Germany faces a formidable challenge in their Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Spain on Friday, aiming to end a winless streak in tournaments against their opponents that dates back to 1988.
Currently enjoying their best international tournament performance in eight years, the German team, fueled by fervent home support, is eager to claim their first title in a decade. However, the match against Spain, another top contender, is seen as an early final, pitting two of the tournament’s hottest teams against each other.
Spain has impressed throughout the competition, with young wingers Lamine Yamal, the youngest player to feature in a Euros at 16, and Nico Williams forming a dynamic partnership that has bewildered defenses with their speed and creativity. Midfielder Fabian Ruiz orchestrates their play, often described as “possession with a purpose,” which focuses on advancing the game rather than merely maintaining ball control.
Spain’s 4-1 victory over Georgia in the round of 16 showcased their excellent form, marking their fourth consecutive win as they pursue a record fourth European title. Germany, also three-time champions, had to fight hard to top their group, securing a stoppage-time equalizer against Switzerland and a 2-0 win over Denmark in the knockout stage.
The critical factor in Friday’s match will be how Germany’s defensive strategy handles Spain’s potent attack. Coach Julian Nagelsmann faces a tough decision for the left-back position, with David Raum and Maximilian Mittelstaedt having shared the role recently, while Benjamin Henrichs offers a more defensive option.
“We should not be hiding against Spain,” said captain Ilkay Gundogan. “As a team, we can more than keep up with them. We also have extreme qualities. I think the Spaniards have more respect for us than they tend to admit in public.”
Germany’s long winless streak against Spain includes losses in the 2010 World Cup semi-final, the 2008 Euro final, and a 6-0 defeat in the Nations League four years ago. Their last tournament victory over Spain was in Euro 1988.
Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, expressed confidence in his team while acknowledging the challenge ahead. “I don’t want to offend anyone, but we have the best team at this tournament,” De la Fuente said. “We are going to fight for it, and we know what we have ahead of us, which is Germany. It is the well-known German machine. It will be a very close match, but we are very confident in our game.”
