Spain substitute Mikel Merino condemned host nation Germany to an agonising Euro 2024 quarter-final exit with the last-gasp winner in a dramatic 2-1 victory in Stuttgart for the three-time European champions.
Merino popped up within the 119th minute to energy a header into Germany’s internet from a stunning cross from Dani Olmo, who had fired Spain forward on 51 minutes when he slammed an outstanding Lamine Yamal go into the online.
Germany dominated the second half and deservedly equalised on 89 minutes when Florian Wirtz tucked the ball in off the submit from a Joshua Kimmich header.
The sport appeared destined for penalties with possibilities at each ends, however it was left to Luis de La Fuente’s Spain – who had Dani Carvajal despatched off within the closing seconds for a second reserving – to have the ultimate say to safe a semi-final assembly with France or Portugal.
In the meantime, Germany are left to mirror on what might need been as they grow to be the primary host nation to exit the European Championship on the quarter-final stage.
Participant of the Match: Dani Olmo (Spain)
Spain had been rocked by shedding Pedri to harm within the opening moments of the match, however it proved to be a blessing in disguise as Olmo produced a match-winning show coming off the bench. A beautiful objective for Spain’s opener and the RB Leipzig midfielder then performed supplier for Merino’s successful finale to ship Spain into the final 4.
Match Highlights
52′ GOAL! GERMANY 0-1 SPAIN (OLMO) Lastly we’ve a objective in Stuttgart. Very good go from Yamal to pick the run of Olmo on fringe of space and he aspect foots the shot into the online past the despairing dive of Neuer. Germany punished for switching off. Recreation on!
78′ GERMANY INCHES AWAY FROM THE EQUALISER Wirtz with a high-quality run and cross, however the end from Füllkrug comes again off the submit after he held off Nacho. Simon was properly overwhelmed. That’s so unlucky for the German ahead.
89′ GOAL! (WIRTZ) GERMANY 1-1 SPAIN Simply when it appeared throughout Wirtz pops as much as thump a volley in off a submit from a wonderful header again into the visitors by Kimmich through the Mittelstädt cross. Very good end. Big reduction in Stuttgart because the host nation ranges it up at 1-1. Are we heading for extra-time?
116′ SIMON DENIES GERMANY WINNER High quality cease by the Spain keeper to maintain out the header from Füllkrug as he acquired forward of Nacho. Sensible effort, however Spain survive.
119′ GOAL! (MERINO) SPAIN 2-1 GERMANY And that appears just like the winner as substitute Mikel Merino powers the header into the online from the Olmo cross. A surprising headed end. Absolutely that’s the victory for Spain.
