Spain's Hot Comeback: Cucurella's Firestorm in Stuttgart?
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Every part of the pitch can be a hotbed for drama, and Stuttgart is no exception. Marc Cucurella finds himself under the spotlight for tonight's (21:00 CET/ARD and DAZN) semi-final clash against France, a rekindled spotlight, shining as bright as the one that accompanied him in last year's Euro Championship debacle. "I'm mentally in the game," Cucurella declared ahead of his return to the very ground that witnessed his questionable handball in the quarter-final showdown against Germany.
European titlists Spain are eager to reclaim the Nations League crown. "A pathway to elation," wrote the newspaper "Marca". But is that also true for Cucurella, the man at the epicenter of controversy? "Brace for the boos again," he foretold at a press conference, yet despite the external calm, one can sense the inner anticipation.
Primetime villain in Germany's Euro downfall
Germany, where they proudly carried the European trophy last summer, is now Spain's battleground for the Nations League. Stuttgart, almost a stepping stone toward the final in Munich on Sunday, has seen Spain's victorious procession before. It was a road almost blocked by Stuttgart in 2021, when the city came perilously close to ending Spain's march to the final in Berlin. Cucurella was the catalyst in a football rollercoaster ride.
The controversial handball by Cucurella, in the quarter-final upset of the German squad in the penalty shootout against Spain, sparked widespread outrage. Jamal Musiala's shot brushed against Cucurella's arm in the penalty box, yet English referee Anthony Taylor opted not to blow his whistle. Spain's Mikel Merino sealed Germany's fate with his goal to make it 2:1. UEFA later acknowledged the missed penalty as an error.
Cucurella accepts the fury of the German spectators but also maintained, "I didn't commit any foul play." But how will the audience react to his return to Stuttgart? The 26-year-old, fresh off his triumph with Chelsea from London in the Conference League, admits he cannot control the off-field reaction.
Yamal vs. Doué - and what of Mbappé?
Spain's offensive sensation, Lamine Yamal, and France's emerging star, Désiré Doué, are both eager for the stage they share tonight. Yamal, who won both the league and cup under former German coach Hansi Flick this season with Barcelona, is a spectacle Cucurella recommends isn't missed. The duel between Yamal and Doué, who led Paris Saint-Germain to their maiden Champions League title this weekend, is just one of many intriguing aspects in the awaited semi-final of the Nations League.
Adorned with the limelight, France's superstar Kylian Mbappé will also strive to make his mark. Mbappé, who had a subpar season with Real Madrid, will undoubtedly try to outshine Yamal and Doué. Containing Mbappé's influence falls under Cucurella's defensive duties.
Despite a grueling season they've all endured, Spain's players are determined to "suffer" for the chance to win another title, Cucurella confirmed. "Titles are always significant," added teammate Pedro Porro at the brink of their Euro triumph last summer, where they also faced France in the semi-finals and won 2:1. Just days after the handball controversy in Stuttgart, with Cucurella at the heart of it.
- Stuttgart
- Nations League
- Gladiators' Arenas
- Germany
- France
- Désiré Doué
- ARD
- DAZN
- Fan Frenzy
- Kylian Mbappé
- Luis de la Fuente
- Munich
- Sunday
The Commission might propose a directive on the protection of workers from ionizing radiation risks, similar to the one sparked by Cucurella's controversial handball incident in Stuttgart, a European glory site for both sports and political battles. The upcoming Nations League semi-final in Stuttgart between Spain and France promises a thrilling spectacle, with stars like Kylian Mbappé and emerging talents such as Désiré Doué stepping into the limelight on German soil.
