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Tusker coach Robert Matano has explained his happiness after the team returned to winning ways in the FKF Premier League following a 1-0 win against Kariobangi Sharks on Sunday.

The Brewers went into the game at the back of two defeats – 1-0 against AFC Leopards in the quarter-finals of the Shield Cup and 1-0 defeat against Posta Rangers in the top-flight – and according to the veteran tactician, all the Brewers needed from Sharks was three points.

What has been said?

“It doesn’t matter if the goal we scored was done beautifully or it was an ugly one, the most important thing was the three points, nothing else, we came looking for the three points, we have battled hard and I am happy we have achieved what we wanted from the game,” Matano told Goal after the game.

“The team has shown me they really wanted to play and win the game, we played very well especially in the first half but wasted many chances but to me, what we needed is the points, whichever way the goal could have come, ugly or beautiful, we needed three points and we are happy.”

Matano also took his time to laud his players for a solid display admitting he is still hurt with the defeat they suffered against Posta Rangers, which denied them a chance to open a gap at the top of the 18-team table.

“After losing in the Shield Cup [against AFC] and against Posta, a game which I still don’t understand how we lost because of how we played and dominated it, we wanted to bounce back badly and I am happy the boys have done the job.”

What did Sharks coach Muluya say?

On his part, Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya rued the team’s missed penalty from Douglas Mokaya, which could have brought them back into the game at 1-1.

“We got a penalty after they had taken the lead and we missed to score, and it becomes difficult for us to get back into the game after the miss,” Muluya told Goal.

“We now have to work on scoring goals, we have not found the back of the net for the last four matches and it is not a good sign, and then we got a good chance to score, and we missed from the penalty spot.

“But credit also to Tusker goalkeeper Michael [Wanjala], he has now saved three penalties against us this season, he saved this one and also saved two against Erick Kapaito at Kasarani, but had we scored from the spot, then maybe we could have pushed them to the end.”

The win helped Tusker to cut KCB’s lead at the top to one point, the Brewers are now on 41 points while the Bankers have 42, and Gor Mahia are third on 37 points.

Andre Onana got a lifeline when his 12-month ban for testing positive for banned substance Furosemide was reduced to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in early June.

The upshot of the softened suspension will see the Ajax goalkeeper return to training in September, two months before the end of his ban in November. Having been training in isolation since February, the mini-victory at CAS was an absolute relief.

Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in the Cameroon shot-stopper, as have a host of other European clubs who were awaiting the verdict of his appeal. The Gunners are thought to be frontrunners, but any transfer will be dependent on the sale of Bernd Leno who could leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.

While Onana will require a starting spot wherever he moves, the Premier League side’s absence from the Champions League since 2017 and non-appearance on the continent next season may cast doubts over a move to North London.

Indeed, former Ajax attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder believes the ‘great goalkeeper’ can do better than the PL giants but offered interesting alternatives to the English club.

“I expect him to leave. I think he is a great goalkeeper. European top? Yes, certainly,” Sneijder told Voetbal International Live. “I'd rather not see him at Arsenal. It's a fantastic club, but it has slipped in recent years. I'd rather see him play at Real Madrid or FC Barcelona.”

It’s hard not to agree with the Inter Milan treble winner’s take on the PL outfit, but how viable is a transfer to either La Liga giant? On the surface, it feels like an unusual suggestion that may be outside the realms of possibility.

Real Madrid

Given Thibaut Courtois' standing as one of the top goalkeepers in Europe, Onana’s prospects of supplanting the Belgium star between the sticks appear slim on paper.

The former Chelsea stopper is an incredible shot-stopper, commands his area commendably and is more adept in possession than he is given credit for.

A comparison with Onana in the 2020/21 Champions League shows that the ex-Genk man and the Cameroon goalie conceded 1.17 goals per 90.

However, a deeper analysis reveals Courtois let in fewer goals than expected, although Onana followed closely.

Unsurprisingly, the Central African attempted more in-play passes than the Real stopper (43.7-28.8) and played more passes under pressure (5.67-2.67).

Despite the apparent chasm between the Ajax and Madrid goalies, Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s numbers (below) will make for fascinating reading.

