/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F21%2F12%2Fspalog.png)
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/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F27%2Flamine-yamal_1.jpg "Spain vs. Germany live commentary: Updates from Euro 2024 quarter-final")
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of Friday's mouthwatering Euro 2024 quarter-final between Spain and Germany at the MHPArena in Stuttgart.
Two of the tournament's most impressive teams go head-to-head for the right to face Portugal or France in the semi-finals, as Germany seek to avoid becoming the first host nation to lose a men's Euros quarter-final.
Julian Nagelsmann's men made light work of Denmark in the last 16 with a 2-0 success, while La Roja were equally - if not more - impressive in their 4-1 crushing of trailblazers Georgia in their opening knockout tie.
Make sure you do not miss a moment of the action courtesy of our minute-by-minute updates below.
7.43pmWe could dissect that incredible two-hour affair for much longer, but that is all the time we have. Thank you everyone for sticking with us through a Euro 2024 quarter-final rollercoaster.
You can find our brilliant match report of Spain's dramatic success here.
Now the small matter of Portugal vs. France! Until next time all!
You can find our brilliant match report of Spain's dramatic success here.
Now the small matter of Portugal vs. France! Until next time all!
7.40pmAND. BREATHE.
Kroos's last-ever professional kick of a football is gathered by Simon, and Spain are Euro 2024 semi-finalists. Merino's glorious 119th-minute header sees Germany become the first hosts to lose a Euros quarter-final.
Kroos's last-ever professional kick of a football is gathered by Simon, and Spain are Euro 2024 semi-finalists. Merino's glorious 119th-minute header sees Germany become the first hosts to lose a Euros quarter-final.
7.38pmSPAIN 2-1 GERMANY (A.E.T)
120+6 minOne last free kick for a depleted Spain to defend...
120+6 minSpain will finish with 10 as Carvajal is sent off for a second bookable offence, taking one for the team by hauling down Musiala.
120+3 minAnd that might be that!
Germany are patient, and a cross finds the head of Fullkrug - the man you want in that situation - but he heads wide!
Germany are patient, and a cross finds the head of Fullkrug - the man you want in that situation - but he heads wide!
120+2 minTorres is through but goes for the delicate dink over Neuer, which is horribly executed.
120+2 minGermany have been given three minutes of injury time in extra time to conjure up another magic moment. Two have already been played.
Spain defending for their lives.
Spain defending for their lives.
119 minMikel Merino - the most unlikely hero - has surely just scored the goal that will send Germany out of the European Championships!
The Sociedad midfielder is free to meet Olmo's cross, which he does with a majestic leap, and his header leaves Neuer rooted to the spot.
The Sociedad midfielder is free to meet Olmo's cross, which he does with a majestic leap, and his header leaves Neuer rooted to the spot.
119 minSPAIN 2-1 GERMANY (MERINO)
WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT PENALTIES?!
WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT PENALTIES?!
119 minCounting down to the lottery of penalties now.
117 minTerrific save from Simon!
Fullkrug bravely dives across Nacho's body for a diving header, but Simon springs to his right to deny the Dortmund man what would surely have been the winner.
Fullkrug bravely dives across Nacho's body for a diving header, but Simon springs to his right to deny the Dortmund man what would surely have been the winner.
117 minOh dear. A very innocuous nudge from Wirtz sparked that reaction from Nacho. Surprise surprise, he's fine.
116 minThis has been a forgettable extra-time period. Nacho now rolling around on the turf - not sure why.
114 minKroos is back on and Deniz Undav has been booked on the bench, presumably for dissent.
114 minKroos is still down receiving treatment - might Germany have to see this one out with 10 men?
112 minOyarzabal curls a delicate 20-yard shot wide but Kroos had already gone down for a free kick.
111 minCucurella writhing in apparent agony after a Kimmich barge. The German man is totally unfazed.
110 minRodri now in the book for trying to rip Muller's shirt from his body.
Maybe a bit exaggerated, but you get the idea.
Maybe a bit exaggerated, but you get the idea.
