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Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos has been left out of Argentina's Copa America squad, which was finalised on Thursday night, according to the official CONMEBOL website.

The 26-year-old had been a starter in Lionel Scaloni's team just one week prior vs Chile in a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw. In his place, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, Joaquin Correa, Sergio Aguero and Lucas Alario will serve as the nation's forwards in the upcoming tournament.

Ocampos took a step backward in 2020-21 at the club level after a 14-goal, three-assist league debut for Sevilla the year before. He managed just one non-penalty goal in 34 domestic appearances - and five goals when including spot kicks - and was criticised for his finishing woes.

Who made the Argentina squad for the Copa America?

Based on the information published to the CONMEBOL website, the following players were named to the 28-man squad.

Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Emiliano Martinez, Juan Musso and Agustin Marchesin.

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Nicolas Tagliafico, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Marcos Acuna, Lisandro Martinez, Nahuel Molina Lucero and Cristian Romero.

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolas Gonzalez, Guido Rodriguez, Rodrigo De Paul, Alejandro Gomez, Angel Correa and Nicolas Dominguez.

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, Joaquin Correa, Sergio Aguero and Lucas Alario.

Further reading

Malaysia will face Vietnam in the crucial joint 2022 World Cup/2023 Asian Cup qualification match that will decide whether Tan Cheng Hoe's boys remains on the hunt for a place in the third round of the Road to Qatar as well as a direct spot in the 2023 Asian Cup in China.

After being given a hammering by United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the resumption of the campaign last Friday, Harimau Malaya have no choice but to seek all three points against the Golden Dragaons to reignite their chances of finishing in the top two places in the group.

Here's all that you need to know about his vital match.

Match details

TV channel and Live Streaming

Squad news

Cheng Hoe has an almost clean bill of health in his squad ahead of the crunch tie against Vietnam with everyone but Junior Eldstal being available for selection. The Chonburi FC player is nursing an injury picked up against UAE which was discovered only after the match had finished and has yet to take to training since. Meanwhile Brendan Gan returns from his suspension.

As for Park Hang-seo, he will have to prepare his side without the services of the influential Nguyen Quang Hai who is their chief creator and arguably the best player in the Vietnamese side due to suspension. The robust game against Indonesia also took a toll on Nguyen Van Toan and Nguyen Tuan Anh who are both doubtful to feature against Malaysia.

What say the coaches

"The previous results have not gone our way but we have to figure out what is the best way for us to get a positive result against Vietnam. As a coach, the next game is the biggest match for me and the team. After a few times of not getting a result against Vietnam, definitely we have to try our hardest to get a positive result this time around.

"I’m sure all my players have the ambition to do that. I never mention to them that this is a do-or-die mission but of course my players are very motivated and they know the situation that we need to get a result against Vietnam to continue our run. I’m sure each and every one in the team have the same dream to do well in this World Cup campaign" - Tan Cheng Hoe 

"We still have two more matches ahead. Vietnam will not be immersed in victory. Stronger efforts are required in order to win the next game. Quang Hai’s suspension will allow him to recharge energy and get fully fit for the UAE clash, towards the best result with the whole team.

“I believe that Tien Linh will continue to display his instinct in the next match" - Park Hang-seo

Results thus far

Current standings

Only top two spots provide passage to the third round of the qualifiers with the team who finishes top of the group advancing to the next round as well as earning a place in the Asian Cup. Meanwhile the second place team will fight among fellow runner-up from other groups to be the best four within that collection of teams.

The goal difference puts Malaysia in a big disadvantage heading into the final clutch of games in the group. While mathematically possible to finish top provide big wins can be earned against Vietnam and Thailand, realistically a second place finish looks by far the more possible outcome.

But because of North Korea's pullout from Group H, should Malaysia finish in second spot, the six points amassed over Indonesia would not be counted which would leave Cheng Hoe's side with a possible maximum total of nine points to duke it out with fellow second place finishers.

