AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – JUNE 26: Andreas Cornelius of Denmark (C) celebrates with his teammates after winning against Wales during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between Wales and Denmark at Johan Cruijff Arena on June 26, 2021 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Italy and Denmark are both through to the next round of Euro 2020 after getting past Austria and Wales, respectively.
While both sides went through, they did so in completely different fashion. Denmark made quick work of Wales whereas Italy needed two goals in extra time to overcome Austria.
Euro 2020: Denmark put four past Wales
On paper, the match between Denmark and Wales appeared even. It certainly didn’t play out that way.
Denmark got on the board first in the 28th minute thanks to Kasper Dolberg. He doubled their lead in the opening minutes of the second half. If the first goal didn’t knock the wind out of the sails of the Welsh team, the second goal did.
There was little Gareth Bale and company were able to do to get back in the game. At times it seemed like they were resigned to their fate.
“It was not how we wanted the game to go. We started very well for the first 25 minutes, but conceded a goal and the game changed a little bit,” Bale said. “We came out second half trying to play and unfortunately made a mistake to concede the (second) goal which I guess killed the momentum on our side.”
Source: Yahoo Sport
The Danish onslaught continued with Joakim Mæhle scoring in the 88th minute. Barcelona’s Martin Braithwaite put the cherry on top and scored the fourth goal in stoppage time.
Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand made sure to remember Christian Eriksen at the end of the game and said he was on the team’s mind throughout the game.
“Cruyff is one of my greatest inspirations and knowing this was one of Christian’s first homes and knowing this is where he played one of his first games at 16 years old… he’s with us, and I would have loved for him to have been here,” Hjulmand said.
Source: ESPN
The win sees Denmark progress to the next round where they will face the winner of the match between Netherlands and the Czech Republic.
Euro 2020: Chiesa plays hero for Italy
Italy entered their game against Austria clear favorites as the Italians breezed past their opponent in the group stage.
But the Austrians made the Italians earn their win as it took two goals in extra time for Italy finally get past the Austria’s defense.
Their performances was somewhat reminiscent of the Italy of old. However, what it showed is that they still have what it takes to grind out a result. Even in a game where they weren’t at their best.
Austria seemed to be on their way to an upset win following a goal by Marko Arnautovic. Unfortunately for Austrian hearts, the goal was disallowed for offside.
Federico Chiesa scored Italy’s first in the 95th minute. Matteo Pessina added a second ten minutes later. Austria did not give up as Sasa Kalajdzic got one back in the 114th minute. But Italy were able to hang on.
The win in extra time saw Italy set a new record with 31 matches unbeaten — breaking the previous record of 30 set in 1999 by the side managed by Vittorio Pozzo.
Italy’s next opponent will be the winner of the match between Belgium and Portugal.
