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 are into the final 4!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2024</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESPGER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESPGER</a> <a href="https://t.co/zas6BBey0P">pic.twitter.com/zas6BBey0P</a>
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) <a href="https://twitter.com/EURO2024/status/1809296107387908149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Spain book semis spot</h2>

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.

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.

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.

<h2>Toni ends illustrious career</h2>

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.

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.

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. 🇪🇸 Spain are into the final 4!#EURO2024 | #ESPGER pic.twitter.com/zas6BBey0P — UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 5, 2024 × 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. 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. ALSO READ | How mother’s love made Rohit Sharma blush upon arrival in Mumbai – WATCH 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. 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.

Euro 2024: Spain continue flawless run to knockout hosts Germany; Kroos drops curtains on illustrious career

Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo all scored as Spain came from behind to beat surprise packages Georgia 4-1 at Euro 2024 on Sunday and set up a blockbuster quarter-final against hosts Germany.

Robin Le Normand's own goal gave Georgia a shock lead in the 18th minute of this last-16 tie to send their noisy supporters wild in Cologne.

It was the first goal Spain had conceded at the competition but they came back to equalise six minutes before the interval courtesy of Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Ruiz then headed home in the 51st minute and Williams ran through for the third before substitute Olmo made sure of the win as La Roja stay on track to become European champions for the fourth time.

"There are things we need to improve and at some points in the game we were not forceful enough, but in general terms we were superior," said Rodri.

Spain now take on Germany in the last eight in Stuttgart on Friday in a repeat of the Euro 2008 final, which they won 1-0 to begin their golden era of dominance in international football.

"Germany might be playing at home but we are not afraid. We are here to win, not just to play well or give off a good image," Rodri added.

Luis de la Fuente's team are looking to bring back the glory days and they were expected to brush Georgia aside here.

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They would have ultimately won by a far greater margin had they converted more of their chances, with 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal squandering several opportunities in his attempt to become the youngest ever goal-scorer at the Euros.

Georgia are ranked 74th in the world, 66 places below Spain. Willy Sagnol's team lost twice to Spain in qualifying, going down 7-1 at home and 3-1 away.

Yet they still qualified for a first major tournament and then made it to the knockout stages with a stunning 2-0 win over Portugal. They now go home with their heads held high despite eventually crumbling here.

"I am not saying we are disappointed but we are a bit sad because we lost," Sagnol said. "I am sure in some days we will realise exactly what we have done and the happiness will come back very quickly."

They have a lively attacking partnership between Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze that is a danger for any opponent, and Giorgi Mamardashvili has been one of the best goalkeepers at the tournament.

Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo all scored as Spain came from behind to beat surprise packages Georgia 4-1 at Euro 2024 on Sunday and set up a blockbuster quarter-final against hosts Germany.

Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo all scored as Spain came from behind to beat surprise packages Georgia 4-1 at Euro 2024 on Sunday and set up a blockbuster quarter-final against hosts Germany. Robin Le Normand's own goal gave Georgia a shock lead in the 18th minute of this last-16 tie to send their noisy supporters wild in Cologne. It was the first goal Spain had conceded at the competition but they came back to equalise six minutes before the interval courtesy of Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Ruiz then headed home in the 51st minute and Williams ran through for the third before substitute Olmo made sure of the win as La Roja stay on track to become European champions for the fourth time. "There are things we need to improve and at some points in the game we were not forceful enough, but in general terms we were superior," said Rodri. Spain now take on Germany in the last eight in Stuttgart on Friday in a repeat of the Euro 2008 final, which they won 1-0 to begin their golden era of dominance in international football. "Germany might be playing at home but we are not afraid. We are here to win, not just to play well or give off a good image," Rodri added. Luis de la Fuente's team are looking to bring back the glory days and they were expected to brush Georgia aside here. ALSO READ: Euro 2024: Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane conjure late magic to keep England alive with tense R16 win vs Slovakia They would have ultimately won by a far greater margin had they converted more of their chances, with 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal squandering several opportunities in his attempt to become the youngest ever goal-scorer at the Euros. Georgia are ranked 74th in the world, 66 places below Spain. Willy Sagnol's team lost twice to Spain in qualifying, going down 7-1 at home and 3-1 away. Yet they still qualified for a first major tournament and then made it to the knockout stages with a stunning 2-0 win over Portugal. They now go home with their heads held high despite eventually crumbling here. "I am not saying we are disappointed but we are a bit sad because we lost," Sagnol said. "I am sure in some days we will realise exactly what we have done and the happiness will come back very quickly." They have a lively attacking partnership between Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze that is a danger for any opponent, and Giorgi Mamardashvili has been one of the best goalkeepers at the tournament.

