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      England get boost as Germany fans pledge to cheer Three Lions on at Euro 2024

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      ENGLAND’s army of fans will be boosted tonight by a fanatical band of supporters – from Germany.A generation of soccer nuts from the east of the once-divided Euros host nation supported teams which played against the old West Germany.England fans have extra support from a section of German fans backing them to win Euro 2024Credit: GettyAnd many fell in love with the Three Lions in the glory days of 1966 when Bobby Moore lifted the World Cup – and never looked back.East Germans now in their 60’s and 70’s – as well as their children and grandchildren – told yesterday how they will gather to roar on Gareth Southgate’s stars tonight.Reinhard Lisker, 66, and his wife, son and grandson was among dozens of Germans wearing England shirts as they turned out to watch Southgate train in Jena.He said: “As a boy growing up under communism I supported teams which played against West Germany.READ MORE EURO 2024“So I became an England fan the day they won the World Cup in 1966.“I’m proud to wear my England shirt today alongside my family who all support Gareth Southgate’s team, and it’s a thrill to see them in my home town.”The grandad is among dozens of England superfans who live close to England’s trainingbase in Blankenhein in the old east.German England fan Stephan Kühl, 64, is even know as Keegan for once sporting the same permed hairdo as his 70’s Three lion hero Kevin.Most read in FootballStephan said: “I sing ‘England ‘til I die’ when I watch games live.”Jude Bellingham takes selfies with fans as England star prepares for Switzerland clashHis 50-year-old pal Stefan Meissner – known as “Gunner” thanks to his love of Arsenal and England – is also a member of the Eagles fan club which also backs German club Carl Zeiss Jena.Gunner said: “For most people here it was not natural to see your home country as your country, or something you would be proud of.“But to me the West Germans were arrogant and I didn’t like their style of football.“I totally fell in love with the way England played – toughness, the fighting spirit, but also their kind of gentleman’s attitude.“When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 and there was German reunification, one of my first trips was to England. I saw Arsenal playing for the first time.”Keegan is backing England but begged Southgate to fire-up his stars yesterday.“I hope they win but they’re very boring – too much defence.“But if England plays against Germany, it’s even more important to me that England wins.”East Germans fell in love with Bobby Moore’s England side when they defeated West Germany in 1966Credit: Getty More

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      England ace Jude Bellingham gets blessing from higher power as The Sun prays at National Shrine to St Jude for victory

