Last Sixteen

Wales v Denmark, Italy v Austria
Netherlands v Czech Republic, Belgium v Portugal
Croatia v Spain, France v Switzerland
England v Germany, Sweden v Ukraine
    26th June
      Wales v Denmark

      Wales 0


      Denmark 4

      • Dolberg 27',48'
      • Maehle 88'
      • Braithwaite 90'+4'

      Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam
      • Referee: Daniel Siebert
      • Attendance: 14,645


      IBO Reporter: Jickster


      |Wales go into this game in the unusual position of being the bad guys, there's so much good will towards Denmark after their Christian Eriksen trauma and they way they have responded to it, culminating in an exciting win against Russia to reach this stage. So a lot of Welsh fans are feeling a bit uncomfortable about possibly dumping them out, although they obviously want to continue their own run. They are once again outnumbered in the stadium with lots of Danes able to make the short trip to Amsterdam. It's the Welsh who start the brighter, taking the initiative and dominating the opening phase. Bale shoots from distance, but without getting the right curl on the shot it arrows wide of the goal. Unfortunately for Wales that's as good as it gets however, the Danes gradually work their way back into things and are ultimately comfortable winners of the game.

      A switch of system means that Denmark start to take a hold of the midfield, they force a flurry of corners and start forcing the Welsh back. Joe Rodon makes a clear foul on the half way line to get a deserved yellow card: "No complaints from Rodon" says Robbie Savage, as we watch a slow motion replay of Rodon vigourously complaining about the decision. Soon a precise couple of passes finds Dolberg in space- his shot from outside the box is a beauty and puts them in front at half time. Denmark's control of the match continues and early in the second half they get a second goal. Braithwaite does well down the right, his low cross goes to Wales' substitute right back Neco Williams who makes a complete hash of his attempted clearance with his weaker left foot, it falls straight to Dolberg who smashes in from close range. Wales are unhappy about what looked a foul on Kieffer Moore at the other end, it probably was a foul to be fair but there was a lot of action before it ended up in the net so they can't be too upset.

      Wales apply some mild pressure in an effort to get back into things but the Denmark defence always looks comfortable, the Danes themselves look more likely to get a third goal on the break. "They deserve three" says Savage and they finally get it on 88 minutes as Maehle turns back onto his left foot for another powerful finish. Then Wales fall to pieces, Harry Wilson makes a cynical tackle on Maehle expecting to take a yellow card but is surprised to get a red instead- harsh perhaps but maybe the combination of the aggression and the position on the pitch were worth a yellow each? Denmark really rub things in as a nice bit of play ends up with Braithwaite putting it in the net from the edge of the box- the flag goes up for offside but a VAR check overturns it and the game ends 4-0.

      Later on, Wales coach Rob Page gives a slightly bitter interview bemoaning refereeing decisions and overplaying Wales' initial dominance, when the truth is they were well beaten by a better side today. Wales did their best and obviously with class acts like Bale and Ramsey they feel they have a chance against anyone, but the truth is that the rest of the squad is weak and while they can sometimes raise their game and give everything for the cause to produce good results, there's only a limited shelf life where that will produce success. After a while they will revert to their natural level which is what happened here. I'm also a bit suprised at the reaction on TV (Elis James being a culprit), there's a bit too much expectation of this side now, before the tournament most agreed that reaching the knockout stage would be a good result. Having failed to even qualify for any tournaments in my lifetime until 2016, Wales should be pleased that not only is qualification becoming a regular occurrence, but they also give a good account of themselves once they get there- despite this heavy defeat they've had a good tournament.

      As for Denmark, they are getting better and better. Eriksen's story affected them mentally and also robbed them of their best player, but they appear to have renewed purpose and their other good players are finding form at the right time, I've been very impressed by the likes of Maehle, Braithwaite and the star of today's game, Dolberg. At the time of writing they've now found that their quarter final opponent will be the Czech Republic, no pushovers but you couldn't choose much better opponents for this stage of the competition and the Danes look good to continue their story and reach the semi final.



      Italy v Austria

      Italy 2

      • Chiesa 95', Pessina 105'

      Austria 1

      • Kalajdzic 114'

      Wembley Stadium, London
      • Referee: Anthony Taylor
      • Attendance: 18,910


      IBO Reporter : Jickster


      |Italy are hot favourites for this game, no other side in the tournament has had things go as much their own way in the group stages and on the back of a 30 game unbeaten run there are few at Wembley who would have given Austria much of a chance before the game. The Austrians had scraped through a fairly weak group themselves, although they might have felt that they had the players to withstand a bit of pressure more effectively than Turkey or Switzerland had managed.

      The game started very much as Italy's group games had gone- they were dominating possession and probing for weaknesses in their opponents defence. A couple of decent efforts went close, first a good move involves Spinazzola finding Barella shooting low and forcing a good block from Bachmann in goal, then Immobile has a good effort from long range clip the post. Austria struggle to find much rhythm of their own in the first half, but Italy are generally frustrated.

      Still, up until the hour mark I'd have been very comfortable as an Italy fan, but then the pattern of play slowly starts to shift. Italy are finding it more difficult to stretch the Austrian defence, while Austria themselves become emboldened and launch a few more purposeful attacks themselves. It looks like the transformation is complete with 20 minutes left, as a looping cross is headed back across goal by Alaba for Arnautovic to turn in from close range. Austria and their supporters go crazy as they think they have the lead, but a replay shows a clear offside, it takes VAR a needlessly long time to confirm it but the goal is eventually disallowed. The 90 minutes end 0-0, not the most exciting of games but Austria can feel that they've done a good job of limiting Italian chances.

