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Fan zone: Agony and Ecstasy at Euro 2012

Last updated on: June 19, 2012 15:09 IST

A Spanish fan reacts during their match against Croatia at a fan zone in Gdansk, Poland.

The Spainish fans a lot to cheer about after their team qualified for the quarters by the skin of their teeth. Spain had to rely on a late goal by substitute Jesus Navas to get past a resilient Croatia side.

Navas tapped home two minutes from time to snatch a 1-0 victory over Croatia and send holders Spain through to the last eight of Euro 2012 as Group C winners.

Fan zone: Agony and Ecstasy at Euro 2012

Last updated on: June 19, 2012 15:09 IST

Spanish fans, dressed a cows, cheer before the start of their match against Croatia.

Spain will now face the runners-up in a Group D featuring France, England, Ukraine and eliminated Sweden. Spain topped the group on seven points, with Italy on five and Croatia on four, while Ireland finished with zero.

Fan zone: Agony and Ecstasy at Euro 2012

Last updated on: June 19, 2012 15:09 IST

Italy's fans cheer before their match against Ireland.

Italy scored a comprehensive win over Ireland, courtesy goals by Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli. Italy, who will play the Group D winners in the last eight in Kiev on Sunday.

Cassano, who missed half the season with AC Milan after undergoing a minor heart operation, headed home 10 minutes before the break and Balotelli brilliantly hooked the ball home in the final minute to leave Italy second with five points behind Spain.

Fan zone: Agony and Ecstasy at Euro 2012

Last updated on: June 19, 2012 15:09 IST

A Dutch fan reacts after The Netherlands were knocked out of the competition following their 2-1 loss to Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored both goals as Portugal reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.

In an open and entertaining game, Ronaldo cancelled out Rafael van der Vaart's early opener for the Dutch with a 28th minute equaliser and hit the winner 16 minutes from time as Portugal went through as runners-up behind Germany.

 


Fan zone: Agony and Ecstasy at Euro 2012

Last updated on: June 19, 2012 15:09 IST

A Danish couple kiss before the start of the Denmark vs Germany match.

German defender Lars Bender scored a clinical late goal to give his team a workmanlike 2-1 win over Denmark on Sunday and secure top spot in Euro 2012 Group B.

Denmark failed to qualify, losing out to Portugal who beat the Netherlands 2-1.

The Danes, who needed to win to go through, could have taken the lead in the 51st minute but Jakob Poulsen shaved the post from 10 metres after great set-up play from Bendtner, who was one of Denmark's best players in the tournament.

Denmark did little else to threaten the German goal and could easily have lost had Podolski, Thomas Mueller and in particular Sami Khedira converted presentable first-half chances.

Fan zone: Agony and Ecstasy at Euro 2012

Last updated on: June 19, 2012 15:09 IST

A Polish fan shows her support for the national team during their match against the Czech Republic.

But the fans were left disappointed after the match as the Czechs knocked out co-hosts Poland. A slew of early missed chances cost Poland dear, who eventually lost 1-0.

Fan zone: Agony and Ecstasy at Euro 2012

Last updated on: June 19, 2012 15:09 IST

A Greek fan awaits the start of the match between Greece and Russia.

It was an exciting match for the Greeks as captain Giorgos Karagounis scored the winner in the first half to eliminate Russia from the competiton and lead his team into the quarters.

Fan zone: Agony and Ecstasy at Euro 2012

Last updated on: June 19, 2012 15:09 IST

A Ukrainian couple wear a dejeted look after their team's loss to France.

Sparkling attacking football and goals from Jeremy Menez and Yohan Cabaye earned France the 2-0 win after the game was halted for 55 minutes due to a thunderstorm.

Ukraine fans will now look forward to their next game against England without the services of their talismanic captain Shevchenko, who is a doubtful starter because of injury.

Fan zone: Agony and Ecstasy at Euro 2012

Last updated on: June 19, 2012 15:09 IST

Italy's fans display a banner portraying players and coach of the national as characters from the film Gladiator during their match against Croatia.

The Italians did put up a Gladiator-esque performance as they dominated early on in the match. 

However, following playmaker Andrea Pirlo's majestic free kick six minutes before the break, that put Italy ahead, Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic struck in the 73rd minute to earn a 1-1 draw.

Fan zone: Agony and Ecstasy at Euro 2012

Last updated on: June 19, 2012 15:09 IST

Fans catch the action between Czech Republic and Greece on a big screen TV in Kiev.

The Czechs managed to beat Greece 2-1, their first victory over Greece in four attempts as an independent nation.

Fan zone: Agony and Ecstasy at Euro 2012

Last updated on: June 19, 2012 15:09 IST

England's fans wear Prince Charles and Prince Philipp masks during the match against France.

There was nothing royal about England's performance as they were held to a 1-1 draw in this, their opening encounter.


Fan zone: Agony and Ecstasy at Euro 2012

Last updated on: June 19, 2012 15:09 IST

Portuguese soccer fans pose with newlyweds before their opening match against Germany.

It was a joyous day for the newly married couple but the same couldn't be said for the Portuguese fans, who had to witness their team suffer a 1-0 loss.