England and Spain knocked out, Italy and Iceland cruise to quarter-finals
Mon 27th June 2016 European Championship –Round of 16
Iceland beat England 2-1
Sigurdsson 6’, Sigthorsson 18’ Rooney 4’ pen
Italy beat Spain 2-0
Chiellini 33’, Pelle 90’+1’
England suffered a shocking defeat and exit from Euro2016 as they were were beaten by minnows Iceland in the last 16, prompting Roy Hodgson to resign as manager. Wayne Rooney put England in front with a 4 minute penalty after Raheem Sterling was fouled, only for Ragnar Sigurdsson to equalize in the 6th minute and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson gave Iceland the lead with a shot which Joe Hart should have saved. From then on, England rarely threatened without any attacking plans. Although England had 68% possession, 4 shots on target and 7 corners they failed to find equaliser.
Iceland will meet hosts France in the quarter-finals, at Stade de France on Sunday,3rd July 2016.
Italy passionately knocked out Spain to secure a quarter-final against World champions Germany.
They used wing-backs Alessandro Florenzi and Mattia de Sciglio to attack until they became turned to defence of their lead in final stages.
Giorgio Chiellini’s opening goal from close range after David de Gea parried an Eder free-kick in the 33rd minute. Then it was left to Southamption striker Graziano Pelle who volleyed home from eight yards after an attempted clearance from substitute Matteo Darmian’s cross. Manchester United keeper De Gea made three outstanding saves in the first 45 minutes . Italy avenged their 4-0 defeat in 2012 final. The irony is Spain had 59% possession, 7 shots on target but convert any goals.
Italian manager Antonio Conte has agreed to join Chelsea after the Italian Euro 2016 campaign is over.