We started with 24 of Europe’s finest, but now only Spain, Italy, Denmark and England remain. Euro 2020 is about to get serious.
The quarterfinals told a lot about who is likely to lift the trophy on July 11, but before we decide if football will finally come home after 55 years of delays, we should take a minute to try to get our heads around what just happened in an eventful eight. eight.
Here is the 90mins team in the Euro 2020 quarterfinals.
Summer did everything to keep Spain away / Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images
It was heartbreaking for Switzerland when they reached the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time in 1954, but it was not to try against Spain – certainly not from the inspiring goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
The Gladbach stopper was the hero against France in the round of 16 and he made a number of important stops here even before the penalties. He saved two in the shooting game, but it was not enough to get over the three-time European champions.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate this assist from Joakim Maehle ??? # bbceuro2020 # Euro2020 #DEN #CZEDEN
– BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 3, 2021
OK, so he does not actually play right back for Denmark. But for three reasons we have made an exception.
1. He plays right back at club level.
2. We already have a left back.
3. He was really, really bloody good.
Maguire played a key role in getting England through / Ettore Ferrari – Pool / Getty Images
Big Slabhead came to trump for England when they delivered their most complete performance to date for the euro to dismiss Ukraine without any problems at all.
He masterfully commanded the back line and even came up with a goal – a big big tower head – to double the lead and get England on their way to a rout.
Chiellini marked Romelu Lukaku in match against Belgium / MATTHIAS HANGST / Getty Images
The Juventus captain is in his late thirties now and may be playing in his last tournament with Italy. So you should think he’s making it count.
He has confirmed his status as one of the best midfielders in world football at Euro 2020 and was one of the best players in the park when Italy took shape and got past Belgium and into the last four.
Luke Shaw appreciation post! ? pic.twitter.com/fVtwDtgx3y
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) July 3, 2021
Well, if there was any doubt about who England’s starting left-back is, there is no more. Shaw may be the easiest choice for this XI.
He was absolutely unplayable against Ukraine, hitting the mark with virtually every cross and scoring two goals for his teammates. Opponent back Alexander Karavaev need not have bothered to show up.
Nicolò Barella puts Italy forward with this fine strike? #BEL 0-1 #ITA
? Watch live: https://t.co/E7DKcQ7Jih#bbceuro2020 # euro2020 pic.twitter.com/E1mXPEw4TI
Today’s match (@BBCMOTD) July 2, 2021
Between Jorginho, Marco Verratti, Bryan Cristante, Manuel Locatelli and Matteo Pessina, Italy has no shortage of midfielders with a history of playing for their country. But Inter star Barella showed why he deserves his starting place against Belgium on Friday night.
The 24-year-old was constantly present in both boxes and came up with one of the goals of the tournament when he sold three players in Belgium down the river and fired one beyond Thibaut Courtois from a seemingly impossible angle.
Delaney celebrates Denmark’s quarterfinals / Naomi Baker / Getty Images
Denmark has so far been a good value for their constant “dark horse” tag and deserves so much credit for the way they have composed themselves after Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest. No matter what happens from here, they have made themselves and their absent talisman proud.
But their remarkable history at Euro 2020 is not over yet.
Only five minutes were on the clock when Delaney led them forward against the Czech Republic and that set the tone for a commanding midfield performance from the Borussia Dortmund man. They saw it to take the semifinals, and the dreams of going all the way look more realistic for the minute.
??? ?? star Pedri has become the youngest man to ever start a knockout game at a European Championships! ? pic.twitter.com/8yPKI2rCBC
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) 28 June 2021
Here he is. The man of the hour. Pedro González López, better known simply as Pedri.
Spain’s midfield dynamo has been the biggest success story of all the 90-minute Our 21s so far in the tournament, playing virtually every minute of Spain’s run to the semi-finals and making his presence known.
It was the same story against Switzerland when he delivered a well-rounded midfield performance, recovered the ball seven times and made five important passes – more than anyone else on the pitch in both measures.
The teenager has also covered more distance at this tournament than any other player (61.5 km).
? Sterling puts England ahead!
Good team movement! #SV 1-0 #GER
? Watch live: https://t.co/0Sp2UauTpF#bbceuro2020 # euro2020 pic.twitter.com/x4oeuoduWz
Today’s match (@BBCMOTD) June 29, 2021
The scorer for England’s first three goals in the Euro was not on the points side against Ukraine, but he did everything but. The Man City star delivered yet another inspiring performance, pushing in from the left to wreak havoc, and collaborating with Luke Shaw to terrorize the right wing of the Ukrainian defense.
His assist for Harry Kane’s starter means he still has a goal or an assist in every match England have made in Euro 2020.
Kane looks happy to be in the semifinals / Alessandra Tarantino – Pool / Getty Images
Talk about the devil and he’s showing up.
The England captain came in for serious, not entirely undeserved criticism for his group stage appearances, but fortunately for England he now seems to have remembered that he is one of the best figures on the planet.
His goal against Germany in the quarterfinals has lifted the weight off his shoulders, and his double against Ukraine means he is not yet a Golden Boot write-off.
Oh my!
Lorenzo Insigne with a special goal.
? Watch live: https://t.co/E7DKcQ7Jih#bbceuro2020 # euro2020 pic.twitter.com/gX9bajqekz
Today’s match (@BBCMOTD) July 2, 2021
And to face things with a little more Italian representation, what about Lorenzo Insigne?
His goal alone qualifies him, charges through the Belgian midfield and chooses his place beyond Thibaut Courtois, but he was a constant threat and an important part of a measured Italy result.
Belissimo.
