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Kevin De Bruyne put on a dazzling display to inspire Belgium to a 2-1 comeback victory over Denmark on Thursday, earning plenty of praise on social media in the process.

Belgium came into their second Group B fixture fresh from a comfortable 3-0 win against Russia, but got off to the worst possible start at the Parken Stadium as Denmark took an early lead through Yussuf Poulsen.

The Red Devils were lucky not to concede again before the break, but emerged for the second period with a renewed sense of purpose following the introduction of De Bruyne, who has only just returned to action following a serious facial injury.

De Bruyne leads Belgium to victory

Within just 10 minutes of coming on, De Bruyne had provided the all-important assist for Thorgan Hazard to level the scores in Copenhagen.

The Manchester City star took a pass from Romelu Lukaku in his stride before calmly squaring the ball across goal to Hazard, who then had the simplest of tasks to stroke the ball past Kasper Schmeichel from close range.

De Bruyne became the only player to have assisted a goal in each of the last two European Championships and World Cups in the process, but he wasn't done there.

The 29-year-old put his name up in lights 20 minutes from time as he drove an unstoppable first-time shot into the net following great work from Romelu Lukaku down the rightwing.

Denmark responded by throwing men forward in numbers and pressed hard for an equaliser, with Martin Braithwaite going closest after seeing an acrobatic header hit the crossbar, but Belgium ultimately held out for the 2-1 win which takes them through to the round of 16.

What was said?

De Bruyne has explained that he decided not to celebrate his winning goal out of respect for Christian Eriksen, who is still recovering in hospital after suffering cardiac arrest in Denmark's opening game against Finland.

“[Belgium coach] Roberto Martinez got me into the game by asking me to create space. I scored,” the Belgium talisman told RTBF post-match.

“But I didn’t want to celebrate that goal. I have too much respect for the Danish fans.”

De Bruyne added on the Red Devils' latest performance: “We can be happy. We knew that there would be difficult moments against Denmark and in front of this crowd, with everything that happened.”

Social media reaction 

Supporters and experts across the game have taken to Twitter to express their admiration towards De Bruyne, who will now likely play a prominent role in Martinez's set-up for the remainder of the Red Devils' Euros campaign.

The mercurial midfielder, who has now scored 23 goals in 82 games for his country, will hope to be handed his first start of the tournament when Belgium wrap up their Group B schedule against Finland on Monday.

Tanzania Mainland Premier League giants Yanga SC took advantage of Simba SC's Caf Champions League campaign, to identify potential transfer targets, it has been revealed.

Simba hosted Plateau United of Nigeria and Platinum FC of Zimbabwe in the preliminary round of the competition before entertaining Al Ahly of Egypt, Al Merrikh of Sudan, DR Congo's AS Vita and, South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs in the quater-finals. According to a Yanga official, those matches gave them a chance to scan for players they could sign.

So far, Timu ya Wananchi have engaged Congolese full-back Djuma Shabani - who impressed against Wekundu wa Msimbazi - and credible reports indicate the two parties have agreed on a two-year deal. Talks between the Jangwani giants and Kaizer Chiefs' Lazarous Kambole have, however, collapsed due to demands made by the Zambian star.

"We watched all the teams that came to Dar es Salaam and played Simba and our scouts were keen on which players impressed them. Our attention was drawn to players from AS Vita, Kaizer Chiefs, and Al-Merrikh, particularly because these are the players we would realistically approach and sign," the official told Goal.

"You must have heard that we have already held fruitful talks with AS Vita about [Djuma] Shabani, but whether he will join us eventually is a matter that we can wait for the club to make it official. We saw him play here in Tanzania and our scouts in Kinshasa watched him in the first-leg tie and we were impressed that he would come and give Shomari Kibwana stiff competition at full-back. 

"We need players who will come and help us improve.

"We had identified two or three more players, but the other targets proved difficult to obtain because their coach openly stated they were central to his plans and thus could not be let go.

"People have focused on Kambole alone but we also saw a few other stars who actually played both games and could come and help push our domestic and continental ambitions. We took advantage of Simba games to see which players gave them problems and straight away such a player was noted as one of our primary targets. 

"Simba are our rivals and we always meet a number of times in the local competitions and a player who impresses against them has the potential to give us an upper advantage and a competitive edge."

Yanga's Hersi Said, the competition commitee's vice-chairman who is tasked to conduct transfer business, is understood to be in South Africa where he had engaged Amakhosi over Kambole's transfer deal.

