In a thrilling UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-final match, Spain clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over hosts Germany, thanks to Mikel Merino’s last-minute strike. This match, reminiscent of the 2008 final, lived up to its anticipation and provided football fans with a spectacle to remember. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the action-packed encounter.
Early Dominance and Missed Opportunities
The match was intense, and Spain almost took the lead within the first minute. Pedri’s low shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Germany’s stalwart goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer. Spain’s attacking trio of Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, and Fabián Ruiz kept the German defense on their toes with several attempts from distance, albeit failing to find the back of the net.
Germany, led by Kai Havertz in attack, posed significant threats. Havertz’s close-range header was saved by Spain’s keeper, Unai Simón, highlighting the back-and-forth nature of the match. Despite his superb ball control and positioning, Havertz could not convert his chances into goals.
Deadlock and Breakthrough
The first half ended in a stalemate, thanks largely to the heroics of Neuer, who denied Dani Olmo and Yamal’s efforts. Spain’s continued pressure paid off early in the second half. On 52 minutes, Yamal’s brilliant play on the wing led to a low cross for Olmo, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, giving Spain a deserved lead.
Germany responded with increased urgency. Havertz came close to equalizing after capitalizing on a loose ball from Simón’s goal kick, but his lob went over the bar. As time ticked away, it seemed Spain would secure a narrow win, until the dying moments of regular time.
Late Drama and Extra Time
Germany’s persistence was rewarded when Florian Wirtz scored a spectacular goal in the final seconds, finishing a knockdown from Joshua Kimmich to send the match into extra time. The extra period was tense, with both sides aware of the semi-final spot against either Portugal or France at stake.
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal and Germany’s Wirtz both came close to scoring, but neither could find the target. Controversy struck when a potential penalty for Germany was waved off following a handball check against Marc Cucurella. Simón’s brilliant save from Niclas Füllkrug’s header kept Spain in the game.
Merino’s Heroics and Final Whistle
With penalties looming, Dani Olmo delivered a precise cross into the box, finding Mikel Merino, who headed past Neuer to give Spain a dramatic lead with just 90 seconds remaining. Germany’s final attempts to equalize, including a close header from Füllkrug, fell short. Spain held on to their lead, and despite Dani Carvajal’s late red card, they emerged victorious, making it to the semi-finals for the fourth time in five tournaments.
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Spain’s victory over Germany was a testament to their resilience and tactical prowess. As they march on to the semi-finals, fans can only anticipate more thrilling moments and edge-of-the-seat action. Stay tuned for more updates and, remember, for the best betting experience, choose Bangsports.com.
