Good morning.
It was an eventful night in Dortmund final night time, with disallowed objectives, thunderbolts and lightning which have been very, very horrifying for Michael Oliver so he took the gamers off the pitch, earlier than objectives from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala despatched Germany by and Denmark dwelling.
It regarded as if Germany had gone forward early, a nice header by Nico Schlotterbeck gave the impression to be a wonderfully good aim, however a not too delicate block from Joshua Kimmich noticed it dominated out. Germany have been on high, then Denmark bought again into it. Kaspar Schmeichel saved from Havertz twice, Christian Eriksen produced a primary contact of excellent high quality, and it was a good contest.
Within the second half Denmark thought they’d scored by Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen, however this too was dominated out due to the intervention earlier of a participant whose toenail was offside.
Then on the different finish, Andersen’s distress was compounded by the actual fact a penalty was awarded in opposition to him when the ball hit his hand from comparatively shut vary. I’ve seen a whole lot of chat about how if we’re going to use the handball regulation appropriately, it was the proper choice, however I feel everybody would agree it’s absurd to be punished so severely for merely having arms. Arms transfer, palms are connected to them, and never in one million years ought to that ever be a penalty. The rule-makers have to type this out as a matter of urgency, as a result of it’s farcical to see a penalty awarded for that in a serious competitors.
Havertz stepped up, and though Schmeichel went the proper manner, he had no likelihood – the ball pinged in simply off the put up and it was 1-0. Kai may have had one other after a chic first contact despatched him by on aim, however he dinked the end simply vast. I’ve to say although, I feel he would have squared it for the onrushing Leroy Sane for a tap-in, had he not been very clearly fouled as he sprinted into the field. I feel Denmark bought fairly fortunate in that respect. As for Havertz, if he may add 10% extra conviction to his ending, Germany and Arsenal would reap the advantages.
Musiala added the second after discovering house in behind, I ponder if the keeper ought to have come however he hesitated and at 2-0 it felt like recreation over. Denmark can clearly have some regrets in regards to the aim that they had dominated out and the one which put them behind, however I feel over the course of the sport, Germany have been the higher facet.
Earlier within the day, Switzerland have been simply too good for Italy, a facet whose historical past and pedigree in European soccer is tough to reconcile with this group of gamers. They simply have such a scarcity of high quality in ahead positions, and once more it was their goalkeeper who stored them in it. A pleasant first half aim from Remo Freuler was adopted by an excellent strike from Ruben Vargas early within the second, and the Swiss completely deserved their win.
At present, it’s all eyes on England as they face Slovakia. What modifications, if any, will Gareth Southgate make? Clearly they continue to be the plain favourites for this one, but when the efficiency degree doesn’t enhance, there’s each likelihood Slovakia may trigger an upset. With a lot dialogue and debate about gamers and positions, it’ll be attention-grabbing to see what sort of workforce he picks in a while.
Afterwards, Spain tackle a Georgia facet who’ve been a breath of contemporary air on this event, however will they find yourself suffocated by the Spaniards’ possession recreation. It may very well be a very good one, fingers crossed.
Proper, let’s go away it there for now – and please be a part of us shortly over on Patreon for our newest Euro 2024 podcast, chatting about final night time’s video games, and waiting for as we speak’s.
Within the meantime, have a fantastic Sunday.