Yanga SC secured a crucial 3-2 win over Ruvu Shooting to sustain their slim chances of winning the Tanzania Mainland League title.

Feisal Salum - who scored a brace, and Saidi Ntibazonkiza scored for Timu ya Wananchi with Emmanuel Martin and David Richard scoring for the hosts at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Thursday evening.

The visitors were aware that they needed maximum points to sustain their slim hopes of winning the league title this season.

Wananchi started the game on a high, trying to get an early goal to destabilize their hosts. Having won the first leg 2-1, the 27-time champions came into the match as favourites. 

Timu ya Wananchi had to wait until the 23rd minute; the administrative side failed to clear the ball from their danger zone and it eventually fell to Fiston Abdul Razak who did well to set Salum. The Taifa Star then curled the ball from 20-yards to give his team a deserved lead.

The second goal for Wananchi came in the 32nd minute. A poor pass was intercepted by Deus Kaseke who set his teammate, and the attacking midfielder kept his cool to complete his brace, which is his third goal in the league this season.

Martin reduced the deficit in the 70th minute as the Jangwani Street-based charges relaxed but Ntibazonkiza restored a two-goal advantage 10 minutes later. 

In the 82nd minute, Richard scored to set a tense finale but Yanga held on to get the crucial win.

Meanwhile, debutants Dodoma Jiji made it to the top five on the table after defeating Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) by a solitary goal.

The lone goal for the hosts came at the stroke of half-time courtesy of Yanga target Dickson Ambundo. The striker received a pass from the left and despite being surrounded by defenders, he managed to hit the target.

Mtibwa Sugar also went on to defeat their hosts Mwadui 3-1. The Sugar Millers were the first to score through Salum Kihimbwa in the 22nd minute, but Amri Msinda equalized matters 10 minutes after the second half. Kelvin Sabato scored his fifth of the season when he found the back of the net in the 77th minute.

George Makang'a scored the third for Mtibwa in the stoppages.

Ruvu Shooting XI: Bidii Hussein, Nathaniel Chilambo, Eradius Salvator, CassianPonera, Santos Mazengo, Zuberi Dabi, Mohamed Issa, Shaban Msala, Fully Zully Maganga, David Uromi, James Msuva

Subs: Fadhil Duma, William Patrick, Renatus Ambros, Kelvin Matipani, Mosses Shaban, Frank Ikobela, Emmanuel Martin

Yanga SC XI: Metacha Mnata, Kibwana Shomari, Adeyum Saleh, Dickson Job, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Mukoko Tonombe, Deus Kaseke, Zawadi Mauya, Fiston Abdul Razak, Faisal Salum, Farid Mussa

Subs: Faruk Shikhalo, Paulo Godfrey, Said Juma, Haruna Niyonzima, Waziri Junior, Tuisila Kisinda, Saidi Ntibazonkiza 

Yanga SC have ended their interest in Kaizer Chiefs player Lazarous Kambole due to the high salary demands made by the Zambian striker, Goal can reveal.

Yanga and Kambole have been in talks for a number of days and, even though the larger part of the deal was agreed on by both parties, Kambole's demand of a $10,000 salary is what put off the Tanzanian giants.

Timu ya Wananchi's talks were led by Hersi Said, who heads the competition's committee and with the demands, the record Tanzanian champions are now set to look elsewhere for a striker.

"We had the interest but it seems we would not get him because he has tabled demands we do not think we can offer," a source within Yanga intimated to Goal on Thursday. "A salary of $10,000 can pay around two or three players and putting it into an account of one player is not sustainable for sure.

"I do not think not a single club in Tanzania has such a high value player in their books of accounts and so after a simple feasibility study, we have decided to look elsewhere for a striker. We had good times negotiating every other aspect of the contract until when the subject of remuneration came up.

"We are still hopeful of getting a better striker whose salary will not go beyond $3,500 because that is what we can offer at the maximum."

Yanga and Kaizer Chiefs had agreed on a one-year loan deal for Kambole, who has struggled in the Premier Soccer League, especially under Gavin Hunt. The Jangwani giants hoped to bring in the former Zesco United star in order to strengthen the forward line that has not been impressive in the ongoing season.

Apart from Yacouba Sogne, Michael Sarpong, Fiston Abdulrazak and Saidi Ntibazonkiza have struggled to help Yanga get as many goals as possible in a season where they stood a realistic chance of winning the league before ceding ground to Simba SC.

