IN a heavyweight clash worthy of a final, Spain underlined their tournament credentials by edging out host Germany in an epic encounter. It was a breathless affair that was in stark contrast to the other quarterfinal tie between France and Portugal. A game of few chances, France prevailed in the penalty shootout after a goalless stalemate.
These exits mean that football fans will have seen the last of Toni Kroos and Manuel Neuer in international colours, and quite possibly 41-year-old Pepe and the weeping Cristiano Ronaldo in the continental showpiece.
Here is a summary of the action that took place this morning.
Spain 1 v Germany 1 (2-1 after extra time)
Spain maintained their impressive form by winning their fifth consecutive match at Euro 2024 no less against the host nation.
The highly impressive Dani Olmo opened the scoring in the 51st minute after being set up by tournament-shining star Lamina Yamal. The 16-year-old had burst into the Germany penalty area and showed the maturity and composure to lay off a perfectly weighted pass for Olmo to slot home just beyond an outstretched Neuer.
In a game littered with cautions—16 in total—Germany then threw the proverbial kitchen sink at the Spanish goal. They managed to hit the woodwork twice before getting the equaliser in the 89th minute.
The late goal gave Julian Nagelsmann’s side the momentum going into extra time, but as the clock ticked on, Spain found a second wind. Olmo, again, came up with the goods – this time with a beautiful cross that was met by a towering Mikel Merino who guided a header past Neuer with just 60 seconds left on the clock.
Supporters and audiences worldwide were denied the drama of a penalty shootout, but this was a game full of action that deserved to be decided in open play.
France 0 v Portugal 0 (0-0 after extra time / France win 5-4 on penalties)
Another big showdown involving two of the world’s most recognisable players – Kylian Mbappe and Ronaldo. Both have been in the headlines at Euro 2024 for very different reasons with the former having to lead the line as a Phantom of the Opera wannabe with a facemask to protect a busted nose.
The latter was heavily criticised for his narcissistic behaviour after missing a penalty in Portugal’s last game against Slovenia, weeping like a self-centred primadonna. It was a game of few chances as Les Bleus again struggled in front of goal despite having Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann in the line-up.
Portugal ended the match with the CR7 and Joao Felix in attack, both unable to make a telling contribution until the game went to penalties, with the latter fluffing his lines and striking the woodwork.
France advanced to the semifinals despite having scored just two goals from open play. That bluntness in front of goal will have to be fixed if Didier Deschamps’s men are to overcome a rampant Spain side in the next stage of the competition.
Upcoming fixtures:
England v Switzerland – 12am (7 July)
Netherlands v Turkiye – 3am (7 July) – July 6, 2024
Main photo credit: The Guardian
