Spain 2-1 Germany: Spain ratings as hosts knocked out of EURO 2024 in quarter-final
Spain beat Germany 2-1 in extra time in the quarter-final of EURO 2024 on Friday (July 5) in Stuttgart. The hosts now out of a tournament they were strong contenders to win.
The first half was decent for both sides, with Spain looking like the better side. They might have had slightly less possession by the end of the first half (47%) but had more shots on goal.
La Roja began their hunt for goals, with an early chance going to Pedri, who forced a save from Manuel Neuer. However, the young midfielder went under two heavy tackles from Toni Kroos and had to be substituted early on (8').
He looked rather devastated as he made way for Dani Olmo, who provided the first goal of the game. Olmo ghosted into the box unmarked in the 51st minute, meeting a brilliant pass from Lamine Yamal, which he finished with a low shot into the bottom corner.
Spain then sat back as Germany searched for the equaliser, and find it they did. It might have taken up till the 89th minute, but Die Roten fought hard. They got close calls through Niclas Fullkrug, who hit the bar, and Kai Havertz, who nearly chipped the ball into the net.
Eventually, though, substitute Florian Wirtz found the net with a moment of instinct. A long ball into the far post was headed back towards the middle by Joshua Kimmich to an unmarked Wirtz, whose first-time effort was too far away for goalkeeper Unai Simon to stop.
The game went to extra time, where Spain took charge of the proceedings quickly. But it took till the 119th minute for subsitute Mikel Merino to score a header, thanks to a quality cross from Dani Olmo, Germany eventually bowed out of EURO 2024 but not before Fullkrug put a header narrowly wide.
Spain's player ratings against Germany
Unai Simon: 7/10
The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper was in form against Germany, making five quality saves. He may have conceded a goal but faced an expected goals on target of 1.88. He ensured that they made it through the second half and extra time despite being regularly threatened by Fullkrug and Havertz.
Dani Carvajal: 6/10
It's not every time a player gets a red card and gets a fairly good rating, but the Real Madrid defender was vibrant throughout 119 minutes of play. He provided passes into the final third when he could and made important interceptions at the back.
Robin Le Normand: 6/10
The Real Sociedad defender spent only the first half on the pitch. He had already picked up a yellow card, and the head coach likely didn't want to risk him getting another booking. He got subbed off for Nacho Fernandez, but while playing, he hardly put a foot wrong.
Aymeric Laporte: 7/10
The Al-Nassr defender showed he still has the ability to play at the top level, helping Spain sit deep when necessary and recycle possession when required. He played the full 120 minutes, tackling well and ending the game without a booking.
Marc Cucurella: 7/10
He might not have gotten more chances to provided crosses into the final third, but his presence forced Germany to defend wider than they wanted to. He constantly bombarded down the flank, creating an important chance and helping the Spaniards win.
Pedri: 6/10
He only spent eight minutes on the pitch before getting injured. However, he might just have scored the first goal, and he looked promising early on.
Rodri: 8/10
The Manchester City player did everything for Spain. He recycled possession constantly, created quality chances and was in the thick of the tussle, winning the most duels (10) in the game.
Fabian Ruiz: 7.5/10
The PSG midfielder had a field time providing quality support for his teammates. He may not have gotten an assist, but Ruiz created three chances and remained the link between the midfield and attack.
Lamine Yamal: 8/10
The 16-year-old spent just over an hour on the pitch for Spain but caused Germany a lot of problems with his passing and movement. He helped provide the opening goal, finding Dani Olmo with the perfect pass.
Alvaro Morata: 6/10
Alvaro Morata struggled to impact the game as the main striker, hardly getting touches on the ball in quality areas. He had a big chance to score but squandered the effort.
Nico Williams: 6/10
The Athletic Bilbao winger's pace was a thorn in the heart of Germany's defence, at times. They were often able to stop his impact, using Antonio Rudiger to keep an eye on him.
Ratings of Spain substitutes
Dani Olmo: 9/10
He came in for Pedri and made sure that Spain didn't miss the Barcelona midfielder. He helped their cause with a goal to open the scoring and an assist to secure the win.
Nacho Fernandez: 6.5/10
The experienced defender helped the Spaniards hold down the forte against Germany for the second half and all of extra time.
Ferran Torres: 6/10
The Barcelona forward had a big chance to cement the win for Spain in extra time but failed to capitalise.
Mikel Merino: 8/10
He came in to help the defence hold off from conceding a goal, but Germany scored. However, deep into extra time, he was in the right place at the right time to power in a header, winning the game for Spain.
Mikel Oyarzabal: 6.5/10
The Real Sociedad forward helped create chances for the Spaniards, while also making a meaningful effort in defence.
Joselu: 6/10
He made only six touches and didn't have enough time to make more of an impact.