Onana’s dominance with the ball and involvement in Ajax’s build-up is further enhanced when he and Courtois’ touches and progressive carries are compared.

The Cameroonian makes 54.3 touches per 90 to the Belgian’s 39.7 — 45.8 of those were in-play, to Thibaut’s 31.2 touches.

The African’s teammates made more attempts to find their shot-stopper than Real looked to involve Courtois — 35.3 to 21.6 — while the former was expectedly more adventurous than the Madrid star with the ball, evidenced by their respective average progressive carries in yards: 96.5 to 51.0.

Again, despite the profound difference, ter Stegen’s underlying numbers may surprise observers. (Hint: he’s beaten hands down by Courtois).

Barcelona

Of course, observers will reckon a move to Barca will appeal to Onana owing to the emotional connection he has to the club and the feeling that the Blaugrana involve the man between the sticks more than Real do.

However, the reverse played out in reality with the Belgian’s underlying numbers outdoing Barcelona’s German goalkeeper.

Not only was ter Stegen’s shot-stopping average in the Champions League, but he’s also conceded higher than expected in La Liga in the last two campaigns.

Having been largely flawless in his opening two years in Spain, the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach man has declined somewhat between the sticks amid the club’s on-pitch struggles.

In just five CL appearances, ter Stegen let in 1.80 goals per game and was rather average in his shot-stopping. Interestingly, he attempted fewer in-play passes and passes under pressure than Onana and Courtois, as well as significantly fewer touches and progressive carries.

A comprehensive Fbref comparison of all three can be found here.

Undoubtedly, Onana is the most adventurous of all three and his first-rate shot-stopping means he suits both clubs.

Having said that, it is highly uncertain that Real prefer him to their outstanding incumbent.

There’s a higher chance of the Cameroon man supplanting ter Stegen at Barca, but the German is probably going to keep his place for another year.

His drop off isn’t cataclysmic and the Cameroon star’s preference for an assured first-team role probably rules out the prospect of an emotional return to his old stomping ground.

Notwithstanding what the underlying numbers reveal and, despite Sneijder’s belief in Onana, a move to either Real or Barca may not materialise. Not this summer, at least.

Belgium are set to take on Finland in their final Euro 2020 Group B game at St. Petersburg on Monday. 

Belgium are coming off two wins and have already sealed qualification to the Round of 16. However, they will need to ensure they don't lose to Finland to progress as group winners. 

Finland, assured of at least a third-place finish, have three points already and will look to pull off an upset against Belgium.

Here's how to watch Finland vs Belgium in India.

Contents

What time does Finland vs Belgium start?

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How to watch Finland vs Belgium on TV & live stream in India

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

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

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How does Group B in Euro 2020 look like?

Belgium will need to avoid a defeat to Finland to progress as group winners while Russia know that they can't afford to lose points against Denmark and leave their progression to chance. Denmark have a slim chance of qualification if they defeat Russia.

Group B

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Where will the match take place?

Krestovsky Stadium | Saint Petersburg | Russia

Capacity: 68,134 |  reduced to 50% capacity, subject to increase
Games: Group stage & quarter-final (seven games)
Year built: 2017

The  Krestovsky Stadium  in Saint Petersburg, Russia will host one quarter-final match at Euro 2020 and it will also be the venue for three games in Group B, as well as three games in Group E.

One of the newest stadiums of the 12 being used by UEFA, the Krestovsky Stadium was built in anticipation of the 2018 World Cup, where it hosted seven matches, including the third-place play-off.

It is home to Russian giants Zenit and the Russia national team also play there on occasion.

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Finland vs Belgium: Team news & stats

Belgium do not have serious injury concerns and Roberto Martinez will look to give more minutes to Kevin de Bruyne and Axel Witsel who have just returned from injuries. Both of them made appearances against Denmark in a 2-1 win with De Bruyne playing a star turn. Eden Hazard is also likely to play a part and step up his match fitness levels.

For Finland, captain Tim Sparv will be hoping to return in midfield after being replaced by Rasmus Schuller for Wednesday’s defeat against Russia.

