Euro 2024: Spain Clinches Round of 16 Spot; England Falters Again as Serbia’s Last-Gasp Draw Revives Hope

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EURO 2024 delivered another thrilling day of football with three gripping matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Euro 2024

Spain vs Italy: Spain Secure Spot in Last 16 with Dominant Win Over Italy in Euro 2024

Spain became the second team to book their place in the round of 16, following a 1-0 victory against Italy. Despite the narrow scoreline, the Spaniards dominated the match from start to finish.

The action began almost immediately, with Pedri testing Gianluigi Donnarumma inside the first 90 seconds, courtesy of a dangerous cross from Nico Williams. The Athletic Club winger had another golden opportunity minutes later, set up by Alvaro Morata, but his header missed the target. His expression of frustration was evident, knowing he should have done better.

Italy gradually found their footing but struggled to maintain possession, which was largely expected given Spain’s prowess. Spain continued to press, with Donnarumma making a superb save to tip Fabián Ruiz’s powerful shot over the bar, among other efforts.

The second half mirrored the first, with Spain persistently attacking. Pedri had another clear chance to score but failed to capitalize. Italy’s defensive strategy seemed more reactive than planned as they sat back, hoping to withstand the Spanish onslaught.

The breakthrough came in the 55th minute, albeit through an unfortunate own goal by Riccardo Calafiori. Williams was instrumental, driving past his marker and delivering a fierce ball across the box. Morata’s header then deflected off Calafiori and into the net. Spain continued to threaten, with Andrea Cambiasso clearing off the line to keep Italy in the game.

Italy’s late push for an equalizer resulted in their first corner of the match in the 85th minute, but a goal from open play seemed increasingly unlikely. Spain held on to secure their place in the next round, leaving Italy facing a crucial clash with Croatia to keep their tournament hopes alive.

England Struggle in 1-1 Draw Against Impressive Denmark

England’s underwhelming performance against Denmark resulted in a 1-1 draw, raising serious questions about their prospects in EURO 2024. Gareth Southgate’s side looked disjointed and lacking in creativity in Denmark vs England match.

Denmark had the first notable chance, with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s shot from outside the box comfortably saved by Jordan Pickford. England responded through Phil Foden, who received the ball from Kyle Walker, dribbled past a defender, but saw his effort sail over Kasper Schmeichel’s goal.

England took the lead in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Victor Kristiansen. Walker’s low cross found its way to Harry Kane, who made no mistake with a simple finish. Despite going behind, Denmark responded positively, moving the ball sharply and creating opportunities.

The Danes equalized through a stunning strike from Morten Hjulmand, who intercepted a misplaced pass from Kane and fired a 25-yard shot past Pickford for his first international goal. Denmark ended the half stronger, with Højbjerg and Højlund linking up again to test Pickford.

The second half saw little improvement from England, aside from a brief moment of brilliance from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Foden nearly restored England’s lead in the 55th minute, his powerful shot hitting the post. Southgate made several substitutions, bringing on Eberechi Eze, Ollie Watkins, and Jarrod Bowen in an attempt to change the game’s dynamics. Watkins came close, running onto a through ball from Jude Bellingham, but was denied by Schmeichel. Denmark, however, remained the better team, with Højbjerg nearly scoring with a curled effort that Pickford couldn’t reach.

Denmark might feel unlucky not to have secured all three points but will face Serbia with confidence, knowing that a win will likely see them through to the knockout stages.

Slovenia vs Serbia: Serbia Salvage Draw to Keep Hopes Alive

Serbia kept their EURO 2024 aspirations intact with a dramatic late equalizer to draw 1-1 against Slovenia in Munich.

Dragan Stojković’s team started brightly, but it was Slovenia who had the first clear opportunity, with Adam Čerin forcing a save from Predrag Rajković. Serbia responded with Dušan Vlahović’s diving header, which Jan Oblak comfortably gathered.

Slovenia came close when Timi Elšnik’s long-range shot hit the post, and Benjamin Šeško’s follow-up went just over. On the other end, Oblak’s quick reflexes denied Aleksandar Mitrović twice, showcasing his goalkeeping prowess.

The deadlock was broken in the 70th minute when Žan Karničnik slid home Elšnik’s cross at the far post. Serbia pressed for an equalizer, with Mitrović hitting the crossbar from inside the box. Serbia’s persistence paid off in the fifth minute of added time. Luka Jović rose highest to head home, salvaging a crucial point and denying Slovenia their first-ever European Championship win.

The results leave the group finely poised, with Serbia needing a strong performance in their final match to progress further in the tournament.

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