• Italy's Nicolo Barella celebrates scoring their first goal.
    Italy's Nicolo Barella celebrates scoring their first goal.
  • Italy's Nicolo Barella, centre, celebrates scoring the opening goal against Belgium.
    Italy's Nicolo Barella, centre, celebrates scoring the opening goal against Belgium.
  • Italy forward Lorenzo Insigne (C) celebrates scoring their second goal against Belgium.
    Italy forward Lorenzo Insigne (C) celebrates scoring their second goal against Belgium.
  • Romelu Lukaku scores Belgium's goal.
    Romelu Lukaku scores Belgium's goal.
  • Belgium's forward Romelu Lukaku at the end of the match.
    Belgium's forward Romelu Lukaku at the end of the match.
  • Romelu Lukaku after missing a scoring chance.
    Romelu Lukaku after missing a scoring chance.
  • Italy's coach Roberto Mancini waves at the end of the match.
    Italy's coach Roberto Mancini waves at the end of the match.
  • Belgium's Spanish coach Roberto Martinez during the match.
    Belgium's Spanish coach Roberto Martinez during the match.

Sport

Football

Euro 2020 semi-final predictions: Italy to meet England in final

Denmark's fairytale run and Spain's resurgence to come to an end

Steve Luckings
Steve Luckings

July 04, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

We're down to the last four teams of Euro 2020 following Saturday's quarter-final games.

We take a look at the semi-final matches.

Final list of teams to qualify for the semi-finals of Euro 2020

Denmark, England, Italy, Spain

Euro 2020 semi-final fixtures

All times UAE

Italy v Spain, 11pm

Tuesday, July 6 at Wembley

Italy were simply too good for Belgium in the quarter-finals, bringing an end to the Red Devils' golden generation with a 2-1 win. The return of Giorgio Chiellini reinforced an already solid defence but goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma demonstrated why he is the hottest free agent in world football right now with some stunning saves. But it is in attack where Italy are starting to hit their straps. Lorenzo Insigne scored a trademark goal to settle the tie but it was Federico Chiesa who caught the eye with an electric performance. Roberto Mancini is likely to persist with a front three that also includes Ciro Immobile despite the Lazio man casting himself as villain after some unnecessary theatrics in the build-up to Nicolo Barella's opener.

Spain needed some terrible Swiss penalties to punch their ticket to the last four for the third time in the past four editions of the Euros. It was their toughest test with Swiss fortitude turned up to maximum to force extra time and penalties for a second successive game. Sergio Busquets saw his spot kick crash against the post but that was the only blemish on another polished performer from the Barcelona metronome. This match wouldn't look out of place as the final but one will fall by the way side. Italy seem stronger across the board than Luis Enrique's men and look well set for a fourth European Championship final appearance.

