Stuttgart, Germany

Spain broke German hearts in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal after they beat the hosts in a thrilling contest in Stuttgart on Friday (July 5). Mikel Merino was the hero of the match when he scored the winning goal in the 120th minute and sealed a famous 2-1 win for Spain. The defeat also means legendary midfielder Toni Kroos will drop curtains on his illustrious career having already announced his intention to retire from all forms of the game.

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Spain book semis spot

Squaring off for a place in the semis, Spain took the lead in the 51st minute when Dani Olmo got on the end of a Lamine Yamal square ball to nod home the opening goal. Spain would continue to attack the opposition as they opted not to sit back. Germany on the other hand also put in bodies forward to get the equalising goal. German manager Julian Nagelsmann made a bold decision in the dying moments when he brought Thomas Muller in place of Jonathan Tah.

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The move would later pay dividends as Germany scored the equalising goal in the 89th minute. The goal by Florian Wirtz was deflected off Dani Carvajal who would later get sent off for two yellow cards. With a score of 1-1 after the full time, the match went into extra time with both times again having good chances.

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In the second half of extra time Spain defender Marc Cucurella was fortunate to avoid a penalty shout as a shot deflected off his arm in the penalty area.

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However, it was Spain who came with the decisive moment when they broke through on goal before Mikel Merino scored the winning goal to knock out the hosts Germany.

Toni ends illustrious career

The defeat means Kroos’ stint as a professional footballer came to an end having been a great servant to German football. He had earlier ended his club career with Real Madrid when he lifted a record-equaling sixth Champions League title. With Germany, he had a successful career but never won the European Championships. However, his biggest achievement came in the 2014 FIFA World Cup where he played a pivotal role in the nation’s win.