England came close to experiencing huge disappointment in the round of 16 of the Euro. Trailing 1-0 until the 95th minute by Slovakia, the English equalized thanks to a superb acrobatic return from Jude Bellingham before making the difference in extra time to win 2-1. In the quarters, the Three Lions will face Switzerland next Saturday (to be continued from 6:00 p.m. on RTS 2).
How difficult it was once again for England! Out of ideas and harmless during the group stage, Southgate’s players left the same impression during the overwhelming majority of the match against Slovakia.
It was not until the 95th minute and Bellingham’s superb acrobatic overhead kick that the English team scored for the first time in the game, despite possession of the ball reaching around 70% during the first 90 minutes.
If they weren’t in good form in front of goal, they had the merit of not giving up. They also had the good idea of knocking Slovakia out even more by taking the lead about a minute into extra time thanks to a header from Harry Kane.
A valiant Slovakia
For the Slovaks, the defeat is cruel. Valiant, united in defense and realistic in attack in groups, they demonstrated the same state of mind in this round of 16.
It took them just one move to take the lead. Slavia Prague striker Ivan Schranz gave his team the lead in the 25th minute. They then defended perfectly against a powerless English side and must have thought it was their day when the post blocked a powerful shot from Declan Rice (81st).
Last Swiss victory in… 1981
Having come out on top of Group C, scoring just two goals despite their squad, the Three Lions are no biggie in this tournament. But Yakin’s men will have to be wary of this squad full of stars.
In 31 clashes with England, Switzerland has only known the joys of victory three times, the last in… 1981, for 6 draws and 22 defeats.
>> Also read: Spain dominates Georgia and will meet Germany in the quarter-finals, “Shame”, “National bankruptcy”: Italy in despair, One of the most accomplished performances in the history of the Swiss team et “Switzerland’s control was incredible. Tactically, their performance was a model of its kind”
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