STUTTGART, Germany, July 5 (Reuters) - A Mikel Merino goal in extra time gave Spain a dramatic 2-1 win over Germany in an enthralling quarter-final clash on Friday between the two most successful European Championship nations.
The game was into the 119th minute and looked set for a penalty shootout before substitute Merino rose to head home the winning goal from Dani Olmo's cross and break the hearts of the majority of the crowd inside the Stuttgart Arena.
Mikel Merino last-minute goal vs. Germany
SPAIN IN THE 119TH MINUTE pic.twitter.com/2hp5EyAGWl
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
Marc Cucurella controversial handball no-call in extra-time
No handball was given for this, do you agree with the call? pic.twitter.com/tEcm0x0VtT
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
After a scoreless first half, Olmo put Spain ahead six minutes after the break, drilling home a first-time shot into the bottom corner, but Germany forced extra time through an 89th goal from Florian Wirtz.
GERMANY FINDS THE EQUALIZER
Florian Wirtz finds the back of the net in the 89th minute pic.twitter.com/QUYY1zHuf6— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
DANI OLMO PUTS SPAIN ON TOP
Lamine Yamal with the set up, Dani Olmo with the finish pic.twitter.com/NSquQHoudb— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
The hosts Germany pushed hard for a late leveller but Spain held out to advance to the last four and a meeting with either Portugal or France who play later on Friday.
(Reporting by Trevor Stynes; Editing by Toby Davis)