Spain advanced to the European Under-19 Championship final after an astonishing 6-5 extra-time victory over Germany in Bucharest on Monday. The match, which saw eight goals scored after the 78th minute, will go down as one of the most chaotic in youth football history.
Real Betis winger Pablo García emerged as Spain’s savior, netting four times—including the 120th-minute winner—to break German hearts. Just when the game seemed over at 2-1 to Germany late in regulation, a flurry of three stoppage-time strikes forced extra time, where both sides traded blows before García’s decisive finish.
Hoffenheim striker Max Moerstedt delivered a heroic hat-trick for Germany, but defensive collapses cost his team a place in the final. Spain, the defending champions, now face the Netherlands—3-1 winners over Romania—in Thursday’s title decider.
The match, a showcase of attacking madness, ensures this U19 EURO semifinal will be remembered for years. Can Spain retain their crown?