      But Italy start extra time with renewed energy and show more thrust than they had up to that point, taking the lead with a brilliant goal. A cross in is at an awkward height for Chiesa, but he controls it superbly with his head, takes another touch with his right to make space and hits it powerfully into the net with his left foot. A wonderful goal and Italy are in control. Danny Murphy wants Italy to start taking the ball into the corner when there are still 17 minutes of play remaining, but they turn the pressure on further and get another nice goal before the half time break, Pessina finishing well. That should really finish the game but actually Austria get a second wind and make life uncomfortable for Italy, they get a goal back as Kaladjzic scores from a corner to make a nervy last five minutes. But Italy don't really look like conceding an equaliser and although they made hard work of it they reach the quarter finals.

      Disappointment for Austria, just for a second it looked like they might cause an upset when Arnautovic thought he'd scored. They certainly gave Italy their toughest test so far, but they have basically performed to their par level in this tournament.

      Italy are still difficult to judge, they are doing the right things to dispatch weaker opponents but they still haven't met any other contenders. That will all change when they face Belgium in the next round which will be a fascinating contest and we will find out more about their credentials then. But I do like this side, especially when you see the glee on the face of the loveable Gianluca Vialli as he hugs his old mate Roberto Mancini when Italy score.



    27th June
      Netherlands v Czech Republic

      Netherlands 0


      Czech Republic 2

      • Holes 68'
      • Schick 80'

      Puskás Aréna, Budapest
      • Referee: Sergey Karasev
      • Attendance: 52,834


      IBO Reporter: channonite


      |Having watched all the Dutch games in Group C and just the England win against the Czech Republic in Group D, in my mind the Dutch were overwhelming favourites to go through to the quarter finals. This is football though and anything can happen - and did in this case.

      Holland have had my attention precisely for the reason that England haven't - attacking intent. They went for it right from the start, with Dumfries and Van Aanholt racing down the Wongs and causing all sorts of problems for the Czechs. Depay, as in the previous matches, together with Malen were making the most of it and indeed it was Malen who came nearest to breaking the deadlock, when he was one on one with the Czech keeper Vaclick, but couldn't make it count.

      As dangerous as the Dutch were attacking, they did look susceptible to the equally quick Czech attack, even so, it looked very even. Right up until ten minutes into the second half, when a long ball out from the Czech defence found Schick competing with the Dutch central defender, de Ligt. The Dutch defender fell and in doing so swept the ball back with his right arm. The referee initially showed a yellow, but then went to the pitch-side monitor. After a brief viewing he returned to upgrade it to a straight red card and the Dutch were down to ten men, with more than half an hour remaining.

      From that point on, the Czechs were in the ascendancy and Dumfries mad a last ditch clearance to deny Kaderabek, before the Dutch conceded a free kick, out near the corner flag. The ball flew to the far side of the goalmouth, where Coufal nodded it back to the near side, where Holes just stretched up, rather than jumped and the Czech No.9 made no mistake, nodding it powerfully past Stekelenburg. 0-1.

      The Dutch pushed for an equaliser, but simply left more gaps at the back and eventually they cracked, when the Czechs pounced on a ball in the midfield and their forwards raced through a non-existent defence, with Schick calmly slotting the ball home, for his fourth goal of the tournament.

      That essentially was that and probably the biggest surprise of the competition so far. To his credit de Ligt took responsibility in post-match interviews for his sending off and said that it cost the Dutch the game.

      The Czech Republic now travel from Budapest to meet Denmark in the Olympic Stadium, Baku. The Dutch go home.



      Belgium v Portugal

      Belgium 1

      • T Hazard 42''

      Portugal 0



      Estadio La Cartuja, Seville
      • Referee: Dr. Felix Brych
      • Attendance: 11,504


      IBO Reporter : channonite


      |Another low scoring game, but not short of excitement. The 'other' Hazard, Thorgan, who plays his club football in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund, scored a peach of a goal, which proved sufficient to down a surprisingly petulant Portuguese side.

      It was an expensive win for the Belgians, as they lost both Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard to injury. And it now looks as though both will miss the quarter final game against Italy in the Allianz Arena, Munich on Friday.

      I have lost count of the number of times I have heard this Belgian side described as "The Golden Generation", but they really are an incredibly gifted bunch of players, but they all too often have not made a good team. Now however, Manager Roberto Martinez and his team are now just three wins away from delivering a first major honour for Belgium.

      Belgium have now only been beaten once in 27 outings while doing just enough to see off a Portuguese side who have themselves achieved success by doing - just enough. Martinez will be encouraged however, by the fact his group looked like a side who knew how to win when it matters.

      Vertonghen and Alderweireld who have more than 240 caps between them, were back in the squad, while Witsel, Eden Hazard, Lukaku and Mertens, who all have around 100 caps each, simply demonstrate the depth of experience and quality the manager can call on.

      Lukaku was unusually subdued, touching the ball just 30 times according to the stats. During the game, only Portugal's Bernardo Silva saw less of the ball and he was substituted by Manchester United's Fernandes on 55'. The big man's lack of impact showed, as Belgium only managed six shots on goal all night.

      Thorgan Hazard's outstanding goal, which curled away from Rui Patricio in the Portuguese goal, was the games moment of sheer quality. Belgium seemed content to contain Portugal afterwards, rather than press for more.

      De Bruyne was unceremoniously hacked down just before halftime and lasted just seconds of the second half, while Eden Hazard pulled up sharply moments from the finish. It was confirmed the next day that both will miss the quarter final against Italy and indeed, both will undoubtably be greatly missed.

      Many have tipped Mancini's side to go all the way, given their impressive displays thus far. They may not have hit such entertaining heights in this match, but there can be no doubt they pack enough of a threat to defeat any side left in the competition. Providing they play as a team, rather than eleven individuals. This just might finally be Belgium's year.

