Mikel Merino brought an end to Germany’s summertime with a sensational late winner for Spain.
Luis de la Fuente’s side initially thought they had secured victory with Dani Olmo’s goal early in the second half.
But after Florian Wirtz equalized with barely a minute left in regular time, Germany looked like the better team, creating better chances and even having a penalty shout in extra time.
However, with just a minute remaining in extra time, Dani Olmo crossed for fellow substitute Mikel Merino, who headed past Manuel Neuer to break German hearts.
German substitute Niclas Fullkrug almost forced the game into a penalty shootout, but Spain held on. After surviving a tense finish, Spain might begin to wonder if their name is destined to be on the trophy.
Fullback Dani Carvajal will miss the semifinal after receiving a late red card for his second cynical foul.
Carvajal won’t be the only absentee, as English referee Anthony Taylor issued a total of 16 yellow cards to players on and off the pitch.
Despite lacking in quality, the first heavyweight clash of the knockout stages made up for it with drama and intensity.
And in the end, just as the weather forecast was improving for the final week of the tournament, the hosts were eliminated.
