Roberto Mancini: The architect of Italian renaissance
Italy appointed the right man and the result could be seen at Wembley last night – a venue where Mancini and Sampdoria lost against Barcelona in 1992 – as the Azzurri lifted their second Euro title by beating England on penalties. The days of doom and gloom are over and finally, Italy are back on the stage where they belong – one of the powerhouses of world football
Forza Italia
After catching breath from the final of the Copa America it was time for the final of Euro 2020 and at Wembley, the English dreams were shattered yet again due to penalty shootouts.
Euro 2020 Final: Facts, background and stats
The final of Euro 2020 at Wembley brings together Italy, seeking to add to their sole European title after 53 years, and England, who are aiming to be crowned European champions for the first time.
Finally, England break the jinx
The whole nation waited for 55 years – more than five decades to watch their team feature in the finals of a major footballing event, but what they received, in the end, was nothing but heartbreaks during the knockout rounds and whenever they featured in the semifinals, the outcome always left the nation stunned. But this time around, Gareth Southgate’s English boys have broken the jinx of 55 years. They would meet Italy in the finals.
Italy hold their nerves and reach the final
As they say, when the final is knocking at the door, the Italians don’t usually miss it but always hold their nerves and find a way to feature in the final. In the knockout rounds of the mega-events, the Azzurri are a different kettle of fish – new crowd favourites may emerge but in the end, the torchbearers of the great predecessors always show their true colours when it matters the most.
The remarkable journey of Denmark continues
Judging by the recent form the clash against the Czech Republic was Denmark’s game to lose. Baku is one of the most impressive stadiums used in this showpiece event and the passionate Danish fans present at the stadium enjoyed the match till the end as dazzling Denmark advanced to the semifinals of Euro 2020 since 1992.
Impressive Italy dash Belgium dreams
Belgium are the number 1 team in the world according to the FIFA Ranking and one cannot doubt their abilities. In each and every position they possess great players. This Belgium unit is considered as the Golden Generation after that era of Enzo Scifo and was expected to win the title, but as usual, they ended up being the underachievers. It was Italy who stormed through to the semifinals in style.
Spain survive the scare of brave Switzerland
The Swiss had been outstanding against France and struck five out of five, but at Saint Petersburg, they lost their composure and executed poor penalties. Clearly, they were nervous and it cost them the spot in the semifinals.
Toni Kroos: The German heartbeat at the centre of the park
His contributions to Germany have been immense and at the age of 31 years, e was expected to deliver more and contribute to the development of next-generation of German players. But Toni Kroos decided to retire from international football.
The legendary Joachim Low
Since he took charge in 2008, Low has consistently looked to the future, both tactically and in terms of the personnel he called up. Thanks to his forward-thinking – Germany enjoyed a great decade of success, even though there had been heartbreaks, but when one just looks at the number of successes Germany achieved under Low, those become irrelevant.
Ukraine strike late, stun Sweden
Sweden does not boast a very impressive record against Ukraine. Apart from the international friendly played in 2011, Sweden have not been able to beat them. The last time they met in Euros was way back in 2012 at Kyiv, where Andriy Shevchenko led Ukraine to a great victory. This time around, Sheva is the coach of this team and again, he would lead his boys to register a thrilling win.
Finally, England beat Germany in a major event
Since that heartbreak at Turin in 1990, the Germans always had the edge over their fiercest enemy England in the showpiece events. Even if the matches came close, the Germans always smiled – agony had been the best friend for England whenever they faced Germany; but every domination and agony has an end and at Wembley today, finally, England beat Germany in a major event.
Football can be so cruel
Your talents determine what you intend to do whereas motivation determines you, but it is the attitude that determines how well you do it. Pressure is something when you don’t know what to do, but you don’t feel it all when you soak it up and go for the kill till the last breath – Switzerland never gave up!
It was not just a football match, but thrilling story for every generation
What a match it was! It was frenetic and justice would have been done if both the teams qualified but that could not happen. Spain advance to the quarterfinals, but Croatia deserve the accolades for providing a match that had every element of a thrilling story that would inspire every football fans for eternity.
Belgium knock Portugal out
Belgium are the favourites to win this year’s Euro, but tonight at Seville in the Round of 16 clash against Portugal they were below-par and clearly, Portugal were unlucky. Portugal dominated the game and had been denied several times – so close, yet so far. Portugal, the defending champions, are out of the tournament and perhaps, this might be the last time we witnessed the great Cristiano Ronaldo in this event.
Czech Republic stun Holland and advance to quarterfinals
Budapest was a sea of orange – the Dutch fans travelled to Hungary with a festive mood thinking that Holland would progress and fulfil the expectations, but they, perhaps, undermined the patience and fighting qualities of the Czech Republic, who stunned Holland and their passionate fans in a high voltage contest.
Austria pose threat, but still, Italy advance
The scenario was similar at Wembley where the Azzurri were pushed to the limits by Austria yet again in the Round of 16 encounters of the Euro 2020. Federico Chiesa walked out onto the Wembley pitch with six minutes of normal time remaining and this tight, fretful encounter still goalless – like Totto, he broke the deadlock and this time, it was during the extra-time.
Denmark thrash Wales
The defeat against Finland was understandable. After the tragic incident of Christian Eriksen, it was never possible for Denmark to focus, still, they came out to play and showed that despite the tragedy they are strong and passionate enough to carry on the show. Belgium defeated them, still, there was hope as a victory against Russia would help them to progress and they did earn full points – right now, they dashed the dreams of Wales and advanced to the next round.
Euro 2020: The stars of the Group Stage
What a breathtaking group stage it was! Some of the matches and goals were right there at the top and already a part of football’s folklore.
Euro 1988: The unbelievable goal by Marco van Basten
Whether it is the greatest volley in the history of football in a final or the volley of Zinedine Zidane in 2002 is the greatest – the debate would go on, but it seems, Van Basten might just beat Zidane.
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