Spain 2-1 Germany - Euro 2024 RECAP: Mikel Merino dumps hosts OUT

We have our very first semi-finalist of this year's European Championship.

And it's not Germany.

The host nations' journey came to a crashing halt in Stuttgart as Mikel Merino's last-gasp header in extra-time sent them packing.

It was an encounter that took a while to get going, but when it did you could not keep your eyes off it.

Florian Wirtz dramatically sent the tie to extra-time with an 89th-minute equaliser after Dani Olmo had opened the scoring to Spain.

the match looked destined for penalties, but Merino had other ideas and leaped up high to nod home an Olmo cross to silence Stuttgart.

Now they wait to see if it will be Portugal or France who they do battle with in the last four.

That's where I am heading now, and hopefully, all of you follow.

See you all on the flip side!

Fully deserved.

When Pedri hobbled off after eight minutes with tears in his eyes, I feared for Spain. It was a major blow.

But boy, oh boy, did Dani Olmo put in a shift in his place.

The RB Leipzig man put in one of his best performances in a Spain shirt, scoring the opener and then assisting the winner.

He was a nuisance to the Germany backline all game.

A stellar display.

The 10th time is a charm, right Spain?

Before today, Spain had faced the hosts of a major tournament on nine occasions, and they failed to win a single one.

Well, thanks to Dani Olmo and Mikel Merino, that statistic is no longer true.

The curse is broken.

We were treated to a cracker today, weren't we?

Germany edged the statistics slightly, but it was such a tightly fought game all evening.

The only statistic that matters is the scoreline, though, and it's Spain that are smiling at that one.

An incredible night of footie!

Spain fans will have their eyes turned straight to this.

Portugal and France are currently locking horns in Hamburg, and whoever wins will face Spain in the last four.

It's till early days, and not too much has happened of note in this one.

If you want to follow along, make sure you click on the link below.

While Spain won't care atbout this right now, they will be missing some key players for the semi-final.

There were a ridiculous amount of cards handed out today by Anthony Taylor, and some of them proved costly for Spain.

So who is out for their last four tie?

• Dani Carvajal
• Alvaro Morata
• Robin Le Normand

40 years and counting.

The last time the host nation won a European Championship was France all the way back in 1984.

That's 16 years before I was born...

Well, it will now be at least 44 as Germany could not get the job done in Stuttgart.

This must feel very weird for Newcastle fans.

It has come to my attention that both Mikel Merino and Joselu played together at the Magpies between 2017-18.

It's fair to say, they didn't exactly set the Premier League alight, but boy have times changed.

Now they are both celebrating a Euros last-eight win, with Merino scoring the winner.

What a sport football is, eh?

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

A Carles Puyol header won Spain the World Cup semi-final in 2010 – the year they won it. After this, they have reason to believe that history can repeat itself.

Pat Nevin, Former Scotland international, on BBC Radio 5 Live:

It was incredible. You had no idea where it was going to go. You talk about tactics and systems but it became much more human than that. It was about who was going to be least exhausted and who would switch off for that split second. And it turned out to be the Germans.

I do feel sorry for them, they have been great hosts and improved as the tournament has gone along. They looked like they were going to cruise this, but well done to Spain. They are not just a pretty team, they have grit as well. But they also have a lot of suspensions so will find it hard to get past whoever they play in the semi-final.

Germany made history tonight... but not in a good way.

They are the first host nation to ever lose a quarter-final at the European Championship.

Now that has got to sting, surely...

These pictures tell you all you need to know.

Germany were flying this tournament, they looked like real contenders after their performances in the group stage.

Even today they were the better side for long spells of the match and looked the more likely team to go on and win the game in extra-time.

They didn't, though, and it's despair for Julian Nagelsmann and his team.

Wow, just wow.

If I were to pick one player to win this match in the fashion it was won, Mikel Merino would not have even crossed my mind.

But he was the man who turned up when a hero was needed, and he turned up in a big way.

What a header!

Well then, Toni Kroos is now officially retired.

That is not the ending to his career he would have wanted, but what a career it was.

Kroos showed throughout this tournament that he will be leaving at the very top of his game.

But he won't be leaving with the European Championship trophy.

The celebrations are well and truly underway for all those in red at the Stuttgart Arena.

They have managed to jump their biggest hurdle when they look spent right at the end.

All the players are jumping around with smiles on their faces in front of their fans.

Incredible scenes.

