we can do is focus on the training field, focus on what's being doing inside.

"We really shouldn't be looking what's the papers are saying, what pundits are saying. That's something we need to take for the rest of this tournament, the more you listen to outside noise, the more it can affect you.

"If you're not really looking into that the better it is for you as an individual and as a collective as well.

"We don't really, I'm not saying on the outside it's negativity, but we don't want any negativity creeping in and performance levels dropping, and confidence levels dropping, and that's all that it will do."

England will be back in action on Tuesday when completing their Group D campaign against the Czech Republic.

Further reading

Tusker coach Robert Matano has explained his happiness after the team returned to winning ways in the FKF Premier League following a 1-0 win against Kariobangi Sharks on Sunday.

The Brewers went into the game at the back of two defeats – 1-0 against AFC Leopards in the quarter-finals of the Shield Cup and 1-0 defeat against Posta Rangers in the top-flight – and according to the veteran tactician, all the Brewers needed from Sharks was three points.

What has been said?

“It doesn’t matter if the goal we scored was done beautifully or it was an ugly one, the most important thing was the three points, nothing else, we came looking for the three points, we have battled hard and I am happy we have achieved what we wanted from the game,” Matano told Goal after the game.

“The team has shown me they really wanted to play and win the game, we played very well especially in the first half but wasted many chances but to me, what we needed is the points, whichever way the goal could have come, ugly or beautiful, we needed three points and we are happy.”

Matano also took his time to laud his players for a solid display admitting he is still hurt with the defeat they suffered against Posta Rangers, which denied them a chance to open a gap at the top of the 18-team table.

“After losing in the Shield Cup [against AFC] and against Posta, a game which I still don’t understand how we lost because of how we played and dominated it, we wanted to bounce back badly and I am happy the boys have done the job.”

What did Sharks coach Muluya say?

On his part, Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya rued the team’s missed penalty from Douglas Mokaya, which could have brought them back into the game at 1-1.

“We got a penalty after they had taken the lead and we missed to score, and it becomes difficult for us to get back into the game after the miss,” Muluya told Goal.

“We now have to work on scoring goals, we have not found the back of the net for the last four matches and it is not a good sign, and then we got a good chance to score, and we missed from the penalty spot.

“But credit also to Tusker goalkeeper Michael [Wanjala], he has now saved three penalties against us this season, he saved this one and also saved two against Erick Kapaito at Kasarani, but had we scored from the spot, then maybe we could have pushed them to the end.”

The win helped Tusker to cut KCB’s lead at the top to one point, the Brewers are now on 41 points while the Bankers have 42, and Gor Mahia are third on 37 points.

Andre Onana got a lifeline when his 12-month ban for testing positive for banned substance Furosemide was reduced to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in early June.

The upshot of the softened suspension will see the Ajax goalkeeper return to training in September, two months before the end of his ban in November. Having been training in isolation since February, the mini-victory at CAS was an absolute relief.

Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in the Cameroon shot-stopper, as have a host of other European clubs who were awaiting the verdict of his appeal. The Gunners are thought to be frontrunners, but any transfer will be dependent on the sale of Bernd Leno who could leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.

While Onana will require a starting spot wherever he moves, the Premier League side’s absence from the Champions League since 2017 and non-appearance on the continent next season may cast doubts over a move to North London.

Indeed, former Ajax attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder believes the ‘great goalkeeper’ can do better than the PL giants but offered interesting alternatives to the English club.

“I expect him to leave. I think he is a great goalkeeper. European top? Yes, certainly,” Sneijder told Voetbal International Live. “I'd rather not see him at Arsenal. It's a fantastic club, but it has slipped in recent years. I'd rather see him play at Real Madrid or FC Barcelona.”

It’s hard not to agree with the Inter Milan treble winner’s take on the PL outfit, but how viable is a transfer to either La Liga giant? On the surface, it feels like an unusual suggestion that may be outside the realms of possibility.

