Germany were knocked out of Euro 2024 after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Spain in extra-time of the quarter-finals on Friday. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 119th minute in Stuttgart. Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sané (subbed off at half-time) and Jamal Musiala made it four Bayern players in Julian Nagelsmann’s starting XI. Thomas Müller was introduced in the 80th minute.
“Unfortunately, it feels very unfair. Spain were better in the first half. We were better in the second half and extra-time and had the better chances. It really hurts that we conceded for 2-1 with their last move. We still had chances after that, actually should’ve had a penalty before 2-1. It really hurts,” said Kimmich after the game. “The last few weeks have been very special with an incredible team spirit. We believed in ourselves till the end, so there’s big disappointment. I see it as our job to give the people something to be proud of. We would’ve liked to do that even longer.”
Neuer saves in first half
In a mostly even first half, goalkeeper Neuer was called into action a number of times on his 124th international appearance. The FCB skipper was equal to efforts from Pedri, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, while the best chance for Germany came from a Kai Havertz header from a Kimmich cross.
Wirtz nets late equaliser
The second half got off to a bad start for the tournament hosts when Olmo put Spain ahead as he latched onto a Lamine Yamal cutback. Germany then stepped up a gear and carved out several chances. Substitute Niclas Füllkrug was denied by the post, while Havertz fired just over. But they kept on going and finally got their equaliser when Kimmich nodded down a Maximilian Mittelstädt cross for Florian Wirtz to stab home and force extra-time.
Both sides neutralised each other throughout much of the additional 30 minutes. Wirtz came close to finally putting Germany ahead almost halfway through but fired wide from Müller’s ball. A shot from Musiala struck the arm of Marc Cucurella after the restart, however referee Anthony Taylor waved play on. With three minutes of the 120 remaining, Unai Simon parried a headed effort from Füllkrug. At the other end, a header did find the back of the net when Merino nodded home in the 119th minute. Füllkrug came agonisingly close to snatching another leveller in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough for Germany, who bow out in the quarter-finals. Spain will now come to Munich to face the winner of France and Portugal next Tuesday.
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