It was the best game of this European Championship so far in terms of football: Belgium and Italy fought a remarkable match. With one downer: Leonardo Spinazzola was seriously injured.
Some described the pre-match between Italy and Belgium as “an early final”. And if you watched the first half of the two teams, you could understand this formulation: Italy started playing joyfully, strong in two fights, consistently and once again looked like the big favorite for the title of this European Championship. Belgium had massive problems with this strong performance – but still fought back as best they could. Which is why the first 45 minutes were the most attractive thing you have seen in terms of football quality at this tournament so far.
The Italians were allowed to cheer accordingly early. And yet they were happy too soon. Because the supposed opening goal by captain Giorgio Chiellini was revoked after a VAR mission because of an offside position. However, there was nothing wrong with Nicolo Barella’s goal in the 31st minute – 1-0 for Italy in the arena in Munich. ZDF expert Per Mertesacker was audibly impressed at half-time, because: “The fact that they did not manage the lead, that they made it 2-0, that was really strong.”
Insigne scores 2-0 – a world class goal
However, the conclusion that led to the 2-0 win was even stronger. Lorenzo Insigne scored a dream goal from almost 20 meters – absolutely world class. But whoever believed in the 44th minute that the game was pre-decided was proven wrong in stoppage time. Because referee Slavko Vincic whistled a penalty for Belgium after Giovanni Di Lorenzo touched Jeremy Doku. Apparently no clear wrong decision – because the VAR did not intervene. But at least a tough decision. Romelu Lukaku said thank you very well. 2: 1 at break.
After the break, the Belgians tried to put a little more pressure on. But they did not get real access at first. The Italian defense was too well staggered, the opponent pushed too cleverly in the pressing – up to the 61st minute. Because the 2: 2 could have fallen, if not had to fall: Documentary cross landed at Lukaku, who was two meters from the gate. “He actually does it when you wake him up at three o’clock in the morning,” commented Sandro Wagner on the ZDF microphone. But Lukaku’s ball hit Leonardo Spinazzola’s leg. Impressive at this stage: the Belgians didn’t give up, they stepped on the gas, they believed in themselves. And Italy never got the idea to curl up at the back, but bravely continued to provide relief in the hunt for the decisive goal to 3-1. It was a high class, open game. Impressively managed from both sides. Even if there were no more hits.
The opponent in the semifinals is Spain – Spinazzola will be missing
The next “early final” will take place on Tuesday at 9 pm. Then Spain meets Italy. The Italians will then miss Spinazzola. One of the best players in the game was seriously injured and was taken off the field in a stretcher ten minutes before the end of the game.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
