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Kaizer Chiefs would be looking to ease a rough patch of form when they host Golden Arrows in Wednesday's Premier Soccer League clash at FNB Stadium.

After failing to record a single victory in their last five league games, 11th-placed Amakhosi have found themselves five points above the relegation zone in what led to Gavin Hunt's sacking last Friday.

The difficult run has seen Chiefs' chances of finishing the season in the top-eight now very slim as they are five points behind eighth-placed TS Galaxy with two matches remaining.

They come up against an Arrows side third on the standings with their eyes set on claiming a berth to play continental football next season.

Arrows have established themselves as one of the highly-competitive teams in this campaign, having only lost four league games which is the third-best record behind Mameloldi Sundowns and Swallows FC, who have lost just a match each.

But with Chiefs having also carved a record as being a very unpredictable side, Abafana Bes'thende might need to be extra careful in their trip to Gauteng.

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Squads & Team News

Chiefs go in to battle without Siyabonga Ngezana, who is suspended after he picked his fourth yellow card in their last match, a 2-1 defeat away at Black Leopards.

But stand-in coaches Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard welcome back Njabulo Blom, who missed the last two league games after being red-carded against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on May 4.

Also returning from suspension is Willard Katsande, who was absent against Leopards and this increases the coaches' options in central midfield.

Attacker Kahama Billiat is still out injured, while Dumisani Zuma and Lebohang Lesako are doubtful.

Arrows will be without influential midfielder Nduduzo Sibiya, who was shown a red card late in their 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy on May 19.

Sibiya has been one of Abafana Bes'thende's outstanding players this season with six league goals and four assists in 20 appearances.

Match Preview

This is one match Amakhosi cannot afford to lose as a defeat will leave them staring down the barrel of relegation going into their final match of the campaign. 

Amakhosi's top-eight chances are almost as good as dead as they largely depend on how their rivals for that position TS Galaxy, Baroka FC and Bloemfontein Celtic fare in the final two games.

On the other side, a win for Arrows will help them edge closer to cementing a top-three finish which would come with a guarantee of playing in Africa next season.

Arrows and Chiefs played out a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium last November.

But Chiefs have been let down by their recent outings and they host their KwaZulu-Natal visitors boasting a form sequence of lose-draw-lose-draw-lose.

Their opponents managed to recover in their last match with a resounding victory over TS Galaxy which came after a slump of two straight defeats which were preceded by as many draws.

That four-match winless run saw Arrows surrendering a claim of a top-four finish which comes with Caf Champions League football for next season, but the victory but them back on track.

Arsenal "made a mistake" in appointing Mikel Arteta, according to William Gallas, who says that the inexperienced coach wasn't ready for the Gunners job.

Arteta was drafted in to replace Unai Emery as Arsenal's new permanent manager in December 2019, having spent the previous three years serving as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.

The Spaniard has just completed his first full season in charge, which ended in disappointment as the Gunners missed out on a place in European competition for the first time in 25 years, leaving Gallas convinced that he is the wrong man to take the club forward.

What's been said?

“Mikel Arteta was not ready yet to manage a club like Arsenal," the former Arsenal and France defender told The Sun.

“OK, he was assistant coach at Manchester City. But he had never managed a team. It is completely different.

“The board made a mistake picking him. I'm sure he will be a great manager but you need to have experience to manage a big club.

“To be honest, it is a great shame for the Arsenal fans after finishing eighth.

“Arsenal is not the same Arsenal we knew 18, 20 years ago. We had players who were strong, with strong personalities.”

Arteta's mixed start at Arsenal

Arteta won over the club's supporters in the second half of the 2019-20 campaign by delivering an unlikely FA Cup triumph, which he followed up with a Community Shield victory over Liverpool.

However, results quickly took a turn for the worse in the Gunners' latest season as they fell into the bottom half of the table, with the 39-year-old's tactical approach subsequently called into question.

Arsenal went on to exit the FA Cup in the fourth round and suffer a painful semi-final defeat to Villarreal in the Europa League, but did at least manage to finish the campaign with five successive Premier League victories.

