The Euro 2020 is reaching a climax and it now boils down to four teams battling for ultimate glory as European champions.
Italy take on Spain in the first semifinals, while England play Denmark in the other.
The Vibes believes that Sunday’s final will have Italy taking on England.
Semifinal 1: Italy vs Spain
Two of European football’s oldest rivals will face-off at Wembley and their meetings have always been close and exciting affairs.
Italy will be brimming with confidence after their win over Belgium in the quarterfinal.
The Azzurri have now extended their unbeaten run to 32 games.
The win over Belgium added to an already impressive run by the Italians who became the first nation to win 15 consecutive matches in any European competition - including tournaments and qualifying - and only the fourth team in the history of the European Championship Finals to win five straight matches.
The Italians will be without Leonardo Spinazzola. The Roma wing-back suffered a tournament-ending injury during the game against Belgium and is expected to be sidelined for between four to six months following surgery on his Achilles tendon.
Roberto Mancini will have to work up a plan with the absence of Spinazzola. He will have the experience of Marco Verratti, the midfielder confirming that he has recovered from a knee problem after stellar performances in recent matches.
Spain will be looking to win the Euros for the fourth time that will make them the most successful nation in the history of the competition.
But if they intend on passing Germany’s total of three wins in the championship, they have to overcome the formidable Italians.
Luis Enrique’s side have already piled up 12 goals in the competition so far, despite a less than speedy start. The side won only one game in the group stages and drew the other two.
Spain will likely be without Pablo Sarabia as the 29-year-old, who scored and provided two assists against both Slovakia and Croatia, suffered a muscular injury against Switzerland.
The winger is set to be replaced by Dani Olmo, who made an impact in the last two games coming off the bench.
Players to watch:
Italy - Ciro Immobile (pix), Lorenzo Insigne, Nicolo Barella, Marco Verratti
Spain - Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Sergio Busquets, Pau Torres, Alvaro Morata (pix)
Both teams have been impressive coming into this game. However, Italy may squeeze through as they can come good when it matters. Spain will have their work cut out if they want to go one step closer to becoming champions.
The Vibes prediction: Italy 2-1 Spain
Semifinal 2: England vs Denmark
The Vibes had previously talked about how England have a significant advantage in this tournament compared to other teams.
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/sports/30967/england-must-take-advantage-from-games-at-wembley
England have played all three of their group matches and round of 16 match at Wembley. However, the quarterfinal had them travel to Rome to take on Ukraine.
The semi-finals and final will take place under the arch at Wembley, which England will be hoping to capitalise on if they wish to lift the trophy in front of their fans.
The Three Lions have had an impressive record so far, winning four of five games without conceding a goal.
Although the side’s defence looks incredibly reliable, Gareth Southgate must mull over his vast array of options in attack if they hope to overcome the Danes who are looking dangerous.
Denmark have had an incredible fairy-tale run so far and are looking to write a Euro 2020 story that will be remembered for a long time.
Despite a shaky start that saw the side lose both their opening matches, they bounced back with a 4-1 defeat of Russia that allowed them to squeeze into the next round.
The Danish squad impressed in the round of 16 by defeating Wales 4-0, before inching their way into the semi-finals after a 2-1 win over Czech Republic.
The Danes have scored 10 goals in the last three matches, a commendable feat, but even more, for a team that went through a near-tragedy incident involving Christian Eriksen in the opening match.
Even though England will enjoy home support, the Danes have a good away record, losing only one game in their last 21 matches.
Players to watch:
England - Harry Kane (pix), Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Jadon Sancho
Denmark - Kasper Dolberg (pix), Martin Braithwaite, Thomas Delaney, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
England have been impressive in defence throughout the competition and coming after a four goal win in the quarter-finals, they will hope to give their success-starved fans something to cheer about.
The Danes will also be full of confidence but will have to drown out the noise from the English fans if there want to progress.
The Vibes prediction: England 2-0 Denmark
The Vibes predicts that Italy will face England in the final. However, both teams have their work cut out against opponents who are not going to go down with a whimper as they have proven without any doubt they are in the semis on merit and have their own aspirations to become champions. – The Vibes, July 6, 2021.
