EURO24: Spain v Germany Preview
The two teams of the tournament so far face off in the Quarter Finals of Euro 2024.
Recap
Germany topped their group with 7 points, scoring 8 goals and conceding only 2. They secured a late equaliser against Switzerland to pip them to the number 1 spot, and set up a Round of 16 tie against Denmark. There were disallowed goals for both sides in the Round of 16, but a contentious penalty decision gave Germany the lead in the second half. They doubled their lead just 15 minutes later, cruising to their first knockout victory.
Spain also topped their group, with a perfect 9 points, scoring 5 goals, and conceding 0. Their first goal conceded would come with an early scare, going one nil down to Georgia in the Round of 16. They stayed on the front foot though, dominating possession, and getting a goal just before halftime through Rodri. Yamal, and Williams gave the Spanish fans a show in the second half, creating chances every time they got on the ball. They would end the tie 4-1 victors, but better finishing could’ve seen an even more gruesome defeat for Georgia.
Key Matchups
Kroos v Rodri
Although different styles of players, both are the keys to their midfields. Kroos can dictate the play in possession, completing 411 successful passes already this tournament, with a 95.4% pass accuracy. He also has had an 87.5% long ball accuracy, resulting in 13 chances created, and 1.07 Expected Assists (xA). Rodri provides expertise on and off the ball, completing 259 passes, with a 93.5% accuracy so far. He also wins 80% of his tackles, and 75% of his aerial duels, all while darting around the pitch to recover the ball 20 times.
Yamal vs Musiala
Both wingers have been on fire for their nations so far this tournament. Musiala is the joint top scorer in the tournament, scoring 3 goals from just 0.86 xG. He’s taken 220 touches, and loves to take a player on, but has been dispossessed 7 times. It could be worthwhile for Spain to man mark Musiala, as he has a turnover in him. Yamal has two assists at the tournament so far, with an outstanding 11 chances created in just 3 starts. Having scored 0 from 1.5 Expected Goals (xG), and putting just 3 of his 11 shots on target, Germany should make a point of attempting to force him into a shot.
Prediction
The level of creativity in both sides leads to believe there will be a goal, but with the defensive capabilities of each team, they’ll have to make the most of small gaps, and every opportunity in the box.