The last two spots in the semi finals of Euro 2020 will be decided tonight as the tournament draws to an exciting climax.
Here is what is going on in the last two quarter final games of Euro 2020.
Denmark v Czech Republic.
Timing:
The game kicks off at 9:30 pm IST, Saturday, July 3.
HOW TO WATCH:
The game will be telecasted live on Sony Network channels, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and streamed on Jio Tv.
Denmark
A campaign that is full of emotion and unwavering passion for the Danes will be remembered for years to come no matter what the outcome tonight. Having said that Denmark realize what an opportunity they have to go all the way and inspire generations. They swept Wales aside in their last 16 tie and will be slight favourites in this tie. Denmark had a horrible start to this the tournament. But they have recovered and reached quarter final stage for the first time since 2004. Kasper Hjulmand has got his side playing exciting football and the team is riding a wave of emotion after Christain Eriksen’s horrific cardiac arrest had them down. Since then this Danish team is a joy to watch. This run has evoked memories of 1992, when they sensationally won the European Championships. Get past Czech Republic at Baku, and they will be dreaming of pulling another miracle.
Players to watch:
Kasper Dolberg, Yussuf Poulsen and Martin Braithwaite.
Recent Euro Form:
L, L, W, W.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic deserve great credit seeing off a good looking Netherlands side in the round of 16. The Dutch did went down to 10-men, but even with 11 the Czech had matched them on the pitch. The team has been hard to beat in this campaign with only England edging them 1-0. They have good players going forward and a steady midfield means they will always look to create chances. Having finished as runners-up in 1996 and reaching semi finals in 2004, they have their own Euro history. Always seen as the team that somewhat underperforms at international tournaments despite a good squad, Euro 2020 could be their moment to finally make true on their promise. It is high time for Jaroslav Silhavy’s men to emerge out of shadows and make their mark in this wild Euros tournament.
Players to watch:
Patrick Schick, Tomas Soucek and Tomas Holes.
Recent Euro Form:
W, D, L, W.
This quarter final tie presents a fascinating opportunity for two of the lesser fancied sides to progress to the semi finals maybe beyond. While Denmark will evoking the spirit of ’92, Czechs will be looking emulate heroes of ’96. Both teams have good attacking talent at disposal and know that sitting back won’t help. An exciting tie awaits us these two sides look to write a new chapter in their proud Euro history.
England v Ukraine
TIMING:
The game kicks off at 12:30 am IST, Sunday, July 4.
HOW TO WATCH:
The game will be telecasted live on Sony Network channels, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and streamed on Jio Tv.
England
England finally slayed off the ghost of Germany in impressive fashion to reach the quarter finals of Euro 2020. Yet to concede a goal, more than attacking flair this run has been built on defensive solidity. This English side is playing with a assurance and confidence on the ball that has not been seen in the Three Lions for decades. There is no nervous energy, no panic stations. A manager who is making all the right noises on and off the pitch and a bunch of players who have got a nation dreaming again. Harry Kane finally broke his Euros 2020 duck and with a return to Wembley in sight, they will be hoping he continues to find the back of the net. This is a once in a lifetime chance for their players to become legends and bring home a first international title since 1966.
Players to watch:
Jack Grealish, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.
Recent Euro Form:
W, W, W, W.
Ukraine
Ukraine knocked out Sweden in a pulsating tie in the last 16. It can be clearly seen that the confidence Andriy Shevchenko had as a player has clearly rubbed on to his players. After picking up only three points in the group stages, they find themselves two wins away from a Euro final. For Ukraine this is fantastic progress, a first quarter final at a major international tournament since 2006. Yet this Ukraine side won’t rest on being just enough. For them facing England in Rome represents an opportunity to inflict further hurt to a nation plagued by such upsets. Their team looks good in areas going forward especially on the wings since a switch to a 3-man defence allowed them to have more width. Shevchenko strived for greatness as a player and will be urging his side to do the same in Rome. They will play without fear hoping for a first ever semi final appearance.
Players to watch:
Andriy Yarmolenko, Ruslan Malinovskyi and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Recent Euro Form:
L, W, L, W.
While English fans will already have one eye on a return to Wembley, they will be wary of the perils of a knockout game. The embarrassing defeat to Iceland will still be fresh in their minds. Ukraine themselves know they will have to pull off a big upset to get to the semi finals and it won’t be an easy task. Gareth Southgate has done well to manage expectations so far, a win here will take his side to their pre tournament aim of reaching the semi finals. But even he will know the expectations will run wild if England progress, the quality is there but can they handle the nerves? On the other hand Ukraine have to believe, England will be under heavy pressure to deliver. If England get nervous and Ukraine smell blood we could witness a memorable clash in Rome.