Euro 2020 (2021) Round of 8 (Quarter-Finals)

 

Switzerland vs Spain 1-1 (PSO 1:3)
Spain dominated in possession (as expected) and tried to be calm in pace while Switzerland tried to be swift in counterattack. Spain got their first goal early on from a corner kick whereby it was connected with a long range volley; the ball was deflected from a defender and went back into net out of keeper's reach. Swiss in turn made the effort to equalize and made Spain's defence busy.

In the middle of second half, Spanish defenders were sloppy and Swiss took advantage of that and scored to tie it up. Whenever Switzerland moved, they were dynamic and exciting. However, they got into trouble as they lost a player due to a red card. Spain needed one more goal for security but it was a difficult feat. Thus, they went into extra time.

In extra time, Switzerland locked themselves in defensive mode while Spain kept attacking. Swiss keeper Sommer was the saviour for Switzerland as he made many amazing saves. Many opportunities were created by Spain but their finishes were somewhat lacking. So, the quarter finals start with another penalty shootout.

From the start, Spain missed the kick as the ball hit the post. Swiss scored successfully. Spain's second kicker succeeded. Swiss' next kicker went left and Spain's keeper guessed correctly. Swiss' Sommer in turn blocked the ball as he guessed to his left. Swiss' kicker went left and the keeper blocked it again. Next, the Spanish kicker scored. The Swiss kicker then roofed it up and out of harm's way. Spain would win upon scoring on their next turn, and they indeed succeeded so they made it through to the next round. All in all, it was the lackluster performance of the kickers that ultimately determined each team's fate.

Belgium vs Italy 1-2
Both teams were hungry for goal from the beginning as the first goal was important in controlling the game. The Belgian style was direct while the Italians were more careful with their passes and possession-based. Italy almost scored first with a free kick that went past everybody including the goalie, but was called offside so no goal was given. However, Italy eventually scored first as they kept knocking on the door. That invigorated Italy and boosted their morale. Italy's dynamic move created another goal. But at the end of first half, the Italian defender pushed the Belgian player in the box so Belgium was awarded a penalty kick. Belgium gave it their best but Italy was more dominant in possession. Therefore, second half remained unchanged score-wise and Italy won. In the semis, it will be Italy vs Spain.

Czech Republic vs Denmark 1-2
Denmark was the better team. They were dynamic and more commanding of the ball and were more fierce in attack while Czech Republic felt short. The first goal came from a corner kick set play and put Denmark in front. Near the end of first half, Denmark scored another one. The game pace was in Denmark's favour.

As Czech Republic was trailing behind, they were more motivated and pushed forward from the beginning of the second half. As a result, their efforts were rewarded with a goal. Denmark seemed to have some loopholes in defence but their strength was their direct and face paced attack. Czech Republic, on the other hand, tried to take advantage of Denmark's fallible defensive system. There were chances on both sides but to no avail. In the end, Denmark won.

Ukraine vs England 0-4
It was England's game to begin with. Early on, England's Sterling made a nice penetrating pass to Kane in the centre front that was connected and scored. England seemed to be pressuring Ukraine well defensively. Ukraine had difficulty penetrating or scoring while England was commanding with the ball.

More goals poured in early on in the second half. Firstly, there was a free kick chance where it was headed in. The next goal was also a header connection derived from a good cross. A three-goal lead made England relaxed and comfortable as they passed the ball around and spared time. The fourth goal came from a nice corner kick and header connection. Ukraine was mentally at a loss as they made careless errors and their energy didn't have much fervor. Nevertheless, Ukraine tried to score as they pushed up but nothing was fruitful. The next round will be England vs Denmark.