The first two quarter-final ties of UEFA Euro 2024 kept the neutrals on their toes as both matches went into extra time. Spain edged hosts Germany in the first game, while France knocked out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on penalties in the late kick-off.
Spain managed to knock out hosts Germany after a breath-taking encounter. In an end-to-end tie, both outfits had their share of opportunities in the first half. However, the first 45 went goalless, and then it was the Spaniards who ended up opening the scoring through Dani Olmo’s perfectly-placed shot from just within the box in the 51st minute.
The German response was certainly strong as they managed to create a couple of opportunities of their own, even hitting the post. Eventually, their hard work paid off as Florian Wirtz found a late equaliser (89’).
We were then headed for extra time where, once again, both teams had a couple of half chances, but it was Mikel Merino who made his opportunity count in the 119th minute, heading home a loopy cross from Olmo to seal Spain’s place in the final four.
Germany enjoyed slightly more possession in the tie (52%) and took 23 shots, five more than Spain, while finding the target five times as compared to Spain’s six.
This also marks the end of Real Madrid CF icon Toni Kroos’ professional career, who had announced his retirement from the sport before the close of the 2023/24 season.
Also read: UEFA EURO 2024 Semi-finals preview
This second quarter-final between Portugal and France didn’t provide end-to-end action like the previous game and saw few clear-cut opportunities in the first half. The best effort came from Theo Hernández, who struck a sweet shot from outside the box but hit it straight at the opposition goalkeeper.
However, the second half saw teams get out of their shell a little more, and the chance of the game fell to Vitinha, who failed to convert a cross from close range in the 63rd minute. Randal Kolo Muani was later denied by Diogo Costa after going through on goal.
Both teams failed to break the deadlock in the additional period and we headed for penalties. After Costa’s heroics against Slovenia in the previous match, it was Mike Maignan this time who came out on top, albeit without producing a save.
Overall, Portugal kept 60% possession and took 15 shots, five fewer than France. Roberto Martinez’s team found the target four times, while Les Bleus made Costa work on five occasions.
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