The bigger picture 

Arsenal will likely keep faith with Arteta for another season as he continues to oversee a long-term project, with his contract not due to expire until 2023.

However, the former City No.2 has warned that recruitment in the summer transfer market will be necessary for the Gunners to take strides forward in 2021-22.

“There are so many things to do because we have a lot of players on loan and a lot of players with contracts that we still have to sort,” Arteta said last month.

“It will depend on what happens with a lot of those players and what we are able to recruit to improve the team. That is going to determine where we are."

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns will be hoping to avoid two straight matches without recording victory when they visit Bloemfontein Celtic for Wednesday's Premier Soccer League encounter at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

After a 0-0 draw against Swallows FC last Saturday, Masandawana dropped two points but have a chance to bounce back to winning ways away from home.

They might have already bagged the league title but the Tshwane giants would want to finish the campaign on a high in their two remaining games. 

Celtic, who are sitting 10th on the log and six points above the relegation zone, now stand in their way of securing maximum points.

Not much is at stake in this game for Sundowns but their hosts would want to guarantee themselves safety with a match to go.

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Squads & Team News

Celtic will be missing the services of suspended goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane who has accumulated four yellow cards.

Sipho Chaine is almost sure to be selected to guard goal ahead of Mondli Mpoto and Gerhard Phafoli, who are yet to play this season.

Siwelele will also be without another suspended player Mokone Mereko.

The left-back is serving his last match of suspension after he was shown a red card against Cape Town City on May 12.

But the good news for coach John Maduka is the return of forward Victory Letsolao, who was suspended for their last match against Chippa United.

Letsoalo is Celtic's top scorer in the league so far this season with eight goals. 

Earlier this week, Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi was unclear on the availability of Themba Zwane, who is am injury concern.

Zwane featured for 51 minutes in the draw against Swallows FC and was replaced by Sibusiso Vilakazi, but the club has been coy about his fitness status. 

However, Mngqithi confirmed Kermit Erasmus and Keletso Makgalwa are ruled out with the latter being a long-term absentee.

Sphelele, who could not go beyond the 19th minute against SuperSport United last week before missing the Swallows match, is a doubt for Wednesday's encounter together with goalkeeper Denis Onyango and defender Banglay Soumahoro.

But the good news is that Gift Motupa is back from injury to add attacking options 

Match Preview

While Sundowns go into this match fresh from a draw against Swallows, Celtic are buoyed by a 2-1 away victory over Chippa United in their last match on May 18.

But dropping two points will not make Masandawana a less competitive side as they were held by the Dube Birds on the backdrop of four straight league wins. 

The Brazilians also remain beaten just once in 28 league games this season to date.

Celtic on the other hand have won just once, drew three times and suffered a defeat in their least five games.

What could be worrisome for Siwelele is that they have conceded an average of a goal in their last five outings in which they have shipped in five goals. 

But after they knocked Sundowns out of the MTN8 early in the season, before scuring a 0-0 draw in the reverse league fixture at Lucas Moripe Stadium, so Celtic might not be too worried about Wednesday's assignment. 

Also, the Free State side have enjoyed 14 days away from competitive football, while Sundowns have played three games within that period.

Orlando Pirates continue with their push to play in Africa when they clash with Baroka FC in a Premier Soccer League match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.

After losing 1-0 to TS Galaxy last Sunday, when they blew an opportunity to climb one rung up the ladder and settle on third spot while coming two points behind second-placed AmaZulu, Pirates are on a redemption mission.

That result complicated the remainder of their campaign which now sees their chances of playing in next season's Caf Champions League or Caf Confederation Cup no longer in their hands, but largely dependent on how AmaZulu and third-placed Golden Arrows fare in their respective remaining games. 

Even if the Buccaneers beat Baroka while Usuthu and Arrows win their matches on Wednesday, Pirates will remain stuck outside the top-three going into their final match of the season at the weekend.

What could further complicate the Soweto giants' mission in Polokwane is that they face a Baroka side keen to end the season in the top half of the table.

Currently, Bakgaga ba Ga-Mphahlele are ninth on the standings just two points behind TS Galaxy, who are eighth.

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Squads & Team News

Baroka have no suspensions in their camp in what is some good news for coach Thoka Matsimela.

