The Euro 2020 final will feature two of the continent’s most storied national team programs, Italy and England.
Harry Kane punched in the rebound on a blocked penalty kick just before halftime of extra time to hand England the advantage. The English are into their first European Championship final after winning in their second semifinal appearance.
England held a considerable edge throughout the match, seizing the initiative in the second half and extra time. Raheem Sterling dribbled into the right side of the box and fell to the ground after a challenge from Denmark’s Joakim Maehle.
Debate abounds about whether the penalty should have been given. Nonetheless, what ensued was nerve-racking for fans on either side. Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel saved Kane’s penalty, but Kane easily pounded it into the net on the rebound.
It really might be coming home 😱
KANE SLAMS IT HOME AFTER HIS PENALTY WAS SAVED! pic.twitter.com/msiI9kyMcF
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 7, 2021
Denmark finishes an emotional, improbable run to the semifinal. The Danish were inspired by midfielder Christian Eriksen’s recovery from an on-field collapse in the first group stage game.
Denmark claimed the lead emphatically in the 30th minute. Mikkel Damsgaard scored this free kick, which was the first direct free kick goal of Euro 2020.
DAMSGAARD FOR DENMARK!
HE SCORES THE FIRST FREE KICK GOAL OF EURO 2020 😱 pic.twitter.com/mnB3IcmFKl
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 7, 2021
England is set to meet Italy in Sunday’s final. Italy powered through Belgium and Spain in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Italy will appear in its first final since 2002, and the Italians have not won the European Championship since 1968 despite four semifinal appearances.
Shocking penalty!
Disgusting stuff!!
May the football gods punish them tomorrow!
There is nothing storied about England. They have only won the WC once waaaaaay back in 1966 played in England. And the final against Germany was filled with controversy.
Penalty was soft, but there’s still contact there…and at full speed it certainly looked like a foul. Hard to say Denmark deserved anything out of that one…they offered little after halftime.
England, I swear! Had the unfair advantage of playing at Wembley, then are gifted a penalty that was clearly not one….they’re not beating Italy and didn’t beat a legit team all tournament, so they better enjoy this run while it has lasted!