On a Sunday night in London, history would be made as a champion would be crowned king of Europe.
With this game, comes the end of the EURO 2021 tournament which has spanned a month, creating incredible memories.
Over that month, players created their legacies with young players showing the world their skills and demanding a large transfer in the near future. There have also been surprise teams such as Switzerland and Denmark who were able to take contenders on with great reserve and pulled off some great results. The EUROs are always a special occasion and this edition fits well with the rest of the previous editions.
Italy VS England
Finally upon fans across the world is the conclusion of the EURO 2021 tournament with Italy playing England at Wembley. Italy has looked above the rest for the majority of the tournament with a good mixture of veterans and young players. England has also looked great this tournament with Gareth Southgate putting in some great gameplans and has taken risks with squad selection.
England could not have asked for a better start with Luke Shaw scoring the opener within the first two minutes as he volleyed in an incredible cross from Kieran Trippier. After the goal, England would sit back and invite the Italians to pressure, hoping to hit them on the counter. Italy would have some chances, but none of real quality as the half would end 1-0 for England.
Italy would come out of the half with more urgency, coming closer and closer to the equalizing goal. That goal would eventually come from center back Leonardo Bonucci, as he would tap in a missed shot off an Italian corner out of reach of the English defenders. Italy would get close to the lead but neither team added to the game, meaning that extra time beckoned.
Neither team would get real quality chances as it became clearer that penalties would have to decide this game. The only thing of note was that Southgate decided to bring on Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho in the last minute to help England with their penalties.
Both teams would make their first penalties but Andrea Belotti of Italy would miss the next one as Harry Maguire would make his to give England the lead. Italy would make their next two with the two players Southgate brought on would miss theirs for England. After Jorginho missed his, Bukayo Saka would have his saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, giving Italy their first EUROs trophy in over 50 years.
Italy deservedly won their first major award in 15 years as they were the team of the tournament with their keeper Donnarumma being named player of the tournament. With Italy lifting the trophy, the end of the EUROs is here with one of the more open and exciting editions in recent memory.
Featured Image: Michael Regan/Reuters
