WHERE WAS VAR? That's the first big question in the latest episode of RTÉjr Radio's soccer show Two Halves.
Hosts Harry and Jack look back on the semi finals and preview the Final here!
"Gutted. Gutted for Denmark. Is this not why we have VAR?" Two Halves presenter Jack was quite vocal watching Wednesday night's semi-final that saw the Danes lose controversially to England when Gareth Southgate's side won 2-1 after extra time.
Jack was in West Cork with his football-mad cousin Ruairi this week while Harry stayed back at base in Enniscorthy. Despite being separated, the boys took in every match and are geared up for Friday’s show where they have plenty to get off their chests.
"It was just so unfair," said Harry, on Denmark’s defeat. "There was a second ball on the pitch at one stage, Schmeichel had lasers shone in his eyes. There was no contact on Sterling from Maehle for that penalty. Where was VAR?"
Harry was amazed to see David Baddiel and Frank Skinner, the masterminds behind England’s 'Three Lions’ song (It’s Coming Home) among the crowd at Wembley on Wednesday night. Admittedly it’s an ear-worm of a song which he regularly belts out, especially two particular lines!
Despite the drama on the pitch, the brothers are gearing up for an epic showdown of two of the best teams to have come through the tournament. Harry Kane has come to life over the last two games – he has been Star Of The Match in both the quarter and semi-finals.
Rumour has it, he listens to RTÉ Junior's Two Halves podcast in the dressing room just before matches and he didn't like what the lads were saying about him a few weeks ago.
After Italy beat Spain in a thriller on Tuesday, England will now face them in Sunday's European Championship final at Wembley.
"Italy are just as strong a side as England and it will be unmissable," said Harry. "With Italy’s organised rearguard they seldom concede - and England could struggle to break them down."
As Two Halves looks ahead to the Azzuri going to battle with the Three Lions, Italian family the Bonfarriros who lives in Wexford are off the scales with excitement. Dad Angelo and sons Leon and Aron talk to Jack and Harry this week.
Former Ireland international Daryl Murphy catches up with the lads and shares his memories of Euro 2016, especially that unforgettable night when Ireland beat the Italians 1-0 with a Robbie Brady header while Giorgio Chiellini looked on as a sub!
In an unusual move, the boys have requested that roast chicken, Yorkshire puddings and pork pies be taken off the menu this Sunday.
"We’ll be having pasta and pizza watching the final and cheering on Italy," laughed Jack, "But seriously, may the best and the fairest team win!"
There is so much to talk about on Two Halves!
Listen to the show this and every Friday until 16 July at 7pm on RTÉjr Radio OR you can download the Two Halves podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Jack and Harry want to hear from YOU about your thoughts on how it's all going.
Get in touch using the hashtag #TwoHalves or email junior@rte.ie.
Catch up the earlier shows HERE and the other articles HERE.
There's loads more Euro 2020 reports, reaction and fixtures on RTÉ HERE!
AND you can watch the #Euro2020 Final live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 7pm on Sunday, 11 July!
