Once again the highly traded Belgians have to give up prematurely. Italy shines, but also attracts the anger of some fans. And Switzerland is at odds with the referee. The star’s EM check for the first two quarter-finals.
This is how the EM matchday went
All results, goal scorers and tables of the EM match day to read in the star ticker.
That’s what the EM is talking about
What a drama, what a spectacle in the game between Belgium and Italy. Two teams met at the highest level, especially the first half kept everything that the pairing had promised before kick-off. Italy prevailed 2-1 in the end – and Belgium is the end of the line in the quarter-finals. Once more she has to “Golden generation” give up prematurely. Since 2014, Belgium has been ranked as a “Secret favorite” traded – meanwhile only as secret as the contents of a CDU presidium discussion. With the great success, however, it never wanted to work. When things got serious, the team with many talented individuals fell short of expectations. They also found it against Italy “Red devil” Especially in the second half there was no means of generating sustained pressure lying behind. Lukaku missed the greatest opportunity a few meters from the gate.
Belgium has been number one in the world rankings for years – which says a lot about this ranking. At world and European championships, the current generation of footballers, whom many believed in so much, was always left behind: In 2014, 2016 and 2021 they ended in the quarter-finals, at the 2018 World Cup only in the semi-finals. The defeat against Italy is another disappointment, perhaps the last for Kevin de Bruyne and Co .: The defense with Vermaelen, Alderweireld and Vertonghen has already exceeded 30 well, the offensive stars de Bruyne and Eden Hazard also have 30 this year. Celebrated birthday. So threatens “Golden generation” of Belgian football “lost. generation” to become – and the dry spell continues: no country has participated in tournaments more often than Belgium without ever winning a title.
Winner of the day
Italy – and not just because of the victory over Belgium. The Squadra Azzura is also gaining more and more respect and sympathy. During the infamous “Catenaccio”, the destructive defensive tactic that made up the DNA of Italian football for decades, now the team of coach Roberto Mancini shines with offensive, life-affirming games. This was again to be marveled at in Munich against Belgium, for example when Lorenzo Insigne shot from distance to make it 2-0, one of the most beautiful goals of this European Championship. However: The acting performances – especially by striker Ciro Immobile in front of the first goal and by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in stoppage time – the Italians are also allowed to wean themselves off.
Loser of the day
You can hardly be more bitter than Switzerland. After the incredible fight against world champions France (victory on penalties after 1: 3 deficit), Spain waited in the quarter-finals. And it started with a very unfortunate start: The Swiss captain Granit Xhaka was suspended, his representative Denis Zakaria from Borussia Mönchengladbach made an early 0-1 deficit with an own goal.
But the Confederates fought back, made up for by Xherdan Shaqiri. Then Remo Freuler saw the red card for boarding with an open sole, but by no means stretching his leg – not a clear wrong decision, but an extremely tough decision by the referee. With ten men, Switzerland saved itself on penalties and lost there. A lot of bad luck all at once – but the joy of the greatest success in Swiss football for almost 70 years should outweigh it.
The EM-Moment
That’s due today
We are looking for the participants of the second semi-final. In Baku (6 p.m.) the Czech Republic meets Denmark. The Czechs have surprisingly eliminated the Netherlands and want to do the same as in 2004: At that time, they also defeated the Danes 3-0 in the EM quarter-finals. Denmark swims on a wave and could continue its fairy tale. At least one outsider will make it to the round of the last four. In the last quarter-finals at 9 p.m. Ukraine will play against England. The Ukrainians are stuck 120 minutes against Sweden in their bones, England have not yet conceded a goal in this tournament – that’s not the only reason they go “Three Lions” as a favorite in the game. And a German is also there: referee Dr. Felix Brych will whistle the game in Rome.
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.
