A heart-stopping tie decided in extra time sees the hosts eliminated as Spain stays on course for a record fourth European title.
The Spanish curse continues for Germany, as the Euro 2024 hosts get knocked out by La Roja after losing 2-1 in Stuttgart.
The Mannschaft haven’t beaten Spain in a major football tournament since 1988. This time, the Spaniards defeated the Germans on their home soil, becoming the first team in Euro 2024 to reach the semifinals.
It was another solid victory for Luis de la Fuente’s team, who have conceded only one goal in the entire tournament so far.
The game in Stuttgart got off to a tough start with fifteen fouls and three yellow cards in the first half alone.
Germany’s Toni Kroos got off lightly after two tackles worthy of a booking in the first ten minutes, one of which injured Spain’s Pedri, who had to be substituted.
Overall, it wasn’t a spectacular start, with the two young stars Jamal Musiala and Lamine Yamal failing to make much of an impact – especially the Spaniard, who was able to play more balls.
Spain seemed slightly more aggressive and organised than the hosts, particularly in using counterattacks. However, it was the hosts who had the best chances in the first half, both with Kai Havertz.
The Arsenal midfielder first tried with a powerful but not greatly placed header in the 21st minute. Then he fired a shot in the 35th minute after beautifully controlling a long ball from Rudiger from the defence, and turning past Le Normand.
Spain kept the same, dominating attitude in the second half and managed to convert at 51th with substitute Dani Olmo, who netted past Neuer a low shot into the bottom-left corner.
Germany increased the pace after conceding the goal, nearing the leveller in the 77th minute with a Fullkrug ball that hit the post. Just ten minutes later, Germany’s efforts were rewarded. Kimmich outjumped Cucurella and headed the ball into the middle of the box for Wirtz, who slotted it past Spain’s goalie Simon into the bottom left corner.
Extra time was heartstopping with a rapid fire of chances on each side.
First, a sharp shot by the Spanish player Oyarzabal just wide off the post, followed by a very similar attempt by Germany’s Wirtz.
Germany proved to be the better team in the final part of the game. They claimed a penalty for an alleged handball by Cucurella, and then nearly scored with a header by Fullkrug in the 107th.
But the winner finally came from Spain’s Mikel Merino in the 119th minute.
Assisted by Olmo, the Spaniard fired a powerful header past Neuer to come on top 2-1 and seal the victory that sends Spain into the Euro 2024 semifinals, where they will play the winner of France vs Portugal.
