Euro 2024 is down to the final four nations, and some of Europe’s best teams are set to face off for a spot in the finals.
Spain knocked out the tournament hosts in the quarterfinals. Spanish midfielder Pedri got injured early in the first half. Forward Dani Olmo, who replaced Pedri, scored the first goal of the game in the 51st minute. Spain held on to the lead until the final moments of the game when German midfielder Florian Wirtz swept a ball past Spanish goalkeeper Unai Símon to make it 1-1.
The game looked like it would end in a penalty shoot out, but midfielder Mikel Merino headed Olmo’s cross in the 119th minute into the back of the net. Germany had little time to react, and the game ended 2-1.
France had another close knockout stage game against Portugal in the semifinals. The team remained unable to click offensively, and forward Kylian Mbappé was taken off with an injury. Portugal and France remained in a 0-0 deadlock for 120 minutes of open play, and the game was settled by penalties. France made all five penalties and advanced 5-3.
Spain will be the toughest opponent yet for France. Due to yellow card accumulation, Spain will be without defenders Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal. Pedri will also miss the game. Even with players out, Spain have managed to find goals from many players, like substitutes Olmo and Merino against Germany. France has been tough to beat in this tournament, but Spain might be the one team with the firepower to knock France out.
The Netherlands came from behind to beat the tournament dark horse Türkiye in the quarterfinals. Defender Samet Akaydin’s header in the 35th minute gave Türkiye the lead, but the Netherlands fought back in the second half. Defender Stefan de Vrij scored off a header in the 70th minute. Pressure from standout forward Cody Gakpo caused an own goal minutes later, which won the game for the Netherlands.
England battled Switzerland in the quarterfinals and needed another late goal to remain in the tournament. Switzerland took the lead in the 75th minute. Forward Breel Embolo poked the ball past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the six-yard box.
After Switzerland took the lead, England head coach Gareth Southgate subbed on forwards Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer. With more attacking options on the field, the game opened up. Forward Bukayo Saka hit a long-range strike into the bottom corner of Switzerland’s goal to tie the game in the 80th minute.
The game remained tied after 30 minutes of extra time, sending another matchup to a penalty shoot-out. In the teams last penalty shoot-out at the Euros, England lost to Italy in the final. This time against Switzerland, England converted all five penalties to advance to the next round.
Even though the Netherlands finished third in Group D, the team has found its rhythm in the knockout stages. England has found ways to win games without playing at its peak, but the team will need to put in a more complete performance to beat the Netherlands and return to the final.
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