Portugal’s Heartbreak: Belgium’s Narrow Escape in Seville

 As the defending champions of Europe, Portugal entered the Round of 16 clash against Belgium with a sense of purpose and urgency. Yet, despite their dominance on the pitch, it was Belgium who emerged victorious in a match that saw Portugal come agonizingly close to breaking through. The match in Seville unfolded as a tactical battle, with Portugal dictating the tempo and Belgium relying heavily on their defensive resilience and the brilliance of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. In the end, it was Portugal’s inability to convert their chances and Courtois’ heroic performances that ensured the Belgians advanced, leaving Portugal to reflect on what might have been. 

Portugal’s Early Dominance: A Game of Near Misses

From the outset, Portugal were the more assertive side. Renato Sanches, who had been central to Portugal’s midfield dominance throughout the tournament, was at the heart of their early attacking forays. His drive forward and audacious shot, though ultimately off-target, set the tone for a match where Portugal would control possession and create the lion’s share of chances. 

Diogo Jota, another key figure in Portugal’s attack, had the first real opportunity of the match, but his effort from a difficult angle was wide of the mark. It was a sign of things to come—Portugal, despite their offensive intent, could not find the breakthrough. 

Cristiano Ronaldo, ever the focal point of Portugal’s attack, took a free-kick in the first half that swerved dangerously towards the Belgian goal. Courtois, however, was equal to the task, parrying the ball to safety. As the match progressed, Portugal continued to create chances. Diogo Dalot, having advanced down the right flank, brought the ball down with finesse and attempted a shot, but Courtois remained vigilant, comfortably saving the effort. 

Belgium’s Unlikely Lead: Hazard’s Moment of Magic

Despite being under sustained pressure, Belgium found themselves ahead against the run of play. Thorgan Hazard, often overshadowed by the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, produced a moment of individual brilliance. From a distance, he unleashed a shot that swerved and dipped, leaving Rui Patricio stranded as the ball nestled into the back of the net. It was a goal that encapsulated the unpredictable nature of knockout football—Portugal had dominated possession and created the better chances, but Belgium had taken their opportunity with clinical precision. 

The goal came at a cost, however. Kevin de Bruyne, Belgium’s creative heartbeat, was forced off the pitch after limping off with an injury, leaving a significant gap in the midfield. With de Bruyne absent, Belgium’s tactical approach shifted. They now had to defend their slender lead and rely on counterattacks, with Portugal pushing forward in search of an equalizer. 

Portugal’s Persistence: The Unlucky Side

Portugal, undeterred by the setback, came out stronger in the second half. They pressed higher up the pitch, and their attacking play grew more fluid as they sought to break down Belgium’s defence. Diogo Jota had a decent chance to level the score, but his shot sailed over the bar. Fernando Santos, seeking fresh energy, introduced Joao Felix, and the young forward made an immediate impact with a header that Courtois was forced to save. 

As the match entered its final stages, Portugal’s attacking intensity only increased. A second free-kick for Ronaldo tested Courtois once again, but the Belgian goalkeeper was quick to block the attempt. Portugal’s frustrations mounted, and in the 75th minute, a challenge from Pepe on Thorgan Hazard led to a brief scuffle, with the Portuguese defender receiving a yellow card. 

In the final quarter of the match, Portugal’s chances became even more tantalizing. Ruben Dias’ header, from a well-delivered corner, was expertly saved by Courtois, who was in the right place at the right time. Moments later, Raphael Guerreiro’s volley appeared destined for the top corner, only for the ball to ricochet off the post. 

Courtois’ Heroics: The Belgian Wall

With time running out, Portugal continued to push forward, but Belgium’s defence held firm. In the dying moments, Courtois produced a brave save, getting down low to prevent Andre Silva from capitalizing on a dropping ball in the box. It was a moment of sheer determination, and it encapsulated the Belgian goalkeeper’s role as the backbone of his team’s success. 

