Spain made historical past by turning into the primary group to get rid of the hosts from a European Championship on the quarter-final stage. Mikel Merino’s header within the 119th minute secured an exhilarating 2-1 victory over Germany in Stuttgart.
With simply 65 seconds left in additional time, Merino, a former Newcastle participant, headed in a cross from Dani Olmo, sending Spain into the semi-final in opposition to France on Tuesday evening in Munich.
Dani Olmo, who got here on as an alternative, scored shortly after halftime, having changed the injured Pedri simply eight minutes into the match.
Germany pushed laborious for a win, with substitute Niclas Fullkrug inflicting issues for the Spanish protection and hitting the put up. The house group equalized within the 89th minute when Florian Wirtz headed Joshua Kimmich’s move into the web after Maximilian Mittelstadt’s cross.
Spain feared a penalty shootout in opposition to a group that hadn’t misplaced one since 1976. Nevertheless, Merino’s late purpose prevented that state of affairs, giving Spain the win and ending their streak of shootout eliminations within the final three main tournaments.
Regardless of Dani Carvajal receiving a second yellow card within the last moments, Spain held on for the win. Merino praised his teammates, saying, “It was me who scored the purpose, nevertheless it was a group effort. The entire group labored laborious, each on and off the sphere.”
Spain will face France within the semi-final in Munich on Tuesday.