Controversial Penalty Sends England to Euro 2024 Final, Dutch Fans Outraged

Furious Netherlands supporters have taken to social media to voice their displeasure over a potential handball that preceded England's penalty in their dramatic Euro 2024 exit.

The nature of Gareth Southgate's team's victory has only fueled the belief among Three Lions fans that Sunday's Euro 2024 final against Spain will be a date with destiny, with Harry Kane and his teammates set to bring the trophy home.

The Dutch were elated early in Dortmund when Xavi Simons smashed a powerful strike past Jordan Pickford to open the scoring. However, their elation turned to despair as Harry Kane equalized from the penalty spot midway through the first half, and Ollie Watkins scored a stunning winner in the 90th minute.

The penalty decision, awarded after Kane was fouled by Denzel Dumfries, has divided opinions online, especially given an apparent handball by Bukayo Saka in the build-up. Fans noted that the ball appeared to ricochet off Saka's hand before Kane's initial shot.

One fan remarked, "VAR missed or ignored Saka's handball before the penalty situation. Lucky England should thank the refs." Another fan pointed out multiple infringements, saying, "Tweet out the first handball as well; he didn't just touch it once but multiple times."

A social media user added, "This handball moment from Saka cost the Netherlands the game. VAR should have been used, and Kane did not deserve that penalty kick."

The decision to penalize Dumfries for following through on Kane after the striker's shot had gone over the crossbar was also hotly debated. Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman was furious, insisting the penalty should never have been given.

Post-match, Koeman said, "In my opinion, it should not have been a penalty. He kicked the ball, and the boots touched. We can't play proper football because of VAR. It really breaks football."

Despite his frustration, Koeman acknowledged England's performance, saying, "England showed great football in the first half after being 1-0 down. It's football. If you watch the Spanish national team, they are more offensive with wingers, playing from the back and maintaining ball possession. England are in the final and have a chance to win it. Maybe Spain are favorites, but England can stop them, why not."

England's controversial win has only bolstered the resolve of their fans in Germany, who are confident that 'it's coming home.'

Ashley Beaumont, 35, from Birmingham, who runs a motorcycle sales firm, said, "This is amazing. The team has been criticized, but they never give up. It will be a tough game in Berlin, but the Spanish look very good."

Hospital anesthetist Simon Courtman, 56, from Plymouth, Devon, added, "It has been written in the stars. It is meant to be. We are not quite sure how we got this far, but we have. Now for Berlin."

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