Host Germany will face their biggest test on Friday as they face arguably the best team of Euro 2024 so far in a huge quarter-final match at Arena Stuttgart
In many ways, this is a game that would have been a fitting final, but one of the two heavyweights will see their journey come to an end.
Prior to the tournament there was a sense from the Germany fans that they would do well to get out of their group.
Just nine months ago they lost 4-1 to Japan, leading to Hansi Flick becoming the first coach to be sacked in German history.
Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann replaced him and managed just one win his first four games.
But a 5-1 thrashing of Scotland in the first game at these Euros lifted the mood of the fans. Results and performances since then have only seen that flourish.
Games between these two sides are often close, with three of their past four ending in a draw.
The one exception to that is a result that could give Spain the psychological edge.
It came in November 2020 in a Nations League match in Seville, with Spain winning 6-0 to inflict on Germany their heaviest defeat.
If not for Germany’s resurgence at this tournament, then the way Spain have been playing may have prompted fears of a repeat.