In approaching Kambole, Yanga hoped he would come and fill the void left by DR Congo's Heritier Makambo who joined Horoya AC of Guinea three seasons ago after making his name with the Mainland Premier League club. Yanga have attempted to sign a prolific striker like Makambo, but previous attempts with Gnamien Yikpe of the Ivory Coast, David Molinga of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the club's current strikers have yielded no meaningful results.

Since Tanzania are guaranteed four Caf slots, Yanga are expected to strengthen the squad in order to have a team that will create an impact at the continental stage, unlike when they were eliminated in the preliminary stages in the 2019/20 season. They have already reached an agreement in principle with AS Vita's Djuma Shaban on a two-year contract.

Kaizer Chiefs striker Lazarous Kambole says they are under pressure to win the Caf Champions League title ahead of their clash with Wydad Casablanca on Saturday.

The two teams will battle it out in the semi-final first-leg encounter at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations final venue, Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, Morocco.

Kambole believes that they can get a positive result against Wydad, who are perennial Champions League title contenders having won the competition twice. 

“I am confident and I feel great. I am ready to give everything to the team and the badge. I just can’t wait to go there and fight and get a good result," Kambole told the club's media department.

“Winning the African Champions League will be a great achievement for me. This is the league of champions – if you want to be counted amongst the best, you must beat the champions.

"Chiefs are a big club and even in the Caf Champions League, we are expected to win the trophy. That is pressure on its own we just have to go all out and win the competition.”

Kambole was part of the Zambian side Zesco United that lost 3-2 on aggregate to eventual winners Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2016 Champions League semi-final tie and the 27-year-old is now seeking redemption with Amakhosi.

“It’s going to be nice to go beyond the semi-finals. This has been the breach I lost in the semi-finals in 2016. So, here is another opportunity to go all the way to the final and win the competition," he continued. 

The Zambia international offered some advice to his Amakhosi teammates by stating that it will be key for them to get a win in North Africa. 

“What I have learnt is that doing well away from home is important. Now that we are starting away from home, we need a positive result. A win or a draw with goals will give us an advantage. Doing well in Morocco will mean that we are likely to progress," he added. 

The two teams met in this season's Champions League group stage with Wydad securing a 4-0 win over Chiefs at home in February this year, but Amakhosi claimed a 1-0 victory at FNB Stadium on April 3. 

Kambole said that they have done their homework on their opponents and he is desperate to help his side overcome the 20-time Moroccan Botola League champions. 

“Chiefs have both the will to succeed and the know-how on Wydad. We are hungry as a team and have done our homework, but we know it’s not going to be easy," he explained. 

"We are playing against a very difficult side away from home, we know what to expect and we will strategize on how we can gain an advantage.”

Chiefs will play hosts to Wydad at FNB Stadium in the second-leg encounter on June 26.

Africa Cup of Nations winner Mohammed Polo believes Ghana will need a "standing and competent striker" to complete their team-building exercise ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in January. 

The Black Stars have struggled to find a successor for legendary hit-man and all-time top scorer Asamoah Gyan who has not been called up for national duty since the last continental gathering in Egypt. 

The team's bluntness in front of goal has become topical after they failed to find the back of the net in two recent international friendly matches against Morocco and Cote d'Ivoire. 

"The only thing is, although I don't know where and how we can get one, we need a standing and competent striker," Polo, who won the 1978 Afcon tournament, told Kumasi FM.

"A striker that can disturb the defence of our opponents because looking at our current strikers, we don't have one.

"We just need a complete striker, who can put fear in the defence line of the opponent, which will make it easier for our other strikers or players to score.”

Led in attack by Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew, Ghana succumbed to a 1-0 away loss to Morocco and played out a 0-0 draw with Cote d'Ivoire on Saturday.

The West African has made 109 appearances for Ghana, scoring 51 times. His status leaves him as the all-time most-capped player and top scorer in the history of the Black Stars. 

“We don’t retire legends so we should allow him to play," Polo responded last year after calls emerged for Gyan to permanently bow out of international duty.

"Legends decide on their future. I had the same problem during my stint with Hearts of Oak, they wanted to retire me and that is why I joined Great Olympics," Polo responded amid calls for Gyan to announce a permanent retirement from international duty last year.

“Hearts of Oak wanted to retire me at all cost but I told them we don’t retire legends. The truth is that legends retire themselves. No one thought him how to play football and so why do you want him out of the team?

“If CK Akonnor will need him in the team, he should invite him and give the general captain to him because he is the captain now. In fact, it won’t work for CK if he invites Gyan and put him on the bench because he has a high spirit.’’

Ghana will be seeking their fifth Afcon title in Cameroon next year. 

