The 2024 European Championship semifinal saw a shocking start as the Netherlands stunned England with an early goal from Xavi Simons. The 21-year-old midfielder struck from the edge of the box in the seventh minute, sending the Signal Iduna Park in Germany into a frenzy. It was Simons’ first goal for the senior national team in a competitive match, a moment of triumph for the young player who had honed his skills at La Masia, the renowned Barcelona academy that nurtured the likes of Lionel Messi.
This early goal not only put the Netherlands in the lead but also served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of tournament football. England, considered one of the favorites for the tournament, found themselves on the back foot from the very beginning. The goal set the tone for a tense and exciting encounter, with the outcome hanging in the balance.
