Spain 2-1 Germany: 'Like a Euros final' - 'insatiable' Spain like a 'winning horse'

Spanish player Mikel Merino believes the quarter-final victory against Germany in Euro 2024 could have easily been mistaken for a final match. Coach Luis de la Fuente likened his team to a strong and successful competitor.

The Red Team narrowly won the match between the two highest-scoring teams, which are arguably the most impressive in the European Championship up to this point.

In the blog, it was mentioned that Dani Olmo, who was a substitute at the beginning of the game, scored the first goal and assisted Merino in scoring the winning goal in extra time. Florian Wirtz scored the equalizer for Germany in the 89th minute.

Spain and France will face off in the semi-final match on Tuesday.

Real Sociedad player Merino stated: "I'm really tired. The excitement is starting to wear off. This has been a one-of-a-kind experience."

The highly anticipated game between two top-notch teams finally took place. It had the intensity and excitement typically seen in a World Cup or European Championship final.

"We have demonstrated our resilience and teamwork in facing challenges head-on."

Spain has shown impressive performances in the Euros, defeating strong teams like Croatia, Italy, and Albania in the group stage, as well as Georgia in the last 16.

The teen winger Lamine Yamal, at only 16 years old, and the 21-year-old Nico Williams have been standout players in the competition.

However, they had to secure this victory using a different method, substituting the pair along with striker Alvaro Morata when the score was 1-0.

De la Fuente expressed his pride in coaching players who are continuously hungry for success.

"They are accustomed to facing tough competition and are in a position to potentially emerge as champions of the tournament."

We're not sure how successful we will be, but we strongly believe that we can achieve great things with this team.

We are feeling great, but we are not getting carried away. We are aware that tomorrow is a new day already.

Spain will not have Dani Carvajal and Robin le Normand for the semi-final match due to suspension. Midfielder Pedri is also uncertain to play as he suffered an injury and had to be replaced in the eighth minute by Olmo.

In the game, cards were given to a total of fifteen players, which is the second highest number in a European Championship match. Spain received seven of those cards, including Le Normand and Carvajal, who received two bookings and was subsequently sent off.

I used to play soccer in the 80s. If you're interested in seeing how the game was played back then, I can assure you I'm not afraid. My friend once jokingly asked me, "Are you looking for a fight?" De la Fuente shared.

In the world of football, I am not scared of any challenges that come my way. The game is all about pushing yourself to the edge, and I don't dwell on the roughness of the other team. Instead, I am grateful for the hard work and effort that my team has put in.

Olmo, who is a player for RB Leipzig in Germany and was chosen as the best player of the game, stated: "Having a strong heart is more essential than having strong legs."

"Let's relax and stay composed as we approach the semi-finals in four days. We will celebrate and have fun, but let's remember to stay calm and composed with the semi-finals just around the corner."

Ex-Scotland winger Pat Nevin, who was observing for BBC Radio 5 Live, mentioned: "We can discuss strategies and structures, but ultimately, it boils down to human emotions and interactions."

The outcome depended on who could stay the most energized and alert, and ultimately the Germans came out on top.

Congratulations to Spain. They are not only skilled, but also determined. However, they have many players who will be unable to participate in the upcoming matches due to suspensions, which may make it challenging for them to advance to the semi-finals.