Prediction: Italy to extend unbeaten run to 33 matches

  • BELGIUM RATINGS: Thibaut Courtois 6 - Not much the Real Madrid goalkeeper could have done about either goal. Wasn’t helped out by his defence with either effort.
    BELGIUM RATINGS: Thibaut Courtois 6 - Not much the Real Madrid goalkeeper could have done about either goal. Wasn’t helped out by his defence with either effort.
  • Jan Vertonghen 5 - Careless on the opening goal by not clearing lines soon enough. Italy had too much space at times on the edge of the box.
    Jan Vertonghen 5 - Careless on the opening goal by not clearing lines soon enough. Italy had too much space at times on the edge of the box.
  • Thomas Vermaelen 7 - The 35-year-old defender looked the most assured of the three on Friday night.
    Thomas Vermaelen 7 - The 35-year-old defender looked the most assured of the three on Friday night.
  • Toby Alderweireld 6 - Dealt with Ciro Immobile well but could have pressed Insigne before the attacker was able to shoot.
    Toby Alderweireld 6 - Dealt with Ciro Immobile well but could have pressed Insigne before the attacker was able to shoot.
  • Thorgan Hazard 6 - Nowhere near as influential as in the game against Portugal but defended astutely on the left hand side.
    Thorgan Hazard 6 - Nowhere near as influential as in the game against Portugal but defended astutely on the left hand side.
  • Youri Tielemans 6 - Took care of the ball but didn’t take too many risks on the night. Italy's midfield seemed to control the midfield best of the two sides.
    Youri Tielemans 6 - Took care of the ball but didn’t take too many risks on the night. Italy's midfield seemed to control the midfield best of the two sides.
  • Axel Witsel 6 - Not involved too much on either side tonight. Positive runs in the last stages of the game saw the midfielder find space but he couldn’t produce when on the ball.
    Axel Witsel 6 - Not involved too much on either side tonight. Positive runs in the last stages of the game saw the midfielder find space but he couldn’t produce when on the ball.
  • Thomas Meunier 6 - Kept at bay by Spinazzola in a battle which seemed to nullify both players.
    Thomas Meunier 6 - Kept at bay by Spinazzola in a battle which seemed to nullify both players.
  • Jeremy Doku 7 - Positive on the ball and looked to attack Di Lorenzo at every opportunity. A bright display from the Belgium winger whose efforts won his side a penalty. Belgium’s brightest spark on the night.
    Jeremy Doku 7 - Positive on the ball and looked to attack Di Lorenzo at every opportunity. A bright display from the Belgium winger whose efforts won his side a penalty. Belgium’s brightest spark on the night.
  • Kevin De Bruyne 7 - Given too much space at times as the Manchester City man was able to run at the defence but nothing came of De Bruyne’s production at the Allianz Arena.
    Kevin De Bruyne 7 - Given too much space at times as the Manchester City man was able to run at the defence but nothing came of De Bruyne’s production at the Allianz Arena.
  • Romelu Lukaku 7 - Linked well with De Bruyne to get into good attacking positions and took his penalty well, waiting for the goalkeeper to move before striking into the middle of the goal.
    Romelu Lukaku 7 - Linked well with De Bruyne to get into good attacking positions and took his penalty well, waiting for the goalkeeper to move before striking into the middle of the goal.
  • SUBS: Dries Mertens (Tielemans 70) N/R - On for Tielemans with Belgium needing an equaliser.
    SUBS: Dries Mertens (Tielemans 70) N/R - On for Tielemans with Belgium needing an equaliser.
  • Nacer Chadli (Meunier 70) N/R - Injured moments after being introduced.
    Nacer Chadli (Meunier 70) N/R - Injured moments after being introduced.
  • Dennis Praet (Chadli 74) - On for Chadli for the final stage of the game.
    Dennis Praet (Chadli 74) - On for Chadli for the final stage of the game.
  • ITALY RATINGS: Gianluigi Donnarumma 7 - A strong hand at full stretch denied Kevin De Bruyne whose left foot strike was heading straight for the corner. Kept cool throughout the game and commanded his box well.
    ITALY RATINGS: Gianluigi Donnarumma 7 - A strong hand at full stretch denied Kevin De Bruyne whose left foot strike was heading straight for the corner. Kept cool throughout the game and commanded his box well.
  • Leonardo Spinazzola 7 - The Roma man has been a standout with his attacking throughout Euro 2020 but his block against Romelu Lukaku kept Italy ahead just after the hour mark. Suffered an injury which may see him out for a number of weeks.
    Leonardo Spinazzola 7 - The Roma man has been a standout with his attacking throughout Euro 2020 but his block against Romelu Lukaku kept Italy ahead just after the hour mark. Suffered an injury which may see him out for a number of weeks.
  • Giorgio Chiellini 7 - Back into the squad after suffering an injury in the group stages. A leader’s performance from the veteran defender. A crucial block late-on helped keep Belgium out.
    Giorgio Chiellini 7 - Back into the squad after suffering an injury in the group stages. A leader’s performance from the veteran defender. A crucial block late-on helped keep Belgium out.
  • Leonardo Bonucci 7 - Almost opened the scoring before VAR intervened. Solid in defence and passed the ball out from the back well.
    Leonardo Bonucci 7 - Almost opened the scoring before VAR intervened. Solid in defence and passed the ball out from the back well.
  • Giovanni Di Lorenzo 5 - Struggled to deal with the pace of Jeremy Doku who played fearlessly on the left flank. A costly penalty gave Belgium a lifeline in the game.
    Giovanni Di Lorenzo 5 - Struggled to deal with the pace of Jeremy Doku who played fearlessly on the left flank. A costly penalty gave Belgium a lifeline in the game.
  • Marco Verratti 7 - Booked in the first half but stood-out with a number of good tackles made. Calm on the ball.
    Marco Verratti 7 - Booked in the first half but stood-out with a number of good tackles made. Calm on the ball.
  • Jorginho 7 - Kept play ticking at the heart of Italy’s midfield and didn’t look phased when under pressure.
    Jorginho 7 - Kept play ticking at the heart of Italy’s midfield and didn’t look phased when under pressure.
  • Nicolo Barella 8 - Kept cool and snuck through the Belgium backline before blasting past Thibaut Courtois for the opener.
    Nicolo Barella 8 - Kept cool and snuck through the Belgium backline before blasting past Thibaut Courtois for the opener.
  • Lorenzo Insigne 8 - Constantly put the defence in difficult situations and the Napoli star’s curling effort to double Italy’s lead was straight from the top drawer.
    Lorenzo Insigne 8 - Constantly put the defence in difficult situations and the Napoli star’s curling effort to double Italy’s lead was straight from the top drawer.
  • Ciro Immobile 5 - Didn’t stop trying but struggled against Belgium’s defensive setup. Off the pace.
    Ciro Immobile 5 - Didn’t stop trying but struggled against Belgium’s defensive setup. Off the pace.
  • Federico Chiesa 6 - Often tried to work a yard before getting a strike at goal and came close just before half time with a curling effort from outside of the box.
    Federico Chiesa 6 - Often tried to work a yard before getting a strike at goal and came close just before half time with a curling effort from outside of the box.
  • SUBS: Bryan Cristante (Verratti, 75) N/R - On to help defend out the 2-1 lead in the last 15 minutes.
    SUBS: Bryan Cristante (Verratti, 75) N/R - On to help defend out the 2-1 lead in the last 15 minutes.
  • Andrea Belotti (Immobile, 75) N/R - Not much to do with Italy defending out the game.
    Andrea Belotti (Immobile, 75) N/R - Not much to do with Italy defending out the game.
  • Emerson (Spinazzola, 80) N/R - On for the injured Spinazzola
    Emerson (Spinazzola, 80) N/R - On for the injured Spinazzola
  • Domenico Berardi (Insigne 80) N/R - Picked up a yellow card when leaving the wall too early.
    Domenico Berardi (Insigne 80) N/R - Picked up a yellow card when leaving the wall too early.
  • Rafael Toloi (Chiesa 90) N/R - On for added time to see out the game.
    Rafael Toloi (Chiesa 90) N/R - On for added time to see out the game.

