The new part of the blog continues as I rank the football matches I watched in April from least favourite to favourite. Based on nothing more than my opinion and enjoyment from watching each match.
Switzerland 1-1 Spain (Spain win 3-1 on penalties), Euro 2020, Spain went ahead through a deflected corner in the first ten minutes and this looked like it could be a gubbing. Losing interest I nodded off and was rudely awakened on the 68th minute when Shaqiri scored an equaliser. Things had unexpectedly got interesting and ten minutes later Switzerland were down to ten men. They held out to force extra time and then spent all of extra time defending like lions as Spain got closer and closer. Despite heroics from Sommer in the Swiss goal Spain moved on to the next round.
Ukraine 0-4 England, Euro 2020, after the last game Ukraine looked like they'd have to stitch their players back together in order to field a full strength team. England went ahead with a trademark early move and as the half went on Ukraine slowly got back into things. Early in the second half England put them to the sword and it was all over. The most dominant display of the quarter finals went to an ominous looking England.
England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020, going in this game had the feeling of being the less interesting semi-final but it turned into a good game as Denmark went ahead and looked like they weren't here to roll over. Naturally player of the tournament OG got England level and Harry Kane scored the winner in extra time robbing us of penalties.
Italy 1-1 England (Italy won 3-2 on penalties), Euro 2020, Italy didn't turn up until half time which left England to try and dominate the game with eight defensive players. They went ahead early and Italy spent the rest of the game getting back into it with Bonucci eventually converting a goal mouth scramble. In truth Italy dominated the game while both teams had chances and it was a fun final. England briefly went ahead in the shootout, Italy came from behind to win and we got an emotional end to what was an emotional tournament.
Belgium 1-2 Italy, Euro 2020, two of the narratives flowing through the story of these Euros were Belgiums best ever team running out of time to win something and how Italy got their groove back. Italy went two up during the first half with Lukaku scoring in injury time. The second half turned bonkers as Italy bent time and space to keep two certain Belgium goals out as both teams continued to attack. Kevin of the Bruynes looked more and more crazed as the game went on (poor sod was playing through injury) and Italy progressed albeit with the caveat of losing Spinazzola for the rest of the tournament.
Czech Republic 1-2 Denmark, Euro 2020, the main story of the Euros for obvious reasons has been Denmark due to Christian Eriksen. They progressed after a fun blood and guts match as both teams went for it and left it all on the pitch - great fun.
Italy 1-1 Spain, Euro 2020, the first semi-final and it had the feel of an epic. Spain had the majority of the possession but when Italy got it they used it well. Busquets was the player of the match and it took Italy longer than expected to work him out. Chiesa put Italy ahead and Morata equalised. We got an epic extra time and went to penalties where the overwhelming memory will be Morata's shot getting saved.
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