STUTTGART, Germany, July 5 – Spain made history by becoming the first nation to eliminate the hosts at the quarter-final stage of the European Championship, clinching a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany. Mikel Merino’s 119th-minute header secured Spain’s place in the semi-finals, where they will face either France or Portugal on Tuesday night in Munich.
The thrilling encounter at Stuttgart Arena saw Spain dominate the early stages but fail to capitalize on numerous opportunities. The breakthrough came six minutes into the second half when substitute Dani Olmo, who replaced the injured Pedri early in the game, drilled a first-time shot into the bottom corner to give Spain a deserved lead.
Germany, urged on by a home crowd, fought back as coach Julian Nagelsmann made five strategic substitutions. Their persistence paid off in the 89th minute when Florian Wirtz equalized, converting a header from Joshua Kimmich following Maximilian Mittelstadt’s deep cross, sending the match into extra time.
As the clock ticked down and a penalty shootout loomed, Merino rose to meet Olmo’s precise cross, heading home the decisive goal with just 65 seconds of extra time remaining. Germany pushed hard for an equalizer, but their efforts were thwarted when Dani Carvajal received a second yellow card for a tactical foul on Jamal Musiala, leaving Spain to hold on for a famous victory.
Reflecting on the match, Merino expressed his gratitude to his teammates, saying, “It was me who scored the goal, but this was just proof of the family we are. It was the whole team which was responsible for it – the effort we put in on the training field, the gym. The moments nobody but us can see.”
Spain’s resilient performance now sets up a semi-final clash against the winner of the France vs. Portugal match, adding another chapter to their storied history in the European Championships.
