Spain vs Germany: Record title holders collide in titanic tussle
A truly titanic tussle will be on the cards when Spain and Germany square off in the quarter-finals on Friday. La Roja and die Mannschaft are the joint-most successful teams in European Championship history, with each side having three titles. That means that the winner of this contest will have the chance to win an unprecedented four title – provided that, of course, they can find a way past two additional teams in the semi-finals and the final to lift the coveted prize.
The winner of Friday’s highly-anticipated contest will take on the winner of the Portugal-France clash taking place later on the same day. For Spain, who last won the EURO in 2012, it has been a triumphant return to a very familiar stage. Luis de la Fuente’s team were virtually flawless during their group stage campaign, winning all three matches against Croatia, Italy, and Albania, and did not concede a single goal during that run. In fact, it was not until an own goal from Robin Le Normand during the round of 16 that Spain finally conceded at this summer’s competition.
Despite being clearly shocked during that match, Spain quickly regained control of their round of 16 tie against debutants Georgia. As many expected, Georgia did put up a brave fight, but were overwhelmed as their opponents equalized through Rodri before netting three more times sans reply to win that tie 4-1. Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo all grabbed a goal each, while youngster Lamine Yamal was a live-wire throughout – despite not being able to find the back of the net just yet.
Spain’s success marks a tenth win at the European Championships, and they are the only team to come into the quarter-finals still boasting a perfect four wins from their four games played so far. They also have a very formidable record against Germany, with three wins from their last six competitive meetings (D3) and indeed, have not lost to die Mannschaft since 1998. Along the way, these successes include a 1-0 win over Germany in the EURO 2008 final as well as humiliating their opponents 6-0 during a November 2020 Nations League tie.
That being said, this record may come under threat. Curiously, Spain have struggled for good results when it comes to playing the hosting nation at a major competition – especially during the knockout rounds. Indeed, La Roja have never beaten the host nation in a knockout round match at either the World Cup or the European Championships dating back to the 1930s – which is something that Germany will hope can give them the added edge in what will be a tough test ahead for the home team.
Germany, who haven’t won the European Championship since 1996, are also looking to make some major amends after some disappointing showings on the international front as of late. Die Mannschaft cruised to a 5-1 win over Scotland on matchday one and secured their spot in the round of 16 thanks to a solid 2-0 victory against Hungary. However, they were literally just a few minutes away from losing top spot in Group A after Switzerland stunned many by taking a 1-0 lead – only for Niclas Füllkrug to save the day, literally.
Against Denmark, Germany successfully battled through some dismal playing conditions – including seeing the match stopped for a lengthy period due to a storm to secure a hard-fought 2-0 win. Despite Kai Havertz once again spurning several opportunities (albeit he did manage to score a penalty), Jamal Musiala, who has been one of the best players for Julian Naglesmann’s team so far, scored Germany’s second to ensure that the hosts earned a spot in the quarter-finals.
Germany may have struggled against Spain in recent competitive fixtures, but interestingly enough, die Mannschaft have done quite well when it comes to facing La Roja on home turf. They are unbeaten in their last eight meetings (W5 D3), and more significant, as hosts, may take respite in the fact that to date, no home team has ever been eliminated in the quarter-finals stage at a European Championship.
Unfortunately, one of these all-time Euro champions will not have the opportunity to make it a fourth title. Will Spain continue their steady march towards making history? Or will hosts Germany be the ones to take one step closer towards clinching their first Euro title in over 20 years with a win over a very formidable and familiar foe?
