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Sam Diatta believes Liverpool star Sadio Mane's contributions on and off the pitch is the reason why he is loved in Senegal.

The Reds forward has been helping the citizens of the West Africa nation improve their lives, and he recently commissioned a hospital he helped to build in April 2020.

It is for this reason Senegal's Head of Delegation for the Cosafa Cup in South Africa insists the Teranga Lion is loved by his countrymen.

"Sadio Mane is a present, like on your birthday or Christmas, when your father brings you a gift," Diatta said during the Cosafa Show.

"Sadio Mane is a present for Senegal. A player like him is not just a sporting [gift]. This guy is doing something fabulous in Senegal.

"About a week ago he was commissioning a hospital he built where he came from.

"That's why people love him, not just because he's a great player and did something exciting on the pitch for Liverpool, but simply because he is doing something socially in Africa."

Diatta could not hide his joy and feelings for the 29-year-old former Southampton player.

"We are praying for him and his career. Sadio Mane; he really is a present for Senegal. He is helping poor people, he is helping people who need to go to hospital, he is helping schools," he continued.

"So no words to express the joy I have when talking about Sadio Mane."

The forward is currently on holiday in Senegal before joining the former Premier League champions for pre-season ahead of the season, which starts in August.

The Reds will start the 2021-22 Premier League season with a game against promoted Norwich City at Carrow Road.

The fixture is currently scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 14 and is the reverse of Liverpool’s opening game of their 2019-20 title-winning season when they beat Norwich 4-1 at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s side will face Burnley in their first game at home, while Chelsea will visit Anfield before the end of August.

A trip to Leeds follows in September, while the Reds will meet champions Manchester City at home and archrivals Manchester United away in October.

The first Merseyside derby against Everton is at Goodison Park at the end of November, with the return date at Anfield in the latter stages of April.

The Christmas period will see Liverpool host Leeds on Boxing Day and then head to Leicester two days later before 2022 begins with a trip to Stamford Bridge to meet Chelsea.

Liverpool will again meet the two Manchester clubs in the space of three matches, while the season ends with a game against Wolves at Anfield on May 22. 

Oleksandr Zinchenko says that Ukraine will need to play the best game of their lives if they hope to beat England on Saturday in their Euro 2020 quarter-final clash.

Zinchenko is certainly familiar with the England team, having been at Manchester City since 2016.

And, knowing that England have yet to concede a goal this tournament, he says his team will be underdogs as they look to seal a spot in the semi-finals.

What was said?

“England played very well in defence – but there are no perfect teams," Zinchenko said. "To go through we will have to play the best game of our life.”

His point was echoed by manager Andriy Shevchenko, who believes this is one of the best England teams that he's seen.

“England is one of the most balanced teams," he said. "They have amazing players. It’s a team that plays more than football. English football is having one of the best moments in history. Tomorrow will be the hardest game for us.”

'That doesn't help football'

Due to Covid restrictions, few supporters from Ukraine or England are expected to make the trip to Rome, where Saturday's game will be held.

Before the game against Ukraine, all four of England's games had been played at Wembley Stadium in front of what was essentially a full home crowd.

With few travelling supporters, the crowd will largely be made up of local fans, and Shevchenko is hoping those in the stadium choose to back his side.

“That doesn’t help football. But we are well aware of the Covid situation," he said.

"We do have a significant Ukrainian community here in Italy. I invited and encouraged them to come to the Stadio Olimpico.

"I expect Italian fans in the stadium and hope they will support Ukraine. Ukraine deserves the sympathy of the fans for how well we play.”

Further reading

Senegal have sent a clear warning to their rivals that they will take part in the 2021 Cosafa Cup with one mission – to lift the trophy.

This year’s edition will take place July 6 to 18 at Nelson Mandela Bay in South Africa and the West Africans have been drawn in Group C along with six-time winners Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and 2015 champions Namibia, with only the top team guaranteed a place in the semi-finals.

Despite being pooled in a tough pool, Senegal's head of delegation for the trip, Sam Diatta, has stated they are not coming to the tournament as tourists but they only have one goal in mind – to return home with the trophy.

“A guest should be hungry when they come to your place and we are definitely hungry,” Diatta told The Cosafa Show as quoted by the official website.

“We like these kinds of situations, being invited and then to go and take the trophy. We are not coming as tourists, we are coming to fight and play.

