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The Netherlands made a losing start to the Frank de Boer era as Mexico ran out 1-0 winners during the new Oranje coach's first game in charge.

There was little for De Boer to enjoy in a largely one-sided friendly at Johan Cruijff Arena, where Tata Martino's high-energy team made it 18 wins from their past 19 matches as Netherlands debuts for Owen Wijndal and Teun Koopmeiners fell flat.

De Boer indicated before the game that he would rather have had extra time to prepare for his side's forthcoming pair of Nations League matches than play a friendly, but he had to watch as the Netherlands were pulled apart at the back repeatedly as Raul Jimenez and Jesus Corona caused them problems.

There were chances at either end, with Memphis Depay lively in the Dutch attack, but a second-half Jimenez penalty after he was fouled by Nathan Ake settled the game and ensured De Boer's tenure started with a whimper.

Mexico exposed frailties in the Dutch defence early on when Hans Hateboer's slow reactions allowed Jesus Gallardo to put Jimenez clean through on goal, but the Wolves forward dragged his shot wide from 12 yards out.

Steven Berghuis' angled drive from close range stung the palms of diving Mexico goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera as the previously sluggish Netherlands began to rally.

But the visitors squandered another fine chance after 34 minutes when Wijndal's scuffed pass allowed Rodolfo Pizarro into the box where he squared to Jimenez, who fired low and wide again.

Tim Krul was called into action 10 minutes into the second half when Corona bore down on goal and the Netherlands keeper parried his low shot away from danger.

Moments later, substitute Ake was adjudged to have pulled Jimenez's shirt in the box as the referee awarded a penalty that the striker rolled into the bottom-left corner of the net.

Corona should have doubled Mexico's lead 15 minutes from time after his jinking run towards goal and fierce angled drive but Krul got down well to save.

Luuk de Jong had a late chance saved, too, before Memphis Depay hit the bar from the rebound, with neither able to spare De Boer's blushes.
 

What does it mean? De Boer critics emboldened

De Boer's appointment as Ronald Koeman's replacement did not sit well with some Netherlands fans, whose doubts over his pedigree and his ability to turn this team into one capable of competing at major tournaments could only have increased here.

Dutch struggle to contain Corona

Porto forward Corona was a constant threat for the visitors, providing Jimenez with a dynamic partner on the right of Mexico's attack where he enjoyed plenty of space in which to work. He had four shots - the most of any player on either side.

Torrid debut for Wijndal

Neither of De Boer's debutants impressed but it was a particularly tough night for 20-year-old AZ defender Wijndal, who made a glaring first-half error and was repeatedly beaten for pace by Corona. He did make five tackles, however, second only to fellow new boy Koopmeiners.

What's next?

The Netherlands resume their Nations League campaign with an away game against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sunday, while Mexico are not in action again until Tuesday's friendly with Algeria.

Spain and Portugal played out an entertaining 0-0 friendly draw on Wednesday in a warm-up match for the next round of Nations League games.

Luis Enrique's men controlled the first half in Lisbon but had the crossbar to thank for keeping Cristiano Ronaldo and Renato Sanches at bay in the second half.

Each side experimented with their line-ups as a handful of players won their first senior caps, including Wolves winger Adama Traore, who nearly set up Dani Olmo for a winner.

Rui Patricio made three saves in the opening 17 minutes, his best a second-minute block from Gerard Moreno after he spun into space from Olmo's pass.

Such was Spain's control in the first 40 minutes that Ronaldo had only one touch of the ball in their penalty area, as Portugal failed to muster a shot on target.

They did let their guards down just before the break, though, Raphael Guerreiro blasting a half-volley over the bar and Ronaldo sending a tricky header wide from Joao Moutinho's free-kick.

Ronaldo was inches from breaking the deadlock early in the second half, smashing a shot off the underside of Kepa Arrizabalaga's crossbar from the edge of the area.

Portugal must have wondered whether the woodwork was cursed when Ronaldo played in Sanches, who thundered a half-volley at goal only to see it bounce off the bar, onto the line and away.

Substitute Traore cut the ball back for Olmo to fire straight at Patricio, before Kepa was at last called into action, saving well at the feet of Trincao after a good run from Joao Felix.

Portugal should have snatched the win in injury time too, Felix failing to turn the ball into the net after Ruben Semedo's glancing header.

What does it mean? Strikerless Spain looking sharp

Luis Enrique made it clear before the game that a lack of obvious options in the number nine role was not a particular concern for him.

He will certainly have been impressed with the way his makeshift line-up created several first-half openings before the game rather quietened down after the hour mark.

Portugal, who similarly fielded a weakened side, will consider this a good work-out before facing world champions France.

Late-bloomer Canales looks right at home

Spain's central midfield is an imposing place to be, but Sergio Canales was cool and accomplished here, misplacing just one of 53 passes and winning each of his two duels in a 62-minute outing.

