Germany and Spain, two of the most formidable teams at Euro 2024, face off in a mouth-watering quarterfinal clash on Friday. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two contrasting styles of play, with Spain’s possession-based approach against Germany’s more direct style.
Germany is enjoying its best international tournament in eight years, with home fans desperate for their first title in a decade. However, they face a daunting challenge against Spain, who have been in exceptional form throughout the tournament. Spain cruised through its group with wingers Lamine Yamal, the youngest player to feature at a Euros at 16, and Nico Williams quickly establishing a superb partnership. Their speed and creative play have terrorized opposing defenses. Fabian Ruiz, orchestrating their game with ‘possession with a purpose,’ constantly drives the team forward instead of merely holding onto the ball. Their 4-1 victory over Georgia in the round of 16 confirmed their good form, securing their fourth win in four matches as they look for a record fourth European title.
The Germans, who have also won the tournament three times, had to dig deep to top their group, securing a stoppage-time equaliser against Switzerland before their 2-0 knockout stage win over Denmark. But it is how their defensive organisation copes with Spain’s lethal attacking football that is likely to decide the outcome.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann faces a tough decision regarding the left-back position, with attack-minded David Raum and Maximilian Mittelstaedt having occupied it in recent games. 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. They lost the 2010 World Cup semifinal to them as well as the 2008 Euro final, while also suffering a 6-0 demolition 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.”
The match promises to be a tense affair, with both sides eager to secure a place in the semifinals. Germany will need to find a way to contain Spain’s potent attack, while Spain will need to be wary of Germany’s counter-attacking threat. The winner will advance to the semifinals, where they will face either Italy or Ukraine.
