Football EC: Second semi-final: England beats Netherlands to advance to final against Spain

After the goal in the 90th minute, England beat the Netherlands 2:1 and will face Spain in the final. In the first half, Xavi Simons helped the Netherlands lead 1:0 after 7 minutes. British superstar Harry Kane equalized the score with a penalty kick. After the halftime break, the scene on the field was obviously not so exciting. When both teams and the audience were ready for extra time, Watkins scored the decisive goal.

Netherlands-England 1:2

1:0 Xavi Simmons (7′), 1:1 Kane (18′, penalty), 1:2 Watkins (90′)

As neither team had shown their best football before the semi-final, the match started with great enthusiasm. After a heated first few minutes, Xavi Simmons made it 1:0 after nearly 7 minutes. Pickford was unable to parry his powerful shot from long range after receiving the ball from Rice. But it didn’t take long for England to equalize. After 15 minutes, Kane’s shot went over the bar but was fouled by Dumfries. After the VAR report, the referee pointed to the spot. Kane scored the penalty.

Soon after, Foden could have completely turned the game around but Dumfries cleared the ball. The ball went back and forth and Dumfries just hit the crossbar at the other end. A few minutes later, Foden’s shot also went over the crossbar. It was a very exciting game and Depay was injured in the 35th minute. Wellman came on the scene for him. There were several smaller chances before the two sides were tied at 1:1.

After the halftime break, the Three Lions let the ball roll in their own team, while the Netherlands looked for counterattacks more. The tempo was slower, so both sides had fewer chances than in the first half. In the 65th minute, the Netherlands got the first dangerous chance. But Van Dijk insisted on picking Pickford.

Ronald Koeman’s team once again played well in the match, appearing slightly overweight on the field. After Gakpo’s cross, Xavi Simons hit the ball wrong. On the other side, after England’s first beautiful move, the ball went into the net. Saka’s goal was not counted due to offside. In the last 10 minutes, both teams wanted to minimize the risks and neither showed much aggression. Watkins made the score 2:1 with the last shot of the game, bringing England to the final.