Euro 2024: Spain thrash Georgia in R16 to set up blockbuster quarterfinal clash with Germany

La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have been hit with partial stand closure in their next two home games after being found guilty of failing to control the fans in racial abuse of Nico Williams. According to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) statement, Atletico&nbsp;Madrid’s&nbsp; Metropolitano Stadium will have its South Stand closed for the next two matches.&nbsp;The incident happened in the 36th minute of&nbsp;a La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club&nbsp;on Saturday.&nbsp;

<h2>Atletico Madrid hit with stand&nbsp;closure</h2>

"(Atletico have&nbsp;been issued) a sanction of partial closure of their sports venue for a period of two matches and a financial penalty of 20,000 euros ($21,350),"&nbsp;said the&nbsp;federation's&nbsp; competition&nbsp;committee in a statement.

Stand closure is the first step of action taken against Atletico Madrid in controlling the abuse issue. Referee Juan Martinez Munuera stopped the match in the 36th minute as per the protocol of La Liga. Alongside the ban, the club has also been fined $21,360 and will have&nbsp;10&nbsp;days to appeal the decision. The RFEF said in a statement on Tuesday that the closed area in the stands must display a visible message condemning violent, racist, xenophobic and intolerant acts in football and supporting fair play.

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This&nbsp;is not the first time racial abuse has taken place in the Spanish top flight&nbsp;with&nbsp;Getafe also hit with partial stand closure. Getafe&nbsp;were punished&nbsp;after their&nbsp;fans targeted Sevilla manager Quique Sanchez Flores and player Marcos Acuna in a La Liga game. The stands were closed for three matches following racist and xenophobic abuse.&nbsp;

Over the last two seasons, 16 different incidents of racial abuse have taken place on Real Madrid winger Vinicus Jr. The Spanish authorities have held an independent investigation into the matter and will&nbsp;strict&nbsp;actions against those found guilty.&nbsp;

Atletico&nbsp;Madrid’s&nbsp;next home match will be against Celta Vigo&nbsp;and&nbsp;will complete the ban on the&nbsp;penultimate weekend of the season&nbsp;against Osasuna.&nbsp;

La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have been hit with partial stand closure in their next two home games after being found guilty of failing to control the fans in racial abuse of Nico Williams.

La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have been hit with partial stand closure in their next two home games after being found guilty of failing to control the fans in racial abuse of Nico Williams. According to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) statement, Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium will have its South Stand closed for the next two matches. The incident happened in the 36th minute of a La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club on Saturday. Atletico Madrid hit with stand closure "(Atletico have been issued) a sanction of partial closure of their sports venue for a period of two matches and a financial penalty of 20,000 euros ($21,350)," said the federation's competition committee in a statement. Stand closure is the first step of action taken against Atletico Madrid in controlling the abuse issue. Referee Juan Martinez Munuera stopped the match in the 36th minute as per the protocol of La Liga. Alongside the ban, the club has also been fined $21,360 and will have 10 days to appeal the decision. The RFEF said in a statement on Tuesday that the closed area in the stands must display a visible message condemning violent, racist, xenophobic and intolerant acts in football and supporting fair play. ALSO READ | People make up meetings: Wolff confirms Verstappen not in talks with Mercedes for a potential 2025 move This is not the first time racial abuse has taken place in the Spanish top flight with Getafe also hit with partial stand closure. Getafe were punished after their fans targeted Sevilla manager Quique Sanchez Flores and player Marcos Acuna in a La Liga game. The stands were closed for three matches following racist and xenophobic abuse. Over the last two seasons, 16 different incidents of racial abuse have taken place on Real Madrid winger Vinicus Jr. The Spanish authorities have held an independent investigation into the matter and will strict actions against those found guilty. Atletico Madrid’s next home match will be against Celta Vigo and will complete the ban on the penultimate weekend of the season against Osasuna.

La Liga: Atletico Madrid punished for racial abuse of Nico Williams, hit with partial stand closure

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Euro 2024: Spain continue flawless run to knockout hosts Germany; Kroos drops curtains on illustrious career

Euro 2024: Spain thrash Georgia in R16 to set up blockbuster quarterfinal clash with Germany

La Liga: Atletico Madrid punished for racial abuse of Nico Williams, hit with partial stand closure