Gareth Southgate's England were on the brink of elimination from European Championship 2024 when young Jude Bellingham's overhead kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time took the game into extra time. Then Harry Kane sealed England's win in the first minute of extra time as they beat Slovakia 2-1 to advance to Euro 2024 quarterfinals.
England were trailing 1-0 when Ivan Schranz found the back of the net in the 25th minute. As 45th ranked Slovakia dominated the proceedings the England players were booed in the stadium. In the second half, England thought they got an equaliser but Phil Foden's goal was ruled out by VAR. There were a few close chances too when Kane missed from close range and Declan Rice's shot hit the post.
The frustration grew but Bellingham turned out to be their saviour. He got the ball from Marc Guehi and was in position to execute the overhead kick to leave Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka with no chance. England took the momentum into the extra time and headed one home.
Bellingham’s one of the most important goals
"I think it was 30 or 20 seconds until we were out of the European Championship," Bellingham said after the thrilling win.
"It's hard to deny that it was one of the most important moments of my career so far."
England manager was in awe of Bellingham who grabbed the chance and saved England from missing out on another chance to win a major trophy since 1966.
"His world is different to pretty much every other 21-year-old in the world... what he can provide are these moments where he grabs things by the scruff of the neck and his character and his personality creates moments that can change in a big game," Southgate said.
England will now take on Switzerland in the quarterfinal in Duesseldorf on July 6.
Spain thrash Georgia
In the other round of 16 clash of the day, Spain shrugged off an early goal and beat Georiga 4-1 comprehensively to book their berth in last eight.
In the 18th minute, Georgia players had their tails up after Robin Le Normand scored an old goal. The equaliser came in the 39th minute when Rodri hit a low shot from just outside the box. After the second half, Fabian Ruiz got the lead for Spain as he got the perfect cross from teenager Lamine Yamal.
In the last 20 minutes, Georgia had to let go of their defensive formation and opt for an all out attack. Nico Williams and Dani Olmo scored in 75th and 83rd minute respectively to make it 4-1 ruling out any chance of Georgia staging a comeback.
Spain dominated the possession with 76 per cent. While the Spanish had 13 shots on target, Georgia had none.
Spain will face hosts Germany on July 5 in the high-voltage quarterfinal clash.
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