Sports
Spain Triumphs Over Germany in Extra Time Thriller to Reach Euro 2024 Semi-Finals
By Abubakar Yunusa
A dramatic goal by Mikel Merino in the final minute of extra time propelled Spain to a 2-1 victory over Germany, securing their place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
After a tense, scoreless first half, Spain broke the deadlock in the 51st minute. Dani Olmo seized on a precise pass from young star Lamine Yamal, putting Spain ahead. Germany nearly equalized when Niclas Fuellkrug hit the post with 14 minutes left.
As the match neared its end, Florian Wirtz delivered a stunning equalizer in the 89th minute, converting a Joshua Kimmich knock-down to push the game into extra time.
With the game seemingly destined for penalties, Olmo lofted a perfect cross to Merino, who headed it home, clinching the win for Spain.
Germany’s exit marked the end of their hopes for a home victory at Euro 2024 and also signaled the conclusion of Toni Kroos’ illustrious career.
The match, featuring two of the most successful teams in Euros history, was expected to be a closely contested battle. Spain identified Kroos as a key threat pre-match, and the veteran midfielder’s collision with Pedri led to an early substitution for Spain.
Despite their experience, Germany struggled with Spain’s pace. Kai Havertz had the best chances for Germany in the first half, but couldn’t convert.
In the second half, Julian Nagelsmann’s changes aimed to inject fresh energy into Germany’s attack. Substitutes Robert Andrich and Florian Wirtz added urgency, but it was Olmo who struck first for Spain.
Germany fought back, with Wirtz proving especially dangerous. His late equalizer sent the game into extra time, where both teams had chances to win. Mikel Oyarzabal and Wirtz each came close, while Germany’s appeal for a penalty after Jamal Musiala’s shot hit Marc Cucurella’s hand was denied.
Ultimately, Olmo’s cross found Merino, whose header sealed Spain’s dramatic victory.
Germany’s loss ended their dream of a fairytale Euros win on home soil and brought down the curtain on Kroos’ distinguished international career. Meanwhile, Spain’s quest for a record-breaking fourth Euros crown continues.
The La Liga meeting between Barcelona and Osasuna on Saturday night has been called off at the last-minute.
This comes following the death of medical doctor of Barcelona.
The day’s action in Spain’s top-flight was due to be brought to a close in Catalunya’s capital late this evening.
As much came with table-topping Barcelona looking to extend their advantage over the chasing pack, in a home meeting with Osasuna.
The two squads had been close to finalising their warm-ups, with the respective starting XIs having been made official across social media, too.
As alluded to above, though, Barca and Osasuna will not take to the pitch on Saturday.
As confirmed by La SER, amongst others, this comes following the passing of an unnamed individual:
‘A person close to the FC Barcelona locker room has died and the players asked for the suspension of the match.’
Mohamed Salah scored two penalties as Liverpool came from behind to beat rock-bottom Southampton for the second time this season and moved 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The Reds were miles below their best after their energy-draining late win at Paris Saint Germain on Wednesday – but all that matters at this stage of the season is results.
This takes them one step closer to the title and leaves Saints still in danger of the lowest Premier League points total ever.
The visitors allowed themselves to dream when Will Smallbone took advantage of a huge mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson to slot in from a tight angle.
But Reds boss Arne Slot made a triple substitution at half-time and Liverpool were much improved.
Darwin Nunez, perhaps fortunate not to be one of the ones replaced at the break, slotted in from Luis Diaz’s cutback.
And then the Uruguayan striker was fouled by Smallbone for a penalty, which Mohamed Salah predictably dispatched with style.
Liverpool fans started singing “now you’re going to believe us, we’re going to win the league” after that.
Salah also netted another spot-kick late on, for his 27th goal of the season, after the video assistant referee spotted a Yukinari Sugawara handball.
Second-placed Arsenal have two games in hand – including Sunday’s match with Manchester United – but it is impossible to see anyone overhauling Liverpool.
Nigeria’s U-17 national women football team Flamingoes on Saturday beat host South Africa’s Bantanwa 3-1 to take a giant step in the FIFA Under 17 women world cup qualifiers.
The Nigerian girls stunned their host in the match played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium following goals from Shukurat Moshood and Harmony Chidi who scored a brace, thus taking the upper hand in the two legged affair.
Malebana however scored one goal consolation for the hosting team.
The return leg will now be played in Abuja, Nigeria in a fortnight as the Flamingoes hope to qualify for the final round of the qualifiers in style.
The victory may serve as inspiration to other Nigerian national teams like the Super Eagles and Super Falcons who have been having a tough time dealing with the South Africans, especially away from home.
The Super Eagles will be hoping to replicate such performance when they play Bafana Bafana in the 2026 world cup qualifiers later in the summer.