Sport

Euro 2024, Triumph for England, Spain, Heartbreak German Host

England stepped up its game against the Netherlands to reach back-to-back European finals with Ollie Watkins' dramatic stoppage-time goal.

England's Harry Kane celebrates in the arms of teammate Ollie Watkins at the end of a semifinal match between the Netherlands and England at the Euro 2024 football tournament in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo: AP)
England's Harry Kane celebrates in the arms of teammate Ollie Watkins at the end of a semifinal match between the Netherlands and England at the Euro 2024 football tournament in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo: AP)
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BERLIN (AP) — The quarterfinals and semifinals at the European Championship saw Spain and England prevail to set up a final in Berlin on Sunday.

Host nation Germany, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal and the Netherlands all lost close knockout games to bring their campaigns to an end. Associated Press photographers captured the drama on and off the field.

Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa, Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo, from left, match between Portugal and France at the Euro 2024 football tournament in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo: AP)
Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa, Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo, from left, match between Portugal and France at the Euro 2024 football tournament in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo: AP)

Spain's extra time 2-1 win over Germany had plenty of drama and some controversy when German fans wanted a penalty for handball against Spain's Marc Cucurella. Even with the host nation knocked out, there was still plenty of passionate fan support.

Spain's Dani Olmo celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during a semifinal match between Spain and France. (Photo: AP)
Spain's Dani Olmo celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during a semifinal match between Spain and France. (Photo: AP)
Germany fans react at a fan fest in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo: AP)
Germany fans react at a fan fest in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo: AP)

France beat Portugal on penalties after a tense goalless draw in their match, before the Netherlands beat Turkey and England eliminated Switzerland in another penalty shootout to end the quarterfinals.

Kylian Mbappe of France challenges for the ball with Portugal's Joao Cancelo during a quarterfinal match between Portugal and France. (Photo: AP)
Kylian Mbappe of France challenges for the ball with Portugal's Joao Cancelo during a quarterfinal match between Portugal and France. (Photo: AP)
Turkish supporters celebrate the opening goal as they watch a quarterfinal match between Turkey and Netherlands. (Photo: AP)
Turkish supporters celebrate the opening goal as they watch a quarterfinal match between Turkey and Netherlands. (Photo: AP)
Wout Weghorst of the Netherlands reacts after a semifinal match between the Netherlands and England. (Photo: AP)
Wout Weghorst of the Netherlands reacts after a semifinal match between the Netherlands and England. (Photo: AP)

Sixteen-year-old Lamine Yamal was the talk of the tournament after his spectacular goal helped Spain to a 2-1 win over France in the first semifinal. England stepped up its game against the Netherlands to reach back-to-back European finals with Ollie Watkins' dramatic stoppage-time goal.

England's manager Gareth Southgate celebrates at the end of a semifinal against Netherlands. (Photo: AP)
England's manager Gareth Southgate celebrates at the end of a semifinal against Netherlands. (Photo: AP)
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