The second round of the European Championship saw four of the big five win - France are the odd ones out, dumped out by a brilliant Scotland performance. Portugal, Ukraine and Austria complete the quarter final line-up:
In this episode we're going all the way to the end of the tournament. Who will make it through to win?
Quarter-finals
Ukraine vs Italy
Italy were dominant against Bulgaria, even if it took them a while to break through. Ukraine had a tougher game - against a tougher opponent - as they needed a penalty to see off Greece. Despite solid DWC pedigree, neither of these teams have met before.
The first half was quiet, with only half-chances for each team that were easily blocked. To quote the game, surely the second half will be better?
Initially, it wasn't. But in the 63rd minute Italy opened the scoring as Miralem Pjanic's neat cross was headed down and in by Alex Sandro! With Ukraine stuttering in attack, this looked like it could be enough. It certainly did when Cristiano Ronaldo headed in a corner in the 85th minute, and dead-and-buried when Ronaldo glanced in Paulo Dybala's cross 4 minutes later. But somehow it wasn't over. They had one back within a minute as Olexandr Karavaev burst into the box and fired a powerful shot past Wojciech Szczesny, and another when Karavaev crossed for his fellow full back Ismaily to blast a volley home! However, it was too little too late, and Italy held on for a 3-2 win. A fairly dull game with the exception of the final 10 minutes!
Quarter-finals
Ukraine vs Italy
Italy were dominant against Bulgaria, even if it took them a while to break through. Ukraine had a tougher game - against a tougher opponent - as they needed a penalty to see off Greece. Despite solid DWC pedigree, neither of these teams have met before.
The first half was quiet, with only half-chances for each team that were easily blocked. To quote the game, surely the second half will be better?
Initially, it wasn't. But in the 63rd minute Italy opened the scoring as Miralem Pjanic's neat cross was headed down and in by Alex Sandro! With Ukraine stuttering in attack, this looked like it could be enough. It certainly did when Cristiano Ronaldo headed in a corner in the 85th minute, and dead-and-buried when Ronaldo glanced in Paulo Dybala's cross 4 minutes later. But somehow it wasn't over. They had one back within a minute as Olexandr Karavaev burst into the box and fired a powerful shot past Wojciech Szczesny, and another when Karavaev crossed for his fellow full back Ismaily to blast a volley home! However, it was too little too late, and Italy held on for a 3-2 win. A fairly dull game with the exception of the final 10 minutes!
Spain vs Austria
Spain have had shades of 2008-12 in how they have completely controlled 3 of their 4 games so far this tournament. They weren't great in defence against Scotland, but it's still 14 games unbeaten for Spain (funnily enough, their last defeat was to Scotland). Austria are dangerous opponents, but clear outsiders here.
Despite Austria adopting an aggressive high press, Spain were able to confidently dominate possession, although finding a breakthrough was tougher. Eden Hazard came the closest in the first half after a solo run, but the defence quickly closed him down and smothered the shot.
Just after the hour mark Luka Modric split open Austria's defence to put Lionel Messi through, but the shot was straight at Cican Stankovic. Soon after Hazard was also one-on-one, and he put his effort wide. This was beginning to feel like one of those infuriating FM games for Spain, but as we entered the final 10 minutes Frenkie de Jong let fly from outside the box and the ball flew in! After all that effort Austria were deflated by conceding so late, and Spain took full advantage when Messi intercepted a bad pass from Stankovic and teed up Luis Suárez to finish elegantly. There was still time for Messi and Sergio Ramos to both go very close, but there were no more goals. Spain win 2-0, never really looking in trouble even if they needed ages to go ahead.
Spain have had shades of 2008-12 in how they have completely controlled 3 of their 4 games so far this tournament. They weren't great in defence against Scotland, but it's still 14 games unbeaten for Spain (funnily enough, their last defeat was to Scotland). Austria are dangerous opponents, but clear outsiders here.
Despite Austria adopting an aggressive high press, Spain were able to confidently dominate possession, although finding a breakthrough was tougher. Eden Hazard came the closest in the first half after a solo run, but the defence quickly closed him down and smothered the shot.