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards may not play in the Confederation of African Football (Caf) competitions next season - even if they qualify by winning the ticket through domestic competitions as has been the case.

Caf has confirmed no team will be allowed to take part in their competitions if they have any open cases of overdue payables.

K'Ogalo and Leopards are set to play the final of the Football Kenya Federation Shield Cup final which produces the team to represent Kenya in the Caf Confederation Cup. 

Both teams are also strong favourites to qualify for the Caf Champions League since they have occupied the top four positions in the FKF Premier League where the top team by the end of the month will get a ticket for the annual competition.

Gor have a debt of Ksh1.3 million as they owe Tanzanian Dickson Ambundo. Already, Fifa banned them from signing new players from the current transfer window for failure to pay.

For Leopards, it is even worse since they owe Serbian coach Marko Vasilijevic, they have also not settled Burundian Andre Casa Mbungo. The 13-time league champions are also under a ban after failing to settle Rwandan midfielder Vincent Habamahoro's dues, totaling Ksh1.8 million.

What does Caf say?

"With reference to [Club Licensing System for Caf inter-club competitions in the 2021/22 season], we would like to draw your attention to the fact that Caf continues to receive a large number of complaints concerning overdue payables towards players and coaches [former and current], as well as overdue payables towards clubs resulting from transfer activities," read part of Caf letter to the FKF and obtained by Goal.

"Therefore, you are kindly requested to remind all your clubs who are participating in Caf men’s and women’s Inter-clubs Competitions 2021/22 season [Licensees], that they must ensure that they do not have any open cases of overdue payables.

"If a club has overdue payables cases along with a final and binding decision from a last dispute resolution body [Fifa, Cas or other final competent authority] as at 31 December 2020, the club will have until 31 March 2021 to settle the dispute."

Why should FKF ensure their representatives have cleared?

"In case it comes to the attention of Caf that [FKF] granted a license to its member club for participation in the Caf Inter-clubs competitions 2021/22 [Men´s or Women´s] in breach of the Caf Club Licensing Regulations... please note that both the federation and club may incur in disciplinary sanctions at Caf level, which may place at risk the participation of the club in the Caf Inter-clubs 2021/22 season," the statement concluded.

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Donald Khuse has compared Nkosingiphile Ngcobo to the late Amakhosi legendary linkman Isaac Kungwane, saying the 21-year-old can be the most influential player in Saturday’s Caf Champions League semi-final, first-leg clash against Wydad Casablanca.

Ngcobo was one of the outstanding Chiefs players in their difficult Premier Soccer League season and is expected to continue with his good form at this last four stage of the Champions League.

He has missed just one Chiefs match in the competition this season, featuring in nine of their 10 matches in Africa. 

“It was important having a player [like Kungwane] who was so skillful and tactically advanced. He could marshal the midfield and lay on telling passes,” Khuse told the Chiefs website.

“We have Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, who I believe can do that for Chiefs, and play the role of frustrating the opponents. I saw the team at training this week, you can see the confidence and the belief is there. They can go through to the finals.” 

Chiefs again face a Wydad side which thumped them 4-0 in neutral Ouagadougou in the group stage of the Champions League. 

Amakhosi, however, managed to edge the Moroccans 1-0 in the return leg in Johannesburg. 

But this time around they travel to Casablanca after they were allowed to enter Morocco unlike four months ago when travelers from South Africa were not permitted into the North African country. 

“When you go away, you must be able to score a goal and try to hold out for a good result,” said Khuse. 

“When you come back they will go all out for you and try to get one goal and block you defensively. Then it becomes difficult for you to score." 

After struggling on the domestic front, Chiefs have punched above their weight in the Champions League. 

They participated in the group stage of the continental elite club football competition for the first time ever, before further making history by getting past the quarter-finals.

Belgium and Denmark have paid tribute to Christian Eriksen during their Euro 2020 clash as the midfielder continues his recovery from cardiac arrest in hospital.

The football world was brought to a standstill on matchday two of the summer tournament after Eriksen collapsed to the turf during Denmark's opening Group B clash with Finland.

The 29-year-old's heart stopped beating and he had to be revived by medical staff before being taken to hospital, where he was then declared to be in a stable condition.

Tribute to Christian Eriksen

Eriksen is still under observation in the Copenhagen hospital that stands just across from the Parken Stadium, which has also served as the venue for Denmark's first fixture since the incident.

Belgium announced plans to pay homage to the fallen playmaker ahead of the game, and as expected, stopped play in the 10th minute to clap in unison with the players, officials and supporters in a celebration of Eriksen's survival.

