Spain advance to Euro semi-finals with dramatic win over Germany

Spain is emerging as a candidate to win its fourth continental tournament / Photo: Euro

Spain’s national team advanced to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over host Germany.

In an emotional match at the Stuttgart Arena, the Spanish side dispatched the German team, who forced extra time with a goal in the 89th minute.

After a back-and-forth, Luis de la Fuente’s men scored the 2-1 in the 119th minute, when they were about to go to penalties. And although the Germans had at least one clear chance to tie the game again, they were unable to do so and fell in what was Toni Kroos’ farewell as an active player.

Rough match

The match between Spain and Germany was characterized by physical play. There were many fouls on both sides, which was reflected in the 16 yellow cards (and one red card for accumulation) handed out by the main referee Anthony Taylor.

In fact, in the 8th minute, Spanish midfielder Pedri had to be substituted after a strong challenge by Toni Kroos. Dani Olmo came on in his place, and in the 51st minute he scored the 1-0 after a great pass from the youngster Lamine Yamal.

From then on, Germany tried to take the offensive lead in the match and it was in the 77th minute that they had their clearest chance. Striker Niclas Füllkrug headed in a cross from Florian Wirtz, but the ball hit the post.

In the 83rd minute, Kai Havertz came close to equalising after a poor save by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon. That was the warning shot from the German team, who scored the 1-1 in the 89th minute through Wirtz, who headed in a ball served by Joshua Kimmich.

The German goal sent the game into extra time. In the 107th minute, the hosts asked for a penalty after Marc Cucurella had handballed the ball in the area, but the referee rejected the request, arguing that the shot was aimed at the body.

The decisive goal finally came in the 119th minute. Dani Olmo, who came on due to Pedri’s injury, was vital in the long run as he scored the 1-0 and provided the assist for the 2-1 converted by Mikel Merino after a superb header that beat goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Seconds before the end, Jamal Musiala tried to break away down the left flank, but Dani Carvajal stopped him as best he could by committing a foul. This earned him a second yellow card of the match and therefore a red card that will leave him without a chance of playing in the semi-final.

Spain is the first team to enter the top four of the Euro Cup and so far it looks like one of the favourites to win the crown.

Barcelona / Javier A. Guaipo