Belgium, on the counter, nearly sealed the game with a three-on-two break, but Yannick Carrasco was unable to find Youri Tielemans with the final pass. Nonetheless, Belgium held on to their narrow lead, with Courtois’ performance keeping Portugal at bay. 

A Bitter End for Portugal: A Tale of Missed Opportunities

As the final whistle blew, the Portuguese players were left to reflect on what could have been. They had dominated the match, creating numerous chances and controlling possession, but were undone by their inability to convert those opportunities. In contrast, Belgium, despite being second-best for much of the match, had made the most of their limited chances, and it was their goalkeeper, Courtois, who had been the difference. 

For Portugal, this defeat marked the end of their title defence and, perhaps, the end of an era. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had carried the team on his shoulders for years, may have played his last European Championship match. The defeat was a harsh reminder that in knockout football, moments of brilliance can be the difference between progression and elimination. For Belgium, it was a hard-fought victory, but one that was marred by the injury to de Bruyne and the realization that they had not been at their best. Nonetheless, they had advanced, and in the world of international football, that is often all that matters.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Fall of the Dutch: A Tale of Underestimation and Czech Resilience

Budapest bathed in a sea of orange, was the backdrop for a match that many expected to be a straightforward triumph for the Netherlands. Dutch fans, full of optimism and anticipation, had come to Hungary believing that their team would live up to the expectations of a nation hungry for success. However, what transpired was a stunning upset, as the Czech Republic, with its characteristic resilience and tactical discipline, defied the odds and sent the Netherlands crashing out of Euro 2020 in a high-voltage encounter. 

The Dutch approach was clear from the first whistle: attacking, aggressive, and relentless. They surged forward, creating opportunities early on, with the left flank becoming their primary avenue of attack. Donyell Malen delivered a delicate cross toward the back post, where Denzel Dumfries arrived unmarked, only for the ball to be just out of reach. The tempo was set—high pressing when the Czechs had the ball, quick transitions when they regained possession. The Dutch were intent on overwhelming their opponents with speed and skill, but the Czechs were resolute, standing firm in defence and absorbing the pressure with remarkable composure. 

The Dutch Offensive: A Show of Intent, But No Reward

Memphis Depay, the star of the Dutch attack, showed his usual flair, darting past defenders and attempting to break into the box. Yet, each time he found space, the Czech defence quickly converged, crowding him out. The Netherlands continued to push forward, with Blind’s well-placed crosses and Frankie De Jong’s probing passes, but the final touch eluded them. Matthijs de Ligt had an opportunity to break the deadlock with a header from Blind’s cross, but the ball was directed across the goal rather than toward it. 

Despite the Dutch dominance in possession and attacking play, they were unable to penetrate the Czech defense. The Czechs, though not as quick or fluid in attack as the Dutch, had a tactical discipline that was proving difficult to break. Their defensive structure, with five men staying narrow and compact, neutralized the Dutch threats in the final third. The Czechs’ counterattacks were swift and purposeful, particularly down the right wing, where Vladimir Coufal and Antonín Masopust posed a constant threat. 

The Turning Point: De Ligt’s Red Card and the Czech Advantage 

The match seemed poised for a dramatic conclusion when, in a moment of folly, Matthijs de Ligt committed a deliberate handball to prevent Patrik Schick from advancing toward goal. The referee initially issued a yellow card, but after a VAR review, the decision was upgraded to a red card, leaving the Dutch with a numerical disadvantage. It was a pivotal moment, one that shattered the Dutch hopes and handed the Czechs the initiative. 

With the advantage of an extra man, the Czechs began to dictate the tempo, enjoying more possession and creating opportunities with greater frequency. The Dutch, now reeling from the loss of their central defender, were forced to retreat and absorb the pressure. They attempted to hit the Czechs on the counter, but their attacking play lacked the fluidity and precision needed to make an impact. The Czechs, on the other hand, capitalized on the opportunity, with their composure in possession and clinical finishing proving to be the difference. 

