On July 6, Beijing time, the quarterfinals of the European Cup ushered in two fierce matchups. France beat Portugal on penalties, while Spain beat Germany in extra time. France and Spain, two football powerhouses, have made history once again by reaching the semi-finals of the European Championship for the sixth time. They will compete for a spot in the final at 3 a.m. on July 10.
Let's start with the match between France and Portugal. In the opening stage, both sides looked a little tentative, and the pace of the game was difficult to speed up. Both sides pay more attention to defense and are reluctant to press forward too early to expose flaws in the backcourt. It can be said that there was a tense air at the beginning of this game. Parinha and Mendes made tackles in quick succession, and Fernandes' shot from outside the box was also a lack of threat. Cristiano Ronaldo was heavily targeted, and it was difficult for him to play a smooth match with his teammates on the wing, so he could only play more physical confrontations with Te'o and enter grappling mode.
Half-time, France suppressed the onslaught at one point, with a heavy shot from outside the Te'o box saved and Mbappe's cross intercepted. Portugal's border-to-center link is hampered and it is even more difficult to create a risk. Several crosses from the flanks by Joao Cancelo and Rafael Leao were intercepted, and just before half-time, Fernandes took a free-kick straight away. At half-time, both teams had only one of their five shots on target, and the combined expected goals were only 0.15. It can be said that the rhythm of the first half of this game is really sweaty.
In the second half, the tempo of the game increased dramatically, with Bernardo's header and Bruno's volley deflected wide in quick succession. France gradually kept Portugal at bay and created a bigger threat in front of goal. Mbappe's powerful shot was saved, Tchouameni's long-range shot was deflected wide, Muani's volley from inside the box was blocked, and Camavinga's low shot from the top corner of the six-yard box was missed. Portugal was in constant danger in front of the goal, and it was almost lost.
Extra time was still an "abstract" show. Cristiano Ronaldo fired a powerful shot from a back-and-down triangle pass, Leao and Conceição's long-range shots were all deflected wide, and Thuram's counter-attacking shot was also cleared by a Pepe-led defence. Mbappe was substituted at half-time and Mendes' shot from the whistle was saved and the game went to penalties.
In the penalty shoot-out, France showed more composure, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Dembele scoring in the first round, and Fofana and Bench B also scoring in the second round. In the third round, Felix's shot hit the post and Kounde scored safely. In the fourth round, Balcola and Mendes both scored on penalties. In the final round, Te'o scored, and the French team hit all 5 free throws to eliminate Portugal 5-3. After 8 years, the French team returned to the semi-finals of the European Championship and reached the semifinals for the sixth time in team history. Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score in his European Cup curtain call, and he comforted Pepe after the game, which was moving.
Spain vs Germany: Extra-time stunner
Let's take a look at this matchup between Spain and Germany. Treble winners Spain suffered a blow in the opening stages, with Pedri exiting with injury. However, this did not disrupt the team's offensive and defensive deployment, and substitute Olmo quickly stabilized the morale of the team. After a fierce battle, Germany gradually gained the advantage on the field, but there were not many opportunities to really threaten the opposition goal. Spain were a little passive on the pitch, but they far outnumbered their opponents in terms of the number of shots on goal, although the quality of the last shot was lacking. Yamal and Fabian missed shots from distance, and Laporte and Williams were both comfortably defended by Neuer from outside the area, making it difficult for both sides to find the back of the net in the first half.
In the second half, the two teams quickly deployed their troops. Spain took advantage of the lack of protection at the German back and scrambled in the opening stages. Yamal's low cross from the right hit the open space, and Olmo was clever enough to flank and calmly push into the corner to take the lead. Germany's frequent substitutions and adjustments have had remarkable results. Phil Krueger came on and hit the post to close the equaliser. In the closing stages, Wirtz received an assist from Kimmich's header and equalised with a powerful volley to send the game into extra-time.
Extra-time was still evenly matched. Wirtz had a chance to open the scoring but couldn't capitalise on it, and Cucurella was controversial when the handball in the box went unheeded. In the end, Merino's header in the 119th minute led Spain to a 2-1 victory. The victory not only allowed Spain to reach the semi-finals of the European Championship for the sixth time, but also broke the curse of not being able to beat the hosts in the 90 World Cup/European Championships. Muller and Kroos also completed their final European Championship matches.
France and Spain: History and Future
France and Spain both reached the semi-finals of the European Championship for the sixth time, which is not only an affirmation of the team's strength, but also a re-writing of the team's historical achievements. The two teams will meet in the semi-finals, and this match is destined to be full of suspense and highlights.
Young players such as Mbappe and Te'o of the French team are at the peak of their careers, and their speed and technique are amazing. And Spain's Olmo, Yamal and other rising stars have also shown good strength, and their growth rate is unimaginable. The duel between the two teams is not only a contest of football strength between the two countries, but also a dialogue between new and old players.
Will it be the young talents of the French team who continue to write brilliant stories, or the rising stars of Spain who will break down the French defence? This semi-final will undoubtedly be another classic battle of this European Cup. Fans, get ready for this showdown!
The matchup between France and Spain is not just a battle between two top teams, but also a preview of the future of football. Imagine Mbappe's lightning speed colliding with Olmo's delicate pass on the pitch, Te'o's powerful breakthrough and Yamal's clever dribbling testing each other. Every steal, every pass, every shot will tug at the heartstrings of countless fans.
For the French team, their goal is not just to qualify for the final, but to defend their honor. After all, as World Cup winners, they have huge expectations on their shoulders. Spain, on the other hand, will be hoping to prove their determination to return to the top with this match. Both teams have rich tactical reserves and strong squad depth, and who can have the last laugh in this matchup may depend on the on-the-spot performance and the wisdom of the head coach.
On the pitch, every detail can make the difference between the course of the game. Is it the French defence that is as solid as Mount Tai, or is the Spanish attack sweeping like a tidal wave? Was it Lloris's brave save that turned the tide, or Simon's calm command that made the defence impregnable? It's all about the unknowns, and it's the uncertainty that makes this match so exciting.
For the fans, this is not only a game, but also a visual feast. Regardless of the final result, the great performances of both teams will be the talk of the town. History will remember this matchup, and fans will witness the birth of a new legend.