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Preview: Spain vs. Germany

Preview: Spain vs. Germany

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For many, Friday’s meeting between Spain and Germany might as well be the Euro 2024 final.

By Graham Ruthven

They have been the two strongest teams in the tournament so far, making the winner of this quarter-final the favourite, in the eyes of most, to go all the way and lift the trophy.

Spain are the only side to have won all their games to date with Luis de la Fuente’s team impressive in victories over Croatia, Italy, Albania, and Georgia. Germany, meanwhile, are the competition’s top scorers having netted 10 times in just four games.

Under Luis Enrique, Spain were guilty of lacking cutting edge. Now, though, they have a direct threat that has harnessed Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal as difference-makers in the wide areas.

The opening game win over Croatia showcased how Spain have changed with de la Fuente at the helm with the Euro 2008 and 2012 winners content to sit back and counter into space. They could do that again in periods against Germany.

In midfield, Rodri is a commanding presence at the heart of the Spain lineup with Fabián Ruiz the largely unheralded all-rounder next to him. Then there’s Pedri whose job is to create in between the lines.

Germany have two of their own creators in the shape of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. Musiala is the joint-top scorer at Euro 2024 so far with three goals in four games. The Bayern Munich youngster could have a big say on the outcome of Friday’s clash.

It’s possible Julian Nagelsmann could start Leroy Sané over Wirtz, as he did in the round of 16 win over Denmark. Sané’s pace and directness could help Germany get in behind the Spanish backline.

Nagelsmann set up his team in the group stage to operate with dual number 10s. However, Germany might look to operate with more width high up the pitch to expose the space behind Dani Carvajal and Marc Cucurella.

Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final will be decided by battles all over the pitch. There is significant overlap between the two teams’ style of play, with Spain and Germany both comfortable in possession, keen to counter-press, and quick to move into the attacking third.

These could be the ingredients for the most gripping match of the whole tournament. Many of the big nations – see England and France, for starters – have failed to impress at Euro 2024. Spain and Germany, however, are not among them and could produce a quarter-final spectacle in Stuttgart. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Preview: Spain vs. Germany

For many, Friday’s meeting between Spain and Germany might as well be the Euro 2024 final.

By Graham Ruthven

They have been the two strongest teams in the tournament so far, making the winner of this quarter-final the favourite, in the eyes of most, to go all the way and lift the trophy.

Spain are the only side to have won all their games to date with Luis de la Fuente’s team impressive in victories over Croatia, Italy, Albania, and Georgia. Germany, meanwhile, are the competition’s top scorers having netted 10 times in just four games.

Under Luis Enrique, Spain were guilty of lacking cutting edge. Now, though, they have a direct threat that has harnessed Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal as difference-makers in the wide areas.

The opening game win over Croatia showcased how Spain have changed with de la Fuente at the helm with the Euro 2008 and 2012 winners content to sit back and counter into space. They could do that again in periods against Germany.

In midfield, Rodri is a commanding presence at the heart of the Spain lineup with Fabián Ruiz the largely unheralded all-rounder next to him. Then there’s Pedri whose job is to create in between the lines.

Germany have two of their own creators in the shape of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. Musiala is the joint-top scorer at Euro 2024 so far with three goals in four games. The Bayern Munich youngster could have a big say on the outcome of Friday’s clash.

It’s possible Julian Nagelsmann could start Leroy Sané over Wirtz, as he did in the round of 16 win over Denmark. Sané’s pace and directness could help Germany get in behind the Spanish backline.

Nagelsmann set up his team in the group stage to operate with dual number 10s. However, Germany might look to operate with more width high up the pitch to expose the space behind Dani Carvajal and Marc Cucurella.

Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final will be decided by battles all over the pitch. There is significant overlap between the two teams’ style of play, with Spain and Germany both comfortable in possession, keen to counter-press, and quick to move into the attacking third.

These could be the ingredients for the most gripping match of the whole tournament. Many of the big nations – see England and France, for starters – have failed to impress at Euro 2024. Spain and Germany, however, are not among them and could produce a quarter-final spectacle in Stuttgart. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.