Day Nine of The UEFA European Under-21 Championship took place on Saturday. The Czech Republic took on the already eliminated Denmark, while Italy faced Germany in Krakow. This was a three-horse race, but only two teams would qualify.
UEFA European Under-21 Championship Day Nine Review
The Results
Italy 1 – 0 Germany
Czech Republic 2 – 4 Denmark
Germany slips up: Was it an accident?
In a game worthy of a final, both Germany and Italy faced off in Krakow. The Italians came out on top, winning by a single Federico Bernardeschi goal. This means Germany fell to second in group C. They will meet England in the semi-finals, in a battle between two great foes. Now, England will prove a test for Stefan Kuntz’ side, but things could have been worse. If they beat Italy, as expected, Spain was their semi-final foe, not England.
Saturday’s result changed the outlook of the tournament, with Germany slipping up being the key factor. Spain and Germany look set to meet in the final, with their paths looking easier than before.
Semi-Final matchups set
England vs Germany – Tychy – June 27th – 5 PM
Spain vs Italy – Krakow – June 27th – 8 PM
Both semi-finals will be played on June 27th. England will play Germany in Tychy, in the tournament’s first semi-final. Spain faces Italy in Krakow, where the winner will play either Germany or England on June 30th in Krakow.
Player of the day – Kenneth Zohore
Scoring twice against the Czech Republic, Zohore was the difference. Standing on just one point before play, his goals lifted Denmark from bottom to third. The Czechs will be bitterly disappointed with their efforts. From having the opportunity to finish top of Group C, Vítězslav Lavička’s team ended as the group’s bottom dwellers. Zohore on the other hand can be proud of his tournament. The Cardiff City striker was a substitute in games one and two, as Saturday’s game was his first start. Perhaps the target man should have been starting from day one.
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