After finding out the four teams that will compete in the Semi finals, Euro 2020 has now reached its last hurdles. Spain had to rely on lady luck to overcome the resilient Switzerland in the penalty shootouts, whilst Italy earned their place in the final four with an impressive win over the mighty Belgium. Denmark’s magical campaign continues following their victory over the Czechs, and England completed the foursome after dismantling Ukraine at the Olimpico stadium in Roma.
After getting our predictions right for the quarter finals, we’ll try to keep the streak going with the semis – or perhaps embarrass ourselves in the process.
Italy – Spain
Since the 2008 edition, a meeting between these two giants in the European Championships has become almost customary. Whilst the Spaniards had the upper hand in 2008 and 2012, the Italians avenged themselves in 2016.
So who will come out on top this time around?
Based on the general performances displayed by both teams so far in the tournament, the Azzurri seem to be in a far better shape than their opponents.
Roberto Mancini’s men won all of their five encounters in the competition – although they needed extra-time to overcome Austria – and maintained their historic run of 15 wins in a row, and they remain unbeaten in their last 32 matches.
On the other hand, La Furia Roja are yet to showcase their full potential, and out of their five fixtures en route to the semi finals, they only won a single match at Euro 2020 within the 90 minutes.
Moreover, the passion and determination displayed by the Azzurri (or simply put; the Grinta), has arguably been their biggest weapon.
Italy (4-3-3) : Donnarumma; Florenzi, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne
Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simón; Azpilicueta, García, Laporte, Alba; Koke, Busquets, Pedri; Moreno, Morata, Olmo
Prediction: Italy emerge victorious from a back-and-forth battle
Italy and Spain will face each other in the knockout stages of the Euros for the ?????? straight tournament ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/Y0eqLikVUH
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 2, 2021
England – Denmark
On Wednesday night, the Englishmen will defend their ground against Dane invaders from across the sea, as the semi finals of Euro 2020 showcases its very own version of the Vikings age.
Besides beating Germany in the round of 16, Gareth Southgate and his men found a relatively comfortable road the final four, and they’re now set to take on the tournament’s ultimate underdogs.
So is it a blessing or a curse for Harry Kane and company?
Following Christian Eriksen’s terrifying collapse in their opening match against Finland, no one would have faulted the Danish players had they failed to deliver for the rest of the tournament.
Nonetheless, the Scandinavians returned as men possessed, as they broke their way into the semis while overwhelming the competition with some brilliant attacking football.
However, Denmark will now be facing a team that is yet to concede a single goal in the tournament, and can rely on an incredible pool of talent in attack.
England could be given few scares in the process, but they should have enough to win this battle in front of their home crowd.
England (3-4-3): Pickford; Walker, Maguire, Mings; James, Phillips, Rice, Chilwell; Sancho, Kane, Rashford.
Denmark (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel; Wass, Kjaer, Christensen, Skov; Delaney, Hojbjerg; Poulsen, Eriksen, Braithwaite; Dolberg.
Prediction: England breaks the Danish resilience
Who are you backing to complete the #UCL & #EURO2020 double? ??
?? Denmark: Andreas Christensen
??????? England: Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Mason Mount
?? Italy: Jorginho
?? Spain: César Azpilicueta pic.twitter.com/619bl9F7qf— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) July 4, 2021