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Belgium cruised to a 3-0 win over Russia in their opening game of the Euro 2020 on Saturday, with Romelu Lukaku scoring a double. 

Lukaku opened the scoring in the 10th minute before first-half substitute Thomas Meunier doubled the Red Devils' advantage in the 34th minute. Lukaku then put the finishing touches on the victory with a neat strike late on (88'). 

The win took Belgium to the top of Group B, above Finland on goal difference, after the first group games. However, there was a measure of controversy over Lukaku's opener, with suggestions that it was offside. 

What happened? 

Dries Mertens fired in a cross into the box in the 10th minute from the right wing. But Andrei Semenov could not deal with the delivery and Lukaku pounced on it, firing a scuffed shot past a stranded Russian goalkeeper.

However, there was controversy with many pointing out that Lukaku was in a clear offside position when the ball came in from Mertens. 

Why did VAR not disallow Lukaku's goal?

While Lukaku looked clearly offside, the bone of contention was that Russian defender Andrei Semenov tried to clear the ball and it deflected to the Inter Milan striker. 

While many fans argued that Semenov tried to clear the ball only because of the presence of Lukaku (offside at the time), the letter of the law stated that since the defender tried to play the ball (ie control or clear), Lukaku was no longer in an illegal position. 

Lukaku dedicates the goal to Christian Eriksen

Lukaku paid tribute to Christian Eriksen after the goal, dedicating his finish to the Denmark international following his collapse against Finland on Saturday. 

Racing towards the sidelines, he waved away his team-mates coming to join him, instead heading for the nearest television camera to seize it with both hands and shout into its lens: "Chris, Chris, I love you."

Netherlands are set to kick off their Euro 2020 with a clash against Ukraine at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Sunday.

Ronald Koeman's departure as manager and the season-ending injury suffered by captain Virgil van Dijk has weakened them severely, with new coach Frank de Boer having guided his side to just five wins in 11 games in charge.

If they resemble the version which topped a Euro qualifying group containing Portugal, beat Spain in the Nations League and drew with France in World Cup qualifying in March, Ukraine could go deep in the tournament.

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

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What time does Netherlands vs Ukraine start?

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How to watch Netherlands vs Ukraine on TV & live stream in India

In India, the Euros will be broadcast live on the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN). It will be livestreamed on the SonyLIV app.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

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How does the group look like

Group C kicks off with Austria vs North Macedonia in an earlier fixture on Sunday. Netherlands will be playing their entire group stage at home. Whereas Ukraine might be in the weakest group, but that by no means ensures this enigmatic side of a place in the knockout rounds.

Group C

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Where will the match take place?

Johan Cruyff Arena | Amsterdam | Netherlands

Capacity: 54,990 | reduced to 25% 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.

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Netherlands vs Ukraine: Team news

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek had to withdraw through injury. Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, tested positive for COVID-19, has been replaced by PSV's Marco Bizot but with Ajax veteran Maarten Stekelenburg as the touted option. Matthijs De Ligt is an injury doubt for the Ukraine game. 

Ukraine boss Andriy Shevchenko is sweating on the fitness of Dynamo Kyiv winger Viktor Tsygankov. A calf injury kept him out of June's friendlies, but there is some optimism that he could be back in time for this one.

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Further reading: 

England and Croatia begin with their Euro 2020 journey when they face each other at Wembley on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate’s men will be particularly looking to improve on their semi-final finish at World Cup 2018, after they were defeated by none other than eventual finalists Croatia.

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

Contents

What time does England vs Croatia start?

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How to watch England vs Croatia on TV & live stream in India

In India, the Euros will be broadcast live on the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN). It will be livestreamed on the SonyLIV app.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

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How does the group look like

With this being the opener in Group D, both England and Croatia will be looking to create a statement before either face the other two teams in the group in Scotland and Czech Republic.

Group D

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Where will the match take place?

