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Kaizer Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic has demanded they put their celebrations following Saturday's 1-0 win over Wydad Casablanca on ice as there is still the Champions League semi-final, second-leg to play against the same opponents next weekend.

Nurkovic’s 34th-minute goal separated Chiefs and Wydad away at Stade Mohamed V to hand the Soweto giants the advantage heading into the return leg at FNB Stadium on June 26.

Chiefs will now host Wydad at FNB Stadium next Saturday and a draw of any kind will be enough to see them through to their maiden Champions League final.

With 90 minutes of the semi-final still to go, a cautious Nurkovic wants his teammates to put on hold celebrating the first-leg triumph but says they should remain “happy.” 

“It was a great team effort and I was really happy to have contributed to the victory. But we can’t still be celebrating because it is only half time. Next week we are playing them at home and we have to make sure we win that game as well,” Nurkovic told Chiefs’ media. 

“I am going to leave that [the strategy for the second leg] to the coach because we have a very good coach. I am not worried about all these things because everything will be fine.  

“They [teammates] have to be happy. It’s really a good result away from home and it’s the first leg of the semi-final of the Champions League so they have to be happy. It was a good effort from each and everyone in the team and like I said, we have to continue with the same fighting spirit.”  

However, Nurkovic’s goal which had the final say in the match was accompanied by some controversy after it was initially ruled as offside. 

But after consulting the video assistant referee, the goal stood. 

“It is important [having VAR] because there will be less cheating,” added Nurkovic. 

“If it is not important then none of these biggest leagues in the world wouldn’t be using it. Like I said I am really happy to have contributed to the victory and it was really a good team effort.

"So we just have to continue with the same fighting spirit.” 

Gareth Southgate has confirmed Jadon Sancho is in contention to finally make his Euro 2020 bow for England.

Sancho was left out of England's opening Group D win against Croatia and was an unused substitute during their 0-0 draw with Scotland at Wembley on Friday.

Southgate faced some criticism for not bringing on the Borussia Dortmund winger when the Three Lions were chasing a winner against the Scots, but the head coach says he could be in line to feature against the Czech Republic.

What's been said?

"We've got some explosive options and a lot of them are young players and experiencing a big tournament for the first time," Southgate told reporters ahead of Tuesday's game. "So as a coaching staff we are realistic about our expectations of them as individuals.

"Jadon is in that mix. He's trained well the last few days and of course we have got those options and those decisions to make."

Sancho's credentials

Sancho was touted for a key role in England's set-up for the European Championships after another stellar season at Dortmund in which he provided 16 goals and 20 assists in 38 appearances.

The 21-year-old, who helped Dortmund finish fourth in the Bundesliga and win the DFB-Pokal, has 18 caps to date for his country to date, the latest of which saw him turn in an impressive display in a Euros warm-up win against Romania on June 6.

Southgate bemoans lack of preparation time

Southgate went on to express his frustration over having to prepare for the summer tournament without Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford - all of who finished their club seasons late due to European commitments.

"I think a lot of those players we didn't have for the friendlies, so the chemistry is something we didn't have a lot of opportunity to work on," Southgate added.

"We've got to just keep working on that. We know there are some very good players in there, we know they can perform better than they did (against Scotland) and we've got to help them to find that level.

"The important thing is that everyone gets behind the team and the players and they're going to need to feel that support and to feel that warmth. This is a relatively inexperienced group, I think the third least caps in the tournament. Against Scotland, it was a young team so that's a different experience for a lot of them than they've ever faced before.

"They've just about survived it. We want to be better and that's what we're going to work through in the next few days before we play the Czech Republic."

Further reading

Ujpest defender Vincent Onovo has confirmed that Turkish Super Lig club Goztepe are interested in his services this summer.

Onovo, who is based in Hungary, was handed a call-up by Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr as the replacement for injured William Troost-Ekong ahead of Super Eagles’ second friendly match against Cameroon a week ago.

With reports emerging he is a target for Goztepe, the 25-year-old has confirmed in an interview that the Turkish club have already made inquiries for his services, but he is yet to make a decision on whether to move or not.

