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

Electric atmosphere as Sweet Caroline sung in Stuttgart ahead of Germany v Spain

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 v Germany LIVE

• REPORT: Spain break Germany hearts but dramatic Euro 2024 win may come at great cost
• ANALYSIS: Sorry Toni Kroos – even legends don’t always get their dream farewell
• RATINGS: Dani Olmo shines as hosts dramatically dumped out of Euro 2024
• 119’ GOAL! - Merino’s header beats Neuer late in extra time (ESP 2-1 GER)
• 117’ SAVE! - Simon’s leaping save denies Fullkrug (ESP 1-1 GER)
• 89’ GOAL! - Wirtz scores late equaliser for Germany (ESP 1-1 GER)
• 78’ POST! - Fullkrug comes close for the hosts (ESP 1-0 GER)
• 72’ SAVE! - Simon denies Andrich with leaping stop (ESP 1-0 GER)
• 51’ GOAL! - Olmo arrives at the right time to turn home Yamal’s pass (ESP 1-0 GER)

[5 July 2024 20:19 · Mike Jones]

Spain break Germany hearts but dramatic Euro 2024 win may come at great cost

There’s no second summer fairytale for Germany, as it’s instead Spain who have the happy ending. For now. Mikel Merino ensured they rose above it all, with a brilliant header in the 119th minute. The big question as to whether they go and actually win Euro 2024 is what the cost of this 2-1 victory over the hosts will be. Toni Kroos didn’t get his grand farewell, either, as he instead contributed to a match that often turned ugly.

That meant that it didn’t quite become the game of the tournament in the manner anticipated but it was thoroughly absorbing, right until the death. And that was very, very late. It is easy to see why games like this can prevent teams from becoming champions, because of the gruelling physical and psychological cost. Spain now have Alvaro Morata and the red-carded Dani Carvajal suspended for the semi-final, with Pedri looking like he might be out injured – maybe for the summer. He was the victim of an abrasive challenge from Kroos in the opening minute, that very much set a tone.

[5 July 2024 20:32 · Mike Jones]

Sorry Toni Kroos – even legends don’t always get their dream farewell

And just like that, the light goes out, the curtain comes down, the show is over. Not just of Germany on home soil at Euro 2024, but of one of their greatest stars in modern history and one of the defining midfielders of a generation.

Toni Kroos bowed out of the club game with a Champions League winner’s medal and a performance to match the prestige of the occasion; his very last appearance came at international level though, where even he, the great pass-master of die Mannschaft, was unable to match the poise, the possession and most importantly the penetration of Spain.

There has been some surprise as the tournament has progressed over Kroos’ decision, of course. He starred in the group stage, head and shoulders above the rest on more than one occasion.

[5 July 2024 20:25 · Mike Jones]

Carlos Alcaraz asks for Spain update after Wimbledon win

The Spaniard fought from a set down to defeat Frances Tiafoe on Centre Court:

[5 July 2024 20:12 · Mike Jones]

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

Reaction from Michael Ballack: “It was a great game that had it all: excitement, class, fight, emotion and players that went beyond their limits.”

[5 July 2024 20:09 · Mike Jones]

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

The last time the home nation won the Euros was France in 1984. Germany are knocked out in the last-eight.

[5 July 2024 20:06 · Mike Jones]

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

Dani Olmo has been named Player of the Match with Uefa’s Technical Observer panel saying: “He came on as a substitute to fill the big shoes of Pedri.

“He was very dangerous, very involved in the game, scored a goal, provided an assist, and also did well out wide. Defensively did a good job as well.”

[5 July 2024 20:03 · Mike Jones]

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

Spain have now won each of their last four European Championship quarter-final ties after losing each of the previous two.

(Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)

[5 July 2024 20:01 · Mike Jones]

Portugal v France LIVE: Score and latest goal updates from crucial Euro 2024 quarter-final

There’s going to be a bit more reaction from Spain’s victory over Germany but right now, Portugal are taking on France in the second quarter-final of the night with all the latest updates right here:

[5 July 2024 20:00 · Mike Jones]

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

(Getty Images)

[5 July 2024 19:54 · Mike Jones]

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

This was only the fourth match in Euros history to see three different players score as a substitute - after Russia v Czech Republic in 1996 and Italy v Austria and Croatia v Spain both at Euro 2020.