MERRYINO!: Last-gasp goal from substitute puts an end to Germany’s journey

STUTTGART, July 5

A Mikel Merino goal in extra time gave Spain a dramatic 2-1 win over Germany in an enthralling quarter-final clash today between the two most successful European Championship nations.

The game was into the 119th minute and looked set for a penalty shootout before substitute Merino rose to head home the winning goal from Dani Olmo’s cross and break the hearts of the majority of the crowd inside the Stuttgart Arena.

Demiral gets 2-game ban, Bellingham fined

HAMBURG/ISTANBUL: Europe’s football body UEFA handed a two-match ban today to Turkish football player Merih Demiral for his politically charged “wolf” celebration and fined England’s Jude Bellingham €30,000 for a crotch-grabbing gesture at Euro 2024. Reuters

After a scoreless first half, Olmo put Spain ahead six minutes after the break, drilling home a first-time shot into the bottom corner, but Germany forced extra time through an 89th goal from Florian Wirtz.

The hosts Germany pushed hard for a late leveller but Spain held out to advance to the last-four stage of the championship. — Reuters