EM 2024 - "Embarrassing, silly", "unworthy": reactions to the whistles against Cucurella
The sting after the DFB team's exit against Spain remains deep for many German fans, and the culprit was clear to thousands in the Munich Allianz Arena: Marc Cucurella. The Spanish defender was ruthlessly booed throughout the entire match against Spain.
Background: The 25-year-old Cucurella received a shot from Jamal Musiala that wasn't directly on his body during the European Championship semifinal against Germany. A penalty kick was not given; Germany lost 1:2 after extra time. Boos were heard even during the lineup announcement at the Munich Arena when Cucurella's name was called out.
The German "Kicker" newspaper described the booing as "embarrassing, ridiculous," and "unworthy of a good host." The Spanish press registered the boos in surprise: "German fans apparently believe that the fault lies with the supposed perpetrator and not with English referee Anthony Taylor, who is responsible for the penalty call – if there was one," wrote, for example, the Spanish sports newspaper "Marca."
Cucurella himself remains calm
"I don't know why he was booed," said Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente after the game. "What they did only made him more motivated. He is a pro and knows how to handle pressure." The people who booed were neither sports fans nor representatives of Germany. Germany was an exceptional host, according to de la Fuente.
And Cucurella himself? He remains calm. When asked about the debate, he commented during ZDF: "For me, that's irrelevant. We need to stay focused. If they talk about it, that's part of the game." The Spanish fans reacted to the boos, cheered loudly and initiated multiple "Cucurella" chants for the defender.
It's all the same to him: Spain is still on the title track and faces the winner of the second semifinal between England and the Netherlands in the European Championship final in Berlin on Sunday.
Despite Germany's disappointment in the semifinal against Spain, with the penalty call controversy surrounding Marc Cucurella, the German DFB squad's criticisms continued during Spain's title pursuit. In the ensuing game, as Spain prepared to face the winner of England and Netherlands, German supporters booed Cucurella again, but this time, the Spanish fans retaliated with cheers and "Cucurella" chants, showing their solidarity.
In the midst of the controversy, Cucurella and Spain moved forward, setting their sights on the European Championship final against the eventual semifinal winner, remaining focused on their goal despite the ongoing debate in Germany.
