The Euro 2024 quarter-finals kick off today with a highly-anticipated clash between two of the hottest teams at the tournament so far as Germany host Spain in Stuttgart.
The tournament hosts got their campaign going with a blistering 5-1 win over Scotland before impressing over the next two group games and fortuitously seeing off Denmark in the round of 16. Jamal Musiala has been electric and Toni Kroos is in fine form for his final competition before retirement.
Also in Germany’s favour is the fact they have won a knockout match in a major international competition for the first time since 2016 which is a clear sign that they mean business.
However, Spain have perhaps been the most complete side of the Euros so far having won all four of their games, netting nine goals in the process. They only goal they have conceded came in the last-16 win over Georgia where they bounced back from going behind to triumph 4-1.
Follow all the action from Spain v Germany with our live blog below:
Spain 1-0 Germany
60 mins: Ilkay Gundogan and David Raum are hooked off by Julian Nagelsmann as the Germany manager looks to swing the game back in his team’s favour.
Replacing them are Maximilian Mittelstadt and Niclas Fullkrug. Florian Wirtz shoots from range looking to curl one into the bottom corner but his effort is deflected out for a corner.
Mike Jones5 July 2024 18:19
Spain 1-0 Germany
57 mins: As Germany push higher up the pitch, there are spaces and gaps in their defence for Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal to exploit.
Spain can take advantage of this with the pace they have up top. Germany need to be wary as a second goal conceded could see this match slip away from them.
Robert Andrich fouls Williams and collects a yellow card. He’ll miss the semi-final for Germany too.
Mike Jones5 July 2024 18:15
Spain 1-0 Germany
54 mins: What that goal will do is open this game up as Germany look to respond. As it stands the hosts are heading out of their own tournament but they won’t go out wondering.
The next goal could be the crucial one in this quarter-final.
Mike Jones5 July 2024 18:13
GOAL! Spain 1-0 Germany (Olmo, 51’)⚽️
Spain work the ball down the right wing where Lamine Yamal is allowed time and space to operate. He carries the ball forward, brings it to the penalty area then squares a pass along the front edge of the box.
Dani Olmo times his run perfectly, arrives on the scene and slots the finish past Manuel Neuer!
Mike Jones5 July 2024 18:11
Spain 0-0 Germany
Big moment. Spain work the ball up to Williams who chips a pass over the box to Lamine Yamal. He brings the ball down, sets himself to shoot then hits a short pass into Alvaro Morata.
Morata spins off his marker then lifts his shot over the crossbar!
Mike Jones5 July 2024 18:07
Second half! Spain 0-0 Germany
Both managers make some changes at half-time. Robin Le Normand is replaced with Nacho for Spain as Robert Anrich and Florian Wirtz taking the place of Emre Can and Leroy Sane.
Spain get the ball rolling again in Stuttgart.
Mike Jones5 July 2024 18:04
HT Spain 0-0 Germany
The winner of this match, which could very well go to extra-time and penalties, will face either France or Portugal in the semi-finals.
That game kicks off at 8pm this evening in what is being billed as a battle of generations with Kylian Mbappe taking on Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mike Jones5 July 2024 17:59
HT Spain 0-0 Germany
Germany edged possession in that half with 53% compared to Spain’s 47%. It was the Spanish who took more chances though and created eight attempts with four on target.
The Germans managed three shots and two on target including Kai Havertz’s headed effort.
Defensively, Antonio Rudiger and David Raum have been booked for Germany with Spain’s Robin Le Normand also in the book.
Mike Jones5 July 2024 17:55
HT Spain 0-0 Germany
Mike Jones5 July 2024 17:51
Half-time! Spain 0-0 Germany
45+2 mins: The whistle goes to end the first 45 minutes and neither side has managed to assert their authority on the game. There’s been a continuous tussle for possession and very few good chances to score.
Kai Havertz probably had the best opportunity but sent his header straight to Unai Simon. All to play for in the second half.
Mike Jones5 July 2024 17:47