In a thrilling quarter-final clash at Euro 2024, England kept their hopes alive by defeating Switzerland on penalties, marking a milestone in Gareth Southgate’s 100th game as manager. The victory propels the Three Lions into their third major semi-final under Southgate’s guidance.
Faced with four lackluster performances, Southgate opted for a tactical shift, mirroring Switzerland’s five-at-the-back formation. Despite the change, England struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, although they managed to exert greater control over the match after a jittery opening. The first half ended goalless, with the best chance falling to Kobbie Mainoo, whose shot was heroically blocked by Granit Xhaka just before the break.
The second half saw Switzerland showcase the attacking threat that had seen them overpower Italy in earlier rounds. Breel Embolo came close to scoring twice, but both efforts were comfortably saved by Jordan Pickford. England’s defensive posture invited pressure, a familiar scenario under Southgate in high-stakes games.
The breakthrough came with 15 minutes remaining as Embolo tapped in from close range after Dan Ndoye’s cross was deflected into his path by John Stones. Facing elimination, Southgate turned to his bench, but it was Bukayo Saka, a starter, who provided the equalizer. Cutting in from the right, Saka curled a superb shot into the far corner, leveling the score with ten minutes of regular time left.
Despite gaining momentum, England couldn’t find a winner in normal time, leading to a second consecutive extra-time battle. Declan Rice nearly scored a spectacular goal early in extra-time, but Yann Sommer’s fingertip save kept the scores level. Swiss veteran Xherdan Shaqiri almost clinched victory for his team, hitting the post directly from a corner.
The match went to penalties, where England excelled. Cole Palmer set the tone by scoring the first penalty, and Pickford’s save from Manuel Akanji provided a crucial advantage. England’s flawless execution from the spot was capped off by Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose decisive penalty sent England through to the semi-finals in Dortmund.
Netherlands Edge Past Turkey to Secure Semi-Final Spot
In another gripping quarter-final, the Netherlands staged a comeback to defeat Turkey 2-1, booking their place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals. This victory marks their sixth appearance in the final four of the European Championship.
Turkey, missing their last-16 hero Merih Demiral due to suspension, displayed a resolute and physical approach to counter early Dutch pressure. Their strategy paid off in the 35th minute when teenager Arda Güler delivered a perfect cross for Samet Akaydin to head home at the far post, giving Turkey a surprising lead at halftime.
Ronald Koeman’s team emerged with renewed vigor in the second half, but Turkey nearly doubled their lead when Güler’s audacious long-range free-kick struck the upright. Moments later, Kenan Yıldız tested Bart Verbruggen with a powerful shot, underscoring Turkey’s willingness to shoot from distance.
The Netherlands turned the tide in the 70th minute, as Stefan de Vrij equalized with a commanding header from a well-executed short corner. Buoyed by the goal, the Dutch took the lead just six minutes later when Mert Müldür accidentally deflected Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net under pressure from Cody Gakpo.
Turkey mounted a desperate late assault, but the Dutch defense held firm. Verbruggen’s stunning save from Semih Kılıçsoy’s close-range effort preserved the lead, securing a hard-fought victory for the Netherlands.
The win sets up a tantalizing semi-final showdown between England and the Netherlands, promising another thrilling encounter as both teams vie for a place in the Euro 2024 final.