Thiago Alcantara and Fabian Ruiz might be first choice alongside Sergio Busquets, but Canales - who is 29 and only made his Spain debut last year - looks worthy of such esteemed company.

Santos should consider striker-free approach

Portugal were under Spain's control in a first half in which centre-forward Andre Silva only touched the ball 13 times. When he was replaced by Bernardo Silva at half-time and Fernando Santos set up a more fluid forward line, the home side looked threatening every time they went forward.

Food for thought, perhaps.

What's next?

The next round of Nations League matches beckons this weekend. Spain host Switzerland on Saturday, with Portugal heading to France on Sunday.

Francesco Caputo scored on his Italy debut as Roberto Mancini's side extended their unbeaten run to 17 matches, recording a resounding 6-0 win over Moldova at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. 

Sassuolo forward Caputo was named in an experimental line-up - one devoid of any Napoli or Juventus players due to coronavirus restrictions - and made his mark in a dominant first half for the hosts in Florence. 

Italy registered five goals in the opening 45 minutes for the third time in their history, Stephan El Shaarawy netting twice - either side of Veaceslav Posmac's own goal - after Bryan Cristante had opened the scoring. 

Domenico Berardi scored the only goal of a quieter second half as Italy hit their stride ahead of important Nations League games against Poland and the Netherlands. 

After Salvatore Sirigu had produced a good save to deny Ion Nicolaescu, Cristante opened the scoring with a glancing header at the near post. 

Moldova are 163 places below their opponents in the FIFA rankings and that gap was made clear when Caputo coolly converted, having been played clean through by Cristiano Biraghi. 

El Shaarawy controlled Cristante's pass and flicked it past Alexei Koselev for the third goal and Posmac - in an attempt to clear the ball - booted into his own net for the fourth. 

Captain for the day, El Shaarawy had his second just before half-time, getting the final touch to the ball close to the line after Manuel Lazzari had lifted it over the onrushing Koselev. 

Italy took their foot off the gas in the second half, not helped by a plethora of substitutions, but Berardi added another 18 minutes from time with a close-range finish after being teed up by Vincenzo Grifo.

What does it mean? Much-changed Azzurri win again 

Mancini stressed ahead of this game the importance of his side keeping their momentum going into their Nations League double-header. 

Despite naming an entirely new line-up, Italy showed no mercy against hapless Moldova, making it 14 wins and three draws in their last 17 games. They had 70 per cent of the ball and managed 19 shots in total, 12 of those coming in the first half. 

Clinical Caputo 

Caputo has scored three goals in as many games for Sassuolo in Serie A this term and was rewarded with this maiden cap at the age of 33. 

He made the most of his chance in the first half, taking Biraghi's pass in his stride and picking his spot past Koselev, scoring from his only attempt on target of the contest. 

Poor Posmac 

Caputo may well have had a second goal if not for Moldova centre-back Posmac, who scored a comical own goal from one of his 39 touches of the ball.

Posmac presumably tried to smash the ball over the crossbar after Caputo had brought it under control in the box, but he instead emphatically picked out the back of his own net. 

What's next? 

Both sides return to Nations League action on Sunday in the third round of fixtures. Italy travel to Poland, while Moldova are away to Greece. 

Kenan Karaman's stoppage-time strike ensured Germany's wait for a first win of 2020 continued as Turkey drew 3-3 with Joachim Low's side in Cologne.

Gian-Luca Waldschmidt's first international goal nine minutes from time looked to have clinched victory for Germany in Wednesday's friendly.

Waldschmidt's strike came after Efecan Karaca had dragged Turkey level for a second time, despite a fairly blatant foul on Florian Neuhaus – who scored on his Germany debut – in the build-up.

Julian Draxler put Germany ahead before Ozan Tufan's stunning finish restored parity in a topsy-turvy encounter, but it ultimately fell to Karaman, who also hit the bar, to have the final say.

Draxler tapped in at the end of a move he started inside six minutes, only for the offside flag to cut Germany's celebrations short.

Germany's captain in the absence of Manuel Neuer had his goal on the stroke of half-time, however, as he raced through to lift a cute finish over Fehmi Mert Gunok.

Julian Brandt might have doubled Germany's tally after the break but for Okay Yokuslu's intervention, before Turkey made it count when Tufan curled a sublime finish over Bernd Leno.

Yet Germany swiftly struck back, debutant Neuhaus combining brilliantly with Kai Havertz – who also assisted the opener – before slotting home.

Neuhaus was involved again nine minutes later, though this time for a Turkey goal. Karaca barged the midfielder over before curling beyond Leno, yet a foul was not given.

Germany thought they had a winner regardless when Gunok failed to keep out Waldschmidt's thumping strike, but Turkey rallied once more.

Substitute Karaman proved to be their hero and, moments after hitting the bar, he cushioned a finish past Leno from Abdulkadir Omur's knock-down.
 