What's been said?

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez explained why his staff and squad wanted to sent their own unique message to Eriksen when speaking to reporters before the contest.

"As a team, there is a real intention just to show our wishes and thoughts to Christian," he said. "Our message is football is not the same if Christian Eriksen is not on the football pitch.

"All we want is a full recovery and to see Christian very, very soon on the Danish team and for Inter Milan and everyone in Belgium is joining into those wishes.

"We need to celebrate the quick action from the doctors to make it such a speedy reaction.

"Every player who is going to be on that pitch is going to know the importance [of the game] and what's at stake and the focus will shift quite quickly. But it should be a celebration from everyone."

What is Eriksen's condition now?

Doctors carried out a series of tests on Eriksen to find out what caused his cardiac arrest, and have ultimately decided that the best course of action is for the Dane to be fitted with a heart defibrillator, more commonly known as an ICD.

Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen confirmed the news in a statement after consulting with the cardiac specialist at Rigshospitalet, which reads: “After Christian has been through different heart examinations it has been decided that he should have an ICD (heart starter). This device is necessary after a cardiac attack due to rhythm disturbances.

“Christian has accepted the solution and the plan has moreover been confirmed by specialists nationally and internationally who all recommend the same treatment.

“We encourage everybody to give Christian and his family peace and privacy the following time.”

Further reading

Nigeria assistant coach Joseph Yobo claims Sergio Ramos’ departure from Real Madrid will have a huge impact on the club.

After 16 years in the Spanish capital, the legendary centre-back is heading for pastures elsewhere after a remarkable and trophy-laden spell.

Ramos joined Los Blancos from Sevilla – featuring in over 670 games and won five LaLiga titles and the Champions League on four occasions.

In a no-holds-barred chat with Goal, Yobo opens up on what the Spain international’s exit means to the club.

“Ramos is already one of the best and unarguably the symbol of Real Madrid. For me, that is a big loss for the club,” Yobo told Goal.

“Having someone like that who can still play not to talk of his personality as a leader, and knowing that young players could tap from his experience makes his departure more painful.

“Sometimes, clubs consider the age and demands, but Ramos being able to play at least 50 percent of matches is a huge advantage for any club.

“No one is irreplaceable, but you cannot get another Ramos for Real Madrid. It is almost impossible."

During his farewell press conference, the 35-year-old disclosed that he planned to accept Madrid's offer of a one-year extension but was told that he had run out of time.

The former Olympique Marseille and Everton star weighs his opinion on this, stated the Spain international deserved to get what he wanted giving his personality off and off the field.

“They [Real Madrid] might be looking at the business side, but sometimes, this is where players’ relationship with clubs go bad,” he continued.

“This is someone that has served the club consistently and very well for the past 16 years.

“He has won several laurels for them and it’s very hard to see that he is asking for two years. Some players would have demanded more knowing their personality and who could offer at any point.

“If this is not political, then I feel something went wrong somewhere because two years is not too much for a player of his calibre.

“However, Ramos could be Real Madrid president or anything at the club in future because he is that kind of a person.

“There some players who are great on the field of play and outside they are not. Ramos seems to have a blend of both.”

Tottenham are in talks with Gennaro Gattuso following the breakdown of Paulo Fonseca's move to the north London club.

The Portuguese coach was expected to be confirmed as Spurs’ new boss this week having agreed a deal to fill the role that has been vacant since Jose Mourinho was sacked in April.

But talks have collapsed at the final hurdle, with Gattuso now primed to take over.

What happened with Paulo Fonseca?

Fonseca had verbally agreed a deal to take over at Tottenham and spent the past week in Italy planning for the new season with the Premier League side's new managing director Fabio Paratici.

But negotiations suddenly collapsed, with Tottenham turning their attentions to Gattuso, who left his position as Fiorentina manager on Thursday morning just 23 days after agreeing to take the job.

Goal has been told that Gattuso’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has become involved in discussions over the Tottenham vacancy with Paratici and that has led to the sudden change of heart.

Gattuso’s decision to leave Fiorentina is believed to have been down to a disagreement with club owner Rocco Commisso over potential transfer targets that he and Mendes had recommended.

When will Gattuso be appointed at Spurs?

The expectation now is that Gattuso will soon be named the new Tottenham manager, with negotiations at an advanced stage.

If appointed, Gattuso’s arrival will end the north London club’s two-month search for a replacement for Mourinho.

