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Cameroon international Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and former Ghana star Kevin-Prince Boateng have celebrated Germany’s 4-2 victory over Portugal at the ongoing Euro 2020.

After a stuttering start to the competition – where they bowed 1-0 to France in their opening game – the Germans bounced back to secure an impressive win on Saturday night.

Well, it is not surprising to see the Indomitable Lions skipper and the former Black Stars midfielder take to social media to celebrate Joachim Low’s side.

Both players were born in Germany and they featured for the European country at U19 and U21 levels before pledging their international allegiances to African nations.

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo had given the reigning European champions the lead at the Fussball Arena.

Nonetheless, Low’s team bounced back to equalise in the 35th minute as Ruben Dias turned the ball into his own net.

Another own goal by Raphael Guerreiro four minutes later gave Die Mannschaft a 2-1 lead heading into the halftime break.

In the 51st minute, the four-time world champions increased their lead through Kai Havertz who profited from a Robin Gosens assist.

Thanks to his effort, the 22-year-old Chelsea star became Germany's youngest ever goalscorer in a European Championship game, and youngest at any major tournament (World Cup/Euros) since Thomas Muller against Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup.

Gosens’ effort on the hour mark ruined any chances of Fernando Santos’ team launching a comeback in the six-goal thriller.

Even at that, Diogo Jota’s strike in the 67th minute reduced the deficit for the Navigators - who had Ronaldo in action from start to finish.

Meanwhile, Thomas Muller has warned his teammates against becoming arrogant after their thrilling win.

"We had a lot of good aspects, but also a lot of things that we still have to improve, that can cost points in the end,” the Bayern Munich star told reporters.

"Now we have three points, now we're good at the tournament and we have it in our own hands. Now we mustn't overdo it or become arrogant - but we can believe in our quality. We can feel a little euphoria."

Despite playing to a 1-1 result against Hungary, France are top of Group F on four points as it stands.

Les Bleus will be through to the round of 16 if they pick up at least a point from their final game against Portugal, while Germany will now fancy their chances of winning the pool as they come up against Hungary next.

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has started to reveal the prices of the best players in the 2021-22 game, with Mohamed Salah and Kevin de Bruyne set to be among the top bracket buys once again.

The English top-flight fantasy platform reached new heights in popularity last season as over six million players signed up to the online competition, with that number set to increase once again with the help of dedicated shows, programmes and podcasts.

Budding managers will be out to emulate reigning champion Michael Coone when the new season kicks off on August 14, and they can now start planning their squads following the FPL's first price reveal for a number of the league's most sought-after players.

Whose prices have been set?

Liverpool's top four highest-scoring outfield players from 2020-21 will command a sizeable investment once again, with Mohamed Salah leading the way at £12.5 million.

One of Salah's strike partners Diogo Jota will be available for £7.5m, along with right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, while the man covering the opposite flank, Andrew Robertson, has been priced at £7.9m.

Leeds United's most expensive quartet has also been revealed, as Patrick Bamford starts out at £8.0m following his impressive year in the Premier League.

Brazilian winger Raphinha will set managers back £6.5m, while Illan Meslier will represent a strong budget goalkeeping option at £5.0m. Liam Cooper is listed at £4.5m.

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace's Wilfred Zaha has a value of £7.0m, which could yet prove a steal if he completes a long-awaited transfer to one of the bigger clubs in the top-flight, with Everton reportedly among those interested in his services.

Who is likely to cost big money alongside Salah?

Salah looks likely to be the highest-priced player on the game for a second successive year, but Manchester City talisman De Bruyne will surely be close behind after scooping the PFA Player of the Year award.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes will also be highly sought after, having won 244 points last term, more than any other player on the game.

Tottenham striker Harry Kane was just two points behind the Portuguese, while his team-mate Son Heung-min came in fourth with an impressive haul of 228 - and both men will be popular picks again this time around.

Fans can expect a major price hike for the highest-scoring goalkeeper on the game, Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, while defensive stats leader Stuart Dallas could also become a premium pick after contributing eight goals and two assists to Leeds' cause in their first season back in the top-flight.

What budget do FPL managers receive?

As in previous years, FPL managers will be required to pick a squad of 15 players using a £100m budget.

Players collect points from each fixture based on goals, assists, clean sheets and other factors, meaning it is crucial that you invest funds wisely to ensure the highest possible points return.