What does it mean? 2020 just not Germany's year

It has been an infuriating year so far for Germany. With their planned matches in March cancelled due to coronavirus and Euro 2020 postponed, the 2014 World Cup winners drew both of their Nations League matches in September. Ahead of next year's rescheduled Euros, it feels like Low might be reaching a natural end to his time in charge.

Karaman's cameo saves the day for Turkey

Turkey's back-up striker came on in the 63rd minute and managed two shots – one hitting the bar while the other secured a draw – from a total of 20 touches.

Leno leaves a lot to be desired

It would be a stretch to blame the Germany goalkeeper for Turkey's goals, but he made just three saves from six shots on target. While his defence did him no favours, Leno did not stake a claim to challenge Neuer or Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

What's next?

Ukraine, who were thrashed 7-1 by France on Wednesday, are next up for Germany in the Nations League on Saturday, with Low's team still in search of their first win in the competition. Turkey, meanwhile, go up against Russia on Sunday.

Anam Imo scored her first-ever brace for the club after finding the net twice in Rosengard's 3-2 victory over Eskilsminne in Wednesday’s Swedish Svenska Cupen outing.

The Nigerian has been a regular for the champions this season, scoring twice in 17 appearances despite only starting five times.

The Super Falcons striker scored in each half as Jonas Eidevall's ladies escaped a Cup upset at the hands of the Helsingborg outfit.

In the keenly contested affair at Vastergards IP, the hosts managed to get in front in the 36th minute after Imo's brilliant effort beat the hosts' goalkeeper Agnes Nilsson.

Eskilsminne, however, provided a stunning response when Matilda Eriksson brought them back on level terms after a fine finish in the 42nd minute of the encounter.

The visitors did not allow their celebration of an equaliser to last as Beatrice Persson's fantastic strike ensured their lead was recovered a minute from the half-time break.

Five minutes after the restart, the 19-year-old Nigerian completed her historic double to extend the lead for Rosengard. 

The hosts staged a late fightback when Agnes Eklof's struck to pull one back four minutes from full-time but her effort was not enough as the visitors held on to walk away with a crucial win.

Imo, who now has four goals in 18 outings for Rosengard this term, was in action from the start to the end of the match.

The result keeps Rosengard in the frame for a domestic double and they are scheduled to continue their Damallsvenskan campaign against Kristianstad in their next fixture on October 11.

England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed Jose Mourinho messaged him privately to apologise after calling him "Gary" in a press conference last week. 

The two coaches had been exchanging barbs over the selection of Tottenham star Harry Kane in the latest Three Lions squad. 

Mourinho pleaded for the striker to be rested this week and jokingly promised not to play Kane in any friendlies in reference to England's upcoming clash against Wales. 

Southgate understood the Spurs manager's worries but wasn't so impressed with the public way in which Mourinho was voicing his concerns. 

In one such public plea, Mourinho accidentally referred to Southgate as Gary rather than Gareth - a slip-up the Portuguese tactician was quick to apologise for. 

"I have to say that he messaged me privately anyway to apologise," Southgate said in a press conference on Wednesday.

"I knew because he has called me Gary before in a media conference a few years ago. Goodness me, we have coaches coming here who speak four or five languages so to get every nuance of that right, I have huge admiration of how they do that frankly. I have A levels in Spanish and French but that’s my limit.

"I have no issue with that as it all. I said to him: ‘There’s only one Gareth he has to get right, and that’s the one who will score all the goals for him this year'. So from my point of view, not an issue at all." 

Speaking before Tottenham's 6-1 win against Manchester United on Sunday, Mourinho clarified his mistake and invited a name change of his own in an attempt to get even. 

"When I told 'Gary Southgate', I promise, and I promise to him that I always thought with so many years [in] England that Gary was a short [for] Gareth," Mourinho told Sky Sports.

"I called him Gary and I apologised to him, and I want to make that public because I only have respect [for] him and I thought I was being nice to him. So, he can call me John if he wants, and I will accept that."

England face Wales in a friendly on Thursday at Wembley with Southgate's side undefeated across their past five matches. 

Olivier Giroud celebrated his 100th cap with a double as France cruised to a 7-1 friendly win over Ukraine. 

The Chelsea striker, named as captain for the game at the Stade de France, was in fine form for the reigning world champions. 

Eduardo Camavinga broke the deadlock in the ninth minute with an exquisite opener, before Giroud lit up the game with a stunning long-range strike 15 minutes later. He then made it 3-0 in the 34th minute, with Vitalii Mykolenko's own goal soon after putting the game beyond doubt. 

Viktor Tsygankov reduced the deficit eight minutes into the second half but Corentin Tolisso bent home and Kylian Mbappe added a sixth before Antoine Griezmann's fortuitous effort rounded off a rout that thoroughly reflected France's dominance.

