Spain break jinx haunting them for years after taking lead against Germany in Euro 2024 quarter-final
Spain have continued their impressive campaign at Euro 2024 by taking the lead in the quarterfinal against hosts Germany. The goal gives Spain the lead and sees the Iberian nation take a major step towards the final four at the expense of the hosts.
The goal is of particular note for Spain, who broke a personal jinx when RB Leipzig forward Dani Olmo found the back of the net. The three times European champions had miraculously never scored a goal against a nation hosting the European championships.
The goal was thanks to the industry of Barcelona's magical youngster Lamine Yamal who did exceptional work on the right before feeding Olmo. The RB Leipzig forward took the shot one time and beat Manuel Neuer to open the scoring.
Germany have found the equalizer in the 89th minute of the match courtesy of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz and made it 1-1. The game will now be heading into extra time and is poised up nicely.
Joselu hoping Spain can retire Toni Kroos at Euro 2024
Spanish forward Joselu hopes he and his countrymen can retire his former Real Madrid teammate Toni Kroos in the Euro 2024 Quarterfinals. Both players go head to head in the blockbuster match in Stuttgart to decide who heads into the semi-final.
Speaking in the build-up to the game, the striker said (via FotMob):
“We hope it is his last game. It is a game that is not special because of him being here - it is [special because it's] a quarter-final against a great team.”
"We hope to retire Toni on Friday. He's been a friend to me. I have spoken with him a lot and he has advised me a lot. He is fundamental for Germany and he has been for Real Madrid. We have to be careful with him on Friday.”
Joselu concluded, saying:
"It is very important for us to win, to qualify [for the semi-finals]. About Toni, we have to believe in ourselves. We don't care about the other team's players. I think Friday will be Toni's last game.”
Both teams have high hopes at Euro 2024 and look set to play out a fantastic game in the first quarterfinal fixture.