Germany outraged over Euro 2024 exit: 'Cheated!'

Hosts Germany have been knocked out dramatically from Euro 2024 by Spain after a late extra time winner by Mikel Merino. However, the Germans felt they had the right to complain after the match.

The controversial play took place in the Spanish penalty area in the first minute of extra time, with the score level (1-1). Jamal Musiala's shot hit Marc Cucurella's hand, giving the Spaniard no time to react.

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Referee Anthony Taylor was very close to the play and perfectly positioned to decide that it was not a penalty.

What's more, the VAR did not intervene and did not ask Taylor to go and have a look at the images.

However, at the start of the play, it is possible that German striker Füllkrug was in an offside position and that VAR would have disallowed the goal. We will never know.

The German newspaper Bild was clear in its sentiments, stating it feels "cheated", as its front page headline read.

German coach Julian Nagelsmann did not understand the referee's judgement. "It wasn't deserved today and the referee blew in favour of Spain a little," Nagelsmann was quoted by AFP, via France24. "It was a clear penalty."

Former German international Bastian Schweinsteiger was harsher with ARD, pointing out that the hand movement "is not intentional but it's [the hand] not on the body". He also admitted Toni Kroos could have been sent off, saying "we were lucky there".

Although the Germans were not happy, many Spanish fans also acknowledged that the play left room for doubt and that a penalty could have been awarded.

But the reality is that the hosts have fallen in the quarter-finals and La Roja are in the semi-finals. This means farewell to Toni Kroos, one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

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