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William Troost-Ekong was elated having fans cheering them on as Watford hosted West Bromwich Albion in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

The supporters were allowed into Vicarage Road to watch as the Hornets faced the Baggies, a match that ended goalless.

However, that did not take away the joy from the Nigeria international, who enjoyed the cheers in the stadium for the first time in 221 days.

"It was really nice; I think all of us really enjoyed the game [on Saturday]," Troost-Ekong told the club's official portal.

"It was important just to get the minutes in but playing in front of the fans is something we’ve been waiting to do for a long time.

"It is a bit of a shame we could not give them a goal. I think we were quite close a few times, I would have loved to hear the roar and cheers again.

"When we came out and when they named us on the team sheet, it is nice to hear all the fans here and we are going to need that support this year.

"It makes all the difference, and I think it was only three or four thousand here but it felt like it was 15 or close to 20 [thousand] because you’re so used to having empty stadiums. Having the support makes all the difference, and it was great."

The 27-year-old also could not hide his joy seeing some players getting their chance against the Baggies.

"West Brom came out with quite a good team and tried to press us high, but these are the kind of games that you have to play out [from the back] still and the manager asked us to do our job," Troost-Ekong continued. 

"Credit also to all the young boys who played today; some made their debut and were fantastic.

"I think they all slotted in very well. It’s great to see that there are so many young lads pushing on and trying to be a part of the squad. In the last 15 minutes, it was just Joshua King, Rob Elliot, and Dapo [Mebude] from the first-team squad and they managed to hold their own."

Zambia international Patson Daka finally made his debut for Leicester City in Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Burton Albion at Pirelli Stadium.

The 22-year-old, who signed for the Foxes from Red Bull Salzburg, completed the first 45 minutes as Leicester kicked off their 2021-22 pre-season with a 3-1 penalty shootout defeat.

After the match, Daka said he was pleased to have had the opportunity to play in front of the Blue Army during his first appearance and he will always treasure the day he pulled on the shirt for the first time.

“It felt really great and I think it was really important to get some minutes and it was really, really amazing to be out here especially with fans, it was really important to get this feeling,” Daka told LCFC TV.

“Well, it was an unbelievable feeling, and it is an emotional day for me, wearing this jersey, it was really special and I was looking forward to it and today is the day that I will treasure because not just looking at the result, but also getting the experience and getting to understand each other with my teammates.

"It was really important to see how we can work together going forward and just to see what we have to really work on."

On the game, Daka said: “It was a physical game, and we tried to cope up with the physicality, we did our very best that we could and as I said, it is the first game of pre-season, so we still have a lot of time to work out on the areas that we have to work on and I am sure that in the next game we will do even much better.”

Daka also shed some light on how his pre-season has gone since arriving in England.

“So far it has been great and as I said I am still trying to work together with my teammates, to understand each other more and to get that connection between ourselves," he added.

"The training that we have had in a couple of weeks, it has been really great and it is helping to get back into full fitness which I think is really important for all of us looking that we are from the break and we are trying to get back to full fitness, it has been really food for us.”

Brendan Rodgers' side will next take on Wycombe Wanderers on Wednesday, tackle Queens Park Rangers four days later before Villarreal visit King Power Stadium on Wednesday, August 4.

“Every match for me is really important because it is a different challenge every day and you learn different things in each and every game," he continued.

"So I look forward to every game that we play and I think it is also important for each of the players to get that full match fitness, to get more minutes to play and I think it is a great way forward for the team because we are getting the minutes in and we are also trying to work on our weak areas before the season kicks off.”

The Foxes will then face Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on August 7 before they start the league season with a home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 14.

Julian Nagelsmann has warned Joshua Zirkzee to demonstrate a "different sense of seriousness" in competitive matches after the Bayern Munich striker's shocking miss in a friendly against Ajax.

Bayern were held to a 2-2 draw by Ajax in their first home game under new head coach Nagelsmann on Saturday, with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Tanguy Nianzou scoring the goals for the hosts.

Zakaria Labyad and Victor Jensen replied for the Dutch outfit, but the German champions might have won the pre-season friendly had Zirkzee been more clinical.

What happened?

