Penalties and pressure: Euro 2024 quarter-finals roundup

The Euros semi-finals put players in high pressure situations and saw shock eliminations.

Spain knocked out the tournament’s host, Germany, by advancing to the semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over the home nation. The first half saw both teams struggling to gain control, but it was Pedri’s substitute, Dani Olmo, who broke the deadlock. Olmo slotted the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box following a pass by Lamine Yamal.

Germany came close to equalising when Niclas Füllkrug’s header hit the post from a Florian Wirtz cross. Kai Havertz also nearly scored with a chip that narrowly missed the target. As the match neared its end, Germany found an equaliser. Wirtz fired a shot into the bottom corner, forcing the game into extra time.

During extra time, Wirtz came close again, shooting just wide. Spain had a scare when Marc Cucurella handled the ball in the box, but it was not deemed to be a penalty.

The game took another dramatic turn when Mikel Merino scored a header in the 119th minute, seemingly sending Spain into the semi-finals

The game took another dramatic turn when Mikel Merino scored a header in the 119th minute, seemingly sending Spain into the semi-finals. However, that was not yet confirmed as Füllkrug’s header just missed the target, and Dani Carvajal received a red card in the final moments. Despite these tense moments, Spain held on to secure their place in the semi-finals.

France took their place in the semi-finals after a tense 0-0 draw against Portugal, concluding with a dramatic penalty shootout.

The match initially lacked excitement, only coming alive after the first hour. Portugal were the first to threaten, with Mike Maignan making crucial back-to-back saves from Vitinha’s shot and Cristiano Ronaldo’s backheel. Down the other end, Rúben Dias made a sliding block to stop Randal Kolo Muani’s attempt, and Eduardo Camavinga missed a golden opportunity from about five yards out.

Given France’s struggle to score in open play throughout the tournament and Portugal’s previous goalless knockout game, extra time seemed inevitable. During the first period, Portugal looked the most likely to score, as Ronaldo shot high over the bar from inside the penalty area. In the second period, Portugal’s dominance continued as João Félix hit the side netting before Nuno Mendes’ strike was saved by Maignan right at the end.

AC Milan’s Theo Hernández scored the decisive penalty to send France to the semi-finals

Despite stellar defending, both teams lacked the finishing touch, leading to a penalty shootout. Dembélé and Ronaldo both scored the opening penalties, followed by successful conversions from Youssouf Fofana and Bernardo Silva. Jules Koundé scored for France, while João Félix missed, hitting the post. France’s Bradley Barcola, under significant pressure, showed remarkable composure and scored. Nuno Mendes had to score to keep Portugal in the game and did so spectacularly, but AC Milan’s Theo Hernández scored the decisive penalty to send France to the semi-finals.

Like France, England secured their spot in the semi-finals by winning penalties. After a 1-1 draw with Switzerland following extra time, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decisive penalty set up a clash with the Netherlands.

Gareth Southgate’s tactical switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation proved pivotal. This new setup gave Bukayo Saka ample space to exploit on the right flank, and the Arsenal winger shone brightly in the first half. Despite his impressive runs and pace, both teams went into halftime without creating significant chances.

The second half saw Switzerland’s Breel Embolo come close. He turned Ezri Konsa in the box, but his shot was saved by Jordan Pickford. With 15 minutes left, Embolo did break the deadlock, tapping in at the far post to give Switzerland the lead. England responded swiftly; Saka cut in from the right and scored a low shot into the far corner, levelling the game. In extra time, Declan Rice nearly put England ahead, but his curling shot was expertly saved by Yann Sommer.

All five of England’s penalty takers scored with Alexander-Arnold’s calm and precise spot kick ensuring England’s progression to the semi-finals

With the score tied after 120 minutes, the match proceeded to penalties. All five of England’s penalty-takers scored with Alexander-Arnold’s calm and precise spot kick ensuring England’s progression to the semi-finals.

The Netherlands advanced to the semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over Turkey.

It was the Dutch who started the match on the front foot, as Memphis Depay had an opportunity to score but slipped at a crucial moment, sending the ball over the bar.

However, it was Turkey who took the lead when Real Madrid’s 16-year-old prodigy, Arda Güler, delivered a sublime cross to the far post, where Samet Akaydin nodded the ball home for his first international goal.

In the second half, Güler continued to impress, hitting the post with a curling free kick. However, the Netherlands finally broke a stubborn Turkish defence through Stefan de Vrij’s powerful header.

England, the Netherlands, France, and Spain remain in the tournament and hope to bring the championship trophy home

The momentum swung the way of the Dutch as Memphis Depay’s cross was bundled over the line by Turkey’s Mert Müldur to make it 2-1 to the Netherlands. In the frantic final minutes, Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen denied Kerem Akturkoglu’s stoppage-time effort.

The Netherlands held firm to secure their spot in the semi-final against England on Wednesday.

England, the Netherlands, France, and Spain remain in the tournament and hope to bring the championship trophy home.