Spain clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over UEFA Euro 2024 hosts Germany with Mikel Merino’s last-gasp strike, edging them closer to a record fourth European Championship. The match, a highly anticipated re-run of the 2008 final, began with a near-breakthrough from Spain’s Pedri within 60 seconds, but his shot was saved.
Throughout the first half, Spain’s Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, and Fabián Ruiz missed the target with long-range efforts, while Germany’s Kai Havertz saw his close-range header saved by Unai Simón. Despite more attempts from Havertz, Spain finished the half stronger with Dani Olmo and Yamal being denied by Germany’s goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer.
After the break, Álvaro Morata missed a close-range shot before Dani Olmo finally broke the deadlock for Spain in the 52nd minute, converting a low ball from Yamal. Germany pushed hard for an equalizer, and Havertz missed a crucial opportunity after capitalizing on a loose ball from Simón’s goal kick.
Germany’s persistence paid off when Florian Wirtz scored a late equalizer from Joshua Kimmich’s knockdown, sending the match into extra time. The tense additional period saw Mikel Oyarzabal and Wirtz both miss opportunities. A penalty check for a handball against Spain’s Marc Cucurella went unpunished, and Simón made a crucial save from Niclas Füllkrug’s header.
With penalties looming, Olmo delivered a perfect cross to Merino, who headed past Neuer with just 90 seconds of extra time remaining. Despite late drama, including Dani Carvajal’s red card and a missed chance from Füllkrug, Spain held on to secure their place in the semi-finals, where they will face either Portugal or France. Germany, meanwhile, made history as the first host nation to lose a European Championship quarter-final.
Source: ghmediahub