Chairman Daniel Levy had overseen a search that has seen Spurs target the likes of Erik Ten Hag, Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte before ending up with Gattuso, who left Napoli at the end of last season having failed to secure qualification to the Champions League.

Further reading

The Nigeria Police Force have confirmed the abduction of Rivers United coach Stanley Eguma by unknown gunmen along Enugu highway.

Eguma, in company of two personal assistants, was travelling back from Gombe where the Pride of Rivers suffered a 2-0 defeat against Adamawa United in a Nigeria Professional Football League match on Sunday.

The incident happened on Tuesday along Enugu road when the seasoned NPFL coach was returning to the team base in Port Harcourt.

According to the police statement, the two assistants were freed while Eguma was the only victim kidnapped.

Goal made some calls to the club authorities but there was no response or official statement as of the time of filing this report, however, the Enugu State Police Command have commenced investigation to rescue Eguma.

“The order is sequel to a complaint made to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command, the same date as the incident at about 5:05 p.m., by two other persons travelling with the victim,” the police statement read, per People’s Gazette.

“His co-travellers alleged that the unidentified gunmen, operating in a white-coloured Hilux van, trailed and forced the black-coloured Hilux van conveying them from Gombe to Port-Harcourt, to stop.

“They further alleged that the assailants pushed the two of them out and made away with the vehicle, abducting the victim in the process.”

Rivers United are fifth in the NPFL table with 45 points after 27 matches - five points adrift of leaders Akwa United.

The security of lives and properties in Nigeria has been a major concern for football stakeholders, and this week’s incident is not the first recorded.

Earlier this year, Adamawa United were attacked by unknown gunmen along the Benin-Ore expressway during a trip to Lagos for a league match against MFM FC.

The incident resulted in the abduction of their driver who was later released after a ransom of ₦1 million was paid.

In March 2020, Abia Warriors duo Dayo and Benjamin Iluyomade were also kidnapped while travelling along the Benin-Owo expressway but they regained freedom three days later.

If you're excited by Euro 2020 you can make it even more interesting by taking part in the official fantasy football game.

Most people will be familiar with the Premier League version, but UEFA has launched a unique version of their own ahead of the tournament.

So if you're thinking of playing, Goal brings you everything you need to know, including the best players to pick, tips and prize information.

On this page

What is Euro 2020 fantasy football & how do you play?

Exactly what it says on the tin: a fantasy football game based on the teams and players involved in Euro 2020.

You pick a formation and select a squad of 15 players - two goalkeepers, five defenders, five midfielders and three forwards.

Of course, fantasy football managers must operate within a budget of €100 million (that rises to €105 million from the last-16 on), so it takes some careful consideration to get the best possible mix.

In the group stage, you are limited to a maximum of three players from the same team, but that allowance increases during the knockout stage, with fewer teams participating.

Points are allocated based on appearances, goals, assists and so on, but they are taken away for cards, missing penalties, conceding goals and scoring own goals.

So how do you play the Euro 2020 fantasy football game? Simple, head to the official UEFA website or download the UEFA Euro 2020 app, which is available on iOS or Android devices.

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Who are the best players to pick in Euro 2020 fantasy football?

The best players to pick in any fantasy football team are those who will get the most points. 

Ideally, you should pick players who will play every game, particularly those who score and set up goals.

There may be a temptation to create a 'dream team' that you'd love to see play in real life, but that sort of approach doesn't usually work in fantasy football.

For example, many consider N'Golo Kante to be one of the finest midfielders of his generation and he is integral to France, but he is a defensive-minded player, so is not likely to score or set up a lot of goals.

To help you get started, Goal takes a look at some of the best players to choose.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, €12m)

This could potentially be Cristiano Ronaldo's last major tournament and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will be eager to make an impact in the competition as Portugal attempt to retain their title. Ahead of Euro 2020, Ronaldo had already scored over for 100 goals for his country and the fact he takes free kicks as well as penalties increases his chances of scoring.

Kylian Mbappe (France, €12m)

Already a World Cup winner with France, Kylian Mbappe will be key to Les Bleus ' assault for the European crown. He's the most expensive player in Euro 2020 fantasy football alongside Ronaldo, but his goalscoring touch suggests he is probably worth the cost.

Harry Kane (England, €11.5m)

England's main goal threat, Harry Kane costs slightly less than Ronaldo and Mbappe. The Tottenham striker comes into Euro 2020 on the back of a 33-goal season at club level and he is already one of the Three Lions' top goalscorers of all time. Kane is a master penalty taker too, so that makes him all the more appealing.