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Further reading: 

Argentina face Paraguay in their third Copa America 2021 fixture at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia stadium on Tuesday.

La Albiceleste and Chile played out a 1-1 draw in Rio de Janeiro where Lionel Messi's first half lead through a wonderful free-kick was cancelled by Eduardo Vargas after the break. In the second game, Argentina picked full points as they downed uruguay 1-0 with Messi providing the assist for a Guido Rodriguez header.

Paraguay are coming into the game on the back of a 3-1 win over Bolivia. They were trailing at half-time after Bolivia took an early lead however, three second half goals sealed full points for Eduardo Berizzo's team.

Here's how to watch Argentina vs Paraguay in India.

Contents

What time does Argentina vs Paraguay start?

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How to watch Argentina vs Paraguay on TV & live stream in India

In India, the Copa America 2021 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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Argentina vs Paraguay: Team news & key stats

If Argentina win against Paraguay, their place in the quarterfinals will be sealed. Gio Lo Celso was substituted in the last game against Uruguay and he could be replaced by Exequiel Palacios or Leandro Paredes.

Emiliano Martinez kept his first clean-sheet for Argentina in his fourth appearance, a 1-0 win over Uruguay. It will be interesting to see if Luis Scaloni decides to persist with Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez or opts for an experienced striker like Sergio Aguero.

Meanwhile, Paraguay are yet to defeat Argentina in Copa America after having failed to do so in their last 22 meetings in the competition.

Key stats:

Further reading: 

Netherlands will take North Macedonia in their final Euro 2020 Group C fixture on Monday at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.

The Oranje are already through to the knockout stages after taking six points from their opening two matches, seeing off both Ukraine and Austria. And they have also been assured of the top spot in the group and as a result, the match against North Macedonia is a dead rubber for Holland. 

North Macedonia, on the other hand, have no chance of progressing to the knockout stages an will be looking to end their campaign with an upset. 

Here's how to watch North Macedonia vs Netherlands in India.

Contents

What time does North Macedonia vs Netherlands start?

Return to top

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

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

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

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How does Group C in Euro 2020 look like?

Thanks to a superior head-to-head record over both Ukraine and Austria, Netherlands have already won the group. The winner of the Ukraine vs Austria match will seal second spot in the group (which will see them take on Italy in the Round of 16). If the match is a draw, Ukraine will finish second. The third-placed team will then have to wait till the end of the gorup stage matches to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. 

Group A

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Where will North Macedonia vs Netherlands take place?

Johan Cruyff Arena | Amsterdam | Netherlands

Capacity: 54,990 | reduced to 33% capacity, subject to increase
Games: Group stage & last 16 (four games)
Year built: 1996

The Johan Cruyff Arena will play host to three matches in Group C as well as one of the tournament's last 16 games.

Located in the Dutch capital Amsterdam, it is the home stadium of Eredivisie side Ajax and the Netherlands national team, who have been playing games at the venue since it opened in 1996.

The stadium is equipped with a retractable roof and previously hosted five matches at Euro 2000, as well as being the stage for the 1998 Champions League final.

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North Macedonia vs Netherlands: Team news & stats

Netherlands boss Frank de Boer has the license to change things around in his team ahead of the Round of 16. However, he mentioned before the game that he would make only two changes. One of them is likely to be midfielder Marten de Roon who picked up a yellow card against Austria and would be banned for the last 16 if he receives another. Ryan Gravenberch is expected to replace him while we could see Donyell Malen or Luuk de Jong replace Wout Weghorst in attack. 

North Macedonia are unlikely to make huge changes to their team. However, there is a chance Darko Churlinov and Aleksandr Trajkovski replaces Stefan Spirovski and Boban Nikolov in the starting XI. 

Key stats:

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Further reading: 

Victor Moses has disclosed that his ambition is to win the Russian Premier League with Spartak Moscow in the 2021-22 season.

The Chelsea loanee helped the People's Team finish second in the Russian top-flight last term which gives them a chance of playing in the Uefa Champions League next season.

Moses' late equaliser in Spartak Moscow's 2-2 draw against Akhmat Grozny in the final game of the season in May, sealed the team's second spot.