With veteran Namibia midfielder Ananias Gebhardt, forward Evidence Makgopa, Goodman Mosele and Malawian striker Richard Mbulu all enjoying some good form all season, Pirates have something to seriously worry about.

Pirates will be without suspended utility player Abel Mabaso.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns man, who has of late been deployed as a defensive midfielder, was red-carded against TS Galaxy and is ineligible for selection.

Coach Josef Zinnbauer might not be too worried about Mabaso's absence as he has Ben Motshwari available, who is returning from suspension, while Siphesihle and Thabang Monare also act as cover in that position.

Forwards Tshegofatso Mabasa, Zakhele Lepasa and Jean-Marc Makusu have been struggling with injuries in what has compromised the Soweto giants upfront, where Frank Mhango is the only available natural number nine.

Match Preview

Pirates continue to be haunted by lack of consistency in the league this season.

The defeat by TS Galaxy confirmed again their struggle to complete two consecutive wins after they arrived in Nelspruit on the backdrop of an important victory over AmaZulu.

Their current league form is defined by two wins, a draw and two defeats in their last five outings in which they have managed to score four goals, while conceding as many.

Their opponents Baroka have not tasted defeat in their last three games but just a win, three draws and a defeat have seen them battle to cement a spot in the top-eight.

Just like Pirates, Bakgaga have struggled for goals recently, managing just three in five matches but have compensated for that with a defence which has shipped in three goals as well.

After beating AmaZulu in their second last game away in Durban, Baroka could be fancying upsetting the Buccaneers, who last won on the road against Chippa United in early March before failing to secure maximum points away from home in four league outings.

The Limpopo outfit has also enjoyed 14 days without being involved in competitive action since their last match in which they were held 0-0 at home by Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.

During Baroka's period of rest, Pirates have played a Confederation Cup game and two PSL fixtures.

Matsimela's men have proven to be a stubborn team against traditional giants this season and they held the Buccaneers to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in November 2020.

Mesut Ozil and his ownership partners in Liga MX club Necaxa could have their plan to sell on a portion of their stake through a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) blocked by the Mexican Football Federation.

Ozil's group announced this week that it would sell a digital token representing a 1 per cent stake in Necaxa to the public. However, the Mexican Football Federation released a statement Tuesday night saying the scheme was likely not allowed under its current rules. The plan, it has argued, defies the guideline that league approval is needed for any sale of a financial stake in a club, no matter how small.

NFTs, which are a form of rare online collectibles usually purchased using cryptocurrency, remain a murky legal subject given the newness of the industry, so it's possible the Ozil-involved ownership group will push back against the Mexican Football Federation.

What was the proposal for the Necaxa ownership NFT?

Ozil is part of an investment group that has purchased a reported 50 per cent stake in Necaxa. Among the individuals involved in the project are the NBA's Victor Oladipo, MLB's Justin Verlander and skier Bode Miller.

They have all proposed the creation of an NFT that would represent a 1 per cent stake in the club. In other words, they would sell a small share of their portion of the organisation to the public, with the highest bidder being awarded a unique digital token that comes along with promised perks such as access to the team and its facilities, tickets to home and away games, championship rings, and team merchandise.

Crucially, the 1 per cent stake could then be sold on to anyone. The norms of the NFT industry suggest that Ozil's investment group would get creator royalties from any further changing of hands, though that has not yet been confirmed in this instance.

What has the Mexican Football Federation said?

The problem in the eyes of the Mexican Football Federation is that all sales are supposed to be approved by the league, and the sale of the NFT on the blockchain would not follow that protocol.

"In accordance with our regulations, the membership certificates [of ownership] may not be transferred or modified under any figure other than the express approval of the Assembly of the MX LIGA and confirmation of the Executive Committee and/or the General Assembly of the Mexican Football Federation," wrote the governing body in a statement posted to its official website.

"Therefore, the direct or indirect equity participation of a LIGA MX Club is not subject to any type of exchange, or purchase by any means or form of payment (including NFTs), other to those previously recognised in our regulations.

"Any change or direct or indirect addition of shareholders (regardless of the legal form in question) will be considered as a replacement of the membership certificate and therefore will be subject to compliance with the requirements described above."

