English football fans ride every moment of the Euro 2020 final penalty shootout.
Beers turned to tears for England football fans at the Good Eastern Taphouse this morning as their side was beaten by Italy in a penalty shootout in the Euro 2020 final.
The match started perfectly for England, those fans going ballistic as English fullback Luke Shaw scored the opening goal in just the second minute - the dream start.
However, the excitement turned to devastation when Leonardo Bonucci equalised in the 67th minute.
The sides could not be split, even after 30 minutes of extra time and the match went to a shootout.
English football fans could barely watch as their side took on Italy in a penalty shootout. Photo / David Beck
If there's one thing about English fans that cannot be underestimated, it is their passion, and those watching in Rotorua rode every moment of the shootout like their lives depended on it.
Unfortunately, it was not to be. For now, football is not "coming home", missed penalties from Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka sealing defeat for England.
Nicky Fraser, England flag still draped sadly over her shoulders, told the Rotorua Daily Post she was "devastated".
"I feel terrible for all the people back home who have had a crappy year, this would've been amazing for them, I feel sad," she said.
"I wouldn't want to be [in England] today. There will probably be carnage, hopefully everyone behaves themselves."
Football fans pile in for the 2020 Euro final between England and Italy. Photo / David Beck
In reference to the crowd who showed up to watch the game in Rotorua this morning, she said she "didn't realise there were this many Poms living in Rotorua".
"They were all here this morning which was good, I made it feel like home."
Another English ex-pat Glen Atkinson said he was "heart-broken".
"It was a rollercoaster," he said.
"Second half they stopped playing football, it was just a different game. As soon as we knew it was penalties, we knew it was over. Been there before, can't take penalties.
"Hey, we made the final, but no cigar.
"I'm heart-broken."
Fans in nervous anticipation ahead of the Euro 2020 final. Photo / David Beck
EARLIER
Good Eastern Taphouse customers could be forgiven for thinking they had teleported to a British pub this morning.
English football fans in Rotorua were up bright and early and have gathered at the bar to watch their side take on Italy in the Euro 2020 final, being played at Wembley Stadium.
The nervous anticipation hung in the air like a cloud ahead of kickoff - England playing in their first major final since they won the World Cup in 1966 have disappointed excited fans before.
Speaking before kickoff, English fan Scott Collins said this final had been a long time coming.
"I'm pretty nervous but I'm really looking forward to it," he said.
It's been a long while since England have been here, 55 years, but all the boys are here and we're really looking forward to it."
English football fans are up bright and early supporting their side in the Euro 2020 final against Italy. Photo / Ben Fraser
He said the number of English fans who had gathered at the Good Eastern this morning had it feeling like he was at a pub back home in England.
"It's amazing actually, this early in the morning and we've got 70-off people here, you can't get better than that. It's fantastic.
"England just need to play the way they've played all tournament to be honest with you. The game against Germany was a fantastic effort and we've gone from strength to strength since then.
"It will be bedlam here if we win. England fans are like that, the highs and the lows, it will be a manic atmosphere if we win."
English football fans have taken over Rotorua's Good Eastern Taphouse. Photo / David Beck
Another hopeful England fan Dave Crossley said he remembers the 1966 World Cup win and it had been a long time between drinks.
"I'm nervous but excited," he said.
"I'm from Manchester City, all my life, and I was around for the big day in 1966. It's a different generation now but it would compare.