Shortly before the half-time whistle at Allianz Arena, Zirkzee capitalised on a loose pass and jinked his way past the final Ajax defender before also rounding the goalkeeper, leaving himself with the simple task of tapping the ball into an empty net.

However, the 20-year-old then appeared to try and walk the ball over the goal-line instead, which allowed Perr Schuurs to get back and clear the danger just in the nick of time and prevent his team from going 2-1 down.

Nagelsmann's reaction

Nagelsmann, who replaced Hansi Flick as Bayern boss earlier this summer, wasn't happy with Zirkzee's casual approach to the chance and hopes he will learn from the mistake when the 2021-22 campaign gets under way next month.

"I think that [Joshua Zirkzee] hasn’t seen his opponent approaching," Nagelsmann said after the game. "He wanted to finish this one casually. I hope that he has a different sense of seriousness in competitive matches.

"Basically, he is doing many things right. At the beginning of this situation, he recovered the ball very well. We all wished that we could have gone ahead there and I don’t think he did this deliberately.

"And I will not talk to him about this because he knows he could have done better."

Zirkzee's record at Bayern

Zirkzee graduated to Bayern's senior squad back in 2019, and has since scored four goals in 17 senior matches for the club.

He has also picked up five trophies, including the Bundesliga and Champions League, but is currently having to make do with a back-up role in the team behind star striker Robert Lewandowski.

Further reading 

A big defensive crisis has rocked the Football Kenya Federation Premier League side AFC Leopards ahead of their match against Nzoia Sugar on Sunday.

Head coach Patrick Aussems will have to draft his starting XI without a natural centre-back as some are injured while others have been out for contractual reasons.

While Robert Mudenyu is injured, Clyde Senaji has been out of the matchday squads on most occasions since the club claimed his contract had ended, alongside Benjamin Ochan, Hansel Ochieng, Said Tsuma, and Jeff Oyemba.

Since Aussems arrived at AFC Leopards, Kamura has been relegated to the bench and also lost his leadership position when the Belgian coach appointed Isaac Kipyegon and Elvis Rupia as the first and second captains, respectively.

When Mudenyu was injured, the former Simba SC coach decided to bring on Harrison Mwendwa - a winger - even though Kamura was among the substitutes. 

Against Nzoia Sugar, the coach is expected to field Kipyegon at the centre of his defence even though the former Zoo FC star is naturally a full-back.

Kipyegon is expected to be partnered with former Tusker right-back Collins Shivachi, and Boniface Mukhekhe - a midfielder - could end up playing at right-back.

The crisis at the back occurred just after Fabrice Mugheni completed a move to Rwanda's AS Kigali, while Collins Shichenje left for Greece to complete a move to PAOK Thessaloniki.

With the recent losses to Tusker and Western Stima, AFC Leopards ceded more ground in the Premier League title race as they are now fourth with 43 points while the Brewers are leading with 55 points.

KCB - in second with 51 points - are the only side with a realistic chance of stopping Tusker from winning their first title since 2016.

After the Nzoia Sugar game, AFC Leopards will face Gor Mahia in the last Mashemeji Derby meeting on August 1 before they play against Nairobi City Stars, Vihiga United, and complete the season with a game against Kakamega Homeboyz.

Ingwe had a realistic opportunity of finishing the 2020/21 season with silverware but they lost to Gor Mahia - in a penalty shootout - in the FKF Shield Cup final.

It was also their chance to claim a continental ticket since last doing so in 2017. 

Christian Pulisic says he's eager to "hit the ground running" for Chelsea in 2021-22 as he continues to benefit from his first full pre-season campaign at Stamford Bridge.

Pulisic moved to Stamford Bridge from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, but missed the first part of the Blues' pre-season schedule that year.

The United States international was also unable to fully prepare for the 2020-21 campaign due to an injury, but he finally has the chance to get into top physical condition this summer after joining the squad's training camp in Ireland.

What's been said?

"I think that’s going to be a big positive for me, so I’m looking forward to the start of the season," the USMNT star, who scored in a 6-1 friendly win against Peterborough last week, told the club's official website.

"This year is my first real full pre-season at Chelsea and it’s just given me a good chance to get my full fitness and for me to get 100 per cent fit and ready to play 90 minutes once the season begins.

"That’s the aim for me, just trying to get my body in a good place where I can be available as much as possible this season.

