By In a pulsating Euro 2024 semi-final at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, England secured their place in the final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Netherlands. The match, characterized by momentum shifts and late drama, saw Ollie Watkins emerge as the hero with a 90th-minute winner.
The game began with an electric atmosphere, as both sets of fans created a cauldron of noise in the iconic German stadium. The Netherlands struck first in the 7th minute through a spectacular goal from Xavi Simons. The young Dutch star unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner, leaving Jordan Pickford with no chance and silencing the England supporters.
England, however, showed resilience and equalized in the 18th minute. Harry Kane, England’s talismanic striker, converted a penalty after a VAR review adjudged Denzel Dumfries to have fouled him in the box. Kane’s composed finish banished memories of his penalty miss in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against France.
The first half was a showcase of attacking football, with both sides creating numerous chances. Phil Foden was particularly impressive for England, hitting the post with a curling effort and having another shot cleared off the line by Dumfries. The Netherlands also threatened, with Denzel Dumfries hitting the crossbar from a corner just before halftime.
As the second half progressed, the match became increasingly tense. England manager Gareth Southgate made tactical adjustments, bringing on Luke Shaw for Kieran Trippier and shifting to a back four. The Netherlands responded by introducing Wout Weghorst, looking to utilize his aerial presence.
With the match seemingly headed for extra time, substitute Ollie Watkins provided the decisive moment in the 90th minute. Bukayo Saka’s through ball found Watkins, who showed remarkable composure to slot the ball past the Dutch goalkeeper from a tight angle. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the England players and fans, reminiscent of their semi-final victory in Euro 2020.
The final whistle confirmed England’s progression to their second consecutive European Championship final, where they will face the winners of the other semi-final between Spain and Italy. This victory continues England’s impressive run under Southgate, further solidifying their status as one of Europe’s top footballing nations.
Key performers for England included Phil Foden, who despite not scoring, was a constant threat throughout the match. Jude Bellingham’s midfield presence was crucial in controlling the tempo, while the defensive pairing of John Stones and Marc Guehi held firm against Dutch attacks.
For the Netherlands, Xavi Simons’ goal was a moment of brilliance, but the team will rue missed opportunities, particularly Virgil van Dijk’s header saved by Pickford early in the second half. The loss marks a disappointing end to their tournament, having shown promise in earlier rounds.
The match was not without controversy, with debates over the penalty decision and several contentious calls by the referee. However, the quality of football and the dramatic finale will be remembered as highlights of Euro 2024.
As England prepares for the final, the nation will once again dream of ending their long wait for a major trophy. The performance against the Netherlands demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity and produce moments of quality when it matters most. Southgate and his team will now focus on one last hurdle as they aim to bring football home once again.