“We want to show that no matter the players we bring; we will show the image of Senegal. And in Senegal, talent is not a question, we have so many talented players (in the local league).

“You could bring even four teams to South Africa and each would represent the country (well) in that tournament. We are going as a hungry team to show people we can do something good.

“We are going to play good football and fight to take the trophy.”

The Lions of Teranga will take part in the competition as a guest team and in the history of the cup, no guest participants have won it before.

The reigning Wafu Cup of Nations champions, who be without the services of Sadio Mane or Idrissa Gueye, and have picked a relatively young squad, could be fancying making history in Southern Africa. 

Zambia are the defending champions after winning their fifth Cosafa title in 2019 to get closer to Zimbabwe, who are record holders after winning it six times.

Senegal will kick off their campaign with a match against Namibia on July 8 then face Mozambique on July 11, and wind up their preliminary matches with a date against Zimbabwe on July 14.

Uganda were guest participants at the last edition.

Finidi George has tipped either Spain or Italy to emerge as champions of the 2020 European Football Championship, overlooking England.

The quarter-final of the competition commences on Friday evening with eight teams slugging it out to qualify for the last four.

Reigning champions Portugal were knocked out in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium – courtesy of Thorgan Hazard’s 42nd-minute strike at Seville’s La Cartuja.

And the legendary Ajax and Real Betis winger is of the opinion either La Furia Roja or Gli Azzurri will emerge as champions when the final is played on July 11 at the Wembley Stadium in London.

To him, both teams would bank on their experiences in the quadrennial European football showpiece.

“That’s a tough one but I tip Spain or Italy for the title,” George told Goal.

“They have won it in the past and the experience is there – which I believe will play a key role in terms of determining the winner.

“However, any team can spring up surprises and win. You can never tell because this is football.

“Belgium have also shown that they have all it takes to emerge as champions too.”

Euro 2020 have witnessed a lot of surprises with Switzerland edging out favourites France in the Round of 16, while the Czech Republic silenced Netherlands 2-0 to send them packing.

Three-time champions Germany crashed out following a 2-0 loss to England with Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane getting the goals.

For the Uefa Champions League and Africa Cup of Nations winner, the shock results are a testimony that there are no longer underdogs in European football.

“It shows that there is a great improvement in other European countries and that you must not under ate any team in football,” he continued.

“On paper, France and Germany were rated as strong contenders to emerge as winners but the real job was done on the field of play.

“They crashed out of the competition because I felt they did not do their homework very well. Euro 2020 is a tournament filled with surprises ad that’s what we are seeing.”

Eleven years after Ghana’s famous quarter-final clash with Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Asamoah Gyan is once again trending on social media.

On the famous night at Soccer City in Johannesburg, the Black Stars, Africa’s last hope at the global showpiece, missed a glorious opportunity to become the first from the continent to reach the semi-final of the World Cup as Gyan struck a last-gasp penalty in extra-time against the woodwork.

With the score at 1-1 before the striker’s opportunity, the game headed straight to a penalty shoot-out where Uruguay, who had Luis Suarez sent off for blocking a goal-bound Dominic Adiyiah header with his hand for the penalty, emerged victorious 4-2.

On the anniversary of the famous game, hundreds of people have taken to social media to share comments on the July 2, 2010 event.

Below are the best reactions:

With 10 own goals, Euro 2020 has now surpassed the total own goals scored at every previous edition of the tournament combined.

Jordi Alba's strike deflected off Denis Zakaria for Spain's opener against Switzerland on Friday, with Zakaria eventually credited with an own goal.

That own goal continued a remarkable trend in a tournament that still has plenty of matches remaining. 

Own goals dominate Euro 2020

The tournament's first goal was fittingly an own goal, with Turkey defender Merih Demiral scoring for Italy in the opener. 

Since then there have been a further nine own goals, scored by Lukas Hradecky, Mats Hummels, Wojciech Szczesny, Ruben Dias, Raphael Guerreiro, Martin Dubravka, Juraj Kucka, Pedri and now Zakaria.

Prior to Euro 2020, there had been just nine own goals scored in the previous 15 editions of the European Championships combined.

And with Spain's match against Switzerland kicking off the quarter-final round, there are plenty of chances remaining for more own goals in the tournament.

What's next?

