EURO 2024 Roundup, Matchday 18
Here is a recap of the games that occurred on Matchday 18 of EURO 2024, focusing on the results and notable performances by players.
Spain 2-1 Germany (After Extra Time)
Mikel Merino scored a late goal to give Spain a thrilling 2-1 win over Euro 2024 hosts Germany, moving them closer to their fourth European Championship title. The highly anticipated rematch of the 2008 final saw both teams creating chances, with Spain coming close early on through Pedri’s shot early on. Despite efforts from Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, and Fabián Ruiz, neither team could find the net until Dani Olmo scored for Spain in the second half. Germany’s Kai Havertz had opportunities but was unable to beat Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón.
The match remained evenly poised until Olmo’s goal. Germany were dominant in the later part of the match and had a chance to tie the game when Havertz got to a loose ball from Simón’s goal kick, but he missed the lob over the bar as the goalkeeper came out to defend. The game was sent into extra time when Florian Wirtz scored a goal from Joshua Kimmich’s assist in the final moments of normal time. The tension was high in extra time as both teams were vying for a spot in the semi-finals against either France.
Spain had a close chance with a shot from Oyarzabal, while Wirtz missed a shot for Germany. The game had controversial moments, including a potential handball penalty for Spain that was not given and a great save by Simón from Füllkrug’s header. Spain secured their spot in the semi-finals when Merino scored a goal in the final moments of extra time. Despite some late drama, Germany was unable to equalize, making them the first host nation to lose a European Championship quarter-final.
Portugal 0-0 France (France win on penalties)
France secured their fifth semi-final appearance at the UEFA European Championships by maintaining composure in a penalty shootout to eliminate Portugal in a tense EURO 2024 quarterfinal match in Hamburg. Diogo Costa made a routine save in the 20th minute to deny Théo Hernández’s long-range shot. Despite a brief scare, Portugal seemed to have the upper hand in the first half, although their possession did not lead to clear scoring opportunities.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a chance with a free-kick in the 43rd minute, but Bruno Fernandes missed the target with his subsequent shot. Kylian Mbappe, who had been quiet in the first half, came alive early in the second half, linking up with N’Golo Kanté before his shot was saved by Costa. The game opened up around the hour mark as Portugal had two good chances, with Fernandes being stopped by Mike Maignan and Vitinha shooting straight at the goalkeeper after a setup by Rafael Leão.
Randal Kolo Muani was close to breaking the deadlock but was denied by a great block from Rúben Dias. Eduardo Camavinga also had an opportunity to score but his shot went wide. Both teams lacked a cutting edge, leading to extra time. Kylian Mbappe was substituted for Bradley Barcola, and Portugal almost scored in the 120th minute. France’s goalkeeper made a crucial save, leading to a penalty shootout. France successfully converted all of their penalty kicks, whereas João Félix failed to score, leading to a semi-final match between France and Spain.