"Goztepe are interested but I have not decided yet,” Onovo told allnigeriasoccer.com when asked to confirm the reports of an imminent switch to the Turkish side.

“Goztepe have spoken to my club, my club told them to wait till next month because of the Europa Conference League we are going to play and that the transfer window is still open till August.

“I have not asked about the length of contract that I was offered by Goztepe, I have not yet decided where to go, other clubs are interested.”

Onovo helped Ujpest win the Magyar Kupa (Hungarian Cup) which means they qualified for the second round of the 2021-22 Europa Conference League.

He has also featured for Finnish clubs Inter Turku and HJK Helsinki before transferring to Ujpest in February 2018.

During the Cameroon friendly, Onovo linked up with the Super Eagles in Austria after being named in the squad to replace Watford’s Troost-Ekong, who had picked up an injury during a league match.

Nigeria used the friendly to prepare for the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers that will begin in September with Cape Verde, Liberia and the Central African Republic paired against them in Group C.

They have also secured a date with Mexico for another friendly match that will take place at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 3.

Former Orlando Pirates captain Benson Mhlongo has explained why he would like the Premier Soccer League side to appoint Steven Komphela as head coach.

Komphela is among the three coaches at PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns, but the tactician has been linked with a move to Bucs regardless.

Mhlongo believes the former Free State Stars coach has built up his profile and could lead Pirates successfully. 

Although Jozef Zinnbauer is still in charge of the Soweto giants, the German tactician is facing an uncertain future, especially since many fans have called for his sacking.

"Look, he's got experience; been around the block; he understands our culture; he's a born leader; he's run his race; I think he can be given a chance," Mhlongo told KickOff.com.

"I believe everyone deserves a chance. You can not judge a book by its cover. Let's see what he can do, and who knows, he might do well. For me, he's experienced enough to go and lead a big team.

"What happened at Chiefs, that is to his advantage because he has been there, he understands the pressure, he played for a big team, he was a captain, he did well in Turkey.

"So, I think we underrate him. I think it's time we really appreciate what people have achieved. I think he has achieved a lot in his career. I don't see a problem there if you look at the players he has produced."

Revisiting Khompela's history, Mhlongo said the coach is capable of producing good players because he has risked playing youngsters who have turned out to be great.

"He did well with Silver Stars, produced players. He did well at Free State Stars, produced players. He did well at Arrows, he produced stars. That's one accolade we can give him, that he's brave enough to play youngsters, whereas some coaches are not brave enough," added the former Sea Robbers skipper.

"We can rest assured and believe in him because he's been doing it with smaller teams. Pirates, I think they've done their homework, they know why they want him on board."

Although Mhlongo is confident Komphela would be successful at Pirates, he emphasised the need not to put pressure on him to win the PSL in the first season.

"We cannot say in the first season we expect a lot," he concluded.

"Let's give him a chance to build a team and then you can take it from there. You cannot go for success without a foundation. Let's give him a chance to build his foundation, and then take it from there."

Earlier this week, Pirates incorporated Mandla Ncikazi into their technical bench after he left Golden Arrows.

Thomas Muller has warned Germany against becoming arrogant after their thrilling Euro 2020 win over Portugal.

Germany laid down a marker by beating the 2016 winners 4-2 at Allianz Arena on Saturday, throwing Group F wide open.

Joachim Low's side bounced back from a 1-0 loss to France in their opening game by seeing off Portugal in impressive fashion, but Muller says they cannot afford to get carried away.

What has been said?

Muller told reporters after the game: "We had a lot of good aspects, but also a lot of things that we still have to improve. That can cost points in the end.

"Now we have three points, now we're good at it tournament and we have it in our own hands. Now we mustn't overdo it or become arrogant - but we can believe in our quality. We can feel a little euphoria."

The state of play in Group F

Germany showed signs of promise during their defeat to France but few predicted they would be able to beat Portugal, who saw off Hungary 3-0 in their first group game, by such a clear margin.

After Cristiano Ronaldo tapped home from close range on 15 minutes following a breakaway, Germany regained their composure quickly and began pushing hard for an equaliser, eventually getting their reward when Ruben Dias turned a Robin Gosens cross into his own net.