Spain and Switzerland marked the first match of the quarter-final round, with Belgium and Italy set to face off in Friday's second last-eight match.

On Saturday the other two quarter-final matches will take place with England facing Ukraine and the Czech Republic taking on Denmark.

Further reading

The UEFA Euro 2020 tournament has entered the quarterfinal stage.

The likes of France, Croatia, Portugal, Netherlands and Germany have all been knocked out in the Round of 16.

Spain have become a rising force after scoring 10 goals in two games, Belgium are looking to justify their world number one ranking, Italy will again be reliant on their strength in depth while England will be ecstatic after a historic 2-0 win over Germany.

Goal has what you need to know about who is playing who and where to watch the Euro 2020 quarterfinals from India.

On this page

Which 8 teams qualified for Euro 2020 quarterfinals?

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What are the Euro 2020 quarterfinal fixtures?

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How to watch Euro 2020 on TV & live stream in India

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

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

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Who are the defending champions of Euro?

Portugal are defending title holders of the European Championship, having won the 2016 edition in what was their first tournament win.

They defeated host team France in the final of the competition at the Stade de France, Eder scoring in the dying minutes of stoppage time to clinch the 1-0 victory.

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More on Euro 2020: 

Manchester United stars Amad Diallo, Eric Bailly and AC Milan's Franck Kessie have been included in Ivory Coast's 22-man squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Kessie, Bailly and Sivasspor midfielder Max Gradel are the three overaged players selected for the tournament alongside some home-based talents.

Haidara Soualiho announced his final team for the men's football tournament on Friday and they will begin their 10-day camping in Abidjan on Monday before departing for Japan.

Ivory Coast have been paired against Brazil, Germany and Saudi Arabia in Group D.

The West Africans' preparations for the competition was dealt a blow when their friendly fixture against France, initially scheduled for July 8 was cancelled .

However, Soualiho is optimistic of getting the 22 players to give their best as they aim for their first medal in the Olympics event.

"I know what language to use in front of the players to get them to surpass themselves although we have not prepared well," he said. 

The Elephants will begin their Group D campaign against Saudi Arabia at the International Stadium Yokohama on July 22, before taking on Brazil three days later. 

They will conclude their group outings against Germany on July 28. 

Full Squad.

Goalkeepers

Ira Tape Eliezer (FC San Pedro, Ivory Coast), Nagoli Oupoh Maxime (Sol FC, Ivory Coast), Tie Nicolas (Victoria Guimares, Portugal).

Defenders

Kouao Koffi Franck (FC Vzela, PORTUGAL), Ouattara Zie (Victoria Guimares, Portugal), Singo Wilfried (Torino, Italy), Eric Bailly (Manchester United, England), Dabila Kouadio Yves (Mouscron, Belgium), Diallo Chester  (Ajaccio, France), Gnaka Silas (KAS Eupen, Belgium). 

Midfielders

Eboue Christ (Genk, Belgium), Doumbia Idrissa (Sporting, Portugal), Franck Kessie (AC Milan, Italy), Amad Diallo (Manchester United, England), Max Gradel (Sivasspor Turkey), Dao Youssouf (Sparta Praha, Czech Republic). 

Forwards

Timite Cheick (Amiens, France), Kouame Christian (Fiorentina, Italy), Bayo Vakoun (Celtic Glasgow, Scotland), Keita Mory (Ursl Vise, Belgium), Keita Kader (Kvc Westerlo, Belgium), Doumbia Aboubakar Junior (Maccabi Nitanya, Israel).

Consequently, Bailly and Diallo are now doubtful for Manchester United's Premier League opening fixtures with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men scheduled to begin the 2021-22 season with a home game against Leeds United on August 14 followed by a trip to Southampton a week later. 

Jose Mourinho was greeted by swarms of Roma fans as the Portuguese boss received a warm welcome upon touching down in Italy.

Mourinho was recently named Roma's new manager, marking his return to Italy after previously leading Inter to a historic treble.

And, as he touched down in Italy, the Special One was received like a rock star as he begins life in Rome.

Mourinho's road to Roma

Mourinho heads to Roma after most recently taking charge at Tottenham, having been dismissed by the London club earlier this year.

He'd spent the last eight years in England, managing Spurs, Manchester United and Chelsea with varying levels of success.

Before his return to England to coach Chelsea in 2013, Mourinho was in charge at Real Madrid where he won La Liga, a Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercup.