Scorers so far

Past meetings

Cheng Hoe has yet to beat his counterpart in any of the last four meetings and that is a hoodoo that has to be broken if Malaysia are to continue their way in this qualifying campaign.

It was a tight affair when they met in the corresponding fixture in a pre-Covid world where Malaysia did in fact looked like they were able to give Vietnam a proper fight compared to previous games where Park's team looked head and shoulders the much better team. 

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane was hosted by Senegal President Macky Sall on Thursday after helping the country to back-to-back victories during the international break.

Mane was part of the Teranga Lions’ squad that defeated Zambia and Cape Verde on Saturday and Tuesday respectively, and he scored a goal in each encounter.

The Liverpool star is the second-highest scoring player in the national team colours alongside former Marseille striker Mamadou Niang with 23 goals and he trails the all-time top scorer Henri Camara by eight goals.

Following the completion of international duty with Aliou Cisse’s team, Mane went to the Palace of the Republic in Dakar to update President Sall on his social programmes.

The 2019 African Footballer of the Year is keen on building a hospital in his place of birth, Bambali and he sought the government’s contribution in providing medical personnel for the facility.

Also in the meeting, Mane was said to have discussed Senegal’s preparations for the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers and the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon.

The Teranga Lions narrowly missed the continental crown in Egypt two years ago after a 1-0 loss to Algeria in the final.

“Senegalese international Sadio Mane was received this Thursday by President Macky Sall,” the statement read.

“The Liverpool social worker came to exchange with the Head of State on his social actions including the construction of a Hospital in Bambali. He has requested assistance from the State for medical staff.

“Senegal's new stadium and the preparation of the national team with the last two friendly matches were also on the exchange menu.”

In 2019, after Mane finished fourth in the Ballon D'Or ranking behind Lionel Messi, Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo, President Sall took to social media to encourage the 29-year-old on behalf of the entire country.

“My dear Sadio. By my voice, Senegal expresses its encouragement and congratulations for this place in the top four for the Ballon d'Or 2019,” Sall said.

“The example of self-sacrifice and of perseverance that was your creed will allow you, we're sure, to conquer this trophy. Bravo!”

Mane and his Senegal teammates will regroup again in September for their World Cup qualifiers, with games against Togo and Congo lined up.

Deneisha Blackwood scored the only goal as Jamaica defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the opening match of the Summer Series that kicked off in Texas on Thursday.

The Super Falcons started the encounter on a promising note but they failed to convert their chances in the opening 45 minutes as both teams went into the break levelled.

Just before the half-hour mark, Jamaica had an opportunity to go ahead through a penalty, but goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi was composed in between the sticks to parry Blackwood's strike.

Randy Waldrum's side eventually paid for their lacklustre attacking play after Blackwood made up for her missed penalty and broke the deadlock at the BBVA Stadium in the 51st minute, courtesy of an assist from Jody Brown.

After finding themselves behind, Waldrum instantly made some changes with Ifeoma Onumonu, Nicole Payne and Amarachi Okoronkwo thrown into the fray but they failed to beat the Reggae Girlz' defence.

The Jamaicans were solid in defence with crucial blocks to stop the Super Falcons from grabbing an equaliser.

Nigeria's brightest chance in the second-half came when Vivian Ikechukwu powered in a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area but she was denied by the bar.

They went into Thursday's clash in Texas without key players namely Barcelona's Asisat Oshoala, centre-back Onome Ebi goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie while five players including Halimatu Ayinde, Ngozi Okobi, Osinachi Ohale and Uchenna Kanu withdrew earlier this week.

In the absence of Oshoala, Levante forward Francisca Ordega wore the captain’s armband while Switzerland-based defender Onyinyechi Zogg, Rivers Angels winger Vivian Ikechukwu, Finland-born striker Roosa Ariyo and Sunshine FC defender Oluwatosin Dimehin made their starting debuts for the Super Falcons.