Germany completed the turnaround before the interval thanks to another own goal, this time from Raphael Guerreiro, before racing into a 4-1 lead early in the second half thanks to close-range finishes from Kai Havertz and Gosens. Portugal pulled a goal back through Diogo Jota, but the hosts held on for a famous victory.

France are top of Group F on four points as it stands, despite having been held to a 1-1 draw by Hungary in their second fixture.

Les Bleus will be through to the round of 16 if they pick up at least a point from their final game against Portugal, while Germany will now fancy their chances of winning the pool as they come up against Hungary.

Further reading

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye says Amakhosi lacked quality but they managed to “get something out of nothing” by stunning Wydad Casablanca 1-0 in Saturday’s Caf Champions League semi-final, first-leg match at Stade Mohamed V.

It was a result which saw Chiefs edging closer to the final of the Champions League in a season they have already punched above their weight on the continent.

For the first time ever, the Soweto giants managed victory away in North Africa in this competition as they continue to make their own history after participating in the group stage for the first time ever this term.

“I’m still saying there are many players who do not deserve to play there. Yes there are some good one but they are few. Today I give credit to all of them, [goalkeeper Bruce] Bvuma in terms of reflexes, positioning, being vocal and he was a leader,” Khanye said on iDiski TV.

“Reeve Frosler as a right-back. Normally they would dribble past him but he managed to deal with them and tactically he was far much better. At left-back I’m surprised Arthur Zwane selected [Yagan] Sasman. You cannot bring Sasman who is risky because he wasn’t playing almost all season and now playing a game with so much intensity.

“The centre-backs were much better and yes [they won a lot of balls]. I think they must be having headaches right now. They will have to drink Anadin, Disprin, mixing it with Grand-Pa, Epsom salt and Coke Soda as well. They did very well. Also [Njabulo] Blom and [Willard] Katsande were helping the back four.

“Tactically, I give credit to Arthur [Zwane]. He is a coach who is inexperienced but he has done well with Dillon Sheppard. If you check there is not enough confidence in that team. He allows them to play but they can’t play because of lack of quality but they got something out of nothing away.”

Saturday’s win was Chiefs' second consecutive over Wydad whom they similarly edged 1-0 in a group stage game in March in Johannesburg.

But before that, the Moroccans had thumped Amakhosi 4-0 in the reverse fixture in neutral Burkina Faso. 

Prior to Saturday’s match, Khanye predicted that Wydad would score more than two goals against Chiefs, who he had said have no prospects of scoring at all.

“I give credit where it’s due. I know many people are saying Junior said Kaizer Chiefs will not score. Yes it’s true I said it. I’m a man who is not afraid of saying things and I take responsibility for my words,” responded Khanye. 

“Kaizer Chiefs were very good in terms of tactical approach. They didn’t play very well but they won, they scored away against Wydad Casablanca.

"It’s not easy because these people play similarly European football and they beat Chiefs 4-0 [in the group stage]. So for Chiefs to recover, it wasn’t easy and I give credit, they deserved it.”

Chiefs will now host Wydad at FNB Stadium next Saturday as a draw of any kind will be enough to see them through to their maiden Champions League final.

“I will tell you this game is not over. I know many people are already seeing Chiefs in the final,” Khanye concluded.

“I am a South African and also behind Kaizer Chiefs but as an analyst I should be neutral.”

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Arthur Zwane has revealed the reason goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma was left in tears after their Caf Champions League fixture against Wydad Casablanca on Saturday.

The Soweto-giants secured a 1-0 win against the North African side in their first leg semi-final clash played at the Stade Mohamed V to put themselves firmly in the driving seat ahead of the return leg on July 25.

But what caught the eye of many was the emotional Bvuma, who broke down into tears at the final whistle.

Despite Amakhosi travelling with three goalkeepers for the away clash in Tunis, Bvuma was once against trusted to start ahead of captain and experienced Itumeleng Khune, as well as Nigeria international Daniel Akpeyi.

During the post-match interview, Zane explained the reason behind it: “I think Bruce is growing in stature and working very hard as a young man.

“We’re very close to each other, we used to be in the development [together]. So before the game, I told him that it's key for him to keep a clean sheet.

