Euro 2020 Play-Off Semifinals: Highlights

In November 2019, the fixtures of the Euro 2020 play-off semifinals were determined by draws. The semifinals were scheduled and played on October 8. We can expect the play-off finals on November 12. It is refreshing to see the teams clashing, considering the original prognosis for postponing the Euro 2020. Here are some of the highlights.

Path A

Bulgaria took on Hungary and lost with 1-3. While the Bulgarians gave a stout defense, they could not protect their net from the Hungarian team. Fans could somewhat expect this, as Hungary has players in the German Bundesliga.

Willi Orbán scored the first goal, after awkwardly receiving the ball from the corner. Zsolt Kalmár followed suit with a clean goal. Finally, Nemanja Nikolic really used his head in the 75th minute. Georgi Yomov scored one redeeming shot for the Bulgarian side.

The match between Iceland and Romania was not as exciting, but it still gave us some interesting action. After a failed attack by Romania, Gylfi Sigurðsson took a shot with his left leg, surprising not only the defense but the goalie, as well. He scored another goal for Iceland. Alexandru Maxim scored from a penalty kick, making the final score 2-1.

Path B

Penalties decided the outcome of the match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Northern Ireland. At first, Bosnians seemed to have things under control, but the Irish equalized at the start of the second half. After two hours, Northern Ireland won with 4 goals to 3 on penalties.

Likewise, Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland had to settle their differences with penalties. After a score of 0-0, Slovakia won with 4-2 in penalties.

Path C

Norway lost to Serbia 1-2. The first goal did not happen until the end of the match. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scored the first goal in the 81st minute, hoping to break the tie. Normann was quick to respond in the 88th minute, which led to overtime. Milinkovic-Savic scored again and that was it for Norway.

Scotland defeated Israel with 5-3 in penalties.

Path D

The match between Georgia and Belarus might as well have been over after 7 minutes. That’s when Georgia scored the first and only goal of the game. On the other hand, North Macedonia can thank Benjamin Kolloli for their win. He was in the wrong place and scored an own goal. Kosovo soon equalized. However, Darko Velkovski put North Macedonia ahead once more. Despite having an hour to fight back, Kosovo missed a few clear shots.