Dj Vnyash
Retiring German midfielder Toni Kroos expressed optimism about the team’s future despite their “bitter” exit from Euro 2024 after a 2-1 quarter-final loss to Spain in extra time on Friday. Kroos, who returned from international retirement for this tournament, played a key role as Germany, the host nation, showed significant improvement after nearly a decade of disappointing performances in major competitions.
Kroos had previously announced that he would retire from all football after this tournament. Following a goalless first half, Spain took the lead with Dani Olmo scoring from a pass by 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal.
Germany responded in the 89th minute with Florian Wirtz’s equalizer, sending the game into extra time. Despite a denied penalty appeal for handball, Spain’s Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the 119th minute.
“We gave it our all, and to lose when we were so close is bitter,” Kroos told ARD. He emphasized that the team’s elimination overshadowed his retirement, as they failed to achieve their goal and saw their dream end. “We played a good tournament, but being eliminated so close to the end is bitter.”
The 34-year-old Kroos insisted that the future of German football looks promising, saying the team had rekindled hope among fans and supporters. “We can all be proud of what we achieved. I was happy to contribute, and I believe we restored hope in German football and improved as the tournament progressed. I believe the team will succeed in the future, but today we’re very sad because we wanted to stay longer.”
Germany’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, who played a crucial role in bringing Kroos out of international retirement for the Euros, praised the veteran midfielder. “Toni’s career cannot be over-appreciated. He’s been a unique player for Germany, one of the country’s greatest,” said the 36-year-old.
Nagelsmann also noted that Kroos addressed the team in the dressing room after the loss, expressing his enduring sense of belonging to the group. “Everyone knows his achievements, but not everyone knows his character. He spoke to the team during a very difficult moment for him personally.”
