A Spanish television advert promoting coverage of the match featured a sunburnt German man clinging to a sun lounger. “They are suffering from redness,” it said. “Now they are going to suffer from redness.”
In truth, it was a disconcerting, breathless night in which everyone suffered. Spain, who took the lead in the 89th minute, were dragged down and fought desperately. Germany, resurrected by their substitutes in such a way that fate seemed to send them to this tournament. And then, after 119 minutes of football, Mikel Merino, a midfielder, stepped up to seal the night against all odds.
The German public was fascinated by the prospect of taking on 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. Der Spiegel even pointed out that under German labour law it was not legal for a minor like him to work after 11pm, which could pose a problem for a Spanish semi-final or final.
What majesty he displayed, just after the break, to silence this old stadium! The 16-year-old had a fleeting glance at the area in the 51st minute, when Alvaro Morata passed him a ball that Aymeric Laporte had left behind. The boy kissed it on the turf to the point where Dani Olmo, who had entered undetected at the back of the area, finished it first time across the sun-dappled turf and into the net.
It was a goal of astonishing simplicity to open a match that had already become heavy, physical and loaded with tactical dimensions. A testament to the talent of Olmo, who has spent the last four and a half seasons at Leipzig.
Mikel Merino scored a last-gasp winner to send Spain into the semi-finals of Euro 2024
Merino headed in a Dani Olmo cross in the 119th minute to eliminate hosts Germany
Spain players turned out to celebrate with Merino after he secured his place in the semi-finals
Germany had been the more physical and muscular team, marking well in midfield to limit the supply to Yamal and Nico Williams. Ilkay Gundogan was close to Rodri, a great instigator. They played more direct football on the few occasions they attacked and created the better chances. Kai Havertz got on Joshua Kimmich’s cross but sent a header at a comfortable height, then sent another low shot wide as he turned.
But the weak point in Germany’s midfield was Toni Kroos, who lacked the mobility and movement to keep up with the Spanish runners. Olmo, Yamal, Williams and Pedri were all outnumbering him and he knew it from the start. A charge on Pedri early in the game saw the Spaniard limp off the field with a sprained knee ligament. He was in tears and will not play another part in this tournament if Spain advance.
He left the field crying and his tragedy is Spain’s tragedy. He has had two very bad years due to injuries and has had to work hard psychologically to return.
Spain had started the second half higher up the pitch and looked more effective before their goal came. Jamal sent in a quick pass which Morata parried but his shot went over the bar.
But the way Germany tried to equalise against Switzerland was a repeat of Germany’s attempts to overturn the score in the group stage: Niclas Fullkrug came off the bench, Germany put two wingers in attack and the Spaniards had to drop back.
Germany’s players were left in shock after their home Euros ended in dramatic fashion
The last-gasp defeat marked the end of the illustrious career of German star Toni Kroos.
Thomas Müller consoled Florian Wirtz at the end of the match as Germany’s tournament came to a close
Fullkrug hit the base of the post and struggled to get ahead of substitute Nacho, who was tugging at his shirt. Havertz had a chance to head past new arrival Unai Simon from 30 yards after being given possession by the goalkeeper, but the ball crashed into the roof of the net. Jamal Musiala was unable to create any threat for Germany and the clock continued to run.
Julian Nagelsmann has a reputation for making good substitutions and Germany’s was once again the difference. It was substitute Florian Wirtz, who pounced on a header from Kimmich and smashed the ball into the net, who saved Germany and sent them into extra time.
How Spain missed Yamal and Williams, who were substituted after 80 minutes, in extra time. Wirtz should have won the night for Germany in the first half of extra time, but instead he dragged wide a ball that substitute Thomas Müller had deflected into his path.
Wirtz had previously saved Germany by scoring an 89th-minute equaliser in Stuttgart.
The German star produced a calm finish to force extra time against Spain
Spain took the lead six minutes into the second half thanks to substitute Dani Olmo.
Olmo beat German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who had come on for the injured Pedri.
Spain will be without Pedri for the rest of the tournament after he limped off with an injury
Defender Dani Carvajal will be sanctioned after being sent off for a second yellow card
Germany had a good chance to claim a penalty in second-half stoppage time. Musiala’s shot hit Cucurella’s arm. Anthony Taylor did not use VAR, although more marginal penalties have been awarded using technology in this tournament. Fullkrug lunged at Kimmich’s cross, forcing Simon to jump and save.
Spain did find the winner, though: Olmo crossed on target and Merino, who had been lost to Antonio Rudiger, leapt to head past Neuer. Even then, Fullkrug sent a goalless header wide from five yards and Dani Carvajal was sent off for preventing a late German counter-attack.
A header from Carles Puyol gave Spain the semi-final of the 2010 World Cup, the year they won the title. After that, they have reason to believe that history can repeat itself.