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      THE Sun has sought divine intervention to help England win today — with a prayer at the National Shrine of St Jude, the patron saint of hope.First we placed photos of namesake Jude Bellingham beneath the ornate stained glass windows as shrine chaplain, Brother Paul de Groot, provided moral support.England superstar Jude Bellingham carries the nation’s Euro 2024 hopes after rescuing the team against SlovakiaCredit: GettyThe Sun’s Oliver Harvey has said a prayer at the shrine of St Jude, ahead of the quarter-finalCredit: Gary StoneThe National Shrine to St Jude is located at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Faversham, KentCredit: Gary StoneWearing a red 1966 Three Lions strip, Sun man Oliver Harvey then knelt and said in prayer: “St Jude, as the apostle of hope, please look kindly on England when they take on Switzerland.“And please give strength to our talismanic hero Jude Bellingham, who bears your name. “But please St Jude, don’t leave it as late as it was against Slovakia. Amen.”Now, we’re giving you the chance to recite our prayer.READ MORE JUDE BELLINGHAMBrother Paul, 73, said: “Many a pilgrim comes here looking and hoping for something and they pray to St Jude and, with luck, it will be answered.”The chaplain watched England’s No10 take our last match into extra time with a last-gasp bicycle kick. He admitted: “I’m not a great football fan but I had the TV on and then it happened — but to be honest it was a dire game.”The National Shrine to St Jude, dedicated in 1955, is an annex to the parish church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Faversham, Kent.Most read in Euro 2024St Jude was once regarded as the apostle of hopeless or lost causes — but that has now changed.Jude Bellingham takes selfies with fans as England star prepares for Switzerland clashBrother Paul explained: “I don’t think for God any cause is lost. “God is willing to hear and help any case which is why we now associate Jude with hope.“God can educate us through the difficulties and trials and tribulations of life. “That might well be happening to the England team now.”Brother Paul de Groot says pilgrims often visit ‘looking and hoping for something’Credit: Gary StoneOne prayer has already been answered — with Bellingham given only a suspended one-match ban for his groin-grabbing goal celebration.The ruling was toasted by supporters in Dusseldorf ahead of the quarter-final showdown.Sales executive Dec Evans, 33, of Blackburn, said: “I am delighted — but it’s a joke they even considered a ban. “He had just scored one of the most amazing goals in England football history — of course he’s going to celebrate.”Some 50,000 Three Lions fans in Germany, backed by millions watching at home, and in bars and fanzones, will be cheering for victory in what will be boss Gareth Southgate’s 100th game in charge.Carpenter Nick Thatcher, 45, of Bristol, said: “We have the best squad and there is no reason why we can’t go all the way.“It’s been a tough watch over the last couple of games, but it’s important the fans get behind the team when they need it most.”Only 6,731 tickets were made available to Three Lions fans through Uefa but a total of 30,000 are set to turn the 47,000-seat Dusseldorf Arena into a home ground for England.Many spent yesterday belting out songs as they sheltered from the rain under awnings outside bars in Dusseldorf’s Old Town.Pharmacist Dean Spotwood, 40, of Sheffield, said: “We gambled when we booked our flights that England would reach the quarter-finals. “It was looking like a disaster when we were 1-0 down to Slovakia, but Jude saved the day.”Ross Bunn, 36, of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, will be going to his third Euros 2024 game with son Jude, nine. He said: “England haven’t clicked yet and we’re already in the quarter-final. When it does all work out, we can go all the way. “My son is loving it. He was named after actor Jude Law, but I’m loving the fact he now shares it with Mr Bellingham.’’Construction manager Scott Evans, 29, of Bexley, South East London, is there