109 minIt comes to nothing and Germany charge down the other end through Wirtz, who lays off Fullkrug, but he's off balance and skews his effort wide.
108 minOlmo skips away from Andrich and feeds Merino, whose cross is turned behind by the rock Rudiger for a Spain corner.
106 minGermany are up in arms as Musiala's strike is blocked by the hand of Cucurella, but his arm was down by his side. No penalty.
106 minOr 23 if you count Anthony Taylor.
Anyway, we've started again.
Anyway, we've started again.
7.17pmNo subs left for either team, by the way. The 22 on the pitch will slog it out right until the end.
7.15pm/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F27%2Fflorian-wirtz.jpg)
Still everything to play for thanks to this man, but he was oh so close to completing the turnaround a minute ago.
Fifteen minutes until penalties everyone.
© Reuters
Still everything to play for thanks to this man, but he was oh so close to completing the turnaround a minute ago.
Fifteen minutes until penalties everyone.
105+1 minSPAIN 1-1 GERMANY
105+1 minWirtz so nearly repeats his trick as he goes firs time from Muller's cutback, and it may have just grazed the post on its way behind.
105 minOne more minute to be played.
104 minNot too far away from Oyarzabal!
The Sociedad man has Neuer beaten with a brilliant left-footed drive from range, but it flies just wide of the far post.
The Sociedad man has Neuer beaten with a brilliant left-footed drive from range, but it flies just wide of the far post.
102 minSPAIN SUB
Fabian Ruiz's race is run. Joselu - born in Stuttgart - comes on.
Fabian Ruiz's race is run. Joselu - born in Stuttgart - comes on.
101 minFrom the resulting free kick, Germany work the ball down the left, but Simon's fists cut out Musiala's delivery.
The hosts keep the ball alive, but Andrich's volley is wild.
The hosts keep the ball alive, but Andrich's volley is wild.
100 minAnthony Taylor's pen might be running out of ink. Carvajal pulls back Musiala and - despite his protestations - is the next into the book.
99 minBoth are fine but probably grateful for the slight delay.
98 minPlay is stopped as both Ruiz and Kroos feel the effects of a collision.
97 minSpain back on top now as Olmo tries his luck, but Rudiger and Kimmich get in the way.
95 minOlmo's low ball into the box is intended for Oyarzabal, but it misses everyone and goes behind for a goal kick.
94 minWirtz and Cucurella tangle off the ball and the Germany man is booked for his part in the incident.
93 minKroos's delivery is claimed confidently by Simon.
92 minNacho has to get across to prevent Wirtz's cross from reaching Muller. Germany corner.
91 minHere we go again! Spain restart.
Change for Germany by the way, Havertz makes way for centre-back Waldemar Anton.
Change for Germany by the way, Havertz makes way for centre-back Waldemar Anton.
6.58pmThat strike also made Wirtz the first opposition player to score against Spain at Euro 2024. The only goal that they conceded beforehand was Le Normand's own goal versus Georgia.
6.56pm
This is the goal that sparked Stuttgart delirium, and in all honesty, it was richly deserved by Germany, who were banging on the door ever since Spain took the lead.
FLORIAN WIRTZ SCORES FOR GERMANY! 🔥
The youngster equalises for the home nation in the 89th minute and they're back in the game 🇩🇪#Euro2024 | #ESPGER pic.twitter.com/zZYS7sxEZl— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 5, 2024
This is the goal that sparked Stuttgart delirium, and in all honesty, it was richly deserved by Germany, who were banging on the door ever since Spain took the lead.
6.54pmRight at the end there, Muller got in front of Laporte and sent a half-volley wide, but he may have been offside anyway.
Wirtz's 89th-minute strike extends Germany's stay at Euro 2024 for another half hour after Olmo's composed opener.
My prediction - again - remains alive!
Wirtz's 89th-minute strike extends Germany's stay at Euro 2024 for another half hour after Olmo's composed opener.
My prediction - again - remains alive!
90+4 minSPAIN 1-1 GERMANY
Extra time it is!
Extra time it is!
90+4 minApparently Germany sub Nico Schlotterbeck has just been booked.
