EURO 2024 Recap, Round 5
Here is a recap of the fifth round of EURO 2024, featuring unexpected outcomes and standout individual performances.
Spain 2-1 Germany (After Extra Time)
Mikel Merino scored a late goal to give Spain a thrilling 2-1 victory over Germany in Euro 2024, bringing them closer to their fourth European Championship title. The match seemed destined for penalties until Olmo delivered a perfect cross to Merino, who headed the ball past Neuer in the final moments of extra time. This win marked Spain’s fourth appearance in the semi-finals in the last five tournaments. Despite some late drama with Füllkrug missing a chance and Carvajal receiving a red card, Germany couldn’t find an equalizer, making them the first host nation to lose a European Championship quarter-final.
Portugal 0-0 France (France win on penalties)
France secured their fifth semi-final appearance at the UEFA European Championships by maintaining composure in a penalty shootout to eliminate Portugal in a tense match in Hamburg. In a surprising turn of events, France’s key player Mbappe was substituted for Bradley Barcola during extra time. Mbappe watched from the sidelines as Portugal came close to scoring in the 120th minute, but Maignan’s crucial save ensured that Les Bleus would face their first penalty shootout since the 2022 World Cup final. João Félix hit the post whiles France successfully converted all five of their penalty kicks, setting up an exciting semi-final with Spain.
England 1-1 Switzerland (England win on penalties)
England managed to keep their Euro 2024 hopes alive in a thrilling manner, coming from behind to defeat Switzerland on penalties. Despite close attempts from Zeki Amdouni and Silvan Widmer to secure a semi-final spot for their country, England remained resilient and forced the game into a penalty shootout. With the support of their fans, Cole Palmer and Jordan Pickford played crucial roles in securing the win, with England converting all their penalties flawlessly, including the decisive one by Trent Alexander-Arnold, propelling them to the semi-finals to face the Netherlands.
Netherlands 2-1 Turkey
The Netherlands showed strong resolve as they fought back from a goal behind to defeat Turkey 2-1 in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, securing their sixth European Championship semi-final berth. Despite Turkey’s late surge, the Dutch defense held firm with key blocks, and Verbruggen made a remarkable save to thwart Semih Kılıçsoy. Koeman’s team managed to secure the victory and will now face England in an exciting semifinal match.