Germany hearts are broken as the whistle is blown by Anthony Taylor.

Mikel Merino's late header in extra-time means Spain beat a host nation at the European Championship for the very first time.

It's ecstasy for the Spanish and agony for the Germans.

What a match!

I told you there would be a red card.

Dani Carvajal gets a booking for rugby tackling Jamal Musiala down by the throat.

That would have been a red for a high tackle in rugby...

Niclas Fullkrug heads wide with the practically last kick of the game, that was their chance!

It's so, so close. I thought it was heading in. It's nearly exactly the same as Mikel Merion's goal.

But it goes wide.

Ferran Torres is clear, surely he is going to seal it... but he puts his chip wide.

It's not going to matter, though.

There are three additional minutes, with one of them already played.

Can Germany respond, surely they can't?

Minutes of chaos to come.

MIKEL MERINO HAS WON IT RIGHT AT THE DEATH!

The midfielder rises highest to head home a spectacular Dani Olmo's cross to silence Stuttgart.

The match seemed destined for penalties, but Spain have crushed the dreams of the hosts right at the end of extra time.

Incredible drama.

I bet penalties are in the minds of all of these players now. They are certainly in mine.

We have just two minutes to go, will there be any more drama?

That is a massive, massive save from Unai Simon!

Niclas Fullkrug flicks a brilliant header toward goal and it looks destined for the corner of the net.

Somehow, Simon manages to scamper across and get a hand to the ball.

Spain survive.

Is there a sniper in this stadium?

Nacho Fernandez falls to the ground like he has been shot...

He goes down under the pressure of Florian Wirtz and then rolls around on the floor clutching his back.

Come on, Nacho...

Mikel Oyarzabal is Spain's brightest spark at the moment.

he drives forward and tries to find the bottom corner, but he bends the ball the wrong side of the post.

Toni Kroos then decides to take a seat, I bet he is shattered.

Guess what? Another booking.

Rodri is the man cautioned this time for a sloppy challenge. he looks absolutely knackered.

I feel red coming soon.

Oh, Niclas Fullkrug, you have to do better there.

Germany counter-attack like lightning. Jamal Musiala sends Florian Wirtz away and you think the latter will return the ball to the former.

But no, he slides the ball to Fullkrug who blazes miles over.

Wrong choice, Florian.

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

How Spain are missing Yamal and Williams, the prodigious wingers. They’re a shadow of the team we’ve seen so far. Luis de la Fuente must be rueing the decision to remove Yamal on 63 minutes and Williams after 80. A shoot-out looks like Spain’s best shot at winning this now.

Well, well, well.

The ball strikes Marc Cucurella in the hand, which is down by his side, and Germany scream for a penalty.

We have seen those given, but I think it would be harsh to give it.

And Anthony Taylor agrees with me it seems.

15 more minutes to go...

Who will come out in this one, or are we destined for spot kicks?

We are as we were 15 minutes ago.

Germany seem to have lost their momentum, but they are still opening Spain up.

Are there goals still to come?

Oh my word, I thought that was it!

Germany nearly create a replica of Spain's opening goal, but the net does not ripple this time.

Thomas Muller cuts the ball back for a charging Florian Wirtz, who fires the ball just wide of the post.

So, so close!

Oooooft, you don't get too much closer than that.

Mikel Oyarzabal decides to have a crack from outside the area, and he fires the ball inches wide of the right-hand post.

For a minute, I thought that was heading into the bottom corner.

A monumental moment for Joselu, he is called upon to lead the line for the remaining minutes.

Fabian Ruiz makes away, and my word does he look spent.

Florian Wirtz is my Man of the Match, and he didn't even start the match today.

He has made such a big difference to this Germany side, and yet again he causes Spain problems.

The Leverkusen man slides through Jamal Musiala, but the latter's cross is beaten away by Unai Simon.

Another yellow card? Yes, there is another.

Dani Carvajal has now been booked which means he would miss the semi-final should Spain get there.

Whoever gets through, the team will be missing several players.

Both number eights, Fabian Ruiz, and Toni Kroos, are down after a collision.

Enjoy the rest while you can lads, there is still much more to play...

Spain look so flustered, they have not managed to regain any momentum.

They could be clinging on for penalties, but if you do that it very rarely works.

Florian Wirtz is the recipient of this game's 10th yellow card.

I mean, 10, come on. That's a lot of work for Anthony Taylor to do after this one finishes.

