Nestor Lorenzo allayed any concerns over James Rodriguez's fitness after Colombia's 3-0 victory over Costa Rica at the Copa America.
Colombia made light work of Costa Rica at State Farm Stadium on Friday, securing their progression from Group D in the process.
A point in Colombia's final group match, against Brazil, will ensure they finish ahead of the Selecao, who are all but through after hammering Paraguay 4-1.
James was hugely influential for Lorenzo's team, creating a game-leading five chances and providing an exquisite assist for Jhon Cordoba to slot in and make it 3-0 in the 62nd minute following earlier goals from Luis Diaz and Davinson Sanchez.
The former Real Madrid playmaker was taken off in the 72nd minute, but coach Lorenzo said it was a precaution.
"James is fine," Lorenzo told the media. "He wanted to continue, but thinking of what is coming, it seemed prudent to change him."
James, who was left out of Colombia's squad in 2021, has already registered three assists across his two matches at this edition of the Copa America.
Since such data has been recorded (from 2011), only Lionel Messi has set up more goals in a single edition of the tournament (five in 2021, four in 2016).
Colombia have now gone 25 matches without defeat (20 wins, five draws), marking the second-longest unbeaten streak in their history, behind a 27-match run (13 wins, 14 draws) between 1992 and 1994.
"I think we have played good games against great rivals," Lorenzo added, after seeing Colombia record their 11th win over Costa Rica from what was a 14th meeting.
"There was a more pronounced and continued dominance. The boys played a great game."
Should they seal top spot in Group D, Colombia are likely to avoid going up against Marcelo Bielsa's in-form Uruguay in the last eight.
Vinicius Junior played a starring role as Brazil kick-started their Copa America campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over 10-man Paraguay, who were eliminated from the competition.
The Real Madrid forward scored twice for the Selecao, who opened the tournament with a drab goalless draw against Costa Rica on Monday, while Savinho and Lucas Paqueta were also on target at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Dorival Junior's side subsequently closed in on a quarter-final spot by moving onto four points in Group D – two behind leaders Colombia, who they will join in the last eight with a draw when the nations meet in their final group outing on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Omar Alderete's wonderful long-range strike proved academic for Paraguay, as La Albirroja bowed out following their second successive defeat, which was compounded by a late Andres Cubas red card.
Brazil were presented with a golden opportunity to break the deadlock on the half-hour mark. Referee Piero Maza Gomez pointed straight to the penalty spot as Paqueta's shot struck Cubas' arm, but the West Ham midfielder could only fire wide from 12 yards out.
Nevertheless, Brazil broke through four minutes later as a lovely move culminated in Vinicius latching onto Paqueta's throughball, and drilling under Rodrigo Morinigo's dive.
The Selecao doubled their lead when Savinho tapped home in the 43rd minute, and it was 3-0 in stoppage time - albeit in fortunate circumstances - as Alderete's attempted stabbed clearance ricocheted back into the net off the onrushing Vinicius.
The Paraguay centre-half atoned for his mistake in spectacular fashion three minutes after the restart, with a superb 25-yard volley reducing the deficit.
Alisson Becker then pushed Julio Enciso's dangerous curling strike away during an impressive spell by Daniel Garnero's side.
However, any hopes they had of a fightback were quashed in the 64th minute when Mathias Villasanti was adjudged to have handled Savinho's shot, with Paqueta making no mistake from the spot this time.
Paraguay's misery was compounded with nine minutes remaining, when Cubas was given his marching orders for lashing out at Douglas Luiz.
Vinicius at the double in Brazil victory
This had the potential to be awkward for Brazil, who were winless in their last five Copa America meetings with Paraguay, and they were fresh from that disappointing draw with Costa Rica.
The Selecao enjoyed 74% of possession, completed 695 passes and registered 19 shots in their opener, but to no avail.
However, they scored from four of their six attempts on target today to tighten their grip on second place in Group D, and all but secure their quarter-final spot - with third-place Costa Rica requiring a six-goal swing to displace Dorival's side.
Having recorded the lowest tallies of touches (45) and passes (23) by any outfield starter for Brazil on matchday one, Vinicius looked back to his best here with the most goals (two), dribbles (17), duels (21) and touches in opposition box (11).of any player.
