Euro 2024: Spain knocks out Germany with last-minute goal
Spain made history by becoming the first team to eliminate the hosts from a European Championship at the quarter-final stage. Mikel Merino’s header in the 119th minute secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Germany in Stuttgart.
With just 65 seconds left in extra time, Merino, a former Newcastle player, headed in a cross from Dani Olmo, sending Spain into the semi-final against France on Tuesday night in Munich.
Dani Olmo, who came on as a substitute, scored shortly after halftime, having replaced the injured Pedri just eight minutes into the match.
Germany pushed hard for a win, with substitute Niclas Fullkrug causing problems for the Spanish defense and hitting the post. The home team equalized in the 89th minute when Florian Wirtz headed Joshua Kimmich’s pass into the net after Maximilian Mittelstadt’s cross.
Spain feared a penalty shootout against a team that hadn’t lost one since 1976. However, Merino’s late goal avoided that scenario, giving Spain the win and ending their streak of shootout eliminations in the last three major tournaments.
Despite Dani Carvajal receiving a second yellow card in the final moments, Spain held on for the win. Merino praised his teammates, saying, “It was me who scored the goal, but it was a team effort. The whole team worked hard, both on and off the field.”
Spain will face France in the semi-final in Munich on Tuesday.