Real Madrid

Given Thibaut Courtois' standing as one of the top goalkeepers in Europe, Onana’s prospects of supplanting the Belgium star between the sticks appear slim on paper.

The former Chelsea stopper is an incredible shot-stopper, commands his area commendably and is more adept in possession than he is given credit for.

A comparison with Onana in the 2020/21 Champions League shows that the ex-Genk man and the Cameroon goalie conceded 1.17 goals per 90.

However, a deeper analysis reveals Courtois let in fewer goals than expected, although Onana followed closely.

Unsurprisingly, the Central African attempted more in-play passes than the Real stopper (43.7-28.8) and played more passes under pressure (5.67-2.67).

Despite the apparent chasm between the Ajax and Madrid goalies, Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s numbers (below) will make for fascinating reading.

Onana’s dominance with the ball and involvement in Ajax’s build-up is further enhanced when he and Courtois’ touches and progressive carries are compared.

The Cameroonian makes 54.3 touches per 90 to the Belgian’s 39.7 — 45.8 of those were in-play, to Thibaut’s 31.2 touches.

The African’s teammates made more attempts to find their shot-stopper than Real looked to involve Courtois — 35.3 to 21.6 — while the former was expectedly more adventurous than the Madrid star with the ball, evidenced by their respective average progressive carries in yards: 96.5 to 51.0.

Again, despite the profound difference, ter Stegen’s underlying numbers may surprise observers. (Hint: he’s beaten hands down by Courtois).

Barcelona

Of course, observers will reckon a move to Barca will appeal to Onana owing to the emotional connection he has to the club and the feeling that the Blaugrana involve the man between the sticks more than Real do.

However, the reverse played out in reality with the Belgian’s underlying numbers outdoing Barcelona’s German goalkeeper.

Not only was ter Stegen’s shot-stopping average in the Champions League, but he’s also conceded higher than expected in La Liga in the last two campaigns.

Having been largely flawless in his opening two years in Spain, the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach man has declined somewhat between the sticks amid the club’s on-pitch struggles.

In just five CL appearances, ter Stegen let in 1.80 goals per game and was rather average in his shot-stopping. Interestingly, he attempted fewer in-play passes and passes under pressure than Onana and Courtois, as well as significantly fewer touches and progressive carries.

A comprehensive Fbref comparison of all three can be found here.

Undoubtedly, Onana is the most adventurous of all three and his first-rate shot-stopping means he suits both clubs.

Having said that, it is highly uncertain that Real prefer him to their outstanding incumbent.

There’s a higher chance of the Cameroon man supplanting ter Stegen at Barca, but the German is probably going to keep his place for another year.

His drop off isn’t cataclysmic and the Cameroon star’s preference for an assured first-team role probably rules out the prospect of an emotional return to his old stomping ground.

Notwithstanding what the underlying numbers reveal and, despite Sneijder’s belief in Onana, a move to either Real or Barca may not materialise. Not this summer, at least.

Belgium are set to take on Finland in their final Euro 2020 Group B game at St. Petersburg on Monday. 

Belgium are coming off two wins and have already sealed qualification to the Round of 16. However, they will need to ensure they don't lose to Finland to progress as group winners. 

Finland, assured of at least a third-place finish, have three points already and will look to pull off an upset against Belgium.

Here's how to watch Finland vs Belgium in India.

Contents

What time does Finland vs Belgium start?

Return to top

How to watch Finland vs Belgium 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

How does Group B in Euro 2020 look like?

Belgium will need to avoid a defeat to Finland to progress as group winners while Russia know that they can't afford to lose points against Denmark and leave their progression to chance. Denmark have a slim chance of qualification if they defeat Russia.

Group B

Return to top

Where will the match take place?

Krestovsky Stadium | Saint Petersburg | Russia

Capacity: 68,134 |  reduced to 50% capacity, subject to increase
Games: Group stage & quarter-final (seven games)
Year built: 2017

The  Krestovsky Stadium  in Saint Petersburg, Russia will host one quarter-final match at Euro 2020 and it will also be the venue for three games in Group B, as well as three games in Group E.

