Match 39 - England 2-1 Slovakia
When Slovakia took the lead on 25 minutes it was no more than they deserved and, despite the difference in tournament experience and UEFA standings, no real surprise. A break up field, the ball switched from the wing to the middle of the pitch, a pass which left England's back three scrabbling, and Schranz sliding the ball into the net.
For the next 75 minutes England played like a team who had been drilled in a method of play which constrained any spontanaeity or flow. There were a few chances, a disallowed goal, but as full time approached England were heading out of the tournament and deservedly so.
Then, on 95 minutes, a throw in from Walker, a headed flick into the heart of the box, and Jude Bellingham leapt and bicycle kciked the ball into the net. The game would go to extra time.
In the second minute of extra time Palmer pumped in a corner that was pushed out just past the edge of the box. A wild swing by Eze got the ball to Toney whose header across the box fell perfectly for Kane to nod the ball home.
Slovenia had another chance but it went high, and they are heading home.
England will have to play better than this to overcome Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Match 40 - Spain 4-1 Georgia
The game started and Spain spent 17 minutes camped not just in the Georgian half, but in their box. A swift break upfield, a couple of delicious passes, and Georgia where wheeling away in celebration as the tournaments leading goalscorer netted again. There was little Robin Le Normand could do as the ball hit him and Simón was helpless as it flashed into the net. Own Goal number eight of this EURO's.
For a few minutes Spain were rocked. But they got back in the groove and picked up the possession and pressure. A few minutes before half-time Williams fed Rodri and the equaliser was there. A second before half time looked possible, but Georgia held firm.
In the second half Spanish pressure was piled and goals on 51, 75, and 83 minutes gave the scoreline a more representative look of how the game had been played.
With 75% possession Spain had 13 of 35 shots on target. Georgia managed just 4 shots.
Their next game, against Germany, will be a closer affair.
| Match Number | Teams | 1st Half Score | 2nd Half Score | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | England v Slovakia | 0-1 | 2-0 | 2-1 |
| 40 | Spain v Georgia | 1-1 | 3-0 | 4-1 |
| Total Matchday Goals | 3 | 5 | 8 | |
| Total Tournament Goals | 45 | 49 | 94 |
Tomorrow's matches are:
France v Belgium
Portugal v Slovenia
text by stuartcturnbull art by UEFA & altered by stuartcturnbull
