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Mikel Merino shatters Germany's hopes as Spain eliminate hosts to advance to semi-finals

Mikel Merino shatters Germany's hopes as Spain eliminate hosts to advance to semi-finals

Mikel Merino scored an exciting goal with his head during extra time which helped Spain progress to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 following a 2-1 victory over hosts Germany.

Spain took the lead with a goal from Dani Olmo six minutes into the second half, but Germany fought back and Florian Wirtz scored an equalizer in the 89th minute.

The game seemed to be heading towards a penalty shootout, but in the 119th minute, substitute Merino's header secured Spain's spot in the final four and eliminated the tournament hosts.

Dani Carvajal received a second yellow card in the dying moments of the match, and La Roja will now face either France or Portugal in the semi-finals.

Spain made a strong start to the match with a chance early on when Alvaro Morata set up Pedri on the edge of the box, but his shot was easily saved by Manuel Neuer.

Unfortunately, Pedri had to leave the field due to injury just eight minutes into the game, dealing a blow to La Roja.

Germany had their first significant opportunity when Havertz's header was saved by Unai Simon after a great pass from Antonio Rudiger.

Another chance came for Havertz following a brilliant ball from Rudiger, but Simon made a crucial save, and Neuer also denied Olmo with a long-range shot.

Spain came out strong in the second half, and their efforts paid off as Olmo scored in the 51st minute with a well-taken shot to give Spain the lead.

Germany pushed for an equalizer, with Fullkrug and Rudiger coming close before Simon made an impressive save to keep out Robert Andrich's powerful strike.

Wirtz leveled the score in the 89th minute with a low shot into the bottom corner after a period of sustained pressure from Germany.

Both teams had chances to win in extra time, with Oyarzabal and Wirtz missing narrowly for their respective sides.

Germany had a golden opportunity through Fullkrug, but he failed to hit the target, and Simon made a fantastic save to deny his header.

Despite Germany's efforts, Merino's goal in the 119th minute proved decisive, sealing Spain's victory with a header from Olmo's cross.

The match ended with more drama as Fullkrug missed narrowly with a header, and Carvajal was sent off for a foul on Musiala.