England v Denmark, 11pm

Wednesday, July 7 at Wembley

Kasper Dolberg is fast becoming the unlikely hero of these Euros following another impressive in Denmark's hard-fought 2-1 win over Czech Republic. The 23-year-old hit the net a paltry six times for Nice in 2020/21 but has already scored three goals at Euro 2020 in as many appearances. Dolberg protects the ball as if it were a newborn baby and has proven a handful for defenders. The Danes had to weather a spirited Czech fightback in Baku but prevailed largely due to a defence expertly marshaled by Simon Kjaer. The captain was arguably already the man of the tournament for his conduct and leadership during the uncertainty following Christian Eriksen's collapse during the match against Finland and he continues to enhance his standing with totemic displays. Kjaer and his fellow defenders will have to raise their game to another level though to contain an England side that sense their time to win a first major tournament since 1966 is in their hands.

For all the talk of whether Jack Grealish should start, Harry Kane shouldn't and when did Jordan Pickford get so damn good?, Raheem Sterling's contribution has been largely overlooked. The Manchester City forward has three goals and assisted Kane's opener in the 4-0 rout of Ukraine and his ability to stretch defences has allowed England to dominate territory. Mason Mount was restored to the side while new Manchester United signing Jadon Sancho made his tournament bow and didn't disappoint. That presents Gareth Southgate with a selection headache if Bukayo Saka is passed fit after his man-of-the-match display in the win over Germany. No matter who gets the nod, England are about to become the most hated team for ending everyone's new favourite team and their fairytale run.

