Euro 2024 has been a mixed bag of a tournament so far. While there have been some entertaining battles, many fans have been left flat by the defensive tactics employed in the knockout stages. Spain and Germany, however, have been the standout performers, consistently impressive throughout. Now, one of these two team’s stellar run in the competition must come to an end.
Germany vs Spain will see two of the most prolific teams in the Euro 2024 lock horns in a genuine firefight. The host nation are the only side in the competition to have reached double digit goals with 10 goals to their name. Their Friday night opponents have been on identical scoring form, netting one less than “Die Mannschaft”.
Germany have thrived in front of their home crowd and seemed determined to atone for their recent struggles in major international competitions. Their aggressive pressing game combined with a potent attacking threat has them well-positioned for a deep run in the tournament.
The hosts now face the sternest test of their campaign as they come across a Spanish side that have shown great tactical flexibility in the competition. Luis de la Fuente has made the most of the exquisite pool of talent he has at his disposal. So, his team will grace the Mercedes-Benz Arena pitch in high confidence.
Germany Team Preview
Germany have exorcised the ghosts of their past two World Cup disappointments, which saw them crash out at the group stage. Their ruthless form ensured qualification for the knockout stages with two games to spare, having smashed a total of seven goals past Scotland and Hungary.
Germany only needed a draw against Switzerland on the final day to secure top spot in the group. However, Julian Nagelsmann’s side found themselves surprisingly at risk of being dethroned after Dan Ndoye’s early goal for Switzerland.
In a dramatic finale for Group A, Niclas Füllkrug snatched an injury-time equaliser to preserve Germany’s group winners’ status and avoid a potential last-16 clash with reigning champions Italy.
Germany’s march towards a home Euros triumph continued with an eventful 2-0 victory over Denmark in their last-16 clash at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
Second-half goals from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala secured the win for the three time European champions. The Germans braved through a determined spell from Denmark and a first-half thunderstorm to progress to the quarter-finals.
Nagelsmann is dealing with some selection headaches ahead of the Spain match. Jonathan Tah had to sit out the Denmark clash after picking up two yellows in the tournament. Stepping in, Nico Schlotterbeck impressed with a classy assist for Musiala’s goal and composed defending alongside Antonio Rudiger. The Germany boss should feel tempted to stick with the Borussia Dortmund man.
David Raum stepped in for Maximilian Mittelstadt in the last match, with the RB Leipzig star showcasing a more potent attacking presence. However, considering Spain’s formidable firepower, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Mittelstadt reinstated in the lineup.
Despite claiming the Bundesliga Player of the Season award, Florian Wirtz’s unconvincing performances on the wing cost him his starting position against Denmark. Leroy Sane, his replacement, was a constant thorn in the opposition’s side and surely warrants retaining his place.
Predicted XI: Manuel Neuer, Maximilian Mittelstadt, Nico Schlotterbeck, Antonio Rudiger, Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos, Robert Andrich, Jamala Musiala, Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz
Spain Team Preview
Having schooled the reigning champions Italy in Gelsenkirchen and swatted aside Croatia in Berlin, Spain marched on to the knockout stages for a fifth consecutive major tournament – and their seventh in eight. They made wholesale changes in their final group match against Albania, but still managed to walk away with all three points.
Spain secured their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals after a thumping 4-1 victory over Georgia in a fun-to-watch encounter at Cologne on Sunday night.
Georgia stunned Spain by taking a surprise lead in the 18th minute. Robin Le Normand turned a low cross from Otar Kakabadze into his own net from close range, and for a moment, Willy Sagnol’s men dared to dream of another giant-killing after their win over Portugal.
Spain, however, restored parity just before half-time thanks to a wonderful strike from Rodri. After the break, Fabian Ruiz rose highest to head home a superb Lamine Yamal cross, putting La Roja 2-1 ahead in the 51st minute.
Spain’s relentless attack saw them net a third in the 75th minute courtesy of Nico Williams, followed by a late fourth from Dani Olmo. Now, Luis de la Fuente’s squad is set to face tournament hosts Germany in the quarter-finals.
Spain weren’t considered among the favourites before the tournament, but the three-time European champions have now won all four of their games at Euro 2024 and will be full of confidence going into their clash with the hosts.
Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte have forged a strong defensive partnership at the core of the Spanish rearguard, conceding only a single goal. However, Laporte is a doubt for the next match due to muscle fatigue, with Nacho Fernandez ready to deputise. Other than that, La Roja have a clean bill of health ahead of Mission Germany.
Predicted XI: Unai Simon, Daniel Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez, Robin Le Normand, Marc Cucurella, Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri, Nico Williams, Alvaro Morata, Lamine Yamal.
Germany vs Spain Betting Odds
Germany 2.75 – 3.20 Draw – 2.63 Spain (Bet365)
Germany vs Spain Head-to-Head Stats
This is the fourth time Spain and Germany will lock horns in the European Championship. Spain have triumphed twice (in 1984 and 2008) compared to Germany’s solitary victory in 1988. Their most recent encounter was the Euro 2008 final, which Spain won 1-0 thanks to a Fernando Torres goal.
Spain and Germany also met at the 2022 World Cup, the game ending in a 1-1 draw during the group stages. Alvaro Morata’s opening goal was cancelled out late on by Niclas Fullkrug.
Germany vs Spain Betting Tips and Predictions
These two sides have met on 26 occasions. Germany have emerged victorious in nine of those encounters, while Spain have won eight. The remaining nine matches have ended in draws.
Four out of the last three clashes between Spain and Germany have finished all square. Given the high stakes of the Euro 2024 quarter-final, a cautious approach from both sides is likely. This suggests a draw in normal time could be a smart betting option for the Germany vs Spain encounter.
