Euro 2024 Quarter finals: Spain battles Germany… see team news, other details
As the group stages and Round of 16 matches have progressed, Euro 2024 has thrown up a number of shocks and surprises, with some lower-ranked teams demonstrating that they are more than just filler teams and big names finding it difficult to provide consistent performances.
But with all of the confusion, inconsistencies and controversy, two teams have constantly been consistent in the tournament winning all their games so far and scoring 19 goals between them.
Germany and Spain have hardly stepped wrong thus far Euro 2024 and have made a compelling case for why they ought to be the ones raising the trophy into the Berlin sky on July 14.
Stuttgart will host one of the biggest games of Euro 2024 when the two best teams so far, Spain and Germany take on each other.
Despite not being considered among the top favorites initially, Spain has impressed with their vibrant and dynamic attacking style, showcasing their youthful energy.
They started with a convincing 3-0 win over Croatia, followed by a 1-0 victory against reigning champions Italy. They then defeated Albania 1-0, with a significantly changed lineup, showcasing their depth and strength even with a rotated team. They went on to overcome a surprise challenge from Georgia, coming from behind to secure a 4-1 victory.
However, their upcoming match against the host will be a significant challenge, as the host team has demonstrated impressive and ruthless form, making them a formidable opponent.
Germany advanced to the quarter-finals for the fourth time in five EUROs, boasting an impressive tally of 10 goals in four matches on the way. They began with a resounding 5-1 victory over Scotland, followed by a 2-0 win against Hungary, securing their spot in the knockout stages.
A late equalizer by Niclas Füllkrug against Switzerland ensured Germany topped Group A, setting up a round of 16 match against Denmark in Dortmund. There, Kai Havertz’s penalty and Jamal Musiala’s third goal of the tournament have set Germany up against Luis de la Fuente men.
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Germany boasts an exceptional quarter-final record, with an unprecedented 19 appearances in the knockout stages of the World Cup and European Championship combined, surpassing all other European nations and cementing their status as a perennial contender in major international football tournaments.
Spain hasn’t lost any of their last four encounters with Germany. They won a friendly in 2020 with 6-0 and drew the other three games.
When it comes to major tournaments, Spain and Germany have faced off in multiple occasions; the former won the 2010 World Cup semi-final, the 2008 Euro final, and the Euro 84 group stage, while the latter won the 1966 and 1982 World Cup groups as well as the 1976 and 1988 Euros.
SPAIN VS GERMANY TEAM NEWS
Germany’s squad is injury-free, and they’ll be bolstered by the return of Jonathan Tah, who’s served his suspension and is expected to reclaim his starting spot alongside Antonio Rüdiger in central defense.
However, Julian Nagelsmann faces a dilemma at left-back, where David Raum is vying to keep his starting position ahead of Maximilian Mittelstädt, who’s also eager to feature.
The final attacking midfield spot is up for grabs, with Florian Wirtz and Leroy Sane vying for the position alongside Ilkay Gündogan and Jamal Musiala.
Kai Havertz, whose starting role was under question, has likely secured his place in the team with his goal and impressive display against Denmark, edging out Niclas Fullkrug for the spot.
Spain’s squad are also injury free as there are no new concerns ahead of the quarter final. But the same starting lineup that faced Georgia is expected to be named again, with Nacho Fernandez and Ayoze Perez, who were previously uncertain due to fitness issues, likely to remain on the sidelines after not featuring in the previous game.
SPAIN PREDICTED STARTING LINE-UP:
Simón, Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella, Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz, Yamal, Morata (c), Williams
GERMANY PREDICTED STARTING LINE-UP:
Neuer,Kimmich, Rüdiger, Tah, Raum – Andrich, Kroos, Wirtz, Gündoğan (c), Musiala, Havertz
SPAIN VS GERMANY TIME AND VENUE
Kick-off date is Friday 5th July, 2024
Kick-off time is 5:00PM (WAT)
Venue: Stuttgart Arena.
Referee: Anthony Taylor
VAR: Stuart Attwell
SPAIN VS GERMANY PREDICTION
This is a meeting of two of the highest scoring and best teams in Euro 2024 so there is no doubt about goals coming. Obviously, this is a strong tie that will most likely get to a shootout. However, Germany will have the upper hand given the hosts history at this stage of a major tournaments.
Prediction: 2:2 and Germany to win on penalty shootout.
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