Euro 2024: Spain's highlights against host Germany

Spanish team erases curse

It was only thanks to Mikel Merino's "golden" goal in the 119th minute that coach Luis de la Fuente's team entered the semi-finals of this year's tournament.

Before that, Florian Wirtz helped the German team score an equalizer in the 89th minute after Spain scored the opening goal in the 52nd minute. In between the goals were many dangerous opportunities created by the attacking players of both teams. It can be said that this match is worthy of being called the early final of this year's tournament when the two teams Germany and Spain brought the audience an attractive and dramatic match.

With this victory, the Spanish team has erased the curse of losing to the host teams in the knockout round of the World Cup or Euro. And they are also proving themselves to be the strongest candidate for the championship this year.

Sorry for the German team

The Germans had many reasons to regret losing this match. First was the controversial handball by Marc Cucurella in the penalty area. However, referee Anthony Taylor and his colleagues did not award the home team a penalty kick.

Along with that were dangerous shots by Niclas Füllkrug and Florian Wirtz during extra time. Especially the header that went just wide of the goal by Niclas Füllkrug in the 120th minute prevented the match from reaching a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. It can be said that the brilliance of goalkeeper Unai Simón and the lack of luck of the German strikers caused the home team to stop at this year's Euro.

The Spanish team suffered heavy losses.

Despite their win over hosts Germany, Spain will also suffer heavy losses in the semi-finals.

First was the injury of young midfielder Pedri when this midfielder of Barcelona Club had to leave the field in the 6th minute after a collision with Toni Kroos. Along with that were suspensions for Robin Le Normand, Dani Carvajal and Álvaro Morata. These are all pillars of the Spanish team in this year's tournament.

Besides, having to go through 120 intense minutes, the physical strength of coach Luis de la Fuente's players was also greatly worn out. Therefore, the Spanish team will have to make a lot of calculations in the upcoming semi-final match.

Goodbye Toni Kroos

The loss to the Spanish team was also the last match of the talented midfielder Toni Kroos. Because, after the Euro 2024 tournament, this midfielder born in 1990 will retire from his football career.

In his illustrious playing career, Toni Kroos has won a World Cup, 6 Champions Leagues, 6 Fifa Club World Cups and many other major titles. And Toni Kroos wants to win the Euro championship right on home soil to have a beautiful farewell to his football career.

However, the German team's journey at Euro this time had to stop before a very excellent Spanish team. And fans had to say goodbye to midfielder Toni Kroos in an unfinished ending.