England Advances to EURO 2024 Semi-Finals After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Victory

England has progressed to the semi-finals of the ongoing EURO 2024 championship following an intense penalty shootout win over Switzerland. The match, characterized by high tension and drama, saw Switzerland take the lead late in the game before England rallied to equalize and ultimately triumph in the shootout.

In the 75th minute of the match, Switzerland’s Breel Embolo seized an opportunity to put his team in front with a precise finish at the far post. However, England responded swiftly, with Bukayo Saka from Arsenal delivering a stunning low shot just five minutes later to level the score.

The game extended to extra time, during which both teams played cautiously, unable to break the deadlock. The outcome was eventually decided by a penalty shootout, where England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a crucial save against Manuel Akanji. England’s flawless penalties, successfully converted by Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, Ivan Toney, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, secured their spot in the semi-finals.

England is now set to face the Netherlands in the semi-finals, who mounted a comeback to defeat Türkiye 2-1 in their quarter-final clash. Samet Akaydin provided Türkiye an early lead in the 35th minute, and for most of the game, it seemed they might continue their impressive tournament run. However, a quick turnaround in the second half saw Stefan de Vrij and a Mert Müldür own goal shift the tide in favor of the Netherlands.

Despite increased pressure from Türkiye, the Netherlands held firm and sealed their place in the semi-finals, where they will meet England. This highly anticipated showdown is scheduled for Thursday, 11th July, and will be broadcast exclusively on Optus Sport.