News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/6th July 2024
In a captivating Euro 2024 quarter-final showdown, Spain triumphed over hosts Germany with a thrilling 2-1 victory after extra time on Friday night. This dramatic win secures Spain’s spot in the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the France vs. Portugal clash.
The match, played at a packed stadium in Germany, saw high tension and dramatic turns. The first half ended goalless, with both teams showing solid defense and occasional bursts of attack. However, the game took a decisive turn in the second half when Dani Olmo put Spain ahead with a clinical strike, sending the Spanish fans into raptures.
Germany, refusing to bow out quietly, made a critical substitution that changed the game’s dynamic. Florian Wirtz, brought on to inject fresh energy into the German side, delivered in spectacular fashion. In the 89th minute, Wirtz found the back of the net, leveling the score and reigniting German hopes.
With the score tied at 1-1, the match headed into extra time, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Both teams battled fiercely, knowing that a single goal could determine their fate in the tournament. Just as the match seemed destined for a penalty shootout, Spain’s substitute Mikel Merino emerged as the hero. In the 119th minute, Merino leapt high to meet a cross and headed the ball into the top corner, sealing Germany’s fate and sending the Spanish contingent into wild celebrations.
The defeat was a bitter pill for Germany, who had hoped to leverage their home advantage to progress further in the tournament. Meanwhile, Spain’s victory marks a significant achievement, setting up a tantalizing semifinal encounter against either France or Portugal.
This thrilling quarter-final clash will be remembered as one of the standout matches of Euro 2024, showcasing the drama and excitement that makes football so captivating.