Robert Lewandowski (Poland, €11.5m)

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski won the European Golden Shoe in 2020-21 with a record 41 goals in 29 appearances and he'll be eager to take that form into the European Championship. 'Lewy' will get goals and Poland will fancy their chances of qualifying from a group that also contains Spain, Slovakia and Sweden.

Romelu Lukaku (Belgium, €11m)

Arriving at Euro 2020 a Serie A champion, Romelu Lukaku is playing the best football of his career and the fact that he remains Belgium's chief goal-getter is reason enough to get him into your fantasy football team.

Bruno Fernandes (Portugal, €10.5m)

With 28 goals from midfield for Manchester United in 2020-21, Bruno Fernandes is considered one of the best picks for Euro 2020 fantasy football. A note of caution should be sounded, though, as he is not the main star for Portugal and ahead of the tournament he had just two goals for his country. Nevertheless, Fernandes' quality cannot be denied.

Gareth Bale (Wales, €9.5m)

Gareth Bale's stock may have fallen somewhat in recent years, but the attacker is still Wales' main man and will be key to any success the Dragons have. He is also considerably cheaper than star players in other middle-tier teams, such as Robert Lewandowski for Poland.

Ciro Immobile (Italy, €10m)

Italy are considered dark horses for the tournament and if Roberto Mancini's side go far you can be sure that Ciro Immobile will be among the key players. The focal point of a three-man attack, Immobile's goal record in recent years has improved a lot.

Thibaut Courtois (Belgium, €6m)

Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois is the most expensive goalkeeper in the Euro 2020 fantasy football game (along with France's Hugo Lloris and Germany's Manuel Neuer). Roberto Martinez's side not only boast a fearsome attack, but their defence is a tough one to crack, as evidenced by the fact they only conceded three goals in qualifying.

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What are the best tips for Euro 2020 fantasy football?

Fantasy football is all a bit of fun, but it can become very competitive when friends play in leagues together. Here are some tips to help you come out on top.

1. Pay attention, use transfers & be aware of the deadlines

It's very easy to simply choose a team and then forget about it, but if you want to win you need to constantly prune your team by swapping in form players and removing the dead wood. This is particularly true of a tournament, where very often a wildcard player will rise to prominence.

2. Use your chips

Speaking of wildcards, be sure to make use of the game's chips. For the Euro 2020 fantasy football game, the chips are the Wildcard and Limitless. Playing the Wildcard chip allows you to make unlimited permanent transfers, while Limitless lets you make unlimited temporary transfers for one gameweek only without a budget limit.

3. Look for differentials

If everyone chooses similar squads then it means that teams will all have the same levels of points - that's where exploiting differentials becomes a wise course of action. Look for players who haven't been chosen by a lot of people, yet score highly.

4. Choose players who score and create goals

Goalscorers and goal makers are king in fantasy football, so pack as many of them into your team as the budget will allow. When choosing defenders, think of full-backs who get up the wing or take set-pieces and centre-backs who score headers. Choose creative midfielders and wingers. Finally, pick players who take free kicks and penalties!

5. Captain a goalscorer

In fantasy football, leadership attributes do not matter when picking your captain. The player who is made captain will have their point total doubled, so make sure to put the armband on the player who will score highest.

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What are the Euro 2020 fantasy football deadlines?

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Are there prizes for winning Euro 2020 fantasy football?

There are prizes to be won each matchday, as well as overall prizes for the top teams and a raffle into which every player enters.

Ahead of matchday one, every person who has entered a team in the Euro 2020 fantasy football game has a chance of winning tickets to knockout stage games.

Each matchday, players have a chance of winning a £20 voucher for a takeaway website.

Here is the overall prize winners breakdown:

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Related links

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Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye strongly believes that Mamelodi Sundowns co-head coaches Rhulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi should have won the 2020/21 PSL Coach of the Season accolade.

The duo was beaten to the award by AmaZulu FC head coach Benni McCarthy, who steered Usuthu to a second-place finish in the league and qualification for the Caf Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

While Mngqithi and Mokwena were nominated for the accolade after they guided Sundowns to the PSL title with the team recording just one defeat in the entire campaign and Khanye feels that two tacticians were robbed. 

“The decision to award Benni McCarthy the coach of the season over Manqoba Mngqithi and Rulani Mokwena is shocking,” Khune told iDiski Times on Thursday. 

“Mamelodi Sundowns won the league with 13 points and they only lost one match in the league this season.

“Sundowns had their ups and downs, but they won the league convincingly with a lot of matches remaining. It was enough for Benni to be nominated because he did a great job for AmaZulu especially in his first season and qualifying the club to their first-ever Caf Champions League.

