Thursday, November 14, 2024

Euro 2024: The best semi-finals from the last 30 years – BBC Sport

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Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Harry Kane, Mario Balotelli, Zinedine Zidane and Gareth Southgate have all been key figures in memorable European Championship semi-finals

And then there were four.

Just one more game stands between Spain, France, England and the Netherlands and a shot at glory in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final in Berlin.

The European Championship has produced some epic last-four matches packed full of drama, intrigue and emotion during the last 30 years.

BBC Sport has picked out five of the best.

Euro 2020: England 2-1 Denmark (AET)

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Image caption, All four of Harry Kane’s goals in Euro 2020 were in the knockout stages

A quarter of a century after his penalty heartache in Euro ’96, Gareth Southgate steered England to an extra-time win against Denmark to reach the Euro 2020 final.

Mikkel Damsgaard’s fine free-kick gave Denmark the lead at Wembley before Simon Kjaer turned Bukayo Saka’s low cross into his own net before the break.

After a goalless second half, the game went to extra time and England won a penalty on 103 minutes when Raheem Sterling went down under a challenge from Joakim Maehle – much to Denmark’s anger.

Harry Kane’s spot-kick was saved by Kasper Schmeichel but he converted the rebound to end England’s 55-year wait to reach a major men’s final.

Euro 2012: Italy 2-1 Germany

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Image caption, Mario Balotelli’s iconic celebration after putting Italy 2-0 up

Italy’s Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany in Warsaw was all about Mario Balotelli.

Fresh from his Premier League title triumph the previous month, the Manchester City striker scored twice in the first half to put the Azzurri in control.

His second goal – a thumping finish into the top corner from the edge of the box – was followed by an iconic shirtless celebration.

Mesut Ozil pulled one back from the spot in added time but Italy held on.

Euro 2008: Germany 3-2 Turkey

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Image caption, Philip Lahm scored five goals in 113 appearances for Germany

Germany and Turkey played out a thriller in Basel at Euro 2008.

A see-saw game saw Ugur Boral put Turkey in front but for Bastian Schweinsteiger to level for Germany before half-time.

A chaotic final 11 minutes saw Miroslav Klose head Germany in front but Semih Senturk levelled to seemingly send the match to extra time.

However Philip Lahm broke Turkish hearts with a cool finish from Thomas Hitzlsperger’s slide-rule pass in the 90th minute to send Germany through to the final.

Euro 2000: France 2-1 Portugal (AET)

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Image caption, Zinedine Zidane beat Vitor Baia to send France to their second successive major tournament final

Two years on from their World Cup triumph, France reached the final of Euro 2000 thanks to a golden goal from Zinedine Zidane in Brussels.

Roger Lemerre’s side fell behind against Portugal in the first half thanks to a stunning turn and volley from Nuno Gomes, only for Thierry Henry – fresh from his first season in the Premier League with Arsenal – to level after the break.

A tight game went to extra time and was on the brink of a penalty shootout when Abel Xavier blocked Sylvain Wiltord’s shot with his arm

Zidane stepped up and scored the penalty to send France to the final, where they would beat Italy by another golden goal to lift the trophy.

Euro 96: England 1-1 Germany (Germany won 6-5 on pens)

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Image caption, Gareth Southgate was the only player to miss a penalty in England’s shootout against Germany in 1996

A painful night that is seared on the mind of every England fan old enough to be watching is one that defined Gareth Southgate’s international playing career.

The Three Lions made the perfect start at Wembley when Alan Shearer headed home Paul Gascoigne’s corner after just three minutes but Stefan Kuntz levelled 13 minutes later.

A nerve-shredding evening followed, with Germany having a goal disallowed, Darren Anderton hitting the post and Gascoigne coming within millimetres of converting Shearer’s low cross.

But it went to penalties and after 10 successful spot-kicks, Southgate’s tame effort was saved to allow Andreas Moller to fire Germany into the final.

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