As the 2024 Euros roll on, here's our recap of the day's action
Spain 1-0 Italy
Arguably the most anticipated match of the group stage, this clash pitted two teams against each other who had opened proceedings in Group B with standout displays, with La Roja's dismantling of Croatia of particular note. Fabián Ruiz of Paris Saint-Germain again started in midfield for Spain, and while he was unable to replicate his man of the match performance, he would nonetheless help his side to a win that ensured his nation would progress, and come top of the group following Croatia's draw with Albania.
The efforts of he and his teammates were very nearly wasted, though, as his PSG teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma turned in a standout performance in goal for the Azzurri. Starting again on the back of a battling win over Albania that saw the holders stunned by a first-minute goal, Donnarumma made eight saves, conceding only an own goal as his team withstood a relentless onslaught from Spain. Despite the a good chance of progress, Donnarumma cut a frustrated figure post-match, even if Italy need just a point against Croatia to ensure their progress. "Honestly, I don't care about my saves – I was hoping for a different result and a different performance. We missed too many easy passes and put in too little quality and, if you miss that much, they punish you."
What a match by Donnarumma! #EURo2024 🧤🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/cY4cGVRusX
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) June 20, 2024
Denmark 1-1 England
No current Ligue 1 players were involved in what was likely the shock result of the day, with Denmark battling back from an early goal by Harry Kane to earn a vital point, putting their chances of reaching the knockout stages entirely in their own hands. With former Olympique Lyonnais defender Joachim Andersen and goalkeeper Kasper Schemichel, late of OGC Nice, both playing all 90 minutes, the Danes showed their mettle and offered a reminder of the level of talent that was integral to their progress in the previous edition of this tournament.
Slovenia 1-1 Serbia
In the day's other match, former AS Monaco defender Strahinja Pavlovic and Serbia conceded the opener with twenty minutes to play, nicking a point with a Luka Jovic goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. In goal for the Serbians, former Stade de Reims player Predrag Rajkovic made three saves to burnish his side's chances. On the final matchday, Serbia will face Denmark in a virtual playoff to progress, while Slovenia take on England.
Read more:
