Spain Enters the Semi Beating Germany in a Sensational Match
Spain became the first nation to advance to the semi-final stage of the UEFA Euro 2024 following a 2-1 win over Germany. The match was decided late in extra-time by Mikel Merino’s goal. It was also an end-to-end match that forced the players into making some big challenges. The referee gave away 16 yellow cards in total.
Both teams were favorites to lift the Continental Cup this time. However, they met quite early in the competition. The fans had a lot of expectations from the hosts, while the Spanish team was looking stronger throughout the campaign.
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Spain And Germany Line-ups
Luis De la Fuente’s side played in a 4-3-3 formation. He started with the same set of players. Unai Simon was in goal and was covered by Marc Cucurella, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, and Dani Carvajal. Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, and Pedri were a part of the midfield. Alvaro Morata led the attack along with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
Manuel Neuer started in goal for Julian Nagelsmann’s side. David Raum, Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rudiger, and Joshua Kimmich formed the back four. Emre Can, Toni Kroos, and Ilkay Gundogan added experience to the midfield. Kai Havertz led the line along with Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane.
Goalless first half
Spain were more comfortable in possession from the start. However, De la Fuente’s men suffered a huge setback after Toni Kroos’ challenge injured Pedri. The Barcelona man was substituted within the first 10 minutes and replaced by Dani Olmo. An end-to-end first 45 minutes ended goalless.
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Both managers made some changes to the personnel at the start of the second half. Nacho came in for Le Normand, who was booked in the first half. Nagelsmann introduced Bayer Leverkusen duo of Florian Wirtz and Robert Andrich.
Entertaining second half
The Spanish team just took six minutes to take the lead. Substitute Dani Olmo converted Lamine Yamal’s pass in the back of the goal. Spain had already taken a step into the last four. Niclas Fullkrug came close in the 77th minute but his shot hit the post.
Another substitute became the hero for the host nation. Just before the 90th-minute mark, Florian Wirtz scored the equalizer after Joshua Kimmich headed the ball back into the danger zone. The first 90 minutes ended 1-1.
Winning in extra-time
Both managers only had one substitute available for the last 90 minutes. The match was heading into a penalty shootout. Spain had some other plans and was looking to end the match before the shootout.
Another substitute was on the scoresheet this time. In the 119th minute, Mikel Merino got at the end of Dani Olmo’s cross to head it past Manuel Neuer in Germany’s goal. This was the match-winner for the two-time winners. Dani Carvajal also received his second booking of the night and will miss the semi-final.
Spain will have a tough test against France or Portugal in the next round. They will look to extend their winning streak and lift the trophy with a 100% record.
