The Best Games with Goal Galore in EURO Semifinals

 

A number of games in the UEFA EURO semifinals ended in goals galore.

EURO 2024 is already in the last four. Unfortunately, plenty of games in the tournament have not produced a lot of goals in one game. Some even ended in stalemates. What’s worse, some elite teams have not displayed promising goalscoring prowess. France and England have been considered the worst. The Blues have been relying on penalties and their own goal to find the back of the net, while the Three Lions are slightly better. Yet, their offence has not demonstrated the quality of their stars on the front line, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Although they have scored twice each so far, England fans are expecting more from them.

Considering their unconvincing performance, it is rather unlikely to see a goal galore in the semifinals. What matters more is to progress and not concede. The shootout seems to have become a preferable option to break the tie. However, there is still hope for a change of tide, just like what happened in EURO 1992 when the last four turned into exciting games after a series of dull matches at the group stage. Here are the best games with goals galore in the EURO semifinals.

Sweden vs. Germany 2-3 (EURO 1992)

The clash between the host and the 1990 World Cup winner took place at Rasunda Stadium in Stockholm. Die Mannschaft was dominating the game as Sweden’s key man at the backline, Patrick Andersson, was suspended. Germany opened the scoresheet in the 11th minute through Thomas Haessler’s free kick. Then, early in the second half, Karlheinz Riedl doubled their lead. The Swedes managed to score a lifeline through Tomas Brolin’s penalty after a foul in the six-yard box to Klass Ingesson by Thomas Helmer. When the game entered the last few minutes before the final whistle, Reidl completed his brace as he found the back of the net in the 89^th minute. Blagut did not yet surrender, as Kennet Andersson cut the deficit with a header a minute later. Sadly, that was the last goal of the game and the only time Sweden reached the final four. Jurgen Klinsmann and Co. advanced to the summit.

France vs. Portugal, 3-2 (EURO 1984)

This was one of the most exciting duels in the semifinal, which ended in goals galore. France was aiming to win their first ever silverware in the major tournament. They had been in fine form at the group stage and were tipped as the favourites to go through easily. However, Portugal showed their solidity and resilience to fight back.

Les Blues scored the opener from Jean Domergue’s free kick in the first half. They were knocking on the door afterwards, but the Portuguese shot stopper, Bento, produced a number of clinical saves. Then, in the 74th minute, Rui Jordao equalised through a header. The game had to go through extra time. Selecao das Quinas then took the opportunity to put themselves upfront. France’s goalie Joel Bats denied and blocked several attempts, but he could not keep out Jordao’s long-range shot from the left flank in the 98^th minute. Martin Hidalgo’s men were in danger. Fortunately, they had Michael Platini, who could make the difference in the game. He provided an assist for Domergue to find the equaliser in the 114^th minute, before the former Juventus man scored the winning goal five minutes later. France sent their fans in Marseille into raptures and went on to win it in the final by beating Spain.

Germany vs. Turkey 3-2 (EURO 2008)

Germany was once again involved in a thrilling showdown. This time it was in the 2008 edition against the surprising team, Turkey. They even stunned Joachim Low’s men through an opener by Ugur Boral, whose strike was so powerful in front of the goal that Jens Lehmann failed to keep out despite heading in his direction. Luckily, it did not take long for them to equalise. Bastian Schweinsteiger found the back of the net four minutes later. In the second half, it was Miroslav Klose's turn to score as he headed home, taking advantage of Phillip Lahm’s cross. The Turks fought back as Semih Sentruk scored their equaliser. Germany’s winning goal finally came as Lahm traded a quick pass and made his run to penetrate Turkey’s backline before he slotted home. 3-2 for Der Panzer,and they advanced to their first EURO final in 12 years.

(West) Germany vs. Yugoslavia, 4-2 (EURO 1976)

Helmut Schoen’s men came to Belgrade as the reigning champion as well as the World Cup winner. They were favourites, but the host did not let them go through the final easily. The host managed to get ahead first by leading two goals before the interval from Danilo Popivoda's and Dragan Djazic’s goals. The Germans bounced back in the second half through Hanz Flohe and Dieter Muller to force the game into extra time. Muller was eventually the protagonist, as he netted twice to complete his hattrick. He even went on to be awarded the top scorer of the tournament too.

France vs. Yugoslavia, 4-5 (EURO 1960)

The best goal galore game in EURO history was the first semifinal in the first edition in 1960. The host faced off with Yugoslavia in a thrilling encounter. They were beaten 4-5 in normal time, not on penalties. France’s goals were scored by Jean Vincent, Francois Heutte’s brace, and Marian Wisniewski, whereas the Balkan side responded with goals from Milan Galic, Ante Zanetic, Tomislav Knez, and Drazan Jerkovic’s brace. Yugoslavia went to the final but had to lose 2-1 at the summit to the Soviet Union.