England defeated Germany after 55- years in a knockout tie in a game brimming with passion and tension at Wembley to reach Euro 2020 quarter finals.
Raheem Sterling scored his third Euro 2020 goal and captain Harry Kane finally broke his duck in front of a elated Wembley crowd. After a tense start where Germany pressed early on, England settled into the game. The confidence and maturity was a breath of fresh air not usually associated with English teams in big games. However, this is a team transformed under Gareth Southgate and this was another landmark moment his managerial reign.
Germany started impressively, pressing high up the pitch. Timo Werner even going close but had his shot saved by Jordan Pickford. And when England were leading by a goal, a Thomas Muller missed a glorious chance to equalize. This proved to be decisive as Kane headed in later on to seal a famous win.
As good they are going forward it was their defence which has to be admired, yet to concede a goal at the tournament. After a 0-0 first half, England grew into the game and the introduction of ever vibrant Jack Grealish turned the game. He played the ball to Luke Shaw who crossed for Raheem Sterling to score. And with the clock ticking down, Grealish crossed for Kane to head home.
The dream is alive for England as they finally slayed the ghost of Germany. For Gareth Southgate this was a personal moment of redemption as it was his penalty miss against the same opponents that ended their run at Euro 96. For now England are slowly but steadily making a nation dream again.
Ukraine score a late, late goal to break Swedish hearts.
Ukraine reached the quarter finals of European Championship for the first time after scoring in the added time in extra time to beat 10- men Sweden.
Oleksandr Zinchenko had put Ukraine ahead after 27 minutes with a powerful strike but Sweden’s main man Emil Forsberg scored just before half time to make it 1-1. Both teams huffed and puffed, giving it everything to score, making for a exciting spectacle. As the final whistle went off, the players had left everything on the field.
This made the extra time chaotic with both teams giving away possession cheaply. The turning point came in the 99th minute when Marcus Danielson was sent off after a VAR check. Even then the contest remained largely even, with Ukraine failing to make their man advantage count until the final minute. Captain Zinchenko swung in a cross and Artem Dovbyk slid in to score his international goal and send Ukraine fans into a frenzy.
This defeat hurt would Sweden as they had shaded a tightly fought game. They had topped a tight group which included Spain. Given their recent form and players at their disposal an exit at this stage in a very winnable game will be painful. They will be kicking themselves because this was a chance to make history and give them a realistic chance of winning a first ever international trophy.
For Ukraine, a glamourous tie at Wembley against England awaits. A team that scrapped through the group stages is now a couple of wins away from the final. They will be riding a wave of momentum as they face unbeaten England. The way the tournament has gone so far you wouldn’t put it past Ukraine to cause another upset.
