Euro 2024: Spain eliminate hosts Germany after extra time

Olmo hadn't even expected to feature early in the game, but an early injury to Pedri allowed him into the fray soon after the start

Spain have ejected Germany from Euro 2024, winning 2-1 after extra time in a tight game in Stuttgart. Mikel Merino bagged the late goal in extra time to dash the hosts' hopes.

Germany are out of Euro 2024, eliminated 2-1 after extra time by Spain following a fierce battle in Stuttgart on Friday.

Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal to seal the victory, dashing the host nation's hopes of a run all the way to the final in Berlin.

Both sides had chances during extra time and were broadly even throughout the match.

Advantage Spain thanks to substitute Olmo

First-half bookings for Antonio Rüdiger and David Raum in defense meant Germany had to tread on eggshells for much of the match, but the first period provided few real tests for either goalkeeper.

Spain often threatened via the flanks and tricky wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, and the opening goal in the 51st minute was no exception.

Yamal found space wide on the right and was picked out by Alvaro Morata, with David Raum slow to close the winger down.

Yamal played a clever low cutback across the edge of the penalty area and Olmo took the shot in stride first time, stroking it low into the far corner out of Manuel Neuer's reach.

Germany force extra time at the last

Germany threw caution to the wind after the goal, bringing on Niclas Füllkrug up front in addition to Kai Havertz.

Havertz in particular had a pair of late chances to level the score. But a long-range lob drifted agonizingly over the crossbar and a late chance was denied with a sharp save from Unai Simon.

Florian Wirtz finally netted an equalizer in the 89th minute that was somewhat reminiscent of Olmo's finish.

Germany's cross came from Raum on the left, and Joshua Kimmich headed it down into Wirtz's path. He fired first time, in off the inside of the far post, leaving the keeper no real chance.

This is a developing story, more to follow...

Author: Mark Hallam