Euro 2020 (2021) Round of 4 (Semi-Finals)
It was neck and neck from start to finish. Spain may have been more dominant in possession but they fell short in finish, while Italy looked more threatening in attack with their direct style. The goals finally came in late in the second half. First was by Italy from the beginning of the keeper's throw to fast passes and runs, persistence then to a rebound that led to a goal. Spain continued to dominate possession and eventually scored from an excellent penetrating pass in the centre. The second half ended with a one goal draw so their fate needed to be decided in 30 minutes of extra time.
After Spain tied, the momentum was in their way as their move seemed more vibrant than before. This mood continued in extra time. Ball possession remained mostly on Spain's side as usual but the difference was that they became more direct in attack. All in all throughout the match, both teams had difficulty penetrating through the defence so extra time was not enough to decide the victor.
First to kick in the shootout was Italy. First kicker aimed left and got blocked. Next, Spain's kicker missed the shot all together. Italy's second kicker went left and it was read but not blocked. Spain's second kicker went right and it was also read but not blocked. It seemed like they were mimicking each other. This time, Italy's third kicker went right and the keeper misread it. Spain's third kicker also successfully scored as he went left and the keeper went the other way. Italy's fourth kicker went for the top right corner and scored. Spain's fourth kicker also went the right side but was blocked. The fifth Italian kicker was the last to kick as he scored and that finalized who the winning team was. Spain's luck had ended in their second penalty shootout trial.
England vs Denmark (2-1)
Denmark looked determined while England looked organized. The ball possession was mostly England but the pace was not too slow and caused Denmark's defence trouble. Meanwhile, Denmark was direct and threatening but the only downside was inaccurate passing at times. The first goal came in at the 30th minute where Denmark was awarded a free kick facing the box; the long range shot dipped over the defensive wall and into the back of the net. That was the first free kick goal of the tournament. England responded in the 38th minute where there was a good penetrating pass and a threatening cross in the face of the keeper whereby the defender tried to block it but ended up scoring an own goal. The momentum was on England's side but there were no more goals so the first half ended with a result of 1 to 1.
The second half was neck and neck and ended without a change in the score sheet. So extra time, it was. England kept most of the ball possession but Denmark's defence was difficult to break until one penetrating run by England's Sterling that forced Denmark to commit a foul in the box. Kane took the penalty kick and it was blocked at first but he scored in the rebound. Denmark tried to bounce back but England was too formidable. Therefore, the end result was England the winner and Denmark ousted.
The final of the tournament will be England vs. Italy.
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