Sport

England secure semi-final spot in nail-biting penalty shootout against Switzerland

Published

7 months ago

July 7, 2024

IN a match that epitomised the unpredictable nature of England’s Euro 2024 campaign, Gareth Southgate’s side edged past Switzerland to reach the semi-finals. The clash at Düsseldorf on Saturday, 6th July 2024, ended 1-1 after extra time, with England triumphing 5-3 in the penalty shootout.

Switzerland took the lead in the 75th minute through Breel Embolo, leaving England teetering on the brink of elimination. Murat Yakin’s team dominated the second half, and it appeared that Southgate’s 100th match in charge might be his last. Southgate’s tactical decisions were questioned once more, particularly with Harry Kane struggling to find form and the introduction of Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Luke Shaw coming only in the final 12 minutes.

England players celebrate after win vs Switzerland
byu/siva-pc insoccer

However, Bukayo Saka’s brilliance came to England’s rescue again. The young star equalised with England’s first shot on target, ensuring the game went into extra time. Despite a disjointed performance marked by chaotic defending and stagnant play, England managed to hold on. Jordan Pickford’s critical saves, including a stunning stop from Zeki Amdouni, kept them in the contest.

Cole Palmer’s penalty in the England – Switzerland shootout.
byu/Dinamo8 inchelseafc

The penalty shootout showcased Southgate’s meticulous preparation. Switzerland, who have lost five of their last six shootouts, faltered when it mattered most. Manuel Akanji’s crucial penalty was saved by Pickford, while Trent Alexander-Arnold sealed the win for England with a decisive strike past Yann Sommer.

Reflecting on the match, Southgate’s tenure has been marked by both criticism and praise. His ability to rally his team in penalty situations remains a testament to his detailed management. Saka, who missed a vital penalty in Euro 2020, redeemed himself with a flawless performance, converting his spot-kick with confidence.

The match began with a tentative approach from both sides. England’s defensive setup, with Kieran Trippier on the left and Phil Foden unable to replicate his club form, suggested a team unsure of its identity. The midfield battle was intense, with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham striving to assert control. Kobbie Mainoo’s energetic display was a highlight, though his efforts could not mask the overall lack of creativity.

Switzerland’s Embolo turned the game with his goal, capitalising on a defensive lapse from Kyle Walker. England’s response was immediate yet disorganised until the late substitutions. Saka’s equaliser was a moment of sheer individual brilliance, cutting inside and bending a shot beyond Sommer.

Extra time saw England scrapping to stay afloat, with Pickford making another vital save and Shaqiri hitting the post. The introduction of Ivan Toney and Alexander-Arnold added fresh legs and impetus, yet the match seemed destined for penalties.

In the shootout, England’s calmness prevailed. Palmer, Bellingham, Saka, and Toney all converted their penalties with composure. Switzerland’s responses through Schär, Amdouni, and Shaqiri were not enough to counter Alexander-Arnold’s decisive kick.

As “Sweet Caroline” echoed around the stadium, Southgate embraced his staff, reflecting on a night that encapsulated both the fragility and resilience of his team. With the Netherlands awaiting in the semi-finals, England must improve to continue their journey. But for now, they celebrate a hard-fought victory, driven by the unwavering belief and individual brilliance of players like Saka and Pickford.

England fans can hope that this chaotic, nerve-wracking journey leads to ultimate glory, as they prepare for another stern test on Wednesday.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association: Week 14 Results

Published

2 days ago

January 27, 2025

Herald Sport

THE SOUTH Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association, also known as “The Friendly League,” has released the results for Week 14 of the competition.

Match Results

Hundleton 8 v Badgers 2
Llanteg 2 v St Johns 8
Reynalton 8 v St Twynnells 2
East Williamston 8 v Carew 2

The match between Cosheston and Kilgetty was postponed, while Lamphey had the bye.