But it could be argued that his greatest achievements came in Italy, where he led Inter to back-to-back Serie A titles in 2008-09 and 2009-10 while leading the club to a historic treble in that second season.

That team, led by the likes of Wesley Sneijder, Samuel Eto'o, Diego Milito and Javier Zannetti, also claimed the Coppa Italia and the Champions League title, taking down Bayern Munich to win the latter.

He'll now arrive at Roma following the departure of Paulo Fonseca, taking over a team that finished seventh in Serie A last season.

And Roma's fans are clearly excited about his arrival as they greeted him on Friday when he landed in Italy.

Further reading

Belgium face Italy in Munich on Friday evening in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 in a tie which sees two of the most in-form sides left in the tournament pitted against one another.

Roberto Mancini's men suffered a scare in the last 16 against Austria who took them to extra time and ended the Azzurri's 11-match run of clean sheets, yet Italy remain unbeaten since September 2018.

The Red Devils meanwhile remain the only side in the competition to have won all of their matches inside 90 minutes with Roberto Martinez's team knocking out holders Portugal in the previous round. 

Belgium vs Italy latest odds

Belgium are outsiders for the clash at the Allianz Arena, with bet365 pricing them at 12/5 (3.40) to win in 90 minutes, despite the fact that they are the top-ranked team in the world.

The side that finished third at the last World Cup are available at 11/10 (2.10) to make it through to the semi-finals while Italy are offered at 4/6 (1.66) to qualify.

Mancini's men can be backed at 13/10 (2.30) to win without extra time, with the draw at 21/10 (3.10).

Belgium vs Italy team news

Belgium could be missing two of their biggest stars, with Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne and Real Madrid's Eden Hazard both picking up injuries in the 1-0 win over Portugal.

Roberto Martinez, however, stressed that neither problem was too serious and has not ruled them out of featuring at some point on Friday.

Italy have no major injury concerns ahead of the clash in Bavaria. 

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

BBC One will be showing Belgium vs Italy live on TV in the United Kingdom (UK). The BBC iPlayer will be streaming the game live online.

Belgium vs Italy preview

Both teams have been excellent defensively in the tournament, recording three clean sheets from their respective four matches played and the expectation is for both defences to keep things tight once more. 

However, both sides also boast extremely impressive scoring records, particularly Belgium, who have netted in 34 consecutive games. 

The Italians for their part have netted in 27 of their last 28 matches in all competitions, and there could be some value in backing both of these strong outfits to find the back of the net. 

Five different Italian players have scored in this tournament, while four Belgians have got their names on the score sheet, showing they have various attacking threats to heighten the appeal of backing a game with goals. 

Belgium vs Italy tips & predictions 

Both teams to score is priced at evens (2.00) which looks like an attractive price given how in-form the two sides have been in the final third.

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

Maritzburg United have commented on reports linking their key strikers Thabiso Kutumela and Bongokuhle Hlongwane with Mamelodi Sundowns.

It has been said that Sundowns are set to complete the signing of the two Bafana Bafana internationals when the July-August transfer window opens. 

This comes after Kutumela and Hlongwane played an instrumental role in helping the Team of Choice avoid relegation from the PSL to the NFD as they scored 15 goals between them.

Maritzburg chairman Farook Kadodia refuted the reports and he made it clear that they are yet to be approached by clubs regarding the services of the two players.

“No, no I don’t know who’s making that speculation,” Kadodia told Sowetan. 

“I’m unaware of all that. Nothing at all – there’s been no contact from Sundowns or anybody. I don’t know about it.”

“I don’t know who’s trying to sell those stories, I don’t know."

Kutumela, who netted 12 goals from 28 league matches, was nominated for the PSL Footballer of the Year and Player's Player of the Season accolades which were both won by Peter Shalulile of Mamelodi Sundowns.

While Hlongwane netted three goals in 20 league games which earned him PSL Young Player of the Season nomination and Baroka FC marksman Evidence Makgopa scooped the accolade. 

However, Kadodia did not rule out selling Hlongwane and Kutumela as long as their asking price is met with the duo having also been linked with Orlando Pirates. 

“These players [Kutumela and Hlongwane] are still under contract," the long-serving Team of Choice chairman added. 

"They’re contracted players and there will be transfer fees involved if anyone were to buy them from us.”

