Spain Reaches Euro 2024 Semifinals With Dramatic Win Over Germany
MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images Pictured: Spain’s midfielder #06 Mikel Merino (2nd R) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the UEFA Euro 2024.
The Euros have provided plenty of memorable matches over the decades, but Friday's quarterfinal game between Germany and Spain is one few will ever forget.
In fact, it was as dramatic as soccer gets with several final-minute goals resulting in a roller coaster of emotions.
Germany forced extra time late in regulation with a goal in the 89th minute. However, Spain got the last laugh, returning the favor in a nearly exact manner in extra time on a Mikel Merino header in the 119th minute.
Spain now advances to the semifinals, where they’ll meet the winner of France vs. Portugal.
Meanwhile, Germany’s elimination extends the drought of home nations winning the Euro to 40 years. France is the last team to win it when hosting, doing so all back in 1984.
Spain appeared destined to win in regulation before Germany tied it up in the 89th minute, resulting in a bad beat for the public. Spain +170 was the most popular pick with 43% of all bets and 44% of the handle at BetMGM.
Instead, Florian Wirtz's goal off a brilliant header from Joshua Kimmich handed an unlikely win to the few bettors who placed a wager on a draw at +220. Only 19% of all bets and 20% of the money backed that result.
Spain's dream of winning a record fourth Euro title lives on after the thrilling victory. They entered the game tied with England (+390) as the favorite to win the title, while Germany was tied with France with the next best odds at +480.
How would you rate this article?