Euro 2024
EURO 2024 Talking Points: Spain Breaks German Hearts As Portugal Vs France Disappoints
The contrasting quarter-finals have concluded with an exciting match between Spain and Germany, while the in Hamburg between France and Portugal was a major letdown.
Check out our talking points from yesterday’s action.
Spain breaks German hearts
45 minutes into the first EURO 2024 quarter-final, it felt like we might be in for a forgettable evening. Spain and Germany were at deadlock and there was little sign that things might get better.
Luckily for Talking Points and neutrals alike, it did get better, much better. It might have been a slow burner but it turned into a classic with so many twists and turns it could have won an Oscar.
After Dani Olmo scored to give Spain the lead early in the second half, the game became intense as the hosts were under pressure to respond. It remained a tight contest until the 89th minute when substitute Florian Wirtz scored the crucial equalizer.
This young player, who has faced inconsistency in his playing time, was impressed with his performance at the EUROs and solidified his reputation.
As the game entered extra time with no breakthrough, a stalemate persisted Penalties seemed inevitable, but this tournament and this match had a different script.
A perfectly weighted cross in the 119th minute was met by the flying Mikel Merino who directed his header with power and accuracy after a high leap.
As the hosts exit the tournament, the dream of a home nation victory comes to an end. Spain, on the other hand, have proven their resilience and ability to win matches they may have lost in the past. Additionally, the dynamic wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams add an element of magic to their team, making them a formidable opponent for France in the semifinals.
France and Portugal disappoint
Was there ever a more disappointing knockout match at an EURO? The game between Portugal and France tonight was excruciatingly dull over 120 long minutes.
Both teams had not lived up to expectations in lackluster tournaments leading up to this quarter-final, so the pressure was on them to produce a performance that would excite the fans.
What happened instead was quite the opposite as supporters and the media are left with more questions than answers.
In stark contrast earlier this evening, we were treated to two nations going toe to toe with dynamic attacking football. It was a high-quality encounter between two teams well coached and full of exciting players game changers.
France managed to secure a spot in the semifinals through penalties, but it was more luck than skill that got them there.
In five matches at EURO 2024, France has only scored three goals with Kylian Mbappe penalty standing as the sole goal scored by a French player with the other two goals coming from own goals.
They will need to bring a much greater attacking threat if they are going to cause the hugely impressive Spain any problems on Tuesday night.
As for Portugal, their tournament comes to an emotional end it is never nice losing on penalties.
But they only have themselves to blame.
Portugal’s downfall can be attributed to head coach Roberto Martinez’s persistence in playing Cristiano Ronaldo. Martinez, who previously experienced disappointment with Belgium’s golden generation, has once again failed to deliver.
This is a Portugal side full of talent and quality being held back by a head coach and player who are both on borrowed time.