90+2 minSpain are huffing and puffing right at the death, but surely extra time is looming.
90 minFour minutes for either side to find a winner.
89 minNever count the Germans out!
A Mittelstadt cross to the back post is nodded back into the danger area by Kimmich, and Wirtz sends a crisp half-volley into the ground, off the post and into the net.
Nagelsmann's men are still alive!
A Mittelstadt cross to the back post is nodded back into the danger area by Kimmich, and Wirtz sends a crisp half-volley into the ground, off the post and into the net.
Nagelsmann's men are still alive!
89 minSPAIN 1-1 GERMANY (WIRTZ)
88 minKroos plays it short to Kimmich and the ball is eventually worked out to Mittelstadt, whose 25-yarder hits Merino. Waste.
87 minAnother Germany corner as Carvajal heads a Havertz delivery behind...
86 minKroos's delivery is perfectly-placed for Havertz, whose header into the ground is brilliantly saved by Simon, but the Arsenal attacker had fouled Laporte anyway.
85 minGermany free kick about 35 yards from goal as Nacho shoves Fullkrug over...
84 minThe space opens up for Fabian Ruiz to hit one from 20 yards but his effort is wild.
83 minOH KAI HAVERTZ!
Simon's goal kick - after all that malarkey - is extremely poor, and Havertz nips in.
The Arsenal man goes for the lob with Simon off his line, but his effort loops just over the top. Spanish sighs of relief all around.
Simon's goal kick - after all that malarkey - is extremely poor, and Havertz nips in.
The Arsenal man goes for the lob with Simon off his line, but his effort loops just over the top. Spanish sighs of relief all around.
82 minThe gamesmanship begins; Spain goalkeeper Simon is cautioned for time-wasting.
81 minFabian Ruiz's exquisite piece of skill sets him away, but the newly-introduced Oyarzabal is crowded out before he can pull the trigger.
80 minGERMANY SUB
Oh here we go!
Jonathan Tah is off for Germany, and Thomas Muller is brought on to a terrific reception.
Oh here we go!
Jonathan Tah is off for Germany, and Thomas Muller is brought on to a terrific reception.
80 minSPAIN SUBS
Fresh legs time. Morata and Williams off, Real Sociedad teammates Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal on.
Fresh legs time. Morata and Williams off, Real Sociedad teammates Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal on.
78 minFullkrug was engaged in a titanic tussle with Nacho, and the ex-Real Madrid man just about came out on top.
Simon was completely beaten, though.
Simon was completely beaten, though.
77 minINCHES AWAY FOR THE GERMANS!
Wirtz's delivery finds Fullkrug, who is on the way down but still hooks his right foot around the ball, which strikes Simon's near post.
Wirtz's delivery finds Fullkrug, who is on the way down but still hooks his right foot around the ball, which strikes Simon's near post.
75 minAnalysis from Sports Mole reporter Carter White
"With Olmo's first-time effort evading the attentions of Neuer and nestling into the Germany net, Yamal earned his third assist of the tournament, meaning that he now leads the Euro 2024 playmaking charts.
"The 16-year-old walked Raum into the box before producing a composed pass for Olmo, with the Barcelona prodigy continuing to show his raw ability and football intelligence in equal measure."
74 minTorres's delivery to the back post is an awkward one, but Spain survive.
The Barcelona man is then booked for stopping Musiala bursting away.
The Barcelona man is then booked for stopping Musiala bursting away.
73 minThe suspensions are racking up! Mittelstadt fouls Torres, goes into the book and cannot believe his misfortune.
That's all three Germans who could have been banned for the semis banned for the semis.
That's all three Germans who could have been banned for the semis banned for the semis.
73 minIt was Carvajal who got his body in the way there. He's been solid tonight.
72 minThe hosts keep on coming and Havertz tries his luck from inside the box, but a Spain body gets in the way.
70 minGermany are patient in their build-up and work the ball through to Andrich, whose low first-time strike is beaten out to his left by Simon, before Germany appeals for a handball fall on deaf ears.
68 minIt's happened! Kroos is finally in the book for bringing down Torres.
