'I just got angry' – Toni Kroos on controversial moment that overshadowed Germany's Euro 2024 exit

Toni Kroos is known to be very frank, which is why so many people have been waiting for him to discuss the Marc Cucurella handball incident that happened during the Euro 2024 quarter-final match between Spain and Germany.

A shot from Jamal Musiala appeared to hit Cucurella on the hands, evoking wild penalty calls from the Germans. The referee on the field Anthony Taylor did not oblige, and VAR confirmed the decision, which left many in the host nation perplexed. Controversy reigned supreme as Germany ended up losing 2-1 in extra time, with Mikel Merino scoring the winner for the eventual champions.

Speaking of Just Luppen (via Relief), the podcast he does with his brother Felix, Kroos broke his silence on his perspective on the incident.

“I refrained (to talk about it) until today. I did not see at all at the time, I was not in a position to see that it was a relatively clear handball, so I did not get angry with the referee at the time .Of course, I paid attention to the referee. He didn't even need to watch the replay.

“I only got angry when I saw it later, so… let's leave it at that. I think the problem is that he knew that if he looked back (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 elder Real Madrid the midfielder is now focused on post-football ventures.