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UEFA Euro 2012

June 25, 2012

The build-up to the European football championships was plagued with scandal. But this surprising tournament is now filled with stellar play. Get the latest developments plus background and analysis from DW.

https://p.dw.com/p/157SA
Image: Reuters

One scandal after another plagued preparations for Euro 2012 in the months building up to the tournament. The Italian squad has been under scrutiny since defender Domenico Criscito was implicated in a match-fixing scandal. Fears of racist violence in host countries Poland and Ukraine led to reports of non-white players canceling plans to bring their families. Above all, a threatened boycott in protest of imprisoned former Ukrainian Primer Minister Yulia Tymoshenko's treatment has thoroughly politicized the tournament.

As Europe's 16 best squads battle for the championship, Spain with its roster of international stars is hungry for a historic third straight championship win. But Germany also has high hopes.

DW is covering all the angles for you. Be sure to check back for regular updates through the final match on July 1.

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Reports & Analysis

Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon

Italy beat England

Italy qualify for European Championship semis with a penalty shoot-out win over England.
June 24, 2012
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Stadium Architecture

The Euro 2012 football championship has kicked off in co-hosts Poland and Ukraine. Many of the matches are being played in stadiums specially built for the event. But the architects commissioned for the projects also sought to create lasting landmarks that will continue to be attractive venues long after the tournament is over.
LifestyleJune 9, 201204:23 min
France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (R) and Gael Clichy fail to save their goal as Spain's Xabi Alonso (L) scores during their Euro 2012 quarter-final soccer match

Spain rises to beat France, 2-0

Spain beat France 2-0 to book their spot in the Euro semi-finals.
June 23, 2012
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Euro 2012 soccer tournament favorites # EM2012 # Favoriten 14c # 06.06.2012 15 Uhr # Journal Englisch

We start with a break-down of the FAVOURITES.. going into the soccer tournament that kicks off on Friday.The usual suspects are all there.. along with one soccer might that's more recently managed to muscle its way in there, France. Here's a look at them all.
June 6, 201202:49 min
Germany's Sami Khedira celebrates

Germany 4, Greece 2

Germany's new-look line-up blast past Greece to reach the last four in Euro 2012.
June 22, 2012
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Soccer City - Kiev

We travel to the Ukrainian capital which hosts five games for the EURO 2012 Soccer Championship, and get a tour by soccer fan and artist Oleksander Soloviov.
LifestyleJune 3, 201203:42 min
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo attempts a bicycle kick

Czech Republic 0 - 1 Portugal

Portugal absolutely dominated the second half against the Czechs, and it was only a matter of time before they broke the deadlock. A Cristiano Ronaldo diving header booked them the first Euro 2012 semi final berth.
June 21, 2012
Germany's players celebrate winning their Group B Euro 2012 soccer match against Denmark

Germany, Portugal go through

Germany have beaten Denmark 2-1 in their final Group B game at Euro 2012. Portugal overcame the Netherlands by the same scoreline in the other fixture. The two winners on the night also progress to the quarters.
June 17, 2012
Greece's players celebrate victory against Russia

Greeks, Czechs make last eight

The Greek soccer team produced a 1-0 upset to give their countrymen a boost and send home the highly favored Russians early from Euro 2012. The Czechs bounced co-hosts Poland from the tournament.
June 17, 2012
England's Theo Walcott is congratulated after scoring his team's second goal

England 3 - 2 Sweden

It was a bumpy ride for England as they overcame Sweden 3-2, in an initially dull game that turned into a thriller. Meanwhile, France showed their quality, defeating Ukraine after a very unusual suspension of play.
June 15, 2012
epa03268323 Italy's forward Mario Balotelli during Italy's team training session in Krakow, Poland, 16 June 2012. Italy faces Ireland in their last Group C match on 18 June. EPA/MAURIZIO BRAMBATTI +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++

Racism at EURO 2012

Europe's football governing body, UEFA, has slapped an 80,000-euro ($100,000) fine on Croatia's soccer association because its fans racially abused Italian forward Mario Balotelli at EURO 2012.
June 19, 2012
Berlin/ Fans jubeln am Sonntag (17.06.12) auf der Fanmeile vor dem Brandenburger Tor in Berlin beim Public Viewing nach dem Ende des Spiels der Fussball-Europameisterschaft (EM) 2012 Daenemark - Deutschland, das Deutschland mit 2:1 gewann. Insgesamt werden bei der EM in Polen und der Ukraine 31 Begegnungen ausgetragen. Das Finale ist am 1. Juli 2012. (zu dapd-Text) Foto: Steffi Loos/dapd

Patriotism and football

Ever since 2006, football fever strikes Germany every two years - with a particular side effect.
June 24, 2012
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