"Hitting the ground running at the start of the season is the goal, of course. It’s nice to be able to have a full pre-season this time and get nice and fit and be 100 per cent ready in time for the start of the season."

Pulisic's record at Chelsea

Pulisic has featured in 77 games across all competitions for Chelsea over the past two years, scoring 17 goals while also setting up a further 14 for his team-mates.

The 22-year-old helped the Blues win their second Champions League crown last term, and has also picked up two FA Cup runners-up medals, but he has also dealt with a number of niggling injuries that have prevented him from reaching his full potential.

The bigger picture

Chelsea fans will hope that 2021-22 is the year that Pulisic finally shows that he can deliver the goods on a consistent basis, but he will first have to prove to head coach Thomas Tuchel that his body is up to the task of starting matches week in, week out.

The American winger will be aiming to keep his fitness levels up ahead of the Blues' opening game of the new campaign, which will see them take on Crystal Palace in a London derby at Stamford Bridge on August 14.

Further reading 

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has challenged United States national team star Weston McKennie to score "10 goals this season".

Allegri took charge of his first match since returning to the Allianz Stadium on Saturday as the Bianconeri got their latest pre-season campaign under way.

A youthful Juve side managed to pick up a 3-1 win against Serie C outfit Cesena, with McKennie scoring arguably the goal of the game with a sublime solo effort just after the half-hour mark.

What's been said?

Allegri was clearly impressed by the strike, but instead of shouting words of praise from the touchline, he set the USMNT midfielder a goals target for 2021-22 as he wheeled away in celebration.

"You’ve got to score 10 goals this season!" the Juve boss was heard saying to McKennie.

How did McKennie perform for Juve last term?

McKennie joined Juve from Schalke on an initial loan last summer, and that deal was eventually made permanent in March for €19 million (£16m/$22m).

The 22-year-old, who committed to a four-year contract at the Allianz Stadium, finished his first season in Turin with six goals and three assists to his name from 46 outings across all competitions.

He also picked up his first two major titles in the form of the Coppa Italia and Suppercoppa Italiana, but was powerless to prevent Juve from surrendering their Serie A crown to Inter after a nine-year winning streak.

The bigger picture 

McKennie featured prominently as a squad player under Andrea Pirlo last term, but only started 18 Serie A games in total.

He will hope to nail down a role in the starting XI with Allegri now at the helm, as Juve bid to regain their place at the top of Italian football and fight for success in the Champions League.

McKennie will have to meet his new manager's final third challenge head-on in order to do that, though, with competition for places in the middle of the park likely to be fierce once again.

Further reading

Ghana international Jonathan Mensah's goal secured a vital 1-0 win for Columbus Crew against Atlanta United in a Major League Soccer match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday night.

The 31-year-old made the difference after his well-timed back-post header after a Lucas Zelarayan corner kick in the 65th minute enabled the Black & Gold to continue to climb up the Eastern Conference standings.

Zelarayan, who came on as a second-half substitute, delivered the corner from the left side and it was flicked on by Marlon Hairston to the near post, where it found Mensah, who rose higher than Atlanta defender Anton Walkes to power his finish home past goalkeeper Alec Kann.

The goal was the first for Mensah this campaign, his last goal coming in July 2018, when he scored in the 3-2 win against New York Red Bull, and Saturday's win enabled Columbus to extend their unbeaten run to six matches.

It was Atlanta who started the game on a high note as they created the first chance in the sixth minute when Josef Martinez had a good chance to shoot for goal, but he delayed with the ball, allowing Columbus defenders to close in and take the ball away.

The visiting Columbus then created their first chance of the game in the 16th minute as Bradley Wright-Phillips set up the unmarked Erik Hurtado behind the Atlanta defence, but after calmly going past the defenders, he fired the ball off the post.

Atlanta were forced into an early substitution as Erik Lopez came on for the injured Jake Mulraney, and the new man immediately created an impact as he came close to breaking the deadlock after his powerful shot from 20 years out was neatly dealt with by Columbus custodian Eloy Room.

In the second half, Room was once again called upon to keep Columbus in the game, first, he denied Lopez, who was set through on goal, and the Curacao international then pulled off another save to deny Marcelino Moreno from point-blank range.

