A Mikel Merino objective within the penultimate minute of additional time grabbed Spain a dramatic 2-1 win over Germany to ship them into the Euro 2024 semi-finals and maintain their goals of a record-breaking fourth European Championship title alive. After a fiery but goalless first half, Spain’s Dani Olmo latched onto an inch-perfect move from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal to provide La Roja the lead on 51 minutes. Niclas Fuellkrug struck the submit with 14 minutes remaining however with the hosts looking at an exit, Florian Wirtz slammed in a Joshua Kimmich knock-down within the 89th minute to take the sport to additional time.
With the sport trying set for penalties, Olmo lofted a cross for Merino, who headed Spain to victory and a semi-final assembly with both France or Portugal.
“Nicely, I am useless, actually. The adrenaline is taking its toll on me now. It has been a particular second,” goalscorer Merino mentioned after.
Olmo mentioned he was “exhausted actually”, including: “It’s a supply of satisfaction, what a fantastic group now we have, how now we have fought till the top.”
Germany’s elimination ends the hosts’ hopes of a fairytale Euros victory after a decade of poor performances at main tournaments, whereas additionally reducing the curtain on Toni Kroos‘ stellar profession.
“We performed a great match however while you’re so shut, to be eradicated like that, it is bitter,” Kroos informed ARD.
The battle between the 2 most profitable Euros nations, with three titles apiece, was billed as a closing come early, with the in-form Spaniards in opposition to Julian Nagelsmann’s reborn hosts.
Spain nominated Kroos as Germany’s most harmful participant pre-match however the midfielder had an enormous, even when unintended impression early, colliding with Pedri, who was then substituted with a leg damage for Olmo.
Germany, with the oldest squad at Euro 2024, struggled with Spain’s pace in the course of the first half, steadily coming into tackles a fraction too late, however the two greatest possibilities of the opening half fell to the hosts — and each to Kai Havertz.
The Arsenal ahead leapt highest to go a cross immediately at Unai Simon early after which scuffed a tame shot on the goalie later within the half with simply the ‘keeper to beat.
Nagelsmann took off shock starter Emre Can for the pink-haired Robert Andrich, whereas the ineffective Leroy Sane was changed by Wirtz.
The substitution who would make his mark nevertheless was Olmo, who gave Spain the lead six minutes into the second half, slicing via the sleepy Germany defence to completely place a Yamal move previous Manuel Neuer into the underside left nook.
The objective kicked Germany into gear with Wirtz notably harmful.
The Bayer Leverkusen starlet linked with Fuellkrug on the counter with 1 / 4 of an hour remaining however the striker, underneath heavy consideration from the Spanish defence, may solely hit the submit.
With 10 minutes remaining Nagelsmann made his closing substitution, bringing veteran Thomas Mueller from the bench.
But it surely was Wirtz — 13 years his junior – who made the distinction, skimming a Kimmich header throughout the grass and in on the far submit.
Mikel Oyarzabal, on for Nico Williams, curled a 104th-minute shot simply broad of the submit and Wirtz did the identical a minute later with the objective beckoning.
Germany appealed strongly for a penalty within the second interval of additional time, after a Jamal Musiala shot hit Marc Cucurella’s hand, however after a VAR verify the unique resolution to not award a spot-kick stood.
Minutes later, Olmo curled in a cross for Merino, who leapt excessive to go the ball previous Neuer and put Spain into the semi-finals.
Luis de la Fuente will likely be pressured into modifications for Tuesday’s semi, after Dani Carvajal obtained his marching orders for hauling down Musiala for a second yellow card of the match.
Centre-back Robin Le Normand and captain Alvaro Morata may even be suspended for selecting up yellows, with the Spain skipper incomes a late warning for his celebrations within the aftermath of Merino’s winner.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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