Potentially Peppery Comeback: Cucurella's Challenging Reemergence in Stuttgart? - Pending Determination on Proposed Legislative Action
Get ready, Stuttgart, 'cause Spain's back in town, baby! But not everyone's thrilled to see Marcel Cucurella, the Spanish left-back, stomping grounds again. With Spain gunning for another Nations League title, Cucurella's bracing himself for a chilly welcome when they take on France in the semis (21:00 CET/ARD and DAZN). "I'm steeled up, mate," Cucurella said, geared up for the boos at Stuttgart Arena, where he caused a stir during the Euro quarterfinal against Germany last year.
The European champions are back on German soil, and some say it's their second shot at luck. But is it also Cucurella's lucky break? "I'm braced for boos again," he announced during a press conference, keeping a cool exterior but tensions running high.
Starring in Germany's Euro exit
Ah, sweet memories! Spain's aiming to win the Nations League again, and Stuttgart's the last stop before the final in Munich on Sunday. If you recall, Stuttgart almost became the last stand in the road to Berlin's 2024 final – and Cucurella the lead actor in a dramatic football tale.
The uncalled handball by Cucurella in the penalty box during Germany's quarterfinal exit in the penalty shootout against Spain incited outrage across the nation. When Jamal Musiala fired the ball onto Cucurella's hand, the English referee, Anthony Taylor, didn't blow his whistle. Spain's Mikel Merino doomed Germany's title dream with his goal, making it 2:1. The UEFA later admitted the non-awarded penalty was a mistake.
Cucurella got the fans' ire, but he insists he's done nothing improper. He can't control the off-field drama, remarked the 26-year-old, who just sealed the Conference League with Chelsea, eager to add more titles to his trophy case.
Yamal versus Doué, and what about Mbappé?
Cucurella ain't alone in the title chase. Lamine Yamal, Spain's promising striker, won the league and cup with Barcelona under ex-German coach Hansi Flick this season. Cucurella raved about the 17-year-old, declaring him a must-watch. Yamal's duel with France's rising star Desiré Doué, who led PSG to their maiden Champions League victory, is one of many hotly anticipated aspects of the Nations League semifinals.
And what about Kylian Mbappé in this prestigious face-off? The French superstar had a disappointing season, leaving Real Madrid title-less. He'll likely try to make a splash amidst all the fanfare surrounding Yamal and Doué. Containing Mbappé is also on Cucurella's to-do list.
Despite their grueling seasons, Spain's players are ready to "suffer" to win a title, Cucurella swore. "It's all about bagging a title, and titles always matter," said teammate Pedro Porro. In their Euro journey the previous summer, Spain and France faced off in the semifinals, with Spain edging France 2:1. A few days after Cucurella created a stir in Stuttgart. With Cucurella at the helm, once more.
- Stuttgart return
- Nations League
- Title hunt
- Germany
- France
- Desiré Doué
- ARD
- DAZN
- Munich
- Sunday
- Title fever
- Marc Cucurella
[1] www.ESPN.com[2] www.BBC.com[3] www.UEFA.com
Thrusting back into the spotlight, Marc Cucurella prepares for a return to Stuttgart Arena, site of a memorable Euro quarterfinal incident between Spain and Germany. With Spain aiming to win the Nations League and reach the final in Munich on Sunday, Cucurella readies himself for a tense encounter against France, live on ARD and DAZN. On the opposing side, Desiré Doué of France also grabs attention as the promising striker looks set to face off with Spain's Lamine Yamal in the Nations League semifinals.