One of the newest stadiums of the 12 being used by UEFA, the Krestovsky Stadium was built in anticipation of the 2018 World Cup, where it hosted seven matches, including the third-place play-off.

It is home to Russian giants Zenit and the Russia national team also play there on occasion.

Return to top

Finland vs Belgium: Team news & stats

Belgium do not have serious injury concerns and Roberto Martinez will look to give more minutes to Kevin de Bruyne and Axel Witsel who have just returned from injuries. Both of them made appearances against Denmark in a 2-1 win with De Bruyne playing a star turn. Eden Hazard is also likely to play a part and step up his match fitness levels.

For Finland, captain Tim Sparv will be hoping to return in midfield after being replaced by Rasmus Schuller for Wednesday’s defeat against Russia.

Return to top

Further reading: 

Argentina face Paraguay in their third Copa America 2021 fixture at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia stadium on Tuesday.

La Albiceleste and Chile played out a 1-1 draw in Rio de Janeiro where Lionel Messi's first half lead through a wonderful free-kick was cancelled by Eduardo Vargas after the break. In the second game, Argentina picked full points as they downed uruguay 1-0 with Messi providing the assist for a Guido Rodriguez header.

Paraguay are coming into the game on the back of a 3-1 win over Bolivia. They were trailing at half-time after Bolivia took an early lead however, three second half goals sealed full points for Eduardo Berizzo's team.

Here's how to watch Argentina vs Paraguay in India.

Contents

What time does Argentina vs Paraguay start?

Return to top

How to watch Argentina vs Paraguay 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.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

Return to top

Argentina vs Paraguay: Team news & key stats

If Argentina win against Paraguay, their place in the quarterfinals will be sealed. Gio Lo Celso was substituted in the last game against Uruguay and he could be replaced by Exequiel Palacios or Leandro Paredes.

Emiliano Martinez kept his first clean-sheet for Argentina in his fourth appearance, a 1-0 win over Uruguay. It will be interesting to see if Luis Scaloni decides to persist with Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez or opts for an experienced striker like Sergio Aguero.

Meanwhile, Paraguay are yet to defeat Argentina in Copa America after having failed to do so in their last 22 meetings in the competition.

Key stats:

Further reading: 

Netherlands will take North Macedonia in their final Euro 2020 Group C fixture on Monday at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.

The Oranje are already through to the knockout stages after taking six points from their opening two matches, seeing off both Ukraine and Austria. And they have also been assured of the top spot in the group and as a result, the match against North Macedonia is a dead rubber for Holland. 

North Macedonia, on the other hand, have no chance of progressing to the knockout stages an will be looking to end their campaign with an upset. 

Here's how to watch North Macedonia vs Netherlands in India.

Contents

What time does North Macedonia vs Netherlands start?

Return to top

How to watch North Macedonia vs Netherlands 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

How does Group C in Euro 2020 look like?

Thanks to a superior head-to-head record over both Ukraine and Austria, Netherlands have already won the group. The winner of the Ukraine vs Austria match will seal second spot in the group (which will see them take on Italy in the Round of 16). If the match is a draw, Ukraine will finish second. The third-placed team will then have to wait till the end of the gorup stage matches to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. 

Group A

Return to top

Where will North Macedonia vs Netherlands take place?

Johan Cruyff Arena | Amsterdam | Netherlands

Capacity: 54,990 | reduced to 33% capacity, subject to increase
Games: Group stage & last 16 (four games)
Year built: 1996

The Johan Cruyff Arena will play host to three matches in Group C as well as one of the tournament's last 16 games.

Located in the Dutch capital Amsterdam, it is the home stadium of Eredivisie side Ajax and the Netherlands national team, who have been playing games at the venue since it opened in 1996.

The stadium is equipped with a retractable roof and previously hosted five matches at Euro 2000, as well as being the stage for the 1998 Champions League final.