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

Prior to Thursday's result, they had played seven matches without losing, which include games at their successful Turkish Women's Cup outing in Antalya earlier this year.

Waldrum's ladies will hope to bounce back to winning ways when they battle Portugal at the BBVA Stadium on Sunday - 11.15pm (Nigerian time) before they take on host nation United States of America in the final match of the four-nation competition on June 17 at the Q2 Stadium.

Nice right-back Youcef Atal and Crotone midfielder Adam Ounas have recovered from the injuries and they are available for selection when Algeria battle Tunisia in an international friendly match on Friday.

The duo missed the Desert Foxes’ victories against Mauritania and Mali on Thursday and Sunday respectively, but they are now in contention for the warm-up encounter at the Stade Olympique de Rades.

The Algerian Football Federation announced on Thursday that Atal and Ounas joined Djamel Belmadi's team for the trip to Tunis.

They arrived in the Northern African country on Thursday afternoon and they were received by the Algerian Ambassador in Tunisia, Mr. Azzouz Baalal and the President of the Tunisian Football Federation, Mr. Wadie Jary.

“The good news is to see Youcef Atal and Adam Ounas again, slightly injured, the first against Mauritania and the second against Mali, to resume work with their teammates, even if the member of FC Crotone was taken care of in differentiated by Remi Lancou,” the statement read.

This month's friendly games were planned to prepare the reigning African champions for the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers that will begin in September.

Algeria are in Group A with Burkina Faso, Djibouti and Niger, and they will aim to return to the global showpiece after missing the 2018 edition in Russia.

Tunisia, unfortunately, will be without key players Ferjani Sassi and Youssef Msakni for Friday's encounter after both players limped out of last Saturday's win over DR Congo with injuries.

Algeria are on a 26-game unbeaten run with their last defeat dating back to October 2018 during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin, while the Carthage Eagles are yet to lose their last 11 games since their 1-0 loss to Nigeria in the third-place match at 2019 Afcon.

The last time the two countries faced each other was during a friendly match in Algeria back in March 2019 and the hosts won the encounter by 1-0, thanks to Baghdad Bounedjah's 70th-minute strike from the penalty spot.

After Friday's Tunisia will take on Mali at the same venue on June 15 before the Desert Foxes will conclude their busy international break with another friendly fixture against Burundi a day later.

Roy Keane has urged Manchester United to fork out £120 million ($170m/€140m) to sign Harry Kane, despite also admitting to having doubts about the Tottenham striker's leadership skills.

Kane is being tipped to leave Spurs after their latest trophyless season, having openly admitted that he is driven to win the biggest team prizes the game has to offer.

The Red Devils are among those being tipped to make a move for the 27-year-old, and Keane would love to see a deal come to fruition, but has also pinpointed the one area of the striker's game he believes needs to be improved.

What's been said?

Kane is currently serving as captain for both Tottenham and England, but a Red Devils legend thinks he needs to take on more responsibility in terms of motivating his teammates in order to justify wearing the armband.

"The only thing I’d hold against Kane, there’s a big negative I have towards Kane," Keane told SkyBet.

"I think Kane is an amazing player, every club should be trying to sign him, Manchester United have got to sign him, I don’t care if it’s £120 million… sign him.

"But I don’t think he’s a good leader. I never see him digging anyone out at Spurs. I know people might go, ‘well that’s not his personality’ or, ‘he might do it in the dressing room’. I don’t think he does and that’s a big problem.

"Okay, you can lead with your brilliant play. But I think sometimes I want to see another side to Kane, I’d love to see him get hold of somebody."

Who else has been linked with Kane?

Newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly leading the race to land Kane ahead of their local rivals, while Chelsea and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in his services.

The prolific forward is also attracting interest from aboard, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain thought to be ready to offer him a different career path, but he has expressed a desire to continue playing in the English top-flight.

