Euro 2024
Germany Aims To Break 36-year Winless Run Against Spain In EURO 2024 Quarterfinal
Germany is set to face Spain in the EURO 2024 quarter-final match, the highly anticipated encounter between two strong teams.
Germany aims to break their streak of not securing a win in Spain in tournaments, which dates back to 1988.
The Germans are enjoying their best international tournament in eight years with home fans desperate for their first title in a decade but their match against the Spaniards is also seen as a premature final between two of the hottest teams in the competition.
Spain progressed easily through their group with the duo of wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
Yamal, the youngest player ever to participate in a European Championship at 16, combined brilliantly with Williams to create havoc for rival defenses with their pace and inventive style of play.
With Fabian Ruiz directing their game, often called “possession with a purpose”, there is a constant drive forward instead of merely holding onto the ball.
By defeating Georgia 4-1 in the round of 16, Spain further solidified their strong form, securing their fourth consecutive victory in four matches as they strive to achieve a historic fourth European title.
The Germans, who have also won the tournament three times, had to dig deep to top their group with a stoppage-time equalizer against Switzerland before their 2-0 knockout stage win over Denmark.
The key factor determining the outcome is how their defensive structure manages Spain’s potent attacking style of play.
Germany’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, faces a challenging decision regarding the left-back position. Both David Raum and Maximilian Mittelstaedt, who have been playing there in recent matches, bring an attacking mindset to the team.
He could potentially opt for a more defensive option in Benjamin Henrichs.
“We should not be hiding against Spain,” said captain Ilkay Gundogan. “As a team, we can more than keep up with them. We also have extreme qualities.
“I think the Spaniards have more respect for us than they tend to admit in public.”
The Germans are also up against a 36-year winless run at tournaments against Spain with their last victory dating back to Euro 1988.
Germany has experienced defeats against Spain, including in the 2010 World Cup semi-final and the 2008 Euro final. Additionally, they were on the receiving end of a 6-0 loss in the Nations League four years ago.
“I don’t want to offend anyone but we have the best team at this tournament,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. “We are going to fight for it and we know what we have ahead of us, which is Germany.
“It is the well-known German machine. It will be a very close match, but we are very confident of our game.”
