Dramatic win over Germany, Spain enters EURO 2024 semi-finals

Spain and Germany are the two best attacking teams and the top scorers at EURO 2024 ahead of the quarter-finals. The confrontation between the two teams was tense and needed extra time to determine the first place in the semi-finals.

The first half of the match at Frankfurt Stadium was filled with fierce clashes. The usual attacking combinations of the two teams were rare as the players were constantly put in a position of having to compete.

Germany had more possession but only had one chance from a Kai Havertz header. Spain had more shots but all were from outside the box.

The turning point of the match came at the start of the second half. Lamine Yamal continued to make his mark with a well-timed pass into space in front of the German defence. Dani Olmo - a substitute in the first half due to Pedri's injury - opened the scoring with a low but just-right shot past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

The goal forced Germany to push up the pitch. However, the home team's attackers were closely marked and were not quick enough in their moves. Germany's best hope, Jamal Musiala, was completely nullified when he faced Dani Carvajal.

Germany were stuck. Coach Julian Nagelsmann's players relied on crosses. However, this simple attack saved the home team just when they were about to be eliminated.

In the 89th minute, Maximilian Mittelstadt crossed the ball to the far post. Joshua Kimmich's touch was just right for Florian Wirtz to shoot into the Spanish net. The 21-year-old midfielder became the youngest player in the history of the German national team to score in the knockout stages of the EURO.

The match went into extra time. Germany created more chances in the extra time. However, it was Spain who scored.

Olmo continued to shine with a well-placed cross in the 119th minute. German centre-back Antonio Rudiger chose a bad position and did not make a jump. Mikel Merino comfortably headed the decisive goal to send Spain into the semi-finals of EURO 2024.