Atlanta were left to rue their missed chances as Mensah popped up with a thumping header to hand his side the maximum points in the 65th minute.

Mensah has managed 14 starts for Columbus this season but his Ghanaian compatriot Harrison Afful did not start in the game as he watched from the bench.

Speaking after the game, Columbus head coach Caleb Porter was impressed to have snatched a vital away win.

“[An] unbelievable road win,” Porter told the club’s official website. “I told the guys before the game that I felt like this was going to be our second win on the road. The main reason why was our confidence.

“We’re a team that’s finding ways to win get points and get results.”

Columbus will hope to build on the win when they face New York City at Yankee Stadium on Friday.

Legendary Indian footballer and former national team captain Bhaichung Bhutia showed solidarity with East Bengal fans and hoped that the ongoing deadlock between the club and their investor Shree Cement ends soon.

On Saturday, Bhutia took social media to extend his support for the East Bengal fans where he wrote, "I stand with East Bengal fans. It's sad to see what is happening to my club East Bengal. The club belongs to the fans and their Legacy. I hope things are resolved soon and the club is back to its Glory days."

Why did the East Bengal fans protest and what happened at the rally

A section of East Bengal fans had gathered near the club premise last Wednesday with banners as they raised slogans against the club officials in a peaceful manner. They demanding the officials to sign the final agreement with the investor.

But the peaceful protest suddenly turned violent and the police lathi-charged to disperse the protesting crowd to maintain law and order. A couple of fans were injured while three or four fans were arrested, as per the police statement. 

Another section of fans backing the club officials was also present at the venue and they urged them not to give into the investors' demands.

The club officials condemned the fans' gesture and suggested that it brought a bad name to the club. They further stated that the final agreement can only be signed after the club and the investor meet each other to discuss the contentious clauses, which the officials feel are different from that of the term sheet which was signed back in September 2020.

What did the Police say about the fans protest which turned violent?

Describing the incident, a senior police officer said, "We patiently waited as two sets of fans protested. But after some time things went out of hand as the crowd turned mob so we had to charge and disperse them. No lathi-charge happened. Three or four people have been arrested and action will be taken against them."

What is going on at East Bengal?

After Quess Corp parted ways with East Bengal in June 2020 after being the club's investor for two seasons, Shree Cement came on board as their new investor which facilitated the club's move to the Indian Super League (ISL).

They then proceeded to establish a joint venture named Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation, in which the cement giants held 76 per cent stakes while the club had 24.

After Shree Cement's arrival, a term sheet was signed by both parties in September 2020 in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who had played an important role in bringing the company on board as the club's new investor.

Based on the term sheet, the club’s sporting rights as well all its assets and properties (including intellectual) were reportedly transferred to the newly formed joint venture between the two parties.

Even though the term sheet has been signed, a final binding agreement of the deal is yet to be signed by the officials despite multiple reminders.

The club officials have remained firm on the claim that certain points in the final agreement are different from the term sheet that the parties had signed. The new management, on the other hand, claims otherwise. 

FC Dallas striker Ricardo Pepi became the youngest player in MLS history to net a hat-trick on Saturday as the teenager led the way in a one-sided win over the LA Galaxy.

Pepi netted three of FC Dallas' four goals in the 4-0 win over the Galaxy, with each of the striker's finishes coming within 50 minutes.

As a result, at 18 years and 196 days old, Pepi broke a record previously held by former Vancouver Whitecaps attacker Kekuta Manneh, who scored a hat-trick of his own at  18 years and 283 days old.

Pepi's big night

The teenager's first goal came in the 27th minute, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead over the visiting Galaxy. Played through by Andres Ricaurte, Pepi took a perfect touch towards goal to set up a simple finish to make it 1-0.

His second came just moments before halftime as he nodded down a corner kick before rocketing a shot across goal, while his third, scored a few minutes into the second half, saw him turn before placing a shot into the lower corner to complete his historic hat-trick.

With the three goals, Pepi now has eight goals in just 782 minutes played this season.

Only two players in MLS have scored more goals than Pepi: Seattle Sounders star Raul Ruidiaz and LA Galaxy striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez.

