Sports
Euro Qualifier: Belgium-Sweden Match Suspended After Killings
The Euro 2024 qualifier match between Belgium and Sweden was halted at half-time on Monday due to a “terrorist attack” in Brussels, resulting in the tragic death of two Swedish nationals, according to officials.
Reporters inside the Roi Baudouin stadium in Brussels noted that fans were being held within the venue.
The match was being played around 3 miles (5 kilometers) away from the shooting, with more than 35,000 fans attending.
The UEFA website confirmed the match suspension, with the score tied at 1-1. Sweden’s football association mentioned that Belgian police instructed supporters to remain in the arena for security concerns.
UEFA said on it’s website “Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, that the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned.”
The Belgian national team shared on its social media platforms that “due to the incidents in Brussels earlier tonight, play is suspended. Our thoughts are with all those affected.”
Authorities stated that the suspected gunman was currently on the run.
Prime Minister Alexander de Croo expressed condolences, specifying that the victims were of Swedish nationality. He extended solidarity to Sweden’s premier and committed to a joint effort in the fight against “terrorism.”
Anti-terrorism police have taken charge of the investigation, occurring in a backdrop of heightened global tension following last week’s violent Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent military actions.
Ahead of their Euro 2024 quarter-final match against Switzerland, England faces a significant disciplinary dilemma.
Five players—Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo, Kieran Trippier, and Conor Gallagher—are on the verge of suspension, each having received one yellow card during the tournament.
If any of these players should be booked again during the match, they would be suspended from the semi-final, should England advance.
Adding to England’s challenges, manager Gareth Southgate will be without Marc Guehi, who is suspended after receiving his second yellow card in the match against Slovakia.
Despite these setbacks, England secured their place in the quarter-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Slovakia on Sunday, highlighted by Jude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick and Harry Kane’s late header.
Gareth Southgate’s team, pre-tournament favorites, has had a mixed campaign so far. They began with a nervy victory over Serbia and then drew with Denmark and Slovenia, yet managed to top Group C and move into the easier side of the draw.
Now, they face Switzerland, who eliminated European champions Italy, in what will be their toughest test yet.
The quarter-final match against Switzerland will take place in Düsseldorf on Saturday. If England succeeds, they will face either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals.
However, the potential suspensions of Bellingham, Foden, Mainoo, Trippier, and Gallagher loom large over the match.
Euro 2024 is set to enter its gripping quarter-final phase, featuring a clash of football titans from across the continent.
Following the conclusion of the round of 16, the stage is now set for an exhilarating lineup of matches.
See fixtures below:
Friday
Spain vs Germany at Stuttgart (1600)
Portugal vs France at Hamburg (1900)
Saturday
England vs Switzerland at Duesseldorf (1600)
Netherlands vs Turkey at Berlin (1900)
Football aficionados can anticipate thrilling encounters as these powerhouse teams vie for supremacy and a chance to advance to the prestigious semi-finals of Euro 2024.
The Netherlands clinched their first Euro quarter-final since 2008 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Romania in the last-16 match on Tuesday.
Donyell Malen starred with a brace, supported by Cody Gakpo’s opener in the first half.
Despite squandering numerous chances, the Dutch sealed their win as Gakpo set up Malen for the second goal before Malen dazzled with a spectacular solo effort in stoppage time.
Their next challenge awaits against either Turkey or Austria in the quarter-finals.
More to follow………….
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