IN an upset, the Czech Republic sent Holland home and Belgium beat a deflated Portugal to advance.
Holland were very flat and paid the price while Portugal just could not score on a strong Belgian defence.
Holland whipped, Czechs move on
Holland 0 vs Czech Republic 2
27/06/21
Puskas Stadium
Holland froze and were beaten comfortably by the Czech Republic. Amazingly Holland did not have a single shot at goal. The leading scorers of the first round could not conjure a single goal.
Holland, like Italy on Saturday, had a good first 25 minutes but then the game switched. Unlike Italy, Holland could not pull off a win with their substitutes. It was all the Czech Republic when Matthijs de Ligt was sent off in the 55th minute for a deliberate hand ball stopping a clear run on goal.
Holland did not create any chances and were thoroughly outplayed leading to the first upset of the round of 16.
In the 68th minute, Tomas Holes sent the Czech Republic into the lead and ten-men Holland just could not cope. Then in the 80th minute Patrik Schick scored his fourth of the tournament and is in the race for the golden boot. It was as good as over and the body language of the Dutch showed it.
As is the case in many tournaments the team which scores heavily against weaker teams find it difficult against a stronger opposition. Holland were in a fairly easy group and were not tested and paid the price.
The Czech Republic move on to face Denmark in Baku, while Holland take the plane home.
Belgium oust champions Portugal in a mostly dull affair
Belgium 1 vs Portugal 0
I did predict that Belgium would have won but from what I have seen they may not reach much further in the competition.
In a mostly boring affair that only came to life in the last 20 minutes, Belgium were able to hold on to a 1-0 win. The first half was very poor given the quality on the field from both sides.
There was very little goal-mouth action but the goal that came was wonderful. Thorgan Hazard scored a beauty of a goal with a wonderful strike in the 42nd minute. It proved to be the winner in a close game.
Portugal had 58% of the possession with 23 shots at goal but only four on target. The big players for neither team showed up especially Portugal. Portugal had some excellent chances but could not make a difference, hardly making the goal keeper work.
The second half was much better because Portugal had to search for an equaliser. The Belgium defence held and were outstanding in keeping the Portuguese at bay but the Portuguese attack was poor in execution.
Belgium face Italy next while Portugal give up the trophy and head home.
Ronaldo, Portugal Out Euros
By Gerald Lutchman
IN an upset, the Czech Republic sent Holland home and Belgium beat a deflated Portugal to advance.
Holland were very flat and paid the price while Portugal just could not score on a strong Belgian defence.
Holland whipped, Czechs move on
Holland 0 vs Czech Republic 2
27/06/21
Puskas Stadium
Holland froze and were beaten comfortably by the Czech Republic. Amazingly Holland did not have a single shot at goal. The leading scorers of the first round could not conjure a single goal.
Holland, like Italy on Saturday, had a good first 25 minutes but then the game switched. Unlike Italy, Holland could not pull off a win with their substitutes. It was all the Czech Republic when Matthijs de Ligt was sent off in the 55th minute for a deliberate hand ball stopping a clear run on goal.
Holland did not create any chances and were thoroughly outplayed leading to the first upset of the round of 16.
In the 68th minute, Tomas Holes sent the Czech Republic into the lead and ten-men Holland just could not cope. Then in the 80th minute Patrik Schick scored his fourth of the tournament and is in the race for the golden boot. It was as good as over and the body language of the Dutch showed it.
As is the case in many tournaments the team which scores heavily against weaker teams find it difficult against a stronger opposition. Holland were in a fairly easy group and were not tested and paid the price.
The Czech Republic move on to face Denmark in Baku, while Holland take the plane home.
Belgium oust champions Portugal in a mostly dull affair
Belgium 1 vs Portugal 0
I did predict that Belgium would have won but from what I have seen they may not reach much further in the competition.
In a mostly boring affair that only came to life in the last 20 minutes, Belgium were able to hold on to a 1-0 win. The first half was very poor given the quality on the field from both sides.
There was very little goal-mouth action but the goal that came was wonderful. Thorgan Hazard scored a beauty of a goal with a wonderful strike in the 42nd minute. It proved to be the winner in a close game.
Portugal had 58% of the possession with 23 shots at goal but only four on target. The big players for neither team showed up especially Portugal. Portugal had some excellent chances but could not make a difference, hardly making the goal keeper work.
The second half was much better because Portugal had to search for an equaliser. The Belgium defence held and were outstanding in keeping the Portuguese at bay but the Portuguese attack was poor in execution.
Belgium face Italy next while Portugal give up the trophy and head home.
Remember the Copa restarts today.
Monday’s games
Croatia vs Spain
28 /06/2 12 noon
Parken
France vs Switzerland
28/06/21 3pm
National Spain