The 2024 European Championship (EURO 2024) witnessed two breathtaking semi-finals this week. On Tuesday, July 9, the most in-form team of the tournament, Spain, took on Kylian Mbappe’s goal-shy France. Against the run of play, Les Bleus drew first blood in the eighth minute, courtesy of a header from Randal Kolo Muani. La Roja, however, did not trail for long, equalizing through a world-class strike from Lamine Yamal in the 21st minute. Four minutes later, Dani Olmo found the back of the net to seal a 2-1 victory over France.
The following day, on July 10, England locked horns with the Netherlands, looking to qualify for their second consecutive EURO final. The Three Lions endured a calamitous start, as Xavi Simons fired the Dutch ahead inside the first 10 minutes. However, England’s luck turned shortly after, as VAR intervened to give them a penalty. Harry Kane confidently dispatched the spot-kick to level the score at 1-1. Finally, in the first minute of injury time, super-sub Ollie Watkins won the game for Gareth Southgate’s side, scoring a fine goal from a tight angle.
As we prepare for the EURO 2024 decider between Spain and England on July 14, let’s take a look at how some of the star players fared in the semi-finals. Continue reading to meet the four standout performers and three underperformers from the two semi-finals.
Performed: Dani Olmo (Spain)
Dani Olmo Helped Spain Through To The Finals
One of the heroes of Spain’s sensational EURO 2024 campaign, Dani Olmo delivered another masterclass in the semi-final clash with France. Filling in for the injured Pedri, Olmo knocked the ball around with purpose, made dangerous runs into the area, and found the back of the net with a fine strike in the 25th minute.
The RB Leipzig man executed two brilliant touches to bring Jesus Navas’ deflected cross under his control and create shooting space close to the right-hand post. With William Saliba closing in, Olmo fired toward the left-hand…
Source link : https://sportslens.com/news/euro-2024-performers-underperformers/
Author : Sushan Chakraborty
Publish date : 2024-07-11 06:53:33
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