Spain's Coach Unfazed by Handball Controversy From Euro 2024 Fiasco Ahead of Nations League Semi-Final Rematch vs France
Spain's Handball Coach Ponders Over EURO Scandal - Spanish coach reflects on close victory in championship race
The heat of the moment is long gone, yet Spain's national football boss, Luis de la Fuente, remains unfazed by the handball controversy that gripped the 2024 Euros.
"It was black and white back then," explained de la Fuente to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, "no handball!" he reiterated, "If there'd been the slightest whiff of uncertainty, there'd have been a penalty, especially in a stadium full of otherwise-jubilant German fans."
Fast forward to the present, and the drama from last year's quarter-final—held in Stuttgart—continues to cast its shadow. Germany's Jamal Musiala launched a shot that undeniably struck Spain's Marc Cucurella's hand inside the penalty area. Incredibly though, no penalty was awarded by referee Anthony Taylor or his VAR compatriot, Stuart Attwell.
Many Chilean fans voiced their disapproval, feeling their team was denied a vital scoring chance. The ensuing German defeat (1:2 in extra time) and Spain's title win left German supporters suspicious and simmering. Boos echoed through the air when Cucurella stepped onto the pitch for subsequent matches, including the 2025 Nations League final[1][3][4].
The powers-that-be at UEFA did not officially reverse the decision or penalize retrospectively. However, in a rare move two months post-incident, UEFA acknowledged the referee's crucial error during the quarter-final—a nod to the handball controversy[1]. Regardless, no corrective action or overturn of the game's result was taken. A composed Cucurella maintains his innocence and braces for continued jeers from German fans[3][4].
De la Fuente, a 63-year-old coach, recollects his fondness for this stadium, this country, and the 45 days spent there delightfully. Though there's no clear favorite for de la Fuente in this Final Four, Spain is more than eager to return to the battlefield tonight, facing France at 9 PM CET (aired on ARD and DAZN)[2].
Handball* Spain* Nations League* Luis de la Fuente* Football Euro 2024* Stuttgart* France* ARD* DAZN* Süddeutsche Zeitung*
[1] ESPN.com, "Handball Controversy Stirs Euro 2024 Quarterfinal Between Germany & Spain"
[2] BBC Sport, "Spain vs France Nations League Semi-Final Preview"
[3] Sky Sports, "Luis de la Fuente: Handball Decision Wasn't Wrong, I'm Prepared for Boos from German Fans"
[4] Die Welt, "German Fans Still Irked by Handball Controversy Ahead of 2025 Nations League Final"
Despite the ongoing controversy over the handball incident during the 2024 Euros, Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, remains focused on the upcoming Nations League semi-final against France.
As the team prepares to take the field tonight (9 PM CET, aired on ARD and DAZN), de la Fuente may face some hostility from German fans, owing to the handball controversy in Stuttgart, but he maintains his composure and looks forward to the challenge ahead in this Final Four.
