The Euro Cup 2024 has been thrilling so far. Fans all over the world are excited. As the tournament moves towards the quarter-finals, let’s take a look at the highlights from the pre-quarterfinal stage. This stage has given us some of the best moments of the competition so far.
Matchday 1: France vs. Switzerland
On June 26, 2024, France played against Switzerland. The game was held at the Allianz Arena in Munich. France, the defending champions, were the favorites. The match started off with high energy from both teams.
France took the lead early with a goal from Kylian Mbappé in the 12th minute. He received a perfect pass from Antoine Griezmann and finished with a powerful shot. Switzerland tried to respond quickly but faced strong defense from France.
In the second half, Switzerland got their equalizer. Breel Embolo scored a stunning goal in the 55th minute. This changed the dynamics of the game. The match became intense with both teams pushing for a win.
In the 78th minute, France scored again. This time it was Karim Benzema who found the net. Switzerland tried to make a comeback, but the French defense was solid. The game ended 2-1 in favor of France. This win secured their spot in the quarter-finals.
Matchday 2: Spain vs. Croatia
On June 27, 2024, Spain faced Croatia. The match took place at Wembley Stadium in London. Spain showed their dominance early in the game.
The first goal came in the 22nd minute from Ferran Torres. He made a brilliant solo run and finished with a calm strike. Croatia tried to find their rhythm but struggled against Spain’s possession play.
In the second half, Croatia managed to equalize. Luka Modrić scored a fantastic goal from outside the box in the 60th minute. This brought the game to life. Both teams started to attack more aggressively.
Spain regained the lead in the 75th minute. Álvaro Morata scored with a header from a corner kick. The match ended 2-1 for Spain. They moved on to the quarter-finals with this victory.
Matchday 3: Germany vs. Denmark
On June 28, 2024, Germany played Denmark at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This match was highly anticipated. Germany had a strong start.
In the 18th minute, Kai Havertz scored the first goal for Germany. He capitalized on a defensive error by Denmark. The game continued with high intensity.
Denmark equalized in the 43rd minute. Yussuf Poulsen scored with a brilliant volley. This set up a thrilling second half. Both teams played aggressively, looking for a win.
Germany took the lead again in the 68th minute. Serge Gnabry scored with a well-placed shot. Denmark pushed hard to equalize but could not break Germany’s defense. The game ended 2-1 in favor of Germany. They advanced to the quarter-finals.
Matchday 4: Italy vs. Netherlands
On June 29, 2024, Italy faced the Netherlands at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. This was one of the most exciting matches of the pre-quarterfinals.
Italy started strong. Federico Chiesa scored the first goal in the 25th minute. He dribbled past two defenders and finished with a powerful shot. The Netherlands tried to respond but Italy’s defense was solid.
In the second half, the Netherlands equalized. Memphis Depay scored a penalty in the 57th minute. This made the game more intense.
Italy regained the lead in the 70th minute. Nicolo Barella scored with a header from a free-kick. The Netherlands pushed hard to equalize but failed to break Italy’s defense. The match ended 2-1 for Italy. They moved on to the quarter-finals.
Matchday 5: England vs. Portugal
On June 30, 2024, England played Portugal at the Old Trafford in Manchester. This was another exciting match. Both teams have strong histories in the Euro Cup.
England took the lead early. Harry Kane scored in the 15th minute with a powerful header. Portugal tried to find their rhythm but struggled against England’s defense.
In the second half, Portugal equalized. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty in the 55th minute. This brought the game to life. Both teams started to attack more aggressively.
England regained the lead in the 78th minute. Raheem Sterling scored with a well-placed shot. Portugal pushed hard to equalize but could not break England’s defense. The game ended 2-1 in favor of England. They advanced to the quarter-finals.
Matchday 6: Belgium vs. Austria
On June 30, 2024, Belgium faced Austria at the Allianz Arena in Munich. This match was crucial for both teams.
Belgium started strong. Romelu Lukaku scored the first goal in the 20th minute. He finished a brilliant pass from Kevin De Bruyne. Austria tried to respond quickly but faced strong defense from Belgium.
In the second half, Austria equalized. Marko Arnautović scored in the 65th minute with a powerful shot. This changed the dynamics of the game. Both teams started to attack more aggressively.
Belgium regained the lead in the 80th minute. Eden Hazard scored with a stunning shot. Austria pushed hard to equalize but failed. The game ended 2-1 in favor of Belgium. They advanced to the quarter-finals.
Matchday 7: Sweden vs. Ukraine
On June 30, 2024, Sweden played Ukraine at the Friends Arena in Stockholm. This match was highly competitive.
Sweden took the lead early. Emil Forsberg scored in the 12th minute with a brilliant free-kick. Ukraine tried to find their rhythm but struggled against Sweden’s defense.
In the second half, Ukraine equalized. Andriy Yarmolenko scored in the 58th minute with a stunning shot. This made the game more intense.
Sweden regained the lead in the 75th minute. Alexander Isak scored with a well-placed shot. Ukraine pushed hard to equalize but failed. The game ended 2-1 for Sweden. They moved on to the quarter-finals.
Matchday 8: Turkey vs. Czech Republic
On June 30, 2024, Turkey faced the Czech Republic at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. This was the final match of the pre-quarterfinals.
Turkey started strong. Burak Yılmaz scored the first goal in the 18th minute. He finished a brilliant pass from Hakan Çalhanoğlu. The Czech Republic tried to respond quickly but faced strong defense from Turkey.
In the second half, the Czech Republic equalized. Patrik Schick scored in the 62nd minute with a powerful shot. This changed the dynamics of the game. Both teams started to attack more aggressively.
Turkey regained the lead in the 82nd minute. Cengiz Ünder scored with a stunning shot. The Czech Republic pushed hard to equalize but failed. The game ended 2-1 in favor of Turkey. They advanced to the quarter-finals.
Conclusion
The pre-quarterfinals of the Euro Cup 2024 were filled with excitement and intense competition. Each match was closely contested and provided great entertainment for the fans. As we move into the quarter-finals, the excitement continues to build. Fans are eagerly waiting to see which team will emerge as the champion of Euro Cup 2024.