Maritzburg and Sundowns have a good working relationship with Lebohang Maboe and Rushine de Reuck have all joined Masandawana from the Team of Choice in the past three seasons.

While Jeremy Brockie spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Maritzburg from Sundowns and Ali Meza joined the KwaZulu-Natal side from the Tshwane giants prior to the start of the 2020/21 season.

Sundowns left-back Malebogo Modise also spent the recent campaign on loan at Maritzburg and he is expected to return to his parent club. 

Arsenal allowing Emile Smith Rowe to leave would be a "complete disaster" says Nigel Winterburn, with Aston Villa having two bids knocked back for the 20-year-old.

The Gunners have a prized academy graduate tied to a contract through to 2023 and are hoping to put fresh terms in place this summer.

Those plans are being disrupted by unwelcome attention, with Premier League rivals Villa pushing hard to get another creative influence onto their books.

What has been said?

Former Arsenal full-back Winterburn, speaking in association with NetBet, feels the Gunners would be making a mistake if they sanction a sale, telling Goal: "If we were to let him go it would be a disaster, it would send out completely the wrong messages to our supporters.

"He's a young player who's had his breakthrough season, he's been hugely impressive, and we cannot afford to let him go. I do genuinely believe it would have such a negative impact on the club, we've got some good attacking young talent and to sell to another Premier League club would be a complete disaster."

Who could be brought in?

While the talk around Smith Rowe rages, Mikel Arteta is looking to add another midfielder.

Martin Odegaard will not be returning after his loan spell from Real Madrid came to a close, which has brought a number of alternative targets onto the radar.

Leicester playmaker James Maddison appears to be out of reach for the Gunners, but a move for Wolves star Ruben Neves has been mooted.

Winterburn is not convinced the Portuguese player will end up at Emirates Stadium though, saying Arsenal need a more combative performer if Granit Xhaka heads to Roma.

The former defender added on Neves: "It's been touted a few times, there's been others mentioned in that midfield area as well. You've got to be athletic in that area, energetic and have a lot of power.

"Arsenal have to bring in someone in that midfield area and even more so if Xhaka goes because he does a steady job for Arsenal. Neves has been linked in the past, but I'm not sure if it's a route Arsenal will go down at this present time."

Further reading

Former Bidvest Wits midfielder Phathutshedzo Nange has confirmed that he is set to join Kaizer Chiefs after leaving Stellenbosch FC.

The 29-year-old player spent the recent 2020/21 season with Stellies and he helped the team retain its status in the PSL - scoring four goals from 23 matches. 

The Western Cape-based side has confirmed the departure of the Limpopo-born player:

"The club would like to thank Phathutshedzo Nange for his year's service. We wish him all the best for his future," a club statement read. 

Chiefs were credited with an interest in the hard-working player after the Soweto giants appointed Gavin Hunt as their new head coach in September 2020.

Hunt had worked with Nange at Bidvest Wits, but Chiefs were unable to bring in new players due to a Fifa transfer ban having been found guilty of unlawfully acquiring the services of Arohasina “Dax” Andrianamimanana from Madagascar's Fosa Juniors in July 2019.

The four-time PSL champions' transfer ban elapsed on Thursday and the Naturena-based giants are now able to sign new players, but the club parted ways with Hunt due to a run of poor results late last month. 

Nange has stated that he will be joining Chiefs despite changes in the coaching personnel with English tactician Stuart Baxter having replaced Hunt as Amakhosi's new head coach.

“I am not going back to Stellenbosch. I signed for a season with Stellenbosch. I will be joining Chiefs next season," Nange told Daily Sun. 

The former Black Leopards star also disclosed that he was on loan at the 2018/19 National First Division champions, Stellies. 

"My move to Stellenbosch was like a loan as I have been waiting to join Chiefs next season," he continued. 

“I had a good time at Stellenbosch and I am thankful for the management, technical staff, and the players. I can’t wait to join Chiefs.”

Nange, who is a goalscoring midfielder, netted in Stellies' 3-2 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 encounter in February 2021. 

He will compete with the likes of Willard Katsande, Njabulo Blom, Kearyn Baccus, and Anthony Akumu for a place in Chiefs' starting line-up.

Katsande's contract with Amakhosi expired on Wednesday, but the Zimbabwean midfield maestro will reportedly be offered a new deal soon.