      Meanwhile, On their route to winning Euro 2016, Portugal won just one fixture inside 90 minutes and in reaching the last-16 stage this time around they had failed to inspire. It is puzzling that they seem so reluctant to use their unquestioned quality to dominate games and it seems likely that the now 36 year old Ronaldo has played in his last Euro tournament. It was sad to see his frustration at the final whistle, as after being involved in securing a first major honour in 2016, Portugal have simply flattered to deceive this time.



    28th June
      Croatia v Spain

      Croatia 3

      • *González 20' (og), Orsic 85', Pasalic 90'+2


      Spain 5

      • Sarabia 38', Azpilicueta 57', Torres 77',
      • Morata 100' Oyarzabal 103'

      Parken Stadium, Copenhagen
      • Referee: Cüneyt Çakir
      • Attendance: 22,771



      IBO Reporter : channonite


      |The Spanish were the much fancied favourites in this match, even though Croatia were finalists in the last World Cup and had only lost in the Last 16 of the last Euros to the eventual winners, Portugal. The Croats were dealt a blow just before the match, when Ivan Perišić, the Inter Milan player and Croatia's top scorer in this competition, tested positive for COVID-19. They were also without ex-Saint, Dejan Lovren, who was suspended.

      Spain in truth, spent long portions of this match looking as though they would cruise through to the quarter-finals, but Croatia's refusal to accept defeat made for a thrilling match, with eight goals to savour.

      To begin with, the match was very much a game of cat & mouse, with Spain playing the part of the cat. They played some slick moves and several times came close without actually working the keeper too much. There was an early chance when, after passing the ball between several Spanish players, Pedri threaded a precision pass through to Koke, whose shot was saved by the feet of the Croat keeper, Livakovic.

      Shortly after Moratta had a glorious chance to head Spain into the lead, but he continued is indifferent run of form, with an awful header, which ended up in the arms of the keeper, who was no more than four yards away. You could almost hear the Spanish Twitterati sharpening their barbs.

      Spain were so completely on top that what happened next defies belief. One of the Spanish defenders slipped, but recovered and played forward to Pedri, just inside their half. Options were limited, so he chose to pass back to the keeper, Simon, who was way outside his area, but under no pressure at all. He looked up to see who was free upfield, while putting a foot out to stop the ball. Except he didn't stop it and could only watch helplessly, as the ball rolled into the net for one of the own-goals of all time. So, after 20 minutes it was Croatia 1-0 Spain. Very much against the run of play.

      Duly encouraged, Croatia were suddenly an attacking threat and Spain were under a little bit of pressure. Kovacic taking the ball and running into the area, ended with a shot that was only just over the bar. Spain were reeling.

      Gradually Spain managed to slow things down and take control. Then just before half-time came the equaliser. Croatia made them work for it and for a time it seemed that all play was taking place in and around the Croat goal. Gaya was joining in the fun from the back and drew a really good point blank stop from Livakovic, but the keeper only managed to parry it out as far as Sarabia, who volleyed it straight back in. Croatia 1-1 Spain and all square again.

      That was the last action of an action packed half, but the Spanish were clearly the better side and would go on to comfortably win the game in the second half - wouldn't they?

      Luis Enrique had clearly had 'a few words' with his players during the break and didn't it show. Spain came out with all guns blazing and cut through the Croatian defenders like the proverbial hot knife through butter. It took them just over ten minutes to score, with a lovely flowing move down right, then across a succession of players on the left, until it found Torres, who got to the byline and sent a perfect cross in, straight to the head of Azpilicueta, who made no mistake with his bullet header. Croatia 1-2 Spain.

      Croatia didn't just lie down, they fought back and Modric was at the heart of it, shooting at goal, which Simon did well to get down to save.

      Then Croatia shot themselves in the foot. A long, pretty hopeful crossfield pass, from deep in the Spanish left field, wasn't dealt with by the defenders and before you could blink Torres, the sole Spanish player in the half, was on it and rifled the ball past Livakovic into the far corner. Croatia 1-3 Spain and just over ten minutes of normal time remains, surely wrapping things up for the slick Spanish?

      Not just yet. Back came Croatia, with Modric driving them on. The little man got right to the near post, with just the keeper in front of him. Instead of shooting he dummied and past to his left, where a succession of players contrived to miss the ball, before Orsic hammered it goanward. The keeper appeared to clear it off the line, but replays showed the ball was over the line, before Simon even touched it. Croatia 2-3 Spain and a nervy last five, or six minutes for Spain to last.

      The ninety minutes was up and we were in time added on, when the unbelievable happened. Croatia broke at speed from defence down the left, with Orsic delivering a wonderful cross, just in time to meet the head of Pasalic, who was arriving in the penalty area like an express train. GOAL! All square Croatia 3-3 Spain. Extra time then.



      Extra Time

      This was yet another fantastic match and just mesmerising viewing. You couldn't take your eyes off it for a second. As for the stadium in Copenhagen, well that was a cauldron of noise and colour.

      Croatia had the momentum now and were fired up, Orsic firing just over in their first attack. With their next attack, Simon redeemed himself for his own goal in the first half, with an absolutely outstanding stop from Kramaric.

      Spain weathered the initial storm and managed to get possession, fashioning some attacks of their own. It was still a surprise though, when Olmo out on the right, crossed to Morata on the left of the Croatian penalty area. The much maligned striker took just one touch, swivelled and sent a left-footed screamer beyond the diving Livakovic. Croatia 3-4 Spain. Outstanding!

