The over 60,000 MHP Arena in Stuttgart might need to be expanded on Friday night as the world is about to witness the biggest game in the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament so far.
The two most successful nations in the history of the competition will face off against each other in the quarter finals for a place in the semis up for grabs.
For the host nation, Germany, this game will be to avenge previous losses, taking into consideration their defeat against Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup semi final.
The people of Spain, on the other hand, will hope that the game goes in their favour as a testament to their good work in the tournament thus far.
Ahead of kick-off, let’s find out how these two teams have faired in previous meetings.
Since 2010, this will be the first time Spain and Germany will be meeting in a major tournament.
In 2022, before the World Cup in Qatar, Germany managed a 1-1 draw against Spain in the World Cup Qualifiers at the Al Bayt Stadium.
In 2020, the golden generation of Spain had no mercy as they trashed Germany 6-0 in the UEFA Nations League round 6, thanks to goals from Rodri, Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata, etc.
The only win for Germany against Spain in their last 5 meetings came in a friendly encounter, where Toni Kroos scored an 89th-minute goal to hand Die Mannschaft a 1-0 win over Spain. In the last five meetings between both sides, Spain have recorded a win, likewise Germany, while 3 games have ended on level terms.
Spain at Euro 2024
La Roja of Spain have been the most impressive team at the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament.
Coach Luis de la Fuente’s side have scored 9 goals and conceded just 1 goal in the competition up till this point.
His side are yet to lose a game in the tournament after recording victories against Croatia (3-0), Italy (1-0), Albania (1-0), and Georgia (4-1). Can the Germans halt Spain’s unbeaten streak?
The Die Mannschaft on a mission
The hosts (Germany) are on a mission to host and win the Euro 2024 on home soil. Germany have won three out of the four games played so far.
The only game they failed to record a win was against Switzerland, where they played out a 1-1 draw in the final group stage game.
The Germans have scored 10 goals and conceded 2 in four games. Maybe – come the end of 90 minutes in Stuttgart – Julian Nagelsmann and his men will be weeping on the night, who knows?
Player To Watch – Spain ( Lamine Yamal)
The 16-year-old has been the most impressive Spanish player at the Euros. The FC Barcelona player now has over 60 appearances for club and country.
The Spanish international has the chance to reach another significant landmark at the Euros as the youngest player to participate in the final. Yamal will be the man to watch on Friday for La Roja. He has already provided two assists in the tournament.
Player to Watch – Germany ( Jamal Musiala)
The Bayern Munchen youngster has scored in every game of the tournament (against Hungary, Scotland, and Denmark) except the game against Switzerland.
The 21-year-old has also completed 11 take-on in the tournament so far. Interestingly, only Wayne Rooney of England had scored more goals (four at Euro 2004) in a single European Championship campaign aged 21 or under, than Musiala.
Predicted lineups
Germany – Manuel Neuer (GK)
Joshua Kimmich (RB)
Nico Schotterbeck (CB)
David Raum (LB)
Antonio Rudiger (CB)
Jamal Musial (LW)
Kai Havertz (ST)
Toni Kross (CM)
Ilkay Gundogan (AM) (c)
Robert Andrich (CM)
Leroy Sane (RW)
Spain – Unai Simon (GK)
Marc Cucurella (LB)
Aymeric Laporte (CB)
Dani Carvajal (RB)
Robin Le Normand (CB)
Pedro (CM)
Rodri (DM)
Fabian Ruiz (CM)
Lamine Yamal (RW)
Nico Williams (LW)
Alvaro Morata (ST) (c)
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Story by: David Kwaku Dzaku| univers.ug.edu.gh