Further reading

Lionel Messi helped Argentina lift their first international trophy in 28 years in the recently concluded Copa America 2021.

The Argentina talisman scored four goals and provided five assists in the tournament as La Albiceleste bagged their 15th Copa America title. It was also Messi's first-ever major international trophy win.

With the four goals in the tournament, Messi took his international goals tally to 76 and is now the joint-second highest active goalscorer along with UAE's Ali Mabkhout. They are behind Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo who has 109 goals to his name.

The most number of goals, the Argentine has scored against is Ecuador (six goals). He scored five goals against teams like Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina's arch-rivals Brazil.

His first-ever international goal was against Croatia in 2006 in an international friendly match in which Argentina lost 3-2.

In his long and illustrious international career, Messi has netted six international hat-tricks, including one against Brazil.

Here, we take a look at Messi's 76 international goals and the teams he has scored the most goals against.

Folarin Balogun and Nicolas Pepe were among the goal scorers as Arsenal defeated Millwall 4-1 in Saturday’s pre-season encounter.

The Gunners took their preparations to the Bell Lane having played a 2-2 draw with Scottish Premiership side Rangers their last time out.

Against the English second tier side, Mikel Arteta’s men put up a good attacking display to send warning signals to other Premier League rivals ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

Newly signed goalkeeper George Long was tested several times early in the game with the North London side aiming to break the deadlock. However, Pepe and Eddie Nketiah all failed to find the net.

Arsenal almost paid for their missed opportunities when Connor Mahoney’s free-kick was headed off the base of the goalpost by Jake Cooper, albeit, Arthur Okonkwo’s quick reflexes denied Benik Afobe from six yards.

Few minutes before the half-time break, Calum Chambers put the English topflight side ahead by heading home a rebound from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s scissor-kick on the edge of the box.

At half-time, Arteta brought introduced Albert Lokonga for his debut alongside Nuno Tavares, Karl Hein and Alexandre Lacazette.

Few minutes into the second half, Lacazette registered his presence by doubling his team’s advantage. He put the ball beyond Long after he was teed up by Chambers who found space in Millwall’s area.

For Arsenal’s third goal, Gabonese star Aubameyang occupied a pocket of space, ran at his before sending across a low delivery. Lacazette stepped over the ball, leaving Pepe with a simple finish from 10 yards.

Super-sub Balogun extended the lead having combined well with Brazilian star Willian to slot into the empty net after rounding the keeper.

Notwithstanding their strong performance, Arteta’s side could not keep a clean sheet as Alex Mitchell's close-range finish gave the Lions something to cheer about.

Gary Rowett's Millwall will continue their pre-season campaign with trips to Gillingham and Ipswich Town.

For the Emirates Stadium giants, they take on reigning European kings Chelsea on Sunday, August 1 in the Mind Series – a fixture aimed at supporting better mental health.

Money raised from the series will be divided between Mind and each of the club’s charitable foundations who all deliver projects to support mental health.

Santos Laguna winger Brian Lozano took aim at his critics as he made his long-awaited return to the game after a year-long injury layoff.

Lozano fractured the tibia and fibula of his right leg in training last June, and entering this weekend he hadn't taken the field since March 2020.

He came on as a substitute in his side's 3-0 win over Necaxa and, after making his return, he dedicated his comeback to those who said he wouldn't make it back.

What was said?

"I want to dedicate this to the people who were very malicious towards me, who when they saw me down they wanted me to continue like this," he said. "That motivated me to continue working to return to the field, and  today I showed that I won a complicated battle again."

He added: "It was like a debut for me. I had a complicated year where I suffered a lot. I went from taking the risk of not being able to play football again to being on the field, and that's an incredible feeling."

Lozano's history in Liga MX

The Uruguayan international officially moved to Liga MX in 2016, joining Club America from Defensor Sporting.

He left Club America on loan twice, once to Nacional and once to Santos Laguna, joining the latter permanently in 2018.

Lozano, who has earned eight caps with Uruguay, helped Santos Laguna claim the Clausura title that same year.

Further reading

Many club managers tend to be against their players featuring at the summer Olympics, largely down to the fact they’ll miss the club’s pre-season...which often sets the tone for the upcoming campaign.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t seem concerned. If anything, he’s issued a challenge to his Manchester United players representing their nation at Tokyo 2020 to bring back Gold medals.

Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo are representing Ivory Coast at the multi-sport festival and there was little struggle between the West African nation and the Red Devils.

This is despite the fact the United boss is currently without Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, following their Euro 2020 exertions.

The former Villarreal centre-back would have been the only senior option available for the Manchester outfit in the opening weeks of pre-season. While Lindelof ought to return imminently, Maguire’s absence means the Norwegian manager will have only one central defender available before the England international’s return.

For Amad, there’s a certain hint of missed opportunity, rather than any regret Solskjaer has or otherwise.

The teenager arrived in January and was understandably eased into life in Manchester in the second half of last season.

Surely, he could have done with a pre-season going into his first full campaign at Old Trafford. However, representing the Little Elephants in Tokyo means he could be playing catch-up for the second season running.

Nevertheless, their manager has called on them to win the West African nation’s first football gold and second in the nation’s history at the Games.

“I think everyone when they grow up, watches the Olympics and can see Usain Bolt or Ryan Giggs. I saw him play in the Olympics [for Great Britain in 2012]!” Solskjaer told the club's website. “When your country calls you up, I think I can’t stand in the way of that boyhood dream being fulfilled.

“Of course, Eric is over-age, but I think they can see the value of him and that’s why they brought him in," he added. “Amad is a young, exciting prospect. It’ll be good to see them. It’ll be their pre-season, but they’ve got to come back with a medal. We need a nice feel about the place when they come back!”

Whether or not Les Petit Elephants triumph remains to be seen, but they began their journey on a positive note, results-wise.

Their 2-1 success over Saudi Arabia, potential cellar-dwellers in Group D, was just what the doctor ordered, although the general performance was a bit worrisome.

Both sides had similar shots on goal — nine — but the Saudi side dominated proceedings for most of the game, with Soualiho Haidara’s team ceding territory to the Arab nation on Thursday. The encounter in Yokohama was devoid of any quality chances and it’ll probably go down as a forgettable encounter.

Having said that, Sunday’s meeting with perennial favourites has to be one of the nation’s highlights in this year’s festival and they’ll have to be up for it against the South Americans.

Baily’s performance at the back will be vital to keeping out a side that netted four times in their opening game against Germany, with Everton’s Richarlison scoring a thirty-minute hat-trick in the first half.

The United man is, at least, familiar with the Toffees attacker given their Premier League meetings, so that ought to help somewhat in dealing with the ex-Watford forward.

With Amad, there has to be a significant improvement against the Brazilians at the Nissan Stadium.

Despite registering an assist for Franck Kessie’s winning goal, he was generally underwhelming throughout proceedings on his Olympics debut.

The 19-year-old lost possession numerous times before his substitution in the final minute of normal time, failed to beat his man on several occasions and was second-best in seven of 10 total duels.

Against the defending champions on Sunday, the teenager has to rise to the occasion.

Indeed, a point against the South Americans will almost confirm progress to the quarter-finals, although a victory will definitely do. Haidara will probably hope for a stalemate in the game between Germany and Saudi Arabia, particularly as they face the European nation in their final encounter on July 28.

Their path to gold remains uncertain, but a meeting with the winner or runner-up in Group C would certainly be daunting. Given the presence of another favourite Spain, two-time winners Argentina, Australia (who stunned the 2004 and 2008 winners last time out) and even Egypt, Amad and Bailly won’t have things their way in the last eight.

Before looking too far ahead, though, is Sunday’s big meeting with Brazil. Win that and maybe the Man United pair will be taken more seriously as possible dark horses for an unprecedented Gold.

FC Inhulets manager Serhiy Lavrynenko stated the ‘prospect’ Stephen Gopey has informed the club’s decision to sign him.

The 21-year-old signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee from Nigeria Professional Football League side Wikki Tourist.

Despite joining the Petrove based outfit a few days to the commencement of the 2021-22 Ukrainian Premier League season, Gopey is already turning heads at the Inhulets Stadium.

Against Shakhtar Donetsk on Saturday, the striker came off the bench to score as his team bowed 2-1 at the NSK Olimpiyskiy Stadium.

“The first is a good age, 21 years old. The second is his ability to fight, cling to the ball, score. This player has a prospect,” Lavrynenko told media per Inhulets’ website.