Skipper Giroud was involved as Camavinga marked his first start in spectacular fashion.  

Georgi Bushchan did well to keep out Giroud's close-range header, but Camavinga was there to convert on the rebound with a deft overhead kick that looped beyond the forlorn Ukraine goalkeeper.  

Anthony Martial was denied at the near post after a neat run into the box and Camavinga fired over with a long-range volley before Giroud ensured his landmark appearance would be a memorable one.  

His perfectly placed left-footed effort left Bushchan with no chance, while there was to be further misery for the visitors.  

Tolisso saw a half-volley tipped over but Bushchan was soon picking the ball out of his net again, the keeper only able to turn Houssem Aouar's long-range effort as far as Giroud, who doubled his tally with a diving header.  

Ruslan Malinovskiy spurned a gilt-edged chance at the other end and that profligacy was punished as Martial was again thwarted by Bushchan, only for Mykolenko to head into his own net from the resulting corner. 

Malinovskiy tested Steve Mandanda twice before the interval and Ukraine did get some reward for their efforts in the 53rd minute through Tsygankov's vicious drive. 

Normal service quickly resumed, however, as Tolisso sent a sublime finish into the bottom-right corner after cleverly linking up with Mbappe, who eight minutes from time weaved his way into the box and rifled home. 

There was still time for Griezmann to have the last word, his powerful strike taking a heavy deflection to leave poor Bushchan rooted to the spot. 

What does it mean? - Giroud surpasses Platini 

With his double, Giroud now has 42 goals for Les Bleus, taking him past the legendary Michel Platini and into second on France's list of all-time scorers. He is just nine behind Thierry Henry. 

Corentin a creative force 

While Giroud will take the plaudits, Tolisso was excellent in midfield. He produced four key passes, including the assist for Giroud's stunner, with the Bayern Munich man's goal just reward for a superb display. 

Careless Zubkov 

Ukraine struggled down the left throughout the game and winger Oleksandr Zubkov endured a difficult outing. Though he supplied a key pass, Zubkov lost possession 14 times, the most of any Ukraine player. 

What's next? 

France have an enticing Nations League fixture with Portugal on Sunday before facing Croatia three days later in a World Cup final rematch. Germany are next for Ukraine in the Nations League on Saturday. They then host Spain the following Tuesday. 

Mesut Ozil has been left out of Arsenal’s 25-man squad for the Europa League group stages.

The club’s highest earning player - who pockets £350,000 ($454,000) a week - is one of two senior players who has been cut by boss Mikel Arteta, whose 25-man squad for the competition is only allowed to include 17 ‘non locally trained players’.

With 19 to choose from, however, Arteta has had to decide which two he would not involve - and Ozil, along with defender Sokratis, has been left out.

Given the German has not played a single minute since football’s restart in June following the coronavirus enforced suspension, it is perhaps no surprise to see him axed from the squad.

Yet the fact he is the club’s highest earner still makes his omission eye-catching, especially as Arteta is expected to use the group stages of the Europa League as an opportunity to give some game time to players who have not been featuring much in the Premier League.

The decision comes just a day after Ozil publicly stated he would be willing to pay the wages of Jerry Quy, the man who has played the role of Gunnersaurus - the Arsenal mascot - for the past 27 years. Ozil’s took to social media to make the offer after it emerged that Quy had been made redundant.

“I was so sad that Jerry Quy aka our famous and loyal mascot Gunnersaurus and integral part of our club was being made redundant after 27 years,” said the former Real Madrid star. “As such, I’m offering to reimburse Arsenal with the full salary of our big green guy as long as I will be an Arsenal player so Jerry can continue his job that he loves so much.”

Ozil’s last appearance for Arsenal came in the win against West Ham in March, the final match before football was suspended due to the pandemic.

He has not even made a matchday squad this season, even in the Carabao Cup when Arteta has rung the changes.

When quizzed on the playmaker’s absence after the 2-0 win at Leicester last month, the Arsenal boss said: “The team is evolving, you can see the level they are achieving. This is where we are at the moment. We want to evolve more and play better and compete better.

“You can see that the players we are changing, we are using, it's very difficult every week not just for Mesut but for some other players as well to make the squad. Every week we try to pick the right players.

“It's difficult for others as well that aren't involved in the Premier League and didn't play tonight either. We have a squad of 26, 27 players at the moment and we can't give playing time to all of them.

“I understand and I respect your questions but I have to try to do my job as fair as possible. I try to select the players that are, in my opinion, in better condition.”

UEFA are due to officially announce Arsenal's 25-man squad for the Europa League group stages on Thursday morning.

Arsenal have confirmed that the club has closed its Hale End Academy after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19.

The club said that the positive result arrived at 5pm on Wednesday and the person immediately left to self-isolate, with six other staff also moving into quarantine.

The academy will be closed on Thursday for a deep cleaning, after which the club said they would review their options.

