Denmark continued their fairytale and emotional Euro 2020 campaign after a 2-1 win over Czech Republic to reach the semi finals.
After suffering two defeats in their opening two games and the cardiac arrest of talismanic midfielder Christain Eriksen, they have taken the tournament by storm. In Baku they again showed the ability which made them one of the dark horses for the tournament. Even when the score was 2-1, they looked comfortable on the ball. This win now takes them to their first Euro semi final since 1992 and there is belief they can go all the way.
The game in high temperature of Baku got off to an attacking side and the Danes went ahead through Thomas Delaney in the 5th minute. They continued to be on top, but the Czechs responded with chances of their own. Just before half time Kasper Dolberg scored to double Denmark’s advantage.
Czech Republic started the second half strongly and were rewarded when Patrik Schick netted in the 49th minute to half the deficit. They continued to probe, with most footballing being played in the Danish half. However, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and his defensive partners dealt with the Czech attack and saw the game through to progress.
Demark now head to Wembley knowing that this run represents a chance to emulate the heroics of 1992. That year Denmark were not even the tournament to begin with but circumstances changed, they were invited to take part and they ended up winning the whole thing. A repeat of that on 11th July at Wembley would rank up their with the finest footballing achievement since Greece in 2004. The way they have played their football so far means there is a strong chance for them to achieve that.
England thrash Ukraine.
England reached their first Euro semi finals for 25 years after thrashing Ukraine 4-0 in Rome in a magnificent display.
This now means Gareth Southgate has taken England to a second successive tournament semi final- having reached the World Cup semi final in Russia 2018. England achieved this win after a high quality ruthless performance which they fans longed for at this tournament. After a cautious approach in their games so far, they showed attacking intent from the get go with Harry Kane scoring in just the 4th minute.
Afterwards England controlled the game, however Ukraine remained a threat with their pace on the break. This did cause a few nervous moment for the English defence, including when Declan Rice surrendered possession allowing Ukraine to test Jordan Pickford. The Three Lions regained their composure and scored immediately after the first half with Harry Maguire heading in from a Luke Shaw cross to make it 2-0.
Luke Shaw continued his impressive form assisting this time for Harry Kane, second time in two games to put the game beyond Ukraine. Jordan Henderson then came on and scored his side’s 4th goal, as England showed strength in depth and simply overpowered their opponents in Rome.
The talent on show in this quarter final win will give great pleasure to English fans. Jadon Sancho and Mason Mount started the game, with Raheem Sterling continuing his brilliant form, assisting Kane’s first goal. With the likes of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish unused and Marcus Rashford coming off the bench, England have to be feeling confident of reaching a first major final since 1966.
England return to Wembley now for a semi final date against impressive Denmark on 7th July. For now Southgate and his men have reached the minimum target they set for themselves before the tournament. The expectations and the atmosphere at Wembley will a sight to behold as the Three Lions look to roar into the finals and end a trophy drought for the ages.