On January 2, 2024, according to the CCTV5 program list, the semi-finals of the European Cup will be reviewed. The Netherlands will beat Italy 4-2, and France will beat Germany 1-0. The semi-finals of the European Cup will be held on December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 respectively. Both games are full of passion and drama
On January 2, 2024, according to the CCTV5 program list, the semi-finals of the European Cup will be reviewed. The Netherlands will beat Italy 4-2, and France will beat Germany 1-0. The semi-finals of the European Cup will be held on December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2024 respectively. Both games are full of passion and drama. In the end, the Netherlands and France defeated Italy and Germany respectively, and reached the final. They will compete for the championship of the European Cup on January 3, 2024.
The first semi-final was between the Netherlands and Italy, which are two traditional strong teams with brilliant history and excellent players. The Netherlands came out of the group stage with three victories, and defeated Poland and Spain in the knockout stage, demonstrating their attack and unity. Italy came out of the group stage with two wins and one draw, and eliminated England and Portugal in the knockout stage, demonstrating their defense and tenacity.
At the beginning of the game, the Netherlands launched a fierce attack. Their Trident Depe, Van Dijk and Belvin constantly made threats, but the Italian goalkeeper Donaruma performed well and resolved many crises. Italy is not willing to be outdone. They use the counter attack to find opportunities. In the 18th minute, Italy took the lead. Because Sina crossed on the left, Chiessa volleyed at the back and the ball bounced on the crossbar. This was his third goal in the European Cup and his 50th goal in his career. The Italian players and fans cheered as they moved closer to the final.
The Netherlands did not give up. They strengthened their attack and tried to equalize the score. In the 32nd minute, the Netherlands got an excellent opportunity. Depe was pulled down by Chiellini in the restricted area, and the referee awarded a penalty. Depe handled the knife himself, but his shot was saved by Donaruma, and Holland missed the chance to equalize. In the 40th minute, the Netherlands missed another good opportunity. Van Dijk headed the goal in the restricted area, but the ball was saved by Donaruma. The Dutch players and fans covered their faces. They felt helpless and regretful. At the end of the first half, Italy led the Netherlands 1-0.
After the second half, the rhythm of the game was more rapid and intense. Both sides wanted to break the deadlock and fight for tickets to the final. In the 55th minute, Italy expanded its leading edge. Bellardi crossed to the restricted area after making a breakthrough on the right side. Because Mobile was ahead of Van Dijk, he headed the goal and the ball went into the near corner. This was his fourth goal in this European Cup and his 100th goal in his career. The Italian players and fans celebrated crazily, and they felt victory and glory.
The Netherlands did not give up, they continued to attack, but Italy's defense has become iron barrelled, and did not give the other side any chance. In the 70th minute, the Netherlands finally found a chance to break the goal. Belwin crossed from the left, and Depe headed in front of the small restricted area. The ball bounced into Donaruma's hand. This was his fifth goal in the European Cup and his 150th goal in his career. The Dutch players and fans cheered, and they regained hope.
Italy did not relax their vigilance. They steadied their position and used the counter attack to look for opportunities. In the 80th minute, Italy once again expanded its leading edge. Chiessa quickly pushed forward after the midfield tackle and passed it to Imobile, who swung past Van Dijk and passed it to the inserted Bellardi. The latter volleyed on the right side of the restricted area and the ball went into the far corner. This was his third goal in this European Cup and his 50th goal in his career. The Italian players and fans cheered and felt that the final was close at hand.
The Netherlands did not give up. They continued to attack, but Italy's defense was impeccable and did not give the other side any chance. In the 90th minute, the Netherlands got a corner kick. Van Dijk headed in the restricted area and the ball bounced off the crossbar. The Netherlands missed the last chance. At the end of the match, Italy defeated the Netherlands 3-1 and reached the final. They will compete with France for the European Cup championship on January 3, 2024.
The second semi-final was between France and Germany. These two giants in European football have rich experience and strong teams. France came out of the group stage with two wins and one draw, and defeated Sweden and Belgium in the knockout stage, demonstrating their strength and calm. Germany came out of the group stage with three victories, and defeated Croatia and Turkey in the knockout stage, demonstrating their speed and tenacity.
At the beginning of the game, the two sides launched a fierce confrontation. Their formation and tactics are very similar. They mainly focus on controlling the ball and passing and cutting, looking for gaps and opportunities. The French and German players have excellent skills and awareness. Their cooperation and passing are very smooth and accurate, but the defense of both sides is also very stable and tight, leaving little space for the other side.
