THE first round of knockout phase games for Euro 2024 began in earnest, with holders Italy becoming the first high-profile casualties. The Azzurri were comprehensively outclassed by a highly impressive Swiss side and did little to suggest they had anything in reply.
The Germans did enough against a determined Danish side to book their place in the quarterfinals.
This is the round-up of the games played early this morning.
Italy 0 v Switzerland 2
The signs were there on the group stage when Italy were outplayed by a Spain side that looked a class and a cut above. The less-than-convincing displays at the group stages were underlined by the fact that Italy went behind in each of their games and had many pundits asking if this Italian team had the wherewithal to defend the crown.
The answer this morning was a resounding ‘no’. Make no mistake, Switzerland was good value for the win. They passed the ball better, pressed more effectively, and won virtually every 50-50 ball. For most of the first half, Italy was reduced to on-pitch spectators as the Swiss zipped the ball quickly beyond their reach.
The goals came courtesy of Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas, which booked Switzerland a spot in the quarterfinals, which, on this showing, was richly deserved. The greatest compliment that could be paid to Switzerland is that such was their dominanceItaly never looked like making a comeback despite hitting the woodwork twice.
The Swiss made it look easy and comfortable. Another painful rebuild awaits Italy.
Germany 2 v Denmark 0
The match had to be delayed for almost half an hour due to weather conditions, but Germany did not provide a storming display. Instead, the hosts were held at arm’s length by a disciplined and determined Denmark side that threatened to pull off an upset as time wore on.
Not least when Joachim Anderson had a goal chalked off by VAR for the tightest of offside calls.
The worst was to follow, as Germany were awarded a penalty shortly after with a harsh handball call when Anderson was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the Danish penalty area. “Handled” would have been too harsh as the ball was struck towards him from close quarters, and though the hands were not behind the back, it was in no way a deliberate attempt to handle.
Alas, this is the current interpretation of the law, and Kai Havertz made no mistake on the spot. Jamal Musiala made the result secure with a second in the 68th minute but Germany will have to do better if, as expected, they are to meet highly-fancied Spain in the quarterfinals.
Upcoming fixtures:
England v Slovakia – 12am (July 1, 2024)
Spain v Georgia – 3am (July 1, 2024) – June 30, 2024
Main photo credit: The Guardian