“I told him to make sure we don't concede and it will go a long way, especially for your career and it happened exactly how we planned it.

"Maybe that is why he broke down after the game because he was obviously happy not to concede.

“But we still have another ninety minutes to play and then to make sure, we keep [another] clean sheet and make sure that we get another goal to wrap it up at home.”

During the match, Samir Nurkovic was the hero for Amakhosi as his first-half goal inspired the South Africans against the Red Castle, who were targeting nothing but a win at home having extended their unbeaten run to 12 competitive matches when they drew 0-0 with Renaissance Zemamra in a Moroccan Botola League match on Wednesday. 

After dominating much of the game, Wydad were left to rue their missed chances as Chiefs took a 1-0 lead against the run of play when Njabula Blom played a low cross for Nurkovic, who scored with a first time shot in the 34th minute.

Chiefs could potentially meet former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane in the final, after he guided his Al Ahly side to a 1-0 first-leg win over ES Tunis, also away from home.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to get a new squad number ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

The former Atletico Madrid star joined the Gunners from the Spanish champions at the beginning of last season.

He had hoped to get his favourite jersey number 5 on signing for the North Londoners, but it was not the case since it had already been taken by Sokratis Papastathopoulos, who since left for Olympiacos.

According to Metro, the midfielder will now get his favourite number from the current 18.

The 28-year-old wears the same number for the Ghana national team and it was also his favourite while with Atletico Madrid.

He is expected to be a key figure for the Gunners in the new season as Mikel Arteta plans to challenge for top positions.

The Spanish tactician handed the big-money signing 33 appearances across all competitions in the 2020-21 campaign.

Partey is still waiting on a first goal for the Gunners but does have three assists to his name.

He will be hoping to take his game to greater heights next campaign, with only 18 Premier League starts so far.

Steering clear of untimely injuries will be key to those plans, with Arsenal needing stability and continuity if they are to break the shackles that continue to hold them back.

Asked about his first season at Arsenal and hopes for the immediate future, Partey told TV3 in an earlier interview: "Well I think everybody has seen it, there’s been ups and downs.

"We’ve had good times and bad times, but this is my first season and I think I had to adapt to how they play, get used to my teammates.

"I think now I’m getting used to them and I know with hard work everything will be okay for the next season.

"Of course, it’s not easy. The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and if you want to be there you have to be able to do everything well. So I like this challenge and I’m ready to do everything."

Phil Foden's performances at international level have been adversely affected by his style of play at Manchester City according to Wayne Rooney, who insists that the England star "is not a dribbler".

Foden has started both of England's group games at Euro 2020 so far, impressing in the 1-0 victory against Croatia before a more subdued display during their 0-0 draw with Scotland on Friday.

Rooney thinks the 21-year-old is struggling to adapt his game for the Three Lions after growing accustomed to a possession-based system under Pep Guardiola at Etihad Stadium, and would prefer to see Jack Grealish or Jadon Sancho in Gareth Southgate's line-up ahead of him.

What's been said?

England's all-time record goalscorer told The Times: "I love Foden as a footballer but you have to realise that, for four years and more, he has been moulded into a City player. 

"Pep Guardiola did not let him go on loan, or experience a different style of football - his whole adult career has been spent playing the Guardiola/City way.

"It is hard for him to turn up and just change how he has been playing since the age of 16. City play in the final third. They keep possession there. Foden is not a dribbler but a player who plays nice little passes and moves into good positions.

"At City, the movement of players around him enables it. City will play quick five-yard passes before a little movement - not a big one - will free Foden up and he has licence to go into the spaces and play as a No 9, at times, or No 10 at others.

"Whereas with England he is a bit isolated out wide and when he receives the ball, the possession is slow and there is little happening around him. That means he then has to dribble - and if you are playing in such a way that, from your wide players, dribbling is what is required, then why not play Grealish and Jadon Sancho, two of the best at doing it."

The bigger picture 

Foden has been compared to Paul Gascoigne due to a combination of his mercurial performances in a Man City shirt and striking new blonde haircut that harks back to the England legend's look at Euro 96.

