FOOTBALL – The second semi-final of Euro 2020 took place last night at Wembley Stadium. England took on Denmark in the battle for their place in the final. But not without some controversy.
With England on form and Denmark with fighting spirit for Christian Eriksen, their fallen hero, this was always going to be a game to remember.
Christian Eriksen
Before the Euro 2020 semi-final kick-off when the team captains swapped pennants, there was a presentation of a signed Eriksen shirt.
Christian Eriksen ❤️#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/oRhcw22T4p
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 7, 2021
Denmark lead
With 20 minutes into the game, there has been plenty of action and both teams have had chances, but no goals. Just over 10 minutes later, the first goal comes. Denmark is in the lead! A free kick was awarded following a fowl by Shaw just outside the box. Pickford reaches for the ball, but Mikkel Damsgaard puts it in the net.
England equalised
Then in the 39th minute, Sterling looks to have equalised for England from a pass by Saka. But it turns out Denmark’s Simon Kjaer has scored an own goal under pressure by Sterling. Regardless, the score is now level and getting close to half time.
The first half finished 1-1. Both teams have been difficult to separate in terms of possession and shots at goal.
The second half
There are no changes for the start of the second half. Danish goalkeeper, Schmeichel performs some amazing saves denying England the chance to take the lead. England came close with the chance of a penalty, but the ref waved play on. There are still no more goals at the end of 90 minutes, but an extra 6 minutes added stoppage time. The final whistle signalled the end of normal time. The game then went to extra time.
Extra time
A further 15 minutes each way to fight it out for a place in the final of Euro 2020. If there is no clear winner here, the match will go to penalties like it did the previous evening for Italy v Spain.
A penalty was awarded to England. Harry Kane stepped up and aimed at the net. Schmeichel got a hand to the ball, but didn´t hold onto it. Kane latched on the rebound and scored. It was now 1-2 for England.
Controversy
But not without controversy. ITV showed footage of someone flashing a green laser across Schmeichel’s face as he was steadying himself for the penalty. Further controversy surrounded the penalty as there were claims Sterling dived to win the shot at goal. Furthermore, there was a second ball on the pitch at the time when Sterling received the ball. Moreover, it was in the vicinity of Sterling, and could have been regarded as a distraction for the Danish players.
At the end of the first half of extra time, England were winning by one goal. The next 15 minutes would determine which team goes home, or if the game should go to penalties. Denmark played strong and pushed for the equaliser to take the game to penalties. England stood their ground, even when Denmark received a corner with just 5 minutes to go.
England are in the final of Euro 2020
The game ended. Both teams were magnificent. England won their spot in the final of Euro 2020. They will play against Italy on Sunday at 9pm.