Savinho - brought into the starting line-up after his impressive cameo from the bench against Costa Rica - also got in on the act with his first senior international goal.
Powerless Paraguay bow out
Paraguay do have pedigree when it comes to the Copa America. Two-time winners in 1953 and 1979, they arrived in the United States having only suffered two group-stage exits in the 21st century.
However, it was La Albirroja's overall record that was the concern, having only registered three wins from a possible 15 heading into this game.
They had also lost each of their 18 previous matches when conceding the first goal, so things looked fairly ominous when Vinicius broke through and paved the way for Brazil's late first-half flurry.
To their credit, Paraguay responded well after the break with Alderete's wonderful goal and Enciso testing Alisson, and they managed to match the Selecao's six shots on target throughout the contest.
Nevertheless, overturning such a deficit was always going to be a tough ask, and Brazil eventually got back on track to see out a comfortable victory, which means Garnero's side join Jamaica in the departure lounge.
A defiant Vanni Sartini believes Vancouver Whitecaps are on the right track, but called for more confidence and courage when St. Louis City visit in MLS.
The Whitecaps endured a disappointing two-game road stretch, culminating in their 2-0 defeat to Portland Timbers last time out.
That loss saw Vancouver drop to ninth in the Western Conference standings, only clinging onto the final playoff spot by way of a superior goal difference over Seattle Sounders.
Sartini acknowledged the frustrations of the last two showings, though suggests the Whitecaps can get back on course at BC Place.
"The concerns are always there, even if you win," Sartini said at pre-match media availability.
"It sounds very easy to say, but we just need to be a little better. That means a lot of things, however. Our performance hasn't gone down dramatically.
"The efficiency of our performances has gone down dramatically, though. We need to be better at finishing our chances, and being mentally stronger.
"The last couple of games before the break, we had two strong mental performances [in Kansas and Colorado]. Even though we weren't playing amazingly, we weren't making mistakes.
"The last two games away, we created more chances than in the games before, but we have been too easy to beat, we get a little flat when we hit the first trouble of those matches.
"We need to be more confident, courageous and more like: 'let's focus on the task'. If we are doing this, then the margin to make a lot of points is shorter."
Bradley Carnell's visitors are winless in their last eight domestic outings following a 1-1 draw with Atlanta United in their most recent fixture.
St. Louis are just three places behind the Whitecaps, though, with this the chance to strike a blow to their hosts' playoff hopes.
Carnell must arrest a poor spell in front of goal, however, as St. Louis have scored the second-fewest goals in the West this season (24).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Vancouver Whitecaps – Ryan Gauld
Ryan Gauld has followed up his 11-goal 2023 with nine goals already this season.
With one more goal, Gauld will become the third Whitecaps player with multiple 10-goal seasons (Camilo Sanvezzo, Brian White) and the first to do so in consecutive campaigns.
St. Louis City – Indiana Vassilev
Indiana Vassilev scored his fifth regular-season goal for St. Louis on Saturday, becoming the sixth different player to hit the mark for the club in league play.
Only three teams have more players with five or more regular-season goals than St. Louis since they joined the league in 2023 (Real Salt Lake, Minnesota United, FC Cincinnati – seven each).
MATCH PREDICTION – VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN
The Whitecaps are the likely favourites for a narrow victory in this one, owing to St. Louis' woeful away form.
Carnell's side have managed only three wins in 26 games on the road in all competitions (drawn eight, lost 15) since winning their first three away matches in club history between February and March 2023.
Yet, it will be by no means straightforward for Vancouver.
They have lost consecutive matches following the defeat to Portland on Saturday, but Vancouver have not suffered three straight defeats within a single regular season since August-September 2022.
There is little to split these two teams in terms of the head-to-head record, with each side recording a home win against the other in two meetings between Vancouver and St. Louis City last season.
The hosts scored three goals in each game, while Brian White scored in both outings for the Whitecaps.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Vancouver Whitecaps win – 51.1%
Draw – 24.8%
St. Louis City win – 24%
Christian Eriksen acknowledges "it doesn't get any bigger" for Denmark as they prepare to take on host nation Germany in the Euro 2024 round of 16.
