Euro 2024: Refereeing Controversy Mars England's Semi-Final Win
Dutch Players and Pundits Outraged Over Penalty Decision
England Advances to Final Despite Contentious Call
The Euro 2024 semi-final between England and the Netherlands was marred by a controversial penalty decision that left Dutch players and pundits fuming. With the score at 1-1 in the first half, England was awarded a penalty after Harry Kane went down in the box under a challenge from Nathan Aké. The decision was met with widespread criticism, with many believing that Kane had dived.
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman was particularly vocal in his criticism of the decision, calling it a "disgrace" and saying that it had "cost his team the match." Dutch players also expressed their anger on social media, with midfielder Frenkie de Jong calling the decision "unbelievable" and defender Matthijs de Ligt saying that it was "a robbery."
The penalty decision overshadowed what was otherwise an entertaining and closely contested match. England had taken an early lead through a stunning long-range strike from Xavi Simons, but the Netherlands equalized through a Memphis Depay penalty. Kane's penalty gave England the lead again, and they held on to win the match 2-1.
England will now face Italy in the final of Euro 2024, while the Netherlands will have to settle for third place. However, the controversy surrounding the penalty decision is likely to cast a shadow over the remainder of the tournament.
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