And the short break is over, we are back underway!

Kai Havertz has been hooked, Waldemar Anton comes into the action for extra-time.

Can Germany keep up their pressure?

Just listen to that roar as the ball hits the net.

It's such a simple, but effective, goal. It is the least Germany deserved for their second-half performance.

And it means we get to watch half an hour more!

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Julian Nagelsmann has a reputation for excellent substitutions and Germany’s have certainly made a huge difference here. Florian Wirtz, fastening onto to Kimmich’s header back across goal and smashing into the turf and into the net, who saved Germany this time. A game that is every bit living up to its billing here.

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Wow, wow, wow. Spain were oh so close but it feels like Germany have all the momentum now. Those German celebrations were something else. Can't recall such an immense outpouring of relief inside a stadium. Strap yourselves in...

Thomas Muller comes close with the last kick of the game, and then the whistle goes.

Extra-time it is.

Germany have all the momentum, Spain now need to regroup, they are on the ropes.

What a second half we just witnessed!

The tension could be cut with a knife.

Every time Germany surge forward there is a roar, but you can feel the nerves when Spain have the ball.

There are just two minutes left...

Can Germany find a winner?

They have the momentum and have four minutes of stoppage time to find one.

If not, extra time looms.

Florian Wirtz to the rescue for Germany!

It's been coming, and Wirtz equalises for the hosts with just a minute left of normal time.

Max Mittelstadt pings a ball to the back post which Joshua Kimmich nods back for Wirtz to fire home via the post.

The Stuttgart Arena erupts with joy!

Ohhhh, Kai Havertz.

The Arsenal man gets on the end of a Toni Kroos set-piece and has the goal at his mercy, but he nods straight at Unai Simon.

If he had scored, it wouldn't have counted. He is penalised for a push on a Spain defender.

Spain finally decide to have a crack at goal, and it's Fabian Ruiz who has the lightbulb moment.

His strike is not threatening, though, and drifts wide of the mark.

Unai Simon nearly makes the ultimate boob of himself.

The goalkeeper fires the ball straight to Kai Havertz from a goal kick, and the striker runs through.

He spots Simon off his line and if he gets the lob right, it's 1-1.

But he puts too much power on the effort and the ball flies agonisingly over the bar.

Was that the moment?

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Echoes of Germany’s attempts to find a comeback against the Swiss, in the way they have set about finding an equaliser here. With Niclas Fullkrug on from the bench Germany now have two up top and two winders as they look to get level. Spain who had started the second half higher, are dropping deeper.

Both managers look to the bench to switch things up.

Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal enter the fray for Spain, replacing Nico Williams and Alvaro Morata.

Thomas Muller - who has never scored at the European Championship - is now on for Jonathan Tah.

Julian Nagelsmann's substitutions have made a huge difference in this match.

Germany have had seven shots since Dani Olmo opened the scoring, while the Spanish have failed to fashion a single one.

They are still behind where it matters, though.

Niclas Fullkrug smashes the ball against the post!

Florian Wirtz fires the ball into the area for the striker to attack, and he gets to it first and slides the ball into the base of the post.

I thought that was the moment, the ball looked destined to hit the back of the net.

So, so unlucky.

I can't keep up with all of these bookings.

Ferran Torres decides rugby tackling is a good idea in the game of football, well, it's not.

And he gets booked for it.

Now another yellow card for Germany, this time it is shown to Max Mittelstadt.

The full-back is outraged, but I'm not sure why. He wiped out Ferran Toress on the counter.

It means he will miss the semi-final if Germany turn this around.

Germany are certainly on top now, but Spain are throwing bodies on the line.

Dani Carvajal produces an excellent block to deny Kai Havertz a near-certain goal before Niclas Fullkrug then heads wide.

The chances are stacking up now.

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Not such a surprise to see Lamine leave the field - substituted after barely an hour. In three successive attacks for Spain, he had not tracked back to do his defensive job.

In an environment like this and with Spain a goal up, Luis de la Fuente decided he could not afford to take that risk. Ferran Torres his replacement is doing more defensive work.

Unai Simon comes up trumps for Spain denying Robert Andrich down low to his left.

Kai Havertz then screams for handball on Marc Cucurella, and the stadium joins in with him.

Never a penalty.

Has Toni Kroos just been booked for the final time in his illustrious career?

He is shown a yellow card for hacking down Dani Olmo who was breaking well.

That is brilliant from Dani Carvajal!

