Matthäus sees Germany-Spain as a "50-50" affair

Germany are neither favourites nor underdogs when they take on Spain in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Friday, according to Lothar Matthäus, who believes the two teams have an equal chance of progressing.

"For the first time, Germany are not the favourites at their home tournament, but that doesn't mean they are the underdogs. It's an open game, 50-50. Both teams have impressed so far, with the Spanish perhaps playing a little more attractively. But the Seleccion also have their weaknesses, especially in transition play at the back, as we saw against Georgia," Matthäus wrote in a column for Sport.de.

"But unlike Georgia, Germany are not a counter-attacking team, they are a possession team - just like Spain. Both are vulnerable on the counter-attack and both teams will need to exploit those problems. I expect an even match. Both Germany and Spain have experienced players in their ranks, but also a lot of youthful energy and speed," the former German international added.

“Maybe it's a tactical variation for Julian Nagelsmann to move away from possession, give the ball to the opposition for ten minutes, stay compact, win the ball and attack quickly.”

The game kicks off on Friday at 18:00 CET.