Germany and France won the quarterfinal epic
The European U21 Championship quarterfinals reached conclusions on Sunday, with the semi-final lineup completed after the final eight clash pairs.
England and the Netherlands have already punched tickets to the last four, with the three lions hoping to defend their 2023 title.
Germany, Italy, France and Denmark were all competing for joining the duo in Samis.
Germany 3-2 Italy (AET)
Germany approached the fourth U21 euro title as they overcame Italy with nine in their final eight thrillers.
Luca Koleosho gave Italy the lead in a great way when he cut from the left in the 58th minute and fired from the edge of the region into the lower right corner.
However, Nick Ultemade’s header and Nelson Wiper’s far post volley changed things for Germany, both sides of Wilfried Gnont’s red card, after the rash challenges earned him the second yellow.
Italy was reduced to nine men when Mattia Zanotti received two yellows in a row due to objections, but Azzuri forced the extra time thanks to Giuseppe Ambrosino, who curled the best corners with excellent free kicks.
It seemed Italy would continue to hold onto the grip to force a penalty, but the magical moment from Merlin Roll at 117 minutes sealed the progression as he returned home from the edge of the box.
Denmark 2-3 France
France produced an astonishingly late comeback to win their place in the final four, scoring two goals in a minute to denounce Denmark for a heartbreaking defeat.
Christian Bischoff gave Denmark an 18th minute lead. djaoui Cisse’s incredible personal efforts leveled the issue a minute before halftime.
Oliver Sorensen recovered a four-minute Danish lead in the second half, converting from close range after France was unable to cope with the long throw.
When Mattis Tell saw the offside for offside for offside in the 70th minute, luck seemed to be on Denmark’s side, but 14 minutes later, part of the magic from Quentin Merlin produced a fierce drive that flew to the top corner, which once again restored parity.
Just a minute later, Ter completed the conversion when he curled the house, moving a step away from France from his first final since 2002.