His heroics earned him the club's Player of the Month prize for May and he has promised to continue giving his best in Rui Vitoria's team after he received his award from a fan on Sunday.

"Thank you. I really appreciate this. I'll do my very best to help the team, most importantly try to achieve more things this season than we did last year," Moses said in a video on the club's YouTube channel.

"The most important thing is to enjoy football and I'll definitely do that this year and help the team to win the league."

Moses is expected to automatically move to the Otkritie Arena from Chelsea after helping them qualify for the elite European competition.

Goal understands that Spartak Moscow will pay Chelsea £4 million to complete the permanent switch.

The 30-year-old who contributed four goals and two assists in 19 league appearances last campaign, recalled the four-goal thriller in Grozny as they fought for a point after conceding two early goals.

"I scored the last goal in May, it was the last game of the season," he continued. "I was very pleased obviously to score the goal but the most important thing is the hard work the team put together, and I thought we did very well, two goals down and came back.

"Quincy with the goal in the second half and me scoring the last goal to make it 2-2 as well to give us the qualification for the Champions League which was very good for us."

Interim Wales manager Robert Page has warned his potential Euro 2020 knockout round competitors not to underestimate his players after they advanced out of Group A.

They lost 1-0 to Italy on Sunday but still booked a place in the next stage because of their goal difference advantage over Switzerland.

Page has commended the team for expertly managing travel and Covid-19 precautions to this point, and he feels they can continue to exceed expectations behind star men Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

What has been said?

"I’m really proud of the group and I’m looking forward to the last 16," Page said. "It’s phenomenal, the character we have in the changing room. Don’t underestimate the character of a Welshman.

“It’s not been easy because we’ve had to go to Baku [to play Switzerland and Turkey], travel to Italy and now we’re going to Amsterdam.

“On paper, it seems like a great idea to have it all over Europe but logistically it is an absolute nightmare. And then you throw Covid into the mix as well."

Midfielder Aaron Ramsey, meanwhile, said the response from Wales to keep the match close against Italy despite going down to 10 men "showed great character". Ethan Ampadu was sent off in the 55th minute with the squad already down a goal.

“We had each other’s back out there and we did the job," Ramsey told ITV. "[After the red card] it was important to stay compact and try to create a couple of opportunities, which we did.

“We could have nicked a draw on another day. We have a lot of attacking threat, we keep games really tight and we work hard for each other. We’re through in second place so we’re delighted.”

Up next for Wales

Wales will play the runners-up in Group B in the last 16. Right now, Russia holds that spot and are considered most likely to meet Page's team, but Finland and Denmark are also still in contention.

Further reading

Norway’s FA (NFF) has confirmed that the national team will not boycott the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Previously, the national team had worn T-shirts in protest over the human rights record of the host nation.

Meanwhile, a vote was triggered by top-flight side Tromso, who tabled a motion that the national team should not attempt to qualify.

What happened?

It was confirmed on Sunday by the NFF board that it had succeeded in preventing the national team from boycotting the competition. Instead, it will propose a 26-point plan to FIFA and the Qatari authorities that should be implemented.

In a statement, it said: “Sunday’s extraordinary federal meeting spent many hours considering the Qatar issue. 368 voted in favour and 121 voted against the NFF board’s proposal.”

Furthermore, it has been confirmed that Sandar IL put forward a proposal that the NFF should work for more countries to join Norway in pressuring Qatar to improve their human rights record. This was passed by a majority of 437 to 29."

How did it come to this?

This issue was brought to the fore by Tromso, who motioned in March: “Tromso IL thinks it is time for football to stop and take a few steps back. We should think about the purpose of football and why so many love our sport. That corruption, modern-day slavery and a high number of workers’ deaths are the fundament to our most important tournament, the World Cup, is totally unacceptable.”

Furthermore, Norway’s players took to the field prior to a World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar all wearing T-shirts emblazoned with: “Human rights – on and off the pitch.”

Head coach Stale Solbakken explained to TV2: “This is a little bit what we have been talking about, to put the focus on some of that that has been a discussion off the pitch. The boys were keen to do this and I am here as an example of that.”

