Euro 2020 Round Up: Italy squeeze 2-1 past Austria, Denmark march into quarters in style

The knockout phase of the 2020 European Championship commenced on Saturday June 26, 2021 with Denmark making a statement 4 – 0 win over Wales at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam to become the first team to progress to the quarterfinals of the major tournament.

The Wembley Stadium in London welcomed the second Round of 16 match up where Italy left it late to edge a resilient Austrian side 2 – 1 in a gripping game that extended into Extra Time, leaving fans anxious till the blow of the final whistle.

The quarter-finals of 2020 European Championship starting to take shape with Italy and Denmark securing their spots in the last eight with wins on Saturday evening.

We begin today’s episode reliving the glorious and inglorious moments from Day 16.

RESULTS

Wales 0 – 4 Denmark

Italy 2 – 1 Austria

Wales exit Euros heartbroken after 4-0 loss to Denmark

Kasper Dolberg’s brace and a goal each from Joakim Maehle and Martin Braithwaite sent Gareth Bale’s men packing out of the 2020 Euros heartbroken.

Forward Kasper Dolberg struck in each half before late goals from Joakim Maehle and Martin Braithwaite capped an impressive display by the Danes that overpowered Wales at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Saturday.

It was a bright start for the Dragons but an emotional high Danish side romped 4 – 0 past Wales to seal a last 8 place at the Euros.

Wales, who were one of the most-travelled squads through the tournament, saw substitute Harry Wilson sent off in the final minute.

Denmark’s win see them reach their first EURO quarter-final in 17 years as they set up a tie with either the Netherlands or Czech Republic on July 3.

Italy needed extra-time to see off Austria 2-1 to reach the quarters

The Azzurri needed extra time to get past their opponents in last Saturday’s second round of 16 match when they faced a defensive and strong Austria side at Wembley on the back off a perfect run in the group stage.

Things did not go as smoothly for the Italians as it took super substitutes Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina to send the Azzurris into the final 8 stage with extra-time strikes.

The Austrians really showed they were no easy pushovers, giving Italy a real scare as they fought back with a tireless performance despite a VAR check ruling out Arnautović’s fine header for offside in the 65th minute.

Austria exit the competition with their heads held high as substitute Sasa Kalajdzic’s pulled a goal back through a clever header from a corner in the 114 minute to set up a tense finale.

Italy will face either Belgium or Portugal in Munich, Friday 2 July.

SUNDAY’S PREVIEW

Sunday will see Netherlands vs Czech Republic, then Belgium vs Portugal.

Netherlands vs Czech Republic Puskas Arena, Budapest, 4PM

Netherlands finished Group C with a perfect 100% win to advance to the knockout stages, Czech Republic booked their spot in the elite 16 as one of the four best third-placed outfits.

The Oranje have impressed on their return to the international stage with some excellent football under Frank de Boer.

They prepare for battle in the last-16 stage of Euro 2020 as they take on the Czech Republic at the Puskas Arena on Sunday evening.

The Netherlands will look to continue their impressive return to major tournament football but the unpredictable Czechs will prove otherwise.

Netherlands have won 16 out of the 35 meetings , drawn 8 and Czech Republic have won 11games.

Belgium vs Portugal Estadio de La Cartuja, 7PM

The Red Devils of Belgium will come against title holders Portugal in one of the standout ties in the last-16 stage of Euro 2020 in Seville on Sunday evening.

Belgium topped Group B after a 100% record at this summer’s competition ahead of their encounter against the defending Champions Portugal, who ultimately qualified from Group F in third behind France and Germany.

In-form Romelu Lukaku will be making sure he leads his side to the maximum points on the day to see the defending Champions out.

Cristiano Ronaldo has shown character with an outstanding form, making and breaking records with a formidable Portuguese side as they look forward to retaining the Euro 2020 trophy.

Ronaldo is now the joint-leading international goal scorer of all time with 109 alongside Ali Daei, which is just staggering.

Portugal has won 6 out of their 18 meetings, drawn 7 whiles Belgium have won 5games.

 Acknowledgement : Betway Ghana (Headline Sponsor)

Mark F. | SilverFM