“Hopefully, he will gain his optimal physical condition and will be a player of the starting lineup. It all depends on him.

“We took him to develop. I think until today's match, hardly anyone would have found him even on Wikipedia or Wyscout.

“And after this game, some information will appear in the press tomorrow. The striker was able to show himself well.

“There was Sasha Akimenko, who scored the maximum goals for our club and Nika Sichinava. Now, there is Artem Sitalo and Stephen [Gopey]. Let them score.”

The introduction of the Nigerian for Artem Sitalo at the beginning of the second half brought a spark into Inhulets’ attack.

Subsequently, he went on to score nine minutes from full-time after profiting from a Yevhen Opanasenko assist. The 46-year-old was questioned on why he did not start Gopey.

“I already said that he only arrived three days ago,” he continued.

“Yes, Michael played the way a striker should. But Shakhtar, I will tell you, have changed two key players. Alan Patrick and Pedrinho left and the game went very differently.

“We understood that it is not for nothing that these players are the leaders of Shakhtar today. They would be super leaders on any team.

“Sudakov came out – with all due respect to him, a good, promising footballer, perhaps a future star, but this is not Alan Patrick or Pedrinho.

“So, it's not just for the strength of our Michael, but to some extent just [Roberto] De Zerbi who gave his leaders a rest.”

Brazil will hope to keep the defence of their Olympic crown on track at Tokyo 2020 as they take on the Ivory Coast in Yokohama, to further bolster their spot atop Group D.

Watch the Olympics on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The Selecao were gold medalists at Rio 2016, and trumped Germany in a free-scoring opener - but now must overcome a potential dark horse in Les Elephants to stay on course.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), this year's Olympics soccer games can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

Having bagged an opening hat-trick to hand Andre Jardine's side a 4-2 victory earlier this week against Germany, Richarlison looks almost certain to retain his place for the Selecao.

With the title won on home soil five years ago at stake, there is likely to be little tinkering with a winning formula, particularly at the back where captain Dani Alves - the oldest men's player at the tournament, at 38 - can help control the tempo of the game.

Predicted Brazil starting XI:  Santos; Dani Alves, Nino, Diego Carlos, Arana; Douglas Luiz, Bruno Guimaraes; Antony, Claudinho, Richarlison; Matheus Cunha.

There is the potential for a Manchester United double act for Soualiho Haidara's side again, after both Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo started the victory against Saudi Arabia.

The former is likely to be included among Les Elephants' other two overage players in AC Milan man Franck Kessie - who netted the matchwinner in their opener - and Sivasspor's Max Gradel, skippering his country six years on from a vital role in their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations success.

Predicted Ivory Coast starting XI:  Tape; Singo, Dabila, Bailly, Ismael Diallo; Kouassi, Doumbia; Amad Diallo, Kessie, Gradel; Kouame.

Matchday two fixtures

Jamie Carragher has hit back at Georginio Wijnaldum over the midfielder's suggestion that he left Liverpool because of the club's fans.

Wijnaldum departed the Premier League side this summer after his contract expired and ended up signing for Paris Saint-Germain.

The Netherlands star has criticised the Reds' supporters for their conduct on social media, but Carragher does not believe his claims.

What has been said?

"I love Gini but this is not right, social media is a circus and every club has clowns," the ex-Liverpool centre-back posted on Twitter.

"Turn off your notifications and if it’s bothering you that much delete the app!

"He wanted more money, the club said no, that’s football!"

What did Wijnaldum say?

Wijnaldum said the team's fans used social media to blame him for their disappointing performances last season.

He told The Times: “The fans in the stadium and the fans in social media were two different things,” he continues. “In the stadium, I can say nothing bad about them. They always supported me.

“On social media if we lost I was the one who got the blame - [claiming] that I wanted to leave. There was a moment when I was like, ‘Wow, if they only knew what I was doing to stay fit and play every game.’

"You cannot complain because that is your job. But other players might have said: ‘I’m not fit.’ You get players in their last year who are like: ‘I’m not playing because it’s a risk.’ I did the opposite.

"I didn’t always play good but after the game I could look in the mirror and say: ‘I trained hard to get better'."

Further reading