Retired Real Madrid and Germany star Toni Kroos has voiced his frustration after UEFA admitted to a crucial officiating mistake during Germany’s controversial Euro 2024 quarterfinal loss to Spain, Soccernet.football reports.
The error, which centered around a missed handball call that could have resulted in a penalty for Germany, has left Kroos questioning the timing and sincerity of UEFA’s admission.
The thrilling clash between Spain and Germany, hailed as one of the best matches of the tournament, was marred by a decision that now haunts UEFA.
During the intense encounter, Spanish defender Marc Cucurella appeared to handle the ball inside his own box, but despite clear replays, the referees and VAR did not award a penalty.
The decision ultimately had a significant impact on the match, which saw Germany exit the tournament.
Months after the tournament concluded, UEFA’s Referees Committee admitted the officials’ error.
As quoted by the committee: “In this case [Cucurella], the defender stops the shot on goal with his arm, which is not very close to the body, making himself bigger, so a penalty kick should have been awarded.”
Kroos, who retired from both club and international football after the tournament, was unimpressed with UEFA’s delayed acknowledgment.
Speaking on the matter as per iMiaSanMia, the former Bayern Munich midfielder said, “It took them three months to realise it was handball, which almost everyone actually managed to see in a second. That calms me down a lot [laughs]. Can I now call myself European champion because they’ve officially confirmed it? I don’t think so.”
The belated admission is of little comfort to Germany, whose hopes of progressing further in the tournament were dashed by the controversial decision.
Spain went on to win the title after beating England in the final.