Germany's dream of winning Euro 2024 as host nation came to a bitter end in Stuttgart on Friday as Spain emerged victorious with a 2-1 quarterfinal win. The match was filled with drama, including 16 yellow cards and one red card issued by the referee.
The game saw Germany resorting to physical play early on, with several fouls committed by their players. Spain, on the other hand, displayed greater quality and flair with the ball, but struggled against Germany's aggressive tactics.
Despite Germany's efforts to rough up Spain, the match remained unpredictable and intense. The physicality of the game led to a total of eight yellow cards for Germany and an equal number for Spain.
Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, acknowledged his team's early nervousness and excessive fouls but defended their approach as a way to assert their presence on the field. However, the tactic ultimately proved to be flawed, as Spain managed to adapt and fight back with their own physicality.
The match showcased the clash between Germany's experienced veterans, including Toni Kroos, and Spain's young talents. Kroos, who committed several fouls during the game, ended his international career on a disappointing note as Germany bowed out of the tournament.
The defeat signaled the likely retirement of several other German players, including Antonio Rüdiger, Manuel Neuer, Ilkay Gündogan, and Thomas Müller. Nagelsmann hinted at a potential squad overhaul ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
In the end, Spain's Mikel Merino sealed the victory with a late header, ending Germany's Euro 2024 campaign and marking the conclusion of Kroos's illustrious career in a manner that no one could have foreseen.