on his stag do with 18 friends and relatives. They booked in November hoping England would secure a Saturday evening quarter-final in Dusseldorf — exactly as it has worked out.Scott’s dad Paul, 58, said: “What better way to celebrate?”England awaitsBack home, fans will down an extra eight million pints in boozers today — giving the pub industry a £38million boost. Around 20million viewers will watch the match on TV after splashing out £200million on snacks and booze at stores.Music fans will also be able to watch the match after organisers of a string of gigs and festivals hurriedly erected big screens or changed set times.The Lightning Seeds, who sang Euro 96 anthem Three Lions with Frank Skinner and David Baddiel, will kick off their set at Lytham Festival, in Lancs, earlier so fans can cheer on England.Even the Big Sheep music festival in Devon — starring The Wurzels — will take a break for the footie. But Wimbledon chiefs sniffed: “We won’t be showing the Euros. “Our screens will be showing the tennis.”England fans are being urged to say the prayer of St Jude for good luckGareth’s lucky 100GARETH Southgate is likely to lead England to victory over Switzerland today, believes The Sun’s Euro 2024 psychic.Chloe Smith, 27, explained: “With Southgate celebrating his 100th game, his luck should spiral through on his angel number, which is also 100.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Chloe, of Uttoxeter, Staffs — who does team good luck readings before games — added: “It’s going to be a close one. “England will need to rely on talent — or luck — or both.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo leaves even cameraman shocked with free-kick decision as Gary Lineker loses bet to Rio Ferdinand

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      EVEN the cameraman and Gary Lineker was shocked Cristiano Ronaldo passed up a free-kick for Portugal against France.The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend is his club and country’s regular set-piece taker. Cristiano Ronaldo passed up on a free-kick to Bruno FernandesCredit: AFPMany expected Ronaldo to strikeBut his record of free-kicks has become miserable of late with just ONE goal from 60 direct attempts in international football. The first half of Portugal’s quarter-final against France, Ronaldo’s side were awarded a free-kick. And all eyes were on the Al-Nassr star as he lined up alongside Fernandes and looked ready to try his luck again. Even the cameraman zoomed in on Ronaldo as all were braced for the forward to strike. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut out of nowhere, Fernandes blazed over the bar as Ronaldo started his run up. Fans were stunned and even Lineker revealed he owes Ferdinand a bottle of fine red wine. But Ferdinand claimed to have inside knowledge from his former United team-mate before the game. Lineker said: “I had a bet with Rio, bottle of wine. Most read in Euro 2024How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano RonaldoCRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.Euro 2004After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.Euro 2008Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.Euro 2012Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.Euro 2016Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.Euro 2020Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY”I said Ronaldo will take this free-kick and you went, ‘Nope, it’s going to be Bruno this time.'”Well, one from 60 Ronaldo. And it even kidded the match director because he obviously wasn’t looking.”Why Cristiano Ronaldo cried at Euro 2024Ferdinand said: “The reason why was because Cristiano told me before the game that he was going to give it to Bruno. “So you owe me a bottle of Sassicaia. A big expensive bottle.” Jermaine Jenas then joked: “Is Cristiano your friend?” Together at United, Ronaldo and Ferdinand won the Champions League and three Premier League titles. Ronaldo is playing in what he admits will be his last European Championship – having lifted the trophy in 2016. Gary Lineker revealed his bet with Rio Ferdinand More

