England+avoid+Euro+2024+upset+as+Spain+advance+to+quarter-finals
England Avoid Euro 2024 Upset, Spain Progress to Quarterfinals England breathed a collective sigh of relief as they narrowly avoided an embarrassing Euro 2024 group stage exit, while defending champions Spain marched into the quarterfinals with a dominant display. In a pulsating clash at Wembley Stadium, England faced a determined Scotland side eager to spoil their tournament party. Scotland took an early lead through an exquisite free-kick from Kieran Tierney, sending shockwaves through the home crowd. However, the Three Lions responded with typical resilience. Marcus Rashford equalized with a stunning strike from outside the box, before captain Harry Kane converted a second-half penalty to put England in front. Scotland fought valiantly but were unable to find an equalizer, as England held on for a crucial 2-1 victory. Meanwhile, at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain put on a masterclass in possession football against a stubborn Republic of Ireland. Ferran Torres opened the scoring with a clinical finish, before Pablo Sarabia doubled the lead with a thunderous long-range effort. The Irish, led by the inspirational Shane Duffy, showed great spirit and determination but were ultimately outmatched by the quality of the Spanish attacking trio of Torres, Sarabia, and Álvaro Morata, who sealed the victory with a late tap-in. The win saw Spain comfortably qualify for the quarterfinals, where they will face the runners-up from Group D. England, meanwhile, finished second in their group and will play the winners of Group C in the last eight. Despite a shaky start, England’s victory has reignited belief in Gareth Southgate’s team. The defense, once a source of concern, showed signs of improvement, while the attacking players contributed with vital goals. Spain, on the other hand, look to be in imperious form and will be among the favorites to lift the trophy for a third consecutive time. Their ability to control the tempo of the game and create chances at will will pose a serious threat to any team they face.England Avoids Embarrassing Euro 2024 Exit, Defeats Slovakia in Extra TimeEngland Avoids Embarrassing Euro 2024 Exit, Defeats Slovakia in Extra Time In a thrilling last-16 match at Euro 2024, England came back from a goal down to beat Slovakia 2-1 in extra time. Jude Bellingham’s acrobatic goal in injury time turned the tide for Gareth Southgate’s side, setting up Harry Kane’s winning goal early in extra time. Slovakia Takes Early Lead Slovakia stunned England in the 25th minute when Ivan Schranz put them ahead. The English team struggled to break down the Slovakian defense, and their equalizer by Phil Foden was ruled offside. Bellingham’s Inspiration As the clock ticked down, England needed inspiration. It came from Jude Bellingham, who turned in a throw-in to tie the match just five minutes into stoppage time. Kane Seals Victory Slovakia’s resistance broke in extra time as England gained momentum. Substitute Ivan Toney flicked on a misfired shot, allowing Kane to score and secure the victory in the first minute of extra time. Quarterfinal Matchup England will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Düsseldorf. Kane praised his team’s determination and Bellingham’s game-changing goal. Spain’s Tense Victory over Georgia In Cologne, Spain also faced a scare against upstart Georgia. Georgia took an early lead when Robin Le Normand scored an own goal. However, Spain’s class eventually showed as Rodri Hernández equalized before the break and Fabián Ruiz put them ahead. Olmo and Williams Add to Spain’s Tally Nico Williams and Dani Olmo added to Spain’s lead in the second half, securing a 4-1 victory. The result was misleading, as Spain missed several chances to extend their margin. Upcoming Fixture Spain will travel to Stuttgart to face host nation Germany on Friday in a repeat of the Euro 2008 final. Luis de la Fuente’s team will be eager to avenge their defeat to Georgia, while Germany will be looking to keep their title hopes alive.England avoided an upset at Euro 2024 as they defeated North Macedonia 2-0 in their final Group D match, while Spain advanced to the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Portugal. England needed a win to secure their place in the last 16, and they got off to a perfect start when Harry Kane opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Raheem Sterling doubled the lead in the 55th minute, and England held on for the win despite North Macedonia’s best efforts. Spain’s victory over Portugal was less comfortable, but it was enough to send them through to the quarter-finals. Alvaro Morata scored the only goal of the game in the 88th minute, and Spain held on to claim top spot in Group B. Portugal, who had already qualified for the knockout stages, finished second in the group and will face Croatia in the last 16. England will face Germany in the other quarter-final tie. The quarter-finals will be played on Friday and Saturday, and the semi-finals will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday. The final will be played on Sunday, July 14.