Euro 2024: Spain vs Germany tips and predictions - Extra time on the cards as tournament hosts bow out
- George Dempsey
- 2 July 2024
Spain and Germany look like potential Euro 2024 winners on current form but only one can progress from their quarter-final matchup on Friday (1700 BST)
Spain weren’t fancied before the tournaments but they are marginal favourites to beat Germany in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 this week.
La Roja has been typically dominant in possession, producing slick passing moves often spearheaded by 16-year-old Lamine Yamal and the dynamic Nico Williams.
Spain were poor at the 2022 World Cup but their resurgence under Luis de la Fuente has been swift. Since losing 2-0 to Scotland, they’ve won the Nations League and avoided defeat in 15 of 16.
Germany were talked up as a potential tournament winner despite being a letdown at their last three tournament appearances.
Julian Nagelsmann has done a good job of putting his high-pressing, possession-based tactics across to an experienced and talented group.
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Most of this German squad is in their prime, supplemented by two world-class youngsters, and capable of scoring goals in bunches.
We have to say they’ve produced new levels at this tournament, but we still aren’t ready to move away from the fact that this defence sometimes looks vulnerable.
Colombia, Japan, Austria, Mexico and Turkey have scored two or more against the Germans in the past 12 months and Spain will be the first big test of their ability at this tournament.
Despite that, we have to give them the benefit of the doubt based on the tournament so far. We also know that games this big tend to be tight, cagey and tactical.
Neither side is likely to run away with it and we’ve seen just how small the margins are in knockout football. We think Spain will find a way but they may need extra time and penalties.
Team news
Spain should stick with the side that beat Georgia 4-1 in the Round of 16 after resting 10 players in the group stage win over Albania.
Marc Cucurella has looked strong at left-back despite calls for Alex Grimaldo to start.
Alvaro Morata has only one tournament goal but has been an important focal point.
Jonathan Tah will return from suspension on Friday to partner Antonio Rudiger in the defence, while Nico Schlotterbeck returns to the bench.
David Raum replaced Max Mittelstadt at left-back and did enough to keep his place.
Germany has options in attack but Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz should start again.
Key stats
- Germany are winless in five tournament meetings with Spain
- Germany are unbeaten in eight matches across all competitions
- Spain have won all four of their matches at Euro 2024
- Spain are unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions
- The last meeting was a 1-1 draw in the 2022 World Cup