Kasper Hjulmand's side, who reached the Euro 2020 semi-finals, are appearing in the knockout stages of successive European Championships for the first time, having finished as Group C runners-up behind England.
Eriksen played a key role as the Danes went unbeaten in their opening three matches.
The Manchester United midfielder scored against Slovenia, and became the first Denmark player to register 10 or more shots (10) and create 10 or more chances (13) in a single edition of a major tournament.
Denmark have lost all five of their previous European Championship matches against the host nation, though they do boast fond memories of their victory over Germany in the 1992 final.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Eriksen said. "A knockout game against Germany in Germany; it doesn't get any bigger than that.
"A lot of people seem to think that we've lost already, so we can play freely and give our all. I'm looking forward to showing that we can rub shoulders [with the best teams] in this tournament.
"I believe we can beat the Germans, but many things will have to come together for us."
Eriksen has also become Denmark's most-capped player after taking his tally of senior international appearances to 133 - one ahead of team-mate Simon Kjaer.
"I'm very proud to have won so many international caps," the 32-year-old added. "It's a bit of a strange feeling because a lot of the players who are up there are all-time greats of Danish football.
"To be there alongside them is something I will look upon fondly when I'm done playing, with a big smile on my face."
Brian Schmetzer urged Seattle Sounders to rediscover their home form ahead of Saturday's meeting with Chicago Fire in MLS.
The hosts sit ninth in the Western Conference standings, but are 12 points adrift of the top three sides in the table.
Schmetzer's side have not won back-to-back MLS games all season, though that is a possibility when the out-of-form Chicago visit Lumen Park.
Seattle will be invigorated by last-gasp drama in their 3-2 win over FC Dallas last time out, and the head coach hopes his team can utilise that momentum going forward.
"We need to follow up that crazy, exciting, perfect for the fans, but horrible for the coaches win," he said. "We've got two more home games to come, and we need to re-establish some home form.
"I haven't mentioned it to the players, but we have discussed it internally among the coaches, how to get them more consistent and delivering on a regular basis.
"[Let's] see if we can generate some more results. We're still below the playoff line, but seven points in a week is a good number.
"Now, we talk about keeping the momentum at home going, not necessarily winning two in a row, but just re-establishing what we do here and how we go about things."
The Fire appeared to be finding form with a four-match unbeaten streak, though that was snapped with a 4-2 defeat in Orlando last weekend.
Chicago are languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and have struggled on the road, managing just one win in nine away matches.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Seattle Sounders – Jordan Morris
Jordan Morris scored the 88th-minute equaliser and stoppage-time winner in Seattle's comeback win over Dallas on Saturday.
Morris is the first player in Sounders history to score both the match-tying and winning goals in the 80th minute or later of an MLS match.
Chicago Fire – Hugo Cuypers
Hugo Cuypers has scored in four consecutive matches for the Fire, the longest active goalscoring streak in MLS.
If he scores against Seattle, Cuypers will equal the longest regular-season scoring streak in the Fire's MLS history: five games by David Accam in 2017 and Robert Beric in 2020.
MATCH PREDICTION – SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN
With the Fire enjoying a favourable head-to-head record and the Sounders in fine form, this clash was difficult to split the pair, though Seattle appear favourites for a narrow victory.
Seattle have lost only two of their last 13 matches in all competitions (won six, drawn five), with both of those defeats coming on the road.
Indeed, the Sounders are unbeaten in seven straight home games, including winning three of the last four at Lumen Field (drawn one), but Chicago should still not be ruled out.
The Fire have won their last two meetings with Seattle, one at home and one at the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020. Prior to that, Chicago had won just two of 17 meetings with the Sounders (drawn four, lost 11).
They also remain winless in Seattle in nine all-time visits (drawn two, lost seven), but have won their last two trips to the Pacific Northwest, winning 3-1 at Vancouver Whitecaps in 2022 and 2-1 at Portland Timbers in 2023.
Prior to the last two matches, Chicago had never won at any of the three Cascadia MLS teams in all competitions (drawn four, lost 19 at Portland, Seattle and Vancouver), a feat they will hope does not come back to haunt them here.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Seattle Sounders win – 54.6%
Draw – 23.3%
Chicago Fire win – 22%
Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's Copa America showdown with Peru on Saturday, while head coach Lionel Scaloni will also be absent after being handed a touchline ban.
