Spain v Germany LIVE: Result and reaction as Merino sinks Germany with 120th-minute winner
Spain 2-1 Germany (AET): Mikel Merino score late in extra-time to knock the hosts out of their own tournament
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Spain are the first team into the semi-finals at Euro 2024 after a drama filled quarter-final against Germany ended in thrilling fashion after going to extra-time.
A tetchy first half saw these two attacking teams stuttering and struggling to get going with the game repeatedly broken up by fouls and a lack of sharpness in the final third.
After the the break though, Spain went ahead with substitute Dani Olmo arriving in the box to turn home Lasine Yamal’s squared pass. That goal opened things up and Germany stressed for an equaliser. It came just before the end of the 90 as Florian Wirtz took a shot on the swivel to beat Unai Simon.
In extra-time there were few chances but a fine switch of play from Dani Carvajal set up Olmo to whip a cross into the middle. Mikel Merino met the ball with a fine header and beat Neuer at the near post. Carvajal was sent off a minute or so later but it did not matter as Spain secured their semi-final place.
Relive the action from Spain v Germany with our live blog below:
Spain 0-0 Germany
18 mins: Jamal Musiala and David Raum work the ball superbly between themselves over on Germany’s left wing. Raum makes an underlapping run to get into the box and pulls the ball back but can’t pick out a teammate.
Spain then burst forward on their right wing, Yamal carrying the ball at his feet. He sends a pass inside where Fabian Ruiz arrives, controls the ball and fizzes a shot over the top.
The game is opening up now.
Spain 0-0 Germany
15 mins: Out comes the yellow card. Dani Olmo drives up the pitch as Spain work the ball quickly. Antonio Rudiger is forced to cover and sticks out a leg bringing the substitute down just outside the penalty area.
Rudiger collects the first yellow card of the match and will miss the semi-final if Germany get there. Lamine Yamal takes the set piece and drills it underneath the wall where the ball bounces wide of the nearest post.
Spain 0-0 Germany
12 mins: Germany’s first real foray up the pitch sees Kai Havertz fed the ball. He releases it out to the left where David Raum takes over and sends a half cross/half shot into the arms of Unai Simon.
More intent being shown from the hosts now.
Spain 0-0 Germany
9 mins: Dani Olmo replaces Pedri for Spain in what is a forced early substitution for Luis de la Fuente. The Spaniards will need to adapt and keep their composure.
There’s a long way to go in this game.
Germany look to play out and beat the high Spanish press but the ball rolls over to Marc Cucurella who drills it back down the line hoping to feed Nico Williams.
Spain 0-0 Germany
6 mins: Pedri is down again and remains on the deck this time needing a bit of treatment on his ankle. The midfielder has tackle a couple o f heavy knocks already and Dani Olmo is stripped and ready to come on for Spain.
Pedri hobbles to his feet but looks distraught as he limps off the pitch.
Spain 0-0 Germany
3 mins: Pedri is fed the ball and lets it run through his own legs as he smartly tries to get around Toni Kroos. The German midfielder clatters into him and takes out the midfielder.
It’s a crunching tackle but the referee keeps the cards in his pocket. Spain have a free kick in the middle of the pitch as both managers throw their arms in the air over the decision.
This one is testy already.
Kick off! Spain 0-0 Germany
The match gets underway. Both teams are quick starters and will want to impose themselves on the other. Nico Williams takes the opportunity to run at Antonio Rudiger before slipping a pass to Alvaro Morata.
He sets up Pedri for an early shot but he sends it straight into the hands of Manuel Neuer.
Spain v Germany
Here come the players.
This is a massive game. Two of the most entertaining teams at Euro 2024 going head-to-head in this quarter-final fixture. Spain have a 100% win record from their campaign and look exciting with pace and flow.
Germany have shaken off their poor recent performances at major tournaments and are revitalised. Only one of these two can progress but who will it be?
Kick off is up next...
Spain v Germany
This will be Germany’s 19th quarter-final tie across the World Cup (14) and European Championship (five) – the most of any European nation at the two major tournaments.
They have progressed from 15 of their previous 18 (83%).
De la Fuente on impact of Toni Kroos
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente admitted that limiting the influence of Germany midfielder Toni Kroos will be vital for his side to succeed.
"We thought about tying Kroos’ feet together, but I’m not sure if Uefa will let me," the 63-year-old joked, "We know how Kroos behaves.
“We will try to make sure he doesn’t have the chance to receive the ball and will limit his passing options."
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