Just after the hour mark Luka Modric split open Austria's defence to put Lionel Messi through, but the shot was straight at Cican Stankovic. Soon after Hazard was also one-on-one, and he put his effort wide. This was beginning to feel like one of those infuriating FM games for Spain, but as we entered the final 10 minutes Frenkie de Jong let fly from outside the box and the ball flew in! After all that effort Austria were deflated by conceding so late, and Spain took full advantage when Messi intercepted a bad pass from Stankovic and teed up Luis Suárez to finish elegantly. There was still time for Messi and Sergio Ramos to both go very close, but there were no more goals. Spain win 2-0, never really looking in trouble even if they needed ages to go ahead.
Portugal vs Scotland
Scotland's famous win over France is one of a few prize scalps Scotland have taken. Their most impressive win yet came against Portugal, in the second round of last year's DWC. That win set them up with England in the following round, and that could happen again here. Whoever wins here will be the last remaining team who aren't part of the big five.
Portugal started well, but were caught out with an early sucker-punch. Mohamed Elyounoussi stole the ball in midfield and played it forward for Alfredo Morelos. He had too much pace for Pepe and stuck it past Iker Casillas (Portugal also had Fábio Coentrao on the bench for the full 2010 Real Madrid theme) for the lead! It lasted 10 minutes, until Rafa set up Bruno Fernandes to fire into the bottom corner. Parity was maintained until the break.
Scotland's famous win over France is one of a few prize scalps Scotland have taken. Their most impressive win yet came against Portugal, in the second round of last year's DWC. That win set them up with England in the following round, and that could happen again here. Whoever wins here will be the last remaining team who aren't part of the big five.
Portugal started well, but were caught out with an early sucker-punch. Mohamed Elyounoussi stole the ball in midfield and played it forward for Alfredo Morelos. He had too much pace for Pepe and stuck it past Iker Casillas (Portugal also had Fábio Coentrao on the bench for the full 2010 Real Madrid theme) for the lead! It lasted 10 minutes, until Rafa set up Bruno Fernandes to fire into the bottom corner. Parity was maintained until the break.
The second half started quietly. Scotland nearly retook the lead when Morelos flashed a volley over the bar, but 7 minutes later it was Portugal who went ahead as a simple long ball put through Moussa Marega, who calmly placed the ball into the far corner! James Forrest should have immediately equalised as James Tavernier's free kick found him 6 yards out, but Casillas made a fine block. It proved to be a false sign of life, as Scotland failed to put Portugal under serious pressure, and they held on for a 2-1 victory.
England vs Germany
This is the first clash between two 'big five' teams this tournament - indeed the first since last year's Nations Cup. And it's two rivals that meet here. Germany currently have the bragging rights as they came from 2-0 down to beat England 3-2 in last year's DWC semi final. Since then England are unbeaten in a mammoth 34 games, winning 31. This run includes winning the Nations Cup.
Thiago rattled the England crossbar with a spectacular volley, and a minute later Marco Reus hit the post as Germany's high tempo had England rattled. But they rode out the storm, and in the 37th minute Andy Robertson's cross was cleared as far as Fernandinho. He was arguably the least likely goalscorer on the English team, but his effort somehow squirmed through Manuel Neuer's grip and dribbled in!
England vs Germany
This is the first clash between two 'big five' teams this tournament - indeed the first since last year's Nations Cup. And it's two rivals that meet here. Germany currently have the bragging rights as they came from 2-0 down to beat England 3-2 in last year's DWC semi final. Since then England are unbeaten in a mammoth 34 games, winning 31. This run includes winning the Nations Cup.
Thiago rattled the England crossbar with a spectacular volley, and a minute later Marco Reus hit the post as Germany's high tempo had England rattled. But they rode out the storm, and in the 37th minute Andy Robertson's cross was cleared as far as Fernandinho. He was arguably the least likely goalscorer on the English team, but his effort somehow squirmed through Manuel Neuer's grip and dribbled in!
England were fully in the ascendancy in the second half, as Sadio Mané fizzed a shot over the crossbar. At the other end Robert Lewandowski - who struggled badly against Croatia - headed over, and it proved a costly miss as Mané set up Harry Kane to poke in England's second. They know full well that this scoreline isn't safe against Germany, but this time they looked far firmer in defence. And they sealed the match in the 86th minute when Kevin de Bruyne's free kick hit the post and fell to Kane for a simple tap-in. And he wasn't finished there as he headed in Robertson's cross in the final minute to complete a hat trick and a 4-0 win for England!
