Germany's dream of a home Euro 2024 triumph was shattered by Spain in a thrilling quarterfinal match that ended in heartbreak for the hosts. Mikel Merino's 119th-minute goal sealed a 2-1 victory for Spain, eliminating Germany and bringing an end to Toni Kroos' illustrious career.
Kroos, who recently retired from club football after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid, had set his sights on leading Germany to Euro 2024 glory. However, the defeat at the hands of Spain dashed those hopes, leaving Kroos and his teammates devastated.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Kroos expressed his disappointment, stating, 'The tournament is over, and our big goal has been shattered. We all had a dream to achieve together, and it's tough to come to terms with its abrupt end.'
Despite the loss, Kroos remained proud of Germany's performance, noting the team's improvement throughout the tournament. He expressed confidence in the team's future success but acknowledged the current sadness of falling short in the competition.
The match was not without controversy, as English referee Anthony Taylor issued a total of sixteen yellow cards, including a red card for Spain's Dani Carvajal, who will miss the semifinal as a result. Kroos himself received a booking and narrowly avoided a second yellow card for a challenge on Pedri.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann lamented his team's elimination, believing they did not deserve to lose. He praised the team's resilience and fighting spirit, highlighting their strong performance in extra time and expressing his disappointment at missing out on a home tournament victory.
Reflecting on the match, Nagelsmann emphasized the team's unity and determination, stating, 'It's difficult to hold back the tears. We were so close to victory, and the players gave their all. It will take time to overcome this disappointment, especially knowing that a home tournament opportunity may not come again.'
Despite the defeat, both Kroos and Nagelsmann acknowledged the team's efforts and the progress made during the tournament. While the pain of elimination lingers, they remain hopeful for the future of German football and the potential for success in upcoming competitions.
