Mikel Merino’s objective within the final moments of additional time gave Spain a dramatic 2-1 win over hosts Germany in an enthralling Euro 2024 quarterfinal conflict between the event’s two most profitable nations on Friday.
The eagerly anticipated match hit fever-pitch because the groups slugged it out at a raucous Stuttgart Area crammed by a majority of German followers who have been left heartbroken after the hosts’ gritty show fell brief by the narrowest of margins.
Spain have been the higher aspect for the primary hour and wasted a number of alternatives earlier than Dani Olmo gave them a deserved lead six minutes after the break, drilling residence a first-time shot into the underside nook.
Reuters studies that Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann made 5 substitutions in a determined try to seek out the equaliser, which paid dividends within the 89th minute as substitute Florian Wirtz, the Bundesliga’s participant of the 12 months for champions Bayer Leverkusen, hammered residence a shot from Joshua Kimmich’s header to power further time.
The sport was into the 119th minute and appeared set for a penalty shootout when substitute Merino rose to move residence the successful objective from Olmo’s cross.
“The center is at all times extra vital than the legs,” Olmo mentioned after the match. “Let’s take it simple and calmly, as a result of in 4 days we’ve got the semifinals.”
The hosts Germany pushed exhausting for a late leveler, and full-back Dani Carvajal was despatched off after receiving a second yellow card for tackling Jamal Musiala to keep away from a counter assault.
He and centre-back Robin Le Normand will miss the semifinal, as Spain held out to advance to the final 4 and a gathering with both Portugal or France.
“Nicely, I’m exhausted, to be sincere,” Merino mentioned. “The adrenaline is taking its toll on me now. It’s been a singular second.
“There’s plenty of work behind it, particularly from my teammates, who have been doing a terrific job, and for them to equalise within the ninetieth minute is a setback, nevertheless it’s a reward for perseverance and I feel we deserve it … We now have proven that we all know the way to endure, that we’ve got a terrific staff.”
