We will highlight impressive moments from the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, including Portugal’s elimination by France. Meanwhile, the host nation was ousted in extra time by Spain. News updates from Bongdalu livescores.
Is Ronaldo in the spotlight once more- or this is his last match at Euro 2024.
Despite the presence of superstar Kylian Mbappe on the field, all eyes were on Cristiano Ronaldo. His penalty shootout spot-kick epitomized the drama that surrounds him: the suspenseful intake of breath, the hesitant run-up, and the jubilant celebration that followed as he emphatically struck the ball into the net.
However, despite his involvement in Portugal’s two shootouts during the knockout stages of Euro 2024,his performance was considered normal, even somewhat disappointing. He often found himself isolated and missed more than half-chances that came his way, including a crucial opportunity he sent over the bar in extra time.
As Portugal struggled to connect in the attacking third, Goncalo Ramos, known for his hat-trick after replacing Ronaldo in a World Cup match, and Diogo Jota watched from the bench, likely pondering when their chance would come. However, Roberto Martinez never signaled for them to enter the game.
The Portugal manager supported Ronaldo until the end. This tournament may mark his last appearance on the major stage. His final Euros concluded without a goal in open play, prompting observers, outside the Portuguese camp at least, to suggest it’s time for the next generation to take over.
Although it was very difficult, France found a way to overcome it
It’s not just England supporters feeling disappointed by their team’s lack of thrilling football in this championship. France fans are likely experiencing similar sentiments. Remarkably, Les Bleus have progressed to the semi-finals without scoring a single goal from open play.
Didier Deschamps’ team was unusually passive, allowing Portugal to dominate possession for extended periods. When they did manage to advance into the opposition’s half, there was a noticeable lack of cohesion among what had been a formidable attack in the past. Kylian Mbappe, their star player, appeared off his usual form – his substitution in the middle of extra time underscored this. Surrounding him, there seemed to be a general lack of determination or willingness from his teammates to seize the initiative.
Ousmane Dembele demonstrated the necessary drive off the bench and is undoubtedly vying for a starting position against Spain. France will undoubtedly need to ignite some attacking flair in the final third if they are to regain their European crown in this competition.
No 9s is one of the reasons for the defeat of the Germany
There are some advantages when commenting about Germany. Antonio Rudiger leads the defense with authority, Manuel Neuer continues to display his goalkeeping prowess, and dynamic young talents like Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and Leroy Sane are making waves in attack.
But what went wrong? What led to this being their first-ever quarter-final exit at a European Championship?
The one missing piece might have been clarity in the No 9 role. While Kai Havertz excelled as a link-up player, he failed to score from open play throughout the tournament. Niclas Fullkrug showed sharpness and bagged a couple of goals, so the decision not to start him felt puzzling.
When it counted most, both failed in the important moment. Havertz squandered two significant opportunities at 0-0, while Fullkrug accumulated an expected goals (xG) value of 0.99 from six chances but failed to find the net.
Germany will likely have another chance in the future. Similar to 2006, when Fabio Grosso and Italy struck late on German soil, it feels like they missed a significant opportunity this time.
Mikel Merino can hardly follow in his father’s footsteps
Germany managed to level the score late in regular time, followed by a decisive goal from Spain during extra time. While it took some time to build momentum, once it did, the match became truly exhilarating.
This match saw two top European teams battling fiercely, accumulating 39 fouls in total, the highest count in a single Euros game since Croatia met Portugal in 2016.
Spain looked to be in trouble before Florian Wirtz’s decisive strike, but their experience and history propelled them to victory. This marks their sixth semi-final appearance at the European Championship, second only to Germany (8) in the tournament’s history.
Mikel Merino struggled to make an impact during his stint at Newcastle, managing just one goal in 25 appearances before being transferred to Real Sociedad after just one season.
Merino’s father, Angel, celebrated a goal for Osasuna in a UEFA Cup match against Stuttgart in November 1991. Mikel paid tribute to that moment by mimicking his father’s celebration, dancing around the corner flag in the same stadium 33 years later while playing for his country.
That’s the magic of international football. His aerial prowess brought to mind Tim Cahill, spreading his legs wide like a frog, twisting his neck to ghost past Antonio Rudiger and neatly place his header into the corner.
Spain has been dominant in this tournament with five consecutive victories. They are trying to achieve something similar from Euro 2008 and 2012.
