Euro 2024 - Round of 16
Switzerland tried to control the game and dominate possession while Italy was more organized than before. Italy didn't have much opportunity but when presented, they were fast in attack. Swiss kept on pressing and eventually scored in the first half. As soon as the second half started, Swiss scored from great offensive movement and an accurate long range shot. Italy tried their best to tally up on the scoreboard but their shots on goal were weak or inaccurate.
Germany vs. Denmark 2-0
Germany dominated in attack from the get-go and their defence was fortified when they were counter-attacked. After a few good chances in the beginning, Germany was having difficulty making plays to penetrate Denmark's defence. Denmark, on the other hand, looked threatening in attack especially when German defence made mistakes. The match suddenly halted when it was 10 minutes left of first half due to a lightning hitting the top of the stadium. In the beginning of second half, Denmark scored amidst the chaos in the box but was called offside after reviewing VAR. Soon after, VAR detected a handball on the other end so Germany was awarded a penalty kick and finally a goal. There were 2 clear chances where the Denmark back line was wide open and it was one-on-one between striker and keeper but the Germans unbelievably missed the net. However, the third time was the charm and added to their score for Germany. Germany was able to win because their offence was direct and persistent, and their defence was very good for the most part as they intercepted well and covered space at the back well.
England vs. Slovakia 2-1
England had most of the possession but their pace was too slow and readable for Slovakia to cover space. In the 25th minute, Slovakia's first attack on target succeeded. Things were not going the way England wanted. At the last minute of first half, England bombarded their opponent with a free kick and 2 corner kicks but to no avail.
As soon as second half started, England was on a quicker attack mode than before and that led to a goal but was called offside. Kane had 2 chances that he missed: a header connection from a corner kick, and a rebound from a long range shot that hit the post. England was running out of time and did all they can to equalize but couldn't find space. When it was two minutes left until the end of the game, a long throw was connected with a header then a spectacular overhead kick miraculously went in; England had finally equalized and that meant extra time.
From the start of extra time, England scored and Kane's form finally came back, although it was an easy point-blank chance. Slovakia scurried to equalize. A one goal differential was not safe and both teams were frantic to score another. Slovakia took more possession in the end but failed to score.
Spain vs. Georgia 4-1
Spain dominated possession from the beginning, looked threatening and even had some chances but missed. Meanwhile, Georgia was finally able to counter-attack that made Spain concede an own goal. It was the underdogs who led the scoreboard. Spain was too careful in making passes so they ended up losing their chance to score or be intercepted. It was Georgia that actually looked more threatening in counter attacks as it exposed the Spanish defence. Near the end of first half, opportunity was made by the Spaniards near the box and there were passes here and there as if passing responsibility to shoot. Somebody finally took charge and made a long range shot just outside the box for a goal to make the scores even.
Early in the second half, there was a free kick chance near the box for Spain and the shot was blocked but the ball was retrieved and methodically passed to create a goal at point-blank range. Spain was back to winning ways. From a failed Georgian attack, Spain countered and when the ball came to Williams, he charged forward and finished it himself with a banger of a goal. Another goal followed for Spain a few minutes later again from a counter attack.
France vs. Belgium 1-0
First half was a stalemate and both sides had half chances but missed. Frustration also made them make mistakes. If the first half was more dominated by Belgium, the second half was more dominated by France. The French also looked more dynamic. Unfortunately, the wrong people had the most shots on goal for France. Even Mbappe was missing. Then late in the 85th minute, passes were made in the box by the French until Muani took charge and shot himself for a goal.
Portugal vs. Slovenia 0-0 (PSO 3-0)
Portugal dominated in possession but Slovenia had their own share as well midway on in the first half. Portugal had some close chances, especially Ronaldo, but missed. Slovenia moved with pace in counter attack, but the finish was lackluster. It was another match with a scoreless first half. The second half wasn't much different either. There was a penalty kick chance and Ronaldo was the kicker but he was blocked and that made him cry in remorse.
It was scoreless in extra time so they went into penalty shootout. The hero of the day was Portugal's keeper Costa who blocked all 3 goals from the start. Ronaldo was the first kicker for Portugal and he fortunately scored so he saved his face.
Romania vs. Netherlands 0-3
Netherlands did very well in holding and moving the ball dynamically. Their first goal was from Gakpo whose shooting form was excellent. Near the end of first half, Romania dominated possession in efforts to equalize. Romania continued to do so in the beginning of second half. Netherlands had some good chances, especially Memphis, in counters but missed. Only Gakpo was in good form. In the 83rd minute, Gakpo saved the ball from crossing the back line and assisted a goal. Netherlands took control in the latter part of second half. In the final minutes of stoppage time, Netherlands got a bonus goal from a counter attack. Romania was outclassed.
Austria vs. Türkiye 1-2
Early on in the first minute, Türkiye scored from a corner kick that roamed around like a pinball in the box and a Turkish roofed it in on the rebound. Austria tried to control play while Türkiye was fast-paced and dynamic in attack. Moreover, Austria's finishes were not convincing. In about the 59th minute, Türkiye scored their second goal from a corner kick and a header connection. Austria lost possessive dominance as their passes were intercepted or Türkiye took control of the ball. Austria nevertheless kept knocking on the door and eventually got their consolation goal at point-blank range from a corner kick in the 66th minute. From then on, Austria gave it their all to equalize. Austria had a point-blank range goal chance at the last minute of stoppage time but the keeper spectacularly blocked it.
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