Euro

Belgium see off Russia 3-0 to start with win into Euro 2020.

Published

3 years ago

13/06/2021

MNN

Belgium secured the first spot in Group B after Romelu Lukaku provided a brace in Belgium’s 3-0 victory over uninspired Russia at their opening game in Saint Petersburg on Saturday.

The “Red Devils” ensured a perfect start into their Euro 2020 campaign after a double strike from Lukaku and a goal from substitute Thomas Meunier eased past Russia 3-0 on home soil.

Belgium, who lead the FIFA World Rankings, took the reins from the starting whistle without forcing things while Russia tried to hold the pace in the opening stages.

It took Belgium only ten minutes to open the scoring with the great assistance of Russia’s Andrei Semyonov, who cleared Dries Merten’s square pass, into the path of Lukaku who showed no mercy and beat Anton Shunin from inside the box.

Russia responded well and showed intent to hit back but for all that Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois defused two headers on target from Mario Fernandes in the 14th minute.

However, Belgium controlled possession and dictated the pace on the pitch as Leander Dendoncker pulled over the goal after the good build-up work from Lukaku in the 18th minute before Shunin had to be on guard to defuse Thorgan Hazard’s effort from a tight angle four minutes later.

Roberto Martinez’ men eventually doubled their advantage and again by courtesy on a defensive error from Russia in the 34th minute as Shunin parried an effort into the way of Meunier, who poked home his joker goal seven minutes after his fielding.

Belgium remained in full control and should have made it three before the break, but Yannick Carrasco failed to finish the job from a promising position after his solo run.

After the restart, Belgium ceased it offensive momentum and let Russia do the work. Stanislav Cherchesov’s men grabbed a bright start into the second half but despite more possession, they were unable to threaten Courtois.

Belgium was calming the game down and keeping Russia at bay but still the “Red Devils” weren’t done with the scoring as Meunier’s deep through ball allowed Lukaku to snatch his brace in the 88th minute.

“We played against Russia three times in a short period of time. Their coach used a back four in one of the games, and a back five in the other two, so we were prepared for both. It wasn’t a surprise. We knew the patterns and real threats of the Russian team,” Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez said.

“It’s nice to start the tournament this way. Our first-half performance was great. We created chances but were a little sloppy in the second half. We made mistakes and we’ll have to work on that if we want to go far in this tournament,” Belgium’s top striker Romelu Lukaku said.

With the win, Belgium takes the lead in Group B followed by Finland, Denmark and Russia. The Russians clash with Finland on June 16 before Belgium encounter Denmark one day later.

Source: Xinhua News Agency.

Euro

Two Euro records was made in the Euro 2020 final match clash between England and Italy.

Published

3 years ago

12/07/2021

MNN

Two Euro records was made in the Euro 2020 final match clash between England and Italy. Luke Shaw scored in the 2nd minute to give England the lead against Italy in the Euro 2020 Final at Wembley. It was the fastest ever goal in a European final. While Leonardo Bonucci equalised for the Azzuri in the 67th minute, to become the oldest player to score in a European final.

Italy beat England 3-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 following extra time to secure their second European Championship title. As expected both teams played well and created chances to score but the score remained 1-1 even after the extra halves played.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was the hero for Italy in the shootout, while substitutes Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka failed to convert from the spot for England and Domenico Berardi, Leonardo Bonucci and Federico Bernardeschi scored for Italy in the shootout and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made two saves at the end of the shootout to wear the crown of European Champions.

Euro

Spain to face Italy in the Semi final.

Published

3 years ago

03/07/2021

MNN

As quarter final matches kicked off last night Spain was the first to pass through to Semifinals after beating Switzerland in the Penalty Shootout. Spain dominated the match with 65% ball possession throughout the game.

On the 8^th minute Spain took the lead as Jordi Albas’ powerful shot took a deflection into the net beyond Sommer. After the goal Spain continued their attacking game to score more goals to secure the victory although first half ended with 1-0.

On 68^th minute of the match Swiss captain Shaqiri scored a goal disappointing the dominant Spain. Few minutes later Switzerland was down to 10 man with a red card shown for a dangerous foul committed by Remo Freuler. With extra two half played score remained the same resulting for a penalty shoot out to decide the winner.

Sergio Busquets and Rodri missed their penalties for Spain while Daniel Olmo, Gerad Moreno and Mikel Oyarzabal scored. Switzerland managed to score only one penalty out of the 4. 2 of them was saved by Spain’s goal keeper Unai Simon.

Favorites Belgium and Italy clashed to find a spot from the semifinals against Spain, Italy was seen much more organized and dangerous in the pitch as they scored 2 superb goals in the first half while Belgium only managed to score from the spot. Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne scored for Italy while Romelu Lukaku scored from a penalty on the last minute of the first half.

Semi final match will be played on 6^th July in Wembley Stadium, London.

Euro

Defending champions knocked out by Belgium.

Published

3 years ago

28/06/2021

MNN

Thorgan Hazard’s goal in the first half was enough to knock out the defending champions from Euro 2020. Early in the match Portugal came close to take the lead but Diogo Jota and Cristiano Ronaldo missed the opportunities. Portugal dominated the game with higher ball possession and more attacks on target compared to Belgium but score remained 1-0.

Thorgan Hazard scored the only goal of the match on 42^nd minute with the assist from Thomas Meunier which was the only clear opportunity Belgium created in the first half. After the match Belgium’s goal keeper Thibaut Courtois said: “I didn’t have a lot of work to do in the previous three games but I knew that wasn’t going to be the case against Portugal. I am proud of my team-mates; they defended very well. Italy will be difficult too, but we have proved today that we are ready for it.”.

In the quarter finals Belgium will have to face Italy who struggled to beat Austria in their round of 16 game.

On the second game of the night Netherlands was surprisingly beaten by Czech Republic 2-0. After a goalless first half Czech Republic scored their goals within 15 minutes as Thomas Holes opened the goal in 68^th minute while Patrik Schick scored in 80^th minute to secure the spot in quarterfinals. In their next match Czech Republic will have to face Denmark.