As things stand, that will be the final yellow card of his career.
As things stand, that will be the final yellow card of his career.
67 minCarvajal, take a bow.
Havertz and Fullkrug are two-on-two and the former sets away his Borussia Dortmund colleague, but Carvajal gets back to nip in and see the ball back to Simon.
Havertz and Fullkrug are two-on-two and the former sets away his Borussia Dortmund colleague, but Carvajal gets back to nip in and see the ball back to Simon.
65 minAnother Germany attack breaks down as Musiala is crowded out and clips Morata on his way down.
64 minThe latest Kroos corner finds a leaping Fullkrug, but his backwards header sails harmlessly behind.
Germany upping the ante though.
Germany upping the ante though.
63 minSPAIN SUB
Nations League hat-trick hero Torres is on for Yamal, who is far from happy about coming off.
Nations League hat-trick hero Torres is on for Yamal, who is far from happy about coming off.
61 minGermany have a corner after a Wirtz shot hits Cucurella's back and goes behind, but it comes to nothing; the Bayer Leverkusen man's cross misses everyone.
60 minIn fact, Yamal is now the first male teenager on record to set up three goals at a single World Cup or the Euros.
How he would love a goal, though.
How he would love a goal, though.
59 min
Dani Olmo gives Spain the lead! 🇪🇸
And it's another assist for starboy Lamine Yamal... 💫#Euro2024 | #ESPGER pic.twitter.com/ThFR1cqtXx— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 5, 2024
A lovely finish from Olmo, and a third assist of the tournament for Yamal.
57 minGERMANY SUBS
Gundogan and Raum come off for Mittelstadt and Niclas Fullkrug. Germany going for it.
57 minAnd that's another one out of the semi-finals. Andrich booked.
57 minIt has been like a basketball match since that Olmo opener. Great for the neutrals, not so much for the live bloggers...
No complaining, though. Gripping stuff.
No complaining, though. Gripping stuff.
55 minHard to keep up now!
Germany come again, but Rodri puts a foot in before the ball can drop for Gundogan to get a volley away.
Germany come again, but Rodri puts a foot in before the ball can drop for Gundogan to get a volley away.
54 minGermany nearly hit back right away as Olmo's deflected cross drops into the corridor of uncertainty, but Nacho is well-positioned to momentarily clear the danger.
52 minSpain strike first, and it's that man Olmo again!
Morata drops deep to send Yamal away down the right, and the 16-year-old finds the run of Olmo, who sweeps a first-time finish into the far corner past Neuer.
Lift-off at last!
Morata drops deep to send Yamal away down the right, and the 16-year-old finds the run of Olmo, who sweeps a first-time finish into the far corner past Neuer.
Lift-off at last!
52 minSPAIN 1-0 GERMANY (OLMO)
50 minA tangle of legs between Musiala and Carvajal and the decision goes Germany's way.
48 minAndrich now tries a first-time spectacular - not sure if it was a cross or a shot, but it went behind for a goal kick anyway.
47 minMorata goes agonisingly close!
Williams picks out Yamal with a lovely cross to the back post, and the Barcelona man finds Morata with his back to goal.
He's under pressure from Tah but manages to turn and shoot, albeit over the bar.
Williams picks out Yamal with a lovely cross to the back post, and the Barcelona man finds Morata with his back to goal.
He's under pressure from Tah but manages to turn and shoot, albeit over the bar.
46 minWirtz wants a slice of the aggression and fouls Laporte after just 18 seconds.
46 minSpain get us started again.
6.04pmGERMANY SUBS
Andrich and Wirtz join Nacho as second-half newbies. Leroy Sane and Can make way
Andrich and Wirtz join Nacho as second-half newbies. Leroy Sane and Can make way
6.03pmSPAIN SUB
And Nacho Fernandez for Spain. Le Normand off after that yellow card.
6.02pmPink hair alert, Robert Andrich looks like he's coming on! Florian Wirtz as well.
6.01pm/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F27%2Fcarlos-alcaraz_2.jpg)
There has already been one notable Spain victory today... at Wimbledon. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz beat Frances Tiafoe in a five-set thriller to reach the last 16.
