Euro 2024 Quarterfinal: Germany vs Spain - Some interesting match facts

Stuttgart: Spain faces host nation Germany in a highly anticipated quarter final clash at the European Championship, showcasing two of the tournament's top-performing teams. Both nations boast three European Championships each, a record unmatched by any other country, adding extra significance to this encounter. Key players to watch include Spain's young talent Lamine Yamal and Germany's 21-year-old forward Jamal Musiala. The match kicks off at 6 p.m. local time (1600 GMT) in Stuttgart. Here’s what you need to know:

• The winner advances to the semifinals in Munich, where they will face either France or Portugal on Tuesday.
• Spain and Germany are the leading scorers at Euro 2024, with Spain netting nine goals and Germany ten in their respective four matches. They have also recorded the most attempts on target.
• Spain has never eliminated a host nation in either the European Championship or the World Cup.
• La Roja has a flawless record at Euro 2024, winning all their matches against Croatia, Italy, Albania, and a 4-1 victory over Georgia in the round of 16. Germany, meanwhile, defeated Scotland and Hungary but drew against Switzerland before eliminating Denmark.
• Germany hasn’t defeated Spain in a major tournament since Euro '88.
• Concerns over player fitness include Spain's Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Fabian Ruiz missing a training session, with Aymeric Laporte jogging lightly. All are expected to be fit for Friday.
• Germany welcomes back defender Jonathan Tah from suspension, with no reported injury concerns by coach Julian Nagelsmann.
• Combined, Spain and Germany have only conceded three goals, highlighting their defensive prowess.
• In their 26 meetings, Germany holds a slight edge with nine wins to Spain's eight, although Spain leads in goals scored with 32 to Germany's 31.
• Recent encounters have often ended in draws, with three of the last four matches finishing 1-1, except for Spain's dominant 6-0 victory in the UEFA Nations League in 2020.
• Germany boasts a perfect record in European Championship quarterfinals, winning all six of their previous matches. In contrast, Spain has lost five out of nine.
• Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to break the national record with his 39th appearance in a major tournament, tying Bastian Schweinsteiger’s previous record.
• Germany has excelled in penalty shootouts, winning the last six and losing only their first in the 1976 final. Spain has won seven out of 13.

Both teams are confident yet cautious heading into this crucial fixture, with sentiments from players and coaches emphasizing the gravity of the match and the respect for each other's strengths. This encounter promises to be a thrilling display of skill and determination as Spain seeks to extend their flawless run and Germany aims to maintain their quarterfinal dominance. AP