Football News Update: Euro 2024, Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and More
In a closely contested Euro 2024 match, Julian Nagelsmann, the manager of the German national team, has insisted that he does not feel his side was robbed despite not being awarded a late penalty that could have seen them progress against Spain. However, he did express that the handball rule should be revised.
Nagelsmann told his players that they had not deserved to be knocked out and praised the team’s togetherness at the tournament, calling it a lesson for society. Jamal Musiala’s shot was heading towards goal when it hit Marc Cucurella’s hand in extra time with the score at 1-1, but a late Mikel Merino header ultimately eliminated the hosts.
“When it happened, I couldn’t see it well, and all I was thinking was: I hope it is a penalty, while the Spanish were thinking: I hope it is not a penalty,” Nagelsmann said. “Afterwards, I saw it on television more clearly, but at that time, that is all I could think. They were more lucky than we were.”
The German manager believes the handball rule should be made more practical and logical, focusing on the direction of the ball rather than the position of the arm.
“If Musiala kicks it towards Stuttgart centre and it hits the hand, I won’t say anything. But it was going towards goal. And for me, you should look at where it is going. Is it going into the clouds or is it going in the goal? In one case, it is a penalty, in the other, it is not,” he explained.
Nagelsmann praised his team’s performance, stating that they were the better side for much of the match and deserved a better outcome.
“In the second half, we reacted, after the 60 minutes, we were clearly the better team with many clear chances, and towards the end, that we scored was well deserved.”
Despite the disappointing result, Nagelsmann highlighted the team’s excellent togetherness and unity, which he believes can serve as a lesson for society.
“We had a very good atmosphere. The accusations of the past – that we didn’t want to win – wasn’t seen for a second. We are a country that is too sad in too many situations, with a dark perspective on things, and I hope this symbiosis can create something. We are stronger with unity, when we think about what we can do together; together with your neighbour, you are stronger. This unity here felt good.”
As the football world continues to evolve, the discussion around the handball rule and the desire for greater clarity and fairness in the game remains a topic of interest. Nagelsmann’s comments reflect the ongoing debate and the search for solutions that can enhance the sport’s integrity and enjoyment for players and fans alike.
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