Euro 2020 FINAL HIGHLIGHTS: England denied history; Italy win in penalties
Italy continued their 34-match winning streak as it defeated
England in the final of Uefa European
Championship (Euro 2020) that went into a penalty shootout
after a 1-1 scoreline after extra time at the Wembley Stadium in London on
Monday. England missed three penalties in the shootout as Italy defeated
England 3-2 in the Euro 2020 final. The loss for the home team meant their
search for a second major title after their 1966 World Cup, 55 years ago, and
first European title continues.
For Italy, this is their
second European title after 1968 and first najor title since the 2006 World Cup
win. This was their second final in the last three Euro editions. The
high-octane clash between the two teams started with England taking the lead in
the second minute of the game. However, the initial intensity in the English
side dropped and they were not able to create many chances. In the second half,
the Italians took control of the game and started threatening England's
goalpost. The breakthrough for Italy came in the 67th minute after defender
Leonardo Bonucci scored from close range.
Italy’s unbeaten run continues under manager Roberto Mancini. They
have been undefeated for 34 matches which goes back to September 2018. Since
Mancini took over, he has turned the team around from after their low point of
missing the bus for the 2018 World Cup. The Italians are a complete team now
with efficiency their key feature. With the next World Cup to take place in
2022, the Italians will hope to continue their form.
For England, this is a major disappointment. They have never been
this close to a title since the 1966 World Cup. In the history of the
tournament, only thrice the home country has been able to win the tournament.
In the Euro Cup 2016, the host France too lost the final against Portugal.
Many would argue that the team became overconfident. However, its
undeniable that the team is on the rise. They reached the semi-final of the
World Cup in 2018, final of Euro this year, and there is another World Cup next
year. The team did not perform up to its standard in the final but the team is
filled with young and exciting talents, many of whom have already shined at the
club stage.
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