Wembley Stadium | London | England

Capacity: 54,990 |  reduced to 25% capacity, subject to increase
Games: Group stage, last 16, semi-finals & final (eight games)
Year built: 2007

Wembley will host a total of eight matches at Euro 2020 including a last-16 game, the semi-finals and the final. It will also be the scene of three games in Group D, where it shares hosting duties with Scotland's Hampden Park.

The London venue was initially only supposed to host the semi-finals and final, but was assigned an extra four games following the exclusion of Brussels as a host city and another one when Dublin was removed as a host.

Rebuilt in 2007, it is one of the biggest football stadiums in the world and second only to Barcelona's Camp Nou in terms of Europe's biggest arenas.

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England vs Croatia: Team news

Mancheste United defender Harry Maguire joined the training but is a doubt for the opener. With an injury ruling Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the tournament, England boss Gareth Southgate turned to Brighton's Ben White. Before that, Mason Greenwood also pulled out injured from the provisional squad.

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic will have to find the right man to replace Mario Mandzukic who retired from international football after the World Cup. Ivan Perisic, Dejan Lovren and Luka Modric are some of the names that stand out in Dalic's side.

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Further reading: 

Christian Eriksen sent a message to his Inter team-mates after his collapse during Denmark's Euro 2020 defeat to Finland on Saturday, says club CEO Giuseppe Marotta.

The playmaker required extensive medical attention at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen late in the first half of his country's Group B opener against their Nordic rivals, with the game suspended for the best part of two hours following his removal to hospital.

The Nerazzurri attacking midfielder was subsequently said to be in a stable condition by UEFA and the Denmark FU (Football Union), with domestic team-mate Romelu Lukaku dedicating his opener in Belgium's subsequent 3-0 over Russia to his stricken friend.

What has been said?

“The players are very close and we all immediately communicated with each other after seeing those images," Marotta told Rai Sport.

"We didn’t want to be invasive and so tried to respect his convalescence once we had been reassured.

“I can only say that 10 minutes ago Eriksen himself sent a message in our internal chat and this confirms the bond between the players.”

Marotta rubbishes Covid claims

The 64-year-old was also quick to dismiss the notion that Eriksen had been struck by Covid-19, while adding that he and Inter were not at liberty to provide further details unless Denmark's medical team did so first.

“He did not have Covid and was not vaccinated either," Marotta added. "At this moment, Eriksen is under the guidance of the Danish medical staff.

"It is right that they release information, but I can say the Inter medical staff have been in contact with them from the start.”

Further reading

Morocco defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 in Saturday’s international friendly staged at the Prince Moulay Abdullah Stadium.

Achraf Hakimi’s second half effort separated both teams as the Atlas Lions stay unbeaten in their last nine games in all competitions.

Having lost 2-1 to Cote d’Ivoire seven days ago, the Stallions travelled to the North African nation with the ambition of returning to winning ways. Nonetheless, they were unable to stop Vahid Halilhodzic’s side.

Still fresh from their 1-0 triumph over Ghana their last time out, the 1976 African champions approached the game with a positive mindset, yet the first half ended goalless.

They stepped up their game in the second half and subsequently took the lead in the 51st minute after the Inter Milan star curled a beautiful freekick past goalkeeper Herve Koffi.

The 22-year-old dedicated his finish to Denmark international Christian Eriksen following his collapse against Finland.

Both players helped Antonio Conte’s Nerazzurri to a first Serie A title in over a decade in the 2020-21 campaign.

Even at a late attacking surge by Kamou Malo’s men, they were unable to bounce back against their hosts who dominated every department of the game.

While Hakimi was in action from start to finish, Hakim Ziyech and Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri were named in the starting XI, but they were replaced by Munir El Haddadi and Achraf Bencharki respectively in the closing stages of the game.

The match is part of both countries’ preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers which begins in August.

Burkina Faso are eyeing a maiden appearance at the quadrennial football showpiece, albeit, they must negotiate their way past Algeria, Niger Republic and Djibouti in Group A.

On the other hand, Halilhodzic’s men are zoned in Group I alongside Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Sudan.