      We had hardly got over that goal - well, the Spanish fans certainly hadn't - when the next goal arrived and it almost seemed like an anti-climax. Oyarzabal sweeping home a cross from Olmo on the right to make it Croatia 3-5 Spain.

      We still had the whole of the second half of Extra Time to go, so could Croatia come back again? The slightest hint that they might was provided at the start of the 15 minutes, when Budimir sent a shot just centimetres wide of the far post, when clean through.

      It proved a false dawn though, as there were some tired legs out there in the heat of a Summer's day and Spain themselves had chances to increase their advantage, one shot hitting the base of the upright, before bouncing away, but they all came to nought.

      Time ran out for Croatia, but Spain go on the the quarter-finals and a date with Switzerland in St.Petersburg.



      France v Switzerland

      France 3

      • Benzema 57', 59'
      • Pogba 75'

      Switzerland 3

      • Seferovic 15' , 81'
      • Gavranovic 90'
      Switzerland win 5-4 on penalties

      Arena Natională, Bucharest
      • Referee: Fernando Rapallini
      • Attendance: 22,642



      IBO Reporter : Spot51


      |I have always liked Switzerland. It was the first foreign country I ever saw. During the '60s our Mum fell in love with The Sound of Music, so Dad was obliged to take us to the Alps. We flew to Basel and drove down past Zurich and its beautiful lake en-route to Austria. I then spent over a third of my life working for a Swiss company. I did well under their paternal management and enjoyed first class staff benefits. I was also able to spend more time in their beautiful, albeit expensive country.

      I've watched their football side 3 times – twice at Wembley but most impressively against Holland at Villa Park during Euro '96. We were in the lowest tier of the Holt End and the whole of the upper section was full of Swiss fans. They draped the flags of every Canton across the front of the stand and rang noisy cow bells throughout the match. They lost the match but left a lasting impression.

      There has been a distinct improvement in the Swiss team in recent years. The TV pundits would say they’ve not won a knock-out game at a tournament since the '50s, but ignore the fact that the inaugural Nations League confirmed them as among Europe’s top 4 sides. This has moved them up the FIFA rankings and improved their seedings in international competitions.

      This time the Swiss came through Group A behind Italy and Wales, as one of the best 3rd placed sides on 4 points. However, facing them tonight (in the Blue Corner) were pre-tournament favourites France. Les Bleus topped “the Group of Death” on 5 points, the only unbeaten side in a group where half the games were drawn.

      France ditched the 4-2-3-1 they’d used previously as both their left backs were injured. So the right back and a midfielder were also left out and, into a 3-5-2 came Lenglet as centre half, and Pavard and Rabiot as wing backs with Griezmann sitting a little deeper. The Swiss played the same side and formation that saw off Turkey, a 3-4-3 with wingbacks Widmer and Zuber providing width and Shaqiri supporting Embolo and Seferovic up front.

      Bucharest’s National Arena was about ⅓ full and fans from both nations were there in numbers. Fernando Rapallini of Argentina was our referee, officiating his third and final game at the Euros. Meanwhile in Brazil, a European referee was at the Copa America as part of this exchange scheme. As the “home” team France wore blue and the Swiss all white.

      Shaqiri kicked off and both sides won early corners. Switzerland did not look overawed and it was they who created the first decent chance, after Kimpembe’s foul on Freuler allowed them nearer to France’s goal. Xhaka rolled the ball forward, but there seemed little threat, as the Swiss moved the ball across the front of the French back line. The ball eventually arrived with Zuber on the left and, without trying to beat Pavard, he simply curled over a cross towards Seferovic. The Benfica striker was moving and met it perfectly, sending his powerful header beyond Lloris into the bottom corner. Just 15m gone and the underdogs were ahead. 0-1

      It was the 3rd game in a row where France had conceded first, but they remained calm and gradually worked their way back into the match. Just before the half hour mark came their first good chance, when Pogba’s cross-field pass reached Rabiot on the left. The Juventus man carried the ball forward, before curling an effort just beyond Sommer’s far post.

      Apart from a booking apiece, Varane and Elvedi, both sides remained deadlocked for the remainder of the half. France’s supporters were becoming impatient, but when halftime arrived, they still trailed by the one goal. Deschamps however had seen enough.

      When his side emerged for the 2nd half, gone was the 3-5-2, gone was Lenglet and on came Kingsley Coman wide left. This saw Rabiot move to left back where, presumably, the industrious Coman would help him to marshal Swiss wingback Widmer. Switzerland were still giving as good as they got and on 52' Zuber raced past Pavard. On the edge of the box, he tried to cut inside, but the Bayern man took his legs, leaving him in a crumpled heap. The Argentinian ref allowed play to continue but, somewhere in Europe, a Spaniard was reviewing VAR footage of the incident.

      France mounted the next attack before play was stopped and the ref jogged towards the pitch-side screen. It was an obvious foul and the official decided it was inside the box. Penalty to Switzerland. Torino’s Riccardo Rodriguez has long been Switzerland’s (not always successful) penalty taker and it was he who stepped up. He struck a low, left footed shot to the right of Lloris, but France’s captain got a strong hand down to knock it away, before pouncing on, and holding onto, the loose ball. Great save!

      Within 3', the Swiss turned over possession on halfway and Benzema fed Mbappe. The blue shirts moved forward, Coman and Griezmann becoming involved, before Pogba sent the ball towards Mbappe on the left side of the box. He curled a sweet shot, which Sommer was delighted to see go just past his post. Immediately France won another ball in midfield, Kante sending it forward to Griezmann. He immediately hit a square pass to Mbappe as Benzema broke into the box. His first-time ball was slightly behind the Madrid striker, but he deftly collected it with his trailing leg. As Sommer moved out to block, Benzema got his toe there first and lifted the ball past him. France were level and even Didier Deschamps did a little dance. 1-1 Game ON!

