The cluster of eight ferocious nations has trickled down to the top four teams who contended for victory in the UEFA EURO 2024 quarterfinals to the semifinals. Amidst four of the most intense matches of the tournament, the second knockout stage witnessed a multitude of yellow cards, thrill-jerking extra time, and the nail-biting suspense of penalties.
While the end of the tournament gets ever closer–with semis and finals lurking on the threshold–let us take you through an electrifying tour of the heart-pounding quarterfinals with recap, highlights, and semifinal matchups.
ESP-GER (2-1): The Spaniards Knock the Hosts Out of the Tournament
The biggest clash of the tournament between two of the greatest footballing titans ended with a Spanish victory, adding another star to their consistent fiery performance. Even in the added extra time of thirty minutes, the Stuttgart Arena was resounding with a draw of 1-1. Only during the 119th minute, substitute Mikel Merino scored a spectacular goal, leading Spain to the semis.
This drama-packed match also saw an awe-worthy goal by Dani Olmo, assisted by the 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. The Germans drew a late, powerful equaliser from their substitute Florian Wirtz. However, they couldn’t beat the men in red. The beginning of the match also saw an injury for Pedri from Toni Kroos who played his last Euros. Pedri is set for recovery, however, he will miss out on the matches of the remaining tournament.
POR-FRA (Penalties: 3-5): Les Bleus Defeat Ronaldo in His Last Euro Cup
A match that drew frustration from both the teams, the clash between Portugal and France went goalless even in the added extra time. While both teams had numerous opportunities to score, disappointment levels kept soaring as neither was able to do so. The Portuguese Diogo Costa and the French Mike Maignan, both the keepers along with the defence were on high alert, ensuring the ball didn’t enter the net.
Key players of both the teams like Christiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé were constantly shadowed by the opposition, leaving them no chance to score. As the match entered the penalties, tension was running high. The French men finally emerged victorious after they scored all penalties while the Portuguese João Félix missed his chance, marking the last Euro game of superstars Ronaldo to a defeat.
ENG-SUI (Penalties: 5-3): Swiss Dreams Shattered as the English Triumph in the Penalties
The English footballing skills were constantly tested by the Swiss men–and vice versa–as both teams attempted to upend the other. Breel Embolo won a thunderous goal in the 75th minute, but the Swiss jubilation was short-lived as Bukayo Saka drew a stunning equaliser within five minutes, keeping the Brits in the race for victory.
As the draw persisted even in the added extra time, the match succumbed to penalties where the English dominated. The first penalty by the Swiss Manuel Akanji was saved by Pickford and Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the winning penalty that saw England through.
NED-TUR (2-1): The Oranje Storm to the Semis, Conquering the Previous Dark Horses Turkiye
The 35th minute of this match saw a Turkish lead when Samet Akaydin scored superbly. The Dutch didn’t hit back until the 70th minute which drew a header equaliser from Stefan de Vrij. The Oranje were overjoyed when just six minutes after the first goal, Cody Gakpo’s enduring presence put pressure on Mert Müldür to concede an own goal.
The ecstatic sea of Oranje bid a bitter farewell to the Turks who fought until the 90th minute to score an equaliser, but the prolific Dutch defence proved difficult to break, ending the Euro journey for Turkey.
Semi-Final Matchups
Here are the matchups of the two promising semifinals that will kick off this week.
- Spain vs France | Tuesday, July 9 | 8 PM BST
- Netherlands vs England | Wednesday, July 10 | 8 PM BST
These thrilling fixtures, which were an absolute joy-ride to witness, have left fans yearning for the semifinals to commence at the earliest. If France and the Netherlands meet again at the semis, who will break the tie from the group stage? If Spain and England move to the semis, will their winning streak push the Spaniards towards victory?
If France and England clash, will the English live up to their title of ‘cup favourites’ against the French men? And, if Spain and Netherlands go head-to-head, will the Oranje shatter the Spanish victory spree?
While fans are dying of excitement, these burning questions will be answered in the coming days. All anyone can guarantee is that it’s definitely going to be an adrenaline-inducing chase for the cup!