Return to top

North Macedonia vs Netherlands: Team news & stats

Netherlands boss Frank de Boer has the license to change things around in his team ahead of the Round of 16. However, he mentioned before the game that he would make only two changes. One of them is likely to be midfielder Marten de Roon who picked up a yellow card against Austria and would be banned for the last 16 if he receives another. Ryan Gravenberch is expected to replace him while we could see Donyell Malen or Luuk de Jong replace Wout Weghorst in attack. 

North Macedonia are unlikely to make huge changes to their team. However, there is a chance Darko Churlinov and Aleksandr Trajkovski replaces Stefan Spirovski and Boban Nikolov in the starting XI. 

Key stats:

Return to top

Further reading: 

Victor Moses has disclosed that his ambition is to win the Russian Premier League with Spartak Moscow in the 2021-22 season.

The Chelsea loanee helped the People's Team finish second in the Russian top-flight last term which gives them a chance of playing in the Uefa Champions League next season.

Moses' late equaliser in Spartak Moscow's 2-2 draw against Akhmat Grozny in the final game of the season in May, sealed the team's second spot.

His heroics earned him the club's Player of the Month prize for May and he has promised to continue giving his best in Rui Vitoria's team after he received his award from a fan on Sunday.

"Thank you. I really appreciate this. I'll do my very best to help the team, most importantly try to achieve more things this season than we did last year," Moses said in a video on the club's YouTube channel.

"The most important thing is to enjoy football and I'll definitely do that this year and help the team to win the league."

Moses is expected to automatically move to the Otkritie Arena from Chelsea after helping them qualify for the elite European competition.

Goal understands that Spartak Moscow will pay Chelsea £4 million to complete the permanent switch.

The 30-year-old who contributed four goals and two assists in 19 league appearances last campaign, recalled the four-goal thriller in Grozny as they fought for a point after conceding two early goals.

"I scored the last goal in May, it was the last game of the season," he continued. "I was very pleased obviously to score the goal but the most important thing is the hard work the team put together, and I thought we did very well, two goals down and came back.

"Quincy with the goal in the second half and me scoring the last goal to make it 2-2 as well to give us the qualification for the Champions League which was very good for us."

Interim Wales manager Robert Page has warned his potential Euro 2020 knockout round competitors not to underestimate his players after they advanced out of Group A.

They lost 1-0 to Italy on Sunday but still booked a place in the next stage because of their goal difference advantage over Switzerland.

Page has commended the team for expertly managing travel and Covid-19 precautions to this point, and he feels they can continue to exceed expectations behind star men Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

What has been said?

"I’m really proud of the group and I’m looking forward to the last 16," Page said. "It’s phenomenal, the character we have in the changing room. Don’t underestimate the character of a Welshman.

“It’s not been easy because we’ve had to go to Baku [to play Switzerland and Turkey], travel to Italy and now we’re going to Amsterdam.

“On paper, it seems like a great idea to have it all over Europe but logistically it is an absolute nightmare. And then you throw Covid into the mix as well."

Midfielder Aaron Ramsey, meanwhile, said the response from Wales to keep the match close against Italy despite going down to 10 men "showed great character". Ethan Ampadu was sent off in the 55th minute with the squad already down a goal.

“We had each other’s back out there and we did the job," Ramsey told ITV. "[After the red card] it was important to stay compact and try to create a couple of opportunities, which we did.

“We could have nicked a draw on another day. We have a lot of attacking threat, we keep games really tight and we work hard for each other. We’re through in second place so we’re delighted.”

Up next for Wales

Wales will play the runners-up in Group B in the last 16. Right now, Russia holds that spot and are considered most likely to meet Page's team, but Finland and Denmark are also still in contention.

Further reading

Norway’s FA (NFF) has confirmed that the national team will not boycott the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Previously, the national team had worn T-shirts in protest over the human rights record of the host nation.

Meanwhile, a vote was triggered by top-flight side Tromso, who tabled a motion that the national team should not attempt to qualify.

What happened?

It was confirmed on Sunday by the NFF board that it had succeeded in preventing the national team from boycotting the competition. Instead, it will propose a 26-point plan to FIFA and the Qatari authorities that should be implemented.

