The European U21 Championship quarter-finals reached their conclusion on Sunday, with the semi-final line-up completed after a pair of engrossing last-eight clashes.
England and the Netherlands had already punched their ticket to the last four, with the Three Lions hoping to defend the title they won in 2023.
Germany, Italy, France and Denmark were all vying to join that duo in the semis, which will have to go some way to match the drama those teams delivered on Sunday.
Germany 3-2 Italy (aet)
Germany moved closer to their fourth U21 Euros title as they overcame nine-man Italy in a last-eight thriller.
Luca Koleosho gave Italy the lead in stunning fashion in the 58th minute when he cut in from the left and fired into the bottom-right corner from the edge of the area.
But Nick Woltemade’s header and Nelson Weiper’s far-post volley, either side of Wilfried Gnonto’s red card after a rash challenge saw him earn a second yellow, turned things around for Germany.
Italy were reduced to nine men when Mattia Zanotti received two yellows in succession for dissent, but the Azzurri forced extra time thanks to Giuseppe Ambrosino, who curled a superb free-kick into the top-right corner.
It appeared as if Italy would hold on to force penalties, but a moment of magic from Merlin Rohl in the 117th minute saw him lash home from the edge of the box to seal progression.
Denmark 2-3 France
France produced a remarkable late comeback to clinch their place in the last four, scoring two goals in the space of a minute to condemn Denmark to a heartbreaking defeat.
Christian Bischoff gave Denmark an 18th-minute lead when he fired a rasping first-time finish into the roof of the net, but Djaoui Cisse’s superb individual effort levelled matters a minute before half-time.
Oliver Sorensen restored Denmark’s lead four minutes into the second half, converting from close range after France failed to deal with a long throw.
Luck appeared to be on Denmark’s side when Matthys Tel saw a goal disallowed by VAR for offside in the 70th minute, but a piece of wizardry from Quentin Merlin 14 minutes later restored parity once more as he produced a fierce drive that flew into the top-right corner.
Just a minute later, Tel completed the turnaround when he curled home, moving France a step away from a first final since 2002, with Germany the next hurdle for them to clear.