The reigning champions have already secured their passage into the quarter-finals with a game to spare following back-to-back wins over Canada and Chile, and a point against Peru will be enough to secure top spot in Group A.
Therefore, it will provide a welcome opportunity for La Albiceleste to potentially rotate and rest several key players, including skipper Messi, whose absence was confirmed due to a groin issue.
"Leo had a [groin] problem in the last game and, in this one, he will not be there," Argentina assistant coach Walter Samuel told reporters during his pre-match press conference. "We are going to see day by day how it is."
The reigning world champions will also have to make do without Scaloni following a sanction by CONMEBOL.
It comes after Argentina returned late for the second half in successive matches, with the governing body issuing a fine and touchline ban to their head coach, whose side were initially warned for the first instance.
"We got the news today, it was a shock," Samuel added. "Lionel is upset about this. He wanted to be with the team, but we will abide by what CONMEBOL says.
"We consider ourselves to be staff with a lot of professionalism. Sometimes, you're talking about a small detail. We weren't trying to find an advantage. Now, we have to focus on the next match and move forward."
Samuel also shrugged off suggestions Argentina are favourites to successfully defend their crown in the United States, insisting they are focused very much on the short term.
"Are we the favourites to win the Copa America? It's hard to be favourites because there are many great teams," he said.
"We don't like to say that [we are favourites], we always go with 'game-by-game'. Now, we only think about Peru, and then treat each game like a final."
Phil Neville insists Portland Timbers are still "nowhere near" their capabilities, despite an impressive MLS run lifting them up the table ahead of Saturday's clash with Minnesota United.
The Timbers have surged up the Western Conference standings, sitting seventh in the league after a six-game undefeated streak.
Neville's men leapfrogged Vancouver Whitecaps with a commendable 2-0 victory last time out, with this another chance to put pressure on the teams above them.
The former Inter Miami head coach still believes Portland can significantly improve, too.
"It's step by step, we've got a lot of work to do, but we're not getting carried away," Neville said.
"We're keeping our feet firmly on the ground, but we are building confidence, and I think the boys are enjoying what we are doing at the minute.
"I think the longer that continues, the better it is for us. I think this team could still play better. We're nowhere near where we need to be.
"There's a big improvement still needed, we have another opportunity to go here – we're at home, we need to improve our form there, and gaining points here is going to be key to us making the playoffs."
Minnesota are two places above the Timbers despite a three-match losing streak, a run they will be desperate to snap here.
The Loons came away empty-handed once more in their last outing, a 1-0 defeat to Austin FC, but Neville acknowledged the quality his side will face.
"We're against a team that has brilliant players," Neville added. "We're going to have to play better than we did against Vancouver – we're not taking our foot off the gas."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Portland Timbers – Felipe Mora
Felipe Mora scored his ninth goal of the season on Saturday, while Jonathan Rodriguez netted his eighth of 2024.
That pair join Evander (eight goals) to make Portland the only MLS team with three players to have scored at least eight goals this season, though Mora may be the one to keep an eye on against Minnesota.
Minnesota United – Robin Lod
Robin Lod created four chances against Austin, his ninth match with at least that many in an MLS game for the Loons.
The only Minnesota players with more MLS games in which they have created four or more chances are Emanuel Reynoso (24) and Darwin Quintero (14).
MATCH PREDICTION – PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN
Minnesota may boast a favourable head-to-head record in this fixture, but Portland are the favourites for victory here.
Indeed, the Loons have only two of their last 13 meetings with the Timbers in all competitions (won nine, drawn two), including winning the last three in a row.
Yet, Minnesota have never won four straight against Portland, who are in fine defensive form before this clash.
Portland have kept a clean sheet in three of their last five matches, including a 2-0 win over Vancouver on Saturday.
Prior to that, Portland had two shutouts in their previous 31 regular-season games dating back to last June, and another could be on the cards against the out-of-form Loons.
