Day 8: 2024 Euros Germany
Slovakia vs Ukraine
The first fixture to kick off day 8 of the 2024 Euros was played at the Dusseldorf Arena with Slovakia taking on Ukraine. Ukraine were keen to improve after their recent smashing 3-0 by Romania only days ago. Slovakia wanted to continue their current form, beating Belgium in the first round and causing a major upset. Slovakia actually found themselves 1-0 up again early on in the tie. A throw-in was taken quickly down the left wing to release Lukas Haraslin in space. Haraslin let the ball bounce and volleyed it over to the back post. Making the late run was Ivan Schranz to head in his first of the tournament. Ukraine were unfortunate not to strike back before the interval, creating some good chances but Slovakian keeper, Martin Dubravka, was on form. The first half ended 1-0 with Slovakia within touching distance of a guaranteed place in the last 16.
Ukraine got off to the best start possible in the second period when they drew level in the 54th minute. Full back Oleksandr Zinchenko received the ball down the left wing where he played the ball through the guts of the penalty area to his teammate Mykola Shaparenko. The Ukrainians finish was perfect, wrapping the inside of his foot around the ball and watching it roll down the side netting. After dominating most of the 2nd half, Ukraine then went on to find a deserved winner in the 80th minute. Shaparenko played a brilliant ball over the Slovakian defence to Roman Yarumchuk who took it down perfectly. His touch was good and his finish was better, delicately poking the ball around Dubravka in goals, winning the game for the Synio-Zhovti. It all finished 1-2 with this result really opening up Group E. If Belgium beat Russia tomorrow night, all 4 teams will be on 3 points going into the final round.
Poland vs Austria
The first game in round 2 of Group D kicked off at the Olympiastadion Berlin with Poland taking on Austria. Austria took the lead inside 10 minutes when they perfectly executed a well planned out set piece. Their initial long throw was cleared but only as far as full back Phillipp Mwene. Mwene whipped the ball back into the area for Gernot Trauner to smash in with a brilliant header. It only took Poland 20 minutes to hit back though, scoring from another set piece in a free kick. The set piece was crossed over to the back post where it was drilled across the 6 yard area. Jan Bednarek’s effort from point blank range was blocked by the goalscorer Trauner but Kryzsztof Piatek was there to clean up and draw Poland level. The half finished 1-1 but both these sides were eager to take all 3 points after recovering from first round losses.
Austria kicked off the second period in the right fashion, dominating the ball and then scoring in the 65th minute. Marko Arnuatovic intelligently left a pass that was meant for him and let it roll to his teammate, Christoph Baumgartner, who was unmarked and free to shoot. He opted for precision and not power as he watched his effort glide into the bottom right corner. After just going up 1-2, 13 minutes later Austria sealed the victory. They found themselves with a glorious opportunity when keeper Patrick Pentz’s goal kick was flicked onto Marcel Sabitzer by Anruatovic leaving him one-on-one with Polish Keeper Wojech Szczesny. He rounded Szczesny before the keeper brought him down with an outstretched palm resulting in a penalty. Skipper Arnuatovic stepped up to take it and dispatched it brilliantly, placing the ball into the bottom right corner. That goal was enough to see Austria over the line, 1-3 the end result. Austria are now back into contention but it may be all over for Poland as they have to beat France in their next games to have any chance of making the Rd of 16.
Netherlands vs France
The final game of day 8 was another battle between two European giants in previous Euro’s winners Netherlands and France. The first half was very end-to-end with both teams playing well and creating chances. The best opportunity of the half occurred when Marcus Thuram poked the ball through to Adrien Rabiot who looked destined to score inside the 6 yard box. Instead, the Juventus midfielder attempted to pass the ball to Antoine Griezmann. It was a terrible decision and pass resulting in the Netherlands winning back possession but if Rabiot had been greedy and taken a shot, France would have gone into the break up 0-1. The half finished 0-0 with both teams playing some good football meaning this game was anyones.
France came out the blocks strongly early on in the second period and created multiple chances to go in front. Then, to the shock of all French fans in the Leipzig Stadium, The Oranje scored down the other end. Memphis Depay had his shot from 12 yards out saved by French keeper Mike Maignan but it was only cleared as far as Xavi Simons. Simons, who was no stranger to the Leipzig Arena, drilled the ball back at the goal and watched his shot nestle in the bottom corner. Unfortunately for the Netherlands, a long VAR check resulted in the goal being ruled out as Denzel Dumfries was in an offside position as he blocked Maignan from potentially saving his effort. In the end both teams looked happy to settle for a draw and the game finished 0-0. Neutral fans all around will be very disappointed that these two teams filled with talent could not put on more of a show in Leipzig. Netherlands stay top while France stay 2nd. Both teams will be going out next week though to strengthen their goal difference to hopefully claim 1st place in Group D.
Written by Ollie Wade