The two of the four semi-finalists for Euro 2024 are known as of Friday night.
In order to get to the last four, Spain and France had to secure their spots against one another.
In what was undoubtedly the match of the tournament, La Roja defeated the hosts, Germany, to advance to the semifinals.
Dani Olmo’s deft finish appeared to have given the Spanish the victory, but Florian Wirtz’s nimble goal forced extra time.
Mikel Merino headed in a thrilling victory with only seconds remaining in the penalty shootout.
Top football commentator and podcaster Clinton McDubus tells 460PLAY, “Excellent game, which would have been a credit to the sport if it was a final.”
“Among the tournament’s greatest games. Although Germany was tripped down by some subpar finishing, Spain was superior and deserved to win.
“Spain nearly paid for closing their outlets too soon, but they made adjustments to win the match.”
In the day’s second encounter, France defeated Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates by penalties.
After 120 minutes, neither team was able to score, hence the winner had to be decided from 12 yards out.
Les Bleus’s kicks were flawless, but Joao Felix’s attempt flew off the post.
As dull as we might have all predicted. Neither squad was willing to completely commit to playing their best.
“They both needed to exercise extreme caution, with the main goal being to avoid giving in. But there were still opportunities for either team to win it without needing to use penalties.
Having said that, France has proven they are experts at playing football in tournament settings and know exactly what it takes to advance far in competitions. Again, we witnessed it, McDubus stated.
On Saturday, there will be two additional quarterfinal matches.
England will play Switzerland in an attempt to snap a 58-year drought without a major prize.
While the Swiss have been keen to defeat larger nations, like Italy in the competition, Gareth Southgate’s team has not performed well at all in the Round 16.
“I believe that England will do significantly better than they have thus far, but they will be facing a formidable Swiss team that has shown promise.
According to McDubus, “I think it will be an exciting game that goes into extra time.”
In the second semi-final, the victor of this encounter will play either the Netherlands or Turkey.
“Netherlands vs. Turkey will be electric,” says McDubus. fireworks.
“I anticipate an open game with nonstop action and objectives.
“It will be a major setback for Turkey if Demiral is out of the game. It should go to the Netherlands in normal time.
McDubus chose Spain as his favorite team to win the competition when asked.
They can adjust to any type of opponent and are the most formidable squad still in existence.
The sanctions they received for playing against Germany are the only thing that could stop them. However, they have a strong team that ought to be able to cover for the absences.
They are now unquestionably favorites, he declared.