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8 JULY 2021
SPORTS WEEKLY SPECIAL
EURO 2020
England face ‘day of destiny’ against Italy in Euro 2020 BY DAVID SAFFER England are in a major final for the first time in 55 years. Gareth Southgate’s team came from a goal down against Denmark to win 2-1 and book a day of destiny against Italy in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday night. Harry Kane scored the 104th minute winner, coolly slotting home after his penalty was saved by Kasper Schmeichel in the first period of extra time. Make no mistake, this victory was deserved. England were fitter, looked more in control and didn’t panic when they faced their first major challenge of the tournament after going behind. Above all, the team is packed with talent on the bench and as Denmark wilted in the extra 30 minutes, finishing the game with 10 players as all the substitutes had been used, England played keep ball for the final few minutes of the match. England boss Gareth Southgate told ITV Sport, “I’m so proud of the players. It’s an incredible occasion to be a part of. The fans were incredible all night. We knew it wouldn’t be straightforward. The game in Rome (against Ukraine) was straightforward. We said to the players we have to show resilience and come back after setbacks and we did that.” Regarding Kane’s penalty, he noted, “There’s nobody you’d rather have on it but he was up against a great goalkeeper. Thankfully it’s immaterial.” Southgate added, “I felt we’d get there but I knew we’d have a different sort of battle. Denmark are so underrated as a team and they caused us a lot of troubles. When you’ve waited as long as we have to get through a semi-final, the players, considering the limited international experience some of them have, have done an incredible job. The most pleasing thing is we’ve given the fans and nation a fantastic night and the journey carries on for another four days.” Regarding any celebrations, the England boss said, “They’ve had it, haven’t they? There was mayhem on the pitch and I was part of it. We’ve got to enjoy the fact we’re in the final but there’s one more massive hurdle to conquer.” As for the final, he noted, “Italy are a very good side. I’ve thought that the last couple
of years. They are in outstanding form Italy defeated Spain 4-2 on penalties and have defensive warriors who have after the match finished 1-1 after extra been through everything. It’s a great time. game to look forward to.” Jorgingo slotted home the all-imSouthgate added, “Finals are there portant spot kick after a thrilling ento be won. We’ll regroup and prepare counter between two great footballing nations with nine global titles between properly. We need to recover tonight, them. it’s taken a lot physically and mentally. Italy have also had that, although The Spaniards had been inconsistent they’ve had an extra day to recover.” and were not fancied to overturn the Kane told the media, “Unbelievable, impressive Italians who had shown what a game though, credit to Denskill and desire on route to the semis. mark. We dug deep and we got there But Luis Enrique’s team bossed this when it mattered. We reacted really match and but for a number of missed well, we’re in a final at home, what a opportunities would have saved themfeeling.” selves the heartache of spot kicks. As for his penalty, he added, “I chose The first half saw both sides show atthe side I was going to go, it wasn’t the tacking intent without a clinical touch. best executed penalty I’ve ever had Roberto Mancini’s side though were sometimes you miss and it falls your not quite the force they have been in way and thankfully it did today.” earlier matches however they opened the scoring on the hour with a brilLooking ahead to the final, he commented, “We know it’s going to be a liant goal on the break from Federico very tough game against Italy we’ve Cheisa. had a great tournament so far. One But Spain drove forward and thormore game to go at home and we can’t oughly deserved to equalise with a wait.” great finish from substitute Alvaro Morata after a subline one-two with Man of the match Raheem Sterling told ITV Sport, “It was a top perforDani Olmo. Both teams had chances mance. We had to dig in deep. It was to win, Spain more than the Azzuri, but the first time we conceded but we re- Harry Kane scored the winner against Denmark PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK the match inevitably went to penalties. Italy stepped up first and Unai Sisponded well and showed good spirit. The match was up for grabs and England mon comfortably saved a weak effort from We knew it would be difficult. We stayed patient and we knew the legs and aggres- slowly gained momentum but Schmeichel Manuel Locatelli, but Spain failed to take siveness we have in the team we’d be okay.” denied Harry Maguire with a terrific stop a grip on proceedings when Olmo struck Commenting on the penalty when he was before keeping out Mason Mount’s deft the crossbar. Andrea Belotti, Gerard Morefouled, Sterling said, “I went into the box touch before full time. no, Leonardo Bonucci and Tiago traded and he stabbed his right leg out. As long Into extra time and England was boosted penalties before Federico Bernardeschi as it goes into the back of the net, that’s all by Phil Fidon and Jordan Henderson from fired Italy to match point. Sadly, for Spain, that matters.” the bench. Morata, who had scored their goal late on, Schmeichel denied Kane with a strong had his effort easily saved by Gianluigi England were bright from the start with hand but Sterling was pulled down for a Donnarumma. Bukaya Sako looking dangerous early on. Sterling appeared sharp but Mikkel penalty and Kane stepped up to slot in the Jorgingo coolly slotted in the winning Damsgaard sounded a warning by curling rebound after Schmeichel saved to put his strike to break Spanish hearts, especially Morata and Olmo who had created a brila shot wide of the post. country ahead. England conceded a spectacular 30-yard But there were still 16 nerve jangling min- liant goal earlier in the match. free kick from Damsgaard on the half hour utes to go. Southgate sprung a surprise by Italy though were the winners on the but they didn’t panic, and when Kane slid bringing Keiren tripper on for substitute night and had qualified for their 10th major in Sterling, his effort was brilliantly saved Jack Grealish to beef up the defensive and tournament final. by Schmeichel. And so, the stage is set for the grand finale England stood firm. England kept pushing forward and when Indeed, they played the last few minutes and all roads lead to Wembley. Kane found Saka, the youngster’s low cross out superbly not giving a brave Denmark Southgate, Kane, Sterling et al now have was diverted by skipper Simon Kjaer into side a sniff at goal. a chance to join Sir Alf, Moore and Hurst his own net with Sterling ready to pounce Both semi finals were played at the na- as immortals. tional stadium in front of 60,000 fans. six minutes from half time. Come on England!
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