Stuart's Euro 2024 Series 27: Quarter-Finals 1 & 2
Match 45 - Spain 2-1 Germany
In a tense, but flowing and exciting match, Spain snatched victory in a game that seemed destined for penalties.
Dani Olmo's 51st minute goal looked like it would be enough for a Spain side whose defence had been well marshalled through the tournament, but an 89th Wirtz equaliser kept German hearts and hopes high. Extra time was played at a tempo higher than expected for the situation, but still looked nailed on for penalties, until Merino headed the winner home on the 119th minute. From somewhere the referee found four minutes of extra time and, two minutes beyond that, Carvajal performed a tackle more suited to a rugby pitch and will miss the semi-final after being red-carded.
Match 46 - Portugal 0-0 France
In the final game of Cristiano Ronaldo's final EURO's he failed to score, which means he ends a EURO's tournament goalless for the first time. Meanwhile, France proceed to the Semi-Final against Spain having scored three goals, one of them an Mbappe penalty, the other two own goals by the opposition.
Despite having a majority of possession, Portugal were out-performed by France in terms of shots, but neither side could take their chances.
| Match Number | Teams | 1st Half Score | 2nd Half Score | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | Spain v Germany | 0-0 | 2-1 | 2-1 |
| 46 | Portugal v France | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Total Matchday Goals | 0 | 3 | 3 | |
| Total Tournament Goals | 51 | 53 | 104 |
Tomorrow's matches are:
England v Switzerland
Netherlands v Türkiye
text by stuartcturnbull art by UEFA & altered by stuartcturnbull