Meanwhile, Germany wore T-shirts that spelled out "Human Rights" before they played Iceland and the Netherlands have also protested.

Further reading

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has vowed that the club will not apologise to UEFA for their part in the European Super League, adding that the Blaugrana see no reason to be sorry for wanting control "of our own destiny".

The Catalan giants remain one of the few holdouts of the failed project that would have seen a dozen of the game's biggest clubs effectively form a ringfenced continental competition for larger financial gain.

While multiple founding members have subsequently backtracked, Barca have not - and Laporta, elected to a second term at Camp Nou this year, says that they will not seek to make amends for their part as long as he remains at the helm while adding that a vote from members on their participation is no longer required given the circumstances.

What has been said?

"We spoke with the clubs [involved] and said we liked [the proposals], but that we needed them to accept that our members would have to approve entry at the next assembly," the 58-year-old told the club's general assembly.

"It was logical to have that vote before June 30. But now, as the format doesn't exist, I won't ask you to vote. But the project is alive, I insist.

"We're still trying to enter into dialogue with UEFA. We won't apologise for trying to organise a competition. We won't say sorry to UEFA for wanting to be the owners of our own destiny. At least not while I am president."

Barca set for Champions League return amid legal battles

Of the ESL's dozen founding members, the nine who walked back their commitment to it have already faced fines from UEFA, but the sanctions for Barca and fellow holdouts Real Madrid and Juventus remain up in the air.

It is reported that the sport's governing body would like to ban them from continental competition such as the Champions League, though they are unable to do so due to a court ruling prohibiting such action.

"UEFA threatened us with fines and with kicking us out of the Champions League," Laporta added. "Time has proven us right. Now they have cancelled [suspended] the disciplinary process and registered us for next season's Champions League.

"We're doing this because we love football and because right now the game is in a complicated situation. The state-owned clubs can make much more attractive offers than us and they keep on investing."

The bigger picture

While they may remain embroiled in off-field drama, Barca will hope to refocus matters on the field as they seek to build on Ronald Koeman's first year in charge.

Though they were unable to claim another top-flight crown in La Liga, victory in the Copa del Rey ensured silverware at Camp Nou this term as well as another top-four finish.

In addition, Lionel Messi looks set to walk back on his own desire to leave the club as issued last summer, with the Argentine tipped to sign a new deal and remain at his long-term home.

Further reading

A Xherdan Shaqiri brace kept Switzerland's ambitions of a knockout stage appearance alive and kicking at Euro 2020, sealing a 3-1 win in Baku to condemn Turkey to a Group A exit.

The Liverpool midfielder's double helped ensure that Vladimir Petkovic's side finished their Group A campaign on a high note and keep themselves in contention for a last-16 berth.

Even though Switzerland will be forced to sweat on their tournament future until midweek, Shaqiri's efforts keep them very much in contention - and the veteran mainstay was quick to hail an improved performance all round from his team-mates in victory.

What has been said?

"I think we played like a unit, and it was crucial today against this team," Shaqiri told beIN Sports after the full-time whistle. "We knew if we play good we're going to create a lot of chances against this team, and we did so.

"We're very pleased with the win today and very happy. The other team, they have qualities, they can score any time.

"We could have scored maybe one or two goals more, for sure, but at the end of the day, it was important to win the game and we did that."

Shaqiri delighted with double

After Haris Seferovic had opened the scoring six minutes in, Shaqiri netted one of the goals of the tournament with a curled shot from outside the box, before restoring the two-goal lead after Irfan Kahveci's response with a breakaway finish.

The 29-year-old was delighted to contribute to the victory, particularly with his earlier effort, adding: "[I'm pleased] especially the first one with my right foot, it was really good technique.

"I'm very happy and very pleased that I could help the team with my two goals and that we reacted after the defeat against Italy, it was very good today. I'm very pleased for the performance of the team.

Gunes left to rue Italian hangover

For Turkey, it marked their third consecutive defeat at Euro 2020, ensuring that they became the second side to exit the competition in the wake of North Macedonia, with no points to their name to boot.