Further reading

Betis defender Emerson will complete his €9 million move to Barcelona on Wednesday, Goal understands. 

The Brazilian was signed by the two Spanish clubs from Atletico Mineiro in a joint-venture two years ago. 

And despite interest elsewhere in his signature, he will now be unveiled as the Catalans' latest new signing following the presentation of Sergio Aguero. 

Camp Nou-bound

Under the terms of the agreement penned in 2019, Emerson was sent to Seville for two seasons, where he became a pivotal part of the Betis line-up. 

Then, at the end of that period, Barcelona would have the chance to sign the defender for a fixed fee of €9m. 

They were not the only side interested in Emerson, though. 

Paris Saint-Germain made enquiries over his availability, while Betis were also keen to keep him in Andalucia. 

Betis side could also have made his arrival permanent for €9m but could not commit to such an investment due to their current financial difficulties, though they will retain a percentage of the 22-year-old's playing rights in case of a future sale. 

PSG, meanwhile, saw their interest fall on deaf ears as Emerson committed himself to Camp Nou, while Arsenal, Napoli and Milan were also among the reported suitors to miss out.

A third new face

Barcelona have started the transfer window in aggressive fashion after missing out on the Liga and Champions League titles in 2020-21. 

Ex-Manchester City duo Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero have already been confirmed as signings, with the latter joining on a free transfer on Monday and greeting his new fans before jumping on a plane to meet up with his Argentina colleagues. 

Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay could also join on frees this summer, while one of the club's top priorities is to ensure Lionel Messi does not go the other way and signs a new deal in the coming weeks.

Further reading

Italy revealed their full 26-man squad for Euro 2020 on Tuesday, with young forward Giacomo Raspadori representing the most surprising inclusion.

Sassuolo forward Raspadori has never played in a competitive senior match for the Azzurri, but has been picked for the competition ahead of Italy opening the tournament against Turkey on June 11.

Gianluca Mancini, Matteo Pessina and Matteo Politano were among the omissions from manager Roberto Mancini's team, the manager having previously axed Paris Saint-Germain forward Moise Kean, and his men welcomed the approaching tournament in bombastic fashion with impromptu rapping from Napoli representatives ahead of the squad announcement.

Italy's Euro 2020 squad and numbers in full

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan), Alex Meret (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Torino)

Defenders: Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea), Alessandro Florenzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Leonardo Spinazzola (Roma), Rafael Toloi (Atalanta)

Midfielders: Nicolo Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Frello Jorge Luiz Jorginho (Chelsea), Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Stefano Sensi (Inter), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain)

Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Sassuolo)

Raspadori call-up

Raspadori is a newcomer to the Italian senior squad, though he has played in the nation's youth ranks.

The 21-year-old forward for Sassuolo scored six goals in 27 appearances in Serie A this past season.

“It’s an incredible feeling, it’s even difficult to understand what happened," he told Corriere dello Sport when he was named to the provisional team. "I am proud of this. I didn’t talk to Mancini, but I want to thank him.”

Who has missed out?

Kean missed the cut despite starring at PSG on loan this campaign. There had been speculation of a possible injury, but he played 45 minutes in a friendly last week against San Marino.

Meanwhile, Mancini and Pessina were casualties of a crowded midfield and simply couldn't fit into Mancini's current plans.

Further reading

Watford have announced the signing of Imran Louza from Ligue 1 side FC Nantes.

The former France U21 star of Moroccan descent was snapped up for an undisclosed fee in a five-year deal that will keep him at the Vicarage Road until 2026.

In the just-concluded 2020-21 campaign, the 22-year-old played a crucial role that prevented Antoine Kombouare’s Canaries from getting demoted to the French second tier.

For his contributions, he scored seven times in 35 outings for the Stade de la Beaujoire giants.

“Watford FC is delighted to confirm the signing of Imran Louza for an undisclosed fee from Ligue 1 side FC Nantes,” a statement from Watford website read.

“The 22-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year deal and arrives at Vicarage Road off the back of an impressive season for Les Canaris which saw him net seven goals in 35 appearances.

