From delirium to desolation. Seldom can a host nation have endured a more shattering comedown. With almost the last act of extra time, and with Germany already mentally preparing for the penalties that that they have turned into a national artform, Spain struck with the cruellest blow, with Mikel Merino rising high to head Dani Olmo’s cross past Manuel Neuer and plunge the Stuttgart Arena into the ghostliest silence. The Germans knew they confronted the sternest challenge to subdue a Spain side
New tournament favourites take on the hosts in heavyweight quarter-final tie in Stuttgart
Didier Deschamps men have yet to fire in the tournament but must now face a buoyant Portuguese side led by Cristiano Ronaldo