With whom will Spain play in the final of Euro 2024: Can the Netherlands eliminate the sleeping giant who failed to beat Slovenia?

Published on 10. July 2024 10. July 2024

Text: Rok Vodišek. Photo: Vid Ponikvar / Sportida

After yesterday’s first semifinal treat between France and Spain, where we found the first finalist of this year’s European Championship, today we await the second semifinal climax. Tonight, England and the Netherlands will battle for the second ticket to the final. In Dortmund, the match will be officiated by local referee Felix Zwayer, and the stands will surely be too small for everyone who wishes to witness this clash live.

We are familiar with England’s journey, having been in the group with the Slovenian national team. We all remember the match that ended in a 0-0 draw and secured a historic progression to the knockout stages for our boys. England finished the group stage at the top of Group C, but their gameplay did not entirely convince. Especially considering they are the team with the highest market value at this year’s Euros, around 1.5 billion euros. Besides the draw against Slovenia, they also drew with Denmark and won 1-0 against Serbia in the opening match. This placed them against Slovakia in the Round of 16, where they faced a serious threat of elimination until the brilliant Jude Bellingham saved them in the dying moments of the game, and they eventually overcame the Slovaks with a goal from Harry Kane in extra time. In the quarterfinals, they encountered Switzerland, and after a 1-1 draw, England celebrated progression after penalty shootouts.

On the other hand, the Netherlands finished third in their Group D and advanced to the Round of 16 as one of the best four third-placed teams. They began with a 2-1 victory over Poland, followed by a goalless draw with France and a 3-2 loss to Austria to end the group stage. They then faced Romania in the Round of 16 and convincingly defeated them 3-0. In the quarterfinals, they faced a tough challenge from Turkey but managed to prevail with a 2-1 scoreline. Looking at their journey so far, neither of the semifinalists has impressed greatly, but in major tournaments, results matter more than performance. Both teams have achieved positive results so far, and in the end, no one will remember how they played if they bring home the European title.

🇳🇱🆚🏴 A huge clash awaits in Dortmund 🤩@bookingcom | #EUROfixtures pic.twitter.com/gPVQ59HeJZ
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 10, 2024

Undoubtedly, England’s national team is under much greater pressure, with relentless expectations from their domestic media and fans for nothing less than winning the title. Anything else will be a major disappointment once again. Given the names available to Gareth Southgate, such expectations are justified as they possess a squad with incredible quality. However, they have not managed to convert these individual qualities into a cohesive unit. They have scored only five goals in five matches, which is less than expected given their offensive potential. On the other hand, their defense has met expectations and ranks among the best at the tournament, having conceded only three goals. In such matches, a single brilliant individual move can decide the game, and England have several strong cards in their hands.

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Although the Netherlands may not be as dominant on paper as England, they are a more cohesive and connected team compared to their opponents. It is precisely this cohesion that has enabled them to score nine goals, with the standout performer being the excellent Cody Gakpo, who has already scored three goals and is a serious contender for the tournament’s top scorer. He complements well with Xavi Simons, who already has three assists. This duo will be the main attacking force for the Netherlands in the battle for the final. Expect a tactical encounter with cautious beginnings. An early goal by either team would certainly change this and make the game more exciting, similar to yesterday’s thrilling match, especially in the first half. Generally, the footballing public gives England the edge, but they face a tough task. Who will join Spain in this year’s Euro final will be known very soon.

This text was automatically translated using AI.

Author: editorial Football Planet