Fans spot crazy detail in Mikel Merino's goal celebration against Germany
Spain's hero produced a heartwarming moment.
Fans have spotted an incredible detail about Mikel Merino's goal celebration during Spain's win against Germany.
On Friday the two heavyweights clashed in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, and it was the Spaniards who progressed to the semi-finals with a 2-1 win AET.
Spain looked set to win 1-0 in normal time thanks to Dani Olmo's cool finish early in the second half, but Florian Wirtz scored an 89th minute equaliser to send the match to extra-time.
Germany spurned several great chances and were made to pay when Mikel Merino produced a huge leap to head past Manuel Neuer in the 119th minute.
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In knocking Germany out of the tournament, Spain eliminated the hosts of a European Champions or World Cup for the first time ever.
Merino's goal and then the full-time whistle sparked scenes of joyous celebration among the Spanish supporters in Stuttgart, but what got a little lost in the mayhem was an incredible detail of the midfielder's goal celebration.
The Real Sociedad star wheeled away in celebration, and after being mobbed by his teammates, he trotted over to the corner flag and ran around it while pumping his fist.
The routine appeared a little odd, but it turns out that Merino was replicating the celebration his father performed 33 years ago in the very same stadium.
In November 1991, Miguel Merino scored for Spanish side Osasuna during their UEFA Cup second round second leg match against VfB Stuttgart at the Stuttgart Arena.
After the first leg finished goalless in Pamplona, Merino and his Osasuna teammates secured a 3-2 win in Germany to advance to the third round, where they lost 2-0 on aggregate to Ajax.
What is also remarkable is that, as reported by journalist Alexandra Jonson, commentator Juan Carlos Rivero commentated on both goals on Spanish TV.
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Alex Brotherton