Day 2 of the Round of 16 of UEFA Euro 2024 saw last edition’s runners-up England narrowly escape a humiliation against lowly-ranked Slovakia with two very late goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, while Spain romped past a spirited Georgia side to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against Germany in Stuttgart.
So without further ado, let’s break down all the action.
Euro 2024 Match 39: England 2-1 Slovakia
England were seconds away from an embarrassing exit in Gelsenkirchen as Slovakia defended a lead they had held since the 25th minute when Ivan Schranz raced into the box to poke a low finish past England keeper Jordan Pickford.
However, heroic acts first from Jude Bellingham in the fifth minute of stoppage time followed by a Harry Kane header in the first minute of extra time ensured England saved their blushes.
England’s display before Bellingham’s wonder goal was another one that could be added to the growing catalogue of mediocre performances delivered under Gareth Southgate so far in Germany, even though Kane had missed an easy header and Declan Rice struck the post as the Three Lions toiled for an equaliser.
The introduction of Chelsea FC’s Cole Palmer once again raised questions about Southgate’s decision not to start him, while bringing on Eberechi Eze and Ivan Toney in the dying minutes only infuriated the English supporters with his in-game management.
This was not an encounter that would leave an impressive Switzerland with any fears as they prepare for the quarter-final.
Also watch: UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16 preview
Euro 2024 Match 40: Spain 4-1 Georgia
It briefly looked as though Georgia would follow up their stunning victory over Portugal by dumping Luis de la Fuente’s side out of the competition when Robin Le Normand diverted a cross into his own net against the run of play to give the Jvarosnebi a shock lead.
However, Spain, who had started the game on the front foot, refused to be knocked off their stride, peppering the overworked Giorgi Mamardashvili’s goal with 17 shots in the first half before eventually drawing level through Rodri’s left-footed strike from outside the box.
Kvicha Kvaratskhelia almost put Georgia back in front with an audacious effort from his own half, but Spain instead completed the comeback just minutes later when Fabián Ruiz nodded in Lamine Yamal’s brilliant cross.
Heorhiy Tsitaishvili spurned Georgia’s final chance and Spain then finished off their opponents as Nico Williams thumped one past Mamardashvili after a devastating counterattack before Dani Olmo scored a fourth to cap off another impressive La Roja display.
Both Spain and Germany have been two of the most impressive sides at Euro 2024 and will now meet in the quarter-finals in Stuttgart on July 5.
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