This Sunday, in a game valid for the round of 16 of the European Championship, England played against Slovakia and won 2-1, coming from behind. Despite the goal scored by Ivan Schranz, Bellingham and Harry Kane secured the triumph.
Thus, despite the scare, the English qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition and will face Switzerland, who eliminated Italy yesterday afternoon. On the other side, Slovakia says goodbye to the tournament.
The match against the Swiss will take place next Saturday. Kick-off is at 1:00 pm (Brasília time) at the Esprit Arena. Slovakia will only return to the field on September 5 (Thursday) at 3:45 pm (Brasília time) against Estonia in the UEFA Nations League.
First time
England started the game tensely and received two cards in the first six minutes, with Marc Guéhi and Kobbie Mainoo receiving cautions.
The first dangerous move of the match came from the English. In the 22nd minute, Bellingham crossed into the box and Kane headed wide of the goal. In the same move, England complained about a penalty on Foden. However, the VAR reviewed the decision and did not consider it a foul.
Slovakia surprised and opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Sterlec saw his teammate Schranz and passed. The player coolly finished with the outside of his foot to beat Pickford.
In the 33rd minute, Kane attempted a cross to Saka, but the striker was unable to reach the ball to deflect it.
With superior ball possession on the part of the English, the first half ended goalless.
Second time
At the start of the second half, England even managed to equalise with a goal from Foden, but the referee disallowed the goal for offside.
In the next move, the English tried with Harry Kane inside the area, who shot firmly for a great save by Vavro.
At 11, Slovakia almost scored the second. Sterlec took advantage of the opponent’s short pass and hit from the middle of the field to try to surprise Pickford, but the ball went wide of the goal.
At 16, Mainoo received the free kick and Foden went for the penalty, but hit the wall.
Ten minutes later, Bellingham went down inside the box and appealed for a penalty. However, just like the first-half incident involving Foden, the referee let play continue.
Despite the advantage on the scoreboard, Slovakia attacked again, this time with Lobotka. From a distance, the player risked a shot, but Pickford, well positioned, made the save.
In the last play of normal time, incredibly, England left everything the same. After the full-back was taken into the area, Marc Guehi passed it to Bellingham, who turned a beautiful ball into goalkeeper Dubravka’s left corner.
Thus, the match went into extra time. However, in the first minute, Karry Kane took advantage of Ivan Toney’s headed pass and headed the ball into the back of the net. Thus, the English turned the game around and advanced to the quarterfinals.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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