Merino's Late Goal Propels Spain into Euro 2024 Semifinals Against Germany

Spain's fans celebrated as if they had won the European Championship after eliminating Germany in a thrilling quarterfinal. Luis de la Fuente's team now has a strong chance to lift the trophy in Berlin next week. Spain secured a 2-1 victory in extra time on Friday, thanks to Mikel Merino's header in the 119th minute.

Spain's Dramatic Win

Merino celebrated by running around the corner flag, mimicking his father Miguel Merino's celebration after scoring for Osasuna in the UEFA Cup against Stuttgart in 1991. "I knew there was very little time left and that it was one of our last attacks," Merino said. "I didn't believe it had gone in until a couple of seconds later."

Extra time was only needed after Florian Wirtz equalised in the last minute of regulation. Dani Olmo, who set up Merino's winner, scored the opener early in the second half. All three goals came from substitutes. Spain defender Dani Carvajal was sent off late in extra time for a second yellow card and will miss Tuesday's semifinal against France.

Germany's Disappointment

Germany players were morose, and coach Julian Nagelsmann looked on with disappointment. "We were so close; that's what makes it so bitter," said Germany midfielder Toni Kroos after his final match. The 2014 World Cup winner had announced his retirement when Germany's campaign ended. "We all had a big goal that we wanted to achieve together," Kroos added.

Teammates who might also have played their last international match included captain Ilkay Gündogan, Thomas Müller, and Manuel Neuer. Despite the disappointment, Nagelsmann managed to crack a joke during his news conference: "It's hurting also that we have to wait two years to become world champion."

Early Injuries and Controversies

The quarterfinal featured blistering pace from the start with crunching tackles and end-to-end action. Kroos was lucky not to be booked for a mistimed challenge that upended Spain midfielder Pedri. Another hefty challenge moments later forced Pedri to leave injured and in tears. He was replaced by Olmo in the eighth minute, making it the fastest replacement in Euros history.

From the resulting free kick, Lamine Yamal almost became the youngest ever goal-scorer at the tournament, but his effort flashed past the right post. Yamal did assist in the opener as he cut inside from the right and rolled the ball across for Olmo to hit it first time into the bottom left corner.

France Awaits Spain

France knocked out Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo in a penalty shootout 5-3. Spain eliminated the host of a major tournament for the first time in 10 attempts. The teams had more chances to win in extra time, and Germany was incensed when referee Anthony Taylor didn't give a penalty after Jamal Musiala's shot hit Marc Cucurella's hand.

Nagelsmann called for a change in handball rules so that a penalty would be given if the shot was on target, removing interpretation of intent. "There are 50 robots that bring us coffee, so there must be an AI that calculates where the ball will go," he said.

Final Moments

Just as a shootout loomed, Merino leapt high to head in Olmo's cross, sending Spanish fans into a frenzy. "They always tell you to enjoy the moment, but when you get to minute 105 it is impossible not to think about penalties," Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón said. "And as the minutes ticked down, I couldn't help but think that Kai Havertz, Füllkrug, and Toni were out there."

Substitute Nico Füllkrug hit the post in a late desperate onslaught by Germany, which was rewarded just in time. Joshua Kimmich nodded Maximilian Mittelstädt's cross back to Wirtz, whose effort went in off the far post.

Spain now looks forward to their semifinal clash against France on Tuesday with hopes high after their dramatic win over Germany.