Germany was stunned in Friday’s quarterfinals match by Spain, which edged out the UEFA EURO2024 host 2:1.
Germany was on the brink of securing a spot in the Euro 2024 tournament semifinals, but a late, game-changing header from substitute Mikel Merino sealed Spain’s victory.
Julian Nagelsman‘s side played with all they had against Las Rojas, eventually needing extra time to decide the winner.
Spain entered the match with a 100% record in the earlier stages, winning all four of their group games and the round of 16 fixture and keeping four out of four clean sheets.
Germany, on the other hand, was no less impressive. Following their first match, they demolished Scotland 5-1 to top their group.
The contest was evenly tied in the first half, with neither side able to gain an upper hand over the other.
🇪🇸 Merino in the final seconds to win the quarter-final… 🥵#EUROLastMinute | @Hublot pic.twitter.com/Yn4A1hi9Qz
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 5, 2024
Nevertheless, a pass from wonder kid Lamine Yamal, who has now become the youngest player to record three assists at the Euros at 16 years, found Dani Olmo – who went on to the named Player Of The Match – in the 51st minute, which he sent past the Germann goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Germany then grew into the game, albeit spurning many chances, such as Unai Simon‘s error when he gifted the ball to Kai Harvertz, who decided to go for a job over the keeper but went over the crossbar.
Germany’s persistence paid off when a well-placed cross found Joshua Kimmich at the far post. Kimmich then skillfully redirected the ball to Florian Wirtz, who made no mistake in half-volleying it into the net, securing Germany’s equalizer just before the end of regulation time.
The game was sent into extra time, and in the 119th minute, Mikel Merino headed a cross from Dani Olmo in goalwards, giving Spain a ticket into the semi-finals.
Germany, on the other hand, was eliminated. Veteran midfielder Toni Kroos, who stepped out of retirement for the competition, played his last match for the country, confirming his final retirement.
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