Spain National Football Team vs Germany National Football Team Timeline The rivalry between the Spain and Germany national football teams is one of the most storied and intense in international football. Both teams are giants in the sport, each boasting a rich history and a legacy of success. Their encounters over the decades have often been crucial in shaping the landscape of international tournaments. This comprehensive timeline outlines the major events and significant matches in their rivalry.
Early Encounters
1960 – European Nations Cup (Predecessor to UEFA Euro)
- June 6, 1960: Spain faced West Germany in the inaugural European Nations Cup. The match ended in a 2-0 victory for West Germany. This early encounter set the stage for what would become a long and competitive rivalry.
1970s – Rising Contenders
1978 – FIFA World Cup
- June 7, 1978: Spain and West Germany met in the 1978 World Cup held in Argentina. West Germany won 2-1 in a closely contested match. This period saw both teams emerging as strong contenders on the world stage.
1980s – European and World Dominance
1982 – FIFA World Cup
- June 9, 1982: Spain and West Germany played each other in the 1982 World Cup held in Spain. West Germany won 2-1. This match was significant as it highlighted West Germany’s resilience and tactical prowess.
1984 – UEFA European Championship
- June 24, 1984: Spain and West Germany clashed in the final of the 1984 UEFA European Championship. Spain, led by coach Luis Suárez, lost 2-0. This was a significant match as it was Spain’s first major final and marked the beginning of their rise as a footballing powerhouse.
1990s – Intensified Rivalry
1994 – FIFA World Cup
- July 9, 1994: Spain and Germany met in the quarter-finals of the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Germany won 1-0, with a goal by Lothar Matthäus. This encounter was notable for its intensity and the high level of competition.
1996 – UEFA European Championship
- June 22, 1996: Spain and Germany faced off in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Euro 1996 held in England. Germany won 2-0, continuing their dominance over Spain in crucial matches.
2000s – Shifting Dynamics
2008 – UEFA European Championship
- June 29, 2008: Spain and Germany met in the final of the UEFA Euro 2008 held in Austria and Switzerland. Spain won 1-0 with a goal from Fernando Torres. This victory marked a significant shift in the rivalry as Spain emerged as a dominant force in European football.
2010 – FIFA World Cup
- July 7, 2010: Spain and Germany clashed in the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa. Spain won 1-0 with a goal by Carles Puyol. This win secured Spain’s place in the World Cup final, which they eventually won. This period marked the zenith of Spain’s dominance in international football.
2014 – FIFA World Cup
- July 13, 2014: While Spain and Germany did not meet directly in this tournament, their paths were noteworthy. Germany went on to win the World Cup in Brazil, while Spain, the defending champions, were eliminated in the group stage. The contrast in their fortunes highlighted the competitive nature of their rivalry.
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Recent Years – Spain National Football Team vs Germany National Football Team Timeline Competitive Encounters
2016 – UEFA European Championship
- June 22, 2016: Spain and Germany did not meet in the knockout stages, but their performances in the tournament continued to reflect their competitive edge. Spain was eliminated in the Round of 16, while Germany reached the semi-finals.
2018 – FIFA World Cup
- June 23, 2018: Spain and Germany did not face each other in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Spain was eliminated in the Round of 16, and Germany did not progress past the group stage.
2020 – UEFA European Championship
- June 24, 2021: The tournament was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spain and Germany did not meet, but their performances in the group stage were closely monitored, with both teams advancing to the knockout stages.
2024 – A New Chapter
July 5, 2024 – International Tournament Knockout Stage
- Pre-Match Build-Up: The match between Spain and Germany was highly anticipated. Both teams arrived at the stadium with significant preparation and tactical strategies.
- Kick-Off: The match started with Spain and Germany showcasing their trademark styles. Spain’s possession-based approach contrasted with Germany’s aggressive pressing.
- First Half: The first half ended 0-0, with both teams creating chances but failing to score.
- Second Half: Spain took the lead with a goal by Ansu Fati, but Germany equalized with a header by Antonio Rudiger.
- Extra Time: The match remained 1-1 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout.
- Penalty Shootout: Spain won the shootout 4-3, advancing to the next stage. This match was a testament to Spain’s ability to perform under pressure and added a new chapter to their ongoing rivalry with Germany.
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Spain National Football Team vs Germany National Football Team Timeline
| Date | Match | Result | Score | Competition |
| 05 Jul 2024 | Germany v Spain | L | 1-2 | UEFA European Championship |
| 27 Nov 2022 | Spain v Germany | D | 1-1 | FIFA World Cup |
| 17 Nov 2020 | Spain v Germany | L | 6-0 | UEFA Nations League |
| 03 Sep 2020 | Germany v Spain | D | 1-1 | UEFA Nations League |
| 23 Mar 2018 | Germany v Spain | D | 1-1 | International Friendly |
| 18 Nov 2014 | Spain v Germany | W | 0-1 | International Friendly |
| 07 Jul 2010 | Germany v Spain | L | 0-1 | FIFA World Cup |
| 29 Jun 2008 | Germany v Spain | L | 0-1 | UEFA European Championship |
| 12 Feb 2003 | Spain v Germany | L | 3-1 | International Friendly |
| 16 Aug 2000 | Germany v Spain | W | 4-1 | International Friendly |
| 22 Feb 1995 | Spain v Germany | D | 0-0 | International Friendly |
| 21 Jun 1994 | Germany v Spain | D | 1-1 | FIFA World Cup |
| 17 Jun 1988 | Germany v Spain | W | 2-0 | UEFA European Championship |
| 15 Oct 1986 | West Germany v Spain | D | 2-2 | International Friendly |
| 20 Jun 1984 | Germany v Spain | L | 0-1 | UEFA European Championship |
| 02 Jul 1982 | Spain v Germany | W | 1-2 | FIFA World Cup |
| 22 May 1976 | Germany v Spain | W | 2-0 | UEFA European Championship |
| 24 Apr 1976 | Spain v Germany | D | 1-1 | UEFA European Championship |
| 23 Feb 1974 | Spain v West Germany | L | 1-0 | International Friendly |
| 24 Nov 1973 | West Germany v Spain | W | 2-1 | International Friendly |
| 11 Feb 1970 | Spain v West Germany | L | 2-0 | International Friendly |
| 20 Jul 1966 | Germany v Spain | W | 2-1 | FIFA World Cup |
| 19 Mar 1958 | West Germany v Spain | W | 2-0 | International Friendly |
| 28 Dec 1952 | Spain v West Germany | D | 2-2 | International Friendly |
| 12 Apr 1942 | Germany v Spain | D | 1-1 | International Friendly |
| 23 Feb 1936 | Spain v Germany | W | 1-2 | International Friendly |
| 12 May 1935 | Germany v Spain | L | 1-2 | International Friendly |
Conclusion
The rivalry between Spain and Germany is marked by memorable matches, key victories, and intense competition. From early encounters to recent high-stakes games, their footballing history reflects the evolving dynamics of international football. Each match between these two teams continues to be a highly anticipated event, showcasing some of the best footballing talent in the world and adding to the rich tapestry of their storied rivalry.