Euro 2024: Another Peel Escaped
It's almost a year anniversary since Bukayo Saka missed that famous last penalty in the shootout of the final of Euro 2020 game against Italy after the game ended 1-1 in 120 minutes.
My heart was in my mouth all through the penalty shootout against Switzerland tonight, especially when it was the turn of Saka to take his kick. The heavy breathing in and out just before his kick was evident and kudos to him for manning up to take that kick.
It took the goal from Switzerland for England to wake up to the challenge and what a way for Saka to score his first goal of the tournament. Just like Bellingham turned up in the last game, Saka is another player for the big occasions and tonight showed it again.
Credit should undoubtedly go to Gareth Southgate for those changes he made today, especially the first three just a couple of minutes before their equalizer and the changes to prepare for the shootout. I was initially shocked when I saw Bellingham's number up, but it turned out to be an error as Ezri Konsa was the man subbed off.
I think the biggest test is yet to come for England as they have not been convincing in all of their games and should they be facing Netherlands in the semifinal, they would need to better the five performances we have seen so far.
Even though I wanted England to win, I was sad that Manuel Akanji was the one who missed the kick that lost the game for Switzerland. It's a heavy one to swallow when you miss such.
I remember missing a close range effort in a competition we played from my office recently. Although I did all needed to turn the ball into the back of the net, for hours and I think days, I kept seeing the miss my head. Several "ifs" played in my head. Should I have used my left foot instead of adjusting to use my right? Should I have used my outstep? So, I can imagine what he's going through.
I don't think Yan Sommer was going to save any of those kicks. His body language and diving were not convincing. Pickford did well to follow the Akanji kick because although it was not the best of kicks, he stood a chance only because he followed it.
I know my friend @the-gorilla may rip into Southgate and his boys after this win and still call it luck, I'd say, he doesn't need to play well to win the tournament. France have not scored a single goal from open play in this tournament, yet they're in the semifinal.
I hope England can go all the way.
It was very similar to watching France - just try not to lose.
It was better tonight. We pressed higher but came up against a very stubborn and organised team.
I wonder if Southgate will be brave enough to drop Kane…
Lol... I guess he isn't brave enough as you might want; however, I think he's been brave enough, like taking him off even when the game last night was heading into extra time. That's bravery too.