Spain clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory over hosts Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-final, with Mikel Merino scoring a decisive header in the 119th minute of extra time. The match, held at Stuttgart’s Volksparkstadion, marked Spain’s historic first win over a host nation at the European Championship.
Key Match Moments:
1. Dani Olmo opened the scoring for Spain in the 51st minute with a precise finish past the German goalkeeper.
2. Florian Wirtz leveled the score for Germany in the 89th minute, forcing the match into extra time with a well-taken goal.
3. Mikel Merino secured Spain’s victory with a powerful header from Dani Olmo’s cross deep into extra time.
Throughout the game, both teams displayed intense competitiveness and created several scoring opportunities. Spain controlled possession early on, while Germany rallied strongly after conceding, leading to a tense and closely contested encounter.
Notable Incidents:
– Both teams received multiple yellow cards, with Dani Carvajal cautioned in a manner that would have ruled him out of the semi-finals.
– Carvajal was later shown a red card in the closing moments of extra time for a high tackle, reducing Spain to ten men.
– Critical missed chances included a late attempt by Ferran Torres, whose chip narrowly missed the target as time expired.
Spain’s victory propels them into the semi-finals, underscoring their championship aspirations in Euro 2024. Meanwhile, Germany bows out of the tournament on home soil, concluding a spirited campaign despite falling short in the quarter-finals.
The match showcased the skill and determination of both teams, living up to its billing as one of the most thrilling clashes of Euro 2024. Spain’s continued success highlights their formidable form, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament.
