Denmark, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Italy, England and Ukraine are all in within reach of the trophy and the title of ‘Best in Europe’. The only thing that stands in the way this weekend is their quarter-final matchups.
On the first day of the Euro 2020 Quarter-finals we saw Switzerland, who shocked current holders France on penalties, take on Spain and in a battle of favorites Belgium were up against Italy.
1-1 (1-3 on pens)
For the second game in a row Switzerland took a World Cup winning side to a penalty shootout. This time with just 10-men, but it was the three-time champions Spain who came out on top after a poor set of spot kicks from both nations.
Swiss substitute Ruben Vargas was in tears at full-time after blasting his penalty over the bar, leaving Mikel Oyarzabal an open opportunity, which he took full advantage of by stepping up to slot home the decider for the Spaniards.
Spain took the lead in St Petersburg when midfielder Denis Zakaria deflected Jordi Alba‘s shot into his own net. The Swiss captain, and Liverpool winger, Xherdan Shaqiri, equalized off of a mistake at the back from their competitors, but team-mate Remo Freuler was sent off nine minutes later.
A resilient Switzerland held on to force extra time and the eventual shootout, but missed three spot kicks which proving costly.
Spain, who will be hoping their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal comes to a swift end, will face Italy on Tuesday, at Wembley in the semi finals.
Up Next:
Italy v Spain – Tuesday, July 6th (3pm ET – ESPN) – Wembley Stadium, London, England
1-2
Italy, who are arguably the best team of the tournament so far managed to hold off the world’s top-ranked Belgium in an exhilarating tie in Munich. The result sees them play Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
Whilst the game was not goal central, like some of the last round matchups, it was an intense battle between two of the best teams in the world, playing world class soccer.
The Azzurri’s two goals, which took them to 13 consecutive wins and 32 games undefeated, were of the highest quality proving key after early disappointment. Giovanni Di Lorenzo‘s through ball caught Leonardo Bonucci in an offside position, with VAR confirming No Goal.
Nicolo Barella made up for the dissalowed goal when he wriggled his way through three defenders before drilling in the opener. Just before half-time Lorenzo Insigne ran from the halfway line before curling in what is being called one of the goals of the tournament.
Belgium were given hope just a few minutes later when Di Lorenzo fouled Jeremy Doku and Romelu Lukaku scored from the spot.
Both teams had their fair share of chances in the second half but it remained 1-2, ensuring it was the Italians who progressed.
Roberto Mancini‘s side might have to face the 2010 World Cup Champions without impressive left-back Leonardo Spinazzola, who was stretchered off late on.
Up Next:
Italy v Spain – Tuesday, July 6th (3pm ET – ESPN) – Wembley Stadium, London, England
Artistry of Sport 
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