The Italians must have been the only football fans not begging for extra time near the end of their team’s 2-1 win over Belgium in the Euro 2020 last eight as the high-octane clash delivered the best international football can offer.
The English media is likening the team to the ‘spirit of 66’,fans are singing ‘it’s coming home’ but is England getting ahead of itself in Euro 2020?
You might have expected the swell of Football’s Coming Home to bring the bounce to Wembley. Instead,it was Sweet Caroline,the ultimate singalong,that best crystallised the giddy mood.
Young Socceroo Reno Piscopo was part of the Italian golden generation that has lit up the Euros,and he isn’t the least bit surprised by the Azzurri’s success.
England have triumphed over Germany at Wembley,winning 2-0 to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals where they will meet Ukraine whose last-gasp winner eliminated Sweden.
Spain recovered from a bizarre own goal to beat Croatia 5-3 before Switzerland fought back from 3-1 down to eliminate the 2016 finalists on penalties.
An emotional Matthijs de Ligt took responsibility for the Netherlands’ shock exit from the tournament after the defender received a straight red card.
Euro 2020’s group of death lived up to its name on a dramatic morning which ultimately saw all but Hungary progress at the tournament.
Nikola Vlasic and Ivan Perisic were also on target as Croatia finished second in Group D ahead of the Czech Republic,who lost 1-0 to winners England at Wembley.
German soccer clubs are banding together to display rainbow colours during the country’s match against Hungary at the European Championship after UEFA rejected host city Munich’s plan to do the same.
Meantime,a coronavirus infection created disruption for two teams after a positive test for Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour also led to two England players having to self-isolate.