NETHERLANDS - CZECH REPUBLIC (0-2)
Patrik Schick scored his fourth goal of UEFA EURO 2020 as the Czech Republic beat a ten-man Netherlands outfit to reach the quarter-finals – where in-form Denmark will await them.
In an eventful opening in Budapest, both teams were able to create opportunities. Frank de Boer’s Oranje soon hit their stride, though, and the Czechs struggled to deal with their pace. However, Matthijs de Ligt and Memphis Depay spurned chances to secure a lead.
Against the run of play, Tomáš Souček glanced wide Petr Ševčík’s cross and Antonín Barák flashed over from close range, as Jaroslav Šilhavý’s side regained a foothold.
Perhaps the key moment came shortly after half-time. After Donyell Malen's surge from deep was thwarted by keeper Tomáš Vaclík, almost immediately the Netherlands were reduced to ten men as last-man De Ligt's handball denied Schick a clear run on goal.
The Dutch looked rattled and the Czechs capitalised. Holeš's powerful header finally broke the deadlock on 68 minutes following Barák's free-kick. And they weren’t finished: 12 minutes later, Holeš advanced to tee up Schick – becoming the second Czech to net four times at a EURO tournament, alongside Milan Baroš (five goals in 2004) – to seal a quarter-final spot.
Next fixture-
Czech Republic vs Denmark in Baku, Saturday 3 July
BELGIUM - PORTUGAL (1-0)
Thorgan Hazard's stunning first-half strike ended the Seleção's reign as European champions.
Portugal had the early sniffs of goal with Diogo Jota dragging wide and Cristiano Ronaldo, seeking to become the outright top scorer in the history of international football, stinging the palms of Thibaut Courtois with a free-kick. The Red Devils failed to trouble Rui Patrício until close to the interval, then Hazard's vicious swerving effort fizzed past the Portugal No1 to break the deadlock.
Roberto Martínez lost the services of Kevin De Bruyne – and their rhythm – shortly after half-time but their defensive resolve remained, Diogo Jota off target with a rare opening for Fernando Santos's frustrated outfit. The Seleção came on strong as their grip on the trophy weakened, Rúben Dias's header testing Courtois and Raphaël Guerreiro firing against the post, but this was the Belgians' day.
Next fixture-
Belgium vs Italy, Munich, Friday 2 July