Manager Senol Gunes acknowledged that his side failed to live up to the quality they possess throughout an event they were tipped to enter as potential dark horses, adding that an opening-day blowout defeat to Italy haunted his side across their run.

"We weren't good enough throughout the tournament," he told uefa.com. "The first match had such a negative effect on my players. That can happen.

"But those players will play for Turkey for many years and they will succeed like they have before."

The bigger picture

Switzerland's victory was not enough to overturn an inferior goal difference against Wales, who were defeated by Italy in Rome elsewhere in Group A, meaning that Rob Page's side were the team to join Roberto Mancini's Azzurri in automatically qualifying for the last 16.

The nature of Euro 2020's third-place ranking system also means that, while Switzerland face a wait to see if they will qualify through virtue of being one of the four best-ranked sides left in the competition, they will also not know any potential opponent until Wednesday too.

Turkey, meanwhile, will return home, ahead of an autumn of Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers, seeking their first appearance since South Korea/Japan 2002, where they unexpectedly finished third.

Further reading

Harry Kane will start England’s critical Euro 2020 clash against the Czech Republic, manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed.

The Three Lions need at least a point to secure their place in the last 16, having overcome Croatia 1-0 before a scoreless draw with Scotland.

In both encounters, Kane has been quiet, continuing a trend that has stretched numerous matches.

This has led to criticism of the Tottenham striker, who Southgate continues to stand by.

What did he say?

Asked if Kane will keep his place in the starting XI, Southgate said: “You can assume that, yes, absolutely.

“He is fundamental not only to the goals he scores but the build-up play and everything else he brings.

“I know there will be a lot of questions being asked about him at the moment but he has been through that 100 times before and I have answered that in this role several times in the past and he has come up with the goals that have won us the next games and I expect that to be the same moving forward.”

Kane still has support of squad

It is not just his manager standing by the Tottenham forward. Team-mate Kieran Trippier said that those around him must offer him better opportunities.

“I believe in Harry and I know he will score goals, Harry's chances will come and for sure he will score goals,” Trippier said.

“Harry has had an unbelievable season with Spurs. He is working hard in training and it is about getting the chances to him.

“He is our captain, our leader, a big player for us and we just need to create chances for him to score goals. We need to get him on the end of chances.”

Why is Kane being criticised?

Kane has 34 goals for England in 56 caps but has hit a barren spell of late.

Since the end of the qualification process for Euro 2020 in 2019 - and a run of 10 goals in six games – Kane has only found the net on two occasions in 11 appearances for his nation.

With the England team perceived to have been built around him, there is a sense that he is not doing enough to justify the faith that his manager has placed in him.

Meanwhile, the Three Lions could drop to third in Group D if they lose to Czech Republic on Tuesday and Scotland beat Croatia by enough goals to finish with a better goal difference than Southgate's team.

Further reading

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has recalled Heartland goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa to the national team for next month’s international friendly against Mexico in the United States of America.

The goalkeeper’s last involvement for the Super Eagles was against Brazil on October 13, 2019, in Singapore.

In that encounter, which ended 1-1, the 32-year-old was an unused substitute as Rohr preferred Francis Uzoho in goal before he was substituted for Maduka Okoye in the 63rd minute.

The three-time African champions’ game against the Tricolor will take place on July 3 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

However, Nigeria will be parading only Nigeria Professional Football League stars against the Concacaf nation.

Others invited for the clash against Mexico are Enyimba goalkeeper John Noble, Rivers United’s Ifeanyi Anaemena, Enugu Rangers’ Ibrahim Olawoyin and Kwara United’s Stephen Jude.

The invited players are expected to report at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja on Tuesday, June 22 with their travel documents. Nonetheless, only 22 players will make the trip to the USA.

The last meeting between the two countries was in a friendly match en route to the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

After 90 minutes of entertaining action, the Super Eagles and El Tri settled for a 0-0 draw at the Georgia Dome, with goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa making a couple of fine saves to deny Stephen Keshi’s men.

For Mexico, who are the most successful team in the Concacaf Gold Cup with eight titles, this game is part of their MexTour series.
 

