Two potentially intriguing fixtures were played out in the semi-finals of the European Championships. The hosts were still in the fray as newcomers Wales were looking to continue their dream run. World Champions Germany, ever-present at this stage of any major tournament, were still on course for the double. Portugal, amazingly, without a win in regulation time, were looking at upsetting the form books and getting their hands on their first major international trophy.
In this post, I cover the semi-finals matches.
Match Reviews
Portugal vs Wales
Portugal have been the major beneficiaries of the
introduction of the third place rule in this edition of the Euros. Wales were
looking to repeat their excellent showing against Belgium, for a place in the
final. The first half was a drab affair with neither team able to mount a
serious offensive. The absence of Ramsey was glaringly evident when it came to
Wales’s attacking intent. Portugal were playing like they have for most of the
tournament. With neither keeper troubled, the half faded into half-time and
both managers had a job on their hands lifting the morale and the game of their
respective wards.
The second half started with a bang! Ronaldo rose like a
basketball player going for the slam-dunk to meet a corner and power his header
past the helpless Hennessey. The Welsh defender was dwarfed by Ronaldo’s eight
and a half foot leap. 3 minutes later, Portugal were further ahead. Ronaldo found
Nani with an assist, who made no mistake in scoring past the troubled
Hennessey. Wales were dumbstruck by the Portuguese double blow. From here on
in, it was a question of whether the depleted Welsh attack could somehow drag
themselves back into the game. They tries, like they’ve done all tournament,
but Bale was mostly isolated in attack, and the Portuguese defense were able to
keep danger at bay. Portugal did launch counter-attacks on a few occasions, but
they were more the kind to ball the ball away from their own half. Wales fell
short in this match. They’d had a brilliant campaign and could leave with their
pride enhanced. This was Portugal’s first win in regulation time in the
tournament and it was taking them to the final!
My Prediction: Portugal
1-3 Wales
Final Score: Portugal
2-0 Wales
Germany vs France
It was World Champions versus Hosts in the second
semi-final. France got off to a better start with Griezmann shooting on goal
within the first few minutes. His effort lacked the power to beat Neuer.
Germany started taking control, soon dominating midfield. Toni Kroos was
putting in a much improved performance. For a spell of 10-15 minutes in the
middle of the first half, France were unable to get the ball out of their own
half! The Germans were unable to take advantage of the possession though as the
absence of a regular center-forward was evident. They were loath to put in crosses
preferring instead to play the ball in through the middle. France were able to
keep such attacks out. A good French chance which fell to Giroud was stopped by
a brilliant last-ditch tackle by Howedes. Right at the end of the half, another
German defensive lapse reared its head. Patrice Evra headed a cross towards
goal only for Schweinsteiger, the player marking him to handle inside the box.
The referee took his time before awarding a penalty, which was the right
decision. The German captain had jumped with his hands up, similar if not as
comical as Boateng’s flapping lead against Italy. Antoine Griezmann stepped up
to take the penalty. Neuer went the wrong way and France were ahead right at
the stroke of half-time. All of Germany’s possession had come to nothing.
The second half started with France on the offensive, but
without any result. Germany once again took control as the half wore on, but they
were even less effective. Their manager Loew made a couple of substitutions in
the hope of livening things up. However, immediately following a French
substitution, a defensive one at that, France were gifted a chance. Germany
gave away the ball in their own penalty box to Pogba. He easily got past
Kimmich and crossed into a dangerous position. Neuer came to collect, but could
only weakly parry it to Griezmann. The French forward toe-poked the ball
through Neuer’s legs and into the goal. France were two goals up, a most
unlikely lead considering how the game had gone. Germany went on the offensive,
all guns blazing. However, similar output and outlet problems plagued them.
Julian Draxler hit the post with 5 minutes remaining. Another German effort was
acrobatically saved by Lloris soon after. France had a couple of chances to
extend their lead, but they never materialized. The final whistle saw France
into the final of yet another home tournament. They were one step closer towards
emulating their triumph at home in 1984. Antonie Griezmann had just become the
darling of the entire nation.
My Prediction:
Germany 2-1 France
Final Score:
Germany 0-2 France
The finalists are set in this edition of the European
Championships. The hosts and former champions France will play 2004 runners-up Portugal
in Paris on 10th July. The hosts go in as favourites. However, given
the resolve Portugal have shown in staying in the competition, this will be no
cakewalk. I’ll be back with the preview of the final as well as some bonus
material in tomorrow’s post. Till then …
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