Watch: Mikel Merino lifts Spain past Germany in Euro quarters

Mikel Merino. picture alliance

Watch: Mikel Merino lifts Spain past Germany in Euro quarterfinals

By Ignacio Cervantes | Last updated Jul 5, 2024 4:42 PM ET

Mikel Merino needed just 29 minutes to put his stamp on the UEFA Euro 2024 quarterfinals.

The substitute midfielder's power header lifted Spain to a 2-1 victory over Germany with just 68 seconds remaining in extra time.

Host nation Germany, which held a watch party in Hamburg, was left heartbroken by Merino's close-range effort, which secured Spain's second consecutive Euro semifinal appearance.

A heartbreaking loss for Germany! pic.twitter.com/nZpZyjraQR
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024

Midfielder Dani Olmo, also a substitute after Germany's Toni Kroos' tackle on Pedri forced the latter to limp off injured after just eight minutes — put Spain in front in the first half.

Then he served Merino a pinpoint cross on the game-winner.

DANI OLMO PUTS SPAIN ON TOP

Lamine Yamal with the set up, Dani Olmo with the finish pic.twitter.com/NSquQHoudb
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024

The goal and assist performance earned Olmo the Vivo Player of the Match honor after the final whistle.

Spain will face the winner of Portugal-France in the Euro semifinals with on Tuesday.

Ignacio Cervantes

Ignacio Cervantes is a freelance sports reporter based in Southern California. His love for sports turned into a love for reporting which has taken him to cover MLS Cup finals, CIF State finals, and numerous high school sporting events. Ignacio also contributes to the high school sports departments at Southern California News Group newspapers the Daily Breeze and the Press-Telegram

More must-reads: