Euro 2024’s latest update reveals Mikel Merino’s dramatic strike in extra time shattered Germany’s hopes. Despite Florian Wirtz’s equalizer nullifying Dani Olmo’s early goal, Spain had to dig deep for victory. They now advance to meet France in the semi-finals scheduled for Tuesday.
Spain made history by eliminating the tournament hosts at the quarter-final stage of the European Championship, thanks to Mikel Merino’s decisive header in the 119th minute, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory over Germany in Stuttgart. News updates from Bongdalu livescores.
In the dying moments of extra time, Merino, who featured prominently for Newcastle in the 2017/18 season with 25 appearances, leapt to connect with Dani Olmo’s cross, propelling Spain into a semi-final clash against France on Tuesday evening in Munich.
Olmo’s goal ignited the match early in the second half, coming on as a substitute for the injured Pedri after only eight minutes of play. News updates from
Julian Nagelsmann called upon Niclas Fullkrug, who promptly posed challenges for the Spanish defense and narrowly missed hitting the post after overpowering Nacho to connect with Florian Wirtz’s cross.
Germany seized a late opportunity at the Euros on home soil, as Wirtz capitalized on Kimmich’s header across goal from Mittelstadt’s deep cross in the 89th minute, ensuring dramatic late-game excitement.
Spain dreaded the possibility of a penalty shootout against a team undefeated in shootouts since 1976. However, Merino’s dramatic goal ensured they would not suffer more heartbreak from penalty kicks, a fate that had plagued them in the last three major championships.
Dani Carvajal received his second yellow card in the dying moments of the game, yet La Roja managed to secure the victory. Merino reflected, stating, “I scored the goal, but it’s a testament to our unity as a team. It’s about the collective effort we give on the training ground, in the gym, and in those unseen moments.”
How did Spain defeat Germany?
Germany finally found their rhythm thanks to Olmo’s crucial intervention. Despite Coach Nagelsmann’s efforts to revive his underperforming team, Spain remained composed and experienced throughout the stormy second half in Stuttgart.
They had faced the host team in knockout matches at the Euros and World Cup ten times without a single victory, until their 10th attempt finally broke the streak.
The Spaniards have shown dominant form throughout this tournament, securing five consecutive victories. The dynamic duo of Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal has consistently troubled opposing defenses with their electrifying runs down the flanks. The prospect of repeating the successes of 2008 and 2012 is increasingly becoming the center of attention.
Following an intense first half where Kai Havertz came closest to scoring, with a header straight at Unai Simon and another effort lacking power on his right foot, Spain capitalized on their opportunity.
Ahead of the match, Pedri expressed his wish that this might be Toni Kroos’ final professional game, but the Barcelona midfielder was forced to leave the field within five minutes due to a strong challenge from his Real Madrid counterpart. The Spanish federation later confirmed that Kroos had sustained an internal lateral sprain in his left knee.
The match saw the departure of a remarkable talent but welcomed another in Olmo, whose intelligence was evident throughout the game. During his time at RB Leipzig last season, he featured in a resounding 5-2 victory against Stuttgart.
However, it was his well-timed run onto Lamine Yamal’s low pass that seemed to have decided this tense match six minutes into the second half.
Germany then picked up the pace, bringing on Wirtz and Fullkrug from the bench. Havertz had an opportunity to capitalize on a loose clearance by Simon, but his long-range attempt ended up hitting the roof of the net. This was one of their 11 shots during regular time following Olmo’s opening goal.
As Spain defended deeply and tried to run down the clock, they believed they were on the verge of victory. However, Wirtz had different plans, remaining composed as he guided Kimmich’s header across goal and into the far corner via a deflection off the post.
Nearly another full 30 minutes elapsed with both sides exchanging shots without a decisive breakthrough, until Merino shattered the hopes of most inside the MHP Arena with a perfectly placed header from Olmo’s cross.
There remained enough time for Carvajal to receive his second yellow card, a cynical foul on Jamal Musiala, fully aware that it meant suspension for the semi-final match.
The opportunity could have slipped away just moments earlier when Fullkrug met Thomas Muller’s cross at the near post but directed his header wide. Following a total of 40 shots, 16 yellow cards, and a late red card, Spain emerged victorious on the night.
Merino follows in his father’s footsteps, breaking German hearts in thrilling match
A last-minute goal by Germany in regulation, followed by a decisive goal from Spain in overtime. It was a slow start, but once the game gained momentum, it became absolutely thrilling.
This match was a true battle between two European giants, with 39 fouls recorded—the highest in a single Euro match since Croatia clashed with Portugal in 2016.
This match was a true battle between two European giants, with 39 fouls recorded—the highest in a single Euro match since Croatia clashed with Portugal in 2016.
Spain looked in dire straits when Wirtz scored, but their experience carried them through. This marks their sixth semi-final appearance at the European Championship, with only Germany (8) having participated in more throughout the tournament’s history.
Merino failed to impress during his stint at Newcastle, managing just one goal in 25 appearances before swiftly moving to Real Sociedad after only one season.
Merino’s father, Angel, famously scored for Osasuna in a UEFA Cup second-round match against Stuttgart back in November 1991. Mikel paid tribute to this momentous occasion by mimicking his father’s celebration, dancing around the corner flag in the same stadium 33 years later, but this time representing his country.
That’s the magic of international football. His aerial prowess brought to mind Tim Cahill, stretching out like a frog to slip behind Antonio Rudiger and nod his header into the corner of the net.
This goal stands as the third-latest match-winner in UEFA European Championship history, scored at 118:52, behind only Michel Platini’s strike for France against Portugal at Euro 1984 (118:53) and Artem Dovbyk’s goal for Ukraine against Sweden at Euro 2020 (120:36).
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said: “My players are insatiable”
Spain head coach: “My players are insatiable. I’m proud to coach players like this. I’ve known many of them for many years.
“They’re used to competing at the highest level and they have an opportunity to win [the tournament]. This team are always going to compete. There’s always room for improvement, of course, but we can’t question their pride, quality and commitment.
“Tonight marks a significant moment in history. It’s an honor to stand here representing our nation. While the journey ahead is uncertain, we firmly believe in the immense potential of this team to achieve great things.”
“Our euphoria is totally under control. We’re so happy, but we know that tomorrow is already another day. We can’t control what happens on the outside, but we’re thrilled that the country is supporting us.”
Regarding Germany’s aggressive tactics, he remarked, “This is football. Having grown up in the 1980s, I’m familiar with that style of play, so this doesn’t surprise me.”
“I told them, ‘Do you expect them to blow kisses?’ These matches are always intense. Once you step onto the field, there’s no room for compromise.”
Nagelsmann: Painful defeat we didn’t deserve
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann commented, “The first half was too open. We improved significantly after the break and dominated from the 60th minute onward. Our equalizer in the closing stages was well-earned. Unfortunately, we conceded the winning goal with the final opportunity, unable to exert sufficient pressure on the flanks.”
“I reassured the players that they shouldn’t blame themselves for the tournament exit. We’re all longing for our families, and none of us wanted to depart. Throughout the past six weeks, there has been a strong camaraderie within the team. It’s clear to see that everyone gave their all to secure victory in this match.”
“Every player, whether they were in the starting lineup or on the bench, poured their hearts into the game. It’s a tough loss to take.”
Regarding Toni Kroos’ retirement, Nagelsmann emphasized, “It’s impossible to overstate Toni’s career; it’s likely unparalleled among German players. He’s undeniably one of Germany’s greatest. While his achievements are well-known, his character often goes unnoticed. Even in his own challenging moments, he addressed the team and always considered himself an integral part of our group.”
Keane said: likened it to two heavyweight boxers trading blows.
Sky Sports’ Reporter Roy Keane said on ITV:
“We analyze football across all levels, and we see how many goals are scored from crosses. If you consistently deliver the ball into the right areas…
“It felt like two heavyweight boxers going at it. The substitutes will make a big impact in this tournament. Their contributions will be crucial.
“They’re fatigued, both physically and mentally. Rudiger might think he could have handled the winning goal differently. However, credit must be given to Merino.
“It wasn’t a cautious affair. Some teams might have played defensively at halftime during extra time, but both sides went all out. I loved it. The winning goal came from getting the ball wide and flooding the box with bodies. It was reminiscent of the old days!”
Spain team – Opta stats
- Spain has triumphed in each of their five matches at Euro 2024, joining an elite group as only the third nation to achieve such a feat within a single tournament, alongside France in Euro 1984 and Italy in Euro 2020, both of whom went on to claim the championship titles.
- Germany has stumbled in three of their last four knockout-stage matches at the Euros (with one victory), matching their total losses from the previous 12 finals matches (where they won seven, drew two, and lost three—claiming victory in both penalty shoot-outs after two draws).
- Dani Olmo made history by becoming the inaugural Spaniard to net two goals coming off the bench in a single Euro tournament, and only the third overall in major tournaments (World Cup/Euros). The exclusive club includes Fernando Morientes, achieving this feat at the 2002 World Cup, and Álvaro Morata, who replicated it at the 2022 World Cup.
- Spain’s Lamine Yamal, at a mere 16 years old, etched his name in history as the youngest player ever to tally three assists in a single edition of either the Euros or the World Cup (since records began in 1966).
