Securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Serbia, England kickstarted their pursuit of a first major tournament triumph in 58 years. Meanwhile, the Netherlands clinched a late 2-1 win against Poland.
In a captivating return to the European Championship, Christian Eriksen, who suffered a cardiac arrest on the field three years ago, scored the opening goal for Denmark in their 1-1 draw against Slovenia.
Despite the high expectations surrounding England as tournament favorites, Gareth Southgate’s side displayed areas needing improvement in a lackluster debut in Gelsenkirchen.
Jude Bellingham, the standout performer, showcased his talent with a match-winning header, becoming the first European player to feature in three major tournaments before turning 21.
Reflecting on his performance, Bellingham credited his support network for his success and stressed the importance of teamwork.
In a nerve-wracking finish, England’s defense stood tall, denying Serbia’s late surge to secure the crucial victory.
Coming on as a substitute, Wout Weghorst proved pivotal for the Netherlands, netting the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, sealing a Group D win against Poland.
Delighted with his contribution, Weghorst expressed his elation at scoring in a major tournament, emphasizing the team’s goal of lifting the trophy together.
The match witnessed intense moments, with both sets of fans creating a vibrant atmosphere at the stadium, setting the stage for an enthralling contest.
Eriksen, marking his comeback at the Euros, reflected on his journey since the harrowing collapse, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to return to competitive football.
Denmark, looking to recapture their form from previous tournaments, faced a resilient Slovenia, settling for a draw as they set their sights on the upcoming fixtures.
With exciting matchups on the horizon, the competition promises more captivating moments as the teams vie for supremacy in Euro 2024.
AFP