In a statement, it said: “Sunday’s extraordinary federal meeting spent many hours considering the Qatar issue. 368 voted in favour and 121 voted against the NFF board’s proposal.”

Furthermore, it has been confirmed that Sandar IL put forward a proposal that the NFF should work for more countries to join Norway in pressuring Qatar to improve their human rights record. This was passed by a majority of 437 to 29."

How did it come to this?

This issue was brought to the fore by Tromso, who motioned in March: “Tromso IL thinks it is time for football to stop and take a few steps back. We should think about the purpose of football and why so many love our sport. That corruption, modern-day slavery and a high number of workers’ deaths are the fundament to our most important tournament, the World Cup, is totally unacceptable.”

Furthermore, Norway’s players took to the field prior to a World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar all wearing T-shirts emblazoned with: “Human rights – on and off the pitch.”

Head coach Stale Solbakken explained to TV2: “This is a little bit what we have been talking about, to put the focus on some of that that has been a discussion off the pitch. The boys were keen to do this and I am here as an example of that.”

Meanwhile, Germany wore T-shirts that spelled out "Human Rights" before they played Iceland and the Netherlands have also protested.

Further reading

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has vowed that the club will not apologise to UEFA for their part in the European Super League, adding that the Blaugrana see no reason to be sorry for wanting control "of our own destiny".

The Catalan giants remain one of the few holdouts of the failed project that would have seen a dozen of the game's biggest clubs effectively form a ringfenced continental competition for larger financial gain.

While multiple founding members have subsequently backtracked, Barca have not - and Laporta, elected to a second term at Camp Nou this year, says that they will not seek to make amends for their part as long as he remains at the helm while adding that a vote from members on their participation is no longer required given the circumstances.

What has been said?

"We spoke with the clubs [involved] and said we liked [the proposals], but that we needed them to accept that our members would have to approve entry at the next assembly," the 58-year-old told the club's general assembly.

"It was logical to have that vote before June 30. But now, as the format doesn't exist, I won't ask you to vote. But the project is alive, I insist.

"We're still trying to enter into dialogue with UEFA. We won't apologise for trying to organise a competition. We won't say sorry to UEFA for wanting to be the owners of our own destiny. At least not while I am president."

Barca set for Champions League return amid legal battles

Of the ESL's dozen founding members, the nine who walked back their commitment to it have already faced fines from UEFA, but the sanctions for Barca and fellow holdouts Real Madrid and Juventus remain up in the air.

It is reported that the sport's governing body would like to ban them from continental competition such as the Champions League, though they are unable to do so due to a court ruling prohibiting such action.

"UEFA threatened us with fines and with kicking us out of the Champions League," Laporta added. "Time has proven us right. Now they have cancelled [suspended] the disciplinary process and registered us for next season's Champions League.

"We're doing this because we love football and because right now the game is in a complicated situation. The state-owned clubs can make much more attractive offers than us and they keep on investing."

The bigger picture

While they may remain embroiled in off-field drama, Barca will hope to refocus matters on the field as they seek to build on Ronald Koeman's first year in charge.

Though they were unable to claim another top-flight crown in La Liga, victory in the Copa del Rey ensured silverware at Camp Nou this term as well as another top-four finish.

In addition, Lionel Messi looks set to walk back on his own desire to leave the club as issued last summer, with the Argentine tipped to sign a new deal and remain at his long-term home.

Further reading

A Xherdan Shaqiri brace kept Switzerland's ambitions of a knockout stage appearance alive and kicking at Euro 2020, sealing a 3-1 win in Baku to condemn Turkey to a Group A exit.

The Liverpool midfielder's double helped ensure that Vladimir Petkovic's side finished their Group A campaign on a high note and keep themselves in contention for a last-16 berth.

Even though Switzerland will be forced to sweat on their tournament future until midweek, Shaqiri's efforts keep them very much in contention - and the veteran mainstay was quick to hail an improved performance all round from his team-mates in victory.

