Germany vs Spain: Clash of Titans in Euro Quarter-Finals

Four victories in four matches, an attractive team, effective offensive play, and the favor of the forecasters. On paper, the Spanish selection has enough to approach this quarter-final of the Euro against Germany without real stress. The latest somewhat arrogant statement from Spanish striker Joselu, who hopes to send his former Real Madrid teammate Toni Kroos into 'retirement,' could confirm this trend.

Germany, however, has other plans. The German captain and his team intend to continue the competition. 'I understand it but I will do everything to ensure that this does not happen,' replied the German international. The victory of Julian Nagelsmann's men against Denmark (2-0) brought a little serenity to this German selection disturbed after its draw at the last minute against Switzerland (1-1) in the group stage.

Carried by its iron defense Rüdiger-Schlotterbeck, and its young nugget from Bayern Munich, Jamal Musiala (21 years old), co-top scorer in the competition (3 goals), the Mannschaft has enough to shake a Roja who is sometimes feverish in transition once its high pressing is overcome.

Since the start of the Euro, the Spanish team, under coach Luis de la Fuente, has presented a very different face. With a hard-hitting style inclined towards speed, Spain is no longer the conservative team it once was. With nine goals scored and just one conceded, La Roja is dominant. 'I personally think we have the best team and we have the best players,' coach Luis de la Fuente said.

Spain owes this beautiful game to its duo of talented kids: Lamine Yamal (16 years old) and Nico Williams (21 years old). Each elusive in their lane, the two Spaniards torment the Euro defenses with their speed and technique. Without a doubt, danger will likely come from their side on Friday.

The past could be very favorable to Germany. Since 1996 and the existence of the quarter-finals at the Euro, no host country has been eliminated at this stage of the competition. It’s up to Julian Nagelsmann’s men to perpetuate the tradition.

Germany's record in competitive matches against Spain is appalling. It has been 36 years since their last win. Germany secured its place among the best eight teams with a hard-fought 2-0 win against Denmark. Spain only wobbled at the beginning against outsiders Georgia and ultimately won clearly with 4-1.

The DFB team has a terrible record in competitive matches against the Spanish. It has been 36 years since Germany last won against Spain at a major tournament. The Spanish won 1-0 in the 2008 European Championship final, as well as two years later in the semi-final of the World Cup in South Africa. Germany's disastrous 6-0 defeat by Spain in November 2020 will also remain unforgettable.

Even though the statistics for competitive matches clearly speak against Germany, the last victory 36 years ago gives hope. At the 1988 European Championship, Germany won 2-0 and advanced to the semi-finals. Sporting director Rudi Völler, who was on the pitch back then and scored twice, will try to pass this knowledge on to the DFB stars.

Statistics aside, the fact is that none of the major football nations has been as convincing in terms of playing skills as Nagelsmann's eleven and the Spanish. The two nations with the most goals are meeting. Germany has scored ten goals so far, while the Spanish attack has scored nine. Both teams have outstanding youngsters in their attack, with Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz for Germany, and Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams for Spain.

There is no clear favorite ahead of the match, even though the Spaniards are slightly ahead with the bookmakers. Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente is confident of victory. The DFB stars want to continue riding the wave of euphoria and get the first big obstacle out of the way. The summer fairytale 2.0 is set to continue.