Minnesota dropped their third consecutive game with the loss to Austin, though the Loons have not lost four straight regular-season games since failing in the first four matches of the 2021 season.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Portland Timbers win – 44.8%
Draw – 26.9%
Minnesota United win – 28.3%
Cristiano Ronaldo "lives for goals" and will soon find a return to form after a prolonged struggle for Portugal, says veteran team-mate Pepe.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is yet to find the net at Euro 2024, failing to score in Portugal's first three Group F games as Roberto Martinez's side topped their pool.
Stretching further back, Ronaldo has not scored in any of his last seven appearances for Portugal at major tournaments, his longest such drought across the European Championship and World Cup.
The 39-year-old has had 19 shots across the two competitions since last scoring against Ghana at the 2022 World Cup.
However, Pepe – speaking ahead of the last-16 meeting with Slovenia on Monday – believes his team-mate will soon find his scoring touch.
"Cristiano lives for goals, that's a fact," Pepe said in Friday's press conference. "But have you seen his availability on the pitch to help the national team? It's incredible.
"He's the player with the most minutes in our team, at 39 years old.
"He's doing very well. He'll do very well in the final stages of the European Championship. I'm certain he will give us a lot of joy."
Pepe joined Ronaldo in lifting the Euro 2016 trophy, and became the oldest player in the competition's history by featuring in this year's edition, aged 41.
"I'm just happy to be part of this group, it's a privilege," Pepe said. "The secret [is] the passion I have for football. I've said several times that it's a privilege to be able to get up and do what I love most with a lot of concentration and competitiveness, which is what I have.
"The love I put into every action, so much in training as in the game. That's it."
As for any consideration of retirement, Pepe has no thoughts of hanging up his boots just yet.
"I haven't thought about it yet," the former Real Madrid defender added. "My focus is on the next training session, on the next game, which is important to me and to Portugal.
"I don't think about it much, honestly. The future belongs to God, I have many things to worry about today, such as how I will defend my team-mates in the training sessions ahead, how to recover for tomorrow's training. Those are my concerns."
Kai Havertz compared himself to Harry Kane as the Germany forward admits "I don't understand the discussion" around his central role for the Euro 2024 hosts.
Havertz led the line in each of Germany's three Group A games at the tournament, scoring a penalty and providing an assist in their opening 5-1 rout of Scotland on matchday one.
Although, the Arsenal forward failed to add to that tally in the next two games, with Niclas Fullkrug netting twice from the bench including a late equaliser against Switzerland.
Havertz has often drawn criticism suggesting he does not score enough goals while operating as a number nine, but he insists there is more to the role than just finding the net - noting England and Bayern Munich forward Kane as an example.
"Football has developed incredibly, especially in recent years," he told Sport1. "Who in European football is really such a classic centre-forward? Erling Haaland, perhaps.
"Not even Harry Kane is one for me. He has a great finish, but he doesn't just stand in front of the box and wait for the ball. That's why I don't understand the discussion.
"I've been very successful in this position for the last six months. I feel comfortable up front and see myself in this position in the long term."
It remains to be seen whether Havertz will retain his starting role when Germany face Denmark in the round of 16 on Saturday. Fullkrug has certainly staked his claim to Julian Nagelsmann.
With four goals from six appearances in major tournaments - all from the bench - only Poland's Ernst Wilimowski (one every 30 minutes) boasts a better minutes-per-goal ratio than the 31-year-old (one every 35 minutes) among all European players to play at least 100 minutes at the World Cup and European Championship combined.
"Nobody can assume that [they will be starting]," Havertz added. "I'm a player who needs confidence. It's important to work hard in training and give everything in the games. I can say that about myself. Everyone wants to be on the pitch. In the end, the coach decides.
"Denmark have a very good team with many good individual players. But they also work as a team. It's going to be a tough game, but I'm convinced of our quality. I think we can do it [win]."
Peter Vermes says Sporting Kansas City must focus on their own attributes, rather than those of upcoming opponents Austin FC, if they are to end their miserable run of form.
Sporting KC sit 13th in the Western Conference standings after losing 10 of their last 11 games including each of their last three, conceding four goals in each.
Following a 4-2 defeat to the LA Galaxy, a 4-3 reverse against Real Salt Lake and a 4-0 demolition at the hands of the Columbus Crew, Vermes says his team have had a good week in training and are raring to set the record straight.
"We're going to find out on Saturday. I think we've had a pretty decent week of training," Vermes said when asked how his team would measure up.
