Manchester City at the Euros: So Far So Good For Most Blues

07/02/2024 11:00 AM

But Disappointment for De Bruyne and Doku

Manchester City continue to be well-represented at the 2024 Euros in Germany as stars from Switzerland, Spain and England have made it through to the quarter-finals. However, there was heartbreak for Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku as Belgium exited the tournament.

Manuel Akanji's Switzerland side put holders Italy out in the first match on Saturday, winning 2-0 in Berlin. It was an impressive performance from the Swiss, who kept the Italians at bay and fully deserved to go through to the last eight.

In the evening match, former blue Ilkay Gundogan's Germany needed a slice of luck to edge past Denmark to make the quarter-final. Denmark had a goal disallowed and were awarded a penalty a few minutes later, which was converted by Kai Havertz. The host added a second 15 minutes later to book their place.

England needed extra time to see off the challenge from Slovakia and set up a last-eight match with Switzerland. Slovakia took the lead in the 25th minute and it looked like Gareth Southgate's side were heading out of the tournament. City's Phil Foden had a goal disallowed and Declan Rice hit the post as England looked to be heading home.

Jude Bellingham levelled for England and Harry Kane scored moments into extra time to send England through. At least one City player will be coming home after that match,

Rodri was on the scoresheet as Spain overcame surprise package Georgia to book their place in the last eight, Georgia had taken a surprise lead in the 18th minute thanks to an own goal, but Rodri levelled with six minute to go until half-time.

Spain turned up the heat in the second half and put another three past their lower ranked opposition to run out 4-1 winners and set up a quarter-final tie with Germany.

While all City players were through, two who are on their way home are de Bruyne and Doku. Belgium faced France in their first knock-out match and were beaten by a late French goal. De Bruyne had almost put Belgium in front before that goal but saw his shot well-saved by the French keeper.

City Portuguese contingent went to extra time and penalties to overcome Slovenia in their knock-out match. Cristiano Ronaldo, or Misstiano Penaldo as the BBC stated, missed a late penalty at 0-0 and, with no goals during the extra 30 minutes, penalties ensued.

Diego Costa saved all of Slovenia's attempts, while Ronaldo, everyone's favourite midfielder Bruno Fernandes and City's own Bernardo Silva converted their spot kicks to send Portugal through.