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Over Friday and Saturday (July 5-6), we were treated to four extraordinary quarter-final matches in the 2024 European Championship (EURO 2024). Spain and Germany kicked off the round on Friday, trading blows over 120 minutes before La Roja clinched the victory. Spain’s Mikel Merino scored in extra time to seal a 2-1 victory for Luis de la Fuente’s side. Later that night, France and Portugal played out a goalless draw in 120 minutes, surrendering their fate to penalties. Les Bleus came out on top in the shootout, sealing a 5-3 win.
Saturday began with England’s bout with Switzerland. The Three Lions and the Swiss were level on 1-1 in 120 minutes, pushing the match to penalties. Gareth Southgate’s side held their nerve better and bagged a 5-3 victory. In the final quarter-final clash, the Netherlands beat Turkiye 2-1, becoming the only team of the round to claim the win in 90 minutes.
Before we focus on semi-final clashes between Spain and France, and between England and the Netherlands, let’s check out the five players who impressed in the quarter-finals. Let’s begin!
#5 Joshua Kimmich – Germany
Joshua Kimmich Provided An Assist Against Spain
Germany right-back Joshua Kimmich had a difficult job in the quarter-final clash against Spain. He had to neutralize the in-form Spanish left-winger Nico Williams. Kimmich took the tough task in his stride and delivered a masterclass down the right flank, not only keeping Williams quiet but also playing an integral part in the home team’s equalizer in the 89th minute. The Bayern Munich man did ever so well to meet Maximilian Mittelstaedt’s delivery from the left and lay it onto Wirtz’s path, allowing him to apply a straightforward finish.
Kimmich created five chances against Spain, completed 57 passes with 92% accuracy, delivered three accurate crosses, won two tackles, and registered seven recoveries. Had the rest of the Germans followed his example, they could have been playing in the…
Source link : https://sportslens.com/news/5-best-performers-euro-2024-quarter-finals/
Author : Sushan Chakraborty
Publish date : 2024-07-08 08:06:26
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