20, June 2021
Euro 2020: France and Spain draw with Hungary and Poland 0
In Group F clash in Budapest, France came back from a goal down to salvage a point against Hungary.
Didier Deschamps’ men fell behind on the verge of halftime, when Attila Fiola charged forward from the left and beat 3 defenders before sending himself and the home stands into a frenzy.
However, the 2018 World Cup champions found the equalizer in the 66th minute, when Kylian Mbappe’s cut back found its way to Antoine Griezmann after a poor clearance by the defender, and the Barcelona striker made no mistake to smash the ball into the back of the net. The draw puts France on 4 points heading into matchday 3, while Hungary pick up their first point so far.
Meanwhile in Group E, Spain were held to another home draw, after Robert Lewandowski scored his first goal of the tournament to rescue a point for Poland, and keep their hopes up for reaching the knockout-stage.
Alvaro Morata put La Roja in front with a precise shot from close range in the 25th minute. The goal had initially been ruled out for offside, but it was given after a VAR review.
However, the Poles who knew that a defeat would mean an early exit, moved into rhythm after the break, and finally found the equalizer, thanks to a masterful header by Lewandowski before the hour mark. After 2 disappointing draws so far, the Spaniards are 3rd behind Sweden and Slovakia, while Poland are at the Bottom.
Source: Presstv
23, June 2021
Croatia secures spot alongside England, Czech Republic in Euro 2020 round of 16 0
Croatia advanced to the knockout phase of the European Championship after its win over Scotland on Tuesday. England and the Czech Republic, also in Group D, had already secured spots in the round of 16 before their game.
It was a big day for the Croatian football team.
Luka Modric curled home a magnificent finish as Croatia shrugged off a slow start to Euro 2020 to beat Scotland 3-1 on Tuesday and reach the last 16 in style, while leaving their opponents again on the tournament scrap-heap.
Nikola Vlasic and Ivan Perisic were also on target for Croatia in a victory that lifted Zlatko Dalic’s side, so leggy and unconvincing in their first two games, up to second in Group D on four points.
Modric’s form had been called into question at the tournament, but the 35-year-old shaped a delightful finish into the corner of the net with the outside of his foot in the second half to make it 2-1, sending his side on to a thoroughly deserved victory.
He fell to his knees at the whistle for about a minute before rising to his feet and pumping his fists in celebration.
Deprived of Billy Gilmour, who failed a COVID-19 test in the buildup, Scotland seemed lacking in midfield and Croatia bossed the ball, dominating possession for large periods before deservedly taking the lead after 17 minutes as Vlasic scored his sixth goal for his country.
Croatia next face the runner-up of Group E – where Sweden, Slovakia, Spain and Poland are all still jockeying for position – in Copenhagen on June 28.
England wins 1-0 over Czech Republic
Meanwhile, England clinched first place in Group D with a 1-0 win against the Czech Republic after Jack Grealish drove down the left and chipped the ball towards the back post in the 12th minute for Raheem Sterling to head in.
The Manchester City midfielder scored England’s only other goal at the tournament in the opening win over Croatia.Both England and the Czech Republic had already advanced to the round of 16 before the match.
France and Sweden have already qualified for the round of 16.
(FRANCE 24 with AP, REUTERS, AFP)