Prediction: England to reach only a second major final

  • UKRAINE RATINGS: Georgiy Bushchan 5 - Saved a potential goal of the tournament from Harry Kane but there was nothing the goalkeeper could do about four goals all from close range.
    UKRAINE RATINGS: Georgiy Bushchan 5 - Saved a potential goal of the tournament from Harry Kane but there was nothing the goalkeeper could do about four goals all from close range.
  • Mykola Matvienko 5 - Struggled with the intensity of England's attacks. A fine performance in possession of the ball but it was a bad day at the office for Ukraine’s defence in Rome.
    Mykola Matvienko 5 - Struggled with the intensity of England's attacks. A fine performance in possession of the ball but it was a bad day at the office for Ukraine’s defence in Rome.
  • Serghiy Krivtsov 6 - Forced off in the first half with an injury.
    Serghiy Krivtsov 6 - Forced off in the first half with an injury.
  • Illia Zabarnyi 5 - Struggled with the movement of England’s dynamic attack. A mammoth task for the Ukraine side who had done tremendously to get this far.
    Illia Zabarnyi 5 - Struggled with the movement of England’s dynamic attack. A mammoth task for the Ukraine side who had done tremendously to get this far.
  • Vitaliy Mykolenko 7 - Broke up play in the middle of the park well for Ukraine - one of few who didn’t look startled by the occasion.
    Vitaliy Mykolenko 7 - Broke up play in the middle of the park well for Ukraine - one of few who didn’t look startled by the occasion.
  • Oleksandr Karavaev 5 - Didn’t take care of the ball and looked uncomfortable in defence.
    Oleksandr Karavaev 5 - Didn’t take care of the ball and looked uncomfortable in defence.
  • Oleksandr Zinchenko 5 - Slowly grew into the game as Ukraine switched systems but the Manchester City man couldn’t replicate his performance from the round of 16 against Sweden.
    Oleksandr Zinchenko 5 - Slowly grew into the game as Ukraine switched systems but the Manchester City man couldn’t replicate his performance from the round of 16 against Sweden.
  • Serhiy Sydorchuk 5 - Anonymous for most of the game. Ukraine’s midfield could rarely build any attacks that weren’t through counter-pressing.
    Serhiy Sydorchuk 5 - Anonymous for most of the game. Ukraine’s midfield could rarely build any attacks that weren’t through counter-pressing.
  • Mykola Shaparenko 6 - Caught the ball well on the brink of half time but got the angle slightly wrong to send it wide of the post.
    Mykola Shaparenko 6 - Caught the ball well on the brink of half time but got the angle slightly wrong to send it wide of the post.
  • Roman Yaremchuk 7 - Strong runs through the middle of the park tried to get Ukraine going on the front foot. Ukraine’s best player on the night.
    Roman Yaremchuk 7 - Strong runs through the middle of the park tried to get Ukraine going on the front foot. Ukraine’s best player on the night.
  • Andriy Yarmolenko 5 - Worked hard to lead the Ukrainian line but Gareth Southgate seemed to have a plan for the dangerman. Cancelled out.
    Andriy Yarmolenko 5 - Worked hard to lead the Ukrainian line but Gareth Southgate seemed to have a plan for the dangerman. Cancelled out.
  • SUBS: Viktor Tsygankov (Kryvtsov 35) 6 - Ukraine looked much better when Tsygankov was introduced as Andriy Shevchenko switched to a 4-3-3 formation.
    SUBS: Viktor Tsygankov (Kryvtsov 35) 6 - Ukraine looked much better when Tsygankov was introduced as Andriy Shevchenko switched to a 4-3-3 formation.
  • Yehven Makarenko (Sydorchuk 64’) 6 - A tough ask to make a difference when coming on with the score at 4-0.
    Yehven Makarenko (Sydorchuk 64’) 6 - A tough ask to make a difference when coming on with the score at 4-0.
  • ENGLAND RATINGS: Jordan Pickford 6 - A good save denied Yaremchuk who broke through after an under-hit Kyle Walker pass. One rash moment almost saw England’s clean sheet wiped as the goalkeeper completely misjudged the ball on a clearance.
    ENGLAND RATINGS: Jordan Pickford 6 - A good save denied Yaremchuk who broke through after an under-hit Kyle Walker pass. One rash moment almost saw England’s clean sheet wiped as the goalkeeper completely misjudged the ball on a clearance.
  • Luke Shaw 9 - Runs up the left flank stretched the pitch for England, which saw a number of dangerous attacks worked from his side. A perfect cross found Maguire for England’s second before the Manchester United left-back then hit Kane for 3-0.
    Luke Shaw 9 - Runs up the left flank stretched the pitch for England, which saw a number of dangerous attacks worked from his side. A perfect cross found Maguire for England’s second before the Manchester United left-back then hit Kane for 3-0.