The bigger picture 

Whoever manages to secure Kane's signature will likely have to pay a nine-figure sum, which rules out a whole host of top clubs that have been struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic.

United and City both have the funds to pull off such a transfer, but the former are prioritising a move for Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho, while the latter are reportedly set to do the same with Aston Villa's Jack Grealish.

Kane can make his stock rise even further if he performs well at Euro 2020, though, with the Spurs star set to shoulder the hopes of an entire nation once again after winning the Golden Boot during England's run to the World Cup semi-finals two years ago.

Further reading

South Africa held their nerve and plugged away as they came from behind to claim a 3-2 victory over Uganda in an international friendly match on Thursday evening.

Brace-hero Evidence Makgopa, 21, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane, 20, both scored as a youthful Bafana Bafana side edged out the Cranes at the 2010 Fifa World Cup training venue, Orlando Stadium.

Uganda, who were missing key players such as Joseph Ochaya, Khalid Aucho, Farouk Miya and Kizito Luwagga, scored through Ibrahim Orit and Abdu Lumala in an entertaining encounter.

Many took to social media to share their thoughts on the match with most Bafana fans impressed by the team's performance, while some Cranes fans slammed coach Abdallah Mubiru.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Bafana's win over the Cranes: 

Jadon Sancho has admitted to being a boyhood Chelsea fan while addressing speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The Red Devils tried and failed to lure Sancho away from Borussia Dortmund last year as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sought to bolster his options on the right-wing.

United have once again identified the 21-year-old as their top target ahead of the summer transfer window, and have already seen a £67 million ($95m) bid rejected, but he has now thrown a potential spanner in the works by confessing his affinity for Chelsea.

What's been said?

Asked to name his main footballing role model during his youth, Sancho told talkSPORT: “I’d probably say Frank Lampard. I was a Chelsea fan growing up, I can’t lie!

“Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were my favourite players at the time.

“I just love Frank Lampard and how he played his game; he was so direct and so composed on the ball.

“I like things like that.”

Sancho on United rumours

Sancho was also pressed on how he is coping mentally ahead of England's Euro 2020 campaign amid United's well document pursuit of his services.

“I’m cool about it,” he said. “There’s always going to be speculation, especially when you do well.

“It’s just how you handle that on the pitch. You’ve got to keep doing what you’re doing; if you keep on doing that then I’m sure that won’t be a problem.

“The main thing is my football and that’s what I’m focusing on at the moment.”

Sancho's Dortmund & England records

Sancho has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Europe since leaving Manchester City to take up a new challenge at Dortmund in 2017.

The England international has recorded 50 goals and 64 assists in his first 137 games across all competitions for BVB, while also picking up DFL-Supercup and DFB Pokal winners' medals.

Sancho was handed his international debut in a UEFA Nations' League draw against Croatia in October 2018 and has since amassed 19 caps for his country, scoring three goals.

Further reading

Manchester United have had an opening bid of  £67 million ($95m) rejected for Jadon Sancho. 

The England international is one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top targets this summer after a deal failed to materialise for the 21-year-old last year due to a gap between the two sides over valuation. 

Solskjaer is still keen to strengthen the right-wing and discussions have been ongoing with Sancho’s camp and Borussia Dortmund over a potential transfer, with the former Manchester City man keen on a move. 

What do we know?

Sancho remains a top target for Man Utd despite them missing out last summer and Dortmund are prepared to let him leave in the current transfer window should they get the fee they are after. 

United are optimistic a deal can be struck for the England star, however, Goal can confirm that their initial bid fell short of what Dortmund are willing to accept. 

It is believed the initial bid was around £67m and the club are expected to consider making another offer to land the 21-year-old England international.

It is understood Dortmund have explained to United the conditions of a sale and Sancho is open to a transfer. 

What has Solskjaer said about transfers? 

The United manager is expecting two or three new faces in the current window as he looks to improve on last season’s second-place league finish and the Europa League final disappointment. 

