Italy is back. The masters of the dark arts who won the 2006 World Cup with defense, grit and hand waving missed the 2018 World Cup, sparking a rethink of the national team. Now Roberto Mancini has Italy two wins away from another major title, with the Azzurri combining a ruthlessly efficient attacking style with Italy’s timeless defense and shithousery.
España tuvo que ir a los penales para deshacerse de Suiza y avanzar a las semifinales de la Euro 2020. Y para suerte de los hispanos, en la portería estuvo Unai Simón y no su arquero habitual, David de Gea.
Italy keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was busier than he had been in four prior matches in the first half of his team’s Euro 2020 quarterfinal, but it was a Nicolò Barella goal vs Belgium that gave Italy the lead in the first half. The Barella goal was so great it cured Ciro Immobile’s leg, the striker miraculously getting up unharmed after having been seemingly shot in the leg moments earlier.
Switzerland ran out of gas in a shootout defeat to Spain in the Euro 2020 quarterfinals on Friday. The Swiss had two tame penalties saved and a third blasted into the stands as Spain won the shootout 3-1 after a 1-1 draw in regulation. But take nothing away from the performance of goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who valiantly gave Switzerland a chance with nine saves.
Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has announced his retirement from international football after his team's exit from the European Championship, the 31-year-old said on Instagram.
Kroos' announcement came three days after Germany were beaten 2-0 by England in the last 16 of Euro 2020 at Wembley.
This could be the most underrated quarterfinal game of Euro 2020. Denmark and the Czech Republic have surpassed all expectations and have nothing to lose. The Danes have outscored their opponents 8-0 in the past two games and are a runaway train that no one can stop. Meanwhile, the Czechs have become the dark horse of the tournament and have no intentions of bowing out anytime soon. Read on for our Denmark vs Czech Republic prediction, preview and guide.
After defeating Germany in the Round of 16, England appears to have a clear shot to the Euro 2020 Final. Nothing is for certain just yet. The Three Lions will have to play their first game away from Wembley Stadium when they face Ukraine in the quarterfinals. Can Ukraine pull off the ultimate upset? Read on for our England vs Ukraine prediction, preview and guide.
Spain and Switzerland advanced from two of the most exciting matches we’ve seen in years on Monday. Now both have to refocus on the quarterfinal with just three days of rest. The18’s Spain vs Switzerland prediction, preview and how-to-watch guide will have you ready to find out if the Swiss can pull off another memorable upset, or if Spain continues to grow into this tournament.
For all of our Euro 2020 quarterfinal predictions, click here.
The Euro 2020 quarterfinal between Belgium and Italy on Friday is full of intrigue. Romelu Lukaku goes up against friends and foes from Serie A. The Italian defense is once again looking like an Italian defense, with Gianluigi Donnarumma taking the torch from Gianluigi Buffon. Thorgan Hazard has stepped out of the shadow of his older brother Eden. Italians are pushing for Jorginho to win the Ballon d’Or. And, of course, we have a coaching rematch from the 2013 FA Cup Final. All of these facets will weigh heavily on our Belgium vs Italy prediction and preview.
RIO DE JANEIRO — A Rio de Janeiro judge has given the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) 48 hours to explain why none of their players at the Copa America are wearing the No. 24 shirt, with the number often associated with homosexuals in the country.
Reigning champions Brazil have registered a full squad of players for the Copa America but unlike the other nine teams none were given the No. 24 shirt, according to the plaintiffs in the case, the LGBT rights group Rainbow Citizens.