Managers will be able to make unlimited changes to their squads until the first deadline of the new campaign, which will be on the evening of Friday August 13, before Brentford face Arsenal.

Further reading

Karim Benzema needs just one goal to get up and running for France again, says team-mate Antoine Griezmann.

The striker approached Euro 2020 off the back of an excellent season at Real Madrid, having scored 30 goals in 46 matches, but Benzema is yet to find the net since making his return to the France squad after a six-year absence.

Griezmann is confident the 33-year-old will start scoring regularly for Les Bleus before long, insisting he just needs one to get him going.

What has been said?

"I think each attacker wants to score the first goal and the quicker he does that, the better it is for everybody," Griezmann said at a press conference. "As soon as Karim gets one in the net, that will help him. We just need to be patient and remain confident.

"You know me, I feel a lot better in the centre, I feel a lot more free, I like playing on the side with people behind me but it’s a lot easier for me to play in the centre. Playing on the side I can use my left foot to try and find Kylian or Karim and help the team as a whole."

He added on Benzema: "I think he wants to score just like Kylian and just like me, when you’re a striker you need to score to be able to play. He helps a lot in the attack and as soon as he does score, the water will start flowing.

"We all support him and have confidence in him, the staff and players alike want him to be in the best position possible. We hope his goal comes quickly but we have to be patient. He’s had some great opportunities so I’m sure he will be scoring soon. He has had some opportunities so the goal will come."

How many goals has Benzema scored for France?

The former Lyon star fired 27 goals across 78 appearances for France until he was exiled from the squad in 2015.

He is the 10th top scorer in France's history, having been overtaken by current team-mates Griezmann and Olivier Giroud.

Giroud has 46 and is second on the list behind Thierry Henry, while Griezmann is fourth on 38 after his goal against Hungary on Saturday.

Further reading

Frank De Boer is relieved after Memphis Depay completed his transfer to Barcelona, and believes the Netherlands star will now hit top form at Euro 2020.

Barcelona have announced that Depay will move to Camp Nou on a free transfer when his contract at Lyon expires at the end of the month, with the 27-year-old having put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Spanish giants.

Depay has not reached his best level in the Netherlands' first two games at the European Championships, but De Boer is hopeful that linking up with the Blaugrana will inspire him to step up for his country as they look ahead to the round of 16.

What's been said?

Asked how he felt after sealing Depay's switch to Camp Nou, De Boer told his press conference on Sunday: "It's a relief. Maybe that gives him an extra kick to perform even better. We need Memphis in top form.“

De Boer added on the forward's underwhelming start to the Euros: “Memphis is the first to criticise himself or the way he plays and says to himself: 'I can do better than what I've shown so far'.

"He is not a different person when being criticised. He is very self-confident and knows exactly what he wants. It is not so easy to upset him. Let's hope he gets to the level we hope he will get. He's very important for the team.“

Depay's international record

Depay has played in 66 games for the Netherlands since making his international debut as a teenager back in 2013, scoring 22 goals.

The outgoing Lyon star's latest effort came from the spot as De Boer's side beat Austria 2-0 in their second Group C fixture, but he also produced one of the misses of the tournament in that contest, blazing over from close range after being set up perfectly by Wout Weghorst.

What's next?

Depay could get the chance to add to his tally when the Netherlands take on North Macedonia at Johan Cruijff ArenA on Monday, having already secured their place as group winners.

De Boer can already start planning for the knockout stages after seeing his team pick up maximum points, but he is still ranking two nations ahead of his own.

“Italy has made the best impression so far." he said. "After the win, the Germans are among the favorites again. Germany played a perfect game yesterday [4-2 against Portugal], maybe the best game so far in the tournament.”

Further reading

Joachim Low is not concerned about Germany's imperfect start to Euro 2020, saying teams that win their first two matches of a tournament rarely go all the way.

Germany were beaten by France in their opening match of the competition, but recovered to defeat Portugal 4-2 on Saturday.

Low's team are looking to avoid a repeat of their group stage elimination at the last World Cup, and Low feels his side are in good shape after two matches.

What has been said?

"Of course, a win like this gives you a boost, but we never doubted ourselves. We knew we could do some things better," Low told reporters. "The next game could be even more difficult, because Hungary sit deeper and defend with eight or nine men. We have to take it step by step.

"There are plenty of strong sides in this tournament, but the teams who have everything running perfectly in the first two games are rarely the ones who end up winning the tournament."

