Sports
EURO 2024: Spain Defeats Germany To Qualify For Semi-Final
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Spain has eliminated the host, Germany from the ongoing EURO 2024 competition.
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 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 ends 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, 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.
The Arsenal forward leaped 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 German 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 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.
AFP
Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey is mourning the death of his father, Jacob Teye Partey, who reportedly passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The news has plunged the Partey family into mourning, with reports indicating that the circumstances surrounding Jacob Teye Partey’s death have not been disclosed. Funeral and burial arrangements are also yet to be announced by the family.
Thomas Partey had not publicly commented on the death of his father at the time of the reports, as the family comes to terms with the loss.
Jacob Teye Partey played an important role in his son’s football journey and was among the people who supported Thomas during the early stages of his career.
An old interview involving Thomas Partey has resurfaced following his father’s death, highlighting some of the sacrifices Jacob made to help his son pursue his football ambitions.
In a 2018 interview, Thomas recalled that his father sold personal belongings to help him obtain football boots during the formative stages of his career.
The support reportedly went beyond providing equipment. In a separate account, Jacob Teye Partey was said to have sold land and other properties to help finance his son’s move from Ghana to Spain.
That move eventually opened the door to a professional career in Europe, with Thomas joining Atlético Madrid’s youth setup in 2011.
The midfielder gradually progressed through the Spanish club’s system before establishing himself in the senior team. He later became one of Ghana’s prominent international players and went on to play in the English Premier League for Arsenal.
Thomas Partey currently represents Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.
The death of his father has therefore brought renewed attention to the family support behind the footballer’s rise from Ghana to the international stage.
For many young footballers, the journey to professional football involves significant sacrifices from parents and relatives, particularly when opportunities require travel, equipment and financial support. Jacob’s reported contribution to his son’s career has been highlighted in reports following his passing.
The news has also generated messages of sympathy from members of the Ghanaian football community and supporters, who have expressed condolences to Thomas Partey and the wider family.
Further details about Jacob Teye Partey’s funeral are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
As the Partey family mourns, attention remains on the private loss experienced by the Ghana midfielder and the important role his father played during the early stages of his football journey.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his departure from the Portugal national team training camp following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation.
The veteran forward said his decision came after the national team coach’s press conference, although he did not immediately disclose the specific reasons behind his departure.
As reported by football transfer expert on Wednesday, the Portuguese was quoted as saying, “After the National Team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the National Team training camp,” Ronaldo said.
The 41-year-old said he would explain his reasons at a later date, insisting that his commitment to Portugal had always remained strong.
“In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself,” he said.
Ronaldo also wished the national team and his teammates well following his decision to leave the camp.
“Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates,” he added.
The announcement comes as Portugal prepares for its upcoming international commitments, with Ronaldo’s departure likely to generate significant attention ahead of the team’s next fixtures.
Further details about the circumstances surrounding his decision are expected to emerge when Ronaldo provides his promised explanation.
Newsmen had reported that Portugal coach Jorge Jesus insisted on Wednesday that there was no rift between him and Cristiano Ronaldo, but the 72-year-old did acknowledge that his captain had been disappointed to remain on the bench in the side’s Nations League win over Norway.
The Gambia produced a stunning result on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, defeating Ghana’s Black Stars 4-2 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The defeat leaves Ghana without a win from their opening two matches in Group C, putting the Black Stars under early pressure in their bid to qualify for the continental tournament.
Ghana began their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké before suffering another setback against The Gambia on home soil.
The latest loss means the Black Stars must quickly regroup and secure positive results in their remaining group matches if they are to keep their qualification hopes on track.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
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