July 6, 2024
Spain 2 vs 1 Germany
By Gerald Lutchman
Goals from Dani Olmo in the 51st and Mikel Merino in the 119th minute gave Spain a pass to the semifinal.
Florian Writz sent the game into extra time in the 89th just when Spain thought they had done enough to progress. Dani Carvajal was sent off in the 120 +6th minute for a foul but it did prevent Germany from having a final shot at goal.
Spain again showed that they are the team to beat in this tournament. This game was played with aggression, tension and drama which barely allowed the viewers to breathe.
France 0 vs 0 Portugal
France 5 vs 3 Portugal on penalties
Big names do not guarantee good football and this was certainly the case in this game. In a highly anticipated clash that left everyone totally disappointed with the poor quality of football.
Europe’s two biggest names Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe were both very poor in this match. Ronaldo was just a passenger and it was sad to see such a great player look below ordinary in a disaster of a game. Mbappe does not have an excuse as he is still in his prime but has been a major disappointment up to this point.
France, far from their best and very lucky to reach this far, eventually won in a penalty shootout. This was one game that deserved to be 90 minutes and no more. It was a dull, dark and distasteful football match.