Reigning European champions Chelsea are willing to match Paris Saint-Germain's £56.1 million ($79m) reported approach to see Hakimi join the Stamford Bridge giants.

Nevertheless, he is valued by the Black and Blues at £68.8m (€80m/$96m) with his agent Alejandro Camano playing down links to the Ligue 1 outfit while stating that his future is in doubt.

Venezuela's travelling party for the Copa America has had at least 11 positive Covid-19 test results as of Saturday afternoon, forcing them to call upon emergency replacements in order to compete on Sunday against Brazil.

They are flying players in from their domestic league, the Venezuelan Primera Division, to face the Selecao for their tournament opener.

The coronavirus has been a central issue to the Copa America, which was moved from Argentina to Brazil a couple of weeks ago because of rising cases. Brazil players have expressed discomfort at hosting the competition with Covid not under complete control in their nation either, but they ultimately decided against taking formal action against CONMEBOL's decision.

What has been said?

"An emergency group of replacement players has been called up, and they're ready to join the camp in Brazil," wrote the Venezuelan football federation.

"The board of directors of the Venezuelan soccer federation, headed by its president Jorge Gimenez, stands in solidarity with each of those affected and guarantees all the necessary measures for their speedy recovery."

The statement indicated that eight players and three staff members had tested positive, though earlier in the day, CONMEBOL had announced 13 members of the group learned they were infected.

Bigger picture

The positive tests just ahead of the tournament represent the greatest fears of organisers and participants being realised, with the health of players already in jeopardy.

On the field, Venezuela were already significant underdogs entering their clash with Brazil; now, it will likely be a matter of damage control to keep the scoreline respectable.

Further reading

Luka Modric has called out the "arrogance" of English media ahead of Croatia's Euro 2020 opener against the Three Lions at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, while adding that the visitors will be "realistic" in their expectations for the tournament.

Croatia travel to London for the first of their Group D clashes this weekend, in a hotly anticipated rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final where Zlatko Dalic's side beat Gareth Southgate's team in extra-time.

Three years ago, Modric launched broadsides against England following his nation's victory, stating that the media circus surrounding them should have been more "humble" amid the resurgence of Three Lions fervour - though this time, he has been quicker to temper his comments and their target.

What has been said?

"That arrogance is not so much related to the players and to the national team but to the people around them," the Real Madrid playmaker sought to clarify in his pre-match press conference.

"[It was or is more] some of the journalists and commentators. Recently I've not read many media outlets.

"I'm looking forward to the match and I don't want to say too much about what's on the other side."

Modric warns against high-flying optimism

Croatia proved to be a surprise package in their run to the World Cup final in 2018, though the need for two penalty shootouts and another extra-time thriller to get them to the showpiece game was a weakness ruthlessly exposed by France at the end.

Modric has worked to keep hopes of another superlative run to a minimum, adding: "Expectations are great but we have to be realistic, go match by match.

"In big competitions, we've presented very good games and sometimes the nuances have prevented us from going to the top.

"Due to this we shouldn't think we can reach the final every time, as much self-confidence and belief as we have."

The bigger picture

Croatia head to Wembley on a run of relatively rocky form, having managed only two wins since last November against relative minnows Cyprus and Malta.

A draw with Armenia and defeat to France in their final warm-up games will not have suggested that they will be among the favourites to lift the Euro 2020 crown next month.

England however will be particularly wary of the threat Modric and his fellow players can possess, with Southgate unlikely to take them at simple face value in what will be a vital Group D opener.

The bigger picture

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand has offered an explanation as to why his players opted to resume their Euro 2020 opener with Finland following Christian Eriksen's collapse, stating that his squad were given the option to play the rest of the game either the same day or the following day.

The Danish side's game against their Nordic neighbours was suspended late in the first half on Saturday after Eriksen dropped to the turf at Parken Arena, sparking prolonged attempts to resuscitate him by medical staff.

The Inter playmaker was ultimately revived and taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition, with Denmark ultimately electing to continue on with their fixture, an eventual 1-0 defeat.

What has been said?

"We had two options, to play the game [today] or tomorrow at 12pm," an emotional Hjulmand told his post-match press conference after the game. "Everyone agreed to play the game.

"You can't play a game with such feelings, [but] there were no players who could manage to go home, sleep and get up again [after what happened].

"We tried to win. It was incredible to go out and try to play that second half. Honestly, we had players out there that were completely done, emotionally done and emotionally exhausted."

Hjulmand hails team bond on hard night

The former Nordsjaelland boss paid further tribute to his players, who formed a protective shield around Eriksen and medical staff during the lengthy stoppage, and held up white blankets to obscure him as he was removed from the field.

"We have a group of players that I cannot praise enough," he added. "I couldn't be prouder of those people who took such good care of each other.

"The way the players talked in the dressing room, to decide to not do anything before we knew Christian was conscious [is worth saluting].

"It's been a tough night. We are all reminded of what the most important thing in life is - to have valuable relationships, people we're close to, our family and our friends. Everything, everything, everything - all thoughts are with Christian and his family."

Further reading

Many Ghanaians are unhappy with the Black Stars' 0-0 draw with Cote d'Ivoire in an international friendly on Saturday.

After falling 1-0 away to Morocco in an earlier friendly on Tuesday, the Black Stars had high expectations on them coming up against The Elephants.

In the end, things did not go as anticipated as the two teams drew blanks at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.

While many fans are singling out coach CK Akonnor, others have expressed their dissatisfaction by the performances of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew.

Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus, however, seems to have made a good impression with the Black Stars, who are hoping to be bolstered by the addition of Chelsea and England winger Callum Hudson-Odoi should he decide to switch international allegiance.

Below are the best reactions to Saturday's clash:

Romelu Lukaku paid tribute to Christian Eriksen after his opening goal for Belgium at Euro 2020 against Russia, dedicating his finish to the Denmark international following his collapse against Finland on Saturday.

The Inter forward delivered a message of support for his club team-mate in St. Petersburg after rattling home an early strike against the hosts inside the first quarter-hour.

Lukaku and Eriksen helped the Nerazzurri to a first Serie A title in over a decade this season, and were expected to face each other in five days in Copenhagen before the latter was rushed to hospital.

What did Lukaku say?

After latching onto Dries Mertens' delivery inside the box - played onside by a deflection off a Russian defender - the striker was able to corral a cool shot past Anton Shunin to open his account for the tournament.

Racing towards the sidelines, he waved away his team-mates coming to join him, instead heading for the nearest television camera to seize it with both hands and shout into its lens: "Chris, Chris, I love you."

The forward then vaulted away, mobbed by his fellow Red Devils as they celebrated their early lead on the road.

What happened in Denmark?

Eriksen was taken to hospital after collapsing during the first half of Denmark's Group B clash with Finland, having slumped to the turf untouched.

Medics ultimately resuscitated him on-site after a lengthy interval, during which the player's team-mates shielded him while their opponents and the crowd voiced their support.

The fixture was eventually resumed, following confirmation that the former Tottenham man was awake and in a stable condition. Finland would emerge as 1-0 victors in their first major tournament thanks to Joel Pohjanpalo's goal just before the hour mark.

Further reading

There is no pressure in Sierra Leone’s camp ahead of Monday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic, according to coach John Keister.

The Group L fixture initially billed for Tuesday, March 30, at the National Stadium, Freetown did not take place owing to a Covid-19 controversy.

However, both teams will now square up against one another at the General Lansana Conte Stadium – a game that will determine the last team to secure a place for Cameroon 2022.

A 1-0 win will be enough for Leone Stars to qualify. But should the Squirrels - who just need a draw to qualify score, Keister’s men will need a two-goal margin win at least to qualify and end their 26-year Afcon hiatus.

However, the Sierra Leonean boss revealed that there is no ‘discomfort’ within his squad.

"There is no pressure. Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, and there is no discomfort within our squad,” Keister told Caf website.