"We can confirm that a member of staff from our Hale End Academy has tested positive for Covid-19," Arsenal said in a statement. "The positive test result arrived at 5pm today and the member of staff immediately left the site to self-isolate. As a consequence, six other members of staff are now self-isolating and we have initiated track and trace for the entire site.

"We are working through our CCTV and attendance records on site in order to continue the track and trace process.

"Our Hale End Academy will now be closed on Thursday 8 October for deep cleaning. After Thursday, we will review our coaching plans at Hale End accordingly and will keep all staff, parents and young players fully informed.

"The health and safety of everyone on all our sites is our paramount concern. No members of our men's or women's first team squads have been affected."

The Hale End Academy is the facility for the club's nine to 16-year-olds, and is seperate from Arsenal’s senior base at London Colney.

The news came on the same day that Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney was forced into a 14-day period of self-isolation after coming into contact with Scotland midfielder Stuart Armstrong, who has tested positive for Covid-19.

Tierney, who looks set to miss Scotland's three upcoming matches as well as Arsenal's Premier League match at Manchester City on October 17, has expressed his frustration at his circumstance, saying he has followed social-distancing guidelines.

"I'm so disappointed and frustrated to be in this situation," Tierney said in a statement released by Arsenal.

"I have adhered to all regulations and made sure I was socially distancing from my team-mates in the hotel. I've also tested negative. I know Arsenal and the SFA [Scottish Football Association] are now in discussions with the Scottish authorities to gain a further understanding."

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni feels it is "positive" that Lionel Messi stayed at Barcelona because it has allowed the superstar to stay settled

Messi's unhappiness at how the Catalans were being run saw him hand in a bombshell transfer request, before the 33-year-old exclusively told Goal he would be staying at Camp Nou this season.

Ahead of Thursday's World Cup qualifier against Ecuador at La Bombonera, Scaloni revealed Messi's feeling about being in the Argentinian camp and mentioned his relief that the star attacker sorted out his future.

"I spoke to Leo when everything was resolved and I saw him calm," Scaloni said. "Since his arrival, we've been able to have a long chat. He is happy to be here. He's now well in his club.

"All we wanted from a distance was for everything to be resolved and for him to play and to be fit.

"For us, it's positive that he stayed because he was able to play immediately, he knows the club, but in terms of decisions, we don't get involved in that, we don't step in the player's territory."

Messi will be 35 by the time the 2022 World Cup is held in Qatar but the Barca legend is planning on playing in the event for the final time.

The Ecuador match marks the beginning of La Albiceleste's qualifying campaign with the 10 South American nations playing home and away to decide four direct qualifiers to Qatar, with one facing a play-off with another confederation's team.

"We want and wish to qualify for the World Cup for our country but also for other reasons, among them for Leo to play there," Scaloni said. "It's not something that we are discussing, we are taking it one game at a time."

Scaloni revealed he plans to keep Messi as a striker for the national team, despite his position being altered to being behind the forwards at Barcelona.

"Leo will always be a striker, whether he plays as a 9 or another position," he said. "I don't think his position on the pitch at Barca has changed much, he is still playing up front."

Kepa Arrizabalaga is feeling confident within the Spain squad after putting aside his struggles at Premier League giants Chelsea for the time being.

Kepa became the world's most expensive goalkeeper when he joined Chelsea from La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao for a reported £71.6million (€80m/$92.5m) two years ago.

However, the 26-year-old's unreliable form in the past year saw his place come under threat and he has now seemingly been usurped as Chelsea's No 1 by new signing Edouard Mendy.

Kepa played in Spain's 0-0 friendly draw with Portugal on Wednesday and produced a confident display, gathering a few set-pieces and making a fine late save from Trincao.

Afterwards, Kepa admitted to a sense of ease with the national team due to the faith shown in him by Spain head coach Luis Enrique.

"I've felt confidence, at ease. I think it was a good game and I'm happy with the confidence of the coach," he told Teledeporte. "When I'm needed to help on the pitch, I try to do the best possible.

"It was a game of great intensity. [We had] more control in the first half. In the second, we found it more difficult to control Portugal's transitions. It was a good test.

"We have to be happy. We stood up today. We have to improve because we conceded a few clear chances, which you can pay for in a tournament."

Spain controlled the first half but Portugal were by far the more threatening in the second in Lisbon.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Renato Sanches each struck the underside of the crossbar with thunderous efforts and Joao Felix should have won the match late on, the Atletico Madrid star failing to turn in Ruben Semedo's glancing header.

"We started better, but as the game progressed, we lost control," striker Rodrigo Moreno said. "The draw isn't an unfair result. The pace dropped as the match progressed. We had little time to train, [and] the games are very demanding.

"We have to give a little more to keep on this good path. We have to keep working and be protagonists with the ball."

