Today [Friday, June 17] there was a lot happening on the soccer fields of France, from extremely mediocre soccer to flares being thrown onto the field (yes, the kind of flares you place on the road or wave in the air to attract attention).
In the first game today, Italy and Sweden played a very dull game for 88 minutes, until in a sudden turn of events, Italy scored from a throw-in. The play that resulted in the goal took about 20 seconds to develop, after the game had moved slowly along for over an hour. Italy joined France in the knockout stage of the competition with this win.
GOAL Eder!!! #ITA 1-0 #SWE https://t.co/qLBbKEL8CN
— Serie A News (@TransfersCalcio) June 17, 2016
In the second game of the day, the Czech Republic took on Croatia, and there was much more exciting soccer and a strange scene as fans threw their flares on to the field late in the game. Croatia seemed to be the dominant team through out the game, but ultimately squandered a two goal lead, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw. The Croatian fans began throwing flares onto the field, when their team was still leading 2-1, and the Croatian players had to actively plead with the fans to calm down. Croatia will be facing sanctions from UEFA for the behavior of its fans.
Czech Republic-Croatia was delayed after fans threw flares onto the pitch. WATCH: https://t.co/fMPBHnfp22 (US only) pic.twitter.com/ROgCyqJVDQ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 17, 2016
The third game of the day saw order restored, on and off the pitch, with Spain beating Turkey 3-0. Spain dominated early and often, scoring two of their goals in the first half, and adding on the third just after half-time. Spain also advanced to the knockout round with this win.
#ESP: The first team to score three goals at #EURO2016
pic.twitter.com/I8izr0DN5d
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 17, 2016
Euro2016 games continue through out the weekend, with Belgium and Portugal both in action tomorrow [Saturday, June 18]. Check out all the action on ESPN.