He added: "It was a very strong game for us against a technically good Portuguese side who are strong on the counter-attack. We showed a lot of morale after going behind. We showed very good spirit and never lost track, and we kept our composure.

"We also kept the momentum high and created a lot of good chances while playing at a very good tempo. We overwhelmed the Portuguese defence several times."

What do Germany need to go through?

Germany will finish off the group stage with a match against Hungary on Wednesday. Low's team are currently second in Group F, a point behind France and ahead of Portugal.

They will be sure of a place in the next round if they win against Hungary, but a draw will be enough as long as France avoid defeat against Portugal.

They can finish third if they get a point against Hungary and France lose, or if both they and Portugal lose their final games.

Further reading

We are all probably running out of superlatives to laud the horde of Nigeria forwards who all had outstanding campaigns throughout 2020-21 or at least for a sustained period during the season.

Kelechi Iheanacho overcame a difficult first half of the campaign — and probably his most challenging time since moving to Leicester City — to thrive since the turn of the year. Terem Moffi, despite his streaky nature, ended his debut campaign in one of Europe’s top five leagues with 14 goals for struggling Lorient.

Victor Osimhen ended a mixed maiden year with Napoli on a high, while Umar Sadiq’s impressive 20-goal year at Almeria had led to recent links to Champions League outfit Sevilla.

The returns of Paul Onuachu and Simy particularly fascinated owing to events previously and doubts over their efficiency.

By his standards, Onuachu had a fairly disappointing debut season with Genk (he scored only nine times) having hit double figures in three years on the spin before leaving Midtjylland.

That didn’t deter him from scoring 33 goals in the regular season in Belgium, ultimately seeing him named the division’s best player.

As for Simy, nobody foresaw him flourishing in Serie A because he'd been a let-down in two previous campaigns in the Italian top league. Despite thriving in Serie B, there was a feeling that the marksman’s goals could dry up, but he was having none of that.

He netted 20 league goals for struggling Crotone, whose struggles and eventual relegation shouldn’t diminish the 29-year-old’s haul. If anything, Simy’s reputation is enhanced.

The aforementioned centre-forwards have been tipped with a move away from their respective clubs, and many have suggested transfers to Premier League sides. However, given their profiles, could this ever be on the cards?

There’s always the lazy tendency to categorise every towering forward a target man: a battering ram who fancies tussles, feeds on crosses into the box from wide areas and doesn’t shy from having long balls launched into him downfield.

Onuachu and Simy immediately fit this generalisation, but only the former is really a target man, while the Crotone frontman is, by and large, a poacher.

A breakdown of the Genk striker’s goals show that he netted a staggering 11 goals with his head, while the former Gil Vicente attacker netted only one headed strike.

Interestingly, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the 33-goal man competed in and won more aerial duels than the Crotone marksman — winning 55 percent of battles in the air, whereas Simy won only 40 percent.

The pair did their damage predominantly within the box, demonstrating their poaching instincts, with only one Simy strike coming outside the 18-yard area from both combined.

In short: while Simy is strictly a poacher, Onuachu is an amalgamation of an instinctive finisher and target man.

Having said that, there’s uncertainty over a move to England’s top flight due to few sides utilising centre-forwards of their profile.

Of the clubs that ended the just-concluded campaign in the top half, only Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin shares similarities with both Nigerian forwards—particularly Onuachu. The striker is an adept header of the ball and thrived on service from the flanks, resulting in seven headed goals. He also won 53 percent of aerial duels.

Be that as it may, it remains to be seen if the Toffees swoop for the Genk star, who may be unwilling to play second fiddle to the England international.

West Ham United are an interesting prospect, owing to their lack of a natural centre-forward.

Michail Antonio generally featured for David Moyes in a central striking role and the Scot paired Jared Bowen and Jesse Lingard whenever the uncapped Jamaican was absent.

While a move for natural strikers like Simy or Onuachu may appeal on paper, letting go of Ivory Coast’s Sebastien Haller in January — a player with similar physical attributes to both Nigerian forwards — somewhat underscores Moyes’ approach to playing without a natural frontman.

In the bottom half, Burnley — given their general style and Sean Dyche’s fondness for Chris Wood — definitely stand out, Crystal Palace — owing to the presence of Christian Benteke — while the relegated West Bromwich Albion could have done with either Simy or Onuachu’s qualities.

