Euro 2024: Why Germany Were Denied Penalty for Marc Cucurella ‘Handball’ Against Spain

• Germany were knocked out of Euro 2024 at the quarter-final stage by Spain after a pulsating match
• Dani Olmo scored for Spain, while Florian Wirtz equalized for Germany, leading to extra-time
• The host nation were controversially denied a penalty after the ball struck Marc Cucurella's hand inside the box, and an explanation has now been given

Germany's Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat against Spain showcased the most impressive football in the biggest international competition of the summer so far.

Both teams fought fiercely for a place in the tournament's semi-finals, but the host nation felt they should have had a chance to win the match in extra time.

Dani Olmo opened the scoring early in the second half after a thrilling back-and-forth battle.

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Lamine Yamal found the RB Leipzig midfielder, who struck a low shot past a helpless Manuel Neuer.

Florian Wirtz, another incredible young talent, volleyed home a late equalizer to push the game into extra time, thanks to some impressive work from Joshua Kimmich.

The added 30 minutes were filled with drama as Julian Nagelsmann's side believed they deserved a penalty before a last-minute header from Mikel Merino sent the host nation out of the tournament.

Germany denied extra-time penalty

With the score tied at 1-1, Bayern Munich's young star Jamal Musiala attempted a long-range shot, which struck the hand of Spain's Marc Cucurella inside the penalty area.

Strong appeals from the German players were dismissed by referee Anthony Taylor, who later provided an explanation for the decision not to award a penalty.

ESPN's Dale Johnson took to social media to state:

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"UEFA's pre-tournament briefing on handballs gave a specific example just like Marc Cucurella, saying it should NOT be a handball penalty."

"Arm close to the side, pointing predominantly down/vertically, and/or a position behind line of the body."

He went on to add the reasoning:

"It differs from the penalty Joachim Andersen conceded against Germany. UEFA deems that arm position to be unnatural and creating a barrier. "

"Understandable fans would think the two decisions are the wrong way around ... But they aren't per intended interpretation."