Kroos' last match. Spain defeated Germany and broke a curse that lasted almost 90 years

On 5 July, the opening match of the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-final stage took place, with the tournament hosts Germans playing against Spain.

The start of the match resembled mixed martial arts match rather than a football match. In the first half, referee Anthony Taylor showed three yellow cards, and the match ended for young Furia Roja midfielder Pedri in the eighth minute after contact with Toni Kroos.

Despite such a contact game, the teams did not sit back in defence, but tried to attack the goal, creating sharp moments.

The first half did not produce any goals, and the first goal of the game came early in the second half. Lamine Yamal, after a run down the flank, cut a corner and rolled it straight into the goalkeeper's area to Dani Olmo, who came on in place of Pedri.

The RB Leipzig midfielder didn't waste his momentum, he took a touch and Manuel Neuer couldn't react to the shot. Thus, the score was opened.

Near the end of the match, German forward Niclas Füllkrug decided to try a similar technique, but his shot was saved by the post. However, Bundestim managed to save themselves from defeat in regulation time thanks to Florian Wirtz's goal in the 89th minute.

The game went into extra-time, which saw a rather controversial episode. Jamal Musiala's shot was blocked with his hand by Mark Kukruella, but Anthony Taylor decided not to point to the mark.

The game was close to a penalty shootout, but Spanish winger Mikel Merino was of a different opinion, as he clipped Dani Olmo's header straight into Neuer's goal.

Thus, Spain brought the match to a victorious 1-0 and defeated the host of the tournament at the tenth attempt. In nine previous matches, the Furia Roja lost in regulation time or were eliminated in a penalty shoot-out.

The opponent of Luis de la Fuente's wards will be determined tonight. The match between Portugal and France will start at 21:00 CET, and it will determine the opponent of the Spaniards in the semi-finals.

For Germany midfielder Toni Kroos, this match was the last in his professional career. Earlier he said goodbye to the public at Real Madrid, and now on such a minor note, he is leaving big football and the national team.

Euro 2024, quater-final
Spain - Germany - 2:1
Goal: Olmo 51, Merino 119 - Wirtz 89