  • Harry Maguire 8 - Looked in control throughout the full match and found space in the box brilliantly to convert a Luke Shaw freekick.
    Harry Maguire 8 - Looked in control throughout the full match and found space in the box brilliantly to convert a Luke Shaw freekick.
  • John Stones 7 - England’s unit were defensively solid throughout which didn’t leave too much for Stones to do.
    John Stones 7 - England’s unit were defensively solid throughout which didn’t leave too much for Stones to do.
  • Kyle Walker 7 - Walker looked sharp on the right side but had his goalkeeper to thank in the first half after an under-hit pass.
    Kyle Walker 7 - Walker looked sharp on the right side but had his goalkeeper to thank in the first half after an under-hit pass.
  • Declan Rice 7 - Calm in the middle of the park as part of an excellent defensive performance. Almost troubled the goalkeeper with a powerful strike from outside the box just after the half hour mark.
    Declan Rice 7 - Calm in the middle of the park as part of an excellent defensive performance. Almost troubled the goalkeeper with a powerful strike from outside the box just after the half hour mark.
  • Kalvin Phillips 7 - Unnoticed for the majority of the game with England’s left side building the majority of attacks. An easy night’s work for the Leeds man.
    Kalvin Phillips 7 - Unnoticed for the majority of the game with England’s left side building the majority of attacks. An easy night’s work for the Leeds man.
  • Raheem Sterling 8 - The Manchester City man has been one of England’s key players for Euro 2020 and his assist to Harry Kane for the opener cut through the Ukraine defence with ease. A constant threat.
    Raheem Sterling 8 - The Manchester City man has been one of England’s key players for Euro 2020 and his assist to Harry Kane for the opener cut through the Ukraine defence with ease. A constant threat.
  • Mason Mount 7 - A quick challenge stopped Yarmolenko inside the box from pulling the trigger. A good performance on both ends of the pitch today. Great delivery from the corner helped Jordan Henderson to his first international goal.
    Mason Mount 7 - A quick challenge stopped Yarmolenko inside the box from pulling the trigger. A good performance on both ends of the pitch today. Great delivery from the corner helped Jordan Henderson to his first international goal.
  • Jadon Sancho 7 - Manchester United’s new star looked dangerous on the ball. Clearly a talented player heading to Old Trafford.
    Jadon Sancho 7 - Manchester United’s new star looked dangerous on the ball. Clearly a talented player heading to Old Trafford.
  • Harry Kane 8 - A striker’s run and cool finish saw Harry Kane get England ahead early before heading in a second. Gareth Southgate’s hitman could be peaking at just the right time.
    Harry Kane 8 - A striker’s run and cool finish saw Harry Kane get England ahead early before heading in a second. Gareth Southgate’s hitman could be peaking at just the right time.
  • SUBS: Jordan Henderson (Rice 57) 7 - It took 62 caps for the Liverpool skipper to get his first goal in England colours. A well deserved bonus for a player who has been one of the most consistent throughout his career.
    SUBS: Jordan Henderson (Rice 57) 7 - It took 62 caps for the Liverpool skipper to get his first goal in England colours. A well deserved bonus for a player who has been one of the most consistent throughout his career.
  • Kieran Trippier (Shaw 64) 6 - Handled Ukraine’s attacks well - though the game was long over by the time the Atletico Madrid La Liga winner was introduced.
    Kieran Trippier (Shaw 64) 6 - Handled Ukraine’s attacks well - though the game was long over by the time the Atletico Madrid La Liga winner was introduced.
  • Marcus Rashford (Sterling 65’) 6 - A training session by the time the Manchester United star was introduced.
    Marcus Rashford (Sterling 65’) 6 - A training session by the time the Manchester United star was introduced.
  • Jude Bellingham (Phillips 65) 6 - Played the game out in midfield as Southgate prepared for the next round.
    Jude Bellingham (Phillips 65) 6 - Played the game out in midfield as Southgate prepared for the next round.
  • Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Kane 73) 6 - On for Kane with the semi-finals in mind.
    Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Kane 73) 6 - On for Kane with the semi-finals in mind.







Timeline

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The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

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If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

The Specs

Price, base Dh379,000
Engine 2.9-litre, twin-turbo V6
Gearbox eight-speed automatic
Power 503bhp
Torque 443Nm
On sale now

Updated: July 04, 2021, 9:17 AM