Good morning.
It was an eventful night in Dortmund final night time, with disallowed targets, thunderbolts and lightning which have been very, very horrifying for Michael Oliver so he took the gamers off the pitch, earlier than targets from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala despatched Germany by means of and Denmark dwelling.
It appeared as if Germany had gone forward early, a wonderful header by Nico Schlotterbeck gave the impression to be a superbly good purpose, however a not too delicate block from Joshua Kimmich noticed it dominated out. Germany have been on high, then Denmark obtained again into it. Kaspar Schmeichel saved from Havertz twice, Christian Eriksen produced a primary contact of excellent high quality, and it was an honest contest.
Within the second half Denmark thought they’d scored by means of 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 towards 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 legislation appropriately, it was the appropriate choice, however I believe everybody would agree it’s absurd to be punished so severely for merely having arms. Arms transfer, fingers are connected to them, and never in 1,000,000 years ought to that ever be a penalty. The rule-makers must 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 appropriate approach, he had no likelihood – the ball pinged in simply off the submit and it was 1-0. Kai may have had one other after a elegant first contact despatched him by means of on purpose, however he dinked the end simply huge. I’ve to say although, I believe 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 believe Denmark obtained 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 area in behind, I’m wondering if the keeper ought to have come however he hesitated and at 2-0 it felt like sport over. Denmark can clearly have some regrets in regards to the purpose they’d dominated out and the one which put them behind, however I believe 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 only have such an absence of high quality in ahead positions, and once more it was their goalkeeper who stored them in it. A pleasant first half purpose from Remo Freuler was adopted by an excellent strike from Ruben Vargas early within the second, and the Swiss completely deserved their win.
Right this moment, it’s all eyes on England as they face Slovakia. What modifications, if any, will Gareth Southgate make? Clearly they continue to be the apparent 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 fascinating to see what sort of group he picks afterward.
Afterwards, Spain tackle a Georgia facet who’ve been a breath of contemporary air on this match, however will they find yourself suffocated by the Spaniards’ possession sport. It may very well be a great one, fingers crossed.
Proper, let’s go away it there for now – and please be part of us shortly over on Patreon for our newest Euro 2024 podcast, chatting about final night time’s video games, and waiting for right this moment’s.
Within the meantime, have an excellent Sunday.
