Spain vs. Germany: Hosts Stunned in Thrilling Euro 2024 Quarter-Final

In a nail-biting encounter, Spain emerged victorious against hosts Germany in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, securing a 2-1 win after extra time. The match, played in Stuttgart, was a testament to the resilience and skill of both teams, captivating fans with its intensity and drama.

Early Chances and Injury Setback

The game kicked off with both teams creating early chances, with Spain's Pedri testing Manuel Neuer and Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo also threatening the German goal. However, Spain suffered a blow when Pedri was substituted due to an injury.

Olmo Breaks the Deadlock

The second half saw Spain take the lead through a precise strike from Dani Olmo[5]. Germany responded with efforts from Niclas Füllkrug and Florian Wirtz, with Wirtz eventually equalizing to send the game into extra time.

Merino's Late Header Seals the Win

In extra time, both teams had chances to win the game, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Wirtz coming close. However, it was Spain who struck the decisive blow when Mikel Merino headed home from Olmo's cross to secure the victory for La Roja. The match ended on a sour note for Spain as Dani Carvajal received a red card late in the game.

Key Stats and Talking Points

The match was a showcase of the teams' strengths, with Dani Olmo's impact as a substitute and Yamal's impressive assists standing out. Wirtz's goal made him Germany's youngest ever Euro knockout goalscorer, while Manuel Neuer joined an elite group with his 20th Euro appearance.

Despite the heartbreak for Germany, Spain's victory was well-deserved, with the team demonstrating their resilience and skill throughout the match. The semi-final clash promises to be an exciting affair as Spain look to continue their impressive run in the tournament.

The Bad Tackle

It was the best match in EURO 2024 so far. Two equally talented European giants giving everyting on the pitch. It could have gone either way. In  the end, it all boiled down to nerves and breaks.

As I said previously, whoever wins here will definitely be in Berlin on July 15, 2024. But first, there is a blue wall they need to climb.