      France seemed inspired and moved forward with intent, Coman probing down their left. The ball was headed out, but immediately won back by Pogba, who gave it back to Coman. This time he found Griezmann, who executed a slick 1-2 with Mbappe to breach the Swiss defence. He tried to lift the ball over Sommer, but the keeper got a hand to his shot. It simply looped across the goal to where Benzema lurked. He headed it home and in a couple of minutes France had turned the game on its head. 2-1.

      Rodriguez’s foul on Griezmann saw him booked and, as time moved on, France began to look comfortable. On 73', Swiss coach Petkovic made his first changes – Mbabu for Widmer, which was a straight swap, whilst Gavranovic for Shaqiri sent another big striker up front. France continued to dominate play, Coman had a shot saved, then in the next attack he played the ball to Benzema. On a hat trick, you’d not blame him for shooting, but the ball bounced off Xhaka into the path of Pogba. With his first touch he set himself, his next curled the ball beyond Sommer’s dive into the top right corner. 3-1 now and Pogba looked quite pleased with himself.

      France wanted more and a minute later Xhaka was booked for bringing down Coman. Then he was found by Benzema and forced a save from Sommer. The Swiss looked shaken and responded with two more changes – Vargas for Embolo and Fassnacht for Zuber – which seemed to do the trick. Fassnacht sent Mbabu away on the right and his chipped cross was headed in by Seferovic from right in front of the goal. Ten minutes left and we were 3-2 now.

      Jimmy Greaves used to tell us that “football was a funny old game” and suddenly this one was all Switzerland. Five minutes later they had the ball in the net again, but Gavranovic was flagged offside when he turned in Rodriguez’s pass. Shortly afterwards Rodriguez was replaced by Mehmedi and Griezmann by Sissoko, before Coman was booked for a foul on Mbabu. In the final minute, Fassnacht robbed Pogba in the centre circle and found Xhaka running forward. The Swiss skipper played a neat pass up to Gavranovic, who turned past Kimpembe and drilled a low, left footed shot beyond the keeper’s dive and just inside the post: 90 minutes played and all square again. 3-3 The Swiss fans were on Cloud Nine.

      France might have won it in added time. A move down their right found Sissoko on the edge of the box. He made room to get a cross into Coman, who chested it down and struck a curling effort against the bar and behind. That was time up – 30 more minutes to play.



      Extra Time

      Early on Pavard was booked for a foul on Mehmedi and then Benzema was replaced by Giroud. 4' in, Coman got round the back and picked out Pavard in the box. He aimed top left corner but Sommer’s glove turned it away for a corner which the defence dealt with. Seferovic then left, replaced by Newcastle’s Fabian Schar, which suggested the Swiss were hanging on for penalties.

      France had more possession, but Coman and Sissoko both sent shots wide before Mehmedi stuck one into the crowd at the other end. ET HT = still 3-3. After the restart Akanji was booked for fouling Pogba, but soon after the #6 split Switzerland open, sending Mbappe into the box, but he scooped his shot into the side netting. On 111' Coman had to come off, replaced by Marcus Thuram who looked lively, Both sides created opportunities, but France’s last chance came when Pogba’s pass met the head of Giroud. Sommer dived to his right and caught it – one for the cameras as they used to say. In the added minute, Rabiot (who had stuck to his unfamiliar task) was penalised for bringing down Gavranovic. Xhaka stepped up and fired the free kick over the bar and that was it – penalties.



      Penalties

      The Swiss had changed six of their starting XI, but seemed happy enough to sort their first five takers, despite never having won a tournament shoot-out. The French had some big stars lining up to take theirs.

      First up was Gavranovic, who’d caused all this with his late equaliser. Perfect penalty, high into the roof of the net to the keeper’s left, as he went right. Switzerland 1-0 France.

      Pogba was first for France and, despite the “Ali shuffle” midway through his run up, despatched the ball in the top corner, with Sommer going the other side. Switzerland 1-1 France.

      Next up was Schar, who sent Lloris the wrong way, tucking his shot into the far corner. Switzerland 2-1 France.

      France’s next taker was Milan-bound Oliver Giroud. His kick looked a carbon copy of Schar’s and made the score Switzerland 2-2 France.

      On balance, Akanji looked Switzerland’s best defender during the game. Could he take penalties? Lloris stood up for this one, but the Dortmund player tucked it neatly to his right. Switzerland 3-2 France

      Another Bundesliga player, Thuram of Monchengladbach was next for France. Winning just his 4th cap, the 23 year old made his dad proud, sticking the ball firmly past Sommer, who had guessed right this time. Switzerland 3-3 France.

      A third German-based taker, Vargas of Augsburg was next up. Younger than Thuram, but with many more caps, the winger sent his shot to the keeper’s right. Not only did Lloris guess right, but he got his hand to the ball, but it was hit firmly enough to make it over the line. Switzerland 4-3 France.

      France sent PSG’s Kimpembe up next. He looked confident and despite Sommer diving to his left, the ball flew over him into the top corner. Switzerland 4-4 France and we were into “sudden death” already.

      Admir Mehmedi of Wolfsburg is 30, with dozens of caps and was entrusted with Switzerland’s 5th penalty. He strode up and put the ball left as Lloris went right. Switzerland 5-4 France.

      France’s poster-boy, Kylian Mbappe had not scored in this tournament. He had to beat Sommer now: his shot was at a good height if the keeper guessed right, and he did. Sommer got a firm hand to the ball and deflected it away. The keeper waited to make sure he wasn’t penalised for moving too soon, but the officials were happy – the Swiss ecstatic. The whole squad and their coaches trooped over to the corner where their fans were celebrating as the World Cup holders dropped to the ground in disbelief.

