A goal from Merino at the end of extra time qualifies Spain for the semi-finals; Germany eliminated (2-1)
Basque: The Germans were left with a final goal scored by Spain, Germany won (2-1)
Spain has qualified for the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after defeat Germany 2-1 in the quarter-finals. The winner was decided in extra time, and Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 119th minute to certify the qualification of the Spanish team to the next round.
The first half was even and hard-fought. Spain created more danger in the vicinity of their opponent’s goal and had more clear chances than Germany, but neither team was able to break through their opponent’s goal. The first 45 minutes therefore ended in a goalless draw (0-0).
In the second half, Spain came out on the offensive and scored in the 51st minute; Dani Olmo has scored the 1-0 on a pass from Lamine Yamel.
After the first goal of the match, Spain took control of the ball. Germany was powerless, but in the final stretch the team led by Nagelsmann launched an attack. The Germans pushed Spain back and in the 89th minute Wirtz made it 1-1 on the scoreboard.
Then, in the four minutes extended by the referee, there were no more goals, and the match went into extra time.
In extra time, both teams had chances to score. Germany played better and got closer to the goal defended by Unai Simón. Oyarzabal also had a couple of chances for Spain.
It seemed that the winner would be decided on penalties, but in the 119th minute Mikel Merino has scored for Spain, after finishing off a cross from Dani Olmo and beating goalkeeper Neuer (2-1).
In the extra time, Carvajal received his second yellow card, which led to the referee sending off the Spanish player. Germany fought until the end, making Spain suffer, but in the end, the Spanish team won (2-1).
Data sheet:
2 – Spain: Unai Simon; Dani Carvajal, Laporte, Le Normand (Nacho, m.46), Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian (Joselu, m.102), Pedri (Dani Olmo, m.8); Lamine Yamal (Ferran Torres, m.63), Nico Williams (Mikel Merino, m.79); and Morata (Oyarzabal, d.79).
1 – Germany: New; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Raum (Mittelstadt, d.57); Emre Can (Andrich, m.46), Kroos; Sané (Wirtz, m.46), Gundogan (Füllkrug, m.57), Musiala; and Havertz (Anton, d.91).
Goals: 1-0, m.52: Dani Olmo. 1-1, m.89: Wirtz. 2-1, m.119: Mikel Merino.
Referee: Anthony Taylor (ENG). Booked Rüdiger (13), Raum (27), Andrich (56), Kroos (67), Mittelstadt (73), Schlotterbeck (89), Wirtz (94) and Undav (113) for Germany; and Le Normand (30), Ferran Torres (74), Unai Simón (82), Carvajal (100), Rodri (110), Fabián (120) and Morata (120) for Spain. Sent off Carvajal for double caution (100 and 121).
Source: Eitb
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