The European U21 Championship quarter-finals reached their conclusion on Sunday, with the semi-final line-up accomplished after a pair of engrossing last-eight clashes.
England and the Netherlands had already punched their ticket to the final 4, with the Three Lions hoping to defend the title they gained in 2023.
Germany, Italy, France and Denmark have been all vying to hitch that duo within the semis, which should go some technique to match the drama these groups delivered on Sunday.
Germany 3-2 Italy (aet)
Germany moved nearer to their fourth U21 Euros title as they overcame nine-man Italy in a last-eight thriller.
Luca Koleosho gave Italy the lead in gorgeous vogue within the 58th minute when he reduce in from the left and fired into the bottom-right nook from the sting of the world.
However Nick Woltemade’s header and Nelson Weiper’s far-post volley, both aspect of Wilfried Gnonto’s crimson card after a rash problem noticed him earn a second yellow, turned issues round for Germany.
Italy have been diminished to 9 males when Mattia Zanotti obtained two yellows in succession for dissent, however the Azzurri pressured further time due to Giuseppe Ambrosino, who curled an excellent free-kick into the top-right nook.
It appeared as if Italy would maintain on to power penalties, however a second of magic from Merlin Rohl within the 117th minute noticed him lash residence from the sting of the field to seal development.
Denmark 2-3 France
France produced a outstanding late comeback to clinch their place within the final 4, scoring two targets within the house of a minute to sentence Denmark to a heartbreaking defeat.
Christian Bischoff gave Denmark an 18th-minute lead when he fired a rasping first-time end into the roof of the online, however Djaoui Cisse’s excellent particular person effort levelled issues a minute earlier than half-time.
Oliver Sorensen restored Denmark’s lead 4 minutes into the second half, changing from shut vary after France did not take care of an extended throw.
Luck seemed to be on Denmark’s aspect when Matthys Tel noticed a objective disallowed by VAR for offside within the seventieth minute, however a chunk of wizardry from Quentin Merlin 14 minutes later restored parity as soon as extra as he produced a fierce drive that flew into the top-right nook.
Only a minute later, Tel accomplished the turnaround when he curled residence, shifting France a step away from a primary closing since 2002, with Germany the following hurdle for them to clear.
