Euro 2020 (2021) Final - England vs Italy

England vs. Italy 1-1 (PSO 2:3)

The first goal came from the start of the game with England's first attack move. The goal happened in 2 minutes from a long cross that was connected by Shaw who was near the goal post for an easy tap in. Italy needed to respond. Around the middle of first half, Italy gained more momentum in terms of possession. They tried to craft their way with passes to penetrate England's defence but to no avail. When that did not work, they tried a more direct approach of long passing and quicker pace. England in the meanwhile played direct and looked for holes in Italy's defence involving long passes and penetrating runs. English defenders did a good job closing down the incoming opponents and guarding their spots. Italians could not find spatial openings so they ended doing long range shots that were off target and futile.

In the second half, Italians continued to find ways to equalize and England focused on defending. When England was in attack mode, they hurried to get to the front and made long passes so they ended up losing the ball quickly. Then in the 66th minute, Italy got a chance from a corner kick. The English keeper did not clear the ball properly as it hit the post and rebounded, and in among the confusion Italy scored. Italy's hopes were up again. Italy had most of the ball possession and England had difficulty going forward because they mostly stayed in the back and nobody was in front. Near the end of the game, some hooligan came into the pitch and disrupted play. England tried to finish the game but the Italian defence was also formidable. Thus, it was extra time.

In extra time, both teams exchanged turns in ball possession. The pace in the second half of extra time became faster and more threatening. Nevertheless

Italy kicked first in the shootout. He shot left and the keeper went the other way so Italy was up one. England next scored as well in the same manner. Italy's second kicker went right but was blocked. England's second kicker also went right but up top and scored while the keeper went the wrong direction. Italy's third kicker went top left and the keeper guessed correctly but could not block it. England's third kicker stalled a bit then kicked left but hit the post; the keeper went the other way so it could've been a goal. Italy's fourth kicker went for the middle and scored as the keeper went to his right. England's fourth kicker went right and was blocked as the keeper guessed right. Italy's fifth kicker needed to score to finalize the match but that was not to be as the keeper went to his right and blocked the shot. It was in the hands of England's fifth kicker; he shot right and was blocked. Italy became the champions.