Frank De Boer was in defiant mood after suffering a 1-0 loss to Mexico in his first match in charge of the Netherlands, reminding his critics that he rested key players ahead of his side's forthcoming Nations League fixtures.

Raul Jimenez scored a second-half penalty to settle the friendly at Johan Cruijff Arena on Wednesday, which saw De Boer go head-to-head with Mexico boss Gerardo Martino, who he succeeded as head coach of MLS outfit Atlanta United.

De Boer left Atlanta in July following a poor run of form and his appointment as Ronald Koeman's successor as coach of the Netherlands raised concerns among supporters unimpressed by his record at club level in recent years.

Inter sacked De Boer after he had been in charge for just 85 days in 2016, and the former Netherlands defender lasted just seven games as Crystal Palace boss in the Premier League the following year.

In his international coaching bow, he handed debuts to Owen Wijndal and Teun Koopmeiners while resting the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Daley Blind ahead of Sunday's clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina and a trip to Italy three days later.

"Of course I have a bad feeling," De Boer told reporters after the game. "I always want to win, but we have made certain choices, which I think are logical. We did not let some guys play. We have two more matches soon.

"Moreover, I do not believe that I am the first national coach to lose on his debut."

"The result is unpleasant," he added. "But it was a practice match. You could give the excuse that not all the best guys played. We know that someone like Frenkie de Jong is very important, and he was missing. But let's not forget that Teun Koopmeiners played a very good game in the middle."

De Boer, who played for his country as a defender more than 100 times, offered words of support to 20-year-old Wijndal, who made a glaring error in the first half that almost cost the Netherlands.

"He started a bit rough, that's possible," said De Boer. "But I thought it was very good how he fought back."

Opposite number Martino reflected on Mexico's 18th victory in their last 19 matches, claiming the midweek win one was well deserved.

"We played a good game," he said. "We had enough control of the game and we worked very well together.

"It seems to me that the result is fair. At times we pressed well and had the ball. If you work well, you impose your game. Today we were a very solid team."

France striker Olivier Giroud has played down his chances of breaking Thierry Henry's all-time scoring record after he moved into second place on Wednesday night. 

Giroud scored twice in the first half in a friendly against Ukraine, taking his international goal tally to 42 and passing France legend Michel Platini in the process.

Now only Henry stands between Giroud and the all-time record, with the Arsenal legend having scored 51 goals in 123 caps for Les Bleus. 

It was a special way for Giroud to celebrate his 100th cap, which he earned on a night the World Cup champions cruised to a 7-1 win over their opponents. 

Speaking to TF1 after the match, the Chelsea striker said he was honoured to have surpassed a legendary figure like Platini, who won the Ballon d'Or three times in his career.

"Huge pride, it's a great honour, I'm very happy that it turned out that way," Giroud said. "It was going to be emotional. I'm very happy for the team, we showed great things."

With nine goals between himself and Henry, the 34-year-old said he isn't going to think about the France record until he manages to score a few more for his country.

"I think we have to set goals but it's a bit early to tell [if I can reach the record]. We'll see when I get to 46 or 47 goals."

Giroud was also delighted to put in such a great performance in front of Ukraine head coach Andriy Shevchenko, a player he idolised growing up.

“He was one of my favourite players if not my favourite when I was a teenager," Giroud said of the former AC Milan star. "I greeted him after the game. He's used to coming to Chelsea every now and then and I asked him for his signed shirt because I'm a huge fan. It also means a lot to me."

France head coach Didier Deschamps added that he was happy with his side's performance as they look forward to a UEFA Nations League match against defending champions Portugal on Sunday.

"It's not the best team in Ukraine but you have to score those goals," Deschamps said. 

"I am very satisfied even though we had a somewhat difficult second-half recovery. We will continue while awaiting the game on Sunday night."

A "p*ssed off and disappointed" Joachim Low failed to hide his displeasure as Germany squandered their lead on three occasions to draw 3-3 with Turkey in a friendly on Wednesday evening.

The Germans have failed to win a match in 2020 but were only minutes away from ending that record until Kenan Karaman's stoppage-time strike earned a point for Turkey in Cologne.

Julian Draxler had given the home side the lead on the stroke of half-time, but that advantage disappeared five minutes into the second half as Ozan Tufan restored parity.

After a debut goal from Florian Neuhaus again gave Germany the advantage, Efecan Karaca struck back for the visiting side shortly after.

When Luca Waldschmidt scored his first international goal with nine minutes to go, Germany looked set to break their 2020 winning duck, until Karaman popped up to have the final say.

In his post-match press conference, an angry Low said a losing mentality had crept into the squad and criticised the team for failing to take their opportunities.

"The problem has been around for a long time," Low said. "This team, which has never played together like this, cannot be blamed. That has happened to the other players as well. I am disappointed and p*ssed off, that is the right word.

