2024 Euro Cup: BreakingDown the Quarter-Final
Written by: Danny Albers
The European Championship is heating up. We are getting one of the most significant matchups in recent history with Spain playing the host Germans. Two powerhouses in France and Portugal battled, eventually needing penalties to settle things. England and the Netherlands found another way to survive their own individual struggles to live for another day. Let’s take a look at each game and break them down individually.
Spain VS Germany
Result: Spain wins 2-1
Spain killed the hopes of the German faithful in attendance for Friday’s Quarter-Final against the host country Germany. This was one of the few times that Spain was outmatched in possession control and shots. Germany came out aggressive and pressured the tournament favorites. In the 51st minute, Spain struck first with a goal from Dani Olmo. It looked like Spain might escape with the narrow victory but Florian Wirtz scored in the 89th minute to send the crowd into a frenzy. The game went into extra time where momentum swung back and forth. In the last minute before stoppage time, Mikel Merino scored for Spain preventing a shootout.
Portugal VS France
Result: Tie 0-0 (France wins 5-3 Penalties)
A depressing end to what is likely the last European Championship for the old Portuguese core of Christiano Ronaldo and Pepe. Both teams had their fair share of opportunities, but it was a masterclass for goalies in this matchup. France goalkeeper Mike Maignan (France) and Diogo Costa (Portugal) put in some of the best performances we’ve seen in the tournament so far. We needed to go to penalties to finish this game. France still has the clutch gene in them as they hit all 5 of their penalties to win this game. France will now take on Spain as they try to find the form that nearly won the World Cup in 2022.
England VS Switzerland
Result: England wins 1-1 (5-3 in Penalties)
“Survive not thrive” has become the theme of England's European Championship run. After remaining scoreless for most of the game, Switzerland broke through when Breel Embolo scored in the 75th minute to give Switzerland a 1-0 lead. But Bukayo Saka, who as a teenager, missed a PK that lost England the final against Italy, was the hero in this game. Saka would score in the 80th minute tying the game. Once this game went to penalties, history didn’t repeat itself as Saka scored on his PK attempt. England was flawless in the penalties as just one mistake sent Switzerland home.
Turkey VS Netherlands
Result: Netherlands win 2-1
The soccer world exploded when Turkey scored on a goal from Samet Akaydin in the 35th minute to put Turkey up 1-0. At halftime, tensions surrounded the Netherlands side that had struggled all tournament long, but found themselves in a quarter-final. In the 70th minute, Netherlands would get the equalizer they were looking for when Stefan de Vrij scored. Just 6 minutes later when trying to defend yet another Dutch attack, Mert Müldür inadvertently blocked a kick into his own goal putting Netherlands up 2-1. Turkey desperately searched for an equalizer, but Netherlands pulled out the tight victory. They will play England this week, another team who’s pulled out narrow wins and hasn’t been playing their best soccer.
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