The full-back does so, so well to nip in and take the ball away from Niclkas Fullkrug who looked clear.

Those are the tackles that win you games...

Now this has surprised me...

Lamine Yamal, who got the assist for Dani Olmo's goal, is being substituted.

Ferran Torres is the man being tasked with replacing him.

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

I'm lucky to be here but have watched some poor football in my three weeks in Germany... not least from Scotland or England so I must say that it is a joy to watch Spain. So easy on the eye.

Every single one of them looks good on the ball and their understanding of each other is worth a mention. Such a confident football side.

This match is a completely different prospect now.

Germany are going for it, and substitute Florian Wirtz fires wide via a deflection, and the German fans roar.

The corner does come to nothing, but the atmosphere has completely changed in here.

Robert Andrich goes into the book and will now miss the semi-final if Germany make it.

And Julian Nagelsmann has decided to make some more changes.

Max Mittelstadt is on for David Raum while Niclas Fullkrug replaces Ilkay Gungogan.

We know how good Fullkrug is off the bench...

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

A goal of such beautiful simplicity to break the deadlock here. A ball out of defence from Aymeric Laporte to Alvaro Morata who sends Lamine on his way and does not follow the ball into the box, knowing that the teenager can find a runner.

That runner is Olmo, cruising in to the edge of the box undetected, to clip a first time shot past Manuel Neuer. Such majesty. A privilege to be here to witness it.

Germany's sudden realisation they need a goal is leaving them open at the back.

Spain break in rapid fashion and Nico Williams gets on the end of the move, but he can't wrap his foot around the ball properly.

If he got a good connection, that would have been goal number two for Spain.

The goal has done wonders for this match already.

Germany have suddenly realised they need to get forward, their urgency has ramped up a few notches.

Now we have a game on our hands.

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Delightful goal. Lamine Yamal with all the time in the world picks out Dani Olmo, who passes it into the bottom corner. Such good football and reward for the one team who have tried to play football here.

Dani Olmo makes the breakthrough for Spain!

It's a lovely goal too. Alvaro Morata releases Lamine Yamal on the right and he pulls the ball back for Olmo who arrives late into the area.

The substitute takes his chance first time and rolls the ball into the bottom corner.

Germany fell asleep, and Olmo took advantage.

What a chance that is for Alvaro Morata!

The ball is clipped over to Lamine Yamal on the right-hand side of the box.

The winger takes the ball down and fires it into Alvaro Morata who has his back to goal.

The striker turns brilliantly and you expect the goal to ripple, but he blazes over the bar.

He has to at least get the ball on target.

Both sides have decided to make some changes.

Nacho Fernandez has replaced Robin Le Normand - who was on a booking - at the heart of the defence.

Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz has entered proceedings for Germany, coming on for Leroy Sane.

Robert Andrich is also on and Emre Can makes way.

Anyway, we are back underway now in Stuttgart.

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Pedri has sprained the ligament in his knee, after that early challenge from Toni Kroos, and will play no further part in this tournament if Spain progress.  He was crying when he left the field and his tragedy is Spain’s tragedy.

He has two very bad years for injuries and has had to work hard psychologically as part of the process of coming back. Terrible news, whichever way tonight’s game goes.

It's fair to say, the wingers on both sides have struggled to shine as of yet.

These stats from Sofascore tell the story, only four completed dribbles from the 11 made between Jamal Musiala, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams.

What can they do to get more joy?

Anonymous: Scrappy but enjoyable. End to end with plenty of zip - quite the opposite of the slow, dull England games.

Hans, Cologne: Boring so far. Both teams are afraid of each other. With no lucky punch in the second half, we are in for penalties which is worse.

Patrick, London: Fascinating tactical battle between two excellent teams - they seem pretty evenly matched - it is hard to call a winner as this is very tight with very few clear goal-scoring chances - it has a feeling of extra time and penalties that will decide the ultimate outcome.

A variety of opinions...

In the words of Olivia Newton-John, this one has been physical.

Germany set the tone early on with some big tackles that ended with Pedri coming off after just eight minutes.

Spain then reacted and have decided to fly into a few big challenges themselves.

Three yellow cards have been shown, but there could have been more if we are being honest.

Hopefully, there will be more flow in the second half.

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

A compelling first half with Spain getting their brilliant young wide players Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams into plenty of possession - but really reduced to shooting from distance too often. There’s not enough movement from Alvaro Morata and he is the weak offensive link at times.

