Spain's blatant handball allowed it to escape Germany in extra time at Euro 2024 and fans lost it
Spain is onto the semifinals of Euro 2024 after knocking out host country Germany and the 2-1 victory couldn’t have been more dramatic.
After Dani Olmo’s 51st minute goal opened the scoring, Spain was holding on for dear life near the end of regulation when Germany’s Florian Wirtz came up with an incredible equalizer in the 89th minute, just sneaking the ball off the post and in.
That sent the game to extra time where chaos awaited.
In the 106th minute, Germany’s Jamal Musiala had a perfect look on target from the top of the goal box only for Spain’s Marc Cucurella hand to completely change the trajectory of Musiala’s shot.
It sure looked like an obvious hand ball. The referees disagreed and the two sides played on.
No handball was given for this, do you agree with the call? pic.twitter.com/tEcm0x0VtT
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
The non-call itself is questionable enough on its own. Yet it looked much worse not long after as Mikel Merino scored the go-ahead goal in the 119th minute to stun the tournament hosts.
SPAIN IN THE 119TH MINUTE pic.twitter.com/2hp5EyAGWl
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
THIS WAS UNREAL!!!
SPAIN FANS ARE GOING TO BE RELIVING THIS ONE FOREVER pic.twitter.com/hLz3op8qGW
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 5, 2024
Germany, considered one of the favorites to win the Euros, will now have to watch another country lift the trophy on their home soil. And they may have a legitimate case against the referees for their exit.
In any case, it’s an absolute shame that such a thrilling match may ultimately be remembered for what didn’t occur than what did.
Fans certainly won’t be forgetting the officiating any time soon as Spain awaits the winner between Portugal and France in the semis.
Completely unfair and terrible refereeing. There was a clear handball, enough for a penalty pero dale, let's not be obvious. #EURO2024 #SpainVSGermany
— Gabs (@Yo__Gabba__Gabs) July 5, 2024
I have NO IDEA what a handball is anymore. Truly #EURO2024
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) July 5, 2024
Um………if I’m not mistaken the handball rule has just been changed mid tournament, mid game. That’s what I’ve just seen isn’t it?
— Tim Vine (@RealTimVine) July 5, 2024
I’m so confused that was the clearest hand ball of all time
— Mod (@CFCMod_) July 5, 2024
This is that kind of handball that any other referee than a premier league one would give as penalty
— Siavoush Fallahi (@SiavoushF) July 5, 2024
You explain what's a handball and what's not, because I simply don't get it anymore. pic.twitter.com/GbSeCoxy9k
— ???????????? ???????????????? (@TheEuropeanLad) July 5, 2024
100% should have been a penalty pic.twitter.com/lMWcmwOwTh
— Stu Holden (@stuholden) July 5, 2024