The Czechs Strike: Holes and Schick Deliver the Fatal Blow

It was just after the hour mark when the Czech Republic took the lead. A free-kick from the right was headed back from beyond the far post, and Jakub Holes, with determination and strength, powered his header past the Dutch defenders on the line. Despite their best efforts to block the attempt, the ball found the net, and the Czechs had the advantage. The Dutch, now facing the harsh reality of being a man down, struggled to regain their composure. 

The final blow came in the 80th minute, when Holes, having muscled past Gini Wijnaldum in midfield, surged forward and pulled the ball back for Schick. The striker, ever clinical, slotted the ball home with precision, doubling the Czech lead and effectively ending Dutch hopes of a comeback. In just 13 minutes, the Czechs had delivered two devastating blows, and the Dutch, for all their attacking intent, had nothing to show for their efforts. 

The Dutch Defeat: A Tale of Missed Opportunities and Tactical Shortcomings

As the final whistle blew, the Netherlands were left to reflect on what could have been. Despite having the numerical advantage for much of the match, the Dutch failed to register a single shot on target in a game of such immense importance. The Czech Republic, with their disciplined defence and clinical finishing, had made the most of their opportunities, while the Dutch had squandered theirs. 

This defeat was a stark reminder of the importance of patience, tactical discipline, and the ability to capitalize on key moments. The Netherlands, for all their attacking prowess, had underestimated the Czech Republic’s resilience and ability to withstand pressure. In the end, the Czechs could remain composed and execute their game plan that saw them emerge victorious. For the Dutch, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but it underscored the harsh realities of knockout football: in the end, it is not always the most talented team that wins, but the one that is most resolute when it matters most.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Italy vs. Austria: A Tale of Survival and Resilience

 

In the annals of European football, encounters between Italy and Austria are steeped in a rivalry rich with history, tension, and moments of drama. The two nations share a complex and often fraught relationship, with echoes of Habsburg imperial power lingering in the background. This rivalry, though, is not just defined by historical context but by the footballing battles that have unfolded on the pitch—each match a testament to the toughness and tenacity of both teams.

When Italy met Austria in their opening match of the 1990 World Cup in Rome, it was a contest that nearly derailed the Azzurri’s dream of glory. Italy, brimming with talent and expectation, found themselves stifled by Austria's defensive solidity. The Austrians, masters of containment, almost pulled off a major upset, threatening to halt Italy’s campaign before it had even begun. But it was in that moment of crisis that Italy’s true mettle was revealed, as a substitution made by coach Azeglio Vicini turned the tide in Italy’s favor. Totò Schillaci, introduced in place of the underwhelming Carnevalli, became the hero of the match, scoring the decisive goal from a perfectly delivered cross by Gianluca Vialli. Schillaci’s goal would go down in history, not just as a match-winner but as the beginning of his own legendary journey in Italia '90.

Euro 2020: A Familiar Story, A New Hero

More than three decades later, at Wembley in the Round of 16 of Euro 2020, Italy found themselves facing Austria once again. The scenario was eerily familiar—an encounter that threatened to become a nightmare for the Azzurri, with the match still goalless as the clock ticked into the final minutes of normal time. But this time, Italy had a new hero. Federico Chiesa, introduced as a substitute with just six minutes left in regulation, would follow in Schillaci’s footsteps, breaking the deadlock in extra time with a moment of brilliance that would seal Italy’s passage to the quarterfinals.

Austria: A Tough Opponent

Austria’s resilience in both encounters cannot be overstated. In both the 1990 World Cup and Euro 2020, they displayed a defensive discipline that frustrated the more glamorous Azzurri, forcing Italy to dig deep for a solution. In 1990, Austria’s compact, disciplined defending and aggressive midfield pressing had Italy on the back foot, as they sought to break down a side that was determined to stifle their creativity. Likewise, in Euro 2020, Austria showed that they were not just there to make up the numbers. Xaver Schlager was a constant, bruising presence in midfield, and the Austrian backline, though under pressure, held firm for long stretches. 

