Dramatic! England Must Fight 120 Minutes To Win 2-1 Over Slovakia

Harry Kane's header became England's winning goal (photo: eufa.com)

JAKARTA - England had to go through a tense night at the Arena AufSchalke Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, to qualify for the final round. The Three Lions had to fight 120 minutes to be able to secure a 2-1 win over Slovakia in the Euro 2024 last 16 match.

From the start of the match, Slovakia showed their intention to control the game. In the third minute, Marc Guehi from England had already received a yellow card for a foul on David Strelec. Slovakia almost scored in the sixth minute when Haraslin made a quick counter-attack, but unfortunately his shot went wide of goal. Not long after, England's Kobbie Mainoo also got a yellow card due to late challenges.

Slovakia continues to press, with Haraslin constantly being a threat to England's defense. In the 13th minute, Kucka from Slovakia got a yellow card for a tough challenge, while Trippier from England managed to save his team from conceding. Slovakia's tough and tactical game made it difficult for England to create chances in the first half.

Slovakia's awaited goal finally came in the 25th minute. Ivan Schranz scored after using a pass from David Strelec, putting Slovakia 1-0 up. England tried to get up, but Slovakia's solid defense kept their efforts in vain until the end of the first half. The score lasted 1-0 for Slovakia's lead as the final whistle sounded.

Entering the second half, England appeared more aggressive. They continued to press and try to score the equalizer. In the 50th minute, Phil Foden had scored for England, but was ruled out by VAR for offside. However, England continues to press and create opportunities for chances.

Minutes passed with England increasingly desperate to equalize. Several of their golden opportunities were in vain, including Declan Rice's shot which hit the post in the 81st minute. With an additional six minutes after normal time, England remained unable to score, and the match continued into extra time with a score still 1-1.

Drama sebenarnya terjadi di perpanjangan waktu. Di menit ke-95, Jude Bellingham mencetak gol spektakusi dengan tekan Bycicle kick dari gelangan ke dalam, menyamakan polakan menjadi 1-1. Gol ini membangkitkan semangat Inggris. Tak lama kemudian, pada menit ke-97, Harry Kane mencetak gol dari umpan Ivan Toney, membawa Inggris unggung 2-1.

The first half of the extra time ended with England taking a 2-1 lead. In the second half extra time, Slovakia tried to get up and get a free kick in the 110th minute after Gallagher fouled Tupta, but his shot missed. Until the end of the game, England managed to defend their lead and ensure a dramatic 2-1 win over Slovakia.

With this victory, England secured their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, to meet Switzerland, on Saturday 6 July. Captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham became heroes of England's victory with their important goals.

Bellingham's spectacular goal and Kane's calm in scoring goals was the key to England's victory in this drama and tension-packed match. Slovakia, despite putting up a strong fight, had to be willing to be knocked out of the tournament.