“We are second best, but too far behind to threaten those who won. Then we have to strengthen ourselves," Solskjaer told Norwegian outlet TV.

"Of course, something will happen in the transition window. The world has become very different than 15-16 months ago, but we have to make some moves on the transfer window, but also with the team.

“It is never possible to sit back. You are constantly looking for reinforcements. Football is dynamic, so unexpected things can happen such as injuries, illness, something familiar or that someone wants to move.

"You have to take everything possible into consideration and reflection. I will never sit down and think that 'now the team is the way I want it to be', because you always see some other players or other teams doing something you want."

What else do United want? 

It is understood a centre-back and central midfielder are also on the list while competition for right-back is also being sought, with Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier an option. 

Real Madrid star Raphael Varane and Villarreal's Pau Torres are the leading candidates at centre-back as Solskjaer looks to find a more consistent partner for Harry Maguire. 

Further reading

AC Milan’s Franck Kessie will be a ‘suitable’ replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum at Liverpool following the Dutchman’s move to Paris Saint-Germain, according to Samuel Olatunji-Okuku.

The 30-year-old joined the Reds from Newcastle United in 2016 and he went on to make 237 appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side across all competitions, scoring 22 goals with 16 assists to his credit.

Having failed to reach an agreement with the Anfield giants over a contract extension, the midfielder joined the Ligue 1 outfit on a three-year deal.

As the football world continues to talk about a possible replacement for Wijnaldum in Klopp’s squad, many have tipped Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi for the job. However, the seasoned football administrator feels otherwise.

“Franck Kessie will be a very suitable replacement given his work rate, ability to play box to box, and competence when it comes to goalscoring,” Olatunji-Okuku told Goal.

“For Ndidi, he won’t be able to fill that role because Liverpool already have Fabinho.

“So, there will be no sense in seeing him leave Leicester City – where he is king – to Anfield where he would be playing second fiddle to the Brazilian.

“No disrespect to Ndidi, he is superb as a holding midfielder but when it comes to a box-to-box kind of midfielder, Kessie is just a perfect match.”

During his time at the Premier League club, Wijnaldum won four major trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League - with the 2019-20 title marking the Reds first top-flight crown in 30 years.

To Olatunji-Okuku, Liverpool have lost a great player while stating that Mauricio Pochettino’s men will benefit a great deal from the Netherlands international’s experience.

“That is a big loss for Liverpool and replacing such a player will cost them a lot of money,” he continued.

“Take a look at when Klopp’s men won the champions league. You could see the impact of this player.

“Wijnaldum is that kind of player that gives you energy in the middle of the park. He is aggressive, he can win the ball back and he is a good passer of the ball. He is just so exceptional.

“Such players are not so easy to find these days and there are only a very few of them on the planet.

“So, I keep asking why Liverpool had to let him leave. Anyway, PSG have gotten themselves a great bargain.”

Georginio Wijnaldum has explained his decision to join Paris Saint-Germain following months of strong links with La Liga giants Barcelona.

PSG officially announced the signing of Wijnaldum on Thursday, with the midfielder's move to Parc des Princes set to be finalised when his contract at Liverpool expires at the end of the month.

Barcelona were originally touted as the favourites to land Wijnaldum on a free transfer, but he has ultimately decided to embark on the next stage of his career in Ligue 1, citing Mauricio Pochettino as a major influence.

What's been said?

The Dutchman, who won the Premier League and Champions League during his five-year stint at Anfield, says that the former Tottenham manager, who replaced Thomas Tuchel at PSG in December, contacted him personally to convince him to join the French outfit.

"I'm happy to join a club like Paris Saint-Germain," Wijnaldum said in his first official interview at Parc des Princes. "Obviously it's a club with really good players, a good manager who spoke to before I joined the club. We know each other from years ago. 

"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.

"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."

