24 June 2021
A night full of intense drama unfolded on the final group stage matchday of Euro 2020 and across the world in the Copa America. Beginning with yesterday’s earliest kick-offs, Slovakia took on Spain in Seville, whilst Sweden faced off against Poland in St. Petersburg, as all four teams had the chance to reach the next stage out of Euro 2020 Group E.
Starting for Spain, Alvaro Morata had the early chance of giving his team the lead from the penalty spot but his effort was saved by Slovak keeper, Martin Dubravka. However, it would not go on to make a difference, as Spain went on to win the match 5-0, following the aforementioned Dubravka’s own-goal and efforts from Aymeric Laporte, Pablo Sarabia, Ferran Torres and a Juraj Kucka own-goal. Alvaro played 66 minutes for the Spaniards, eventually replaced by goalscorer, Torres, as his side will now face Croatia in the Last 16.
Elsewhere, a game-changing introduction from Dejan Kulusevski saw Sweden secure a late winner in their match against Wojciech Szczesny’s Poland, as they finished top of Group E at Poland’s expense. Sweden went into a 2-0 lead from an Emil Forsberg double, with his second assisted by Kulusevski, introduced in the second half at the Saint Petersburg Stadium. However, Poland restored parity thanks to a double of their own from Robert Lewandowski, but there was to be a final sting in the tail when Viktor Claesson scored deep into stoppage time to secure a 3-2 win for Sweden and send them through to the Last 16 against Ukraine.
Later on last night, Portugal played France at the Puskas Arena, in a rematch of the Euro 2016 Final, with both teams vying to qualify for the Round of 16. On 27 minutes a penalty was awarded to Portugal, which Cristiano Ronaldo duly converted, however, in first half stoppage time, France were given a spot kick of their own and Karim Benzema finished to level things up. Early into the second half Benzema struck once again to turn the game in France’s favour, as Adrien Rabiot was also called onto the pitch in Budapest, but yet another penalty was called for Portugal on the hour mark. Again, no mistake again from CR7, who levelled things up not only for his country, but also the international all-time goalscoring record, as Ronaldo reached 109 goals alongside Ali Daei for Iran. The game would finish at 2-2, which saw both teams qualify for the Round of 16, as France finished top of Group F, going on to play Switzerland and Portugal as one of the best third-placed teams, playing Belgium in the next stage.
With the Euro 2020 group stages reaching their conclusion, focus shifted to the Copa America, as a Bianconeri derby begun between Brazil and Colombia in Rio de Janeiro. Juan Cuadrado provided an early assist to Luis Diaz to give Los Cafeteros the lead after just 10 minutes. However, the Selecao turned things around late on through Roberto Firmino on 78 minutes and then deep, deep into stoppage time, Casemiro struck in the 10th added minute to win the match for the hosts, with Danilo completing the full 90 minutes and Alex Sandro playing up to an hour.
Tonight, the Copa America continues for Rodrigo Bentancur’s Uruguay, who take on Bolivia.