“Louza joined Nantes as an eight-year-old and has turned out 58 times for the club since earning his debut in January 2019.

“The left-footer is capable of playing out wide but predominantly occupies a central midfield position, either in a defensive role or further forward.

“A talented passer, Louza is also skilled in dead-ball situations, taking corners, free-kicks and penalties at his former club. Welcome to Watford, Imran!”

The midfielder will continue his development in Hertfordshire under manager Xisco Munoz and will compete with the likes of Tom Cleverley, Nathaniel Chalobah, Ken Sema, Dan Gosling, Will Hughes, Tom Dele-Bashiru and Daniel Phillips to get first-team action.

Before moving to England, Louza penned an emotional farewell to the Nantes.

“My family from Nantes, I don't know where to start, I was just talking with my heart,” he wrote on Instagram. 

A lot of emotion to leave my city, my club where I learned everything, the fantastic atmosphere of the Beaujoire.

“It is the end of an adventure certainly, but I would remain forever an unbeatable supporter.

“A big thank you to president Kita, Frank and the coaches I have known here for giving me all this confidence.

“My City, my club, my supporters we will meet one day.”

Born to a Moroccan father and French mother, Louza has represented both countries at the U20 level, while boasting six appearances for the France U21 side.

However, he remains eligible to represent the Atlas Lions at the senior level.

Brazil will host the 2021 Copa America in four venues across the country, chief of staff Luiz Ramos confirmed on Tuesday. 

CONMEBOL revealed on Monday that the South American tournament would return to Brazil, which was also the host of the last event in 2019. 

The last-minute change was made after both Argentina and Colombia withdrew from hosting duties due to the severity of the coronavirus pandemic and, in the case of the latter, ongoing social unrest.

What was said? 

"The Copa America in Brazil is confirmed," Ramos wrote on Twitter. 

"Coherence has won out. Brazil, which hosts the Libertadores, Sudamericana, not to mention the state and Brazilian Championship, cannot close its doors to such a traditional competition as this."

Which cities will host the Copa?

Ramos also revealed that four states in Brazil will receive matches, which will all be behind closed doors. 

The Federal District, which contains the nation's capital Brasilia, Mato Grosso, Rio de Janeiro and Goias, will welcome South America's best players between June 13 and July 10. 

The venues have been chosen in large part to avoid stadiums where the top-tier Serie A, which will continue throughout the Copa, is taking place. 

Many states have also publicly declined to hold Copa games due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with South America currently the world's hardest-hit region. 

While Ramos did not specify which stadiums have been chosen, Rio de Janeiro's Estadio Maracana will likely hold only the final, with the two groups based in one or more of the three additional states. 

Who will compete in the 2021 Copa?

The Copa America was originally scheduled to take place in 2020 with 12 participating nations. 

The pandemic forced a 12-month postponement, and guest countries Australia and Qatar subsequently withdrew due to scheduling conflicts in 2021, leaving CONMEBOL's 10 member nations. 

Those countries are split into two groups: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay are in Group A, which was originally to be played in Argentina; while Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela make up Group B, intended for Colombia. 

Four teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-final stage, with the first round concluding on June 27 and 28.

Further reading

Harry Kane "deserves to win titles each season" and is too talented to be stuck somewhere he cannot win trophies, according to Tottenham team-mate Moussa Sissoko.

Sissoko said Spurs have failed the striker by not winning a single piece of silverware during his career despite his prolific goalscoring, and "would wish him the best" if he does leave the club this summer.

Kane, 27, scored 23 goals and provided 14 assists in 35 league appearances this campaign even as Tottenham finished in their lowest domestic table position since 2008-09. He has been the subject of much speculation about his future, and it has been reported that he has asked the club to sell him.

What has been said?

"Like all players, [Kane] wants to win titles," Sissoko told Foot Mercato. "A player of his stature deserves to win titles each season. Sadly, we have failed to do so each time for various reasons. I think that this must irk him inside.

“He did not officially say that he wanted to leave the club. Harry is one of, today, the best attackers in the world. Each year, he finishes as the top scorer in the Premier League or is among the best goalscorers in the league.

