Spain beat Germany 2-1 in further time; goes to Euro semi-finals

Destiny had already introduced penalties, however Mikel Merino scored an excellent purpose close to the tip of additional time to propel Spain into the semi-finals of the European Championship. La Roja stays on the trail to the continental title after a fancy duel the place they managed to beat Germany 2-1, who additionally mentioned goodbye to Toni Kroos.

With a header that shocked German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Merino was the hero for the Spaniards by scoring the successful purpose within the 119th minute. Now La Roja awaits the winner of the duel between France and Portugal to play the semi-final, the place they won’t have Dani Carvajal, who was despatched off.

The consequence was additionally marred by controversy after the referee didn’t mark or overview a handball by Marc Cucurella that might have resulted in a penalty for Germany.

The defeat is much more painful for Germany because it additionally means the retirement of Toni Kroos, an emblematic determine not solely of the crewbut additionally worldwide soccer. The 34-year-old midfielder leaves with one world title, six membership world titles – 5 of them with Actual Madrid – and 6 Champions.

Controversy adopted the opening whistle. Toni Kroos, who’s on the verge of retirement from the nationwide crew, was caught in a reckless act when he stamped on Pedri, the younger 21-year-old star who needed to depart the sphere after struggling a sprained knee.

Regardless of the seriousness of the foul, British referee Anthony Taylor forgave Kroos the yellow card, nevertheless it was not the one event, shortly after the German would commit one other sturdy foul on Lamile Yamal with out being sanctioned.

Spain had no selection however to attempt to be excellent on the pitch. They created extra stress with a younger Lamile Yamal who confirmed his starvation for victory, nevertheless it was not till the second half that La Roja discovered the purpose.

Yamal unbalanced the Germans by attacking down the precise flank and sending a exact help to Dani Olmo (51), who completed from the middle of the realm. The purpose sparked the Germans’ offensive whereas Spain solely held on.

If there was one thing that had at all times characterised the crew It’s in perseverance and now he went to the restrict within the assault till he obtained the saving purpose.

With the stress on and time operating out, Joshua Kimich managed to flick the ball throughout the purpose for Florian Wirtz to seal the win from point-blank vary in opposition to an unprepared Spain. It was the 89th minute and Germany took a breather that may final till simply earlier than the tip of additional time.