In a thrilling semi-final match of Euro 2024, England made an incredible comeback to defeat the Netherlands 2-1. Xavi Simons gave the Dutch side an early lead, but a controversial penalty awarded to England saw Harry Kane equalise from the spot in the first half. With the game seemingly heading towards extra time, Ollie Watkins scored in the 90th minute to seal England’s spot in the final against Spain.
This victory marks a historic moment for England, as they will be facing Spain in the 2024 Euros final. This achievement also means that England has reached back-to-back EURO finals, becoming the first team to do so since Spain in 2008 and 2012, where Spain managed to win both tournaments. This will only be England’s third major tournament final in their history, having won the 1966 World Cup and lost the 2020 EURO final on penalties.
Ollie Watkins’ goal in the 90th minute was a game-winning strike that set a new record in EURO knockout stage history. The goal, scored at 89 minutes and 59 seconds, is now the latest game-winning goal in a regulation game in EURO knockout stage history. Watkins’ goal was England’s fourth scored in the 90th minute or later in this tournament, tying them with France (Euro 2000) for the most in a single men’s EURO tournament.
Harry Kane’s performance in this match also saw him break several records. He scored his sixth goal in the Euro knockout stages, surpassing Antoine Griezmann for the most goals in EURO knockout stage history. Kane now has a total of nine knockout stage goals in World Cup/EUROs, more than any other European player. Additionally, Kane’s goal in this match was his seventh overall in the Euros, tying Alan Shearer for the most goals in England’s history.
At just 21 years old and 82 days, Xavi Simons became the youngest player to score for the Netherlands in EURO knockout stage history with his early goal in the match. This achievement highlights the talent and potential of the young player and sets a record that may stand for a long time.
England made history in this tournament by becoming the first side in Euros history to reach the final after trailing in both the quarterfinal and semifinal matches. This feat showcases the resilience and determination of the England team, as they managed to overcome deficits in crucial knockout stage matches.
Euro 2024 has seen some surprising trends, particularly in terms of the knockout stage matches. This tournament has witnessed the team scoring the first goal losing in five matches, making it a total of five knockout stage matches where the team scoring first has ended up losing. This trend is unprecedented in the history of Euros and adds an element of unpredictability to the tournament.
England’s thrilling victory over the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final was a momentous occasion filled with records, achievements, and historic feats. The resilience and skill displayed by the England team, combined with the dramatic turn of events in the match, made it a memorable fixture in the tournament’s history. The stage is now set for an epic final showdown between England and Spain, where both teams will look to etch their names in Euro glory.
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