Spain emerged victorious in this summer’s EURO 2024 tournament, taking home the title from Germany — and beating a strong Germany team en route to the Final. The celebrations are in full swing as the Spanish look to revive their 2008-2012 era — two EUROs titles and a World Cup trophy.
But Germany fans will be thinking: that could have been Germany this time! Die Mannschaft took the Spanish to the wire in the quarterfinals, and during the trophy celebration, team captain Álvaro Morata (Atlético Madrid) gave a nod to just how close that was:
Álvaro Morata at Spain’s title celebration presenting Carvajal: “Where is Musiala? Where is he? The best right-back in the world, Dani Carvajal”
pic.twitter.com/TjXWxil6mt— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) July 15, 2024
It seems Morata was saying: without Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal’s efforts, it might have been Germany hoisting the trophy.
Musiala turned defenders inside out with his dribbling all tournament and Carvajal was no exception — earning two yellow cards courtesy of the youngster’s tricky feet. The Bayern Munich prodigy was off and running again to launch another German attack in the game’s final moments when Carvajal cynically tackled him to the turf. Hey pal, it’s not American football.
The best right-back in the world? Forced to sacrifice himself for the semifinals because he simply could not keep Germany’s firecracker at bay.
Cycles come and go in football, and it looks like this young Germany team is coming up just behind Spain once again. Following two epic battles in the last two major tournaments, will the two sides meet again in the next one? Find out in 2026.