However, Palace’s approach post-Roy Hodgson remains uncertain — and Benteke’s renewed his contract with the South London side anyway — meaning a switch to the Eagles may not materialise.

Dyche’s preference for Wood may harm the Nigerian pair’s prospects in leading the line for the Clarets if a transfer takes place this summer.

So, what about Norwich City, Watford and Brentford, the newly-promoted sides?

Teemu Pukki led the line for Norwich when they came up two seasons ago and has remained their top striker under Daniel Farke.

Joao Pedro was the Hornets’ primary central striker last term, but he’s not a natural number nine and tends to drift to the flanks.

Ivan Toney led the line for Brentford last year in a record-breaking campaign. Interestingly, all 31 goals were scored inside the box but his involvement in play led to 10 assists, demonstrating that he isn’t wholly a poacher, is definitely not a target man but rather a rounded frontman.

Unless the new boys tweak their approach and style, accommodating Onuachu or Simy will obviously be complicated. Indeed, the same could be said for even the current sides in the PL who may be unwilling to make drastic shifts in their approach to fit the frontmen into their teams.

Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri signed a fresh two-year contract extension on Sunday, which will keep him at the club until 2023.

The new deal will see Chhetri staying at the club for 10 long years at Bengaluru FC. The talismanic forward had joined the club in 2013

What did Chhetri say after extending his stay?

“I’m really happy to have signed on for two more years at Bengaluru FC. The city is home now, and the people at this club are like family to me. It feels like just yesterday that I signed for the first time here, and I have to say the journey has been nothing short of special. I love this club, the supporters and the city, all three of which I have a strong bond with, and I’m looking forward to being part of many more great moments with them,” said Chhetri.

Chhetri's record at Bengaluru FC

Sunil Chhetri has the most number of appearances (203) in a Bengaluru shirt in the club's history and is also the club's all-time highest goalscorer (101). 

The India international has won two I-League, two Federation Cup, one Indian Super League (ISL) title and one Super Cup with the Blues. He had also led the Blues to the final of the AFC Cup in 2016.

Last season, Chhetri had scored eight goals in 20 ISL appearances and was the highest Indian goalscorer in the ISL.

Stephen O'Donnell has revealed how he managed to wind up Jack Grealish during Scotland's clash with England at Euro 2020. 

Scotland picked up a 0-0 draw against age-old foes England at Wembley on Friday night, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the round of 16 alive in the process.

Steve Clarke's side managed to frustrate the Three Lions' most creative players, including Jack Grealish, who was targeted by O'Donnell after replacing Phil Foden for the final 27 minutes of the game.

What's been said?

The Motherwell right-back was booked for a foul on Grealish, but generally did a good job of keeping the Aston Villa star quiet, having been told the best way to deal with him by his club team-mate John McGinn before the game.

When quizzed on his yellow card, O'Donnell told ScotlandHQ LIVE: "I was just getting a wee bit fed up at that stage of the game, he'd just come on, he was nice and fresh.

"Normally when the fresh wingers come on that's when you're a bit tired so I thought: 'I just need to hit him here', because I was getting fed up of him trying to take the mick out of me so I gave him a wee hit.

"Thankfully John McGinn had given me some tips, he said if he comes on you need to be nibbling in his ear but don't be critical, be complimentary. 

"So the full time he was on I was telling him how good looking he was and I love his calves and asking him how he got his hair to look like that.

"[McGinn] said if you tell him he's hopeless or kick him really, really hard, he gets up and gives it back at you. Maybe that was the advantage over Jack Grealish the other night."

How things stand in Group D

The Czech Republic, who beat Scotland 2-0 at Hampden in the first round of group stage fixtures, are currently sitting on top of Group D on goal difference ahead of England after drawing 1-1 with Croatia in their second game.

The Three Lions opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Croatia, but must now avoid defeat to the Czechs on Tuesday in order to make certain of a spot in the knockout phase.

Scotland, meanwhile, must pick up their own victory against Croatia to make it through, with the four best third-placed sides in the six groups also set to progress to the last 16.

Further reading

Germany full-back Robin Gosens has credited Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini for his goalscoring heroics against Portugal.

The 26-year-old played a starring role in the 4-2 win for his side. Despite having a goal disallowed early on, Gosens managed to get one on the board in the second half after getting an assist for Kai Havertz.

Gosens' goal is his second for Germany, having previously found the net in their 7-1 friendly win against Latvia before Euro 2020 began.

