[UPDATED] Euro 2024: Spain knock out hard-fighting Germany 2-1, hit semi-finals

A Mikel Merino goal in the final minute of extra time took Spain to a 2-1 win over Germany and into the Euro 2024 semis.

After a fiery yet goalless first half, Spain’s Dani Olmo latched onto an inch-perfect pass from Spanish wunderkind Lamine Yamal to give La Roja the lead on 51 minutes.

Niclas Fuellkrug struck the post with 14 minutes remaining but with the hosts staring at an early exit, Florian Wirtz slammed in a Joshua Kimmich knock-down in the 89th minute to take the game to extra time.

With a minute remaining in extra time and the game looking set for penalties, Olmo lofted a cross for Merino, who headed Spain into the semi-finals and on course for a record-breaking fourth Euros crown.

Germany’s exit brings to an end the hosts’ hope of a summer fairytale Euros victory after a decade of poor performances at major tournaments, while also lowering the curtain on Toni Kroos’ stellar career.

The battle between the two most successful Euros nations, with three titles apiece, was billed as a final come early, with the in-form Spaniards against Nagelsmann’s reborn hosts.

Spain nominated Kroos as Germany’s most dangerous pre-match but the midfielder had a huge, even if unintended impact early, colliding with Pedri, who was then subbed off with a leg injury for Olmo.

Germany, with the oldest squad at Euro 2024, struggled with Spain’s speed during the first half, frequently coming into duels a fraction too late, but the two best chances of the opening half fell to the hosts — and both to Kai Havertz.

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The Arsenal forward leapt highest to head a cross directly at Unai Simon early and then scuffed a tame shot at the goalie later in the half with just the ‘keeper to beat.

After a goalless first half, Nagelsmann took off surprise starter Emre Can for the pink-haired Robert Andrich, while the ineffective Leroy Sane was hooked in place of Wirtz.

The substitution who would make his mark however was Olmo, who gave Spain the lead six minutes into the second half, slicing through the sleepy Germany defence to perfectly place a Yamal pass past Manuel Neuer in the bottom left corner.

The goal kicked Germany into gear with Wirtz particularly dangerous.

The Bayer Leverkusen starlet linked with Fuellkrug on the counter with a quarter of an hour remaining but the striker, under heavy attention from the Spanish defence, could only hit the post.

With 10 minutes remaining Nagelsmann made his final substitution, bringing veteran Thomas Mueller from the bench.

But it was Wirtz — 13 years his junior – who made the difference, skimming a Joshua Kimmich header across the grass and in at the far post in the final minute, sending the game to extra time.

Mikel Oyarzabal, on for Williams, curled a 104th-minute shot just wide of the post and Wirtz did the same a minute later with the goal beckoning.

Germany appealed strongly for a penalty in the second period of extra time, after a goal-bound Jamal Musiala shot clearly connected with Marc Cucurella’s outstretched hand.

After the penalty drama, Olmo curled in a cross for Merino, who leapt high to head the ball past Neuer and put Spain into the Euros semi-finals.

[UPDATED] Euro 2024: Spain knock out hard-fighting Germany 2-1, hit semi-finals

WBC expels boxer Ryan Garcia for using racial slurs, disparaging Muslims

American professional boxer, Ryan Garcia has been expelled by the World Boxing Council after he repeatedly used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims in comments livestreamed on social media.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced the penalty against Garcia on the social media platform X.

“Exercising my authority as president of the WBC, I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization,” Sulaiman posted. “We reject any form of discrimination.”

Garcia posted an apology of sorts on X.

“I was trolling I want all the killing to stop,” Garcia wrote. “I love everyone sorry if I offended you.”

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Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes Garcia, denounced Garcia’s comments in a social media post on Friday.

“There is no room for hate or intolerance at my company. Period. I condemn Ryan’s words in the strongest terms possible,” the statement said. “I see that he has apologized, and that is a start – but it is only a start to earn back the trust and respect of those of us who have and continue to support him. We hope Ryan will use the time he has away from the sport to work through the issues he has publicly discussed. We stand ready to help in whatever we can.”

Last month, the result of Garcia’s shock-upset victory over Devin Haney in April was changed to a no-contest after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

The New York State Athletic Commission also suspended Garcia for a year and said he would have to forfeit £790,000 ($1m) he made on the fight and pay a $10,000 fine.

WBC expels boxer Ryan Garcia for using racial slurs, disparaging Muslims

Despite Messi penalty miss, Argentina beat Ecuador in Copa America thriller

Lionel Messi relied on his Argentine teammates to save him, and the world champions delivered for their all-time captain. 

Messi missed a penalty kick in a shootout, but Argentina defeated Ecuador 1-1 (4-2 on penalty kicks) in their Copa America quarterfinal encounter Thursday night in front of 69,456 fans at NRG Stadium in Houston to progress to the semifinal.

Messi went up with the ball in his palm and lined up Argentina’s first kick, setting the tone and he missed it.

His chip shot down the middle was perfect, but it tipped the crossbar and sailed over the goal.

Messi stated he attempted the kick in that manner after talking with Argentina’s two goalkeepers.

“A lot of anger, a lot of anger,” Messi said of his penalty miss. “I just wanted to touch it, and it went high.”

Messi’s famous left foot has a slightly off touch. He wasn’t as sharp as he usually is, and he needed to be in the moment.

Perhaps a side effect of missing a game and rehabbing a right groin/adductor injury in the last nine days.

Messi squandered an opportunity to provide another epic moment and propel Messi Mania to new heights for his following of Argentine fans and followers across the world.

However, Messi’s error did not deter the Argentine national team, the defending Copa America 2021 and World Cup 2022 champions.

They’ve been in far more difficult situations before, and they delivered for Messi. After all, Messi was the reason Argentina led for so long before losing.

Argentina defeated Ecuador with goals from Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicolás Otamendi in the penalty round.  Argentina’s goalkeeper, Dibu Martinez, led the celebrations.

The Argentinians celebrated with music and dancing, while Ecuador conceded defeat after a spectacular comeback.

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Argentina will face the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal between Venezuela and Canada on July 9.

“The team feels blind confidence in their goalkeeper, and for us, it is fundamental. Even if Leo failed, the team knew that something positive was going to happen,” Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni said of the victory.

Ecuador’s Kevin Rodríguez scored a header in stoppage time to draw the match in the 91st minute.

In the penalty shootout, John Yeboah and Jordy Caicedo scored, but Caicedo missed a late shot.

Ecuador’s Enner Valencia had a wonderful opportunity to equalise the game in the 62nd minute, as his penalty kick ricocheted against the left post.

“Our players gave it their all,” Ecuador coach Felix Sanchez said. “We got the equaliser, but unfortunately we were eliminated in the shootout.”

Before the game-tying goal, it appeared that Argentina would easily advance to the semifinals.

Messi’s kick from the right side was short off the goal area, but Alexis MacAllister used his head to bounce the ball backwards to Martínez, who scored.

The Argentinian missed his only shot of the game in the second half with his right boot.

He has yet to score in three Copa America games, but he did provide an assist in Argentina’s first encounter.

During the match, he also set a Copa America record for the most minutes played in the competition.

Only two games remain before Messi and Argentina can lift another trophy and add another championship to their reigning soccer dynasty.

Despite Messi penalty miss, Argentina beat Ecuador in Copa America thriller