The Spanish national team achieved a decisive victory over host Germany, on Friday, at the start of the quarter-finals of the European Championship.
Spain won 2-1, when it scored the winning goal in the last minute of the second extra period.
Mikel Merino scored a goal in extra time to give Spain a thrilling win.
It seemed that the match was heading to a penalty shootout, after a 1-1 tie prevailed until the 119th minute, before Merino rose high to header into the goal, taking advantage of Dani Olmo's cross.
After a scoreless first half despite many chances, Olmo scored the lead goal for Spain in the sixth minute of the second half.
Florian Wirtz equalized for Germany before the end of regular time.
In his last statement as a player, Germany star Toni Kroos expressed his deep sadness over the loss to Spain, on Friday, in the round of 8 of the European Championship.
The hosts bid farewell to the tournament at the hands of the Spaniards, which practically means the end of Kroos' career in the world of football, as he had previously announced his retirement from the game after the end of the tournament.
Kroos said after the end of the exciting match: “We gave it everything. Losing after we were so close is painful. We can all feel proud of what we did.”
The player, who left a clear mark with Spanish Real Madrid and his country's national team, added: "I am very happy that I helped. I think we gave German football hope again and we were better as things progressed."
He added: "I believe that the team will succeed in the future, but today I am very sad because we wished to stay in the tournament for a longer period."
Substitute Dani Olmo opened the scoring for Spain (51st), before Germany equalized one minute before the end of regular time through another substitute Florian Wirtz (89th), but the final word was with Merino (120th).
"Well, I'm really dead," Merino said. "The adrenaline is getting to me now. It was an extraordinary moment."
He continued: "The match we were all waiting for, between two of the best teams in the world. It could be the World Cup final or the Euro final. All those who participated from the bench have a very high level. We showed that we have a great team."
Another substitute, Olmo, who scored the first goal for Spain and provided the assist for the winning goal, also commented: “Very tiring, really. It is a source of pride. What a great team we have? And how did we fight until the end? It is amazing. I am very happy.”
Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon, who played a great match, pointed out, "What we achieved is historic. Winning this match is like the Euro final. We celebrated, and now we have to recover because we will compete in the semi-finals in 4 days."
In the semi-finals, Spain will meet the French team, which won the match that was held later on Friday, in which the Roosters beat the Portuguese team on penalties.
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