Spain remains on track to clinch their fourth European Championship title after Mikel Merino’s decisive extra-time goal propelled them into the semi-finals, eliminating hosts Germany in a thrilling match at Stuttgart Arena.
This highly anticipated encounter featured the revitalized German squad against Spain, widely regarded as the standout team of Euro 2024 thus far. The match delivered on its promise, brimming with aggression, tension, and drama from start to finish.
The action intensified in the second half when Dani Olmo broke the deadlock six minutes in. The substitute capitalized on a precise cross from 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who notched his third assist of the tournament. Olmo’s goal transformed the previously cautious game into a high-paced battle.
Germany, determined to rally, saw substitute Niclas Fullkrug hit the post before Florian Wirtz equalized in the dying moments of regulation time with a powerful strike that ricocheted off the post, igniting the home crowd.
The match seemed destined for penalties as both sides missed chances in extra time. Mikel Oyarzabal and Wirtz came close, while Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon made a stunning save to deny Fullkrug’s header.
However, in the final seconds, Merino’s thumping header clinched victory for Spain, securing their place in the semi-finals where they will face either France or Portugal.
The dramatic encounter concluded with Spanish full-back Dani Carvajal receiving a second yellow card and being sent off, but this did little to dampen the celebrations as Spanish fans and players erupted in joy at the final whistle.
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