"This squad is a blend of both young and experienced players; I've rationally selected 11 local and 15 foreign-based players.

“Thankfully, despite the numerous challenges, we succeeded to arrange a camp and let our players train together in Freetown since last Monday.

"What I need now is support from our fans at home and abroad. Already there is a huge willingness among the players and the whole nation wants us to qualify.

“So, I'm on to guide the team to get the best result against Benin and proceed to Cameroon next year."
 

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Mohamed N. Kamara (East End Lions), Francis Koroma (Mighty Blackpool), Ibrahim Sesay (East End Tigers)

Defenders: Umaro Bangura (Xamax, Switzerland), Osman Kakay (QPR, England), Lamin Conteh (FC Johansen), Rafael Koroma (FC Johansen), Abu Bakarr Samura (FC Kallon), David Janneh (RSLAF), Ibrahim Mansaray (FC Kallon), Abdul Razak Conteh (East End Lions)

Midfielders: John Kamara (Keshla FC, Azerbaijan), Alusine Koroma (Real Balompedica Linense, Spain), Kassim Turay(Central Parade), Mohamed Medo Kamara (Unattached), Kwame Quee (Vikingur Reykjavik, Iceland), Saidu Fofanah (FC Kallon), Brince Barrie(Bo Rangers), Alhassan Koroma (Real Balompedica Linense, Spain), Augustus Kargbo (AC Reggina 1991, Italy)

Forwards: Kai Kamara (Unattached), Sullay Kai Kai (Blackpool, England), Alhaji Kamara (Randers FC, Denmark), Mustapha Bundu (RSC Anderlecht, Belgium), Idrissa Kanu (Peterborough, England) and Augustus Williams(LA Galaxy, USA)

Tochukwu Oluehi has revealed Nigeria are raring to bounce back from their defeat to Jamaica when they take on Portugal.

Randy Waldrum's ladies began their Summer Series campaign on a losing note, bowing 1-0 to Jamaica in Texas.

Deneisha Blackwood’s second-half strike settled the encounter as the African Queens were made to pay for their lacklustre display.

That was the first time Nigeria would lose a game since their 2019 Fifa Women's World Cup exit against Germany in the Round of 16.

The 34-year-old saved a first-half penalty as well as made a couple of impressive saves to keep the scoreline decent.

As the Super Falcons prepare to face A Seleccao das Quinas on Monday morning, Oluehi is upbeat about her side’s chances of securing victory – stating that errors spotted against Jamaica would be remedied.

“I wanted to blame myself, but I don’t know what to say. When a goalkeeper does her possible best, just a silly goal would come and mess everything up,” she said on the Super Falcons’ Instagram handle.

“I wasn’t happy for the goal [we conceded] but I tried, I did my best.

“We have seen the game [against Jamaica]. We would go back home and correct where we made our mistakes, pick up and ensure we win our second game against Portugal.”

In the absence of Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala, Levante star Francisca Ordega wore the captain’s armband.

Elsewhere, Switzerland-based defender Onyinyechi Zogg, Rivers Angels winger Vivian Ikechukwu, Finland-born striker Roosa Ariyo and Sunshine FC defender Oluwatosin Dimehin made their international debuts for Nigeria.

Accessing the performance of her defenders against Hue Menzies’ ladies, Oluehi declared that they would get better with time.

“Well, for now, I would score them 50 percent. They did well despite being new to the team. With time, they would get there,” she added.

After Monday’s game against Portugal, they will square up against hosts USA in the final match of the four-nation competition on June 17 at the Q2 Stadium.

With the beginning of the 2022 Awcon qualification campaign on the horizon in October, these games will be a useful exercise in determining who merits further inclusion against Ghana.

Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire settled for a 0-0 draw in their friendly meeting in Cape Coast on Saturday.

It was their first clash since meeting in the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, and a test for both sides ahead of the commencement of the second round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Teye Partey made a return to Ghana’s starting set-up after being excused from Tuesday’s 1-0 away defeat to Morocco in an earlier friendly.

