Merino last-gasp goal in extra time sends Spain to the semifinals

— Spain and its fans celebrated as if they'd won the European Championship. After eliminating tournament host Germany in a thrilling quarterfinal, Luis de la Fuente's team has a great chance to lift the trophy in Berlin next week.

Spain snatched a 2-1 win in extra time on Friday thanks to substitute Mikel Merino's header in the 119th minute. Merino celebrated by running around the corner flag, mimicking his father Miguel Merino's celebration after he scored in the same stadium for Osasuna in the UEFA Cup against Stuttgart in 1991.

“I knew that there was very little time left and that it was one of the last attacks we would have,” Merino said. “I didn't believe that it had gone in until a couple of seconds later. When you get 30 slaps on your back it sinks in real quick.

“I am very happy for me and the entire team. It all comes down to one moment (the goal), but there is so much work behind it, all the training, the hope, the faith, and the belief in ourselves.”

Extra time came only after Florian Wirtz's equalizer in the last minute of regulation.

Dani Olmo, who set up Merino's winner, netted the opener early in the second half. All three goals came from substitutes.

Spain defender Dani Carvajal was sent off late in extra time for a second yellow card and will be suspended from Tuesday's semifinal against France. Fellow defender Robin le Normand will also miss that match after picking up another booking.

France knocked out Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo in a penalty shootout 5-3.

Spain eliminated the host of a major tournament for the first time in 10 attempts.

Germany players were morose and coach Julian Nagelsmann looked on with his hands on hips and his face etched with disappointment.

“We were so close, that's what makes it so bitter,” Germany midfielder Toni Kroos said after the final match of his excellent career. The 2014 World Cup winner had said he was retiring when Germany's campaign ended.

“We all had a big goal that we wanted to achieve together,” Kroos added. “And this dream we all had has been simply shattered now.”

Teammates who might also have played their last international included captain İlkay Gündoğan, Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer.

Despite the disappointment and the “hurt,” Nagelsmann managed to crack a joke during his news conference: “It's hurting also that we have to wait two years to become world champion."