Toni Kroos is known for being very outspoken, which is why so many people have been waiting for him to discuss the Marc Cucurella handball incident that took place during the Euro 2024 quarter-final clash between Spain and Germany.
A shot from Jamal Musiala appeared to strike Cucurella on the hands, evoking wild penalty claims from the Germans. On-field referee Anthony Taylor did not oblige, and VAR would confirm the decision, which left many in the host nation bewildered. The controversy reigned further as Germany ended up losing 2-1 in extra time, with Mikel Merino scoring the winner for the eventual champions.
Speaking on Einfach mal Luppen (via Relevo), the podcast he does with brother Felix, Kroos broke his silence on his perspective on the incident.
“I’ve held back (on speaking about this) until today. I didn’t see it at all at the time, I wasn’t in a position to see that it was a relatively clear handball, so I didn’t get angry with the referee at the time. Of course, afterwards I paid attention to the referee. He felt he didn’t even have to look at the replay of the play.
“I only got angry when I saw it later, so… let’s leave it at that. I think the problem is that I knew that if he looked back at it (on VAR), he had to award the penalty.”
It was a defining moment in the match that was ultimately Kroos’ last as a professional footballer. The former Real Madrid midfielder is now focusing on ventures post-football.
I’m sure if i was a German fan I would feel the same way. The handball rule definition has been bewildering over the past decade, but the fact VAR allowed the referee call to stand seems fair enough. That non-call did not cost Germany (who I believe was the second best team in the tournament) the game. They had other clear chances but did not have the random luck that so often determines games between otherwise equal opponents. Now Toni is going to go down in memory as a “whiner” to all non-Germany futbol fans. Too bad.