The UEFA EURO semi-finals have consistently delivered edge-of-your-seat excitement, beginning with the inaugural last-four contest in 1960. highlights six of the most thrilling ties in history.
France 4-5 Yugoslavia, 1960
The first-ever game at a EURO finals set an incredibly high bar for excitement. As half-time approached at the Parc des Princes, the score was locked at 1-1. François Huette then fired Les Bleus into a 4-2 lead, seemingly securing victory. However, Yugoslavia stunned the home side with three goals in five minutes, resulting in the highest-scoring match in the competition’s history.
Yugoslavia 2-4 West Germany, 1976
Holders West Germany seemed destined for defeat in Belgrade until Helmut Schön made a game-changing substitution. Trailing 2-0 after goals from Danilo Popivoda and Dragan Džajić, Heinz Flohe’s deflected effort provided a glimmer of hope. Schön then brought on uncapped Dieter Müller, who scored with his first touch and added two more in extra time to complete an improbable comeback. Müller also netted in the final, though West Germany ultimately lost to Czechoslovakia on penalties.
France 3-2 Portugal (aet), 1984
After missing out in 1960, France reached their first final 24 years later. Dominating thanks to Michel Platini’s artistry, they took the lead through Jean-François Domergue. Rui Jordão then leveled and volleyed Portugal ahead in extra time. However, Platini set up Domergue’s equalizer and scored the winner himself with a minute left, sparking euphoric scenes at the Stade Vélodrome.
West Germany 1-2 Netherlands, 1988
Marco van Basten’s stunning semi-final decider was crucial for the Netherlands. Seeking to avenge their 1974 World Cup final loss to West Germany, the Oranje faced another heartbreak when Lothar Matthäus scored from the penalty spot in Hamburg. Undeterred, Ronald Koeman equalized, and Van Basten clinched a dramatic late winner, avoiding extra time.
Germany 3-2 Turkey, 2008
In Austria and Switzerland, Turkey had become known for their late goals. However, in this roller-coaster classic, it was Germany who had the last laugh. Despite Uğur Boral giving Turkey the lead, Bastian Schweinsteiger equalized, and Miroslav Klose put Germany ahead with 11 minutes left. Turkey responded through Semih Şentürk, but Philipp Lahm scored a rare goal in the 90th minute to seal the win for Germany.
Germany 1-2 Italy, 2012
Germany had cruised into the last four with four consecutive wins. But Mario Balotelli, never one to shy away from the spotlight, halted their momentum. He headed in from Antonio Cassano’s cross for Italy’s first-ever EURO semi-final goal and then blasted a second past Manuel Neuer. Germany’s run of 15 consecutive competitive victories ended, with Mesut Özil’s late penalty providing only a fleeting hope of salvation.
These semi-finals are testaments to the drama and unpredictability that define the UEFA EURO tournament, leaving fans with unforgettable memories.
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