"It's been good for us to train in this kind of heat since it's what we've got to play in for these next couple of months.
"It's all going to be about the performance this weekend, for sure. The key is to just make sure we're good at the key aspects of our game.
"It's more about what we're doing and making sure that we're doing it right."
Austin were also on a poor run until they beat Minnesota United 1-0 last week, a result that lifted them to eighth in the West.
Boss Josh Wolff is pleased with the way his team have hung on despite losing players to international duty and injuries, saying: "We looked at the season, and we knew difficult stretches were coming. We just don't have the numbers.
"You can see in these games, we had to grind. We have guys playing in different positions. They continue to hang in there and compete.
"It's not like every game is perfect but the guys have done a great job of keeping us in a good position."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sporting Kansas City – John Pulskamp
Sporting KC are the fifth team in MLS history to concede four or more goals in three consecutive matches.
No team has allowed four or more goals in four straight games in league history. Goalkeeper Pulskamp will be desperate to avoid making unwanted history here.
Austin FC – Sebastian Driussi
Driussi has scored five goals in six regular-season meetings with Sporting KC, scoring one goal in five of those six games, including in both of his previous matches in Kansas City.
MATCH PREDICTION: SPORTING KANSAS CITY WIN
Sporting KC have lost 10 times in a span of 11 regular-season matches for the first time in the post-shootout era (since 2000).
They had suffered only nine defeats in their previous 33 regular-season matches before this run. Perhaps Saturday, though, is an opportunity to bounce back.
Austin were winless in five matches themselves before beating Minnesota last week (two draws, three losses) and have only won two of their last 17 road games (six draws, nine defeats).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Sporting Kansas City – 45.8%
Austin FC – 27.5%
Draw – 26.8%
Joselu thanked Real Madrid "for everything you have helped me to feel throughout my life", after his departure from Santiago Bernabeu was confirmed.
Los Blancos triggered the option to sign the Spain striker on a permanent basis on Thursday, having spent the 2023-24 season on loan from Espanyol.
However, it was announced just 24 hours later that the 34-year-old, who was previously with Madrid between 2009 and 2012, will depart the club for a second time to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Gharafa.
Despite largely appearing as a substitute, Joselu chipped in with an impressive 18 goals from 49 appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's side last season, including a brace to secure victory in their Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich.
Although, with the impending arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick, his game time would likely have become even more limited should he have remained at the Bernabeu.
"Thank you. This is the best and most appropriate word to describe everything I feel at this moment, a time when emotion and nerves scarcely allow me to write," he said in a statement on the official club website.
"Thank you, Real Madrid for everything you have helped me to feel throughout my life. Outside and inside. Inside and outside. Thank you for all you taught me when I was a kid; thank you for providing me with so many examples of greatness and humility at the same time.
"Thank you for having kept my dream alive and for having made it come true. Thank you to each and every one of the employees of the greatest and most inspiring club. Thank you coach for how you understand this game.
"Thank you team for being my family. Thank you fans for your passion, your warmth and your support that allowed us to fly. I went away years ago, but I never left. I am also leaving today, but in reality I am staying. Thank you."
Joselu thanked Real Madrid "for everything you have helped me to feel throughout my life", after his departure from Santiago Bernabeu was confirmed.
Los Blancos triggered the option to sign the Spain striker on a permanent basis on Thursday, having spent the 2023-24 season on loan from Espanyol.
However, it was announced just 24 hours later that the 34-year-old, who was previously with Madrid between 2009 and 2012, will depart the club for a second time to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Gharafa.
Despite largely appearing as a substitute, Joselu chipped in with an impressive 18 goals from 49 appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's side last season, including a brace to secure victory in their Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich.
Although, with the impending arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick, his game time would likely have become even more limited should he have remained at the Bernabeu.
"Thank you. This is the best and most appropriate word to describe everything I feel at this moment, a time when emotion and nerves scarcely allow me to write," he said in a statement on the official club website.
"Thank you, Real Madrid for everything you have helped me to feel throughout my life. Outside and inside. Inside and outside. Thank you for all you taught me when I was a kid; thank you for providing me with so many examples of greatness and humility at the same time.
