We are now at the semi-final stage of the European Championships and just four teams remain in with a chance of lifting the famous Henri Delaunay trophy. Three of those teams have managed to win it before, with just one of the semi-finalists yet to lay their hand on the trophy.
With the two semi-finals being played today and tomorrow, both at Wembley Stadium, and the final also being contested at London’s most iconic football venue, all four of the teams remaining in the tournament will feel they have a very good chance of winning the tournament.
The first semifinal takes place at 8pm today as Spain take on Italy and then tomorrow, Denmark will take on England, who have effectively become hosts of the remainder of the tournament in what is going to be a massive game for both these teams for different reasons.
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Let’s now take a look at how the teams reached the semifinals as we preview each of the two games, starting with tonight’s game between Spain and Italy.
European Championships Semi Finals
Spain v Italy
Spain have won the European Championships a joint-record three times (held with
Germany), winning the title in 1964, 2008 and 2012. The Italians have won the tournament once, in 1968, when they beat Yugoslavia 2-0 in the final in a replay after a 1-1 draw in the first game in Rome.
Spain did beat Italy 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012, but the Italians gained revenge in 2016 when beating Spain 2-0 in the Round of 16 of that tournament.
Both teams have had somewhat mixed routes through the tournament so far, with Italy perhaps shining the brightest.
Euro 2020 Performance Comparison
Spain
Group E Fixtures (all games in Seville)
- V Sweden – D 0-0
- V Poland – D 1-1 – Morata 25
- V Slovakia – W 5-0 – Dubravka og 30, Laporte 45, Sarabia 58, Torres 67, Kucka og 71
Spain finished second to Sweden in Group E to qualify for the Round of 16.
Knockout Phase
- V Croatia – W 5-3 (aet) – Sarabia 38, Azpilicueta 57, Torres 77, Morata 100, Oyarzabal 103
- V Switzerland – D 1-1 (aet) – Zakaria OG 8 (Spain won 3-1 on penalties)
Spain’s progress through this tournament has very much been one of inconsistency and frustration at times. They dominated their opening two games with Sweden and Poland but could only draw both and in truth, could have lost either game.
They took full advantage of a poor Slovakia team in their final group game to smash five past the hapless Slovaks, and then in the Round of 16, they did likewise to Croatia in an amazing game that saw them concede two late goals to be forced into extra time, where two goals in three minutes handed them the win.
However, just as it looked like Spain were coming alive, they were stalled once again by Switzerland, this time taking the win on penalties after the Swiss missed three of their four penalties.
Manager Luis Enrique will be under no illusions as to how his team must up their performance for this game.
Italy
Group A Fixtures (all games in Rome)
- V Turkey – W 3-0 – Demiral OG 53, Immobile 66, Insigne 79
- V Switzerland – W 3-0 – Locatelli 26,52, Immobile 89
- V Wales – W 1-0 – Pessina 39
Italy finished top of Group A with a 100% record five points ahead of Wales in second.
Knockout Phase
- V Austria – W 2-1 (aet) – Chiesa 95, Pessina 105
- V Belgium – W 2-1 – Barella 31, Insigne 44
Italy have been hugely impressive throughout the tournament, winning all five of their games, scoring ten goals in the process and conceding just two. It has been the style of victory for Roberto Mancini’s team which has been so impressive, especially their 2-1 win over much-fancied Belgium.
They came through the group stage unscathed but found Austria a tough nut to crack before eventually breaking through in extra time. Two fine goals against Belgium plus stout defending in the second half was enough to see the Italians through.
Mancini’s team have certainly been one of the best and most consistent performers in this tournament and in truth, I see them winning this game.
Tip – Back Italy to win this one 2-1 at odds of 10/1 with bet365.
Denmark v England
Denmark were the surprise winners of the 1992 tournament, as they only came into the
tournament as a last minute replacement for Yugoslavia. Despite that lack of preparation, the team of 1992 secured victory in the tournament beating Germany 2-0 in the final.
England have never won the European Championship, their best performance being a third place finish in 1968 and a semi-final spot in Euro 96 on home soil, where they were eliminated by the eventual winners Germany on penalties.
Both teams have recovered well from relatively slow and lethargic starts to find their best form later in the tournament.
Euro 2020 Performance Comparison
Denmark
Group B Fixtures (all games in Copenhagen)
- V Finland – L 0-1
- V Belgium – L 1-2 – Poulsen 2
- V Russia – W 4-1 – Damsgaard 38, Poulsen 59, Christensen 79, Maehle 82
After a dramatic final day, Denmark finished second behind group winners Belgium to qualify for the second phase.
Knockout Phase
- V Wales – W 4-0 – Dolberg 27,48, Maehle 88, Braithwaite 90
- V Czech Rep – W 2-1 – Delaney 5, Dolberg 42
After the horrific cardiac arrest of player Christian Eriksen during the game with Finland, Denmark have bounced back well from that horrific incident. They lost both their opening games in the tournament but shone against Russia and Wales, bagging four goals in each game to move into the quarterfinals.
There they met a tricky Czech Republic side, but two first half goals proved decisive as they hung on against a Czech fightback in the second half to make it into the semifinals for only the second time in their history.
Dolberg’s three goals in his last two games makes him a threat for. The Danes, but the injury to Maehle down the left is a big blow for the Danish, as is Eriksen’s absence.
England
Group D Fixtures (all games in London)
- V Croatia – W 1-0 – Sterling 57
- V Scotland – D 0-0 –
- V Czech Republic – W 1-0 – Sterling 12
England topped their group with seven points ahead of Croatia.
Knockout Phase
- V Germany – W 2-0 – Sterling 75, Kane 86
- V Ukraine – W 4-0 – Kane 4,50, Maguire 46, Henderson 63
Despite a rather tepid start where they did not concede any goals and played poorly against Scotland at Wembley in their second game, England topped Group D with seven points, despite scoring two goals.
Raheem Sterling was the key man netting both goals in those two wins to set up a crunch Round of 16 tie with Germany. So often the nemesis of England teams of the past. However this time, Sterling and Harry Kane netted the goals to send England into the quarterfinals.
The confidence England now had was clearly displayed in Rome in their best performance of the tournament as they thrashed Ukraine 4-0 with a fantastic display, Kane scoring two goals and Maguire and Henderson scoring the others to ensure England travelled back to Wembley for only their third ever Euros semi final tie.
This is going to be a very close tie between two sides very much in form. England will be wary after failing to beat the Danes twice in 2019, but I think this time they will get the result they want.
Tip – Take England to win a hard-fought game 2-0 at 13/2 with bet365.
Tags: bet365 Sport
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