It's a mega clash, both sides have what it takes to go all the way but, only one of them can advance, who is your money on? (Photo credit: GOAL)
Spain vs. GermanyMHPA Arena, Germany17:00Hrs
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| It's a mega clash, both sides have what it takes to go all the way but, only one of them can advance, who is your money on? (Photo credit: GOAL) |
It’s a juggernaut of a fixture, the beginning of the end for the 2024 Euro Championship, and it’s the 2008 and 2012 champions up against the hosts who last won it in 1996.
The atmosphere is reminiscent of a cup final; many did not regard Germany as a significant force following their dismal 2023 campaign, but Julian Nagelsmann has rejuvenated the team, and they are performing exceptionally well. Will they be able to eliminate La Roja from the competition?
Speaking of Spain, they’re the only team that finished in the group stage with the most points, and they’re one of the teams in the last eight that didn’t have to suffer to make it to the quarterfinals after England, France, and Portugal all needed last-gasp goals and penalty shootouts to advance.
Spain destroyed Georgia 4-1 to book a date against the hosts, having gone down to an own goal early in the game. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams swiftly restored the score, combining to deliver a resounding victory.
It was quite straightforward for Germany against Denmark, with Kai Havertz and superstar Jamaal Musiala finding the back of the net in the second half. They did have a scare earlier, as they needed VAR intervention to correctly rule out a Denmark goal to keep the game goalless.
How will they line up? There are calls from the German media for Nico Fullkrug to be given a chance to start, but Nagelsmann isn’t known to fix what is not broken. Expect the same lineup again, with Jonathan Tah anticipated to return from suspension.
Expect Spain to return with the same lineup. With Unai Simon in goal, he has only allowed one goal—scored by his own player—in the match against Georgia, and we anticipate that his defensive structure will remain unbroken. Germans must be wary of the evil twins on the Spanish flank.
For Germany, Musiala will trouble any defence; Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz will need attention; Antonio Rudiger and Tah must be at their best to contain the overhead passes from Toni Kroos. It will be an interesting game on Friday. Be there.