Semi final
Italy vs Spain
These two teams looked set to contest the 2018 DWC final, but Italy managed to lose to Brazil. So instead, they meet here. Spain are probably favourites, but Italy are the only side remaining with a 100% record. This is, of course, also a battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Messi looked to step up to the challenge, single-handedly testing Italy with several early shots. And it was his free kick in the 31st minute that found Ramos to head Spain into the lead! So it was Ronaldo's turn to reply, and he put in a dangerous cross that Danilo headed over.
The second half was less eventful as both sides began to pay extra attention to the two goa... g... go... I can't bring myself to say it. The two players to have won the Ballon d'Or at least five times. This was of course to Spain's advantage, but their inability to kill the game off came back to haunt them as Pjanic beautifully curled a free kick into the top corner to bring Italy level! Fabián nearly completed a sharp turnaround as his shot from range had Jan Oblak beaten but flew wide. Neither team could find a normal-time winner, so we went to extra time!
Italy vs Spain
These two teams looked set to contest the 2018 DWC final, but Italy managed to lose to Brazil. So instead, they meet here. Spain are probably favourites, but Italy are the only side remaining with a 100% record. This is, of course, also a battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Messi looked to step up to the challenge, single-handedly testing Italy with several early shots. And it was his free kick in the 31st minute that found Ramos to head Spain into the lead! So it was Ronaldo's turn to reply, and he put in a dangerous cross that Danilo headed over.
The second half was less eventful as both sides began to pay extra attention to the two goa... g... go... I can't bring myself to say it. The two players to have won the Ballon d'Or at least five times. This was of course to Spain's advantage, but their inability to kill the game off came back to haunt them as Pjanic beautifully curled a free kick into the top corner to bring Italy level! Fabián nearly completed a sharp turnaround as his shot from range had Jan Oblak beaten but flew wide. Neither team could find a normal-time winner, so we went to extra time!
Messi's influence on the game had waned, but he was to give Spain the upper hand. It wasn't with a goal though, it was by drawing a cynical foul from Alex Sandro, who picked up his second yellow. Italy had the entire second period of extra time to defend and get to a shootout. They couldn't do it. In the 111th minute two Spanish subs combined, as José Giménez fired in a wonderful low early cross that found Antoine Griezmann to score! Italy couldn't muster a reply, and Spain saw out the win to reach the final!
Portugal vs England
In the first two editions of the DWC, England faced Portugal in the second round and lost 2-1. Can they exact their revenge? A 4-0 hammering of reigning DWC champions Germany is a sign they mean business this year, although Portugal are also unbeaten this tournament.
Harry Kane fired a warning shot narrowly wide 48 seconds into the match, and 6 minutes later Pepe had to produce a good block to deny him from close range, as England started very strongly. They kept it up as Mané went on a solo run and fizzed a shot past the far post. Portugal looked okay going forward, but were generally kept at capacity protecting their own goal. They managed it as we reached the break with no goals.
The second half was quiet, until the 59th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold went in forcefully on Danilo Pereira. It was the right back's second yellow card, putting England down to 10 men. Portugal looked to capitalise. Alex Telles' shot was pushed onto the post by Alisson, and in the 72nd minute Fernandes (who of course, will be eligible for England in the upcoming DWC following his move to Man United) broke free of makeshift RB Fernandinho and crossed for Marega to head Portugal into the lead! England's attacking shape was massively thrown out by the red card, and it meant they couldn't find a way back into the game. Portugal were reminiscent of the 2016 Euro winning side (in real life) as they ground it out to win 1-0. Once again, England are cut down by Portugal just as they were looking unstoppable.
In the first two editions of the DWC, England faced Portugal in the second round and lost 2-1. Can they exact their revenge? A 4-0 hammering of reigning DWC champions Germany is a sign they mean business this year, although Portugal are also unbeaten this tournament.
Harry Kane fired a warning shot narrowly wide 48 seconds into the match, and 6 minutes later Pepe had to produce a good block to deny him from close range, as England started very strongly. They kept it up as Mané went on a solo run and fizzed a shot past the far post. Portugal looked okay going forward, but were generally kept at capacity protecting their own goal. They managed it as we reached the break with no goals.