What has been said?

"I think we played like a unit, and it was crucial today against this team," Shaqiri told beIN Sports after the full-time whistle. "We knew if we play good we're going to create a lot of chances against this team, and we did so.

"We're very pleased with the win today and very happy. The other team, they have qualities, they can score any time.

"We could have scored maybe one or two goals more, for sure, but at the end of the day, it was important to win the game and we did that."

Shaqiri delighted with double

After Haris Seferovic had opened the scoring six minutes in, Shaqiri netted one of the goals of the tournament with a curled shot from outside the box, before restoring the two-goal lead after Irfan Kahveci's response with a breakaway finish.

The 29-year-old was delighted to contribute to the victory, particularly with his earlier effort, adding: "[I'm pleased] especially the first one with my right foot, it was really good technique.

"I'm very happy and very pleased that I could help the team with my two goals and that we reacted after the defeat against Italy, it was very good today. I'm very pleased for the performance of the team.

Gunes left to rue Italian hangover

For Turkey, it marked their third consecutive defeat at Euro 2020, ensuring that they became the second side to exit the competition in the wake of North Macedonia, with no points to their name to boot.

Manager Senol Gunes acknowledged that his side failed to live up to the quality they possess throughout an event they were tipped to enter as potential dark horses, adding that an opening-day blowout defeat to Italy haunted his side across their run.

"We weren't good enough throughout the tournament," he told uefa.com. "The first match had such a negative effect on my players. That can happen.

"But those players will play for Turkey for many years and they will succeed like they have before."

The bigger picture

Switzerland's victory was not enough to overturn an inferior goal difference against Wales, who were defeated by Italy in Rome elsewhere in Group A, meaning that Rob Page's side were the team to join Roberto Mancini's Azzurri in automatically qualifying for the last 16.

The nature of Euro 2020's third-place ranking system also means that, while Switzerland face a wait to see if they will qualify through virtue of being one of the four best-ranked sides left in the competition, they will also not know any potential opponent until Wednesday too.

Turkey, meanwhile, will return home, ahead of an autumn of Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers, seeking their first appearance since South Korea/Japan 2002, where they unexpectedly finished third.

Further reading

Harry Kane will start England’s critical Euro 2020 clash against the Czech Republic, manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed.

The Three Lions need at least a point to secure their place in the last 16, having overcome Croatia 1-0 before a scoreless draw with Scotland.

In both encounters, Kane has been quiet, continuing a trend that has stretched numerous matches.

This has led to criticism of the Tottenham striker, who Southgate continues to stand by.

What did he say?

Asked if Kane will keep his place in the starting XI, Southgate said: “You can assume that, yes, absolutely.

“He is fundamental not only to the goals he scores but the build-up play and everything else he brings.

“I know there will be a lot of questions being asked about him at the moment but he has been through that 100 times before and I have answered that in this role several times in the past and he has come up with the goals that have won us the next games and I expect that to be the same moving forward.”

Kane still has support of squad

It is not just his manager standing by the Tottenham forward. Team-mate Kieran Trippier said that those around him must offer him better opportunities.

“I believe in Harry and I know he will score goals, Harry's chances will come and for sure he will score goals,” Trippier said.

“Harry has had an unbelievable season with Spurs. He is working hard in training and it is about getting the chances to him.

“He is our captain, our leader, a big player for us and we just need to create chances for him to score goals. We need to get him on the end of chances.”

Why is Kane being criticised?

Kane has 34 goals for England in 56 caps but has hit a barren spell of late.

Since the end of the qualification process for Euro 2020 in 2019 - and a run of 10 goals in six games – Kane has only found the net on two occasions in 11 appearances for his nation.

With the England team perceived to have been built around him, there is a sense that he is not doing enough to justify the faith that his manager has placed in him.

Meanwhile, the Three Lions could drop to third in Group D if they lose to Czech Republic on Tuesday and Scotland beat Croatia by enough goals to finish with a better goal difference than Southgate's team.

Further reading