Euro 2024 without hosts! Quarterfinal hit for Spain

Fans were eagerly awaiting the clash between the hosts of Euro 2024 and one of the favourites to advance. Regardless of the result, it was clear that one of the top teams of the championship would be leaving the competition before reaching the top four. Luis de la Fuente’s players had more luck on Friday afternoon, winning 2:1 after extra time.

Aggressive fight in the match between Spain and Germany

From the very first minutes of the match in Stuttgart there was no shortage of emotions. The Spaniards quickly had to make their first substitution, as Pedri suffered an injury that prevented him from playing any further. Tough competition dominated, which Anthony Taylor tried to temper. In the 17th minute Fabian Ruiz struck just over the crossbar. A few minutes later the Germans had a dangerous action thanks to Kimmich and Havertz.

Taylor showed three yellow cards in the first thirty minutes. Even for a referee working in the Premier League (theoretically a very physical game), this was a large score, indicating a tense atmosphere in the match. Both sides had dangerous goal-scoring opportunities, but there was no goal scored in the entire first half.

Spain snatched promotion to Euro 2024 semi-finals

From the beginning of the second half, the Spaniards pressed hard on Manuel Neuer’s goal and in the 51st minute they achieved their goal. Olmo received a pass from Yamal and shot from about 15 meters. The German goalkeeper had to capitulate. The hosts of the tournament wanted to respond quickly. Instead of attempted attacks, there were attempted fouls that ended with yellow cards for Toni Kroos, among others. The German has already ended his club career, and Euro 2024 is his complete farewell to professional football.

Fullkrug had a dangerous move that could have tied the game. The striker found himself in the Spanish penalty area and confidently struck the ball. However, it hit the post. However, it was a sign that the closer to the end of the match, the more Julian Nagelsmann’s players would press their opponents. In the 83rd minute, Havertz wasted a great opportunity. The German badly cut the ball, causing it to fly over the crossbar of Unai Simon’s goal. He had just received a yellow card for delaying the game.

The attempt to wait until the end of the match and maintain the 1-0 lead did not work. In the 89th minute, the Germans equalized thanks to Florian Wirtz, who used a pass from Kimmich. The rivals from the Iberian Peninsula had to work on the attack again, but nothing came of it. Taylor ended the second half, which meant extra time.

In the first minutes of extra time, Anthony Taylor had to reach for a yellow card again – this time for Wirtz. Before the end of the first half, Oyarzabal and Wirtz had great opportunities, but both of their attempts were off target. At the beginning of the second half, Musiala blocked the ball dangerously. The Spaniards demanded a penalty, but the referee did not agree. After a few minutes, they had another good opportunity and took it. Merino used Olmo’s cross and headed past Neuer.

The Germans had only a few moments to equalize and force penalties. Fullkrug had a great move at the end, but the ball after his shot went wide of Simon’s goal post. Even a second yellow card for Dani Carvajal, and consequently a red card, did not stop the Spaniards from advancing. They won 2-1 and advanced to the semi-finals.

Spain is waiting for its next opponent

Spain awaits their opponent in the semi-final of Euro 2024. Luis de la Fuente’s players will play against the winner of the match between Portugal and France.

Spain – Germany 2:1 (0:0)

Goals: Olmo 51′, Merino 119′ – Wirtz 89′