The quarterfinal in Stuttgart was thrilling.
First, in the extension, Spain decided – and put an end to the home nation Germany's European Championship adventure.
Mikel Merino nodded in the decisive 2–1.
The 28-year-old ended up in the spotlight when he reached the highest on a cross and nodded in 2–1 in the 119th minute.
A goal that took Spain further in the European Championship in Germany.
We're happy that we managed what we wanted, to win the match. We could have won within 90 minutes, but we finally found a way to victory. So I'm happy about that, now we're looking forward to the next one, says Aymeric Laporte to TV4 Play.
Dani Olmo had a clear leading role in Stuttgart.
Early substitution in Spain
The 26-year-old didn't get the chance from the start but only had to sit on the bench for a few minutes.
When Pedri got injured early, after a tackle by Toni Kroos, and couldn't continue, Olmo got a place among the eleven players on the field.
Which later proved to be lucky for Spain.
Together with Lamine Yamal, he arranged the goal that gave Spain the lead. 16-year-old Yamal made his way forward on the right flank and played the ball into open space in front of Germany's defense. Olmo got there, set it wide, and saw the ball slip in by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's far post.
At that point, the match had been going on for 51 minutes.
The remaining time was about the home nation's hunt for equalization.
And national team coach Julian Nagelsmann didn't hesitate to bring in his offensive players.
Florian Wirtz was substituted in the 46th minute, Niclas Füllkrug in the 57th minute, and Thomas Müller in the 80th.
Substitutions that eventually led to a late equalization, when Wirtz pressed in 1–1 in the 89th minute.
Merino decided
The 21-year-old's full hit took the match to extension – and there, Spain finally decided when Mikel Merino nodded in the 2–1 goal.
The player behind the cross?
Dani Olmo.
For Spain, France awaits in the semifinal.
For German Toni Kroos, his career ended in Stuttgart.
We gave everything... Losing when we were so close, it's just bitter, he says to AFP.
The 34-year-old has, among other things, won a World Championship gold, six Champions League titles, and seven league titles with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
