The semi-finalists and the dream of more: European Championship final week begins

Italy, Spain, Denmark and England made it to the London finals. The quartet is playing at Wembley Stadium this week for a place in the final of the European Football Championship on July 11th. And who is the big favorite? It's hard to say - all four teams revealed major strengths during the tournament, but also small weaknesses. The Italians are probably the most likely to pull off a big coup. An analysis before the semi-final duels. Italy – Spain, Tuesday (21 p.m.) Italy: Since the clear 3-0 win in the opening game in Rome against Turkey, the Azzurri have practically been floating through the tournament. As the only semi-finalists, coach Roberto Mancini's selection has won all five tournament games so far, at times with impressive dominance. The defense around captain Giorgio Chiellini is hard to crack - but when the opponent picks up the pace, like the Belgians did in the quarter-finals, the Italians seem vulnerable. And the Spaniards can play fast, very fast. “The further you get, the more difficult it becomes,” warned Mancini, whose team, according to UEFA, has so far fired 101 shots, the most of all European Championship participants.

Spain: The highly talented ball artists in Luis Enrique's selection needed a little time to get up to speed. After two draws in the first two group games, criticism grew at home, where the game was played in Seville. In the 5-0 win against Slovakia and the magnificent 5-3 win after extra time against Croatia, the three-time European champion showed again why he was considered one of the favorites before the tournament. In the quarterfinals, nerves were added in the penalty shootout against Switzerland. With twelve goals, an average of 67,2 percent ball possession and 89,4 percent passing accuracy, the Spaniards lead three offensive statistics. La Roja also has to defend against Italy. England v Denmark, Wednesday (21 p.m.) The English are riding a wave of euphoria. © APA/afp / ALBERTO PIZZOLI

England: “Football's coming home.” For 25 years, the Three Lions' unofficial anthem didn't really fit, as England always played World and European Championships somewhere else after their home European Championship in 1996. But now, in their own football temple, the big coup should succeed. Gareth Southgate's selection is eager for two more games at Wembley. The chances are not bad, even if England had presented itself quite staid at times throughout the tournament. The round of XNUMX win against Germany, the old rival, is seen as the initial spark. Harry Kane and Co. are ready. “We want to win a big tournament. This is a great opportunity,” said the star striker.

Denmark: The Danish national players will never forget the anxious minutes in Copenhagen. After the collapse of star player Christian Eriksen, who had to be resuscitated during the first group game, professionals, coaches and supervisors were called upon on a level that football hardly knows. A team spirit developed in the Danish team that is second to none. But the strength of Kasper Hjulmand's selection lies not only in cohesion. Safe in defense, dangerous in attack even without Eriksen. In the round of 16, Denmark dominated the game against Wales, and the Czech Republic was defeated in the quarter-finals. “We've been through so much together. We are a wonderful group, we trust each other, we are there for each other,” said captain Simon Kjaer. “We also know that Christian is doing well. We play for him.”

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The semi-finalists and the dream of more: European Championship final week begins

The four semi-finalists will play at Wembley for a place in the final of the European Football Championship. The road to this point was difficult, for some teams more, for some less. It's difficult to name a big favorite.

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