'Curse Kane is the problem? It's going to be replaced, and it's going to turn around right away...England to win 2-1 in the Netherlands → advance to the final for the second consecutive time in the Euros

Jul 11, 2024

England have a chance to overcome Harry Kane's uncivilized curse. England's national team, led by head coach Gareth Southgate, won 2-1 against the Netherlands in the semifinals of Euro 2024 at Zignal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany on the 11th (Korea time). With this victory, England will face Spain, which was already in the final, for the trophy on the 15th. England has already reached the final in the last tournament, but is aiming to win the final for the first time in history by finishing second. Spain will try to win the title for the first time in 12 years since Euro 2012.

For Kane, it may be his last chance to win the championship wearing the England national team. Whether he can break the curse of no spectators by himself is expected to receive great attention in the upcoming final against Spain. REUTERS Yonhap News

England has a chance to win over Harry Kane's uncivil curse.

England's national team, led by head coach Gareth Southgate, won 2-1 against the Netherlands in the semifinals of Euro 2024 at Zignal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany on the 11th (Korea time).

With this victory, England will face Spain, which was already in the final, for the trophy on the 15th. England has already reached the final in the last tournament, but is aiming to win the final for the first time in history by finishing second. Spain will try to win the title for the first time in 12 years since Euro 2012.

England played in a 3-4-2-1 formation, just like the last quarterfinals. Harry Kane is on the front line, and Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are on the second line. Declan Rice and Kobe Mainu worked together on the third line, and Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier were placed as wingbacks. The three backs were made up by Mark Gehie, John Stones and Kyle Walker. Jordan Pickford kept the goal.

The Netherlands also faced off with a 4-3-3 formation. Cody Hakpo, Memphis Depay and Doniel Malan made up the three-top, while Tyani Reinders, Xavi Simmons and Yerdi Shawton were in the midfield. Nathan Ake, Virgil van Dijk, Stefan Dubray and Denzel Doompris stepped up to the defense. The goalkeeper's gloves were worn by Bert Pervruhen.

The game was hot from the start with the Netherlands' scoring shot. After taking Rice's ball under pressure in the 7th minute of the first half, Simmons advanced to the right of the penalty box arc, and his right-footed mid-range shot was inserted into the corner of England's net.

But England didn't back down either. Kane aimed for the Dutch goal with a mid-range shot in the 13th minute of the first half, and Kane got a penalty kick in the 14th minute when he was kicked by Doompris during the shooting process in the box. Kane, who played kicker, finished it neatly and tied it again.

England gained momentum after the tie. Foden, who received the pass after Mainu's breakthrough in the 23rd minute of the first half, seemed to score by even breaking through the goalkeeper in the box, but Doomfree, who was waiting in front of the goal, caught a shot and the Netherlands overcame the crisis of losing a point.

The Netherlands also launched a counterattack. In the 30th minute of the first half, Doomfree's header hit the upper post and swallowed the disappointment. After that, the two teams finished the first half 1-1.

The team that gained momentum in the second half was the Netherlands. In the 20th minute of the second half, Pandique connected the ball that came into the English box with a shot, but was blocked by Pickford's tremendous save.

England shook the net but were denied. Walker's cross was directly connected to Saka in the box in the 34th minute of the second half, and Saka's shot immediately penetrated the Dutch goal. However, the score was canceled when Walker's position, who received the pass in the previous situation, was pointed out as offside.

England, which needed a turnaround, decided to put Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins out of Kane and Foden in the 36th minute of the second half. The replacement produced a result. As soon as he entered extra time in the second half, Rice's pass was connected to Palmer, who pushed the pass to Watkins in front. Watkins was a little narrow on the right side of the penalty box, but he tried to shoot without hesitation and the ball shook the Dutch net.

In the end, the match ended with a 2-1 victory for England.

After Kane's replacement in the game, England succeeded in turning the tables, raising fans' interest in Kane's uncivilized curse. Criticism of Kane's performance has already grown. Kane started all five games played by England except against the Netherlands and scored two goals. In particular, the goal against Slovakia was a come-from-behind goal that led the team to the quarterfinals. However, it is hard to say that his performance is the image of the best goal scorer in Europe. He continued to show isolation between defenses, and there was no power in front of the gate.

In some media, is Kane now England's Ronaldo? The question has been a compliment for the past few years, but in 2024 it's more of a criticism. Now, the question is that Kane remains in the team only with his reputation, and that his manager lacks the courage to make difficult decisions,' he said, criticizing Kane.

For Kane, it may be his last chance to win the championship wearing the England national team. Whether he can break the curse of no spectators by himself is expected to receive great attention in the upcoming final against Spain.

digh1229@sportschosun.com