Spain Hero Mikel Merino Reflects on Epic Euro 2024 Quarter-Final Win Over Hosts Germany

STUTTGART, GERMANY- Spain's Mikel Merino described their Euro 2024 quarter-final victory over Germany as a match worthy of being a final. Coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team's resilience, comparing them to a "winning horse."

La Roja triumphed in a thrilling encounter between the two top-scoring teams of the tournament. Dani Olmo, who entered as a substitute, scored the opener and assisted Merino's extra-time winner. Florian Wirtz equalized for Germany in the 89th minute, but Spain ultimately prevailed.

Reflecting on the victory, Real Sociedad midfielder Merino said, "I'm exhausted. The adrenaline is taking its toll on me now. It's been a unique moment. The match we were all waiting for, between two of the best teams in the world. It could be a World Cup final or a European Championship final. We have shown that we know how to suffer, that we have a great team."

Spain's journey to the semi-finals has been impressive, defeating 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, European champions Italy, Albania in the group stage, and Georgia in the last 16. Their young wingers Lamine Yamal, 16, and Nico Williams, 21, have been standout performers. However, in this match, the pair, along with striker Alvaro Morata, were substituted when the score was 1-0.

De la Fuente expressed his pride in coaching such tenacious players. "I'm proud to coach players like this, players that are insatiable. They're used to competing at the highest level and they have an opportunity to win the tournament. How far we will get, we will see, but we're absolutely convinced that we can get very far with this side. We are so happy, but our euphoria is totally under control. We know tomorrow is already another day."

Spain faces challenges ahead, with suspended defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin le Normand missing the semi-final, and midfielder Pedri a doubt after going off in the eighth minute for Olmo. The match against Germany saw 15 players receive cards, including Carvajal, who was sent off for two bookings.

De la Fuente commented on the physicality of the match, saying, "I played in the 80s - if you want to watch a video of the 80s and see how football was played back then, you know I don't get scared. I have a friend who says, 'what do you want, to get kissed?' This is football, I am not afraid of these things - the game is played to the limit, I am not complaining about the toughness of the opposing team, I rather appreciate what we as a team have done."

Olmo, named man of the match, emphasized the importance of heart over physical endurance. "The heart is always more important than the legs. Let's take it easy and calmly, because in four days we have the semi-finals. We are going to enjoy, celebrate, but calmly and calmly, because in a few days we have the semi-finals."

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin, commenting for BBC Radio 5 Live, remarked, "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. 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."