Captain Andre Ayew was restored to the first XI after starting the previous game from the bench while goalkeeper Razak Abalora lost his place to Lawrence Ati-Zigi after his howler led to the Black Stars defeat against the Atlas Lions.

Cote d’Ivoire coach Patrice Beaumelle paraded a strong starting XI, naming Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly, Tottenham Hotspur right-back Serge Aurier, AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie and Ajax striker Sebastien Haller.

Manchester United young winger Amad Diallo was left on the bench despite scoring The Elephants’ winner in a 2-1 triumph against Burkina Faso in a friendly last week.

Despite Ghana starting strongly with possession domination, it was the Ivorians who created the opening scoring chances.

In the 11th minute, Haller headed straight into the arms of Ati-Zigi after connecting to an Ibrahim Sangare cross from the right.

Three minutes later, The Elephants were presented with the best opportunity of the half when Wilfried Singo, having made a marauding run from deep, played a one-two with Haller which set the former face-to-face on goal with Ati-Zigi, but his final shot rolled agonizingly just wide.

Partey then sent a free-kick over the bar for Ghana after Emmanuel Gyasi was brought down, shortly before Jordan Ayew delivered another free-kick which was handled by goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohuo.

On the stroke of half-time, Cote d’Ivoire created the last chance of the stanza when Kessie rose high to head Aurier’s corner but Ati-Zigi was on hand to handle the danger.

After the break, Cote d’Ivoire were first to go close again as Kessie’s shot from outside the box deflected off Alexander Djiku and went just over onto the roof of the net.

It was then a game of a few half-chances. Substitutes Diallo and Max Gradel made scoring attempts for the Ivorians. At the other end, Partey failed to find the back of the net with a header, leaving the score at 0-0 as Senegalese referee Douada Gueye whistled to bring an end to proceedings.

Ghana return to action with a double-header against Ethiopia and South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers in September, the same time Cote d'Ivoire take on Mozambique and Cameroon.

Christian Eriksen managed to speak to his Denmark team-mates from hospital after his on-field collapse, according to Danish FU (Football Union) director of football Peter Moller.

Eriksen was stabilised in hospital after collapsing in the first half of Denmark's Euro 2020 encounter with Finland in Copenhagen on Saturday.

The playmaker required extensive on-pitch treatment and the match was suspended after he was taken off on a stretcher, before it was resumed more than 90 minutes later.

What was said?

"He collapsed and got help and heart treatment on the field," Moller told DR. "He was fortunately awake when he left the stadium.

"We have been in contact with him, and the players have spoken with Christian. That's the good news. He is doing well and they are playing the match for Christian.

"Our thoughts are with Christian's parents and his family."

What happened?

Near the end of the first half, Eriksen collapsed to the ground without any contact.

Referee Anthony Taylor immediately blew his whistle and brought proceedings to a halt, calling for the medical staff, who raced onto the pitch to administer treatment.

Denmark's players formed a barrier around Eriksen as he was treated on the pitch in what appeared to be an extremely serious incident.

After Eriksen was taken to hospital, UEFA and the Danish FU confirmed he was stable and awake. 

UEFA initially suspended the match but the governing body said players on both teams requested it be resumed.

Further reading

Nigeria will take on Portugal in continuation of their United States of America Summer Series.

The Super Falcons bowed 1-0 to Jamaica in their first encounter played on Thursday night.

A second-half strike from Deneisha Blackwood clipped the wings of the reigning African women’s champions – a result which also ended their seven-match unbeaten run.

Against the Europeans – who suffered a 1-0 loss to hosts USA - Randy Waldrum's team would be hoping to return to winning ways as they continue their preparations for October’s Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifier against eternal rivals, Ghana.

WHEN IS THE GAME?

The international friendly has been scheduled for 00:00 (West African Time) on Monday, June 14.

WHAT CHANNELS CAN I WATCH THE GAME ON TV?

WHERE IS THE CLASH?

BBVA Stadium, Houston, Texas

HOW CAN FANS GET INVOLVED?