Germany are the more physical and muscular side, playing more directly and they look the more likely to score.

Anthony Taylor blows the whistle and we are goalless in Stuttgart at the break.

In all honesty, it's not been the pulsating matchup we had expected going into the match.

Spain have looked the side more likely to break the deadlock, but have struggled to fashion any big chances.

While Germany have struggled, Kai Havertz had the biggest opportunity of the half but could not guide home an opener with his head.

It's been fouls galore, but not goals galore.

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Neither Jamal Musiala or Leroy Sane have got into a dangerous position yet and that sums up the lack of attacking threat that Germany have offered. Their game plan is clear but I'm not sure whether it's the correct one. Spain look much likelier to score...

There will be just two minutes of first-half stoppage time.

Will either side manage to fashion a big chance before the break? I doubt it...

Nervy moments for Germany, but Jamal Musiala hooks the ball clear.

It was like an under 11s match for a few seconds as several players were all trying to get the ball at the same time.

Sums up this match, so far.

We have not seen vintage Nico Williams as of yet.

He drives at Joshua Kimmich but decides not to try and beat him, instead aiming for Alvaro Morata in the area.

His cross is poor, though. He overcooks it.

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Nico Williams while looking down at the ball at his feet is gesticulating to teammates to get into the box for the cross. There’s no one there for him and he feels that frustration.

Ooooh, Manuel Neuer gets away with one there...

Dani Olmo unleashes a stinging effort from outside the area that Manuel Neuer can only push into the path of an onrushing Alvaro Morata.

But the ball just doesn't fall well to the striker and he is forced out wide.

He may have been offside anyway.

The chances are starting to rack up now.

This time it's Spain that fly forward, and Dani Olmo sends in Nico Williams on the left.

The winger drives into the area and tries to squeeze the ball in at the near post, but Manuel Neuer gets low to save.

He ends up being offside anyway.

Oh, that was nearly far too easy for Germany.

They fire a ball over the top to Kai Havertz in the area, he turns Robin Le Normand and fires a decent effort at goal.

But Unai Simon gets low to save well.

Spain switched off for a second there.

Joshua Kimmich goes too early and ruins a great chance for Germany.

Jamal Musiala slides Kimmich through on the right, but he drifts too far astray and the flag goes up.

His cross ends up being poor anyway.

Robin Le Normand's booking means he will miss the semi-final if Spain get there.

Le Normand has been decent so far this tournament, so that's not the best news for the Spanish.

They have alternatives, though.

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Spain have looked the more dangerous team in the first 25 minutes, effective in transition and with wonderful balance - the two young wingers, Rodri and first Pedri, now Olmo, through the middle.

But do they have a finish in them? Germany, despite being on the back foot, created the best chance when Kai Havertz climbed into Joshua Kimmich’s jabbed cross but sent a header at a comfortable height

And now another booking.

This time for Robin Le Normand for a challenge on Ilkay Gundogan. It's a bit harsh.

Anthony Taylor really isn't letting this game flow.

Thats one of the loudest screams I have heard on a football pitch from Dani Carvajal.

I'm not sure why, though. Yes, he gets taken out by David Raum, but it's not exactly a dangerous challenge.

Either way, Raum is shown the yellow card.

Toni Kroos and set pieces are a match made in heaven.

Joshua Kimmich wins a free-kick after being shoved to the ground by Alvaro Morata.

It's in a threatening position, and Kroos curls in a delightful delivery for Jonathan Tah to attack, but the defender's header is a poor one.

The Spanish are not shy to have a go from distance if there are not many options.

Aymeric Laporte approaches the box, looks left and right, and just decides that he may as well go alone.

It's a decent low-driven drive, but it doesn't cause Manuel Neuer any problems.

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

20 minutes in and we're yet to see Jamal Musiala run at Dani Carvajal. Germany are struggling to get him into the game in the early stages.

Welcome to the game Germany!

It's been a slow start for the hosts but they have finally fashioned a decent chance.

Kai Havertz rises highest to meet a floated cross, and he gets a good connection on the ball with his head.

However, it flies straight into the gloves of Unai Simon.

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

I'm sat next to a Spanish journalist who is struggling to contain his fury. He's just sarcastically applauded the referee for booking Antonio Rudiger. In his opinion, the Toni Kroos challenge on Pedri should have been an orange card. A feisty start in Stuttgart but Germany are struggling whenever Spain have the ball.