The bigger picture 

It has been reported that PSG's three-year contract offer was far more lucrative than the one Barca were prepared to hand Wijnaldum, but he may also have a better chance of conquering Europe again with Pochettino's side.

Barca haven't made it beyond the Champions League quarter-finals in two years, but PSG reached their first-ever final in 2019-20 before making it to the semi-finals again last season.

"Hopefully my help can help the team win the Champions League, that would be great," Wijnaldum added. "But not only the Champions League, it's also about the league and the Cup. You just want to win as much as possible for the club and the supporters."

Further reading

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana midfielder Doctor Khumalo was unconvinced by the national team which started in the 3-2 win against Uganda in a friendly match on Thursday night at FNB Stadium.

It had not been looking good for South Africa when they went into the break 0-1 down having failed to register an attempt on goal to the eight chances the Ugandans had to score.

While the Bafana Bafana technical team under new coach Hugo Broos had been looking to usher in a more youthful side, they were also forced into making some late changes to the squad due to the unavailability of several senior players.

Commenting on his capacity as an SABC3 studio analyst at the half time interval, Khumalo acknowledged the challenges the coaching staff have faced, but also felt there were some players who may not be comfortable enough stepping up from club to international level.

"Each player that they call into the team, he has to be ready. But they are not ready," the former Kaizer Chiefs playmaker said.

"Not everybody is for the national team, that I can guarantee you. This is a true reflection of some of the boys don’t deserve to be wearing the jersey.

"And I'm not trying to be funny or clever, I've experienced it while still playing.

"When you look at, there is nothing that points to the three moments of the game, which is attack, defence, transition," he said of the opening half performance.

After a disappointing first stanza, South Africa improved markedly after the break and an Evidence Makgopa brace as well as a Bongokuhle Hlongwane strike got them 3-1 up before the Cranes pulled back a goal in the dying minutes in Soweto.

Both the half time substitutes, Baroka FC marksman Makgopa and Maritzburg United striker Thabiso Kutumela, who replaced Denwin Farmer and Nkosinathi Sibisi, made a big impact.

Toni Kroos has called for Germany to improve tactically ahead of their European Championships showdown with France.

Germany will open their Euro 2020 campaign with a Group F clash against France, who reached the final of the tournament in 2016 before winning the World Cup two years later.

Les Bleus are being billed as favourites to win the continental trophy, and Kroos has warned his Die Mannschaft team-mates that they will have to execute the perfect game plan in order to pick up a positive result on Tuesday night.

What's been said?

The Real Madrid star told Goal and SPOX of the task facing Germany: "We have to improve, also tactically. On the 15th of June, no more experiments are possible.

"If we have to try anything against a team like France, then it will be difficult for us."

Kroos' praise for Benzema

Kroos went on to weigh in on Blancos team-mate Karim Benzema's return to the France national team after a six-year absence, admitting he will add an extra dimension to Didier Deschamps' lineup.

"I've been playing with Karim for seven years now," he said. "He is certainly a reinforcement for France, one more world-class player in a team that already has a lot of world-class players."

Kroos on Ancelotti's return to Real 

Kroos also discussed Carlo Ancelotti's return to Real Madrid, with the Italian having replaced Zinedine Zidane in the Santiago Bernabeu hot seat at the start of the month after leaving Everton.

Ancelotti delivered four trophies during his first stint in the Spanish capital, including the Champions League, and Kroos is looking forward to working with him again, but also still holds Zidane in high esteem following his resignation.

"I really enjoyed working with Zizou, but I also know Carlo very well," he said. "He was my first coach at Real Madrid and actually also the one who brought me to this club. Both are very good coaches."

Pressed on whether he was aware of any problems between Zidane and Real president Florentino Perez playing a role in the Frenchman's departure at the end of the 2020-21 campaign, Kroos added: "We players don't always know what goes on behind the scenes. It is now the way it is. I can only hope that we are successful under Carlo."

Further reading