What has been said?

Gosens approached the tournament off the back of his most prolific season at club level having struck 11 times in Serie A, and he says it is his Atalanta coach who brought out his inner goalscorer.

"You have to thank Mister Gasperini," he told reporters. "He had a great influence on it and these qualities that seem to have slumbered in me a bit were tickled out of me with the game system in Bergamo.

"I've been there for four years now and have internalised the system. I'm someone who likes to take part in the offensive game and I also have the dynamism and the time to score a goal like today."

Is a transfer on the horizon?

The former Heracles star was asked if the quality of his performances at the Euros could lead to a bigger team snapping him up, but Gosens, who has two years left on his contract with Atalanta, says he will think about his future after the tournament.

"I don't know. The Bergamo sports director has already written to me and expressed his congratulations," he said.  "I think they are just happy for me now and proud that I played a good game at a European Championship.

"It certainly happens that you end up on the screen of other teams through such an achievement, but we'll take a look at it after the Euros. Now the focus is fully on the tournament, we want to get as far as possible."

What next for Germany?

Joachim Low's team now have three points from their first two matches. They sit a point behind France and level with Portugal and will round off the group stage with a match against Hungary on June 23.

Further reading

Netherlands star Denzel Dumfries has responded to the transfer talk surrounding him amid his impressive Euro 2020 campaign.

Dumfries has been one of the stars of the summer tournament so far, scoring the winning goal in the Netherlands' 3-2 win against Ukraine before doubling his account to help them beat Austria 2-0.

Frank de Boer's side are already through to the round of 16 after securing back-to-back wins in Group C, but Dumfries says he is not getting distracted by the speculation over his future at PSV ahead of his country's outing against North Macedonia.

What has been said?

Asked if his stellar performances for the Netherlands could earn him a big-money move in the summer transfer window, Dumfries told reporters: "I just play my game as I always do. I'm not at all concerned. I concentrate fully on the tournament. There is still a lot of room for improvement.

"I want to grow in knowing how to choose the right position in the possession phase, in the passages, so that I can make the right choice in advance and improve my performance.”

Who has Dumfries been linked with?

Bayern Munich has been touted as the most likely next destination for Dumfries, who only has two years left to run on his current deal at PSV.

The 25-year-old defender reportedly has a €15 million (£13m/$18m) release clause in his contract, and is also attracting attention from Italian giants Inter.

Dumfries admitted that he sees his future away from Philips Stadion before the European Championships kicked off, and said he might have moved on already were it not for the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Dutch star also conceded that the Premier League holds great appeal to him, telling Voetbal International: "There are new things on the horizon. [A departure] did not happen [due to the pandemic] and I am very happy at PSV, but I do feel that, as a footballer and as a person, I am ready to take the next step abroad.

"The Premier League and the Bundesliga, they suit my game. I can see the headlines again, but I think I can say this and I think everyone can see that I am ready to move on."

Further reading

The mother of Simba SC midfielder Jonas Mkude, Grace Shimba, has voiced her displeasure with the club for the decision they took to order her son to undergo a medical check-up after he allegedly skipped training sessions.

The Tanzania international was suspended by the club after they returned from South Africa where they played against Kaizer Chiefs in the Caf Champions League, and he was summoned by the disciplinary committee, who postponed making a ruling until a medical examination was done.

However, Goal exclusively reported that the 28-year-old refused to attend the medical examination and was instead, waiting for the club to decide his future.

The move has irked his mother who said she was hurt to learn what the club had done to her son.

What has been said?

“It has hurt me a lot because I gave birth to Jonas [Mkude] in his right mind and I have seen what is going on social media talking bad about my son but I have nothing to do,” Shimba said as quoted by Sokalabongo.

“My gut is cutting because I have been carrying it for nine months in my womb. I gave birth to him alive, he should also ask God to take care of him, you know I can’t interfere in his career but it has touched me about the club’s decision.”

Shimba has, however, urged her son to emain calm as the case is being handled and asked him to stay away from anything being discussed on social media.

“Wait for the decisions with the club, that’s why I said I can’t interfere with it, he should also keep quiet and not talk to everyone,” Shimba continued.

What did Simba statement say?

On sending him to hospital, Simba's disciplinary committee, chaired by Seleman Kova, said in a statement obtained by Goal: “After two reported accounts of indiscipline against Jonas [Mkude] regarding his absence from training on May 18, the disciplinary committee met over the same.

