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.
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
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.
Advert
What is also remarkable is that, as reported by journalist Alexandra Jonson, commentator Juan Carlos Rivero commentated on both goals on Spanish TV.
News
What Jermaine Jenas’ wife Ellie did when he told her he’d been sacked for sending inappropriate texts to other women (an)
Jenas was axed by the BBC earlier this week following an investigation into his behaviour. Jermaine Jenas has revealed how his wife Ellie reacted to finding…
Paul Scholes names the player Manchester United should have signed instead of Manuel Ugarte (an)
The PSG midfielder is on the Old Trafford club’s transfer radar. Manchester United appear to be closing in on the signing of PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte to…
Liverpool ‘readying £70m move’ in final week of transfer window that would rock the Premier League (an)
Manchester United have been heavily linked with the player this summer. Liverpool could be about to send shockwaves through the Premier League with a late transfer,…
Ilkay Gundogan’s wife makes her feelings clear on him rejoining Man City after slamming ‘horrible’ food scene (an)
Gundogan is back at City – and his wife Sara Arfaoui has made his feelings clear on the move. Ilkay Gundogan’s wife has made her feelings…
Body language expert spots interesting detail in Jermaine Jenas’ final The One Show appearance (an)
The former presenter was sacked after four years working for the BBC. A body language expert has given their thoughts on Jermaine Jenas’ final appearance on…
Pep Guardiola says Man City will be ‘trembling’ when they play one team this season, it’s surprised everyone (an)
The Manchester City boss admitted he is afraid of one team. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed the one team that will leave his side…
End of content
No more pages to load