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      I’m a Euros champion but was arrested for STREAKING at a football match after joining a cult and changing my name

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      LARS ELSTRUP was able to overcome his battle with depression, during which he streaked at a football match.The former footballer won the Euros in 1992 as he helped Denmark claim their first major tournament win.Lars Elstrup starred at Euro 2024Credit: RexDenmark won the whole tournamentCredit: GettyHe suffered from depression after retiring from footballCredit: AlamyHe even streaked at a Danish football matchCredit: Social media – Refer to sourceElstrup, 61, starred in the tournament as he scored the winning goal against France in the group stage.He also converted in the shootout win over Holland in the semi-final.However, he spent the entire final on the bench hoping not to be called upon by manager Richard Moller Nielsen.This was down to his depression making him scared of “being a failure.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024He wrote in his autobiography: “It all started two days before the final.”Up until then I was really looking forward to playing in the four previous matches, even being in the starting line-up.”But something changed and there was no way I wanted to play in the final, I was afraid of being a failure.”He retired from football a year after the Euro success after having a career playing for the likes of Luton Town, Randers Fleja, Brondby, Feyenoord and Odense.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSElstrup made the headlines – but not for the right reasonsAfter hanging up his boots, he struggled for 15 years with depression.He has admitted that, at points, he has “grass coming out of the shower drain”, joining a cult and finding an Indian guru.Euro 2024’s sexiest players revealedHe also changed his name to Darando and was arrested for stripping naked and streaking during a Danish Superliga match.Michael Gravgaard, president of Randers, witnessed Elstrup’s stripping streaking and confessed that it was “very sad”.However, since 2022, Elstrup has managed to overcome his mental health battles.He said: “I am stronger than ever.”I divided my life into phases and this last phase has now lasted for more than two years.”Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story. More

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      Fans call sent-off Dani Carvajal a ‘genius’ as two Spain stars BANNED for semi-final after Anthony Taylor flashes cards

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      FANS have hailed Dani Carvajal as a “genius” as he was sent off against Germany.The Spanish booked their spot in the Euro 2024 semi-finals with a 2-1 win over the host nation.Dani Carvajal was sent off against GermanyCredit: PAReferee Anthony Taylor handed out 16 bookings in the quarter-final clashCredit: AFPReferee Anthony Taylor was in charge of the match and was trigger-happy with the cards.The English official handed out 15 yellow cards during the clash, eight of which went to Germany and seven to Spain.Nico Schlotterbeck and Deniz Undav were booked while on the bench and Dani Carvajal was given his marching orders for two bookable offences.Fans have hailed the Real Madrid man as he took the card to stop a late German attack knowing a red card would not affect his chances of playing in a potential final.READ MORE IN EURO 2024One hailed: “Dani Carvajal is a genius, he knew he was gonna miss the semis anyway so took one for the team. I am starting to like him.”A second claimed: “Genius from Carvajal if nothing comes from it.”Among the Spain, players that were booked, Carvajal and Robin Le Normand will now all miss the semi-final.Alvaro Morata was thought to have been booked while he was off the pitch due to the TV coverage but Uefa have confirmed this is not the case and he will not be banned.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPlenty of fans on social media took aim at Taylor for the amount of bookings in the match.One posted: “Anthony Taylor having an absolute shocker here.”Euro 2024’s sexiest players revealedAlvaro Morata will also miss the semi-finalCredit: ReutersRobin Le Normand will also be bannedCredit: GettyA second commented: “Anthony Taylor should never referee another game of football again.”A third wrote: “Anthony Taylor needs to retire.”A fourth said: “Anthony Taylor made the entire game about himself.”Another added: “Anthony Taylor is a joke.”Spain looked set to win the match inside ninety minutes as Dani Olmo scored the go-ahead goal in the 51st minute.Germany were able to keep themselves in the tournament as Florian Wirtz netted in the 89th minute to force extra time.However, it just delayed the result as former Newcastle flop Mikel Merino headed the winner for Luis de la Fuente’s side in the 119th minute.Spain will also be without Barcelona star Pedri for the remainder of the tournament.The midfielder was forced off inside ten minutes after picking up an injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite Taylor’s eagerness with the cards, it was not the most handed out in a single game at the tournament.Turkey’s group stage win over the Czech Republic saw 20 bookings handed out to players by Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs.Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story. More

