Highlights: England beat Switzerland on penalties in Euro 2024 quarter-finals

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - After a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes, England won 5-3 against Switzerland in the penalty shootout, securing their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2024. This is the second consecutive Euro tournament in which England has reached the semi-finals.

England and Switzerland played their Euro 2024 quarter-final match (July 6th) in Dusseldorf, Germany. England won on penalties to advance to the semi-finals. Although Southgate's team reached the final four, they will undoubtedly face strong criticism from fans and experts in England, as they haven't yet lived up to expectations.

Đánh bại ngựa ô Thụy Sĩ, tuyển Anh vào bán kết Euro 2024 - 1 — The English players celebrate after winning the penalty shootout.

Both teams entered the match with the same strategy: prioritizing defense, both deploying their entire defensive line whenever the opponent had possession. The cautious approach adopted by coaches Southgate and Yakin made the match somewhat dull. In the first 45 minutes, only six shots were taken, with England having five and Switzerland one, none on target. After the break, Switzerland played more aggressively and improved their ball control and shooting, although the changes were not significant compared to the first half. A surprise occurred in the 75th minute when Ndoye's cross deflected off Stones' foot, creating a perfect assist for Embolo to tap the ball into the net and open the scoring. The unexpected goal prompted Southgate to hastily make adjustments to his attacking lineup. England were fortunate to find an equalizer in the 80th minute. Saka dribbled from the right side of the midfield, cut inside, and curled a left-footed shot into the far corner, beating Sommer. It was a rare moment when the English player escaped the Swiss defense. This was also the Three Lions' first shot on target in the match.

Đánh bại ngựa ô Thụy Sĩ, tuyển Anh vào bán kết Euro 2024 - 2 — Saka's individual brilliance helped England equalize.

After the match returned to a tie, both teams played tightly until the final whistle. Unable to determine a winner after 90 minutes, the game went into extra time. England impressed early on with a powerful shot from Rice that forced Sommer to make a save; however, it was just a moment of individual brilliance from the English midfielder, and overall, the "Three Lions" remained lackluster. Switzerland only truly rallied towards the end of the match, putting significant pressure on Pickford's goal. However, the Swiss strikers lacked the composure and sharpness to find the net a second time. Still unable to decide a winner after extra time, the two teams went to a penalty shootout. All five English players – Palmer, Bellingham, Saka, Toney, and Alexander-Arnold – successfully converted their penalties. On the Swiss side, Ajkanji missed his first penalty, but Schar, Shaqiri, and Amdouni all scored. England won 5-3 (Switzerland did not play their final match), thus securing their place in the semi-finals.