Spain are so quick going forward.

In a flash, they fly forward and the ball ends up at the feet of Fabian Ruiz on the edge of the area.

The midfielder decides to have a pop and it's not a bad effort, but the ball fizzes just too high and wide.

This match is very open.

Lamine Yamal comes close from the resulting free-kick.

He decides to go low with his effort, firing the ball under the wall and it bounces just wide of the post.

Good idea, bad execution.

Germany's game plan just seems to be to physically damage Spain.

Antonio Rudiger smashes into Dani Olmo just outside the area and earns himself a yellow card.

Another hefty challenge.

David Raum, you have to do better.

Germany work it well over to the full-back on the left-hand side of the area.

He has team-mates waiting for a cross in the middle, but his cross-cum-shot ends up in the arms of Unai Simon.

Disappointing.

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Toni Kroos lucky not to have been booked in the early stages here. He left a leg out which sent Pedri barrelling over, then stuck a foot on Lamine Yamal’s book as he tried to advance. Pedri has left the field as a result of Kroos’ challenge, replaced by Dami Olmo.

And just like that, Pedri's afternoon is over.

The Barcelona midfielder is in tears as he leaves the pitch. This could be his tournament over.

Dani Olmo is on to replace him.

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Early signs that Anthony Taylor has got his work cut out here. Germany have clearly began with an extra physical approach. Both Marc Cucurella and Pedri have taken big blows and the Spanish manager Luis De La Fuente is fuming that the cards aren't out yet. 

Oh dear, Pedri is down again...

It's fair to say that Germany are not going to let Spain have it all their own way.

In the early moments, they have been clattering into the Spaniards all across the pitch.

Now Pedri is in pain again, and this doesn't look good...

Toni Kroos has just smashed into Pedri.

The Spaniard lets the ball run past him and Kroos just charges in and sends him flying.

He gets away without a booking because he gets the slightest of touches on the ball.

I mean, it was still a hefty tackle...

Spain are already playing some beautiful stuff.

Nico Williams plays the ball into Alvaro Morata with his back to goal, and he lays it off for Pedri.

You know exactly what the midfielder is going to do and he drives it low toward the bottom corner.

It's a decent strike, but it's no match for Manuel Neuer who holds onto it.

The talking is over...

The ball is now rolling in Stuttgart and a mighty roar is belted out from the stands.

Get your seatbelts on, this will be one hell of a ride.

I always find it interesting that there are no lyrics to the Spanish national anthem.

It's a shame because the players look so glum while the anthem is played, but it's such a vibrant track.

I always find myself bopping along to it, in truth.

Germany have now sung their hearts out with pride, and the game is just moments away.

The wait is almost over.

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Only the quarters and the pyrotechnics have already started for Germany.

They really are putting on a show before the teams come out it seems...

Right then, it's prediction time.

This match is so tough to call, both teams have been brilliant in this tournament. We will lose one of the favourites tonight.

But which one will it be?

I'm going to predict 3-1 Spain. I just think they will prove too strong with their young vibrant wingers.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

It's fair to say these two sides are familiar with each other.

Today is their fourth meeting at the European Championship, so what happened in the previous match-ups?

Well, Spain have won two, while the Germans won the other.

One of those meetings came in the final back in 2008, with Fernando Torres' strike guiding the Spanish to the trophy.

Who will reign supreme in tonight's meeting?

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

After the monumental atmosphere we’ve seen Turkey, Austria, Scotland, Netherlands, and others bring here, it’s a relatively low-key kind of vibe here in the stadium. A lot of nerves. Two sets of fans believing they can win this tournament and hardly daring to say ‘We will win this semi.’

Excitement is building, well, mine certainly is!

Both sets of players are out on the Stuyttgart turf going through the motions of their warm-ups.

This match is the biggest of these championships, so far. It's set up to be a cracker.

What will be going through their minds?

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Outside the stadium here today is Neil Marriott from New Zealand, playing his bagpipes as he has been at games throughout these championships. He’s raising funds to compete at the World Bagpipe Championships in Glasgow. He’s on Instagram at @njmarriott.

Spain at Euro 2024, they have been, well, sensational.

At the start of the tournament, not many punters gave them a sniff at going all the way.

How the narrative has changed.

Four matches, four wins. And not just that, they have been a delight to watch in every single victory.

They have scored nine goals, and dominated teams from start to finish. Their control of the reigning champions Italy in the group stage was superb.

