Before the start of Euro 2020, the Belgian national team was considered one of the main favorites to win the tournament. The team of Roberto Martinez still fully justifies its status. In the group the Belgians ended up with Russia, Denmark and Finland and already outright claimed the first place, beating the Russian national team with a score of 3:0 in St. Petersburg. In the second round the red devils met resistance from Denmark, but got out of the situation with dignity, beating the Danes with a score of 2:1 in Copenhagen. The Finnish national team tried to give a fight in the last round, but only held out until the middle of the second half. A 2:0 victory allowed them to finish first in the group with nine points. In the playoffs Belgium faced Portugal and the fight turned out to be very difficult. Through the efforts of Thorgan Azar, they managed to open an account in the first half, but the Portuguese created a lot of chances and only miraculously did not score. As a result, the red devils kept the minimum victory and ended up in the quarterfinals.
The Spanish national team was considered the undisputed favorite of their group. Slovakia, Poland and Sweden were clearly inferior to her in class. Nevertheless, Luis Enrique’s team faced fierce resistance from the Swedes in the opening match of Euro 2020, being unable to open their defense. The match with Poland (1:1) also ended in a draw, but this time it was already productive, while the Spaniards did not convert the penalty. It was imperative to beat Slovakia in the last round, but the fight began with another unbeaten penalty. Nevertheless, the red fury continued to bend its line and the class took its toll, where five goals went to the gates of Slovakia. However, the Swedes also won their match and Spain went to the playoffs from second place. In the 1/8 finals Spain met with Croatia and the fight began unsuccessfully again. Pedri’s ridiculous own goal obliged the Spaniards to turn on at full capacity. The advantage of Spain was colossal and it was possible to translate it into three goals scored, but the Croats managed to recoup. However, the Spaniards did not allow the penalty shootout to take place. In extra time the Red Fury scored twice and advanced to the quarterfinals.