Goal will be providing coverage with news and interviews of the showdown.

Georginio Wijnaldum says he chose to join Paris Saint-Germain instead of Barcelona because the French side were faster in making an offer and he was convinced by the project.

Wijnaldum had been linked with a move to Camp Nou for months as his contract at Liverpool neared its expiration.

But PSG swooped in and announced they had signed him this week.

What has been said?

Wijnaldum thought a reunion with ex-Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman at Barca was imminent for a long time until PSG's offer came in. 

“It was a difficult choice. We negotiated with Barcelona for four weeks, but we did not reach an agreement," Wijnaldum said at a press conference.

"PSG were just quicker and their project spoke to me more. To be honest, I thought I was joining Barcelona because at the beginning they were the only interested club.

"PSG and Barcelona are both truly great clubs, and both are clubs where I would have liked to play. I wanted to make my decision before the start of the Euros and in the end I chose PSG.”

Why did Wijnaldum join PSG?

The 30-year-old has committed to a three-year deal with the Ligue 1 giants.

He explained on Thursday after the move was confirmed that coach Mauricio Pochettino played an important role in convincing him to join.

"As a football player, you always want to play with the best players around you and when I look at the team and also when I spoke with the manager, I saw a team full of talented players and big players," he said.

"And on top of that, I also saw a manager who can make the players even better and also capable of bringing all those players together to make a strong, strong team. I come here trying to write history with this unbelievable team."

Further reading

The football world has pledged its support to Christian Eriksen after his collapse during Denmark's Euro 2020 match against Finland.

The attacking midfielder collapsed near the end of the first half of the encounter on Saturday.

The match was suspended as Eriksen received treatment on the field before he stretchered off, with the game later resumed after a delay of more than 90 minutes.

What has been said?

UEFA announced that Eriksen has been taken to hospital and stabilised, while the Danish FA also confirmed that Eriksen was awake. 

Meanwhile, players and clubs around the world have taken to social media to offer their support for the 29-year-old, with his current club Inter, along with former sides Tottenham and Ajax, among those offering their thoughts and prayers.

Further reading

The Premier Soccer League has announced Sekhukhune United have been promoted.

Royal AM, who finished second on the 2020/21 National First Division standings, will compete in the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs.

This comes after the league confirmed that the application to review Hilton Epstein's ruling to award Sekhukhune three points was dismissed by Judge Roland Sutherland. 

Therefore, Sekhukhune were officially crowned NFD champions and the Limpopo side secured automatic promotion to the PSL for the first time in the club's history.

The PSL released the following statement on Saturday as they also announced that Royal AM will now join Chippa United and Richards Bay in the relegation/promotion play-offs.

"Judge Roland Sutherland today, 12 June 2021, handed down an order dealing with the disputes that arose at the end of the NFD," a statement read.

"The Premier Soccer League intervened in the proceedings and asked, by way of a counterclaim, for a declaratory order that the NSL Handbook is not silent, and that it deals fully with the way in which the NSL Disciplinary Committee and/or the Safa Arbitration Tribunal must deal with misconduct matters in professional football in South Africa."

"Judge Sutherland granted the declaratory order the League sought. Judge Sutherland also confirmed the two Safa Arbitration Tribunal awards handed down by Advocates Epstein and Cassim SC which impacted the final log standings."

"These awards were challenged by Polokwane City and TS Sporting. Neither challenge was upheld."

"The consequence is that Sekhukhune United Football Club have secured automatic promotion to the PSL for next season, while Chippa United, Royal AM, and Richards Bay Football Clubs will contest the promotion/relegation play-offs which will commence on the 15th of June 2021."

Chippa will take part in the play-offs after finishing 15th on the 2020/21 PSL standings and they will be keen to retain their status in the top-flight by winning the play-offs.

While Richards Bay secured their place in the play-offs after finishing third on the NFD standings and they are hoping to clinch promotion to the PSL for the first time. 

The play-off matches are scheduled to start on June 15 and end on June 30.