The EURO 2024 has generated more fancy as eight teams have roared into quarter-finals of the explosive soccer tournament holding in in Munich, Germany.
Germany
Tournament hosts Germany became the first side to secure their place in the quarter-finals after beating Denmark in a controversy-filled 2-0 win.
They had topped Group A, which included a spirited Switzerland side.
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They will face Spain in the quarter-finals. The Spaniards beat Georgia 4-1 to reach this stage, and have conceded just a single goal while winning every game so far.
Switzerland
Switzerland were next to qualify after dispatching a lacklustre Italy side 2-0 on Saturday with goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas.
They were close to beating hosts Germany in their final group game, but a late goal from Niclas Fullkrug saw them draw.
But Murat Yakin’s side are proving doubters wrong and producing dominating performances just like they did against Italy.
England
England came back from a goal down to beat Slovakia 2-1 after extra time. A stunning overhead kick from Jude Bellingham 30 seconds from the final whistle was followed by a header from Captain Harry Kane a minute into extra time.
Having laboured through three uninspiring group games, England topped the pool and were given what many thought was an easier draw in Slovakia, but were almost sent home by the team ranked 45th in the world.
Spain
Spain are the only side to have won every game they played at the tournament so far. Winning all three group games while conceding no goals earned them a last-16 tie with Georgia.
An early own goal shocked the Spaniards but they came roaring back with four goals, scored by Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.
Luis de la Fuente’s side now face a true test as they play Germany in the quarters, in a match fit for the final.
France
It looked as if the round-of-16 encounter between France and Belgium would be heading to extra time, but Jan Vertonghen’s own goal in the 85th minute broke the deadlock.
Randal Kolo Muani’s speculative shot bounced off Vertonghen’s knee and wrong-footed goalkeeper Koen Casteels, sending France through to the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory.
Next up for the French will be Portugal.
Portugal
Portugal were taken to a penalty shoot-out by Slovenia in the round of 16 after the match ended in a goalless draw. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was the hero for Portugal as he saved all three of the spot-kicks he faced.
Cristiano Ronaldo was reduced to tears after missing a penalty in extra time, but redeemed himself by scoring in the shoot-out.
In a repeat of the Euro 2016 final, Portugal will now take on France in the quarter-finals.
Netherlands
Netherlands booked their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, despite missing a hatful of chances, with a 3-0 win over Romania.
Ronald Koeman’s side had 23 attempts on the night, but it was a fine Cody Gakpo strike in the first half and a late double from half-time substitute Donyell Malen that sealed their place in the last eight.
Romania had approached their first knockout game since Euro 2000 with no fear. Their energy and positivity meant the Dutch had been forced to drop deep by the 10-minute mark. It was only a fleeting period of nervousness, though.
Gakpo has been the Dutch talisman of late and he added his third goal of the tournament when he took a touch inside Andrei Ratiu and hit a crisp strike that beat goalkeeper Florin Nita at his near post.
As a result, he became just the third player to score three or more goals at two different major tournaments for the Netherlands, along with Johnny Rep and Dennis Bergkamp.
Stefan de Vrij then headed inexplicably wide from close range, before Radu Dragusin’s well-timed slide took Denzel Dumfries’ square ball away from the feet of Memphis Depay and Xavi Simons dallied when in a prime position to shoot.
Turkey
In the final moments of added-on time, Turkish goalkeeper Mert Günok arguably made the save and the play of the tournament to prevent the match from heading into extra time. Christoph Baumgartner had another header opportunity off a cross, getting a clear look in front of the net.
Baumgartner’s header looked like it was going to by Günok, but the Turkish goalkeeper dove to his right to get a hand on the ball and send it out for a corner kick.
The ensuing corner was cleared out by Turkey with the final whistle being blown seconds later.
The final chance was just one of many Austria had in Tuesday’s match. Austria controlled possession, holding the ball for 60.3% of the match.
It also had over triple the amount of shot attempts Turkey had (21 to six), but Turkey’s two goals off corners were enough for it to advance.
Turkey will lock horns with Netherlands in the quarterfinals on Saturday at 3 p.m.
