Euro 2024: Spain scores late to send host Germany out of tournament

Spain advanced to the semi-finals and eliminated hosts Germany after a thrilling match at Stuttgart Arena, with Mikel Merino’s 119th-minute goal keeping them on track to win a fourth European Championship.

This was the most eagerly anticipated match of the tournament thus far, as it pitted the resurgent home nation against arguably the best-performing side at Euro 2024 to date. The match surely lived up to expectations.

Played with aggression, tension and drama the contest barely let those watching pause for breath from the moment Dani Olmo gave Spain the lead six minutes into the second half.

The substitute side-footed home a cross from 16-year-old star Lamine Yamal – his third assist of the Euros – and his strike opened up a game that had been played with caution until then.

Germany hit the post through their own substitute Niclas Fullkrug, but equalised in the final minute of normal time when Florian Wirtz sent a thunderous strike in off the post to send the home fans wild.

Mikel Oyarzabal and Wirtz then sent efforts agonisingly wide in extra time, while Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon superbly clawed away a Fullkrug header as it looked like penalties would be needed to settle an exhilarating contest.

But with seconds remaining of a thrilling tie, Real Sociedad forward Merino – who spent the 2017-18 season at Newcastle United – thumped home a header to send Spain into the semi-finals, where they will face either France or Portugal.

Full-back Dani Carvajal was sent off just before the end for a second yellow card, but it was not enough to spoil the Spanish celebrations as fans and players greeted the final whistle with joy and relief.

After disappointing performances at recent major international tournaments, this Germany side impressed, with exciting young talent like Wirtz and Jamal Musiala providing optimism for the future.

But that future will be one without the legendary Toni Kroos, with the 34-year-old having said this tournament would be his last as he now retires from football.