Spot-on Germany eliminate Spain in quarter-finals

• Germany defeat Spain on spot kicks after a goalless draw at Beroe Stadium
• Constantin Frommann saves from Spain captain Carles Aleñá and Óscar in the shoot-out
• Spain's Kuki and Germany's Mats Köhlert have the best chances for their respective sides
• Germany face England or Russia next; Spain to play off for a FIFA U-17 World Cup spot

Germany kept their composure in a shoot-out to overcome Spain and reach the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finals, Constantin Frommann saving two spot kicks after a goalless 80 minutes in Stara Zagora.

Frommann's exploits paved the way for Salih Özcan to convert the winning penalty, which he did confidently. Chances had earlier come and gone in an entertaining and evenly-contested encounter that followed the same course as the first quarter-final between Croatia and Belgium in going the distance.

Though caution and nerves held sway early on, the game sprung to life in the 17th minute. Fran Villalba caught out Frommann from a back pass, but, with the keeper scrambling, Kuki was unable to turn the loose ball in. Two quick-fire chances followed for Carles Pérez, while Kuki very nearly made amends for his earlier miss, displaying neat footwork before sending a shot arrowing towards the far corner that Frommann did well to palm wide.

And though La Rojita went close again soon after, clever interplay allowing right-back Dani Morer to provide a cross which just evaded Dani Olmo, the suspicion lingered that Germany would not remain as passive for much longer. Thus it proved, Christian Wück's team crafting two golden opportunities for themselves before the break, with Mats Köhlert being denied one on one by Iñaki and Johannes Eggestein heading over from the resulting corner.

Santi Denia's charges began the second period the stronger, though the high stakes led to edginess creeping in for both teams. The flow of chances drying up, the more it looked like a moment of magic would be required, and it was very nearly provided by Germany captain Felix Passlack on the hour. Switched to the centre from the left, he soon drove at the Spain back line before thumping a fierce cross-shot past the far post with Iñaki beaten.

With seven minutes remaining, Iñaki was equal to another Passlack effort. And so to penalties. With the tension ratcheting ever higher, Spain captain Carles Aleñá and substitute Óscar were denied by Frommann, allowing another replacement, Özcan, to send Germany through 4-2 victors.

Germany's Constantin Frommann makes one of the two saves he pulled off in the shoot-out©Sportsfile

Germany captain Felix Passlack points to the sky after converting from the spot©Sportsfile

Spain substitute Óscar shows his disappointment after his penalty was saved©Sportsfile

Spain's Dani Olmo taking the game to Germany©Sportsfile

Germany coach Christian Wück urges his team on©Sportsfile