The Monday Sports Report #4

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Hello, once again.

I'm here with a brief round up of the sports stories that caught my eye over the weekend.

Football

Women's Euros

We've reached the semi-finals of the tournament, and the quarter-finals produced some thrilling games.

Pre-tournament favourites Spain were knocked out by hosts England with a score of 2-1, although they needed a late second-half equalizer from substitute Ella Toone, and then an extra-time winner from midfielder Georgia Stanway in the 96th minute, to complete the task. Spain's stats show they enjoyed the bulk of posession (58%-42%), had the greater number of shots 17-10, but the stat that counts is they only scored 1 goal from 4 shots on target for, compared to England's 2 goals from 3 shots on target.

England will now face Sweden on Tuesday in the first semi final. Sweden themsleves also needed a late goal to beat Belgium 1-0, after missing chance after chance earlier in the game, and looking at the stats, you would be excused for thinking this should have been a walk in the park for the Swedes - 33 shots (9 on target) compared to Belgium's mere 3 shots (none on target), a modest 52% of possession, and 13 corners against 3.

Germany also progressed to the next stage overcoming Austria 2-0 in their quarter-final match. It was a tighter game than many expected, or even the scoreline reflects, but a goal in each half from Lina Magull and Alexandra Popp (her fourth goal in four games). The Austrians came close to scoring on three occassions, hitting the woodwork each time (oddly the official stats record only 2 shots on target...surely hitting the woodwork is a shot on target, so that should be three? ah well...), and were arguably the team to have put the Germans under the most pressure so far.

Reigning champions The Netherlands are also heading home, having been toppled from their perch by France, who like England, needed an extra-time winner, from the penalty spot this time by Eve Perisset, following a VAR check and the referee consulting the pitchside monitor. The stats show the French pretty much dominated the game and were somewhat unfortunate to go in level at half-time. 13 shots on target compared to 1 for the Dutch, speaks volumes. France now face Germany in the second semi-final, on Wednesday.

The final then takes place on Sunday, 31st July, 2022 at Wembley Stadium, London.

That's all for this week. Have a great week folks, and enjoy your sports, and thanks for reading.