"There are several reasons. One is our chance conversion - they wouldn’t have come back from being 3-2 down. You need to be able to deal with pressure while on the ball and not keep giving it away in easy situations.

"You need to receive the ball and be assertive with it. If you don’t do some things well, you will concede goals. We can’t let in a goal during this period. We will work on this when all the players are back. We need to speak about this."

After several cancelled fixtures and the postponement of Euro 2020 to next year, the Germans have drawn all three of their matches this calendar year, with 1-1 draws against Spain and Switzerland in their other games.

They will have the opportunity to bounce back on Saturday in a Nations League match against Ukraine - who are coming off a 7-1 belting by France - before finishing the international break with a clash against Switzerland in the same competition.

Egyptian Premier League champions-elect Al Ahly defeated ENPPI 3-0 in Wednesday’s game, with Junior Ajayi finding the net.

The Red Devils had won the league diadem for a fifth successive time in September following Zamalek’s 1-0 defeat at Aswan.

Against the Petroleum Club, they continued their fine run hitting the hosts for three with Marwan Mohsen bagging a brace and the Nigerian getting the all-important third.

Pitso Mosimane’s men made their intent known after taking the lead three minutes into the game through Mohsen. The Egyptian striker put the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Mahmoud Gad after profiting from Ayman Ashraf assist.

The goal was a reality check for ENPPI who tried all within their ability to equalise, however, their attacking forays were met by a strong resistance from the visitors’ backline.

While they were searching for the leveller, Al Ahly got their second goal through Mohsen who completed his brace in the 17th minute. This time, it was Ahmed Fathi who provided the assist as the first-half ended 2-0.

In the second-half, Mosimane’s team continued to wax stronger as they chased aimed for more goals. Mohsen had the chance to complete his treble in the 47th minute but ENPPI’s defenders were at alert to prevent him from wreaking havoc.

Ajayi’s first chance came in the 50th minute, but his effort missed Gad’s goalpost by whiskers.

Not too long, Al Ahly suffered a temporary setback as Arabi Badr was replaced by Mahmoud Electra following an injury – prompting Hussein Al-Shahat to switch to the right back position.

With ten minutes to full time, Ajayi took the game beyond the hosts’ reach after firing home a pass from Mohamed Afsha.

The goal was the former Shooting Stars player’s seventh goal of the 2019-20 season from 28 league games.

Thanks to this result, the eight-time African champions have now won 13 of their 16 away games in the Egyptian Premier League this campaign.

They welcome Pyramids to the Cairo International Stadium in their next outing on Sunday before taking on Wydad Casablanca in their first leg Caf Champions League semi-final clash on October 17.

Former Nigeria youth international Ajayi joined the Cairo based team in 2016 after a season at Tunisian elite division club CS Sfaxien.

Spain and Portugal have confirmed their commitment to putting forward a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup. 

The two countries announced in December they would investigate staging the global competition, ruling Morocco - previously said to be involved - out of a three-nation proposal. 

Ahead of Wednesday's friendly between the sides in Lisbon, which finished in a goalless draw, the Spanish and Portuguese federations ratified an agreement to share the event.  

"This agreement means an important step for this common project of federations, but also for the countries," RFEF president Luis Rubiales said in a statement. 

"Soccer, sport, is a magnificent tool to inject strength and will to overcome in these moments of great difficulty. 

"Few things can be more exciting than the opportunity to organise a World Cup and we cannot think of a better partner than Portugal. We go hand in hand with the Portuguese Federation." 

Qatar are the next hosts of the tournament in 2022, while Canada, United States and Mexico are set to stage it four years later. 

A decision on where the 2030 World Cup will be held is due to be made by FIFA in 2024, with the bidding process due to start in 2022. 

The Spain/Portugal bid is the fourth to confirm they will be participating the process to host the tournament, and the second from Europe, with a joint-bid from Romania, Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia also signalling their intent to participate.

A joint-bid from Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile is also in the running to host the event, while Morocco is planning to compete.

Several nations have shown interest in hosting the tournament but are yet to commit to a bid - including a bid group featuring England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland.

A South American bid from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru is considering throwing their hat in the ring, while Cameroon, Egypt and China are contemplating vying for the event as sole hosts.

The 2030 World Cup will be the 24th edition of the event and a centennial celebration with the first version of the tournament being held in Uruguay in 1930.

Kwesi Appiah has backed Thomas Partey to suit Mikel Arteta’s style following his £45 million (€50m/$58m) move from La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal completed a late raid for the Ghana international on transfer deadline day to beef up their midfield.

The ex-Crystal Palace, Reading and AFC Wimbledon striker expects the 27-year-old to thrive at the Emirates Stadium, owing to his ability to use the ball in central areas.

"Under [Mikel] Arteta they [Arsenal] are playing a lot of ball possession and playing out from the back and that will really suit his style because he is very comfortable on the ball," Appiah told BBC Sport.