Italy, under Roberto Mancini, had adopted a fluid 4-3-3 system, relying on the marauding runs of their full-backs and the pressing intensity of their midfield. But against Austria, they were often forced to play without the mystery that usually defines their attacking play. Early on, Leonardo Spinazzola was a constant threat on the left, but his efforts were largely neutralized by Austria’s defensive organization. Despite 11 first-half attempts at goal, Italy struggled to find the breakthrough, as Austria's deep-lying defense stifled their creativity. 

The Moment of Truth: Chiesa’s Brilliance

As the second half unfolded, Austria began to grow in confidence, forcing Italy into mistakes and creating their own chances. The match was on a knife’s edge when, on 64 minutes, Austria thought they had taken the lead through a superb header by Marko Arnautovic. However, VAR intervened, ruling the goal offside, and Italy breathed a collective sigh of relief. 

The game wore on, with Austria increasingly asserting themselves. Marcel Sabitzer was at the heart of their attacking play, linking up with his teammates and pushing Italy to the limit. As the 90th minute approached, Italy appeared to be on the brink of a heartbreak, with Austria threatening to send them packing. But Mancini, composed yet tense on the touchline, kept his faith in his squad, urging them to push forward. 

In the 94th minute, Italy found their saviour in Chiesa. Picking up the ball on the right flank, he turned sharply, controlled a high ball with his head and shoulder, and then, with an audacity that belied the pressure of the moment, unleashed a stunning shot that rocketed past Austrian goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann and into the far corner of the net. It was a goal of pure class, one that calmed the nerves of the Italian players and sent a wave of relief through their ranks. 

Pessina’s Seal and Austria’s Late Response

With Austria reeling from Chiesa’s strike, Italy doubled their lead just ten minutes later. Matteo Pessina, ever the opportunist, latched onto a loose ball after a corner and calmly clipped a shot into the bottom corner, sealing Italy’s progression. Yet, just as it seemed the game was over, Austria pulled one back through Sasa Kalajdzic, scoring their first goal against Italy since 2020. It was a brief flicker of hope for Austria, but the Azzurri held firm, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory. 

A New Record and a Legacy in the Making

The victory over Austria was not just a passage to the next round—it was also a historical milestone for Italy. By extending their unbeaten run to 31 matches, Italy broke a record that had stood for 82 years, surpassing the legendary team of 1939, which had gone four years without defeat under coach Vittorio Pozzo. That team had won two consecutive World Cups and the Olympic gold in 1936. 

Under Mancini, Italy have embraced a new era of football, blending youthful exuberance with tactical discipline. Since taking charge in 2018, Mancini has overseen just two defeats, with the last loss coming in a Nations League match against Portugal in 2018. The Azzurri are now on the cusp of something truly special, with their unbeaten streak becoming a symbol of their resilience, unity, and tactical prowess. 

Conclusion: A Rivalry Reaffirmed

The encounters between Italy and Austria, whether in 1990 or 2020, are a microcosm of football’s eternal drama. They remind us that no victory is ever guaranteed, that even the most dominant teams must fight for every inch. For Italy, the battle against Austria was not just a test of skill but of character. They survived, they thrived, and they moved one step closer to glory. In the end, it was not just the goals of Schillaci or Chiesa that defined the match, but the unwavering spirit of a team that refuses to be beaten.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Denmark's Resilience: A Victory Born of Tragedy and Triumph

In the grand theatre of international football, there are moments when the spirit of the game transcends the confines of competition. Denmark’s journey through Euro 2020, particularly in their Round of 16 clash against Wales, was one such moment. The tragic collapse of Christian Eriksen during Denmark’s opening match had cast a long shadow over their campaign. It was a tragedy that no team should ever have to endure, yet Denmark’s response to it revealed the strength and unity of a squad determined to honor their fallen teammate. While their loss to Belgium had been understandable, given the emotional toll, Denmark's resolve remained unshaken. Their victory against Russia had revived their hopes, and now, against Wales, they would show the world that they were not just a team of talented footballers, but a team of immense heart and character.

