Euro 2024: Merino Nets Dramatic Stoppage-Time Header As Spain Dump Germany 2-1

Mikel Merino scored a dramatic header in the dying minutes of extra-time as Spain dumped hosts Germany out of Euro 2024 to reach the semi-finals.

Dani Olmo’s second-half strike was cancelled out by an 88th-minute equaliser from Florian Wirtz to send the game into extra-time. In the 119th minute, Merino produced a fine header from Olmo’s wonderful cross to send La Roja into the last four stages.

Spain substitute Mikel Merino condemned host nation Germany to an agonising Euro 2024 quarter-final exit with the last-gasp winner in a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory in Stuttgart for the three-time European champions.

According to Eurosport, Merino popped up in the 119th minute to power a header into Germany’s net from a lovely cross from Dani Olmo, who had fired Spain ahead on 51 minutes when he slammed a superb Lamine Yamal pass into the net.

Germany dominated the second half and deservedly equalised on 89 minutes when Florian Wirtz tucked the ball in off the post from a Joshua Kimmich header.

The game seemed destined for penalties with chances at both ends, but it was left to Luis de La Fuente’s Spain – who had Dani Carvajal sent off in the closing seconds of extra time for a second booking – to have the final say to secure a semi-final meeting with France or Portugal.

Meanwhile, Germany are left to reflect on what might have been as they become the first host nation to exit the European Championship at the quarter-final stage.

In a frantic quarter-final that could have gone either way, 14 players were booked and one was sent off from an absorbing encounter that was never worthy of so many cautions.

With so many players receiving yellow cards, having strength in depth is vital and it was the Spanish substitutes who turned the match in their favour via outstanding cameo efforts by Merino and Olmo.

But Germany also deployed their bench to great effect with Niclas Fullkrug and Wirtz unfortunate to be on the losing side after energising their side off the bench.

If Spain are going to claim the European crown for a fourth time, it is certainly going to require a squad effort to get them over the winning line.