Shock in the 119th minute: Spain dramatically knocks the DFB team out of the European Championships
Insanity in Stuttgart: The German football national team sadly misses out on the Euro semi-finals in a bitter way. In the last minute of extra time, Spanish wildcard Mikel Merino ices it and not only ends Germany's dream but also Toni Kroos' career.
Out, over, plugs out - after a heroic fight, the magical summer fairy tale of the German football national team took a dramatic and tragic end in Stuttgart. The three-time European champion lost to the eternal bogeyman Spain in the quarterfinals 1:2 after extra time and plays no role in the final chapter of their Home-EM anymore. The courageously superior team of national coach Julian Nagelsmann put up a lot of courage and passion against the Spanish team's formidable midfield machine in Stuttgart, came close to the final whistle - and in the end was defeated.
The German team managed to contain the Spanish ball magicians on the wing positions quite well, but the passing machine of the opponent in the midfield proved to be stronger at first. The German game lacked security and precision, which Dani Olmo (51.) punished in heated emotions with the first goal. Florian Wirtz (89.) hit back with 77 km/h, the fans were thrilled - until the former Dortmund player Mikel Merino stole their hearts (119.). With that, Spain, where Germany wanted to play so much: in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Munich against France or Portugal. In the added time of extra time, Dani Carvajal still saw yellow-red (120.+6).
Nagelsmann and the team bid farewell disappointed but with raised heads to their fans, for some it was probably the last time. At least the World career of Toni Kroos is over - after 114 international games and a total of 34 titles, the most successful German footballer was denied the EM trophy. His contract at Real Madrid he did not renew. For Manuel Neuer and Thomas Mueller, it could also have been the last international game: the end of an era.
Thick line-up surprise
Nagelsmann sits firmly in the saddle. After all, his contract runs until the 2026 World Cup, he can refer to giving the team stability and putting together an inspiring team. Germany delighted the fans, not only because of the 5:1 against Scotland in the opening game. The honorable exit gives little cause for criticism: the DFB team was still lying completely on the ground in November. Julian Nagelsmann was able to write over the "old plate" as a national coach, even if it didn't work out in the quarterfinals.
Exactly this, the national coach had to address to his team after the many bitter defeats against Spain. The Euro final 2008, the WM semi-final 2010, the disgraceful 0:6 in the Nations League 2020 were unforgettable - now the status of the bogeyman is cemented.
Nagelsmann waited in Stuttgart with a thick line-up surprise. The fact that Jonathan Tah returned from suspension was expected, Leroy Sane had already started in the place of Wirtz in the eighth final against Denmark (2:0). But the nominated Emre Can next to Kroos? That was a surprise! Robert Andrich, freshly shaved on the head, sat on the bench. Nagelsmann justified this with Can's quickness, he demanded "the courage" and "belief in us".
After a prayer before the kick-off, Can immediately lost the first ball, after just 53 seconds, Pedri took a central shot at Neuer. Shortly after that, the magician from FC Barcelona had to leave the pitch: Kroos had fouled him hard, but he received no card for it. Olmo (RB Leipzig) replaced Pedri, who was on the verge of tears.
In the midfield, the expected battle for ball possession began, led by Spain with Olmo, the exceptional sextet Rodri, and Fabian Ruiz, closely guarded by Can. Kroos and Gündogan held their ground, but Spain's pressing was strong. Supertalent Lamine Yamal, just 16 years old, missed a free-kick wide (15.), Ruiz shot over the goal. The best news was: There were indeed the anticipated gaps behind the opposing lines, but David Raum couldn't make use of two crosses from the left. Kai Havertz placed a good header on target (21.).
The German team recovered a bit when Spain released the pressing, but they settled for standards. However, whenever the ball was in play, the favorite acted mostly superior, while Can had familiar problems with ball security from Dortmund. In defense, Raum and Rudiger were warned early. Neuer saved brilliantly against Nico Williams in a corner kick - but it was offside (36.). A powerful Olmo shot from Andrich he let roll on (39).
Handball causes excitement
Nagelsmann corrected his decisions: Wirtz and Andrich came on as substitutes for Can and Sane, but it was Spain. Alvaro Morata (47.) turned around Tah, and only a little was missing - then, however, Andrich arrived too late against Olmo, who scored from about 15 meters flat. The German "team football" was put to the toughest test, almost nothing was "completely loose". Füllkrug was supposed to use one of the many crosses in the penalty area next to Havertz, and Nagelsmann pressed.
A powerful German pressure phase ensued, during which Carvajal had to deflect a Havertz shot in desperate need. Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon dove for a ball from Andrich, Fuellkrug hit the post from close range (77.), Havertz headed over the bar (82.). Then began the drama of the extension: with a very bitter end. In this case, there should have been a penalty kick after a handball by Marc Cucurella (106.) - the English referee Anthony Taylor decided against it. The Spaniard had clearly taken the ball in the penalty area with his hand, but he had not made any unnatural hand movements. The German players and Nagelsmann protested, complained, and were speechless.
After the disappointing exit from the European Football Championship 2024, DFB coach Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged the importance of addressing Spain's historical dominance over Germany. ahead of the quarterfinal match, Nagelsmann surprised many with his lineup, including the inclusion of Emre Can alongside Toni Kroos in midfield. Despite their efforts, the German team struggled to contain Spain's midfield machine and ultimately fell short, with Kai Havertz missing crucial opportunities. With Spain's advancement to the semi-finals, it will be Toni Kroos' last major international tournament, as his contract with Real Madrid was not renewed.
