Mikel Merino Hails Spain’s Euro 2024 Triumph Over Germany

Mikel Merino hailed Spain’s Euro 2024 quarter-final win over hosts Germany as worthy of a final. Coach Luis de la Fuente likened his team to a “winning horse.” In a clash of the tournament’s top-scoring teams, Dani Olmo, who played 112 minutes despite starting on the bench, scored the opener and assisted Mikel Merino’s extra-time winner. Germany’s Florian Wirtz had equalized in the 89th minute. Spain will face France in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Exhausted but elated, Real Sociedad midfielder Merino reflected on the match as a unique moment, asserting that it could have been a World Cup or European Championship final. He praised his team’s resilience and strength. Spain, one of the tournament’s standout teams, defeated Croatia, Italy, and Albania in the group stage, and Georgia in the last 16. Young wingers Lamine Yamal, 16, and Nico Williams, 21, have been among the tournament’s stars.

However, Spain had to adapt their strategy, replacing both wingers and striker Alvaro Morata at 1-0. De la Fuente expressed pride in his players’ relentless competitiveness and confidence in their potential to win the tournament. Despite the joy, he emphasized controlled euphoria and readiness for the semi-finals. Spain will miss suspended defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand, and midfielder Pedri is doubtful due to injury.

The match saw 15 cards, the second-most in Euro history with seven for Spain including Carvajal’s red card. De la Fuente, recalling the tough football of the 1980s, praised his team’s performance amid the physicality. Man of the match Olmo, who plays for RB Leipzig in Germany, highlighted the importance of heart over physical fatigue. He urged his team to celebrate calmly and focus on the upcoming semi-finals.

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin noted that Spain’s victory was not just about tactics but also about endurance and mental toughness. Despite their suspensions, he acknowledged Spain’s grit and determination.