The second half was quiet, until the 59th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold went in forcefully on Danilo Pereira. It was the right back's second yellow card, putting England down to 10 men. Portugal looked to capitalise. Alex Telles' shot was pushed onto the post by Alisson, and in the 72nd minute Fernandes (who of course, will be eligible for England in the upcoming DWC following his move to Man United) broke free of makeshift RB Fernandinho and crossed for Marega to head Portugal into the lead! England's attacking shape was massively thrown out by the red card, and it meant they couldn't find a way back into the game. Portugal were reminiscent of the 2016 Euro winning side (in real life) as they ground it out to win 1-0. Once again, England are cut down by Portugal just as they were looking unstoppable.
Final
Spain vs Portugal
The inaugural European Championships ends with an Iberian derby. After two brutal semi finals Spain and Portugal remain. Both have been very impressive this tournament. Spain have had a veneer of invincibility this tournament, but so did England before their clash with Portugal.
As mentioned in the Scotland game, there is a Real Madrid tinge to the Portugal squad, with Pepe captaining the team and Casillas in goal (no place for Coentrao). Spain, for their part, have four Merengues stars in their XI. Both teams field the starting XI that won the semi-finals.
Spain vs Portugal
The inaugural European Championships ends with an Iberian derby. After two brutal semi finals Spain and Portugal remain. Both have been very impressive this tournament. Spain have had a veneer of invincibility this tournament, but so did England before their clash with Portugal.
As mentioned in the Scotland game, there is a Real Madrid tinge to the Portugal squad, with Pepe captaining the team and Casillas in goal (no place for Coentrao). Spain, for their part, have four Merengues stars in their XI. Both teams field the starting XI that won the semi-finals.
The first chance comes in the fourth minute. Spain have a free kick wide on the left. Messi whips it in to the far post, where Ramos is waiting to head his team into the lead! What a start for Spain!
Spain's heavy pressing forces a bad pass from André Almeida, which Messi intercepts. He dances past a challenge and gets into the box, but the angle is tight and Casillas holds his shot. He denies Messi again in the 26th minute, as Portugal look completely unable to get out of their own half. They do, however, defend well and get to half time just 1-0 down. At this stage they have had a meagre 33% possession and zero shots.
The second half is pretty atrocious, with Spain extremely comfortable. Both sides make a couple of changes, and it's one of Portugal's - Jesús Corona - who forces a chance. He bursts past Dani Carvajal, but his shot from 10 yards out is badly scuffed wide. At the other end it's another substitute - Griezmann - who heads over as Spain retort. Spain continue to give Portugal death by a thousand passes and Messi nearly seals the win in the final few minutes with a low shot drawing a full-length save from Casillas. Just before the clock ticked past the 90 minutes Jordi Alba picked the ball up on the right, dribbled past Almeida and caught out Casillas at the near post to get Spain's second! A wonderful goal, well deserving to confirm Spain's win.
The second half is pretty atrocious, with Spain extremely comfortable. Both sides make a couple of changes, and it's one of Portugal's - Jesús Corona - who forces a chance. He bursts past Dani Carvajal, but his shot from 10 yards out is badly scuffed wide. At the other end it's another substitute - Griezmann - who heads over as Spain retort. Spain continue to give Portugal death by a thousand passes and Messi nearly seals the win in the final few minutes with a low shot drawing a full-length save from Casillas. Just before the clock ticked past the 90 minutes Jordi Alba picked the ball up on the right, dribbled past Almeida and caught out Casillas at the near post to get Spain's second! A wonderful goal, well deserving to confirm Spain's win.
With just seconds left of the three minutes added time, the ref puts the whistle to his lips and... Portugal score? Right at the death a beautiful pass from Pereira finds sub Otávio in the box and he finishes calmly! Surely it's just a consolation?
There's actually a further two minutes of play, but Portugal can't get the ball from Spain and the final whistle goes to confirm Spain as European Championship victors! A classic Spain performance, suffocating their opponents - they had 68% possession in the end, and 17 shots to Portugal's 4.
Winning this brutally competitive tournament will be a huge boost for Spain going into the Draft World Cup as they look to reclaim their crown from Germany.
Speaking of the DWC, we'll finally be gearing up for that tournament next time, first of all by covering the draw and then doing team previews. This may take a while as I'll need to create the squads, using the winter update.
Speaking of the DWC, we'll finally be gearing up for that tournament next time, first of all by covering the draw and then doing team previews. This may take a while as I'll need to create the squads, using the winter update.