"He executed an exceptional year because he finished as top scorer and top assister in the Premier League. 

"I do not know if he will leave or not, but if he ever did leave, I would wish him the best because he deserves to win titles with all that he has done. He is truly an extraordinary player.

"We would like to have him with us for as long as possible, aside from that, it is all between the president, his agent and him. I simply wish him the best.”

Where has Kane been linked?

Kane has reportedly received interest from clubs both at home and abroad, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid among the names most often mentioned regarding his future. Tottenham have so far indicated they do not intend to let him leave.

Further reading

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has warned their rivals that they will get even stronger in their pursuit of the Champions League, just days after missing out on the European trophy.

Pep Guardiola’s side finished the season as Premier League champions and Carabao Cup winners and also reached the final of the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

However, the season ended in disappointment with the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea and Al Mubarak says this is the moment to show they can push onto the next level.

What’s been said?

“One of the things I’ve learned over the years is you constantly need to bring new talent into the team, refresh and particularly when you’re at a high level, on the top,” Al Mubarak said.

“Having won the league, it is not the time to sit back and be content. That would actually be your biggest mistake. This is the time to send a strong message that there’s no contentment, that you’re not satisfied with just winning the league.”

Where will City strengthen?

City have already lost two players, with Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia out of contract at the end of the season and on their way to Barcelona.

Despite being successful without striker for much of the season, Al Mubarak said it was one of the positions where they will strengthen in the summer.

The chairman did not put any names forward, but Tottenham’s Harry Kane is a striker that the club are understood to be interested in.

Al Mubarak also confirmed that there will other new faces, with a focus on quality rather than quantity.

“We lost a very important legend in Sergio Aguero, [they are] very hard shoes to fill but I’m confident we will find the right player to fill those shoes,” he said. “There are other areas within the team that obviously need investment, not too many. It’s not about numbers it’s about quality.

“The squad is a phenomenal squad, you don’t win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final if you don’t have an incredible squad and we have that. We will bring quality into the squad in a couple of key positions.”

Further reading

Asisat Oshoala was on target but Barcelona were silenced 4-3 by Atletico Madrid in Tuesday’s Primera Division Women's outing.

Prior to this game, the Blaugranes had celebrated a treble after defeating Levante 4-2 in Sunday’s Copa de la Reina final.

That victory also saw them extend their winning streak to 28 games across all competitions in the 2020-21 campaign.

Against the Mattressers, however, their invincible run was ended in the seven-goal thriller.

Having bowed 1-0 at home to Levante last time out, Dani Gonzalez’s women began the game on a bright note.

That paid off as Amanda Sampedro gave them the lead after 12 minutes after profiting from a Deyna Castellanos assist.

The lead lasted for just seven minutes as the visiting side leveled matters courtesy of Bruna Vilamala’s strike after she was teed up by defender Jana Fernandez.

Nine minutes before the half-time break, Oshoala put Lluis Cortes’ team ahead with a delightful finish thanks to fine work from captain Vicky Losada.

That effort saw her end her seven-goal drought. In addition, it was her 16th goal in 22 Spanish elite division outings.

Like a house on fire, the hosts came back stronger in the second half, and two quick goals meant they were back ahead.

First, French forward Emelyne Laurent converted Kylie Strom’s cross in the 58th minute before Laurent added a second eight minutes later. This time, it was Venezuelan star Castellano who supplied the assist.

Marta pounced on a rebound to set up Alexia for a Barcelona equaliser in the 74th minute.

However, it was Castellanos who had the final say for Atletico Madrid in the 80th minute.

While reigning African Women’s Player of the Year Oshoala was in action from start to finish, her compatriot Rasheedat Ajibade was in action for 46 minutes for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Cameroonian forward Ajara Nchout was introduced for Brazil’s Ludmila in the 89th minute.

Barcelona were already crowned champions of the Spanish women’s topflight.

Oshoala and her teammates would be hoping to return to winning ways when they host Madrid in their next outing on Sunday morning.

Dutch legend Ronald de Boer has been named as a Qatar Legacy Ambassador for the 2022 World Cup by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the organisation delivering the infrastructure and legacy programmes for the marquee event. 

