Those who arrived later in front of the TV at the two semi-finals of Euro 2024 had something to regret! Because both Spain – France and Holland – England started explosively. In Munich on Tuesday night, all three goals came in the first 25 minutes. And on Wednesday, in Dortmund, we had two successes in 18 minutes.
Harry Kane. PHOTO: Facebook
Although it was said that Holland-England would be a close game with few goals, the first half completely dismantled this estimate. Because spectacular football was played and, in addition to the two goals, each team also had a bar. The Dutch struck first, after “jewel‘ to Xavi Simons in the 7th minute. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder won the ball after a duel in which he fought admirably, and then continued this phase with a fabulous shot. Who beat Jordan Pickford.
England’s reply came after 11 minutes. With the help of video refereeing (VAR). Denzel Dumfries, who had several interventions at the limit of regulation and in the match against Romania (3-0), fouled Harry Kane in the box. Central Felix Zwayer did not see the offense, with his sole, but was called to review the phase on the sidelines. After which he pointed to the lime dot. Harry Kane converted, although Bart Verbruggen guessed the corner.
From there until the end of the half, Dumfries hit the crossbar for Holland and Foden hit the bar after a fantastic shot. At halftime, Holland – England was equal, 1-1.
The hero of the 90th minute
At the restart, the match calmed down. The two national teams offered fluent football, pleasing to the eye, but the big opportunities were lacking. It was, indeed, Saka’s goal in the 80th minute, but it was disallowed for a correctly signaled offside.
Just as everyone was getting ready for two extra periods, Oliver Watkins’ goal came, almost out of nowhere! Nine minutes after coming on, the Aston Villa striker received a ball in the box, turned to face the goal and executed Verbruggen with a shot in the far corner (90).
Historic premiere
It ended 2-1 for England, who will go to the final in Berlin on Sunday (10:00 p.m., Pro TV, VOYO platform), where they will meet Spain.
It will be England’s second successive final, after losing in 2021 at home to Italy. Also, in a historic first, Albion’s national team will play the last act of a major away tournament. Beyond the European final three years ago, played at Wembley in London, England’s triumph at the 1966 World Cup also took place on home soil, after an edition in which the English hosted the competition.
Euro 2024, the last matches
Semifinals
Spain – France 2-1
England – Netherlands 2-1
Final, Sunday, 10 p.m
Spain – England