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      Toni Kroos left ‘crushed’ in centre circle as Germany legend’s illustrious career ends in most heartbreaking fashion

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      TONI KROOS admitted himself that to retire off the back of Champions League AND Euros glory would be far too “cheesy” to be considered plausible.And so, sadly, it played out, in devastating fashion.Toni Kroos bowed out as Germany were beaten by Spain at the EurosCredit: GettyKroos was consoled by Real Madrid team-mate Dani Carvajal at full-timeCredit: AFPThe Germany legend looked heartbroken at the final whistleKroos said farewell to the fans after a devastating defeatCredit: ReutersKroos won six Champions League titles across a glittering careerCredit: AFPToni Kroos’ trophy cabinetToni Kroos’ incredible trophy cabinetBayern MunichBundesliga x3German Cup x3German Super CupChampions LeagueUefa Super CupClub World CupReal MadridLaLiga x4Copa del ReySpanish Super Cup x4Champions League x5Uefa Super Cup x3Club World Cup x5GermanyIndividualBundesliga Team of the Season x2Uefa Team of the Year x3German Player/Footballer of the Year x2Euro 2016 Team of the TournamentLaLiga Team of the Season x2Very few footballing legends get to walk away from the sport at the highest of highs, and if anyone deserved it, Kroos did, but it rarely seems to go that way.Ending his club career in European dreamland with Real Madrid at Wembley on June 1 was meant to be the start of a magical farewell summer for the 34-year-old.Instead, his last ever competitive outing with his boots laced finished in Stuttgart at the end of a pulsating Euros quarter final 2-1 extra-time defeat to a formidable Spain outfit.The cheesy dream is over, and an unfitting way for one of the greats of the game to go out on. Football can be incredibly cruel sometimes.READ MORE ON EURO 2024On his 114th appearance in a Germany shirt – and 19th at the Euros – he brought out the greatest hits, showing exactly why he was and is world class, all while being technically unemployed having let his Madrid contract run down last month.The intelligence, the gracefulness, the nous and the nastiness. The winning mentality and the leadership exhumed in such a calm, controlled manner. It was all on show.Spain manager Luis de la Fuente joked in the build-up that the only way to stop Kroos is to tie his feet together.It leaves the rest of us wondering why he is even retiring in the first place?Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKroos made a name for himself at Bayern Munich before joining Real MadridCredit: Bongarts – GettyThe likes of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, and Argentina’s Lionel Messi, 37, continue to lead their nations on the world’s biggest stages, so why not carry on?Kroos will tell you he wants to spend more time with his wife Jessica and their three children at their beautiful Mallorca villa.Euro 2024’s sexiest players revealedAfter the match, he said: “I would not say it was the most brutal match, but one where we put everything in. We did not want to lose, we were so close.”Now at the moment the exit covers it all. We wanted to achieve something big and that dream is now gone.”We will realise we played a good tournament, but being so close to reaching the next round is hard.”We can all be proud because we improved. I am happy to have helped Germany as a football nation to have hope again.”In the future I am convinced the team will succeed, but today we are sad because we wanted to stay in this competition a bit longer.”What Kroos may not admit is that there were moments during this epic encounter that showed why he may be right to hang up the boots now rather than later.At times, Kroos struggled with the pace of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal and 21-year-old Nico Williams, the physicality of Rodri.And as Dani Olmo snuck into the box unmarked to tuck home and 51st-minute opener for Spain, a heartless onlooker would argue that Kroos should have been tighter.By the end, he looked physically and mentally drained, showing rare signs of frustration and anger as his final few minutes in the spotlight of international football faded away.Despite that, his influence at the elite level remained, in particularly on Germany’s patience before Florian Wirtz nicked a late leveller.He surely would have taken a penalty but for Mikel Merino’s gut-wrenching 119th-minute winner.Throughout, the home crowd chanted “Toni, Toni” whenever they got the chance.From kick-off his passing was full of cuteness and deception, giving Rodri the eyes and floating one over for Havertz to challenge for.We also saw the edge, the craftiness, that has kept him at the top for so many years, flying in and crunching the young talent Pedri, leaving him in a heap on the floor.Kroos sneakily ran as far away as possible before ref Anthony Taylor could even think about reaching to his pocket.Pedri eventually had to be subbed off with his head in his hands. Kroos looked unperplexed. He had done a job on his opposite man and come out on top, just like he normally does.He would go on to commit a further five fouls in this match before getting booked.At times he was stood as a third centre back, dictating from as deep as humanly possible in order to find the space he craves to look up and create with that wand of a right foot.You can see why boss Julian Nagelsmann brought him back into the fold in March 2024.Kroos initially retired from international football in the summer of 2021 following Germany’s Euro 2020 last 16 exit at the hands of England at Wembley, leaving the country bereft of ideas in that position.The way Kroos can still singlehandedly dial down the velocity of a match with a composure of thought and those pinged diagonals is remarkable.It’s the sort of skill you learn when you’ve been around the block for as long as he has, winning a World Cup in 2014 as well as four Bundesliga titles, four La Liga titles and six Champions League crowns – five with Madrid and one with Bayern Munich.It is worth pausing to consider what would have happened in Kroos’ career had he joined Manchester United in the summer of 2014 instead of Madrid, having agreed to do so before David Moyes got the sack and Carlo Ancelotti pounced.Let’s put it this way: he would not have been as decorated…Germany legend Lothar Matthaus – after that Euro 2020 2-0 defeat to the Three Lions – claimed Kroos was “no longer international class”. How wrong he proved to be.Kroos continued to push and probe before Germany’s deserved 89th-minute equaliser through Wirtz, one of six subs Nagelsmann made during 120 minutes of football.It was never a possibility that Kroos would be taken off.No one can replicate what he does, even with weary, cramping legs that saw him needing treatment in injury time before the result agonisingly slipped away.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe limped around the pitch at full-time like a lost soul.You’ll have plenty of time to rest up in Mallorca, Toni. Enjoy this long, deserved rest. More

