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Euro 2024 quarterfinal: Merino scores in extra time to help Spain beat Germany 2-1 to reach semifinal
A dramatic goal by Mikel Merino in extra time gave Spain a thrilling 2-1 victory over Germany in the quarter-finals of the European Championship on Friday. The match, held at the Stuttgart Arena, featured a clash between two of the most successful nations in the tournament’s history.
As the game neared the 119th minute, with the prospect of a penalty shootout looming, substitute Merino rose to the occasion, heading in the winning goal from a precise Dani Olmo cross. This last-minute strike left the home crowd in Stuttgart heartbroken and secured Spain’s spot in the semi-finals.
The first half ended scoreless, but Spain took the lead six minutes into the second half when Olmo fired a first-time shot into the bottom corner. Germany, however, equalized in dramatic fashion with a goal from Florian Wirtz in the 89th minute, pushing the game into extra time.
Spain’s triumph marked a historic moment, as they became the first nation to eliminate the hosts at the quarter-final stage of the European Championship. Merino, who had a stint with Newcastle United during the 2017/18 season, was the hero with his crucial header.
Spain will now face either France or Portugal in the semi-finals, with their next match set for Tuesday night in Munich. Despite Germany’s relentless efforts to find a late equalizer, Spain’s defense held firm, securing their advancement to the last four.