The playmaker came into the European Championships fresh from being named the PFA Young Player of the Year, but after being substituted for Grealish in the second half of the Three Lions' stalemate with Scotland, his place in the team could now come under threat.

Southgate will have a selection dilemma on his hands when his side faces Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday, where they must avoid defeat to make sure of progression through to the knockout stages.

Further reading 

When Italy and Wales clash in their final Euro 2020 Group A match in Rome on Sunday, it will be first encounter between them after the previous game 18 years ago in a European Championship qualifier. 

During that qualifier in September 2003, Filippo Inzaghi scored his one and only hat-trick with the Italian national team as they won 4-0.

Italy vs Wales Latest Odds

Italy have won each of their last 10 games in all competitions and a win against Wales to make 11 games without a loss is tipped to occur at (1.64).

A win for Wales - which will guarantee them a place in the knockout stage - at Stadio Olimpico is valued at (7.30).

None of Italy and Wales’ previous nine meetings have ever ended in a draw, with Italy winning seven to Wales’ two victories but a draw on Sunday is considered to happen at (3.84).

Italy vs Wales Team News

Juventus' defender Giorgio Chiellini is not expected to feature for Italy given that he is suffering from an injury and that means Francesco Acerbi could fill the defensive void instead. 

Coach Roberto Mancini has a tough call to make as he will have to decide on who between Marco Verratti and Manuel Locatelli will start, since the former has recovered from injury but lacks match practice.

Wales' caretaker manager Rob Page is likely to make few changes to his line-up as he boasts of a fully-fit squad. Harry Wilson and Neco Williams are likely to benefit from the changes Page could make.

Italy vs Wales Preview

Wales have made it out of the group stage in their previous two appearances at a major tournament, in 1958 World Cup and Euro in 2016. If they avoid defeat in this game, they’re guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage of this tournament.

Italy are looking to win all three of their group stage matches for the fourth time at a major tournament, previously doing so at the 1978 and 1990 World Cups, and at Euro 2000.

Italy are unbeaten in their last 29 matches in all competitions (W24 D5) since a 0-1 loss to Portugal in September 2018. If they avoid defeat against Wales, they will equal their all-time longest unbeaten run of 30 games between November 1935 and July 1939.  

If he keeps a clean sheet, Italy's keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma would be the youngest stopper to keep a clean sheet in three consecutive games at the European Championship; 22 years and 115 days on the day of the game. He would also be just the second keeper to record a shutout in each of their first three starts in the competition, after Germany’s Andreas Kopke.

Italy vs Wales Tips and Predictions

Winning the last 10 games, Italy have gone 965 minutes without conceding, scoring 31 goals without reply in the run. The last three matches between Italy and Wales played on Italian soil have produced 11 goals, all scored by Italy (W3). Punters can take an offer of over 2.5 goals at (2.18).

Over 2.5 goals at (2.18).

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

Italy boss Robert Mancini has compared Wales to Stoke City ahead of their Euro 2020 clash on Sunday.

Wales will travel to Rome to take on Group A leaders Italy at Stadio Olimpico, where they will need at least a point to guarantee progression through to the round of 16.

The Azzurri have a 100 per cent record at the European Championships so far but Mancini, who guided Manchester City to their first-ever Premier League title in 2011-12, is wary of the physical threat Wales will pose his side.

What has been said?

The Italy head coach has drawn similarities between Wales' style of play and Championship outfit Stoke, who had a few memorable battles with City in the Premier League when he was in charge at Etihad Stadium.

Mancini does not think Robert Page's side are one dimensional though, as he told his pre-match press conference: "Stoke had a very tough style of play, they were a very tough nut to crack.

"It will be a very difficult match from a physical perspective because they are a powerful side like Stoke, but they are also very technical. Wales have players like (Joe) Allen, (Gareth) Bale and (Daniel) James. They have got some quality and skilful players."

Can Italy win the Euros?

Italy have been touted as dark horses for the European Championships after sealing a place in the knockout stages with impressive 3-0 victories against Turkey and Switzerland.

However, Mancini does not think his team can be considered among the favourites, saying: "France, Spain, Germany and Portugal are used to winning, they are full of extraordinary players. France remain the favourite despite the draw with Hungary. Then there will also be Belgium. In my opinion, nothing changes."