“When Benni came in at AmaZulu, the club was closer to the relegation zone and he lifted them to the top of the log. In addition, it is not like AmaZulu did not have players because they do."

Mokwena recently stated that individual awards should be scrapped after McCarthy beat him to the top PSL award and he made it clear that they are not in the business of chasing such accolades. 

Khanye, who won the 2004/05 PSL title with Chiefs, went to say that AmaZulu should hold an end-of-season awards ceremony and reward McCarthy for his achievement with the team.

“Luvuyo Memela, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Augustine Mulenga are some of the quality players who have played for top clubs. Makhehlene Makhaula also did really well for them this season," he added. 

“At the club’s awards, AmaZulu should have awarded him for those achievements, but not in the PSL.

“The Sundowns coaches deserve that award and I don’t care who says what! This was a scam because Benni did not win anything this season, so why would you award him the award? You are rewarding him for doing what exactly?”

Justin Che will not return to Bayern Munich on a permanent deal following his loan spell in Germany, but the FC Dallas defender could still be the subject of a winter bid from the Bundesliga champions.

The 17-year-old linked up with the Bavarian outfit's second team in February this year and impressed during a four-month loan stay, even as they suffered relegation to the Regionalliga.

But now, the teenager, who was handed his first senior call-up to the USMNT in May, will not be returning to Europe any time soon, though hopes of a later move remain a distinct possibility.

What has happened?

Having completed a three-week training stint in January as part of a small group of Dallas players sent to Bayern, Che was taken on a further short-term basis by Hansi Flick's side and fielded in their reserve outfit.

He made eight appearances in all for the club, including six starts, as Holger Seitz and later Martin Demichelis attempted to avert the drop from 3.Liga.

Now, however, Dallas have informed Che and his family that they intend to keep him close following his stint away, with the player understood to respect the decision of the MLS outfit, who have him contracted through the end of 2023.

Will Che still join Bayern?

Goal understands that there could yet be a further offer from Bayern, who will see Julian Nagelsmann officially succeed Hansi Flick as coach next month, though it is not likely to be until the end of the year at the earliest.

If they were to make a move, it would represent the latest shift of talent from Texas to Bavaria, with FC Dallas having delivered talent for the European giants before in the shape of Chris Richards, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Hoffenheim.

Che too wants to make the move if possible, having reportedly enjoyed his time with Bayern, while management in Germany view him as a technically skilled and robust player who they trust to make an impression at senior level down the line.

Further reading

Manchester City have announced the signing of Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw from Bordeaux, subject to work visa and international clearance.

Goal reported in April that a deal was close and the Jamaica international has now signed a three-year contract with the club.

The 24-year-old is one of the most exciting forwards on the planet, finishing as the top-scorer in France last season after bagging 22 goals in just 20 games.

She also has an incredible record for her country, with 42 goals in just 30 caps since making her senior international debut at the age of 18.

What has been said?

Speaking upon the announcement, Shaw said: “It feels amazing to be a Manchester City player. I chose this club because I want to be a part of the environment, the culture and to play for this amazing team.

“I want to be tested and there is so much experience in the team here, so I know I will learn a lot from everybody around me. I grew up as a City fan, and I even have some family members who live in Manchester. When I told them about my move, they were so happy and excited.

“I’ve always watched the English game and it’s something that I’ve always wanted to be a part of – the Women's Super League is growing and developing tremendously, and I feel as though this is the perfect move for me.”

Head coach Gareth Taylor added: "We're delighted to welcome Khadija to Manchester City. She's a very talented young player and we're pleased that we've been able to add her to our already productive forward line.

"She's enjoyed a successful couple of years in France with Bordeaux and the fact that she finished as the league's top scorer this past campaign speaks volumes about the calibre of player that she is. Her form on the international stage is incredibly impressive too and we're very much looking forward to working with her over the coming seasons."

What will Shaw bring to Man City?

Man City had a strong first season under new coach Taylor last year, winning the Women's FA Cup and finishing second in the WSL, but will be keen to build on that and the signing of Shaw is something that can help them do so.

The Jamaican brings a completely different option to their current first-choice No.9, Ellen White, and also adds depth and competition to that position, which the club have lacked.

White's style is more similar to a classic centre forward, with fantastic instincts in the box and the ability to hold the ball up well, drop deep and bring others into play. Shaw, however, has the ability to create chances for herself and has a lot more pace with which to terrorise defenders.

Further reading