Win tonight, and surely they are favourites.

Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

Stuttgart has been a delight today. It's a real shame that one of these two sides will have to exit the tournament today but we're expecting a cracking football game.

Of course, the Germans are outnumbering the Spanish fans and they've been waving their flags throughout the warmups. It looks quality. All they can do is get behind their team as they come up against arguably the best football side in the competition.

Germany fans are going to love this statistic.

In European Championship history, no host nation has ever lost a quarter-final on the four occasions they have reached the stage.

In addition, Germany have won 15 of their 19 last eight ties in major international tournaments.

It's fair to say, the omens are looking good for Germany, and not so much for Spain.

But stats are there to be broken...

Ian Herbert, Mail Sport, in Stuttgart:

A beautiful warm Stuttgart evening and a lot of Spanish confidence here but the expression ‘curse of the hosts’ keeps cropping up among those wearing red. Spain have played the host nation nine times in tournaments and never beaten them.

Thank you, Sam, and hello to all of you lovely people!

I can't emphasise just how excited I am for this quarter-final, it has the makings of a tournament epic.

The vibes in Stuttgart right now are immaculate as Kick-off edges closer and closer.

I currently have a smile as wide as the fella in the last photo.

Guys, it's time for me to say goodbye.

Don't worry, though, I am leaving you in the capable hands of Harry bamforth to take you through the rest of the coverage.

With just over 45 minutes to go until kick-off, there is still plenty of build-up to get through.

Make sure you stay with us.

Jamal Musiala, where to start, eh?

England fans among you will have watched his performances this tournament and be wondering what could have been.

Well, he plays for Germany, and he is tearing it up for them at the moment.

Three goals in four games doesn't tell the whole story of just how good he has been - he is Germany's heartbeat.

Will he be key for them today?

Just over an hour until kick-off and Germany's players are in the building as they hope to continue their run in front of their home fans.

We saw Spain's players taking a look at the pitch a little earlier, and now the German players are doing exactly the same.

Some of the pitches at the Euros have cut up quite badly. Let's hope that's not an issue for today's game.

Germany make two changes to the team that beat Denmark 2-0 on Saturday.

Jonathan Tah and Emre Can come in for Nico Schlotterbeck and Robert Andrich.

Leroy Sane is preferred to Florian Wirtz again, and Kai Havertz keeps his place up front.

Spain have arrived nice and early and are taking a look at today's pitch as we count down to kick-off.

The atmosphere is building in Stuttgart as we await Germany's starting XI.

We've even got some fans dressed as bananas. Make of that what you will!

Spain have named the same starting XI that beat Georgia 4-1 on Sunday.

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams occupy the wing positions, with Rodri conducting the midfield and Alvaro Morata up front.

Simon, Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Ruiz, Pedri, Yamal, Williams, Morata

Toni Kroos is retiring from football at the end of the tournament, and Germany's run could come to an end today.

Will he bid an emotional farewell, or could he move one step closer to winning the Euros?

It's a pleasant day in Stuttgart and we should have team news for you shortly with kick-off just over 90 minutes away.

There have been a number of standout players for Spain and Germany at this Euros, but who has really taken games by the scruff of the neck.

Mail Sport has rated all of the players to regularly feature from both teams at this summer's tournament.

Spain fans will be outnumbered today as they take on the hosts, but they will still give plenty of support to their team in Stuttgart.

Nico Williams has been one of the stars of the tournament in Germany, and is attracting interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.

Chelsea have been linked with the winger, and Marc Cucurella has revealed he is trying to convince Williams to join him at Stamford Bridge.

Spain and Germany last met at the Euros in 2008 final.

Spain came out on top that day with Fernando Torres scoring the only goal of the game to kickstart their era of dominance.

Just look at those starting line-ups...

Lamine Yamal and Jamal Musiala have both been exceptional at Euro 2024 and they go up against each other today.

Who will come out on top in the battle between two of Europe's best young talents?

Kick-off is still a little under two hours away, but German fans are already heading to today's match in Stuttgart to cheer on their heroes.

How will Germany try to get past Spian today?

Well, they are giving very little away, with Julian Nagelsmann even getting his staff to play loud music on their phones to ensure potential spies can't listen to his conversations with his players.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of today's first Euro 2024 quarter-final between Spain and Germany.

It promises to be a fascinating contest, with both teams impressing at the tournament so far, but only one can make the semi-finals.