Just like against the Netherlands, England and Norway, Schalke’s right-back was again in the starting XI, though he didn’t play the full game on this occasion, coming off just before the start of extra time.

The semi-final in Bucharest was the definition of a topsy-turvy affair. Hoffenheim’s Max Moerstedt put Germany ahead in the first half (28’), before Pablo Garcia’s goal levelled things for Spain (62’). Köln’s Said El Mala then looked to have won it for Germany (78’), however Garcia scored twice in injury time (92’, 95’) to turn the game completely on its head.

Germany didn’t give up though and did manage to take the game to extra time despite Garcia’s double strike. A free-kick from deep was turned into his own net by Andres Cuenca in the ninth minute of injury time to make it 3-3 and provide Germany with a lifeline.

The extra 30 minutes at the Stadionul Arcul de Triumf provided even more drama. Tomas Marques put the defending champions in front in the 97th minute, only for Max Moerstedt to complete his hat-trick with two further goals inside the space of three minutes (104’, 107’). Germany were however unable to defend their 5-4 lead, instead conceding another equaliser via Jan Virgili Tenas (113’) and then what turned out to be the final goal of the evening from Pablo Garcia (119’). Spain will now play the Netherlands in Thursday’s final (26/6).