Euro 2024 Daily: Spain v Germany is a heavyweight tussle for the ages
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
France or England? This was the toss-up before the Euros for who would win the whole thing, and it’s still, just about, a valid question. Both are in the last eight; both still possess an array of the world’s best. Both have also done their bit for science, using this tournament to offer an alternative cure to sleep deprivation. Results over entertainment has been the mantra of the favourites, with the French overly reliant on Monsieur Own Goal, a Golden Boot contender, and the English refusing to adopt a truly left-wing agenda (electoral views completely unintended).
The two sides actually enjoying themselves are Germany, with 10 goals so far, and Spain, who have seven different goalscorers at the tournament. Somehow, Lamine Yamal, who adds £10m to his release clause every time he cuts in from the right, is not one of those. Julian Nagelsmann’s sk8ter-boy vibes have ensured Germany feel emboldened, not burdened by host status, and Luis de la Fuente’s professorial aesthetic exudes a certain confidence, too. The bad news? One of them’s going to have a really rubbish Friday night.
Spain meeting Germany in a quarter-final feels premature, particularly when considering the dominance of the two heavyweights earlier in the century. The pair’s last Euros meeting was in the 2008 final, when Fernando Torres’ cheeky dink was enough to win it, and Carles Puyol’s header gave the Spaniards further joy in the World Cup semi-final two years later. Spain won the following Euros, Germany the next World Cup. Cue a decade of not-so-greatness for the pair, their 1-1 group-stage draw in Qatar two years ago preceding early exits. Spain’s recovery was quicker, winning the Nations League last year, while Germany got their act together just in time, helped by a phone call to the ex who made them happiest.
Toni Kroos’ final fling could come any day now. The 34-year-old’s unretiring and retiring announcements this year would not look out of place in the circles of Pakistani cricket, but he has been Germany’s paracetamol, short-term relief to avoid the pain of embarrassment at home. It’s fitting he meets Spain in the farewell tour after all those years in Madrid and all those pals on the other side who wish him well – but would also like him to Do One. “I love Toni, care about him,” Joselu, his ex-Real teammate, wholesomely said before turning into a mob boss. “But I think that Friday is Toni’s last game … we hope to retire Toni.” Stuttgart could get spicy.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
Montella has become one of us now. He hugs and kisses everyone. He hugged me tightly and said ‘We dedicate this victory to the Turkish nation and especially to you’.
The Turkish FA president, Mehmet Buyukeksi, claims Vincenzo Montella went all Kylie & Jason after the dramatic last-16 win over Austria.
EURO 2024 DAILY LETTERS
I want to thank Cristiano Ronaldo for his sterling work in promoting Thornton Heath (postcode CR7), the pride of Croydon” – Martin Davies.
Regarding the Dutch team going on the Tin [yesterday’s Quote of the Day], they will only be following their TV pundits who regularly enjoy a tipple while on the air. Here’s Pierre van Hooijdonk, among others, getting stuck in” – Gerry Rickard.
I agree with Pete Smith (yesterday’s letters) – it’s time we give the England players and Gareth a break. Where did this expectation that we play nice football come from anyway? We aren’t West Ham fans all of a sudden are we? Besides, didn’t the Hammers win a European trophy playing not-very-nice football with a manager they were all sick of?” – Ben North.
Good to see Mark Matics win letter o’ the day yesterday, but someone should tell his brother, Matthew, that his number’s up. I’ll get my coat” – Martyn Shapter.
Send letters to the.boss@theguardian.com. Today’s letter o’ the day winner is … Gerry Rickard, who wins a copy of Euro Summits: The Story of the Uefa European Championships 1960 to 2016, by Pitch Publishing. Visit their bookshop here. Terms and conditions for our competitions can be viewed here.
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