Press comments on Germany’s European Championship exit: “Sensational mistake by Taylor”

Brand: “Immortal performance by Spain! Mikel Merino seals an unforgettable match in which the Spanish team withstood the German siege. A match for all time, full of epic and magnificence, Spain writes an unforgettable chapter.”

AS: “This is for Quincoces, Zarra, Camacho, Zubizarreta, Butragueño, Joaquín, Busquets… For all those who tried to beat the hosts of a World Cup or European Championship and failed. Spain beat Germany in an extremely complicated game. Heart attacks like this are something you’re happy to accept.”

The sports world: “End of the curse against the hosts: Spain had to suffer against a competitive Germany.”

England

Daily Mail: “Merino ends the German dream, the hearts of the hosts break. Ecstasy for the Spaniards, agony for the Germans. What a game! This duel between the two best teams of the tournament would have been such a worthy finale.”

Sun: “What the first heavyweight bout of this knockout round lacked in quality, it made up for in drama.”

Guardian: “Football, bloody hell. That was dramatic, an exhausting, tiring evening. A game on a knife edge.”

Italy

Gazzetta dello Sport: “Tension and balance. And controversy. Nothing is missing in the first quarter-final of the European Championship in Stuttgart. Spain beat Germany 2-1 in extra time. The Germans were denied a clear penalty: Cucurella hits the ball with his arm after Musiala’s shot. It is a real save. But referee Taylor does not intervene. And not even the VAR.”

Sports Courier: “Spain in the semi-finals: A goal by Merino in extra time makes Germany cry.”

Tuttosport: “Merino, hero for Spain in extra time: Germany knocked out! Taylor’s sensational mistake puts a damper on the game, as he did not sanction a clear handball by Cucurella in the Spanish penalty area.”

The Republic: “Spain and Germany put on a real show, a game of raw beauty. It is unfortunate that one of the two most beautiful teams in the tournament has to say goodbye. This also means that champions like Kroos, Kimmich, Wirtz and Musiala are saying goodbye.”

Corriere della Sera: “Spain wins at the end of an endless game that is once again enchanted for Germany. The Spaniards celebrate the triumph, Germany slides into drama.”

Austria Switzerland:

Kronenzeitung: “Spain ends Germany’s European Championship dream in the 119th minute. Was a penalty stolen from Germany?”

Delivery man: “Last-minute shock for Germany. The dreams of the next German summer fairytale have been shattered.”

Blick: “Pure drama! From ecstasy to a deep hole. Germany in the valley of tears.”