Euros Roundup
Poland vs Portugal
Having made it to the quarter finals of the Euros with a rather average performance, Portugal had the immense pressure of performing well against Poland. Things didn’t go as planned, as Robert Lewandowski put Poland ahead within 2 minutes, making the goal the 2nd fastest in the Euros history. Portugal responded relentlessly and got the reward in the 33rd minute courtesy of a sweet goal from Renato Sanches. From there on the game was Portugal’s to take. Ronaldo misfired yet again, a lot of his shots went off target. The game went the full length to 120 minutes. Poland had converted all of their penalties in the previous game against the Swiss however this time around Blaszczykowski saw his shot saved by Rui Patricio on a full length dive to his right. Portugal now face Wales in the semis of the Euros. Portugal last made it into the finals in 2004 where they lost to Greece. They won’t want to go out to another underdog this time around
Wales vs Belgium
The 2nd quarter final saw an in form Wales take on an impressive Belgium. Belgium who are currently ranked number 2 in the FIFA rankings were the favourites. However a passionate, resilient and attacking Welsh team spoiled Belgium’s aspirations to going past semi-finals and making history. Belgium dominated the early stages of the match with fluid passes and numerous shots on the goal. They broke the deadlock in the 13th minute via Nainggolan’s 25yards out shot. The Belgians couldn’t hold on to the lead as Ashley Williams headed in the equalizer 5minutes later. The winning goals came from Robson Kanu as he was assisted by Ramsey and sold the defenders the dummy. The third goal came late as a result of a counter attack from Wales in the 85th minute from Sam Vokes header. Wales now take on Ronaldo’s Portugal in the semis of the Euros 2016.
Italy vs Germany
In the clash of the titans quarter final Germany looked to avenge 2006 semi-final defeat at the hands of the Italians. The early goal came from Mesut Ozil which started a streak of pressure from the Azzure. The Germans managed to absorb all of it until in the second hald Boateng conceded a penalty which Bonucci converted from the spot. A hoard of attacks from both teams led to nothing as both Neur and GG Buffon had to make saves to take the match to penalties. Germans missed 3 penalties – which is equivalent to their misses in entire history. Ozil, Muller and Schweinsteiger all missed for Germany while Zaza, Pelle, Bonucci and Darmian failed to convert from the spot from Italy. In a bizarre drama, Germany finally scored as Darmian failed thanks to Hector. Germany will now face the hosts France in the semis of the Euros 2016.
France vs Iceland
Having beaten England in the round of 16, Iceland had sent a clear message that they were not in it just for the heck of it. France however was not having any of it or the pedigree of results that Iceland had accumulated in their run in till the quarters. Giroud Pogba Payet and Griezman all scored for France as they humbled Iceland to a 5-2 defeat. Iceland managed a couple of goals thanks to Sigthoroson and Bjarnason but in vain, as these came too little too late. Giroud won the man of the match award and France now face the world champions in the semis of the Euros
