Germany out to snap 36-year winless run against Spain

BERLIN : Germany take on fellow title contenders Spain in their mouth-watering Euro 2024 quarter-final clash on Friday, hoping to end a winless run at tournaments against them that stretches back to 1988.

The Germans are enjoying their best international tournament in eight years with home fans desperate for their first title in a decade but their match against the Spaniards is also seen as a premature final between two of the hottest teams in the competition.

Spain cruised through their group with wingers Lamine Yamal, who is the youngest player to feature at a Euros at 16, and Nico Williams quickly establishing a superb partnership that has terrorised opposing defences with their speed and creative play.

With Fabian Ruiz directing their game, often called "possession with a purpose", there is a constant drive forward instead of merely holding onto the ball.

Their 4-1 victory over Georgia in the round of 16 confirmed their good form with their fourth win in four matches as they look for a record fourth European title.

The Germans, who have also won the tournament three times, had to dig deep to top their group with a stoppage-time equaliser against Switzerland before their 2-0 knockout stage win over Denmark.

But it is how their defensive organisation copes with Spain's lethal attacking football that is likely to decide the outcome.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has a tough decision to make for the left back position, with attack-minded David Raum and Maximilian Mittelstaedt having occupied it in recent games.

He could potentially opt for a more defensive option in Benjamin Henrichs.

"We should not be hiding against Spain," said captain Ilkay Gundogan. "As a team we can more than keep up with them. We also have extreme