      France were heading home, while the Swiss had a ¼ Final date with Spain in Russia. Hopp Schwiiz as they say – and sometimes sing…



    29th June
      England v Germany

      England 2

      • Sterling 75', Kane 86'

      Germany 0



      Wembley Stadium, London
      • Referee: Danny Makkelie
      • Attendance: 41,973



      IBO Reporter : Spot51


      |So much for my “Group of Death” – before Germany get to play their Round of 16 tie, both France and Portugal have joined Hungary in the Out Tray. Some weird and wonderful results across Europe so far and the winners of this game will up-sticks to Rome for a date with the winners of tonight’s game, Sweden v Ukraine at Hampden.

      Nothing in the stats (beyond not conceding) from England’s group games suggests they will blow Germany away but, as seen elsewhere, knock out football is a vastly different beast from navigating the way out of your group. We effectively start with a blank canvas as what went before counts for little.

      Wembley hosts this tea-time fixture under cloudy skies – we are a few miles from Wimbledon after all. The stadium is, apparently, half full today. The teams show England making one change – but a massive one. Out goes Grealish and the 4-3-3 and in comes Trippier and 3-4-3. Germany keep their shape but make 3 personnel changes – Out are Gundogan, Gnabry and Sane to make way for Goretzka in midfield and Muller and Werner upfront.

      People have criticised Southgate for “playing things safe” but matching up a formation that has worked well for Germany was a brave move. With just 3 attackers on the pitch much rests on the shoulders of Shaw and Trippier to perform. I never like to see Germans in black shirts but they were in their away kit again with England all in white. BBC gave us Messrs Mowbray and Jenas on commentary and we had to listen to the thick Brexiteers booing the German anthem. Our fans are so crass.

      The early stages reminded me of Germany v France – two heavyweights sparring with each other, looking for weaknesses. A Kimmich cross headed behind earns Germany an early corner which England clear. Werner gets a run at goal on 7' but Pickford was quickly out to hoof it away. Then Rice tripped Goretzka giving Kroos a free kick opportunity. (To my surprise) Havertz took it and the wall did its job.

      England attacked down the right and Rudiger brought down Saka. Germany cleared that one but the Chelsea man looked distinctly uncomfortable with Saka running at him. It was 16' before England got a shot away, Neuer saving from Sterling. Maguire got on the end of the resulting corner but the keeper was able to grab his header. England were up to speed now but the game remained cagey. It was 20' before Kane got his first touch and it seemed he was being tightly marked by Hummels + 1 and England were passing elsewhere. At the same time, Muller was getting nothing from Maguire and the parallels with Germany v France (defences ruling the match) were still obvious.

      Saka was lively for England and when he was upended by Goretzka on 23' Shaw’s free kick was cleared. Ginter’s foul on Shaw got him a yellow card and this time Trippier sent a free kick into the box; Kimmich headed it out for a corner. Hummels headed the cross away but England recycled the ball and when it came back in Maguire should have hit the target, but his header flew wide. England were getting the upper hand now and Sterling had a good run down the left before weight of numbers defeated him. Up the other end, Kimmich sent over a cross but Gosens was unable to reach it.

      On 32' Havertz created a good chance for Werner but Pickford was quickly out to save with his legs. With both teams up to speed it was a tight but interesting battle. Kane was coming deep to get a few touches of the ball. His forward pass for Phillips was foiled by Neuer sprinting quickly off his line. Goretzka’s foul on the England captain gave Trippier another FK opportunity but it was Hummels’ head sending the ball clear. Phillips was carded for a foul on Kroos. In the added minute, Sterling pounced on Muller’s errant pass and tried to find Kane. Again, it was Hummels, blocking their way. HT = 0-0 and game very much on.

      I paused the TV to feed the dogs and watched the 2nd half on delay. It was back to “shadow boxing” for a while before Gosens found Havertz, whose fierce shot was tipped over by Pickford and the corner was cleared. England got down their right but Rudiger, looking a mite more comfortable now, broke up their move.

      The game was finely poised and the lively Sterling won brownie points for some decent defending on England’s left flank. On 55' Kane went down and the medics came on. The #9 was able to continue and the game went end to end. Sterling was halted moments before Werner won a corner up the other end. Kroos tried to catch England with a short routine but England got the ball away.

      Next Saka needed treatment but was OK to continue. Sterling sent over a cross which Neuer claimed. The two heavyweights were fighting each other to a standstill but. Midway through the half, both decided to make their first changes. Gnabry replaced Werner and, to a huge roar from the fans, Saka was replaced by Grealish. The Villa man’s first action was a foul on Havertz but he then stationed himself on the left with Sterling moving to the other flank. Gosens late tackle on Trippier saw him booked and the wing back was soon down again but able to stay on.

      On 75' Phillips forward pass found Sterling, inside right, who looked for Kane in the middle. He moved it on to Grealish who laid it into the path of the overlapping Shaw. The Saints prodigy drove a low centre across where Sterling arrived to nick it past Neuer. 1-0 England and Wembley went crazy – including William & Kate in the Royal Box!

      Maguire got booked for his foul on Kimmich. Muller demanded the ball, but again England’s wall blocked his effort and got the ball away. England just had to manage possession to beat their old enemy but a stray pass from Sterling allowed Havertz to play Muller behind our defence. The forward should have levelled the score but dragged his shot wide and Sterling fell to his knees in thanks!

