'Like A Euros Final' - 'Insatiable' Spain A 'Winning Horse'

Spain hero Mikel Merino says their Euro 2024 quarter-final win over hosts Germany could have been a final - and coach Luis de la Fuente compared his team to a "winning horse".

La Roja edged the battle of the two top-scoring teams and arguably the most impressive in the European Championship so far.

Dani Olmo, who played 112 minutes despite starting on the bench, opened the scoring and set up fellow substitute Merino's extra-time winner - with Florian Wirtz levelling for Germany in the 89th minute.

Spain will play France in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Real Sociedad midfielder Merino said: "I'm exhausted. The adrenaline is taking its toll on me now. It's been a unique moment.

"The match we were all waiting for, between two of the best teams in the world. It could be a World Cup final or a European Championship final.

"We have shown that we know how to suffer, that we have a great team."

Spain have been one of the most impressive teams in the Euros, beating 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia and European champions Italy - plus Albania - in the group stage and Georgia in the last 16.

Their young wingers Lamine Yamal, who is just 16, and Nico Williams, 21, have been two of the stars of the tournament.

But they had to win this one in a different way, with the pair - and striker Alvaro Morata - all replaced at 1-0.

De la Fuente said: "I'm proud to coach players like this, players that are insatiable.

"They're used to competing at the highest level and they have an opportunity to win the tournament.

"How far we will get, we will see, but we're absolutely convinced that we can get very far with this side.

"We are so happy, but our euphoria is totally under control. We know tomorrow is already another day."

- BBC