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| The flying Portuguese, Diogo Costa dives right to save again from the spot as Portugal advances to the last 8 at the expense of Slovenia. (Photo credit: Goal) |
Monday delivered yet again at the ongoing 2024 Euro Championship, with Portugal and France setting up mouthwatering quarter-final fixtures at the weekend.
England had labored to a 2-1 comeback win over Slovakia with Jude Bellingham yet again, proving he’s worth every hype around him scoring with probably the last kick of normal time to set up a tensed extra time, where Harry Kane scored to complete the turnaround.
Despite progressing, the 3Lions still failed to impress and must improve significantly to stand any chance of beating the exciting Switzerland side, whom they will face in the quarterfinals on Saturday at the Merkur Spiel Arena.
The round of 16 served more than anticipated, with Georgia striking first against Spain before the “evil twins of La Roja," Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, both ran riot to contribute to the four goals scored by Spain as it ended 4-1.
If that was dramatic, Portugal had to wait until the end of the penalty shootout to beat Slovenia in their own encounter. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in the first half of extra time, but Benjamin Sesko should have won it for Slovenia after a Pepe slip sent him through on goal.
Diogo Costa became the game hero as he became the first goalkeeper in the history of the Euros to save three straight penalties in a single knockout game, but credit goes to Jan Oblak, who saved from Ronaldo to force penalties.
Portugal has set up a juggernaut of a quarterfinal fixture against France, and aside from that, we will also witness Spain against Germany on Friday. Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, make sure you're available for the soccer masterclass in Germany this weekend.
The Netherlands beat Romania without breaking a sweat on Tuesday, with Cody Gakpo running riot. Set up by Xavi Simmons for the crisp opener, the Liverpool man set up Donyel Malen for the second before the latter raced through on goal in stoppage time to fire home the third.
The Oranje finally gave their fans something to cheer about after three underwhelming group-stage games. Waiting in the last eight for the Netherlands is Turkey. With many expecting Austria to beat the Turks, the latter shocked Ralf Ragnick’s side with a sensational, gritty display to run out 2-1 winners.