London, June 30
The excitement is almost edging to the peak in UEFA Euro 2020 as eight teams battle it out for the Europe’s biggest prize in nation football. The tournament is just two weeks away from getting its new champion.
Netherlands and France’s exit almost shocked the entire world while the defending champions, Portugal, also had their journey cut short. In the first game of Round-of-16 Wales were completely annihilated by Denmark with a brace by Kasper Dolberg. Italy then took on Austria in a pretty close encounter which ended in a 2-1 win for Mancini’s in the extra time.
Day 2 of Round-of-16 marked then end of the Netherlands journey in the tournament as De ligt’s 55th minute booking turned out to be a helping hand for Czech Repubic. Holes headed it past Stekelenberg in the 68th minute while Schik (80′) sealed the victory for his side. Later that day, defending champions Portugal took on world’s number one side Belgium in a tight neck to neck contest. However, Thorgan Hazard’s wonder strike was enough for Belgium to qualify for the next round.
The excitement doubled up in the third day when Croatia took on Spain that consisted 8 goals, the second most ever in the event. Unai Simon erorr lead to the opening own goal but they fought back and put 3 goals on the board. Things look quite comfortable for the Spanish side until Orsic (85′) and Pasalic (90+2′) helped the world cup finalist take the game to the extra time. Luis Enrique’s side killed the tie with two more goals ending the game 5-3 in their favour.
Vladimir Petkovic made a bigger statement in later that day eliminating the so-called tournament favorites France by the close of margin in the penalty shootout. PSG’s star man Kylian Mbappe missed the penalty marking the exit for the French side.
Football’s oldest rivalry ignited when England hosted ,three time euro winners, Germany at the Wembley. Gareth Southgate ,who was going through a lot of criticism for not picking his best possible starting lineup, silenced all his critics as England cruised past Germany to book their seat for the quarterfinal stage while Ukraine beat Sweden 2-1 In the last battle of Round-of-16.