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Spain set up a blockbuster quarter-final tie with Euro 2024 hosts Germany by surviving an early scare to ease past Georgia. 01 Jul 2024
Playing in their first major tournament, Georgia had to soak up heavy pressure from Spain early on but stunned those watching on at Cologne Stadium when they took a surprise lead after 18 minutes. Spain defender Robin le Normand poked Otar Kakabadze's curling cross into his own net, finishing off a devastating counter-attack and silencing supporters behind their goal. Substitutes warming up sprinted over to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who led Georgia's celebrations in the corner. It sparked confidence in Georgia but Spain's pressure eventually paid off when Manchester City's Rodri drilled a shot into the bottom corner - beating goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who had another outstanding overall display. Spain continued to excite in attack, stringing together countless chances, and capitalised when Fabian Ruiz nodded in a cross from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. Georgia continued to battle and Napoli winger Kvaratskhelia would have scored the goal of the tournament had his clever chip from the halfway line bounced a metre to the right instead of passing the post. But despite Georgia's flair and unpredictability, Spain's accomplished possession game took control - Nico Williams striking powerfully into the roof of the net to make it 3-1, before Dani Olmo's precise finish capped things off. European giants and home favourites Germany are up next for Spain in Stuttgart on Friday, while Georgia exit the competition after a fairytale run in which they massively exceeded expectations.
A late own goal by Jan Vertonghen sent France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at Belgium's expense. 01 Jul 2024
A game that had lacked quality and excitement for large periods looked destined for extra time, but a shot by substitute Randal Kolo Muani deflected off Vertonghen with five minutes remaining to seal the victory at Dusseldorf Arena. France had missed several chances before that as once again their lack of a cutting edge let them down, and even captain Kylian Mbappe put efforts he would normally finish wide. Belgium could even have taken the lead themselves before France's late goal as Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne charged into space through the middle, but his shot was pushed behind by Mike Maignan. That had been the below-par Belgians only decent opportunity as France closed out the final few minutes to progress to the last eight, where they will face either Portugal or Slovenia.
England beat Slovakia 2-1 after extra time. 30 Jun 2024
England will play Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals and you can watch it live on the BBC. Gareth Southgate's side edged past Slovakia 2-1 after extra time on Sunday, while Switzerland beat Italy 2-0 on Saturday. The match will be at 17:00 BST on Saturday in Dusseldorf and will be broadcast on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. Spain, Germany, Portugal, France and Belgium are on the other side of the draw, meaning England cannot meet them before the final.
Switzerland are through to the quarter-finals after beating Italy 2-0 and will play the winner of the England-Slovakia match on July 6. 29 Jun 2024
Holders Italy made a limp exit from Euro 2024 as a sparkling display from Switzerland helped them set up a potential quarter-final meeting with England. The Swiss dominated from the start and took a deserved lead when the impressive Ruben Vargas crossed for Remo Freuler, who took a touch before hammering a low shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Vargas, who plays his club football in Germany for Augsburg, made it 2-0 just 27 seconds into the second half when he picked up Michel Aebischer’s pass near the left-hand corner of the Italy area and expertly bent the ball into the far top corner of the net. Italy did not manage a shot on target until the 73rd minute and their best effort before then came when Switzerland defender Fabian Schar headed Nicolo Fagioli’s cross against his own post, with Yann Sommer stranded. Although Gianluca Scamacca also hit the woodwork from close range before the end, the Azzurri never seriously threatened a fightback and their forgettable campaign in Germany simply fizzled out. While they head home, Switzerland, roared on in Berlin by their boisterous and frequently bouncing supporters, head for Dusseldorf where they will play the winners of England’s tie with Slovakia on Saturday, 6 July (17:00 BST).
Can Xhaka's near-perfect season inspire Switzerland? 29 Jun 2024
This season could not have gone much better for Granit Xhaka and now is the perfect opportunity to lead his country to Euro 2024 success. After an unbeaten domestic campaign with Bayer Leverkusen – resulting in a first Bundesliga title in their 120-year history - he has arrived at Euro 2024 with an elevated confidence. The midfielder has made his mark on the tournament picking up man of the match awards in Switzerland’s opening victory over Hungary and their crucial 1-1 draw with Germany. However, despite being Switzerland's all-time appearance record holder, Xhaka's international career has been a divisive one with more downs than ups. With a last-16 tie against Italy to come on Saturday (kicking off at 17:00 BST), expectations are high in Switzerland and they are looking to Xhaka to captain his side to victory and fulfil the potential he has shown only in patches so far. "Success brings confidence. It’s been an important challenge - the one I had to have this season [at Bayer Leverkusen]," said Xhaka at the start of the tournament. "It’s a pleasure to be working there every day as a footballer. It hasn’t been a perfect season because we lost the Europa League final. But now is a new challenge."