Cucurella Faces German Crowds Again: Unrepentant Champion
Unwavering Cucurella Unmoved by Potential German Ire (Regarding the European Champion)
Can't get enough of football drama? Here's one to keep you hooked: the dreaded culprit steps back onto the crime scene. But this time, it's just a game - Cucurella's "crime" was his controversial handball during the UEFA European Championship (EM) 2024. Now, ready to face the wrath of the German fans, the Spanish defender is back. He's not begging for forgiveness; he's stepping up, unapologetic.
Who doesn't remember the feverish July 5th, 2024 clash between Spain and Germany? The infamous handball incident by Cucurella, a Chelsea powerhouse, changed the tide of the EM quarter-final in extra time. The referee, Anthony Taylor, missed the call - Spain clinched the victory 2:1, claiming the title of European champions.
Fast forward to Thursday, Spain's Cucurella is headed back to Stuttgart for the Nations League semi-final against arch-rivals France - and he's bracing himself for a nasty welcome. "I'll be booed again," he admitted, remaining calm and collected. "It's just an anecdote." And indeed, controversial moments seem to be a part of football, a game Cucurella isn't guilty of any wrongdoing in.
Revisiting the Controversial Scene
No matter the outrage from the German audience, Cucurella expressed that he's in good spirits. After the Stuttgart incident, he admitted that a penalty would've been justified, but the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) ruled no penalty would be given. Cucurella's questionable handball helped secure Spain's victory, causing an uproar among the German fans and media, who swiftly made him the scapegoat.
Cucurella's controversial decision cost Germany its chance to win the home EM. The media incited the fury in the stands, pouring down on the Spaniard. During the final in Berlin, he was even booed by a part of the disappointed audience.
Unbothered by the discussions, Cucurella approaches this showdown with France confident and optimistic, stating before the Spanish team's departure: "In the end, all the memories are beautiful. We did win the title." He sees the potential negative focus on him as a team advantage, claiming it "can help my teammates and have a liberating effect on them."
A Tense Rematch?
Should Spain triumph against France, it could lead to a tense reunion with the German national team in the Nations League final - this time in Munich.
Source: ntv.de, sue/sid
- Football EM 2024
- Spain
- Video Assistant Referees
- Football National Team
- Nations League
Enrichment Data:1. Performance Against France: Marc Cucurella delivered an impressive performance in Spain's 5-4 victory over France on June 5, 2025. Some fans and analysts praised his contribution to the match[3][4].2. Controversy and Fan Reactions: During the match, Marc Cucurella faced criticism from some fans. The reasons behind this are not specified in the available information, but it's noted that fans have tried to understand the cause of the booing[5].However, Cucurella returning to Germany for the match is not mentioned as the contest was between Spain and France, not involving Germany.
In the aftermath of his controversial handball in a critical European Championship match against Germany, Cucurella is now participating in a vocational training program to enhance his football skills further. This training, part of the community policy, is aimed at preparing him for potential challenges in future European-leagues, including Laliga. Apart from his football endeavors, he remains passionate about sports, especially football, and eagerly anticipates Spain's semi-final match against France in the Nations League.
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