Spain v Germany LIVE: Result and reaction as Merino sinks Germany with 120th-minute winner
Spain 2-1 Germany (AET): Mikel Merino score late in extra-time to knock the hosts out of their own tournament
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Your support makes all the difference.Spain are the first team into the semi-finals at Euro 2024 after a drama filled quarter-final against Germany ended in thrilling fashion after going to extra-time.
A tetchy first half saw these two attacking teams stuttering and struggling to get going with the game repeatedly broken up by fouls and a lack of sharpness in the final third.
After the the break though, Spain went ahead with substitute Dani Olmo arriving in the box to turn home Lasine Yamal’s squared pass. That goal opened things up and Germany stressed for an equaliser. It came just before the end of the 90 as Florian Wirtz took a shot on the swivel to beat Unai Simon.
In extra-time there were few chances but a fine switch of play from Dani Carvajal set up Olmo to whip a cross into the middle. Mikel Merino met the ball with a fine header and beat Neuer at the near post. Carvajal was sent off a minute or so later but it did not matter as Spain secured their semi-final place.
Relive the action from Spain v Germany with our live blog below:
Spain break Germany hearts but dramatic Euro 2024 win may come at great cost
There’s no second summer fairytale for Germany, as it’s instead Spain who have the happy ending. For now. Mikel Merino ensured they rose above it all, with a brilliant header in the 119th minute. The big question as to whether they go and actually win Euro 2024 is what the cost of this 2-1 victory over the hosts will be. Toni Kroos didn’t get his grand farewell, either, as he instead contributed to a match that often turned ugly.
That meant that it didn’t quite become the game of the tournament in the manner anticipated but it was thoroughly absorbing, right until the death. And that was very, very late. It is easy to see why games like this can prevent teams from becoming champions, because of the gruelling physical and psychological cost. Spain now have Alvaro Morata and the red-carded Dani Carvajal suspended for the semi-final, with Pedri looking like he might be out injured – maybe for the summer. He was the victim of an abrasive challenge from Kroos in the opening minute, that very much set a tone.
Spain break Germany hearts but dramatic Euro 2024 win may come at great cost
Spain 2-1 Germany (aet): Mikel Merino 119th-minute winner sent the hosts packing as Spain march into the semi-finals but new questions are now posed
Sorry Toni Kroos – even legends don’t always get their dream farewell
And just like that, the light goes out, the curtain comes down, the show is over. Not just of Germany on home soil at Euro 2024, but of one of their greatest stars in modern history and one of the defining midfielders of a generation.
Toni Kroos bowed out of the club game with a Champions League winner’s medal and a performance to match the prestige of the occasion; his very last appearance came at international level though, where even he, the great pass-master of die Mannschaft, was unable to match the poise, the possession and most importantly the penetration of Spain.
There has been some surprise as the tournament has progressed over Kroos’ decision, of course. He starred in the group stage, head and shoulders above the rest on more than one occasion.
Sorry Toni Kroos – even legends don’t always get their dream farewell
The iconic midfielder retires as a Champions League winner – but not a European Championship one
Carlos Alcaraz asks for Spain update after Wimbledon win
The Spaniard fought from a set down to defeat Frances Tiafoe on Centre Court:
FT Spain 2-1 Germany
Reaction from Michael Ballack: “It was a great game that had it all: excitement, class, fight, emotion and players that went beyond their limits.”
FT Spain 2-1 Germany
The last time the home nation won the Euros was France in 1984. Germany are knocked out in the last-eight.
FT Spain 2-1 Germany
Dani Olmo has been named Player of the Match with Uefa’s Technical Observer panel saying: “He came on as a substitute to fill the big shoes of Pedri.
“He was very dangerous, very involved in the game, scored a goal, provided an assist, and also did well out wide. Defensively did a good job as well.”
FT Spain 2-1 Germany
Spain have now won each of their last four European Championship quarter-final ties after losing each of the previous two.
Portugal v France LIVE: Score and latest goal updates from crucial Euro 2024 quarter-final
There’s going to be a bit more reaction from Spain’s victory over Germany but right now, Portugal are taking on France in the second quarter-final of the night with all the latest updates right here:
Portugal v France LIVE: Euro 2024 quarter-final score and goal updates
Didier Deschamps men have yet to fire in the tournament but must now face a buoyant Portuguese side led by Cristiano Ronaldo
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