Massive Referring Mistake at Euro 2024: Germany’s Euro Glory Slipped Through Fingers
It’s been two months since Spain lifted the trophy at the eventful 2024 European Championships, but a massive refereeing mistake still lingers in the minds of football fans. Germany, the hosts, were cruelly denied a spot in the semi-finals after a clear handball in the box was ignored, allowing Spain to snatch victory.
The incident occurred during the quarter-final match, when Jamal Musiala’s shot was blocked by defender Marc Cucurella’s outstretched arm. Despite the use of VAR, no penalty was awarded, and Spain went on to win 2-1 in extra time. However, according to a statement from UEFA’s Referees Committee, Germany should have been given a penalty for the handball.
The guidelines dictate that hand-to-ball contact that stops a shot on goal should be punished more strictly, and in most cases, a penalty kick should be awarded, unless the defender’s arm is very close to their body or in contact with it. In this instance, Cucurella’s arm was not close to his body, making himself bigger to block the shot, so a penalty kick should have been given.
Had Germany been awarded the penalty, they would have had a golden chance to take the lead and potentially go on to win the tournament. It’s easy to imagine the impact this could have had on the outcome of the competition.
But what about England? Would they have preferred to face Germany in the final rather than Spain? With Germany’s potent attacking trio of Serge Gnabry, Kai Havertz, and Jamal Musiala, it’s likely they would have been the favorites to lift the trophy.
The What-If Scenario
In this scenario, England would have faced a Germany side boosted by their confidence and momentum from their quarter-final win. This could have potentially given them an edge in the final, as they would have been facing a tired and emotional Spanish side. Gareth Southgate’s team would have had a better chance of winning their first international silverware in 58 years.
A Bitter Pill to Swallow
The UEFA Referees Committee’s admission is a bitter pill for Germany to swallow, and it’s a reminder of the importance of accurate refereeing decisions in high-stakes tournaments. It’s also a testament to the hard work and dedication of Germany’s players, who will be left wondering what could have been.
What’s Next?
For fans of both Germany and England, this what-if scenario will continue to play on their minds. The debate will rage on, and we’ll never know for certain how things would have unfolded. However, one thing is for sure – the UEFA Referees Committee’s statement has added fuel to the fire, and we’ll be discussing this controversy for a long time to come.
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