© Reuters
5.55pmWith Rudiger and Le Normand both picking up suspension-inducing yellow cards, that's at least one manager missing a key centre-back for the semi-finals.
Would not be a surprise to see Raum stay on for the time being - Mittelstadt is another at risk of a ban.
Would not be a surprise to see Raum stay on for the time being - Mittelstadt is another at risk of a ban.
5.52pmThere have been just four red cards at Euro 2024 so far - two for the Czech Republic, one each for Scotland and Slovenia - but one would not put it past Taylor to go for his back pocket if things continue in the same vein.
Challenges flying in left, right and centre. Will either manager take off a booked player at half time?
Challenges flying in left, right and centre. Will either manager take off a booked player at half time?
5.50pm
Just the 0.29 xG for Spain and 0.27 for Germany in the opening 45, where there were more fouls (15) than shots (13).
La Roja being restricted to efforts from range, though, and Neuer has been equal to all of them fired at him.
HT: 🇪🇸 0-0 🇩🇪
All of Spain's shots came from outside the box (8/8), while all of Germany's shots came from inside the box (3/3). #EURO2024 #ESPGER | @bet365 | #Ad pic.twitter.com/F9rF7NQD2C— Play Squawka Selector for Free (@Squawka_Live) July 5, 2024
Just the 0.29 xG for Spain and 0.27 for Germany in the opening 45, where there were more fouls (15) than shots (13).
La Roja being restricted to efforts from range, though, and Neuer has been equal to all of them fired at him.
5.48pmThe half ends as it started, with a crunching tackle, as Cucurella scythes down Gundogan before Taylor blows the whistle.
Fair to say this one is yet to explode into life, unless scrappiness and frequent fouls are your definition of exploding into life...
Neither side in full flow, although Neuer has been the busier goalkeeper. Havertz's header may be the best chance so far, though.
My extra-time prediction still on...
Fair to say this one is yet to explode into life, unless scrappiness and frequent fouls are your definition of exploding into life...
Neither side in full flow, although Neuer has been the busier goalkeeper. Havertz's header may be the best chance so far, though.
My extra-time prediction still on...
5.47pmSPAIN 0-0 GERMANY
45 minYamal turns Tah with ease and also has a pop from range, but it is too central to trouble Neuer.
Two minutes added on.
Two minutes added on.
44 minWilliams is still seeing plenty of the ball and whips a cross in from the left, but it is far too high for a frustrated Olmo, and Yamal cannot keep it in.
42 minIs it fair to say Neuer's handling is a little off today? That's a couple of times now he's not caught the ball cleanly at the first attempt.
Kroos gives away another foul for shoving Olmo over. Still no booking.
Kroos gives away another foul for shoving Olmo over. Still no booking.
40 minKimmich puts in a perfectly-timed tackle to stop Williams, but Spain win the ball back right away and Olmo has a crack from distance, which Neuer can only parry out.
Rudiger then does enough to put Morata off.
Rudiger then does enough to put Morata off.
38 minDe la Fuente engaged in conversation with one of his lieutenants down on the sidelines.
This one is still on a knife-edge.
This one is still on a knife-edge.
36 minWilliams just runs offside before turning Rudiger and forcing Neuer into a reaction save at his near post.
35 minHavertz at the heart of it again!
The Arsenal man chests down a fantastic Rudiger ball over the top and fires a volley at goal, but Simon gets down to his right and saves.
The Arsenal man chests down a fantastic Rudiger ball over the top and fires a volley at goal, but Simon gets down to his right and saves.
34 minA slick slide-rule pass from Havertz finds Kimmich, whose low cross is poor and straight into Simon's body, but he was well offside anyway.
34 minSpain almost catch Germany unawares, but Tah does just enough to prevent Olmo from going one-on-one with Neuer.
32 minTo stop Yamal, you have to kick Yamal. At least that's what Emre Can thinks. He avoids further punishment, though.
30 minSpeaking of any means necessary, Le Normand is now booked for fouling Gundogan, and he is another one to miss any potential semi-final.