INVITED PLAYERS

Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); John Noble (Enyimba FC)

Defenders: Olisa Ndah (Akwa United); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors); Tope Olusesi (Rangers International); Ifeanyi Anaemena (Rivers United); Christopher Nwaeze (Kwara United); Enyinnaya Kazie (Rivers United); Mohammed Zirkiflu (Plateau United); Imoh Ubot (Enyimba FC); Tebo Franklin Degaulle (Nasarawa United); Lawal Oriyomi Murtala (Kwara United)

Midfielders: Anthony Shimaga (Rangers International); Seth Mayi (Akwa United); Uche Nwasonaya (Plateau United); Samuel Nnoshiri (Katsina United); Ekundayo Ojo (Enyimba FC)

Forwards: Anayo Iwuala (Enyimba FC); Stephen Jude (Kwara United); Ibrahim Olawoyin (Rangers International); Charles Ashimene (Akwa United); Chinonso Ezekwe (Rangers International); Auwalu Ali Malam
(Kano Pillars); Neurot Emmanuel (Plateau United); Abdulmutalif Sanusi (Katsina United)

Italy equalled their all-time record unbeaten run with a 1-0 win against Wales on Sunday.

The Azzurri maintained their perfect start to Euro 2020 with a third straight win in Group A.

Roberto Mancini's team have now gone 30 games without defeat and could set a new national record if they win their first knockout tie of the competition.

When was the record set?

Mancini's men have equalled a record which has stood for 82 years.

Vittorio Pozzo was the coach as Italy went four years without defeat between October 1935 and July 1939.

In that time they won their second consecutive World Cup and won the gold medal in the Olympics in 1936.

What did Mancini say?

Italy have lost just two matches since Mancini took charge, and the last team to get the better of them was Portugal in a Nations League match in September 2018.

Mancini admits that his side are far from being able to replicate the achievements of Pozzo's team and warned that his players must not get complacent.

“Pozzo won many important trophies too, so we’re still far behind that level. Anyone who goes through to the Round of 16 can win the Euros, that’s for sure,” he said.

“Every game is difficult, we mustn’t think that we can win every game or that any of this is to be taken for granted.

“We thank the people of Rome for all they’ve done for us and hope everyone can get back to enjoying themselves.”

Further reading

Ahmed Musa’s Kano Pillars suffered a massive setback in their quest to win the 2020-21 Nigeria Professional Football League title after losing 1-0 to Jigawa Golden Stars on Sunday evening.

Ali Kalla’s 80th-minute effort was all the Badaru Boys required to subdue the visiting Sai Masu Gida at the Hadejia Township Stadium.

Going into the crunch league outing, Jigawa had gone on an abysmal run that saw them fail to win any of their last seven league games – bowing 2-1 to Heartland in their last time out.

For Pillars, they were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Kennedy Boboye’s title-chasing Akwa United.

In dire need of a win, Ibrahim Musa’s team travelled to Hadejia with the ambition of returning to winning ways.

Five minutes into the game, Olasunkanmi Quadri was cautioned by the centre referee for a clumsy tackle.

The first half produced no goals as chances were few, although it was the visiting side that looked the most promising in attack.

Kano Pillars stepped up their performance in the second half, although they could not get a much-needed goal thanks to impressive defending by Gilbert Opana’s side.

With the game looking destined to end on a no winner, no vanquished note, super-sub Kalla scored the winner after firing past goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso with ten minutes left on the clock.

Combining effectively with Nwangwa Nyima and Ali, Musa led Pillars’ charge for an equaliser, but they ended up being defeated.

“It was a very difficult game and I am glad that we emerged victorious after 90 minutes,” Opana told the media.

“Kano Pillars are a very strong side with quality players. So, I will say our determination powered us to victory.”

The defeat saw the Sani Abacha Stadium giants drop to third place on the NPFL log, having garnered 49 points from 28 outings.

Akwa United, who silenced Adamawa United 2-0 on Saturday, remain at the summit of the Nigerian top-flight with 53 points from the same number of matches. Elsewhere, Jigawa Golden Stars are 14th with 33 points.

Musa and his teammates would be hoping to return to winning ways when they host Ifeanyi Ubah United in their next outing on June 27.