“It heard the evidence presented by the club led by Michael Mhina while Mkude’s side was led by Tumaini Mfinanga.

“After extensive consultation, it was realized the accusations against Mkude have been recurring, and in initial situations, he had been found guilty of the offenses leveled against him.

“The disciplinary committee decided to deal with the issue differently to ensure an amicable solution is reached. As a result, a ruling has been postponed until a medical examination is done. After the examination, the committee will submit its ruling.”

Mkude started playing for Simba's first team in the 2011 season.

Alvaro Morata admits Spain are struggling with the weight of expectation at Euro 2020 as they try and follow a "generation of geniuses".

Spain lifted the trophy for the second time in 2008 before becoming the first country to win the competition back-to-back four years later, with a World Cup triumph wedged in between.

With Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Fernando Torres, David Villa and Sergio Ramos at the peak of their powers, La Roja were an unstoppable force but the squad is currently going through a transitional phase under Luis Enrique.

What has been said?

Spain are in danger of exiting the Euros at the group stage this time around after being held to draws by Sweden and Poland, with Morata growing frustrated with the criticism that is coming their way.

The Atletico Madrid striker, who has just extended his loan stay at Juventus by an extra year, feels Enrique's squad are being unfairly compared with the great teams of the past.

“If we listen to what people say that won’t help, because they are all waiting to pile on and criticise us,” Morata told Sky Italia. “Usually when big nations reach a competition like this, there is a sense of unity around them. We know that we’re following a generation of geniuses who won everything and it’s difficult for us to fill those shoes, but we have to believe in ourselves.”

Morata explains horror miss

Morata came under intense scrutiny following his under-par showing in the stalemate against Sweden, and initially managed to silence his detractors by putting Spain 1-0 up in their meeting with Poland at Estadio La Cartuja on Saturday.

However, Robert Lewandowski drew Poland level early in the second period before a calamitous incident that left the home supporters stunned.

Spain were awarded a penalty after a VAR review judged that Gerard Moreno had been fouled in the box, but the Villarreal star hit the post and the ball fell straight back out to Morata, who then sent a first-time effort wide with the goal at his mercy.

“The ball was travelling at an incredible speed and it was difficult to get it under control," the Atletico loanee said. "Perhaps I was too close to it and should have made a different choice.”

What's next?

Spain will now look ahead to their final Group E clash against Slovakia, which they must win to qualify for the round of 16, with pool leaders Sweden set to take on Poland.

Further reading

Ghana midfielder Edwin Gyasi believes the Netherlands can lift the ongoing Euro 2020 title.

The Oranje have made it to the knockout phase from Group C after picking up maximum points from their two matches against Ukraine and Austria.

They started the continental finals with an impressive 3-2 win over the Andrey Shecnchenko-led charges before silencing the Boys with a 2-0 victory after Memphis Depay's brace.

The final Group C game against North Macedonia will likely determine if they will be group winners or not, with a draw against the minnows enough to secure top spot in their pool.

The Dutch-born Black Star is optimistic Frank de Boer's charges can win the competition for the first time since 1988.

"You look at the players and can conclude that they can win the trophy but this is a tournament and it is a game after a game, and it is open," Gyasi, who plays for Turkish side Samsunspor, told Angel TV .

"The likes of France can also win the tournament."

The 29-year-old is holding out for a return to international duty after some time out in the wilderness.

The experienced attacker is yet to earn a call-up to the four-time African champions since current coach CK Akonnor assumed duty last year.

Born in the Netherlands to Ghanaian parents, Gyasi made his Ghana debut in a Fifa World Cup qualification win over Congo in September 2017.

"I have been talking to [Thomas] Partey, Alfred Duncan among other players but on different issues anytime we are in touch," Gyasi said in a recent interview.

"This is my country and I opted to play for and for me, I am ready to make a return anytime because it is always an honour to play for your national team.

"My doors are always open and anytime CK Akonnor calls me, I am ready to show up and play for the national team."

As the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon beckons, Gyasi will be looking to make an impression on Akonnor when the European league season resumes this summer.

The next Black Stars squad is expected to be announced just ahead of matches against Ethiopia and South Africa in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in September.

Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane has stated they did not want to make excuses despite the pre-match drama that clouded their Caf Champions League first-leg tie against Esperance in Rades on Saturday.
 