30 minAnalysis from Sports Mole reporter Carter White:
Despite being heralded for his playmaking abilities at the base of the German midfield, Toni Kroos did his best Robin Andrich impression during the fiery opening exchanges of this match.
The Real Madrid star's rough challenges have forced Pedri off the pitch, and it is clear to see that Die Mannschaft are extremely wary of La Roja's running power, looking to stop the danger at source - often by any means necessary.
29 minGermany do not exactly deal with Williams's delivery, but Olmo kicks Gundogan as he goes for a volley and the hosts win a free kick.
28 minDavid Raum now into the book for tripping Carvajal. Spain's turn to whip it into the mixer.
27 minGermany corner as Laporte gets a vital flick to prevent a diagonal ball from reaching Rudiger...
A few bodies hit the floor and Simon eventually claims.
A few bodies hit the floor and Simon eventually claims.
26 minKroos whips it in, and Tah rises highest, but he cannot leap high enough to get a decent connection and the ball rolls through to Simon.
25 minKimmich getting some joy down the right now and draws a foul from Morata.
Germany free kick in a promising area...
Germany free kick in a promising area...
24 min
Either side of the 'keeper and this one goes in? We'll never know.
Kai Havertz with a chance to give Germany the lead but it's saved by Unai Simon 🧤#Euro2024 | #ESPGER pic.twitter.com/kUOlmnH6uD
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 5, 2024
Either side of the 'keeper and this one goes in? We'll never know.
23 minSpain refuse to close down a charging Laporte, who takes the invitation to shoot, but Neuer gathers at the second attempt.
23 minThe hosts just showing a bit more attacking impetus now after Spain shaded a scrappy start.
Just as I type that, Yamal makes a nice sliding interception and Spain have the ball back.
Just as I type that, Yamal makes a nice sliding interception and Spain have the ball back.
21 minGermany work the ball out to Kimmich on the right, and his cross is on the money for Kai Havertz, who sends his header straight at Simon.
A chance.
A chance.
19 minGermany enjoy a bit of possession in the Spain half, but Laporte is well-positioned to cut out a Sane cross and also prevent a corner.
17 minYamal finds Fabian Ruiz in acres of space inside the D, but he just delays his strike and sends it over the top.
16 minEnd-to-end stuff now! This is what we came for.
A promising Germany move breaks down before Spain steam down the other end of the pitch, but an ambitious Morata strike hits a white shirt.
A promising Germany move breaks down before Spain steam down the other end of the pitch, but an ambitious Morata strike hits a white shirt.
15 minOr so I initially thought, goal kick given.
15 minOlmo and Yamal over the free kick...
It is Lamal, and it is deflected behind.
It is Lamal, and it is deflected behind.
14 minTalk about timing!
Rudiger sticks a leg out to stop Olmo in his tracks and is cautioned. That's him out of the semis (if Germany get there).
Rudiger sticks a leg out to stop Olmo in his tracks and is cautioned. That's him out of the semis (if Germany get there).
13 min/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F27%2Fpedri-toni-kroos.jpg)
This was the tackle that forced a disconsolate Pedri off. Looking back, how Kroos did not get a booking is astounding.
There's no room for sentimentality in a Euros quarter-final Anthony Taylor!
© Reuters
This was the tackle that forced a disconsolate Pedri off. Looking back, how Kroos did not get a booking is astounding.
There's no room for sentimentality in a Euros quarter-final Anthony Taylor!
12 minWilliams tries his luck from distance, but not his finest. It trickles harmlessly wide.
11 minHavertz holds the ball up well in the final third and finds Raum on the overlap, but his cross is straight into Unai Simon's arms.
9 minSPAIN SUB
Confirmation of that change - Pedri is off and Olmo comes into the number 10 role.
Confirmation of that change - Pedri is off and Olmo comes into the number 10 role.
8 minPedri has already had awful luck with injuries in his career, and he does not look comfortable here.
Dani Olmo getting ready as a distraught Pedri gingerly walks off. Have to feel for him.
Dani Olmo getting ready as a distraught Pedri gingerly walks off. Have to feel for him.