De Boer, who represented Netherlands 67 times in an illustrious career, joins an array of former superstars as an ambassador for the World Cup. De Boer will share the global ambassador duties with Xavi, Cafu, Tim Cahill and Samuel Eto’o, as well as 11 other local and regional ambassadors. 

The Qatar Legacy Ambassador programme sees global superstars like De Boer highlight local and global legacy projects initiated around the 2022 World Cup projects. The programme also seeks to use the opportunities provided by Qatar 2022 to create positive social change across the region and around the world. 

De Boer, who has played for the likes of Ajax and Barcelona among other clubs during a stellar career, is no stranger to Qatar. He finished his playing career in Qatar, having moved to the Middle-East nation in 2004 before playing for Al Rayyan and Al Shamal. After retiring in 2008, he continued to live in Qatar for another three years.

Speaking about his new role as a Qatar Legacy Ambassador, De Boer said: “I lived in Qatar for seven years, so it is a country that has played a big part in my life. I have a great feeling about Qatar and its future. I regularly visit Qatar and often speak to my friends living there and they are full of ambition and want to improve everything for the next generation, so I feel privileged to get the opportunity to become a Qatar Legacy Ambassador and help to play a role in achieving this.”

“The World Cup is being used as a way to deliver important social changes in the country – and for me, this is the most important aspect of this project – improving the country and leaving behind a better place for the next generation.”

De Boer, a midfielder during his playing days, has won the UEFA Champions League in 1994-95 with Ajax and was named the Dutch Player of the Year twice (1994, 1996). He had also featured in two World Cups for Netherlands in 1994 and 1998 (nine appearances and two goals).

“It will be the most compact World Cup in modern history – creating an amazing atmosphere and benefiting both fans and players. Fans will easily be able to attend more than one game in a single day, which is very exciting, and players will enjoy more rest time between matches, meaning better action on the pitch," he said. 

Commenting on the announcement, H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, SC Secretary General, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ronald to our expanding family of Qatar Legacy Ambassadors. In many ways, Ronald has been with us from the start of our FIFA World Cup journey and I’m delighted to be able to officially welcome him to the project.”

Mohamed Salah and Ola Aina's goals have been nominated for the Premier League Goal of the Season prize.

Salah played a crucial role in Liverpool’s third-place finish in the English elite division – scoring 22 times with five assists – to place second behind Golden Boot winner, Harry Kane.

Nonetheless, his effort against West Ham United will compete against eight other players for the goal of the season diadem.

In the 3-1 defeat of David Moyes’ men, the Egyptian found the net twice. However, his second effort made the cut.

Trent Alexander-Arnold found Xherdan Shaqiri who was bolting up the left wing before the Swiss player swung a pinpoint through ball for Salah. The two-time African Player of the Year’s first touch was exquisite, and he dinked it past goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

That effort faces stiff competition from Aina’s beauty against West Bromwich Albion on November 2, 2020.

Some great exchanges between Aleksandar Mitrovic and Bobby Decordova-Reid saw the former set up the Torino loanee. He then arrowed a left-footed thunderbolt into the top left corner of Sam Johnstone from the edge of the area.

Also, in contention are James Maddison’s strike against Manchester City, Manuel Lanzini's goal for West Ham in the 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur and Sebastien Haller's sumptuous effort versus Crystal Palace.

Bruno Fernandes’ goal against Everton, Edinson Cavani’s stunner against Fulham, Jesse Lingard’s effort against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Erik Lamela’s lone strike in Spurs’ 2-1 defeat to Arsenal complete the list.

The goal with the highest number of votes will walk home with the individual accolade during the end of season dinner.

Aina played 31 league games for the Craven Cottage giants, yet, Scott Parker’s team got demoted to the English second-tier.

In a chat with Fulham's website, the 24-year-old stated that he enjoyed his time at the London club.

“I’ve loved it,” he said. “I get asked this question all the time by a lot of people, and even though we’ve been relegated, I’ve loved every minute of this season.

“I’ve loved the challenge, the coaching staff, my teammates, and I’ve loved the club as well. I’ve loved this club, it’s a very nice club.