League Table (Week 14)

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	S/D	Points
East Williamston	12	11	0	1	167	92
Carew	12	8	1	3	111	79
Reynalton	12	8	0	4	48	70
Hundleton	13	7	0	6	61	68
St Johns	11	8	0	3	76	66
Cosheston	11	6	0	5	33	54
Llanteg	11	3	1	7	-29	51
St Twynnells	13	3	1	9	-125	48
Badgers	11	3	1	7	6	45
Kilgetty	11	3	0	8	-129	40
Lamphey	11	2	0	9	-142	29

For further details or any inquiries, please contact Steve Cox, League Fixtures Secretary.

Sport

Manderwood Pembs Football League – Div 1: Tenby and Hakin continue title charges

Published

2 days ago

January 27, 2025

Herald Sport

Hakin United edge Carew in tight contest
Carew 0 – Hakin United 2

Hakin United kept the pressure on league leaders Goodwick United with a gritty 2-0 victory over Carew at the Gerald Hicks Memorial Ground. The second-placed Vikings remain firmly in the title race, poised to capitalize on any slip-ups by Goodwick.

The game was settled in the first half, with Ryan Wilson breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute. The Hakin captain connected with a pinpoint Shane Walsh cross to score from close range. Hakin doubled their advantage on the stroke of halftime when Wilson turned provider. He set up Alfie Stotter, who unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike that soared into the roof of Jack Harries’ net.

Despite Carew’s determined second-half efforts, there were no further goals, and Hakin secured their thirteenth win of the season.

Goodwick United narrowly beat Merlins Bridge
Goodwick United 1 – Merlins Bridge 0

Goodwick United clinched a vital 1-0 victory over Merlins Bridge in a hard-fought encounter at Phoenix Park. Although Goodwick dominated possession and created multiple chances, poor finishing meant they had to battle for the win.

The decisive moment came in the 29th minute when Luke Hayward’s well-delivered corner found Matty Delaney, who headed the ball into the net from close range. Goodwick struck the woodwork several times during the match, but their single goal proved enough to secure all three points.

Goodwick will be looking to sharpen their finishing ahead of their West Wales Intermediate Cup clash with Cwmamman United next Saturday.

Tenby too strong for Herbrandston
Herbrandston 0 – Tenby 10

Tenby United delivered a commanding 10-0 victory over bottom-placed Herbrandston in a one-sided affair. The visitors controlled proceedings from the outset, leading 3-0 at halftime before adding seven more goals in the second half.

Scott Ferney opened the scoring, followed by strikes from captain Daniel Storer and Jerome Williams. After the break, Ned Davies, Joe Leahy, and Ferney extended the lead, with Ferney netting his second consecutive hat-trick. Leahy added another to complete his brace, before Ferney scored his third to make it 8-0. Rhys Morgan and Jacob Hipkiss rounded off the rout with late goals.

The emphatic win keeps Tenby climbing the table, while Herbrandston remain without a point this season.

Sport

Crymych’s slow start costs them against Ammanford

Published

2 days ago

January 27, 2025

Herald Sport

Championship Division

Crymych 5 – Ammanford 21

CRYMYCH’S battle to stay in the Championship Division continues as they fell to a 21-5 defeat against Ammanford, who secured a season double over their opponents. A sluggish first half left Crymych trailing too far behind to recover despite an improved second-half performance.

Ammanford’s powerful pack and cohesive backs dominated early on, running in three tries in the first half. Full-back Gareth Rees converted all three to establish a commanding 21-0 lead at the break. Crymych managed a single unconverted try in the second half through replacement winger Hedd George but could not close the gap further.

This defeat marks Crymych’s 11th loss of the season, leaving them in ninth place and in danger of being drawn into the relegation battle. While they remain outside the bottom two, their struggles with slow starts and fundamental errors must be addressed urgently.

Crymych’s upcoming fixtures will be crucial, with the team needing to improve their defensive discipline and sharpen their attack to secure their Championship Division status. The pressure is mounting as the season progresses.

Man of the match was Marco Dallavalle pictured above