      Rice was now down hurt on England’s right but Luke Shaw carried the ball from his own half before picking out Grealish on the left. His chipped cross was met by the run of Kane whose glanced header put England two up. Cue further scenes of ecstatic celebration.

      With 2' left, 3 more subs joined – Henderson for Rice and Can and Sane for Ginter and Gosens. Germany quit trying to defend, sending Hummels up top but, when the ball fell to Goretzka, he shanked his shot horribly wide. In the +4', Germany threw everything forward but England were determined to clock up another clean sheet. Musiala came on for Muller but the excellent Pickford commanded his box catching everything within range. England were home and hosed.

      The post-66 demons have not all be exorcised but, as their manager has said all along, this group of players do not carry the emotional baggage of previous England teams and are facing down every challenge presented to them.

      Four final points:

      1. Southgate’s gamble by matching the German shape worked perfectly.

      2. I don’t normally do MoM awards when it’s not Saints - but Pickford was brilliant.

      3. If England are to lose – someone is going to have to score against them…

      4. The Group of Death is, er, Dead!



      Sweden v Ukraine

      Sweden 1

      • Forsberg 43'

      Ukraine 2

      • Zinchenko 27'
      • Dovbyk 120'+1
      AET

      Hampden Park, Glasgow
      • Referee: Daniele Orsato
      • Attendance: 9,221



      IBO Reporter : Spot51


      |The final match of the “last 16” and the last in Glasgow saw these two meet for the right to face England in Rome for the ¼ final. Hampden was pleasantly sunny on this long, Scottish summer evening and a few hundred fans of the contesting sides were joined by Scots curious to see what a knock-out game looks like.

      Sweden made just one change with Kulusevski of Juventus in for Quaison. Ukraine made two changes with Stepanenko and Krystov replacing Malinovsky and Mykolenko. Sweden line up traditional 4-4-2, but fullbacks Augustinsson and Lustig are expected to provide width when they have the ball. UEFA had Ukraine as 4-3-3 (as in their group games) but from the start it became clear they were 3-4-3 with Karavaev and Zincheko as wingbacks.

      Freddy Ljungberg was part of Gabby’s studio team and gave plenty of insights into Sweden’s players. Keown & Pearce were doing commentary and Sweden were in yellow, Ukraine in blue. I was looking forward to seeing Isak play but Sweden seemed happy to sit and let Ukraine have the ball in the early stages. I saw Sweden drew with Spain despite only 15% possession so they clearly don’t mind the other side hogging the ball.

      When Sweden got the ball they were quick to pile forward. Their first attack saw a cross curled into Ukraine’s area and keeper Bushchan came and punched both the ball, and one of his defenders, to clear. Sweden then enjoyed some possession with Leipzig’s Forsberg key to most of their good work.

      When Ukraine got forward, Shaparenko carried the ball within shooting distance before blazing his shot horribly wide. The same player set up a much better chance on 10', finding Yarmolenko whose shot was saved by Olsen.

      Sweden were looking the more dangerous, but a corner easily caught by Bushchan and Kulusevski’s cross beyond Forsberg, was as good as it got. Isak finally got a chance, but he too missed the mark before Sweden retreated into their block and Ukraine kept the ball a while longer. With the ball being kept in midfield, most players were attracted and the centre of the park was very crowded.

      Whereas Sweden were not getting their final pass right, Ukraine suddenly instigated a lovely sweeping move. Zinchenko played the ball inside to Stepanenko whose diagonal pass picked out Karavaev on the right. He laid the ball into Yarmalenko whose delicious, curling cross behind Sweden’s back line, met Zinchenko’s run from the left. The City man volleyed it, low and hard and even though Olsen got a touch, he could not keep it out. Ukraine 1-0 up.

      Sweden now had to show more ambition and, TBF, they did. Larsson stood behind a free kick way out, but slyly went for goal. Bushchan scrambled to get across and managed to turn it round the post. Sweden followed with another awful corner giving Ukraine’s stopper more catching practice.

      On 31' Augustinsson fouled Yarmalenko on Ukraine’s right wing. Shaparenko’s free kick reached Yarmalenko at the back post, but his shot flew over Olsen’s bar. Sweden now wanted the ball, but Ukraine kept it from them effectively. Isak wasn’t getting near the ball and Swedish tempers were rising. Even when they gained possession, they were not doing enough to challenge the boys in blue.

      From 40' onwards, Sweden began to dominate the ball and when Kuvuleski went over in the box they looked imploringly to the ref - but Mr Orsato was having none of it. Those balls not caught by Bushchan were headed out by Kryvstov.

      Then Sweden scored. Isak rolled the ball to Forsberg, who let fly with a speculative long-range shot. It deflected off a defender, bounced and flew over the keeper’s dive. 1-1 and back to square one. The ref could face no more. He played no added time and the players trooped off.

      Sweden came out for the second half as if they’d had a good bollocking and looked much better for a while. However, the first real scare came when Zincheko fired a dangerous cross in from the left, which was dealt with by Danielson before Sweden moved forward once more. They were almost caught when a defender lumped the ball into the Sweden half with Yarmolenko in hot pursuit. Olsen had his wits about him and sprinted from his area to head the ball to safety.

      Both sides began shooting from range. Stepanenko fired one well off target before Larsson went closer, but didn’t trouble the keeper. It was now end-to-end and Ukraine nearly regained the lead on 55'. The wily Yarmolenko pulled the ball back into Sydorchuk’s path and his shot beat the keeper, but bounced off the post.

      In their next attack Sweden were also thwarted by woodwork, when Isak set up Forsburg and his effort hit the foot of the post. Sweden kept the pressure on and Augustinsson enabled Olssen to send a dangerous cross in from the left, but another Ukrainian defender got it away.

