- Pablo Garcia scored four goals to help Spain eventually beat Germany
- The dramatic semi-final also included an Olimpico and a bizarre own goal
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Spain advanced to the final of the Under-19 European Championships in stunning fashion after beating Germany in a 6-5 thriller after extra-time.
The semi-final in Bucharest had looked like going in Germany’s favour after they led the tournament holders 2-1 with 12 minutes remaining of the tie.
Spain’s Pablo Garcia had cancelled out Max Moerstedt’s first half opener with an ‘Olimpico’ – a goal direct from a corner just after the hour, having already seen Antonio Cordero miss a penalty.
Said El Mala put Germany back in front in the 78th minute of the match, with his effort sparking a dramatic conclusion to the match with a further eight goals being scored.
Two goals from Garcia in stoppage time saw the Spaniard complete his hat-trick and look to have earned his team a 3-2 victory.
Germany would ultimately force extra-time with a goal in the ninth minute of stoppage time, as Spain’s Andres Cuenca bizarrely turned into his own net after his goalkeeper slipped when trying to collect a last-ditch German free kick.
The semi-final swung back in Spain’s favour at the start of extra time with a goal from Tomas Marques.
Hoffenheim striker Moerstedt then struck twice in a three minute spell to complete his own hat-trick, giving Germany a 5-4 advantage.
The scoring continued with Jan Virgili pulling Spain level again in the 113th minute of the match.
The holders then snatched victory with one minute remaining of the contest, as Real Betis’ Garcia rounded the goalkeeper and found the net to earn Spain a 6-5 victory.
‘It’s honestly a super beautiful feeling,’ Garcia told UEFA post-match.
‘I’m really happy, not just because of the goals, but because of the work the team put in and the determination we showed throughout the 120 minutes.
‘I’m proud of the whole team’s effort, now we want to win the final.’
The result marked the second thriller Germany had been involved in at the tournament, after drawing 5-5 against England despite having held a 5-1 lead.
Following their stunning win over Germany in the last four, Spain will now face the Netherlands in the final.
The Dutch advanced in less dramatic fashion, as they down hosts Romania 3-1 in their semi-final.
