Spain Edges Past Germany With Late Merino Header In Euro 2024 Thriller

Mikel Merino's last-minute header propelled Spain into the Euro 2024 semi-finals, defeating Germany 2-1 after extra time. Florian Wirtz's late goal had equalised Dani Olmo's earlier strike in a thrilling match in Stuttgart. Despite Germany having the best chances in extra time, Merino's header in the 119th minute secured Spain's victory.

Pedri's early injury brought Olmo onto the field, who ignited the game by scoring from Lamine Yamal's assist in the 51st minute. Alvaro Morata missed a close-range shot before Olmo capitalised on his opportunity. This made Olmo the first Spanish player to score twice as a substitute in a single Euros edition.

Germany nearly equalised when Niclas Fullkrug's shot hit the post and Kai Havertz missed an open goal after Unai Simon’s poor clearance. However, Wirtz levelled for Germany by scoring off Joshua Kimmich’s knockdown. Wirtz also had the best chance in extra time but missed narrowly.

Merino’s decisive goal came at 118:52, making it the third-latest winning goal in UEFA European Championship history. Only Michel Platini (118:53) and Artem Dovbyk (120:36) scored later winners. This dramatic finish saw Spain hold on despite Dani Carvajal’s late red card.

Spain has now scored two goals from substitutes in a single Euros match for just the second time, replicating their feat from the Euro 2012 final against Italy. Yamal, though goalless, showcased his creativity with three assists, becoming the first teenager to achieve this at a Euros or World Cup.

Musiala and Wirtz Fall Short

Jamal Musiala entered Friday’s match aiming to lead Euro 2024’s scoring charts but struggled to make an impact, creating only one chance. His fellow youngster Wirtz shone but couldn't secure victory for Germany. Despite their efforts, Germany became the first Euros hosts to lose a quarter-final.

Toni Kroos played his final game before retirement, leading with 76 passes and touching the ball 102 times—more than any other player on the pitch. His experience was evident even as Germany fell short of advancing further in the tournament.

Spain Awaits Semi-Final Clash

Spain will face either Portugal or France in their next match. The team showed resilience by holding on despite being reduced to ten men after Carvajal’s second booking. Ferran Torres missed a crucial chance that could have sealed the win earlier.

The dramatic end saw Fullkrug almost rescuing Germany with a header that went inches wide. Yet Spain celebrated as Merino’s header from Olmo’s cross ensured their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.

This victory marks another memorable chapter for Spain in European Championship history, showcasing their depth and determination through key contributions from substitutes and young talents like Yamal and Olmo.