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EURO 2016

Germany specialists in semi-final exits over past decade

The Germans were in their sixth straight major semi on Thursday - and more often than not, that run has brought last-four elimination.

Germany specialists in semi-final exits over past decade
Kai PfaffenbachREUTERS

Germany's Euro 2016 semi-final against France saw them appear at the penultimate stage of a major tournament for the sixth straight occasion.

Out in four of last six semis

But a 2-0 defeat to Les Bleus means they have become quite the specialists in last-four elimination at recent finals, having lost four of those six semis.

The run, which began in 2006, has seen the Nationalmannschaft knocked out in the semi-finals of two European Championships and two World Cups.

Griezmann (second right) grabbed a brace to see off Germany in Thursday's Euro 2016 semi-final.
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Griezmann (second right) grabbed a brace to see off Germany in Thursday's Euro 2016 semi-final.

Semi-final losses

As hosts of World Cup 2006, the Germans succumbed 2-0 to Italy, before being beaten 1-0 by Spain in South Africa four years later.

Meanwhile, Euro 2012 ended in final-four heartbreak after a 2-1 defeat to Italy, ahead of Thursday night's reverse to France.

Carles Puyol (right) rises highest to head Spain's winner against Germany in the 2010 World Cup semi-finals.
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Carles Puyol (right) rises highest to head Spain's winner against Germany in the 2010 World Cup semi-finals.

The exceptions...

Euro 2008 brought disappointment in the final against Spain - while only one of their six consecutive semi-final appearances since '06 has witnessed them go on to lift the trophy: the 2014 World Cup.