Euro 2024: Spain knock hosts out
Spain 2 - 1 Germany
Spain kept their dreams of a fourth European Championship alive with a dramatic 119th-minute goal from Mikel Merino, sending them into the semi-finals and knocking out hosts Germany in a thrilling match at Stuttgart Arena.
This eagerly anticipated clash saw a resurgent Germany face off against one of the most exciting teams in Spain. It did not disappoint.
From the moment Dani Olmo put Spain ahead six minutes into the second half, the match was a relentless spectacle of aggression, tension, and drama. Olmo side-footed in a cross from 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who notched his third assist of the Euros, breaking the deadlock in a previously cautious game.
Germany nearly responded through substitute Niclas Fullkrug, who hit the post, but they found their equaliser in the final minute of regular time when Florian Wirtz’s powerful shot went in off the post, sending the home fans into raptures.
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Time for an extra 30 minutes
In extra time, Mikel Oyarzabal and Wirtz both narrowly missed the target, while Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon made a stunning save to deny a Fullkrug header. Germany also had a penalty appeal waved away after the ball struck Marc Cucurella’s hand in the box.
With mere seconds left, Real Sociedad’s Merino, who had a stint at Newcastle United in the 2017-18 season, powered a header into the net, securing Spain's place in the semi-finals against France.
Despite Dani Carvajal's late sending off for a second yellow card, the Spanish celebrations were unspoiled, with fans and players rejoicing at the final whistle.
Spain's victory keeps their unbeaten run at Euro 2024 intact as they aim for their first championship win since 2012. This match, however, was their toughest yet, with Merino’s last-minute heroics sparing them the unpredictability of a penalty shootout.
Spain have been the most complete team at Euro 2024, and Olmo’s opener suggested they would dominate. However, Germany’s relentless pressure unsettled them, culminating in a late equaliser.
Spain’s bench proved crucial, and with Carvajal and Robin le Normand suspended and Pedri’s injury status uncertain, their depth will be vital in their quest to reach the final.
Germany can be optimistic for the future.
Germany can take pride in their journey. Despite the heartbreak, their run in Euro 2024 rekindled faith in their national team after early exits in the last two World Cups. The belief in their squad grew throughout the tournament, and their young team pushed a formidable Spain side to the limit.
Their overal performance was a beacon of hope for the future, showcasing young talents like Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, even though this tournament marks the end of the road for the legendary Toni Kroos, who retires at 34.
Nonetheless, this exit continues the streak of no host nation winning the Euros since France in 1984.
