Digimagaz.com – In a thrilling quarterfinal match at the Euro 2024, the Spanish national team clinched a 2-1 victory over Germany, earning a place in the semifinals. The match, held at Stuttgart Arena, showcased an intense battle between two European football giants.
Early Dominance and Injury Setbacks
Spain wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Pedri threatening Germany’s goal just two minutes into the game. His ground shot, however, was saved by Germany’s goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer. The Spaniards faced an early setback when Pedri suffered an injury five minutes later after a tackle from Toni Kroos. Dani Olmo substituted the young midfielder.
Spain continued to dominate the first 20 minutes, creating several scoring opportunities, while Germany struggled to mount significant threats. Germany’s first real chance came in the 21st minute with a header by Kai Havertz, easily saved by Spain’s goalkeeper, Unai Simon. In the 35th minute, Havertz attempted another shot following a long pass from Antonio Rudiger, but Simon again made the save. The first half ended with a 0-0 scoreline, despite Spain’s persistent long-range efforts.
A Game of Tactical Substitutions
As the second half began, Germany made two crucial substitutions, bringing in Robert Andrich and Florian Wirtz for Emre Can and Leroy Sane. Spain also made a change, with Nacho replacing Robin Le Normand.
Spain almost took the lead two minutes into the second half when Alvaro Morata’s shot, after a pass from Yamal, sailed over the German goal. However, in the 51st minute, Spain finally broke the deadlock. Lamine Yamal, from the right side, provided a pull-back pass that Dani Olmo converted into a goal, putting Spain ahead 1-0.
Germany responded by increasing their attacking intensity, forcing Spain into a defensive stance. In the 76th minute, Nicklas Fullkrug nearly equalized with a ground shot after receiving a pass from Florian Wirtz, but the ball struck the post. Kai Havertz missed another golden opportunity in the 81st minute, shooting over the goal as Unai Simon advanced too far forward.
Extra Time
Germany’s relentless efforts paid off in the 88th minute when Florian Wirtz scored, equalizing the game at 1-1. Wirtz capitalized on a header from Joshua Kimmich, firing a shot past the Spanish defense. Despite further attempts by Germany, the score remained tied, and the match proceeded to extra time.
Both teams played openly during extra time, but the intensity waned as fatigue set in. Florian Wirtz came close to scoring again in the final seconds of the first half of extra time, but his ground shot missed the target. Germany continued to dominate possession in the second half of extra time, while Spain relied on counterattacks.
In the 116th minute, Nicklas Fullkrug’s header was saved by Unai Simon. Just a minute before the end of extra time, Spain secured their victory. Dani Olmo’s cross found an unmarked Mikel Merino, who headed the ball into the net, making it 2-1. Despite Germany’s desperate attempts to equalize, Spain held on to their lead until the final whistle.
Team Lineups and Match Statistics
Spain (4-3-3): Simon; Cucurella, Laporte, Le Normand, Carvajal; Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Williams, Morata, Yamal
Coach: Luis De La Fuente
Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Raum, Tah, Rudiger, Kimmich; Kroos, Can; Musiala, Gundogan, Sane; Havertz
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann
Match Statistics:
- Goals: 2-1
- Total Shots: 18-23
- Shots on Target: 6-5
- Possession: 48%-52%
- Fouls: 16-21
- Offsides: 2-2
With this hard-fought victory, Spain advances to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the France vs. Portugal match. The Spanish team’s resilience and tactical prowess have made them a formidable contender in Euro 2024.