Favorites Portugal crushed Germany 5-0 and underdogs Sweden thumped neighbors Denmark 4-1 on Saturday as both sides powered through to the Under-21 European Championship final in the Czech Republic.
Rui Jorge’s Portugal, who had scored just two goals in three group matches, were in control from the start in Olomouc and netted three times in a 20-minute spell as they handed Germany their worst-ever defeat at Under-21 level.
Germany, with World Cup winner Matthias Ginter and UEFA Champions League-winning goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in their lineup, were swept aside.
To add to their misery, Leonardo Bittencourt was sent off in the 75th minute for a second bookable offense.
Portugal captain Sergio Oliveira hit the post after 15 minutes, but Bernardo Silva fared better in the 24th minute when he charged into the box and fired home.
Ricardo doubled the lead 11 minutes later, turning the ball in at the far post as the powerful William Carvalho, on the transfer wish list of several top European clubs, controlled the midfield area.
Ivan Cavaleiro made it 3-0 on the stroke of halftime and Portugal scored again a minute after the restart when a deflected effort from Joao Mario sent Ter Stegen the wrong way.
Ricardo Horta completed the rout in the 71st minute, tapping in undisturbed from close range as Germany were again caught napping.
The second semi-final in Prague was between Denmark and a hard-working Sweden side, who qualified from their group at the expense of England and Italy.
Sweden took the lead against the run of play in the 23rd minute, John Guidetti converting a penalty after strike partner Isaac Kiese-Thelin was fouled.
Three minutes later, Guidetti turned provider, setting up Simon Tibbling for the second after a quick break down the left.
Despite their early goals it was the defensive effort of Sweden that was most impressive, and they were organized and energetic in their tackling and harrying.
Uffe Bech pulled a goal back for Denmark in the 63rd minute, scoring after the opposition fluffed two clearances in the box.
Denmark then launched an onslaught, but Sweden exploited the space behind to hit them twice on the break, with two late goals from Robin Quaison and Oscar Hiljemark sealing an emphatic win.
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