Matchday 4 of Euro 2016 saw Spain overcome a stubborn Czech Republic, Ireland held to a 1-1 draw by Zlatan Ibrahomovic’s Sweden, while in the surprise result of the night, Italy swept away the advances of Belgium to come away with a comprehensive 2-0 win.
Gerard Pique’s goal with only minutes remaining, following a superb Andres Iniesta cross was all that the world champions deserved after a dominant display throughout.
Wes Hoolahan’s volley put Ireland ahead in the second match of the day against Sweden, which was preceded and followed by a number of wasted chances and near misses. Ibrahimovic made the Irish pay for this profligacy, as his deadly cross was turned into the net by Ciaran Clark past his own goalkeeper as the points were shared.
In the final match of the day, Marc Wilmots’ Belgium took on Antonio Conte’s Italy. It was a match where the much-fancied Belgians never really got going, and the Azzuri reminded the world that you simply cannot write off an Italian side at a major tournament.
Emanuele Giaccherini latched onto Leonardo Bonnuci’s inch-perfect pass to open the scoring in the first half. Chances followed and were squandered by Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku and Divock Origi, before Southampton striker Graziano Pelle capped off a fine evening for his side with a picturesque volley late on.
SPAIN 1 CZECH REPUBLIC 0
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 1 SWEDEN 1
BELGIUM 0 ITALY 2
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
