Merino's corner flag dance sums up Spain's super subs

Spain will need their squad players more than ever in the Euro 2024 semi-final with France but the fact both scorers in Friday's win over Germany were substitutes bodes well for the team.

Mikel Merino's header late in extra time sealed a 2-1 victory over the hosts but the game came at a cost with defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand now suspended for the last four after a red card and another booking respectively.

Pedri also limped off early but Dani Olmo - who plays in Germany for RB Leipzig - came on in Stuttgart and scored a classy opener just after half-time, with Florian Wirtz levelling on 89 minutes.

Midfielder Pedri suffered a knee problem and is a big doubt of Tuesday's semi-final, although media reports he was out of the tournament have been played down by the coaching staff.

Olmo is likely to deputize again while Nacho will come into defence, probably with Jesus Navas at right back. Coach Luis de la Fuente says his squad will cope.

"In football and in life, nothing is easy. This great group is a huge role model for that," he told reporters. "We want to remain optimistic about Pedri. But everyone in our squad is ready to play at a very high level."

Merino's goal celebration also demonstrated that Spain's substitutes are ready to contribute.

His dance around the corner flag was all planned, mirroring his father 33 years ago.

In November 1991, Ángel Merino scored for Spain's Osasuna in a UEFA Cup match against VfB Stuttgart at the same stadium and celebrated with the same dance.