7 minPedri might not have recovered from that clattering by Kroos - he's down again. The last thing either manager needs is an early enforced change...
6 minNow Gundogan brings down his former teammate Rodri. A bit feisty early on this one!
5 minReferee Anthony Taylor laying down the law early, demanding that all non-wearing armband players step away from him.
Kroos remonstrated heavily there... not sure why. Fortunate not to be booked.
Kroos remonstrated heavily there... not sure why. Fortunate not to be booked.
4 minFirst bit of defending for Robin Le Normand but he deals with Sane well.
Now Kroos scythes down Pedri as the Barcelona man tries to break.
Now Kroos scythes down Pedri as the Barcelona man tries to break.
3 minThe Chelsea man looks to have come off worse in a collision with Can, but he is OK to continue.
2 minSpain on the front foot immediately!
Williams and Morata link up nicely, but Pedri's strike on the edge of the box is straight at Manuel Neuer.
Now Cucurella is down...
Williams and Morata link up nicely, but Pedri's strike on the edge of the box is straight at Manuel Neuer.
Now Cucurella is down...
1 minAnd we're off! Germany get us started.
Strap in folks, this will be special.
Strap in folks, this will be special.
4.59pmThe reward for the victor of the first Euro 2024 quarter-final? Only a semi-final showdown with either Portugal or France.
That repeat of the 2016 showpiece kicks off in about three hours time in Hamburg.
That repeat of the 2016 showpiece kicks off in about three hours time in Hamburg.
4.58pmThe anthems begin with Spain, and I think I just saw Dani Carvajal give a little wink to the camera? 2006 World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo eat your heart out.
The Germans go second. Can looks laser-focused.
The Germans go second. Can looks laser-focused.
4.56pmIn terms of difficult games to call... this is an extremely difficult game to call.
I would not be at all surprised to see extra time and penalties needed, making my winners... Germany, of course.
I would not be at all surprised to see extra time and penalties needed, making my winners... Germany, of course.
4.54pmThe hat-trick hero from that evening - Ferran Torres - must try to make an impact from the bench tonight, though.
Not long to go now! Cue the quintessential shots of stoic faces in the tunnel.
Not long to go now! Cue the quintessential shots of stoic faces in the tunnel.
4.52pmHowever, Spain began their brief era of global dominance by edging out Germany 1-0 in the Euro 2008 final, courtesy of a Fernando Torres winner.
Plus, THAT 6-0 Nations League thrashing in 2020...
Plus, THAT 6-0 Nations League thrashing in 2020...
4.50pmHistory suggests that La Roja will struggle to bring the curtain down on Kroos's career, as a host nation have never been eliminated from the quarter-finals of a men's Euros.
Spain were one of the victims in the first instance of the Euros hosts playing in the quarter-finals, losing to England on penalties in 1996.
Nice to have some fond memories of Three Lions shoototuts from that year!
Spain were one of the victims in the first instance of the Euros hosts playing in the quarter-finals, losing to England on penalties in 1996.
Nice to have some fond memories of Three Lions shoototuts from that year!
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At the other end of the experience scale, a Spain win would also mark the end of Toni Kroos's glittering career; the Germany maestro will hang up his boots after the Euros.
His ex-Real Madrid teammate Joselu said before the game that he wants to "retire" the 34-year-old tonight. Fighting talk!
© Reuters
His ex-Real Madrid teammate Joselu said before the game that he wants to "retire" the 34-year-old tonight. Fighting talk!
4.46pmSpeaking of young players, who else is excited to cast their eye over Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams this evening?
The 16-year-old former is still waiting for the goal that will make him the youngest male player to score at the Euros, although it was not for a lack of trying against Georgia.
I certainly do not envy Joshua Kimmich and David Raum this evening...
The 16-year-old former is still waiting for the goal that will make him the youngest male player to score at the Euros, although it was not for a lack of trying against Georgia.
I certainly do not envy Joshua Kimmich and David Raum this evening...
4.44pmSingle yellow cards not resulting in a ban are wiped after the quarter-finals, but players will still be suspended for the semis if they pick up their second yellow of the tournament in the last eight.
