Experienced English referee Anthony Taylor is set to oversee today’s highly anticipated Euro 2024 quarter-final match between Spain and Germany in Stuttgart. The victor will advance to face either France or Portugal in the semi-final on Tuesday, July 9.
Who is Anthony Taylor?
Taylor, 45, is officiating his third match at Euro 2024. He previously refereed the Netherlands vs France and Belgium vs Ukraine, both of which ended goalless. Taylor is well-regarded for his handling of high-stakes matches, including his swift response during Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
Praised for Handling of Eriksen Cardiac Arrest
Taylor’s performance at Euro 2020 included three matches, notably Finland’s 1-0 win over Denmark where Eriksen collapsed. Taylor quickly recognized the severity of the situation, ensuring immediate medical attention. “Christian was on his own,” Taylor recounted to the BBC. “The only thing that was close to him was a bouncing ball which hit his knee. I was actually looking directly at him when he fell over. I could see his face as he fell.”
Unhappy Memories for Spain
This is not Taylor’s first high-profile encounter with Spain. He officiated their 2-1 defeat to France in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final, where his decision to rule Kylian Mbappé onside for the winning goal drew Spanish ire. Taylor judged that Spanish defender Eric García’s contact with the ball played Mbappé onside, a call that remains controversial among Spanish fans.
Club Career Highlights
Taylor debuted in the Premier League in 2010 and has officiated 371 top-flight matches. In Europe, he has refereed 34 Champions League games and 21 Europa League matches. Notable fixtures include the 2023 Europa League final, where Sevilla defeated Roma, leading to an altercation with then-Roma coach José Mourinho, who received a four-match UEFA ban.
Taylor has also officiated significant club matches such as Bayern Munich’s 2-1 victory over Sevilla in the 2020 UEFA Super Cup and Real Madrid’s 5-3 win over Al Hilal in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final.
Spain vs Germany: Start Time and How to Watch
Today’s Euro 2024 quarter-final between Spain and Germany will kick off at 12 noon ET/9 am PT at MHPArena in Stuttgart.