“The club has become a part of me, and a part of all the other loan players, and I think you can see that.

“Even though we’re here on loan, we’re all part of the same fight. I really think the loan boys have taken up the challenge.

“Off the pitch, we’ve always been very close with each other. We like each other’s company, so it’s been a really good group.

“We did really care about this season and how we did. It went wrong, but trust me, we really did care.”

Nigeria take on Cameroon in a friendly game organised to help Gernot Rohr’s men stay in top shape for September’s World Cup qualification games against Liberia and Cape Verde.

The game against the Indomitable Lions is the Super Eagles’ third international game in 2021 – with their last two outings being qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Toni Conceicao’s men clash with the three-time African kings for the second time in two years. Rohr’s team had the upper hand in their last encounter at the 2019 Afcon Round of 16 encounter in Alexandria.

WHEN IS THE GAME?

The international friendly has been scheduled for 20:30 (West African TIme) on Friday, June 4.

WHAT CHANNELS CAN I WATCH THE GAME ON TV?

WHERE IS THE CLASH OF THE TITANS?

Wiener Neustadt Stadium, Vienna 

HOW CAN FANS GET INVOLVED?

Goal will be providing comprehensive coverage, news, interviews and features of the showdown.

England boss Gareth Southgate has taken aim at "nonsense" stories after including Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in his final Euro 2020 squad. 

The right-back was allegedly close to missing out on the tournament following a mixed season with the Reds over the course of 2020-21. 

However he made the cut in Southgate's 26-man selection, and the manager was not happy to have read reports to the contrary.

What was said?

“I spoke to Trent three weeks ago. There were stories over the last couple of weeks with lots of strange headlines, I have no idea where they have come from," he told reporters after confirming England's Euros squad on Tuesday.

"I felt that there were stories that ran that were so far off the truth. I read stories about me that aren’t true but when it’s a player they may feel like they’re reading it so it may be true.

"Last night we were dealing with that, in the morning he’s taking set pieces preparing for tomorrow and then he’s reading that he is not going to the Euros.
 

Alexander-Arnold's inclusion leaves England spoilt for choice at right-back, with Kieran Trippier, Reece James and Kyle Walker also included in the squad. 

 "We went through this last week. We have four players that play sometimes at right-back for their clubs," Southgate added. "Basically they are in the best 26 footballers and that is why they are in the squad.

"If I could have picked five or six right-backs I would have done."

"Everybody wants to play" 

Southgate also assured that there would be plenty of competition for places in his starting XI, with all of his picks in contention. 

"Everybody wants to play and that can affect our decision making in these two matches and the training sessions in the lead up." he said. "We have got a very good idea of what we want to do, but that's always got to be open to change - and that's the opportunity the players have in the next two games."

Two of the biggest question marks in the England squad hang over Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson, who are currently carrying injuries. 

"The most complex part has been those injuries and whether we should take the chance on people - players like Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire not being quite where they normally are," Southgate said.

"With the experience that they have, we think we can get them to a point where they have an involvement in the tournament and it's worth taking them - especially as we have an extended squad of 26."

The unlucky seven

There will also be a role to play for six of the players who failed to make the cut in England's upcoming friendlies against Austria and Romania.

"You never want to give bad news," Southgate said. "It's lovely to give people debuts and bring them into the squad for the first time, but it's much harder to deliver difficult news.

"With the lads this time - there were three who knew they were coming in for the experience of training with us and for these two matches - and we're really pleased with Ben White, Ben Godfrey and Aaron Ramsdale. They have added a lot to the group.

"For me personally, very difficult to speak to Jesse Lingard, who has given so much for England over a long period of time. James Ward-Prowse, who has captained the under-21s, and Ollie Watkins, who has had a tremendous season with Aston Villa.

"Those three, I gave them the option of going home, but they were all adamant they wanted to stay and be a part of the group. I think Jesse will probably start tomorrow [Wednesday, against Austria].

"Their commitment and professionalism has been exemplary and it meant yesterday afternoon when I had the conversation with those players, although they were disappointed, they knew where they stood and the atmosphere around the camp has stayed positive."

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwoood was also cut from the 33-man preliminary squad due to injury.

Further reading