"Obviously playing in Spain is a very technical league as well so there is a lot of ball possession and passes being made so it will suit him very well.

"The top teams in England play that way as well so you are looking at a player who is going to fit in quite easily.

"You look at Manchester United and the way [Bruno] Fernandes and the way he has taken the Premier League on so I see it as being a similar transition for Thomas.

"He has got that quality and style of play that Arsenal are looking to play so it will be a perfect match."

Appiah, who featured for the Black Stars at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations as they finished runners-up to Cote d’Ivoire, also has no misgivings the former Real Mallorca and Almeria man will fit into the Gunners’ dressing room as well.

"He is a very nice guy down-to-earth and he is confident guy he speaks well he will get on well with the players," he continued.

"There some personalities there [at Arsenal] that will match his energy and playfulness as well so I am sure he will fit in very well in the dressing room and be one of the leaders amongst the players as well."

Partey enjoyed success under manager Diego Simeone at Metropolitano Stadium, winning the Uefa Europa League in the 2017-18 season and also the Uefa Super Cup in 2018.

He is likely to make his bow when the Gunners face Manchester City on October 17 at the Etihad Stadium.

New Marseille signing Michael Cuisance has denied reports that problems with his medical led to a move to Leeds United falling through. 

Cuisance had looked set for Elland Road after Leeds struck a deal worth £18 million (€20m/$23m) with Bayern Munich, which included a buyback clause for the Bavarian giants. 

But the deal collapsed following the 21-year-old's arrival in England last week, despite agreeing a contract with the Premier League newcomers that would have seen him sign until 2025, and he subsequently agreed a switch to Ligue 1 with Marseille on a one-year loan move. 

Reports have suggested that a failed medical was behind Leeds' sudden U-turn, while L'Equipe claimed that Marcelo Bielsa pulled the plug on the signing after discovering that Cuisance's fitness did not reach the manager's expectations. 

But during his presentation as l'OM's latest signing, the young Frenchman insisted that physical issues were not behind the botched transfer. 

“There was no problem with the medical, the one with Marseille went very well, I am in form and ready to play," Cuisance explained to reporters on Wednesday.

"At Leeds, there was no problem from my side.”

Marseille Head of Football Pablo Longoria echoed his new charge's assertions, stating: “We did not find any issues with his medical, everything was done properly. He is completely available, at 100 per cent.”

Cuisance began his professional career with Nancy in his native France before moving to Germany at the age of 17 when Borussia Monchengladbach swooped for his signature in the summer of 2017. 

The midfielder represented Gladbach for two seasons, with his potential in the centre of the pitch leading to another move, this time to Bayern. 

But his only season with the reigning Bundesliga and European champions saw little opportunity for Cuisance to shine, as he made just 10 appearances for the Bayern first team in all competitions across 2019-20.

The current campaign has seen the youngster feature just once, coming off the bench to play the last 18 minutes of Bayern's 8-0 thrashing of Schalke in September. 

Papiss Cisse is unfazed by the competition at Fenerbahce, insisting that will propel him to compete for a place in the Yellow Canaries’ squad.

The 35-year-old reunited with his former boss Erol Bulut at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium after two seasons at Alanyaspor – where he scored 42 goals in 65 games.

At Fenerbahce, he will battle Tanzania's Mbwana Samatta, Enner Valencia, Mame Thiam, Sinan Gumus and Kemal Ademi for first-team action, a challenge the Newcastle United man is ready to take on.

"From my point of view, it is gratifying to have such a competition. Because I'm a competitive player,” Cisse told the club website.

“I'm a player who believes that there should be this competition in order to thrive. If there's competition, it'll make you work more.

“It's important to have this competition for the good of the team. If you're a striker, you must have a sense of competition.

“I have no fear or concern for myself. We're going to try to accomplish something together. Hopefully, Fenerbahce's work will be easier in this sense.”

Fenerbahce is the seventh club the former Senegal international has played for after stints in his home country, France, Germany and China. Cisse said the decision to join Bulut’s team was not a difficult one.

"Fenerbahce is too big a club to refuse. I'm very happy and proud to be here. From my point of view, the transfer process went pretty well,” he continued.

“I also got offers from different clubs, but for me it was more important to choose Fenerbahce in this respect this choice was easy for me.

“Fortunately, I am a football player of Fenerbahce. The team's doing just fine. The players within the team are really extraordinary players. Together, we will do our best to show the best and try to achieve our goal.

“I had a meeting with our technical director Erol Bulut and Emre Belozoglu. This communication ended in a very positive way. Fenerbahce is a very big club and I was intrigued by the goals it has.  There is no need to discuss Fenerbahce's goals. So I'm here as a result of these negotiations.”

After playing six games without a goal, the veteran striker will be hoping to open his goal account against Goztepe on October 18.

After eight points from four games in the 2020-21 Turkish Super Lig campaign, Fenerbahce are second in the log.