Stuttgart, 5 July 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Mikel Merino's header late in extra time sent Spain into the Euro 2024 semi-finals and eliminated hosts Germany after tight a 2-1 win on Friday.

In the battle between the record three-times champions, Spain took the lead on 51 minutes when Dani Olmo converted a clever assist from 16-year-old Yamine Lamal.

Germany pushed hard for a leveller, which looked like it would not come when Niclas Füllkrug struck the post, but fellow substitute Florian Wirtz thrashed home off the post on 89 minutes.

The game went to 30 minutes extra and seemed to be drifting towards penalties when Merino netted with a looping header on 119 minutes from Olmo's cross. Olmo plays for Germany's RB Leipzig while Merino used to play for Borussia Dortmund.

The late drama means Germany icon Toni Kroos' football career comes to an end with a painful defeat. Germany deserved more after missing several chances, but they go out of their home tournament after showing so much promise at the start of the event.

Spain - winners in 1964, 2008 and 2012 - now head into Tuesday's semi-final in Munich against 2016 champions Portugal or twice winners France.

Photo: UEFA EURO 2024