At 0:00 a.m. Beijing time on June 30, 2024, the 1/8 finals of the European Cup ushered in the focus battle: the defending champion Italy team played against the Swiss team. Who would have thought that the Italian team would lose 0-2 in this game, ending their title defense journey early. As you can imagine, this result undoubtedly broke the hearts of countless Italian fans. After all, the Italian "Azzurri" was invincible in the last tournament, but now it looks so powerless under the high-pressure tactics of Switzerland.
Italy's Lost: Weakness in midfield becomes a fatal injury
As soon as the game began, the Italian team seemed to have lost its former style. Control of the midfield changed hands frequently, and passing errors made one wonder, is this still the same team that once champions? Throughout the first half, the only attempt on goal from Italy failed to pose a real threat. The weakness of the midfield directly led to the isolation of the attacking line in the front, as if an army had lost all its combat effectiveness.
Swiss blitzkrieg and high-pressure strategy
The Swiss team, on the other hand, showed a well-prepared tactical system. With quick tackles and high-intensity high pressing, the Swiss kept the Italians tired on the field. This tactical initiative not only managed to limit Italy's midfield playmaking, but also created a number of dangerous attacking opportunities. In the 37th minute, Switzerland's Floyler volleyed through the Italian goal, a goal that perfectly exemplified the positive tactics of the Swiss team and was a severe punishment for the looseness of the Italian defence.
A lightning strike to seal the win
If the goal in the first half was the first blow to Italy's psychological defence, just 27 seconds into the second half, Vargas's calm push sent the defending champions into the abyss. The lightning-fast goal gave Switzerland a 2-0 lead and changed the course of the game. The Swiss then cleverly switched to a defensive stance, using tight organization and running at all points to defuse the Italian team's counterattack. The victory not only marked the first time that the Swiss team qualified for the last eight of the European Championships for the second consecutive time, but also ended a 31-year winless streak against Italy.
Germany 2-0 Denmark: Comeback from setback to glory
In another matchup that was also in the spotlight, Germany beat Denmark 2-0 to advance to the last eight. In this game, a sudden thunderstorm interrupted the game for nearly 30 minutes, which undoubtedly tested the patience and adjustment ability of the players on both sides. However, the short break did not interrupt the Germans' attacking rhythm, but rather stimulated their fighting spirit.
Weather Interlude: Waiting in a Thunderstorm
The thunderstorm brought the game to a standstill, but it is conceivable that the waiting time was a huge mental and physical test for the players. In the face of such an unexpected situation, the German team is clearly more prepared. The short break didn't dampen their fighting spirit, but instead showed a stronger desire to attack after the restart.
The relentless German offensive
Despite Germany's aggressive first half and a number of threats to the Danish goal, luck didn't seem to be on their side. Schlotterbeck's header, which once made the home fans boil, was disallowed for a foul by a team-mate. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel's heroic play has repeatedly postponed Germany's goal hopes. However, the Germans were not discouraged and their persistence was finally rewarded in the second half.
Denmark's strong resistance and turning point
The Danes showed the tenacity of Nordic football, with an impregnable defence, especially goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel's brilliant saves that thwarted Germany's attempts to score time and time again. However, the turning point came when Danish defender Andersen was fouled for a handball, which not only gave Germany a valuable lead, but also took a heavy toll on the Danish team's morale. After Kai Havertz scored the penalty safely, Germany's confidence doubled as if they had found their rhythm to the game. This penalty is not only a lead in the score, but also a psychological overwhelm. It is conceivable that the mentality of the Danish team will inevitably be affected after such a blow.
Musiala's decisive blow
Kai Havertz's penalty was important, but it was the young Musiala who really sealed the win. In the 68th minute, Musiala calmly faced goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in a quick counter-attack and sent the ball firmly into the net. This goal not only showcased Musiala's outstanding individual skills and calm mental qualities, but also epitomized the tireless efforts of the German team throughout the game. The goal gave Germany the initiative and dashed Denmark's hopes of a comeback.
From setbacks to glory: the rebirth of the German team
The German team showed their resilience and fighting power in this game. From a number of unsuccessful strikes in the first half, to the interruption of a thunderstorm, to the final penalty and counter-attack to seal the victory, the team's performance can be said to have been looking for opportunities from setbacks and ultimately to glory. Such a performance not only allowed them to qualify for the last eight, but also set a new record for Germany at the European Championships.
The story behind the competition: the perseverance and dedication of the athletes
Behind every game is the countless sweat and perseverance of the athletes. For example, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was unable to stop the German attack, but his many brilliant saves were undoubtedly a solid barrier in the Danish defence. Another example is Musiala of the German team, the young player's calmness and decisiveness at key moments make people see the infinite possibilities of his future.
Provoke thought: the relationship between tactics and execution
Through these two games, we can't help but wonder how important the relationship between tactics and execution really is. Although the Italian team has a strong squad and a glorious history, it is still weak under the pressure of the high-pressure tactics of the Swiss team. Switzerland, on the other hand, managed to defeat the defending champions through careful tactical planning and excellent execution by their players. The same was true for the German team, who finally found a breakthrough in the face of Denmark's stubborn defence through constant attacks and adjustments.
Personal opinion: the charm of the game of football
I know that the charm of football lies not only in the goals and victories, but also in the wisdom, courage and perseverance shown in the course of the game. The defeat of the Italian team and the victory of the Swiss team, the comeback of the German team and the resistance of the Danish team, every moment is full of stories and emotions. These stories not only make the game more exciting, but also give us a glimpse of what sportsmanship really means.
Conclusion: Challenges and expectations for the future
The Euros are still going on and every team is fighting for their dreams. Although the Italian team was out early, their story is not over; The Swiss and German teams will continue their journey to meet even greater challenges. It is conceivable that we will see more wonderful moments and touching stories in the next competitions. Maybe that's the beauty of football.
In this summer, let's continue to pay attention to the European Championship and look forward to more surprises and touches. After all, every game is a brand new adventure, and every player is a unique hero. There are no eternal winners on the football field, only fighters who never give up.