Euro 2024: It was a day to be remmebered for the big guns of Europe, as the fairytale run of Switzerland and Turkey come to a dismal end at Euro 2024, with both England and Netherlands registering vital wins after trailing earlier in the match. England were trailing against Switzerland when the latter scored in the 75th minute via Breel Embolo, but pegged one back minutes later via Bukayo Saka.
Ultimately, it was the penalty shoot-out that decided the fate of England, as penalty-specialist Jordan Pickford stepped up big time to lead The Three Lions to a vital win, as Gareth Southgate's side won 5-3 on penalties.
Netherlands, on the other hand, avoided extra-time pressure, as two goals inside 6 minutes turned the game around and Ronald Koeman's men won 2-1 to end Turkey's dream run at Euro 2024.
Both, Switzerland and Turkey, can hold their head high as they entertained their fans with their attacking brand of football and astonishing goals, and they bow out with great learnings.
Here's What England Manager And Players Said In Post-Match Interview
"I thought the players were brilliant. It's the best we've played. We caused them a lot of problems with the ball. They're a really good side, they're hard to press, they're hard to defend against, their movement is good. To come from behind again, and show the character and resilience we did; winning tournaments isn't just about playing well, you've got to show all of those other attributes," said Gareth Southgate, England manager.
"Pressure is something I embrace. You fail once but I'm the sort of guy who wants to put myself in the position again. I know there's a lot of nervous people watching, like my family, but I kept my cool and scored my penalty," said Bukayo Saka, who was awarded the Player of the Match award against Switzerland.
"Another tough game and first of all great resilience from the lads to turn it up again. To get the goal, a fantastic finish from Bukayo Saka. Penalties are penalties, but I felt prepared – I was on the side, but I felt comfortable in the lads. We trust in whoever is on the pitch and the difference compared to past years is we have proven penalty takers," said Harry Kane, England captain.
Here's What Netherlands Manager And Player Said In Post-Match Interview
"For the whole nation, it's something special. We are a small nation and we're in the semi-finals with England, France and Spain and are really proud. We had to suffer tonight but there are no easy games. They put everything into it. It was an emotional match and we showed real heart. It was a good second half. We had to suffer but it's a great success to get the opportunity to play in a semi-final," said Ronald Koeman, Netherlands manager.
"In the first ten or 15 minutes, we found the spaces in midfield and we played really well. Then they started to change something, and they let us go outside instead of inside and it became a little bit more difficult to find the spaces. But in the second half when we put Weghorst up top, we put more balls in the area, earlier, and played for the second balls, and because of that we created more chances," said Nathan Ake, Dutch defender.