A Touch of Humanity: The Gesture Before the Battle

The match at the Johan Cruyff Arena began with a poignant moment that encapsulated the true essence of football—its power to unite and heal. Before the first whistle blew, Wales captain Gareth Bale presented Denmark’s skipper, Simon Kjær, with a framed Wales shirt bearing the name “Eriksen 10” on the back. This simple yet profound gesture spoke volumes about the bond that football creates, one that transcends nationality and rivalry. In that moment, the competitive nature of the game took a backseat to the shared humanity that binds all who love the sport.

The Early Struggles and the Turning Point

As the match unfolded, Denmark quickly found their rhythm. Thomas Delaney’s early cross was blocked, but the Danish side’s intent was clear—they were not here just to play, but to prove something. Wales, however, responded with their own attacking flair. Bale, ever the threat, beat the Danish defenders down the right wing, sending in a dangerous cross that was cleared. The momentum shifted back and forth, with Bale’s shot drifting wide after a clever decoy run by Dan James, and Aaron Ramsey’s deflected effort forcing a save from Kasper Schmeichel.

For a moment, it seemed that Wales had the upper hand, but Denmark, ever resilient, would soon change the course of the game.

Kasper Dolberg: The Hero Emerges

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute, when Kasper Dolberg, a player whose quiet confidence had been evident throughout the tournament, found the back of the net with a strike of pure class. The goal, born from a fluid left-wing move involving Mikkel Damsgaard and Joakim Maehle, saw Dolberg curl a low shot from 25 yards out, bypassing two Welsh defenders and nestling into the bottom right corner. It was a strike of rare precision, one that left goalkeeper Danny Ward with no chance. 

The VAR check that followed threatened to dampen the moment, but the goal stood, and with it, Denmark’s belief grew stronger. The psychological effect on Wales was palpable. From that point on, the Welsh defense seemed to unravel, and Denmark began to assert their dominance.

The Second Blow: Dolberg Strikes Again

The second half brought more of the same, as Denmark continued to exploit Wales’ defensive vulnerabilities. A foul on Kieffer Moore by Dolberg went unpunished, and Martin Braithwaite, ever the opportunist, surged down the right wing before delivering a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area. Neco Williams, under pressure, misjudged his clearance, and the ball fell to Dolberg, who made no mistake in slotting it home for his second goal of the match. 

Wales, disheartened by the sequence of events, found themselves adrift, their once-cohesive game plan now in tatters. The complaints from the Welsh players about the earlier foul on Moore were of little consequence as the goal stood, and Denmark's grip on the match tightened further.

Maehle’s Masterstroke and Braithwaite’s Controversial Strike 

Denmark’s third goal, scored in the 90th minute by Maehle, was a testament to their ruthless efficiency. Picking up the ball on the right, Maehle cut inside with a deftness that left Joe Rodon flailing, before dispatching a powerful shot into the roof of the net. It was a goal that spoke to Denmark’s quality, but also to their desire to put the game beyond doubt. 

Yet, as the final whistle neared, there was one last twist. Braithwaite, having slotted home a low shot into the bottom corner, wheeled away in celebration, only for the offside flag to go up. A lengthy VAR review followed, and the goal was eventually awarded, with Chris Mepham playing Braithwaite onside. It was a fitting conclusion to a match in which Denmark had asserted their superiority, and the Welsh dreams were dashed in the process.

The Triumph of the Human Spirit

As the final whistle blew, Denmark had not only secured a 4-0 victory but had also earned a place in the quarterfinals of Euro 2020. The Danish players celebrated in front of their ecstatic fans, who had supported them through the darkest of times. For Denmark, this was not just a football match—it was a triumph of the human spirit. The victory was more than just a result on the scoreboard; it was a testament to their resilience, their unity, and their unwavering determination to honour Christian Eriksen’s memory by playing the game with passion and heart.

