Dj Vnyash
On Friday, hosts Germany face Spain in the first of two blockbuster quarter-final ties at Euro 2024. Kylian Mbappe’s France will later take on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Germany and Spain will clash in Stuttgart at 1600 GMT, with the hosts relying on their strong performance against one of the tournament’s best teams. Spain, featuring the dynamic duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, have been impressive, winning all four of their matches, scoring nine goals, and conceding only one.
Germany has also impressed on their way to the quarter-finals, with Jamal Musiala excelling in attack and Toni Kroos commanding the midfield as he plans to retire after the competition. This match, a repeat of the Euro 2008 final, promises to be thrilling.
“My focus is less on Yamal, more on Jamal,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said, highlighting the significance of their own star. “We can do something in attack ourselves. We want to attack and make life difficult for them.”
This match could easily be a final, given both teams’ current form and historical success—each nation has won the European Championship three times. They also played to a 1-1 draw in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, contributing to Germany’s early exit.
“Three wins away from immortality” was Thursday’s headline in Kicker, the German football magazine. However, Germany’s dream of winning the trophy in Berlin on July 14 could end here.
Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, acknowledged the threat posed by Kroos, joking, “We thought about tying Kroos’s feet together, but I’m not sure if UEFA will let me.”
The winners will face either France or Portugal, who clash in Hamburg at 1900 GMT. This match is a repeat of the Euro 2016 final, where Portugal beat France 1-0 in extra time.
Despite not scoring in open play, France has reached the quarter-finals, with goals coming from a penalty by Mbappe and two own goals. Mbappe, hindered by a broken nose, admitted he is not fully fit but looks forward to facing his idol Ronaldo.
“It is an honour. Everyone knows how much I have always admired Cristiano,” Mbappe said. “He will remain a legend, but we hope to win tomorrow and advance to the semi-final.”
Ronaldo, 39, has struggled in the tournament, missing a penalty in the last-16 tie against Slovenia. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez emphasized the importance of team performance over individual stars, saying, “Tomorrow is not a match between two individuals. We will need a real top-level team performance to win.”
