Euro 24 Watch (knockout Stage)

[menzinho]

I didn't think there was much between Spain and Germany either. Spain looked really dangerous going forward with the pace and skill of Williams, Yamal and Olmo. But the sitting back and taking off all their attackers at the end of the game cost them, that German goal felt inevitable towards the end. I thought they'd go on and win it after that, so credit to Spain for battling back and getting that late winner in extra-time. 

Portugal v France has not been as entertaining that's for sure, feels like I’m just watching patterns of play with a defensive mentality from both teams. This game needs a spark… And I can't see either Mbappe or Ronaldo providing it!

[Robbie]

End of the first period of extra time.

Portugal 0 France 0.

Looks like only a piece of quality will win this now.

 

[Robbie]

It is going to a penalty shootout.

Final score after extra time 

Portugal 0 France 0

[Robbie]

France beat Portugal 5:3 on penalties.

France v Spain in the semi final.

[Robbie]

So England have got to the semi final. Who will meet them, Netherlands or Turkey?

Netherlands have quietly advanced to the quarter finals. Turkey are somewhat of a surprise package.

Netherlands will be the favourites but Turkey have been playing well.

First Half

Netherlands 0 Turkey 0

1 min gone 

[Robbie]

Turkey get the first goal.

Netherlands 0 Turkey 1 

37 min gone 

[Robbie]

Turkey have the lead at half time. Netherlands have had the most possession, but Turkey are hitting the Netherlands on the break and looking dangerous.

Half Time 

Netherlands 0 Turkey 1 

[CliftonMagpie]

I’m not watching the Netherlands vs Turkey game, although I would much prefer to play against Turkey. The Netherlands seem to be strong only in key areas, but they are one of those unpredictable teams. I’m not so sure about Turkey, but I feel quietly confident. England’s match was a nerve-wracking one, especially with it going to penalties. I think Switzerland put on a good show and made us feel lucky on three occasions. I was disappointed with Harry Kane, he barely got involved and I’m at the point where I don’t want to see him. He’s put in very little effort in any of these games, but credit to our penalty takers and Jordan Pickford for saving a penalty.

[Robbie]

Netherlands equalise from a short corner with a bullet header.

Netherlands 1 Turkey 1

74 mins gone 

 

[Robbie]

Netherlands take the lead.

Netherlands 2 Turkey 1

80 mins gone 

Turkey's defensive line has got deeper and deeper as the half as gone on, inviting Netherlands to on to them.

Netherlands have dominated this half and deserve their lead.

[Robbie]

Netherlands have held on during the final stages and reach the semi final, where they will meet England.

Full Time 

Netherlands 2 Turkey 1 

[Robbie]

So the semi finals of Euro 24 will be :-

Tuesday 9 July
Spain vs France 

(Munich, 20:00)

Wednesday 10 July

Netherlands vs England 

(Dortmund, 20:00)

[Robbie]

I think Turkey were extremely unfortunate not to win that match. They were all over the Netherlands during the last 10 minutes, cutting the Netherlands apart on several occasions.

England can learn much from this match, when they plan their tactics against the Netherlands for the semis.

Turkey, along with Georgia, have been the two most entertaining teams in Euro 24 for me.

[DangerousSausage]

Apart from a 20 minute spell in the second half, the Netherlands played walking football and they rode their luck at the end. But they made it. Turkey have been hugely entertaining, but we could have done without some of the off-the-pitch antics. 

[Robbie]

8 minutes ago, DangerousSausage said:

Apart from a 20 minute spell in the second half, the Netherlands played walking football 

I think we've seen too much of "walking football" in this tournament.Could it be because the players are so tired at the end of a long season. 

Although it didn't affect Turkey, Georgia or Albania.

Is there a case for having the Euro Championships before the full time season begins?

[Robbie]

Today is the day that we have the first semifinal of Euro 24.

Spain vs France 

(Munich, 20:00)

Spain have been so impressive in all of their matches so far and they are rightly named favourites to win the tournament by the bookies.

France have not been at their best, but in the knockout stages, have found a way to win.

Spain will start favourites but in a knockout format you can't rule this French side out, especially with Mbappe in their side, who is arguably the best player in the World.

[Robbie]

The Euro 24 Semifinal has begun

France 0 Spain 0

5 mins gone.

[Robbie]

France have taken the lead.

Spain 0 France 1

11 mins gone.

[Robbie]

Spain equalise 

Spain 1 France 1

25 mins gone

Spain take the lead

Spain 2 France 1

30 mins gone 

[Robbie]

Half time 

Spain 2 France 1

[Robbie]

No more goals in the second half 

Spain are in the final of Euro 24.

Spain 2 France 1

[Fan of Big Tone]

I enjoyed this game very much, I agree with @Robbie that there’s been a lot of “walking football” but not in this game, I actually stayed awake until the end. 

[Robbie]

@Fan of Big Tone I think with Spain it's going to take something special to beat them in the final.

They are a very good team. The sixteen year old is something else, what a goal that was, arguably the goal of the tournament seeing the importance of it.. 

That young man is going to be a superstar.

[Fan of Big Tone]

11 minutes ago, Robbie said:

That young man is going to be a superstar.

He certainly will be if he can keep grounded, he’s incredible for his age and I agree Spain are going to take some beating, let’s hope it’s England who get the chance to try and beat them.

[NottsCountyKev]

I’m all set for the England game tonight. I’m not expecting a strong performance, but we need to be defensively solid. The Netherlands has some talented attacking players who will punish us if we give them space. However, we could cause them problems defensively.