In the wake of tragedy, Denmark had risen, and in doing so, had reminded the world of the power of football to heal, to unite, and to inspire. After the storm, the sunshine.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Forgotten Masterpiece: Maradona’s Sublime Goal Against Belgium

Diego Maradona’s brilliance in the 1986 FIFA World Cup is often encapsulated by his otherworldly goal against England in the quarterfinals. The "Goal of the Century," as it came to be known, stands as a symbol of footballing genius. Yet, in the cacophony of accolades for that goal, his second against Belgium in the semifinals remains criminally underappreciated—a dazzling, almost ethereal display of skill that deserves equal reverence. 

The Context: Redemption and Opportunity 

Four years prior, at Camp Nou, Belgium had stunned Argentina in the opening match of the 1982 World Cup. Maradona, then a rising star, found himself ensnared in a forest of Belgian defenders, unable to weave his magic. Fast forward to 1986, and the stakes were far higher: a semifinal at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico, with over 115,000 spectators bearing witness. 

Belgium had earned their place with grit and flair, toppling the Soviet Union and Spain, two of the tournament’s strongest teams. Argentina, led by Maradona, had grown stronger with each match. By the time they faced Belgium, Maradona was not merely a player—he was a force of nature, bending matches to his will. 

The First Goal: A Glimpse of Genius 

Six minutes into the second half, Jorge Burruchaga delivered a pass of almost clairvoyant precision, and Maradona responded with a left-footed clip over the advancing Jean-Marie Pfaff. It was a goal of elegant simplicity, the kind that elevates football into art. Yet, it was merely a prelude to the transcendent magic to come. 

The Second Goal: Bending Space and Time 

If the goal against England showcased Maradona’s ability to exploit space, the second against Belgium was a masterpiece of ingenuity in a confined canvas. It began innocuously, with José Luis Cuciuffo controlling the ball and seeking Maradona. Positioned with his back to the goal, Maradona’s touch with his right foot—a rarity in itself—set the tone for what followed. 

Within seconds, he had shifted to his left, and the Belgian defence, a cohesive unit until then, began to unravel. Stéphane Demol and George Grun, uncertain and hesitant, stepped forward but lacked conviction. Maradona’s movements, like a master choreographer’s, orchestrated their disarray. 

As Maradona drifted right, Patrick Vervoort stood before him—a sentinel guarding a fortress. But with two touches, Maradona dissolved that resistance, pivoting to create a gap that moments earlier had seemed impossible. The defenders, now spectators in their own tragedy, could only watch as Maradona danced past them with balletic grace. 

Eric Gerets, the captain, faced the ultimate indignity. Twisted and turned until he lost his orientation, he lunged in desperation. By then, it was too late. Maradona had already engineered his escape, sprinting towards Pfaff. 

The final act was clinical. With a ferocity that mirrored his determination, Maradona struck the ball past Pfaff into the net. Seven touches, six seconds, and one goal that epitomized the beauty of the game. 

The Legacy: A Tale of Two Goals 

In Jonathan Wilson’s *Angels with Dirty Faces*, the goal is described as one of "dazzling brilliance," while Maradona himself humbly credited his teammates in *El Diego*. Yet the goal’s relative obscurity in public memory reflects how narratives are shaped by context. Against England, Maradona had scored for a nation seeking vindication after the Falklands War. Against Belgium, he scored for football itself. 

While the "Goal of the Century" carries undeniable emotional weight, the Belgian goal is arguably more intricate—a symphony of touches and feints in a claustrophobic space. It is the unsung aria in Maradona’s magnum opus. 

Conclusion: A Timeless Duel 

Maradona’s second goal against Belgium may forever live in the shadow of his quarterfinal wonder, but to dismiss it as secondary is to overlook one of the most sublime moments in football history. It was art and science intertwined, a display of audacity, skill, and sheer brilliance. 

As time marches on, football fans must ensure that this masterpiece is not merely remembered but celebrated alongside its more famous counterpart. Both goals stand as testaments to a player who transcended his era and redefined the game.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar