MUNICH: IMPRESSIVE ITALY IN THE EURO 2020 SEMI-FINALS AFTER A 2 – 1 WIN OVER ACE TEAM BELGIUM ON JULY 2
It was an exciting game that had over 12,000 viewers on the edge of their seats.
Italy and Belgium played a game that resembled a finals match.
The Azzurri have been the best playing team in the Euro 2020 tournament.
Their two goals that day were of the highest caliber. They have won 13 games in a row and have gone 32 games without losing.
Despite being regarded as the best team in the world, Belgium was a letdown.
They finished third in the 2018 World Cup but failed to qualify for the Euro 2020 semi-finals.
Their team is made up of brilliant players, but they have failed to deliver as a talented international football team for more than a decade.
Hopefully, Belgium will be able to reclaim their glory in the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, which is only 18 months away.
On Tuesday, Italy will face Spain in the semi-finals.
Italy will face Spain in the semi-finals at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday. (Image courtesy of Sky Sports)
Italy Makes its Way to the Semi-Finals
Although the Belgians were a formidable opponent, the Italians were the more fluid team that day.
It appeared at first that Romelu Lukaku would intimidate the start of the game.
However, Leonardo Bonucci of the Italy national team demonstrated otherwise. However, much to his chagrin, the VAR disallowed his score.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s touch did not help, and the goal was ruled out.
Nicolo Barella impressed spectators with an acutely driven opening strike after maneuvering through two defenders in the 31st minute of the first half.
Despite Thibaut Courtois’ efforts, he was fed the ball by Marco Verratti and worked his way through resilient defenders before propelling the ball into the far corner.
Courtois, by the way, is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Kevin De Bruyne also appeared to be a threat, but Gianluigi Donnarumma saved the Belgian striker’s shot.
The Italian goalkeeper saved a second shot by Lukaku by quickly blocking it with his right hand.
The Italians put up a good fight. Their defense was very strong, thanks to their classic and experienced players.
They worked hard and were rewarded in the 44th minute.
Lorenzo Insigne wowed the crowd at Allianz Arena after scoring his team’s second goal.
Roberto Mancini, the Italian manager, told Sky Sports:
“I don’t think we suffered too much during the game.” To beat a team like Belgium, everyone must give their all, which is exactly what happened today. (Zolpidem)
“We got two points and could have gotten more.” I believe the victory was well-deserved. Spain is up next, but the further you go, the more difficult it becomes. Tonight, however, we only want to reflect on our performance and victory.”
Belgium Penalty Score
The Italian national team appeared to be gaining the upper hand.
Belgians also felt they were being shortchanged.
However, Lorenzo’s foul with Jeremy Doku provided Lukaku with an opportunity. Belgium’s hopes were revived by the Inter Milan striker.
Before the break, Lukaku gave his team the penalty kick that resulted in a penalty goal.
He has scored 24 goals in his last 23 appearances.
He was given five chances to prove his worth as a legitimate striker. However, football has razor-thin margins, and it wasn’t his day.
De Bruyne passed the ball to him during the second half, and there was great anticipation that he would score.
Italy’s two-goal lead would have been equalized, but Lukaku’s shot was blocked by Roma midfielder Leonardo Spinazzola.
Again, he was so close to an empty net when Nacer Chadli’s deflected throw skimmed over his head.
“The feelings are what you can imagine, really – sadness and disappointment – because I do not think these players deserve to be out of this tournament,” Belgium manager Roberto Martinez told Sky Sports.
“They have done an incredible job of preparing to go step-by-step every day since the start of the tournament.” And, unfortunately, we encountered a very good side today (Friday) (Italy). In this knockout round, I thought there were two very good teams. And, unfortunately, the margins did not favor us.”
THANK YOU, ITALY
The Italians had chances to extend their lead in the second half. Belgium, on the other hand, had more chances.
Spinazzola, Federico Chiesa, and Insigne all attempted and came close.
The Italian football team’s triumphant victory came when Spinazzola saved a shot by Lukaku.
He saved the day for the Azzurri, who maintained their lead in the score.
Captain Giorgio Chiellini, who had returned from injury, and Bonucci revealed in Spinazzola’s crucial move.
It earned them the coveted path to the semi-finals. And the stadium was erupting in a frenzy.
They play Spain in London on Tuesday.
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