England and Spain booked their places in the latter stages of Euro 24, in Germany, as the two fancied teams had differing stories in the pouring rain in the host nation.
In the Arena AufSchalke, in Gelsenkirchen, an injury-time goal from Jude Bellingham handed England a dramatic lifeline in their 2-1 over a stubborn Slovakia, whilst in Cologne Stadium, a classy Spain brushed aside tournament newbies, Georgia, despite the scale of conceding an early goal against their dogged opposition. Both now go into the last eight, with both sets of supporters with thoughts of a final place very-much at the front of their collective mindsets.
In the earlier game, the Three Lions had to withstand the dogged determination of the Slovakian outfit after going behind midway through the first half after Ivan Schranz gave them the lead, before Jude Bellingham stepped up in the 95th minute to equalize with a superb bicycle kick to send the game into extra time. A goal by striker, by Harry Kane, soon after completed the remarkable comeback and saved England from what could have been an embarrassing defeat.
Spain also had to come from a goal down, before their extra class and determination saw them overcome Georgia 4-1 and set up a potentially thrilling quarterfinal against host Germany. Georgia, appearing in its first ever knockout-round match of a major international tournament, took a surprise lead after Robin Le Normand’s own goal, but Spain eventually ran away with a comfortable victory thanks to goals from Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.
It was after a throw-in into the box was headed on by Marc Guéhi, that the Real Madrid midfielder (Bellingham) showed his star quality with a wonderful bicycle kick. The goal saw a tense game go into extra time, where the ever-reliable Harry Kane done what he does after substitute Ivan Toney headed the ball to the back post for the captain to score his second goal in the competition.
The next round of Last 16 matches today sees France up against Belgium, whilst Portugal take-on Slovinia.
