Euro 96 Revisited – Quarter Final round-up
I have already written about the first Quarter Final, which was between England and Spain but have yet to write about the three remaining ties.
England will play Germany in their semi-final after the Germans beat Croatia 2-1 in an entertaining game at Old Trafford.
Jurgen Klinsmann opened the scoring for the Germans, scoring a penalty after 20 minutes.
Davor Suker levelled the score six minutes after the restart, showing class and composure to score a well-taken goal.
Stefan Reuter was disposessed by Nikola Jurcevic about 30 yard from goal, Suker picked up the loose ball and German goalkeeper Andreas Kopke raced off his line to get to the ball. Suker rolled the ball wide of Kopke using the sole of his foot before hitting the ball into the empty net. It was a classy goal.
Germany’s winner came from Mattias Sammer after 59 minutes as he fired in from close range after a cross from Markus Babbel on the right.
France beat Holland 5-4 on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes and 30 minutes of extra-time.
Clarence Seedorf missed the all-important penalty, hitting his penalty just left of centre and Bernard Lama was able to push the ball away.
France will play Czech Republic in the semi-final after the Czechs beat Portugal by a single goal in their Quarter Final at Villa Park.
Karel Poborsky scored one of the goals of the tournament so far to win the game after 53 minutes. The long-haired midfielder picked the ball up 35 yards from goal and forced his way past a couple of defenders. He then scooped the ball high over Portuguese goalkeeper Vitor Baia, who was well off his line and the ball dropped just under the crossbar.
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