A superb Mikel Merino header in the 119th minute secured Spain a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Germany (1-1 on aggregate), earning them a place in the semi-finals of EURO 2024.

In an incredible quarter-final at Stuttgart’s MHPArena between two football giants, La Roja broke their “curse” by winning a knockout match against a host team for the first time in EURO or World Cup history. Now, they are aiming for their fourth trophy.

Dani Olmo opened the scoring for Spain in the 51st minute, while Wirtz delivered a lifeline for the Germans by equalizing in the 89th minute. The decisive moment, however, came from Merino in the 119th minute, securing Spain’s spot in the semi-finals.

Spain started with intensity, and within the first 53 seconds, they moved the ball brilliantly, with Morata setting up Pedri for a powerful shot that Neuer saved firmly. In the 15th minute, Yamal’s free kick narrowly missed the left post, and in the 17th minute, Ruiz’s attempt met the same fate.

Germany responded with two chances from Havertz, a header in the 21st minute and a shot from the edge of the area in the 35th minute, both of which Unai Simon handled well.

Spain dominated the first half, pressing high and winning balls consistently. In the 39th minute, Olmo’s powerful shot forced another difficult save from Neuer.

In the second half, Spain continued their dominance. Yamal set up Morata on the edge of the box, but his shot went over the bar. Spain’s pressure paid off in the 51st minute when Olmo scored from a fantastic assist by Yamal, making it 1-0.

After the goal, Spain allowed Germany some space, and the Germans created more counter-attacks. In the 69th minute, Andrich’s shot from outside the area was spectacularly saved by Simon.

Germany’s best chance came in the 77th minute during a quick counter-attack. Wirtz’s low cross found Philkrug, but his shot hit the post and was cleared by Spain’s defenders. Five minutes later, Havertz’s long-range attempt narrowly missed the target.

Germany’s persistence paid off in the 89th minute when Kimmich headed the ball to Wirtz, who volleyed it home to level the match at 1-1, stunning the crowd.

In extra time, Spain regained control and looked more refreshed. In the 104th minute, Oyarzabal’s shot narrowly missed the goal. In the first minute of stoppage time, Wirtz had another chance, but his shot went wide. Simon made a crucial save in the 117th minute on Philkrug’s header from a Kimmich cross.

Just as the match seemed destined for penalties, Spain struck in the 119th minute. Dani Olmo delivered a perfect cross, and Mikel Merino’s impressive header made it 2-1, clinching a sensational qualification for Spain.

Germany nearly equalized in the final moments, but Philkrug’s header in the 120’+3′ minute went inches wide, allowing Spain to celebrate their advance to the semi-finals.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (England)

Yellow Cards:

• Spain: 30′ Le Normand, 74′ Ferran Torres, 82′ Unai Simon, 100′ Carvajal, 110′ Rodri, 120′ Morata, 120′ Ruiz
• Germany: 13′ Rudiger, 28′ Raum, 56′ Andrich, 67′ Kroos, 73′ Mittelstadt, 89′ Schlotterbeck, 94′ Wirtz, 113′ Udav

Red Card:

• Spain: 120’+6′ Carvajal (second yellow)

Team Lineups:

Spain (Luis de la Fuente):
Simon, Carvajal, Le Normand (46′ Nacho), Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Ruiz (102′ Joselu), Yamal (63′ Ferran Torres), Pedri (80′ Olmo), Nico Williams (80′ Merino), Morata (80′ Oyarzabal).

Germany (Julian Nagelsmann):
Neuer, Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah (80′ Müller), Raum (57′ Mittelstadt), Can (46′ Andrich), Kroos, Musiala, Gündogan (57′ Philkrug), Sane (46′ Wirtz), Havertz (91′ Anton).

Chancellor Olaf Scholz attends the match in support of Germany.