Late goals by Mikel Merino in the 119th minute sealed Spain's place in the Euro 2024 semifinals at Stuttgart's MHP-Arena on Friday.
Dani Olmo provided a fine cross, and this was headed home by Mikel Merino to seal the win. It had been an intriguing game with so many fouls disrupting the rhythm and neither side taking charge early on.
Gradually, Spain took control of the game, fashioning openings through long-range shots but Nico Williams and Fabian Ruiz failed to find the target. A free kick eluded the target by Lamine Yamal.
The Germans defended deeper, with Manuel Neuer denying attempts at goal from Aymeric Laporte and Dani Olmo. To the other end, Kai Havertz saw the best chance of a decent opportunity late in the first half turned away by Spain's goalkeeper Simon Unai.
The second period got off to a good start for Spain, with Álvaro Morata and eventually Dani Olmo finally breaking the deadlock in the 51st minute. He turned home Yamal's pass with a precise shot.
Increasing pressure from Germany, who hit the woodwork through Niclas Fullkrug, did little to help as they struggled to find a way past Spain. Havertz spurned a golden opportunity to level the score.
It finally took a late equalizing, overtime-forcing header from Florian Wirtz, set up by a Joshua Kimmich header, as time was running out.
Other than the second half, however, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann was left to lament defeat in the final minute—admitting Spain's win was deserved.
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