Germany versus Spain is a football classic. It doesn’t thrive on a big fan rivalry like the DFB duels with England or Holland. But the sporting appeal is enormous.
Germany has a positive international record against Spain, even if they have only won twice this millennium. The DFB’s record is nine wins, nine draws and eight defeats with a goal difference of 31:32. The European Championship quarter-final on Friday (6 p.m./ARD/Magenta TV) in Stuttgart is the 13th competitive match between the two nations since Germany’s 2:1 win in the 1966 World Cup group match in England. The record when it counted most: four wins, four draws, four defeats, 12:15 goals. Eight important matches against Spain:
European Championship 1984: 20 June, Paris, group stage, 0:1
Defending champion Germany struggles through the tournament in France. A draw against Spain would still be enough to get them into the semi-finals. But then Antonio Maceda strikes with a late header. 0:1. Germany is out. Jupp Derwall, the 1980 European champion, has to leave as national coach. Franz Beckenbauer takes over as DFB team manager.
European Championship 1988: 17 June, Munich, group stage, 2:0
Spain was Germany’s opponent at the last European Championships at home. In Munich, a draw was enough to get them into the semi-finals. But this time, Rudi Völler took over. Two striker goals – and they won the group. This time, Spain had to go home. But Germany’s luck only lasted until they were knocked out in the semi-finals by the Netherlands.
Völler’s premiere in 2000: 16 August, Hanover, friendly match, 4:1
German football is on the ground after the European Championship disaster in Belgium and the Netherlands. Rudi Völler takes over as interim coach, replacing the designated national coach Christoph Daum. And the premiere is a success. Spain is beaten 4-1 in Hanover. Mehmet Scholl and Alexander Zickler score in the DFB’s biggest victory against Spain.
European Championship 2008: 29 June, Vienna, final, 0:1
In his first tournament as national coach, Joachim Löw and the DFB team reached the final. But there he met the team that he would follow as a role model from then on. Spain was simply better in Vienna. Fernando Torres outwitted Philipp Lahm and goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. Germany had no answer with captain Michael Ballack. Spain won the European Championship.
World Cup 2010: 7 July, Durban, semi-final, 0:1
A young, fresh German team is competing in Durban. But shooting star and five-goal scorer Thomas Müller is suspended. The German defense is unable to defend a powerful header from Carles Puyol. Spain advances to the final and becomes world champions. The DFB team is a world champion in the hearts of the fans.
Vigo 2014: 18 November, friendly, 1-0
A nasty November rain is falling in Galicia. But it is the evening when the Spain complex is finally overcome. World champions Germany win the test 1-0 in Vigo thanks to a late goal from Toni Kroos. It is to be the only victory under national coach Löw against their great rivals – and the last one to date.
Seville 2020: 17 November, Nations League, 0:6
Another low point in Löw’s declining era. The score is 0:6 in Seville. Toni Kroos and his colleagues are played out. A debacle instead of a group win in the Nations League. After a few weeks of reflection, world champion coach Löw announces his resignation for the period after the 2021 European Championship.
World Cup 2022: 27 November, Al-Bayt, group stage, 1:1
Germany is under pressure at the World Cup in Qatar after a 1:2 false start against Japan. Niclas Füllkrug’s substitute goal saved a 1:1 draw in the Bedouin Stadium of Al-Bhayt late on. Ultimately, it was in vain: Germany was eliminated after the group stage. Spain failed in the round of 16 against Morocco.
Source: Stern
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
