Spain 2-1 Germany: Dani Olmo breaks hearts as hosts crash out
In a hard-fought match that lasted a full 120 minutes, Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany side were ultimately beaten by competition favourites Spain. Talking points from the most dramatic game of Euro 2024.
On Friday hosts Germany were knocked out of Euro 2024 after a dramatic 2-1 defeat in extra time to Spain. Second half goals from Dani Olmo and Florian Wirtz cancelled one another out, before a dramatic finish from Mikel Merino just moments before the final whistle sent Julian Nagelsmann and his team packing. Here are the major talking points from a dramatic quarter-finals tie.
Fears over Gündogan realised against better opponents
Prior to the start of the competition one of my biggest concerns over Nagelsmann’s selections was the manner in which he stuck with Ilkay Gündogan as captain of the national team. The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been an outstanding player for Germany over the course of his career but turns 34 later this year and finished the season having played more minutes for Barcelona than any other outfield player across Europe’s top five leagues. The no.10 still has his touch and a remarkable eye for a pass, but while that proved enough to stroll by sub-par opponents in the group stages, his age became all too apparent in the knock-out rounds.
Indeed, the first signs of Gündogan’s struggles popped up against Denmark, whose well-drilled midfield kept the Barca star quiet. Over the course of the game Gündogan managed just 25 touches of the ball, which was less than half Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz’s tally, while Toni Kroos bagged over 100. This ultimately led to Nagelsmann pulling his No.10 off in favour of Niclas Füllkrug, with Havertz dropping back into the No.10 position. Against Spain, the Germany national team head coach would be forced to make a similar move, after Gündogan failed to complete a single key pass (pass that leads to a shot) or even a through ball into the final third before coming off 57 minutes into the game. Against a quick and youthful Spanish side, Gündogan represented a tired Germany team relying on former greats for one, final job. And it didn’t work.
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