Al Ahly had to abandon their pre-match warm up as the police reacted with 'gas bombs' against Esperance fans. The game was delayed for an hour due to a clash between the authorities and the fans, but Mosimane's team won thanks to a Mohamed Sherif goal.

"We are dealing with all circumstances. Against Al-Hilal last season, the atmosphere was more difficult because the fans of the Sudanese team stormed the field," Mosimane said as per Kingfut.com.

"We don’t have any problem dealing with such situations.

"The difficulty was that the team ate their last meal three hours before the match, and after it was postponed for an hour, the team did not eat for four hours, and because of this, we lacked energy in the last minutes of the second half."

"We didn’t want to make excuses. We had to be very focused during the match, and I’m not saying that because we won."

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach said he and senior players had to calm the rest of the squad before the game began.

"I asked the players to calm down, because their role is to play football," he added.

"We spoke with the players before the match to motivate them, but after what happened we had to renew their motives again, and this happened with the help of Mohamed El-Shennawy, Saad Samir, and Sayed Abdel-Hafiz.

"It’s not just about me, I’m surrounded by a group of great people, but I’m not alone.

"I always tell the players that we are a good and strong team. I saw Al Ahly win without many players, but it does not matter who plays."I was infected with the coronavirus and I was not in the matches, but the team won.

"El-Shennawy missed the Cairo derby against Zamalek and the team won, Afsha missed games and we won. The team is the most important.

"I put all my focus on winning and developing the team.

"Al Ahly is a great team and I came to them when they were big. There are many coaches who have done many things like Manuel Jose, who inspired me a lot and I respect him because he is a legend."

Kaizer Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic has demanded they put their celebrations following Saturday's 1-0 win over Wydad Casablanca on ice as there is still the Champions League semi-final, second-leg to play against the same opponents next weekend.

Nurkovic’s 34th-minute goal separated Chiefs and Wydad away at Stade Mohamed V to hand the Soweto giants the advantage heading into the return leg at FNB Stadium on June 26.

Chiefs will now host Wydad at FNB Stadium next Saturday and a draw of any kind will be enough to see them through to their maiden Champions League final.

With 90 minutes of the semi-final still to go, a cautious Nurkovic wants his teammates to put on hold celebrating the first-leg triumph but says they should remain “happy.” 

“It was a great team effort and I was really happy to have contributed to the victory. But we can’t still be celebrating because it is only half time. Next week we are playing them at home and we have to make sure we win that game as well,” Nurkovic told Chiefs’ media. 

“I am going to leave that [the strategy for the second leg] to the coach because we have a very good coach. I am not worried about all these things because everything will be fine.  

“They [teammates] have to be happy. It’s really a good result away from home and it’s the first leg of the semi-final of the Champions League so they have to be happy. It was a good effort from each and everyone in the team and like I said, we have to continue with the same fighting spirit.”  

However, Nurkovic’s goal which had the final say in the match was accompanied by some controversy after it was initially ruled as offside. 

But after consulting the video assistant referee, the goal stood. 

“It is important [having VAR] because there will be less cheating,” added Nurkovic. 

“If it is not important then none of these biggest leagues in the world wouldn’t be using it. Like I said I am really happy to have contributed to the victory and it was really a good team effort.

"So we just have to continue with the same fighting spirit.” 

Gareth Southgate has confirmed Jadon Sancho is in contention to finally make his Euro 2020 bow for England.

Sancho was left out of England's opening Group D win against Croatia and was an unused substitute during their 0-0 draw with Scotland at Wembley on Friday.

Southgate faced some criticism for not bringing on the Borussia Dortmund winger when the Three Lions were chasing a winner against the Scots, but the head coach says he could be in line to feature against the Czech Republic.

What's been said?

"We've got some explosive options and a lot of them are young players and experiencing a big tournament for the first time," Southgate told reporters ahead of Tuesday's game. "So as a coaching staff we are realistic about our expectations of them as individuals.

"Jadon is in that mix. He's trained well the last few days and of course we have got those options and those decisions to make."

Sancho's credentials

Sancho was touted for a key role in England's set-up for the European Championships after another stellar season at Dortmund in which he provided 16 goals and 20 assists in 38 appearances.

The 21-year-old, who helped Dortmund finish fourth in the Bundesliga and win the DFB-Pokal, has 18 caps to date for his country to date, the latest of which saw him turn in an impressive display in a Euros warm-up win against Romania on June 6.

