Bukayo Saka, who faced racist taunts following his missed penalty in England's Euro 2020 final shootout loss, redeemed himself on Saturday with a standout goal and successful penalty against Switzerland. "Overcoming such a setback was incredibly tough. I turned it into motivation to become stronger. Today, I seized the opportunity and I'm thrilled," declared Saka, named man of the match for England. At just 19 during the heart-wrenching loss to Italy at Wembley, Saka could have easily been disheartened by the online abuse directed at him and other Black players. However, bolstered by the support of coach Gareth Southgate, widespread public support, and a strong backlash against the abusers, he quickly regained his form, continuing to excel for Arsenal in the Premier League and for England.
Now a beloved figure and, at 22, nearly a seasoned veteran of the national team with 38 caps and 12 goals, Saturday's match might have been his most memorable. Saka initially scored a stunning curling equalizer when England trailed 1-0 in their quarter-final against Switzerland, seemingly on the brink of elimination. Later, with the game tied 1-1 after extra time, he was one of the five successful penalty takers in the 5-3 shootout win. His intense focus as he approached the spot for England's third penalty transformed into a broad smile as he secured the goal.
"Last time we faced a penalty shootout at the Euros, we all know what transpired. I'm immensely proud of how we overcame that," he reflected. "I felt we controlled the entire game, and the opportunity would arise. It did, and I was the one to capitalize, so I'm proud of that." Coach Southgate, whose comforting gesture towards Saka during the last Euros remains a poignant memory for England fans, expressed his utmost pride in his young player. "He's incredibly brave. He's among our finest. There was never any doubt he would take a penalty. But we all understand the ordeal he's been through. And he delivered magnificently."
England's soccer history is marred by painful shootout failures, but Saka remained composed. "You might fail once, but I'm the type who seeks to confront the challenge again. I knew many, including my family, were nervous watching, but I stayed calm and scored," he recounted. In the upcoming semifinal on Wednesday, England will clash with the Netherlands. Meanwhile, three-time champions Spain will face the 2022 World Cup runners-up, France, in the first semifinal on Tuesday.