"Thank you for having kept my dream alive and for having made it come true. Thank you to each and every one of the employees of the greatest and most inspiring club. Thank you coach for how you understand this game.
"Thank you team for being my family. Thank you fans for your passion, your warmth and your support that allowed us to fly. I went away years ago, but I never left. I am also leaving today, but in reality I am staying. Thank you."
England have no more excuses as knockout football awaits at Euro 2024, so says Anthony Gordon, who hopes to feature from the start against Slovakia on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate's side have failed to live up to pre-tournament expectations but still topped Group C on five points.
The Three Lions overcame Serbia 1-0 in their opener before disappointing draws followed with Denmark and Slovenia.
Those latter two performances have brought questions over England and Southgate's capabilities, and Gordon acknowledged his side must put in an improved showing in Gelsenkirchen.
"I think as a team we just have to come together, we have to perform when the pressure is high," the England youngster said at Friday's pre-match press conference.
"Now we're into the knockout stages, so there's no more next game, next team. Now we really have to step up and be the team we can be.
"That's on us, we're the ones on the pitch, we're the ones who can make an impact and change things. So I think that as players, you've just got to take responsibility and accountability.
"That's what football is about. That's why you want to be in these games, because the pressure is the highest.
"If you win these games, that's where that feeling is that we chase every day. So I think that's a positive."
Gordon has been limited to short cameos off the bench in England's first three group games, though caught the eyes of Manchester United great Wayne Rooney with his energy down the left flank.
Displacing Phil Foden on that left-hand side remains Gordon's priority, though the Newcastle United winger insists the side comes before self in tournament football among Southgate's squad.
"I think frustration is probably the wrong word," Gordon added when asked about the public outcry for him to feature. "It's more of a want to play and want to perform on a bigger stage.
"That just comes from my self-belief. I feel like I can impact any game in a positive way. A lot of people have used frustration the past week or so about my minutes, but I think that's the wrong word.
"I think six months ago, it would have been crazy because I think the opinion of me compared to now is very different, but I've worked hard to be in this position and that's what I want.
"I want people to be calling for me because, like I said before, that's what I'm doing in training. I'm giving my very best to cause headaches for selection. That's all I can do. The rest is out of my control."
Gordon hit the headlines after suffering a nasty blow to his chin when falling off a bike on England's downtime in Germany.
The 23-year-old, sporting a cut chin and bruised arms, hopes to make light of the situation should the opportunity arise against Slovakia.
"I'll put the stabilisers next to the pitch, maybe and you lot [the media] can take credit for the celebration," the forward joked. "I'll do it though, I will do it, definitely, you've got my word."
Steve Cherundolo says Los Angeles FC will force the issue when they take on the Colorado Rapids in a huge clash of Western Conference contenders on Saturday.
LAFC lead the way in the West with 37 points, though Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy are only behind them due to winning one game fewer.
LAFC's fine run of form continued with a 6-2 rout of the San Jose Earthquakes last weekend, with Mateusz Bogusz scoring twice as they raced into a 5-0 lead within just 48 minutes.
Cherundolo expects a different level of test from the Rapids, who are just six points off the summit after an encouraging start to Chris Armas' tenure.
"They're a difficult team to beat, they're playing very well, they're disciplined, compact and also very vertical," Cherundolo said of Colorado.
"Chris has done a great job, and you can see it's a well-coached team. They found a way to be successful and they're sticking to it.
"We believe that every system has its own abilities, it's just a matter of how well we can impose ours on them."
Colorado have won their last three matches after enduring a mini slump, but like his opposite number, Armas is wary of the challenge his team will face on Saturday.
"It's another busy stretch coming up so in many ways it's right back to basics and we'll just try to get better," Armas said.
"We're always looking at every game as a test of how we can improve. We know they're a good team, they're playing really well, but we're looking forward to it.
"They just scored six but they're also one of the better defensive teams. You can see how explosive that offense is and we'll have to be at our best to get anything."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Los Angeles FC – Mateusz Bogusz
Bogusz has a goal contribution in eight straight MLS matches, with only Luciano Acosta having a longer such streak this season (nine).
That is the second-longest such streak in regular-season play by an LAFC player, behind only Carlos Vela (11 straight spanning 2019 and 2020).
Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic
Mihailovic has six goal contributions in his last two games, with three goals Wednesday against St. Louis City and a goal and two assists against CF Montreal last Saturday.
His six goal contributions are the most ever over a span of two MLS games by a Rapids player.
MATCH PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES FC WIN
The home team has lost only one of the 11 all-time meetings between LAFC and Colorado (nine wins, one draw).
LAFC have won all five of their previous home matches against the Rapids by a combined score of 14-1. While the Rapids will certainly put up a fight this week, the hosts enter as favourites.
Cherundolo's team are unbeaten in their last eight league games, winning seven and drawing the other at Austin FC. At home, they have won five in a row.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Los Angeles FC – 62.2%
Colorado Rapids – 17.8%
Draw – 20%
Gareth Southgate is refusing to back down and has no regrets at Euro 2024, as England prepare for their first knockout test against Slovakia on Sunday.
The Three Lions entered the competition in Germany among the pre-tournament favourites, subsequently topping Group C to make it into the round of 16.
Yet their pole position belies the performance levels of their first three games, with drab draws against Denmark and Slovenia following a narrow 1-0 win over Serbia in the opener.
Jude Bellingham scored in that opening victory, while Harry Kane netted in the 1-1 draw with Denmark that preceded a disappointing goalless outing against Slovenia.
With such a depth of attacking talent available, some have questioned Southgate's ability to get the best out of the likes of Bellingham, Kane, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden.
However, the England manager has no doubts over his side, nor any interest in the external noise from critics.
"I won't be backing away from anything," Southgate said. "Whatever the feeling is towards me, you've got to get behind the team, and that's crucial.
"Players have loved playing for England the last six or seven years, we've got to keep that – we have to keep that.
"If we don't, then I understand the feeling towards me, but back the players."
The left-back situation has also been a topical point of discussion, with Kieran Trippier operating as a makeshift full-back while Luke Shaw continues to be unfit.
Southgate said after the Slovenia draw that Shaw, who has not featured for club or country since February, could be available for the "next game".
Selection issues aside, England will be looking to reach the quarter-final stage of consecutive European Championship tournaments for the first time in history.
Standing in their way is a Slovakia side that edged through Group E, progressing on goal difference as Romania, Belgium and Ukraine all finished level on four points.
Slovakia head coach Matjaz Kek is wary of England's quality going into this one, too.
"We are playing against one of the favourites, if not the favourite, for the tournament," Kek said. "We respect England very much. We know their strengths and their individuals.
"The Euros have just started, and I see them as one of the favourites to win the tournament. I don't know why I would question England, be it the individuals or the team in general."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
ENGLAND – HARRY KANE
Kane has come under some scrutiny for his ability to lead England's frontline, with questions over his pressing and speed up top.
Yet, the England captain has scored six goals in his last six appearances in the knockout stages of major international tournaments (two in two at the 2022 World Cup, four in four at Euro 2020).
His seven goals in the knockout stages overall are also the most of any Three Lions player, a tally he will hope to add to in Gelsenkirchen.
SLOVAKIA – MILAN SKRINIAR
Milan Skriniar and the Slovakia defence will be tasked with stopping the prolific Kane on Sunday, though the centre-back has impressed in other aspects of the game at Euro 2024.
Only Germany's Toni Kroos (130) played more forward passes in the group stage than Skriniar (92), whose 203 successful passes so far are the most ever by a Slovakian player in a single edition of a major tournament.
MATCH PREDICTION: ENGLAND WIN
It is hard to look past anything other than an England win here, with Southgate's side winning 65% of pre-match simulations in Opta's data-led predictions.
That favourable probability owes to a strong head-to-head record as England have won five of their six games against Slovakia.
However, England's one failure to win this fixture was at Euro 2016 in their only previous major tournament meeting, a goalless draw in Saint-Etienne, where the Three Lions had their most shots (29) in a European Championship match on record (since 1980).
Expect Slovakia to fly out the blocks, too, as they have scored first in three of their six clashes with England, yet they went on to lose each of those games 2-1: in both Euro 2004 qualifiers and a 2018 World Cup qualifier in September 2017.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
England – 65%
Draw – 20.6%
Slovakia – 14.4%
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