Euro Cup: Italy vs Spain, the 1st Semi-final

Splendid display of game in the first two Quarterfinals gave much delight to football lovers after two days recess. Italy and Spain enter Semifinals to decide one of the finalists in the Euro Cup2020.

In the first Quarterfinal between Spain and Switzerland Friday evening, the Swiss men put up spirited fight to Spain but unfortunately, they conceded the lead to Spain when Daneil Zakaria scored an own goal in the 8th   minute of the first half. Xherdan Shaqiri netted the equalizer in 68th minute for Switzerland. Both teams were level on 1-1 in regular time and the game went in extra time. Even after Remo Freuler’s sent off for his wrong tackle, the Swiss side with 10 men held Spain to 1-1in the extra time play. Ultimately Spain won the match 3-1in penalty shootout and went through to semi-final. Uanai Simon and Mikel Oyarzabal were the hero for Spain’s victory in penalty shoot-outs.

Italy came over Belgium 2-1 in another quarterfinal encounter Saturday morning and booked spot in the Semis.  Italy vs Belgium clash was full of ups and downs. Italy shot into lead when Nicolo Barella scored the first goal for his team in 31st minute. Lorenzo Insigne power punching shot put the Italians ahead with 2-0 score in 44th minute. Belgium fought back led by its star striker Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku converted penalty kick in goal just before the end of first half. Trailing 1-2 in the 2nd half, the Belgians made all out efforts for equalizer, but ran out of steam against the tough Italian defense. And the World No. 1 ranked Belgium was knocked out of the Euro title race.

So, the first semi-final is set up with Italy vs Spain on 7th July. Other semifinalists will be decided from the encounters… Denmark vs Czech Republic on Saturday evening and England vs Ukraine  on Sunday.