Therefore, a player can only be banned for the final if they are sent off in the semis, or if they are sanctioned by UEFA for any antics. Jude Bellingham just about escaped that fate earlier...
Therefore, a player can only be banned for the final if they are sent off in the semis, or if they are sanctioned by UEFA for any antics. Jude Bellingham just about escaped that fate earlier...
4.42pmA more logical explanation would be that Andrich will miss the semi-final if he is booked tonight, and he is one of seven players that need to be careful.
Alvaro Morata, Robin Le Normand, Dani Vivian, Dani Carvajal, Maximilian Mittelstadt and Antonio Rudiger are also walking a tightrope.
Alvaro Morata, Robin Le Normand, Dani Vivian, Dani Carvajal, Maximilian Mittelstadt and Antonio Rudiger are also walking a tightrope.
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A reminder that had Aleksandar Pavlovic not come down with an extremely untimely bout of tonsillitis, Can would not even have been in Germany's Euro 2024 squad.
Some story for the former Liverpool midfielder. Maybe Nagelsmann objected to Andrich's new pink hairstyle and this is his punishment?
© Reuters
Some story for the former Liverpool midfielder. Maybe Nagelsmann objected to Andrich's new pink hairstyle and this is his punishment?
4.38pmHowever, Julian Nagelsmann tinkers with his Germany XI ever so slightly, making two changes as Jonathan Tah and Emre Can - yes, Emre Can - come in for Nico Schlotterbeck and Robert Andrich.
Tah was banned for the Denmark win, where Schlotterbeck excelled, albeit not to the level capable of keeping Tah out of the team.
Tah was banned for the Denmark win, where Schlotterbeck excelled, albeit not to the level capable of keeping Tah out of the team.
4.36pmSpain boss Luis de la Fuente sticks with the same starting XI from the thumping of Georgia, no real surprises there.
There had been talk of Dani Olmo potentially displacing Pedri, but the Barcelona man gets the nod.
There had been talk of Dani Olmo potentially displacing Pedri, but the Barcelona man gets the nod.
4.34pmGERMANY XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Raum; Can, Kroos; Sane, Gundogan, Musiala; Havertz
Subs: Baumann, Ter Stegen, Gross, Fullkrug, Fuhrich, Muller, Beier, Schlotterbeck, Anton, Wirtz, Mittelstadt, Henrichs, Andrich, Koch, Undav
Subs: Baumann, Ter Stegen, Gross, Fullkrug, Fuhrich, Muller, Beier, Schlotterbeck, Anton, Wirtz, Mittelstadt, Henrichs, Andrich, Koch, Undav
4.32pmSPAIN XI: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Lamal, Pedri, Williams; Morata
Subs: Raya, Remiro, Nacho, Vivian, Merino, Joselu, Olmo, Torres, Grimaldo, Baena, Zubimendi, Oyarzabal, Navas, Lopez, Perez
Subs: Raya, Remiro, Nacho, Vivian, Merino, Joselu, Olmo, Torres, Grimaldo, Baena, Zubimendi, Oyarzabal, Navas, Lopez, Perez
4.30pmGood evening one and all! Thank you for joining us for the first Euro 2024 quarter-final, and what a spectacle it promises to be between hosts Germany and free-scoring Spain.
Julian Nagelsmann's men have been in imperious form throughout the tournament and comfortably saw off Denmark 2-0 in the last 16, even with a thunderstorm delay.
Meanwhile, La Roja ran out convincing 4-1 winners over a plucky Georgia side to advance to the quarters, coming from a goal down to conquer the Crusaders.
With just 30 minutes to go until kickoff, time for a look at the team news...
Julian Nagelsmann's men have been in imperious form throughout the tournament and comfortably saw off Denmark 2-0 in the last 16, even with a thunderstorm delay.
Meanwhile, La Roja ran out convincing 4-1 winners over a plucky Georgia side to advance to the quarters, coming from a goal down to conquer the Crusaders.
With just 30 minutes to go until kickoff, time for a look at the team news...
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