Mancini on Verratti

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti is still waiting for his first appearance at the finals after recovering from a knee injury, but Mancini is planning to throw him in at the deep end against Wales as he seeks to keep his squad fresh.

"Tomorrow night will be our third game and we would have rotated regardless, even if this was a must-win fixture," he said. "A third game in the space of 10 days with 30 degree heat, you need fresh legs out there. Marco needs to play. Until today, after so many days of training, he is fine."

Further reading

Didier Deschamps insists Karim Benzema still has his confidence after France's draw with Hungary, while also giving an update on Ousmane Dembele's injury.

France missed the chance to book their place in the Euro 2020 knockout stages after being held to a 1-1 draw by Hungary at Ferenc Puskas Stadium in Budapest.

Attila Fiola sent the home crowd into raptures when he opened the scoring right on half-time, but Antoine Griezmann bailed out Les Bleus when he finished a deflected pass from Kylian Mbappe to level proceedings in the 66th minute.

What's been said?

Benzema is still on the lookout for his first goal since being recalled to the France squad after a six-year exile, and once again struggled to find openings in the final third on Saturday afternoon.

Deschamps admits the Real Madrid star needs to find the net to boost his confidence, but has been pleased with his overall contribution so far.

“Benzema has a lot of experience and he will have no doubts about himself”, the Bleus head coach told his post-match press conference.

“He has done very good things, but he has lacked a goal. He knows people want him to score, but he knows it’s just about that. He is a striker that needs to score but the essential thing is that he has confidence and that he knows he has mine.”

Deschamps also defended Benjamin Pavard, who was caught out of position when Fiola ran through to score.

"He was in difficulty? That's your analysis," the 55-year-old added. "He was important in the offensive phases. He participated so much in the offensive phase, it cost him a lot defensively, but he was still in control."

Benzema's stats 

Benzema played in two European Championships before being omitted from Deschamps plans in 2015, but failed to score in either the 2008 or 2012 finals.

The 33-year-old has now gone eight matches without scoring at the Euros despite having had 30 shots, which gives him the third-worst record in history behind Clarence Seedorf (33) and Andres Iniesta (34). 

Benzema was still involved in France's best moves against Hungary and set up a gilt-edge chance for Mbappe in the first half, but was eventually replaced by Olivier Giroud with 14 minutes left to play.

Dembele's knock

France will now be sweating on the fitness of Barcelona winger Dembele ahead of their final Group F fixture against Portugal, a repeat of the 2016 final.

Dembele had to be withdrawn early in the second half against Hungary after going down injured, and Deschamps was able to given an update on his condition after the game.

"He’s been hit on the tendon, behind the knee, it will be necessary to check." he said. "He continued for a bit, he wanted to cross and felt a fairly significant discomfort. I brought him off. It will be necessary to keep an eye on it."

Further reading 

Ghana international Majeed Ashimeru has promised to "deliver 100 percent" after inking a permanent deal with Belgium giants RSC Anderlecht.

The youngster penned a four-year deal with the Mauves, having initially joined them on a six-month loan deal in January.

He transferred to the Belgian club in search of more playing time after struggling to hold down a regular playing position at Red Bull Salzburg, the club he joined four years ago.

The 23-year-old has taken to his social media pages to express his delight at making the transfer permanent and promised to give his best to the Purple and White in the new season.

“I knew I wanted a stay immediately I stepped foot here and R.S.C Anderlecht have made this possible,” Ashimeru posted on his Instagram page after sealing the deal.

“I am very thankful to the top hierarchy through to the fans for all the support and I promise to protect and fight for the badge all through, together with my colleagues.

"I’m home and I will deliver 100%. RSC Anderlecht.”

During his half-season loan at Anderlecht, Ashimeru made 11 appearances in the Belgian First Division A, starting in nine of the games and scoring once.

Ashimeru joined Salzburg from Ghana Premier League side Wafa in 2017 and he was immediately sent out on loan to Austrian club Austria Lustenau, where he made 11 appearances, starting 10 of the games and scoring once, before later moving on to Wolfsberger and Swiss fold St. Gallen.

