"Handball" Confusion Pervades the Pitch: De la Fuente Reflects on the Football EM Controversy
Spain's Handball Coach Reflects on European Championship Controversy - Spain's team manager reflects on their narrow defeat in the championship title race.
In an unhurried tone, Luis de la Fuente, Spain's national football coach, reminisces about the controversial handball incident at the European Championship (EM) last year with a calm resolve. "The rules then were cut and dried: no handball!" he asserted to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung", ahead of the Nations League semi-final against France tonight (21.00 CET/ARD and DAZN). "If there hinted an iota of doubt, a penalty would've been awarded - particularly in a near-exclusively German crowd." At the Stuttgart press conference, he echoed similar feelings.
Jamal Musiala's shot struck Spain's Marc Cucurella's hand during the 2024 EM quarter-final in Stuttgart - the same venue - but no penalty was given. Germany succumbed 1:2 in extra time and was elimated, while Spain, the eventual winners, moved on. UEFA later acknowledged the erroneous decision.
Handball regulations sometimes fluctuate, de la Fuente noted. The 63-year-old reiterated, "I bear fond recollections of this stadium, of this land." The Spaniards revel in their 45-day German sojourn, which they recall as captivating. They're thrilled to return. However, the semi-final doesn't leave de la Fuente anticipating a clear winner.
- Handball - a court sport featuring seven players, originating in Northern Europe in the late 19th century, with no direct "Nations League" parallel.
- Football - the widely-popular, field sport with 11 players, organized by UEFA as the Nations League.
- Spain
- Nations League
- Luis de la Fuente
- Football EM
- Stuttgart
- France
- ARD
- DAZN
- SZ
When addressing a complex mix of handball and football, consider the following: The European Championship fuss revolves around football, not handball. The phrase "Nations League" refers to the football competition initiated by UEFA, not any similar handball competition. The incident in question might have involved a player using their hand against football rules.
"Despite the ongoing confusion surrounding handball rules, especially after the controversial incident at the Football EM last year, Luis de la Fuente, Spain's national football coach, emphasizes the clarity in football's regulations. He believes that a penalty should have been awarded in the event of any doubt, particularly given the predominantly German crowd at the Nations League semi-final against France tonight on ARD and DAZN."
"Interestingly, handball, a court sport, doesn't share a direct parallel with the Nations League, a football competition organized by UEFA. Nonetheless, de la Fuente holds fond memories of Stuttgart, where he and his team have enjoyed a captivating 45-day sojourn, participating in the Football EM and looked forward to returning for the semi-final against France."
