By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
The Euro 2020 has reached the round of 16 that began on Saturday. Group stage has been exceptional and knock-out phase has been much better with clashes such as Belgium v Portugal, which has seen Portugal leaving the big stage while Belgium has advanced.
And all the drama unfolding on TopStar’s StarTimes sports channels.
If any international game comes close to rivaling the best club derbies in the world, it must be England against Germany.
Since 1966 the two countries have been involved in a fierce rivalry. In that year England won their first – and to date – only major international trophy, when they beat Germany 4-2 in the World Cup final in Wembley.
It was the beginning of a wonderful rivalry that will see another highlight on Tuesday as Die Mannschaft travel to Wembley to take on the Three Lions in a round of the last-16 match at Euro 2020.
Germany spluttered and coughed their way into the knock-out stage, twice having to come from behind at home against Hungary to record the 2-2 draw they needed.
England, on the other hand, had their fright in their second match against Scotland, when they were held to a goalless draw.
The side has yet to concede a goal, having beaten Croatia and the Czech Republic 1-0 in their two other matches.
Midfielder Jordan Henderson, who was given a first outing against the Czech Republic after recovering from injury, said that Germany’s struggles to advance meant very little.
“They are still a very good side and have excellent players all over the field. It will be a hard test and in the knock-out stage, it does not matter who played better previously, only the form on the day counts.”
Germany coach Joachim Löw, promised fans a different Germany against England.
“It will be a much more open game. Hungary played very defensively, we prefer playing teams that attack and England will have to attack at home.” He said
The game between the bitter rivals is not the only mouth-watering clash in the round of the last 16 as Tuesday’s other game sees Ukraine face Sweden.
Topstar Public Relations Manager Joy Chula says all Euro 2020 games are being shown live and in HD on the TopStar’s sports channels StarTimes channels.
