The Former Germany and Real Madrid star midfielder, Toni Kroos recently spoke against UEFA after the FIFA equivalent of European Football accepted the grave mistake that they made during the 2024 Euros. The incident about which UEFA admitted their mistake took place during the Quarterfinal game between Tournament favourites and host nation Germany, and the eventual winners of the Tournament, Spain.
During the Extra Time in the tense fixture between the two European footballing Giants, Jamal Musiala’s shot on goal was obstructed by Marc Cucurella’s flailing arm. In any circumstance, it should have been a penalty. But for some reason, Germany was denied a Penalty. The reason was later stated to be that Cucurella’s arm was actually close to his body. But in reality, that was clearly not the case as there was a considerable gap between the arm and body.
Now, 3 months later the incident took place, and UEFA has come out accepting that it was a mistake to not give Germany the penalty. UEFA Referees Committee admit that a penalty should have been awarded in future cases similar to Germany vs Spain with Cucurella’s handball.
The now-retired Toni Kroos, whose farewell match happened to be the match with Spain, rebutted UEFA’s statements saying, “It took them three months to realise it was a handball, something that almost everyone saw in just a second”. Thank you, it wasn’t that big of a deal (ironically)😄. Can I proclaim myself European champion now that they’ve officially said it was a mistake? I don’t think so”.
It’s really sad once you think about it. That such a storied career ended in such a controversial game. While no one knows what would have happened if say Germany had got that penalty and converted it. Maybe they really would have gone all the way to lift the Euros title and Toni Kroos would’ve retired with a gold medal around his neck instead of a Quarterfinal exit.
Do you think UEFA messed up in the Euros? Do you think the whole tournament was rigged for Spain to win it? Let us know in the comments below.
