European Football Championship - Bottle, referee, tactics: three things in the second semi-final
In reality, this Football classic could have taken place in the quarterfinals. However, due to Georgia being a small football sensation against Portugal, the Netherlands were assigned as the third group winner to another group winner - and will now have the chance on Wednesday (21.00Orange Party with jumping fans from left and right could easily overshadow the celebratory English fans. But who will come out on top?
The Netherlands have been waiting since 1988 for a major title, England even since 1966. Fans on both sides are eagerly anticipating a triumph at this EM. Around 100,000 fans are expected on the day in Dortmund. The Orange Party with jumping fans from left and right could easily overshadow the celebratory English fans. But who will come out on top?
1) Tactics or Spectacle?
Gareth Southgate expects a thrilling match, "I think it will be an exciting game, as there are excellent offensive players in both teams," said the national coach. His team has had these players at their disposal in the previous five games, such as Captain Harry Kane or world-class player Phil Foden. There has been no spectacle yet. "We need to take another step forward compared to the previous game," said Southgate, who prefers to keep his team patient, values good defense, and has a high regard for tactics.
The Netherlands, with striker Cody Gakpo, managed to impress at least in the knockout phase after a weak group stage. The 3:0 against Romania a week ago could have been even more impressive. Against Turkey, the team coached by Ronald Koeman showed determination and came back from a deficit. "The players have shown that they have big hearts," praised the coach. Gakpo is a contender for the title as the EM top scorer with his three goals.
2) Referee Zwayer
Gareth Bellingham had clear words, "You give a referee who was involved in match manipulation the biggest game in Germany. What do you expect?", said Bellingham after a BVB loss against FC Bayern, where Felix Zwayer made errors. On Wednesday, there will be another encounter between England star Bellingham and the German referee, who was assigned the game by the UEFA.
Bellingham referred to the referee scandal around Robert Hoyzer over a decade ago. The midfielder spoke out about Hoyzer's manipulations. He was fined 40,000 euros by the DFB sports court for his statements. Zwayer was one of the key witnesses in the Hoyzer case, who manipulated games. He was suspended retroactively by the DFB for several months because he did not report his suspicions earlier.
The English delegation remained calm, "I'm not worried about who the referee will be. He will officiate at a very high level," said Southgate. Defender Luke Shaw emphasized, "We must respect the appointment. It will have no influence on our attitude towards the Three Lions."
3) Will Pickford need the famous note on his water bottle again?
Jordan Pickford was well prepared for the penalty shootout against Switzerland, and he immortalized the preferences of the opposing team's shooters on a famous note on his black water bottle. Four of 14 penalties were saved by Pickford in three games - an excellent success rate.
That England decided on two out of these three penalty shootouts is no coincidence for sports psychologist Geir Jordet. "A penalty shootout is a big team event. The preparation should have started years ago. England has been working on this for eight years, as we have seen, they have been gradually approaching a perfect penalty shootout," Jordet told the "Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung."
However, the Netherlands have recently lost twice in penalty shootouts: in 2014 in the WM semi-finals against Argentina, in 2022 in the WM quarter-finals against Argentina.
4) The Dutch Might Hold the Edge in Experience
The Netherlands, with experienced players like Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum, might have the edge in terms of penalty shootout experience, considering their past encounters.
- Zwayer's History with England
Interestingly, Felix Zwayer has officiated matches involving England before, including their 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Lithuania.
- Portugal's Influence in the Group Stage
Despite Georgia's impressive showing against Portugal, it was England's loss to Hungary that ultimately led to their placement in a group with the Netherlands.
- Foden's International Breakthrough
Phil Foden, who debuted for England in the November 2020 UEFA Nations League match against Iceland, has emerged as a key player for Gareth Southgate's squad.
- Germany's Connection to the Match
Germany's influence on the match extends beyond the hosting aspect, as the appointed referee, Felix Zwayer, is German.
- Bellingham's Controversial Remarks
Despite Bellingham's criticism towards Felix Zwayer, he will likely face the referee once again, as he continues to be a crucial member of England's squad, with Jude Bellingham having recently scored against Italy in the UEFA Nations League.