      Panic stations – I’d reached the last page of my 20/21 notebook and these bastards looked bound for extra time. I paused the recording and went on a hunt. I returned with my 19/20 notebook which had some blank pages and 3 apricots from the fridge that needed eating.

      Sweden deserved to score, when a wonderful ball sent Isak away: bugger, he stuck it wide – again. Ukraine made the first change when a fired-up Malinovsky replaced Shaparenko, the Atalanta midfielder clearly seething to have been left on the bench.

      Keeper Olsen fielded Sydorchuk’s cross before setting Sweden back on the attack. Forsberg played a cute ball into Kulusevski, whose excellent shot brought an even better save from Bushchan. Great save – another corner wasted…

      The game got stretched as both sides tried to avoid the horrors of added time. Malinovsky created a decent chance for Yarmolenko, but Olsen saved his shot. On 69' we nearly had a goal when Lindelof brought the ball out from the back, found Forsberg who cut inside and fired a shot beyond Bushchan – it came back off the bar. Dammit!

      Then Stepanenko tried his luck at the other end but any number of Swedes hurled themselves in front of his shot, one of whom stopped it. Sweden then spent several minutes camped in the blue half, but the nearest we came to a goal was Yarmalenko’s lone run down the right, before the yellows caught up with him.

      With 10' left Ukraine enjoyed more possession before Sweden replaced both full backs. Augustinsson looked injured, but Lustig went too, Bengtsson and Krafth their replacements. The ref made a shocking decision by booking Forsberg, where replays confirmed he never even touched the bloke!

      As time ticked down to the inevitable draw, Ukraine took off Yaremchuk and brought on the unluckiest man in Glasgow, Dynamo Kyiv’s Artem Besedin. The game had become scrappy and it was a relief when the whistle went and the teams huddled with coaches to listen to words of wisdom.

      Ukraine looked up for the added time, but as a spectacle it was stop-start due to multiple substitutions and, sadly, too many injuries. At times there were so many medics on the pitch, that it looked more like an episode of Casualty than football at Hampden.

      Ukraine started by bringing on Makarenko for Stepanenko, but Sweden countered with 3 changes. Larsson, Kukusevski and the somewhat disappointing Isak came off, replaced by Claesson, Quaison and Berg.

      When play resumed, Besedin chased a ball while Danielson came the other way. The defender got there first, but his lunge caught the striker on his left knee and he collapsed in a heap. The ref showed a yellow card whilst we were seeing the slow-motion replay of Besedin’s knee bending the wrong way. He stayed down, being treated on the pitch as VAR told the ref to take a look. When he saw what we saw, out came the red and ...

      Sweden were down to ten men.

      They immediately sacrificed Kris Olsson, with defender Helander coming on. The Auld Firm were clearly inside Hampden, as former Celtic defender Lustig’s every touch was booed by those from Ibrox. As soon as the Rangers defender appeared, the green half of Glasgow booed him too. Two coaches were now half carrying the injured Besedin round the pitch, declining offers of a stretcher from the stadium staff.

      So far, the clock said 11' gone of which about 2' was actual football. Ukraine were now in charge and spent rather too long enjoying having the ball, rather than doing much with it. The next injury soon arrived – Krafth felt the full force of a driven cross from Zincheko and was floored. The bloke was clearly unconscious, but with no concussion protocols, it was the magic sponge down the back of the neck and “Get back out there!”

      Football returned with a rare Sweden breakaway. The ball was fed in from the right, but Forsberg’s ambitious volley arced upwards into the now darkening sky. Oh – now Krystov is down, clutching his ankle. Back come the Medics.

      Briefly football occurred, before Yarmalenko too was down. We’d already clocked over 20' of the first 15' but before the Medics reached the stricken player, the ref blew for half time and players rushed for water.

      Yarmolenko didn’t come back, replaced by Dovbyk, so when the final 15' began, 11 of the 21 still playing were substitutes. Tired players contributed to more fouls, but Quaison’s on a defender looked particularly unnecessary. Out of the blue, Ukraine created a chance. Dovbyk was clear through; he lofted his shot too high. Only then was the offside flag raised.

      Then Berg was down. Replays showed Karavaev had fallen on top of him and clouted him in the chops. While the medics were treating him, I noticed he now wore the captain’s armband. To be fair, Sweden were defending well. They were now in 2 blocks of four, waiting for penalties.

      Ukraine won a free kick – good shooting range. Zinchenko and Malinovsky stood over it. The former blasted it into the wall, it came back to the latter and his shot flew the wrong side of the post.

      With time running down, the 12th substitute arrived – Bezus on for Sydorchuk. Besus was soon rolling around, medics back on. Before they’d departed the 4th officials board showed +3m.

      Then, the unexpected finally happened. Zinchenko, now a permanent left winger, sent in a delicious cross turning the Swedish defenders round. Between them burst Dovbyk who stooped to head the ball beyond Olsen.

      The Ukrainians went berserk. Dobvyk tore off his shirt gaining a compulsory yellow as team mates piled on top of him. Hearts sank across the world as the words “VAR Check – Offside” appeared on our screens. Bloody hell, No!

      Thankfully, it was soon replaced by “Check Complete” and the referee pointed to the middle. Praise Be! Can’t remember if any other football happened, as it was way past my bedtime by then.

      So, Ukraine meet England in Rome this Saturday. England will be huge favourites, but so were Sweden. Ukraine are a decent side with most of their squad home-based. The majority either play for current champions Kyiv or Shaktar, both of whom regularly perform to a decent level in UEFA competitions. We know Yarmalenko and Zinchenko from the Prem and Malinovsky with Atalanta. They are well organised and spirited and will not lie down at the Olympic Stadium.