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      Spain 2 Germany 1 (aet): Newcastle flop scores dramatic 119th-minute winner to break hosts’ hearts and end Kroos’ career

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      MIKEL Merino declared an end to Germany summertime with a sensational late winner for Spain.Luis de la Fuente’s side thought they had won it once through Dani Olmo’s goal early in the second half.Spain left it late in StuttgartCredit: EPAToni Kroos bails out from football with heartacheCredit: RexBut after Florian Wirtz equalised with barely a minute to go of normal time, the hosts were the better team and had the better chances and a penalty shout in extra time.And home hearts were broken with a similar amount of time left in the additional 30 minutes as Olmo crossed for fellow substitute Merino to head past Manuel Neuer.German replacement Niclas Fullkrug almost sent the game to the penalty shootout that seemed to be coming.But Spain held on and after riding their luck in the end, will wonder if their name is on the trophy.READ MORE IN footballFull back Dani Carvajal will miss the semi final after earning a late red card for his second bookable, cynical foul.Carvajal will not be the only absentee after English referee Anthony Taylor showed a total of 16 yellow cards to players on and off the pitch.What the first heavyweight clash of the knockout stages lacked in quality, it made up for in drama and needle.And at the end of it, just as the weather forecast was improving for the final week of the tournament, the hosts were out.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYHome hopes of a repeat of 2006’s Sommermarchen, the “summer fairytale” when the German football team and nation were reborn with a third-placed finish at their own World Cup, are over.Julian Nagelsmann is the first head coach to fail to take the Nationalmannschaft to at least the last four of a major tournament on German soil.Why Xhaka is Football’s Greatest ComebackSpain were comfortably superior in the first half. Yet they never created a better chance than the one that fell to Pedri inside a minute when Manuel Neuer saved easily.And the Barcelona midfielder soon left the field as the physical edge to the game started early.It was a half of three yellow cards, but it should have been more.Starting with the challenge which Toni Kroos made on Pedri. Moments later Pedri went down of his own accord and had to come off before eight minutes had elapsed.Toni Rudiger put himself out of the notional semi-final with more than 76 minutes of the quarter-final to go, his clumsy challenge Olmo, Pedri’s replacement, earning his second booking of the tournament.But although Spain continued to look the more threatening side, they failed to capitalise on the hosts’ apparent nervousness at the back.Dani Olmo opened the scoringCredit: GettySpain looked on their way to the last fourCredit: ReutersYamal and Nico Williams were often menacing, without ever quite finding the final ball or finish.Yamal went close with the free kick after the Rudiger foul and Williams forced a smart near-post save out of Neuer. The Athletic Bilbao winger had been flagged offside but if the ball had gone in, the VAR review might have been interesting.Meanwhile Germany’s own wonderkid, ageing 21 year old Jamal Musiala, was struggling to make an impact. Leroy Sane, too, was ineffective.Nagelsmann’s side were not functioning as an attacking force.But Kai Havertz did have a decent sight of goal.Florian Wirtz levelled for Germany lateCredit: EPAThe hosts were saved late onCredit: AFPSpain centre back Robin Le Normand, himself already a yellow card that had ruled him out of the semi-final, misjudged Rudiger’s hopeful punt. But Havertz’s shot was neither hard nor well directed enough and Simon saved.Neuer made an unconvincing stop from Olmo. It was reasonably compelling stuff, but not the thriller the neutral wanted.Nagelsmann was not impressed either. Sane and Can were hooked at half time in favour of Florian Wirtz and Robert Andrich.But after Morata had missed the first chance of the half, Spain took the lead and it was no surprise that Yamal was involved.The 16 year old laid the ball perfectly into the path of the onrushing Olmo, who angled his finish enough to beat Neuer to his right.Germany had to come out and Nagelsmann made another double change, which included taking off captain Gundogan and bringing on Borussia Dortmund target man Niclas Fullkrug to give his team more punch up front.Mikel Merino headed a late winnerCredit: GettyThe ex-Newcastle man celebrates the winnerCredit: GettyThe tension gradually wound up towards Wirtz’s crucial intervention.Taylor was forced to flash more yellow cards as the clock ticked down.Fullkrug hit the post from Wirtz’s cross.Simon was booked for time-wasting as home frustrations grew. And the Spain goalkeeper almost paid an even greater penalty for a poor goal-kick.But Havertz sent his attempted chip over the onrushing ‘keeper the wrong side of the crossbar.Spain were finally looking a little nervous and at last the pressure told.Substitute Max Mittelstadt crossed to the back post, where fellow full back Joshua Kimmich headed it down and Wirtz swept it home.Spain dumped out the hostsCredit: AFPSpain celebrate heading into the last fourCredit: EPAThe noise was deafening, as roars of joy and relief rang round the arena.In the first half of extra-time, the momentum was with Germany, but clear-cut chances were few.The best of them saw Spain substitute Mikel Oyarzabal fire wide from distance and Wirtz go close to grabbing his and Germany’s second.Seconds into the second period, the hosts screamed for a penalty. But VAR Stuart Attwell agreed with Taylor that Marc Cucurella’s arm was in a natural position when it blocked Musiala’s fierce effort.Simon stretched out a big right hand of his own to keep out Fullkrug’s header.And just when it seemed penalties were coming, Merino headed home Olmo’s cross.READ MORE SUN STORIESEven then there was time for Fullkrug to send his own header agonisingly wide.But the hero of the group game against Switzerland could not keep Germany’s Euros going into the final week.Julian Nagelsmann was in shockCredit: GettyJoshua Kimmich is consoled by manager Julian NagelsmannCredit: APKroos looks on in heartacheCredit: GettyThe hosts bailed out in dramatic fashionCredit: ReutersKai Havertz look on in frustrationCredit: Getty More

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      Portugal vs France odds: Get Ronaldo, Fernandes & Mbappe shot on target each at 4/1 PLUS get £60 bonus with William Hill

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      PORTUGAL and France clash in tonight’s Euro 2024 quarter-final contest at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.And bookmakers William Hill are celebrating by offering all customers odds of 4/1 for Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Kylian Mbappe each to have a shot on target!Wait, there’s more… brand new William Hill customers who sign-up and stake a tenner on the footy will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles herePortugal vs France: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Portugal vs France price alertWilliam HillWilliam Hill are going BIG on tonight’s encounter between Portugal and France with a terrific price boost that’s available to everyone!Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Kylian Mbappe Shot On Target Each (90 mins)Was 5/2Now 4/1You can claim this super-charged price boost HEREPortugal vs France: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*New to William Hill? You can sign-up using the links provided on this page and then you can reap the rewards!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAfter that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!Portugal vs France: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Price boost T&Cs. 18+. Play Safe. Bet up to £20. Available online and in shop for plus customers. Available from 19:00-20:00. More