Spain secured a spot in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany on July 5, 2024. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 119th minute of extra time, ending Germany’s tournament run. Spain will face France in the semi-finals on July 9, 2024, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Spain’s Path to the Euro 2024 Semi-Finals
The quarter-final match between Spain and tournament hosts Germany at the MHPArena in Stuttgart remained deadlocked for much of the regulation time. Dani Olmo opened the scoring for Spain in the 51st minute, capitalizing on a cross from Lamine Yamal. Germany pushed for an equalizer throughout the second half and eventually found it in the 89th minute when Florian Wirtz struck a low shot into the bottom corner, forcing the game into extra time.
With penalties appearing inevitable, Mikel Merino headed in a cross from Olmo with just one minute remaining in extra time. According to UEFA official match reports, the result marked Spain’s first victory over a host nation in a major tournament, ending a long-standing trend of losses against tournament organizers.
Tactical Shifts and Key Performers
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente utilized his bench effectively, with Olmo proving instrumental after replacing Pedri early in the match. Pedri suffered a knee injury following a challenge from Toni Kroos in the fourth minute and was forced to leave the pitch.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann made aggressive substitutions in the second half, moving to a more offensive formation that ultimately led to Wirtz’s late equalizer. However, Germany’s inability to capitalize on further chances in the final minutes of extra time left them vulnerable to Spain’s late transition play. Dani Carvajal was sent off in the final seconds of the match after receiving a second yellow card, meaning he will miss the upcoming semi-final against France.
Upcoming Semi-Final Matchup
Spain’s victory sets up a high-profile semi-final clash against France, who advanced after defeating Portugal on penalties earlier the same day. The match is scheduled for July 9, 2024, in Munich.
Tournament Context
- Spain’s Record: Spain remains the only team to have won all five of their matches at Euro 2024.
- Germany’s Exit: This defeat marks the end of Toni Kroos’s professional football career, as the midfielder had previously announced his retirement following the conclusion of the tournament.
- Disciplinary Impact: Spain will be without defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand, as well as forward Álvaro Morata, for the semi-final due to yellow card accumulation and the red card issued to Carvajal.
The match provided a significant test for both sides, with Spain maintaining its unbeaten streak under De la Fuente while Germany concluded its campaign as the host nation.