Southgate bemoans lack of preparation time

Southgate went on to express his frustration over having to prepare for the summer tournament without Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford - all of who finished their club seasons late due to European commitments.

"I think a lot of those players we didn't have for the friendlies, so the chemistry is something we didn't have a lot of opportunity to work on," Southgate added.

"We've got to just keep working on that. We know there are some very good players in there, we know they can perform better than they did (against Scotland) and we've got to help them to find that level.

"The important thing is that everyone gets behind the team and the players and they're going to need to feel that support and to feel that warmth. This is a relatively inexperienced group, I think the third least caps in the tournament. Against Scotland, it was a young team so that's a different experience for a lot of them than they've ever faced before.

"They've just about survived it. We want to be better and that's what we're going to work through in the next few days before we play the Czech Republic."

Further reading

Ujpest defender Vincent Onovo has confirmed that Turkish Super Lig club Goztepe are interested in his services this summer.

Onovo, who is based in Hungary, was handed a call-up by Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr as the replacement for injured William Troost-Ekong ahead of Super Eagles’ second friendly match against Cameroon a week ago.

With reports emerging he is a target for Goztepe, the 25-year-old has confirmed in an interview that the Turkish club have already made inquiries for his services, but he is yet to make a decision on whether to move or not.

"Goztepe are interested but I have not decided yet,” Onovo told allnigeriasoccer.com when asked to confirm the reports of an imminent switch to the Turkish side.

“Goztepe have spoken to my club, my club told them to wait till next month because of the Europa Conference League we are going to play and that the transfer window is still open till August.

“I have not asked about the length of contract that I was offered by Goztepe, I have not yet decided where to go, other clubs are interested.”

Onovo helped Ujpest win the Magyar Kupa (Hungarian Cup) which means they qualified for the second round of the 2021-22 Europa Conference League.

He has also featured for Finnish clubs Inter Turku and HJK Helsinki before transferring to Ujpest in February 2018.

During the Cameroon friendly, Onovo linked up with the Super Eagles in Austria after being named in the squad to replace Watford’s Troost-Ekong, who had picked up an injury during a league match.

Nigeria used the friendly to prepare for the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers that will begin in September with Cape Verde, Liberia and the Central African Republic paired against them in Group C.

They have also secured a date with Mexico for another friendly match that will take place at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 3.

Former Orlando Pirates captain Benson Mhlongo has explained why he would like the Premier Soccer League side to appoint Steven Komphela as head coach.

Komphela is among the three coaches at PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns, but the tactician has been linked with a move to Bucs regardless.

Mhlongo believes the former Free State Stars coach has built up his profile and could lead Pirates successfully. 

Although Jozef Zinnbauer is still in charge of the Soweto giants, the German tactician is facing an uncertain future, especially since many fans have called for his sacking.

"Look, he's got experience; been around the block; he understands our culture; he's a born leader; he's run his race; I think he can be given a chance," Mhlongo told KickOff.com.

"I believe everyone deserves a chance. You can not judge a book by its cover. Let's see what he can do, and who knows, he might do well. For me, he's experienced enough to go and lead a big team.

"What happened at Chiefs, that is to his advantage because he has been there, he understands the pressure, he played for a big team, he was a captain, he did well in Turkey.

"So, I think we underrate him. I think it's time we really appreciate what people have achieved. I think he has achieved a lot in his career. I don't see a problem there if you look at the players he has produced."

Revisiting Khompela's history, Mhlongo said the coach is capable of producing good players because he has risked playing youngsters who have turned out to be great.

"He did well with Silver Stars, produced players. He did well at Free State Stars, produced players. He did well at Arrows, he produced stars. That's one accolade we can give him, that he's brave enough to play youngsters, whereas some coaches are not brave enough," added the former Sea Robbers skipper.

"We can rest assured and believe in him because he's been doing it with smaller teams. Pirates, I think they've done their homework, they know why they want him on board."

Although Mhlongo is confident Komphela would be successful at Pirates, he emphasised the need not to put pressure on him to win the PSL in the first season.

"We cannot say in the first season we expect a lot," he concluded.

"Let's give him a chance to build a team and then you can take it from there. You cannot go for success without a foundation. Let's give him a chance to build his foundation, and then take it from there."

Earlier this week, Pirates incorporated Mandla Ncikazi into their technical bench after he left Golden Arrows.