In the Austrian elite division, he featured 15 times, started 14 of the matches, and found the back of the net twice but in the 2018-19 season, Ashimeru moved St. Gallen where he played 34 times in the Swiss top-flight, made the first XI on 31 occasions, and registered four goals.

He was recalled to Salzburg for the 2019-20 season, where he played 20 league matches for the side, involving 15 starts and two goals. 

Owing to limited outings during the first half of the 2020-21 term, he was loaned to Anderlecht for the second half of the term.

Next season, the midfielder will hope to make an impression on Ghana coach CK Akonnor for a recall for national duty after being snubbed from the most recent squad for friendly matches against Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire. 

Portugal suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Germany in a Group F Euro 2020 game on Saturday evening at the Allianz Arena, Munich.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo, at 36, displayed his age-defying fitness levels as he sprinted across the length of the pitch for the first goal in less than 15 seconds.

In the 14th minute, Germany won a corner-kick and Portugal were under the cosh. German defenders Mats Hummels and Antonio Rudiger were prominent in the Portugal box, trying to get their head on the delivery by Kroos.

However, the Germans were caught off guard by a stunning Portuguese counter started an finished by Ronaldo. The 36-year-old cleared the corner-kick which was then picked up Bernardo Silva. The Manchester City attacker sprinted up the pitch and sent a measured ball for Diogo Jota on the left.

The Liverpool forward controlled it with his chest and with his second touch squared it for Ronaldo, who was waiting to tap it in, hvaing sprinted all the way from the other end of the pitch to keep up with the play.

Ronaldo hit a top speed of 32 km per hour during his 92-metre run and interestingly, it took him just 14.2 seconds!

Later in the game, Ronaldo's 'no-look' pass left Rudiger dumbfounded.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has another piece of history in his sights after matching the record of Germany legend Miroslav Klose when it comes to combined goals at World Cups and European Championships.

The Juventus superstar was back on target for Portugal in their latest outing at Euro 2020, with a first effort of his remarkable career recorded against Germany.

That strike was his 19th at the two major international tournaments, with no player boasting more.

Euro 2020 group stage has boiled down to the final matchday. 

Only three teams have so far clinched qualification for the Round of 16 - Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands. 13 remaining spots in the Round of 16 are still up for grabs with numerous giants still fighting it out to make it out of the group stages. 

England and Spain are yet to seal qualification from their groups while Portugal, Germany and France are locked in an epic battle in Group F aka the group of death. 

Let's take a look at qualification rules and criteria in case teams are tied on points at the end of the group stages. 

How do the Euro 2020 groups look like?

Click here to see how the Euro 2020 groups look like right now.

How many teams qualify for the Euro 2020 Round of 16?

There are six groups with four teams each at Euro 2020. 

All six group winners and six runner-ups qualify automatically for the Round of 16. The remaining four spots will be filled by the four best teams out of the six third-placed teams. 

How will the group standings be determined at Euro 2020?

At Euro 2020, in case multiple teams in a group are level on points, head-to-head record will be used to break the tie. If the teams are still level, goal difference will come into play. Here are all the different tie-breaking scenarios at the Euros:

If some of the teams still have an equal ranking after this, the same criteria 1 to 3 are reapplied exclusively to the matches between the teams who are still level to determine their final rankings. 

For example, if the above criteria are used for three teams level on points and after using it, two are still level, the same criteria will be looked at again with the matches between the two teams taken into account. 

If the teams are still level, then the following criteria are applied: 

Will Penalty Shootouts be used to determine Euro 2020 group stage rankings?

If on the last round of the group stage, two teams are facing each other and each has the same number of points, as well as the same number of goals scored and conceded, and the score finishes level in their match, their ranking is determined by a penalty shoot-out. (This criterion is not used if more than two teams have the same number of points).

However, it might not happen this time around as no team with the above mentioned criteria are playing each other on the final matchday.

How do the third-placed teams at Euro 2020 rank right now?

What are the rules for classification of third-placed teams in Euro 2020?

1) Points
2) Goal difference
3) Goals scored
4) Wins
5) Lower disciplinary points total
6) European Qualifiers overall ranking