July 3, 2021. Euro 2020 quarter-finals. Stadio Olimpico in Rome. England vs. Ukraine. The match in which Harry Kane turned from a simple striker into a real terminator. And it all started instantly: already in the 4th minute, after a filigree pass from Sterling, Kane bursts into the penalty area and carefully pushes the ball past Bushchan – 1:0. From the first minutes of the game, the English team demonstrated their aggressive tactics. Every movement of the players was coordinated, like a well-tuned mechanism. Ukraine, although they tried, could not cope with the pressure of the opponent. The English team did not leave space, constantly pressed, forcing the Ukrainians to make mistakes. In the 10th minute, Henderson, supporting the attack, shoots from afar, but the ball goes wide of the target.
Nevertheless, the Ukrainians were not going to give up. They gradually began to get out from under the pressure and organized several counterattacks. In the 20th minute, Yaremchuk received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and tried to surprise Pickaford, but his shot was inaccurate. The tension in the stands grew with each passing minute. Fans of both teams actively supported their players, creating an indescribable atmosphere. England continued to dominate. In the 30th minute, Kane showed himself again, taking the ball on his chest and turning to shoot into the corner of the goal. Bushchan, although he parried the shot, could not prevent the follow-up from Sterling, who was at the forefront of the attack. 2:0 – and the stadium exploded with the delight of the English fans.
The first half ended with a noticeable advantage for the English. The Ukrainians returned to the locker room wondering how to turn the tide of the match. The team’s coach, Andriy Shevchenko, held a tactical conversation, trying to inspire his players. In the second half, Ukraine came out with renewed vigor, and in the 50th minute, Zinchenko shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball again missed the target. England responded to every attempt by their opponents. In the 60th minute, Kane, having received a pass from Foden, again found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He did not miss the chance and scored his second. 3:0 – now Ukraine’s chances of success seemed illusory. Each new moment created by the English only added confidence to their game.
By the end of the match, it became obvious that the English were in control of the situation on the field. In the 70th minute, after a quick combination, Grealish passed to Kane, and he completed the attack, sending the ball into the net – 4:0. There was jubilation in the stands. Harry Kane, who became the hero of the evening, continued to confidently move towards the golden boot of the tournament. The last minutes of the match turned into a formality. Ukraine, although it fought to the end, could not change the course of the match. In the end, the final whistle recorded a convincing victory for England – 4:0. This match was not just a step towards the semi-finals, but also a symbol of the strength and unity of the team, which is striving for the heights of European football. Harry Kane, with his outstanding play, became not only the star of the evening, but also a real leader of his team.
The second half began — and it was over. Already in the 46th minute, Harry Maguire made the score 2:0 after a set piece. And 4 minutes later — Kane again. 50th minute: Luke Shaw’s cross, and Kane bursts into the free zone between the defenders — a header that leaves Bushchan with no chance. Double. 3:0. The game is over. After these goals, it became obvious that Ukraine was under pressure. England continued to demonstrate excellent organization on the field, each player knew their role and performed it flawlessly. Manager Gareth Southgate clearly found the right words for his players at the break, and they came out for the second half with even more confidence.
The Ukrainians urgently needed to change something, and they tried to step up their game. Shevchenko made several substitutions, releasing fresh players onto the field, who were supposed to add speed and creativity to the attack. In the 60th minute, the active Yaremchuk tried to shoot again, but his shot was blocked by the defenders. Every time the Ukrainians approached the penalty area, the English immediately responded, blocking all possible options for a shot. However, Ukraine did not give up. In the 65th minute, Zinchenko, having received the ball on the left flank, tried to create a dangerous moment. He made a penetrating pass to Yarmolenko, who, in turn, shot low, but Pikafor was in place. This episode was one of the few when the Ukrainians were able to create a real threat to the opponent’s goal.
England continued to control the game. In the 70th minute, Kane, having received the ball from Foden, easily bypassed the defender and shot from a distance, but the ball hit the post. Even this moment did not bother the English fans: they understood that the team was on the right track. In the 75th minute, Kane made another attempt, breaking into the penalty area, but his shot was blocked again. However, in the next attack, which followed just a couple of minutes later, he was able to complete the combination. Sterling, having received the ball on the flank, passed it to Kane in the center, who, without thinking, shot into the corner of the goal. 4:0 – it was a real triumph.
In the last 10 minutes of the match, the English were already playing to maintain the score, controlling the ball and not allowing the Ukrainians to seize the initiative. In the 85th minute, when it became obvious that Ukraine’s chances of success were approaching zero, the spectators began to raise flags and chant the names of their favorites. The atmosphere in the stadium was filled with joy and pride for the team, which demonstrated excellent football. The final whistle of the referee marked a confident victory for England. 4:0 is not only a result, but also a signal to all the other teams in the tournament: England is ready to fight for the title. Harry Kane was named man of the match, his brace a key moment that confirmed his status as one of Europe’s finest strikers. The coaching staff and fans were treated to a satisfying display of tactics and team spirit as the team moved towards their goal. This match was a major step towards the final, and all eyes were now on the next games.
Two goals in the quarter-finals made Kane not only a hero for England, but also a symbol of confidence. After a difficult start to the tournament, when he did not score for three matches in a row, Kane got his way. First a goal against Germany, now a brace against Ukraine – and the semi-final with Denmark is ahead. This turning point in the striker’s career was especially significant for the entire team. Kane, long considered one of the best forwards in the world, finally blossomed in the tournament. His confidence grew with each match, and after failures, he again became the player that fans were expecting to see. His performance inspired the team, giving them additional strength ahead of the semi-final.
The semi-final with Denmark promised to be a real test. The Danish team, after the tragic events with Christian Eriksen, demonstrated incredible team spirit and resilience. They showed that they are capable of much, and their victory over the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals only strengthened their confidence. England knew this match would not be an easy walk, but with Kane on the pitch, the team felt they could do anything. At the pre-match press conference, Kane said: “We are ready. This tournament is our opportunity and we are not going to stop.” His words inspired not only his teammates, but also the fans who believed in victory. Each player knew that not only a place in the final was at stake, but also the opportunity to make history.
