Match 37 - Italy 0-2 Switzerland
In terms of Italy being the current champions and multiple big tournament winners this was a shock win. Having seen the teams in this tournament, it really isn't a shock. While possession was shared nearly evenly, Switzerland had all the best play. Italy looked like a team who weren't sure of how to press a team which was ready to make the play.
The first goal on 37 minutes was a neatly struck Freuler shot which wnet below the defenders legs and snuck inside the post as Donnarumma's dived just too late.
The second goal, about 35 seconds into the second half, was asublime strike from Ruben Vargas. Fed the ball on the corner of the box he took a step, looked up, and shaped his shot for the far corner of the goal. The leaping goalkeeper almost got a fingertip to it, but it swept past his despairing reach and into the net.
Italy tried to re-group but the closest they came was hitting the bar a couple of times. One of those was a poor header by Swiss defender Fabian Schar, the other when Scamacca hit the post from a Zaccagni pass - though had it gone in his off-side position when the ball was played to Zaccagni would likely have been flagged.
Switzerland go on and will play England or Slovenia.
Match 38 - Germany 2-0 Denmark
So much can be said about this match. Most of it isn't about the match play. The first half opened brightly and, while Germany had a goal ruled out for off-side, Denmark were weathering the storm and beginning to build some momentum of their own. And then the storm came, literally. With about ten minutes of the first half left lightning was directly overhead, as well as torrential rain and some hail. Play was suspended until the danger passed. After a five minute warm up play recommenced and a bright ten minutes of play passed with no goals.
Then we come to the second half. Another goal was ruled out for off-side, this time for Denmark's Jochim Andersen. When the VAR picture was shown the margin of offside was shown to be that of Thomas Delaney's heel. If the Jochim thought that was unlucky he was about to be given a lesson in the cruelty of football. On the left side of the Danish box Raum hit a ball which brushed Andersen's hand. The players were close together, Andersen's hand was behind the direction he was looking. There was no intention to touch the ball, his shape and movement were entirely natural. The decision after a VAR check?
Penalty.
The two incidents, so close together, understandably knocked the Danes and Germany pressed the advantage. Havertz should have added a second when a beautiful drag of the ball opened up space for him to run at the box with the defender desperately trying to get back on terms. His shot went wide.
Musiala did add the second on the 68th minute and, while Denmark continued to try, Germany were in control and heading for a showdown with Spain or Georgia.
| Match Number | Teams | 1st Half Score | 2nd Half Score | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | Italy v Switzerland | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-2 |
| 38 | Germany v Denmark | 0-0 | 2-0 | 2-0 |
| Total Matchday Goals | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
| Total Tournament Goals | 43 | 44 | 87 |
Tomorrow's matches are:
England v Slovakia The winner of this match plays Switzerland.
Spain v Georgia The winner of this match plays Germany.
text by stuartcturnbull art by UEFA & altered by stuartcturnbull