Germany denied penalty in Euro 2024 quarter-final vs Spain

During the Euro 2024 quarter-final match between Germany and Spain, a controversial incident occurred involving a handball by Marc Cucurella. Jamal Musiala's shot in extra time appeared to strike Cucurella's arm while he was in the penalty area. Despite the clear contact, the referee did not award a penalty, leading to significant backlash from German fans and coach Julian Nagelsmann, who expressed his frustration over the decision. He argued that the context of the shot should be considered when determining whether a handball is a penalty. Nearly two months after the match, UEFA's Referees Committee acknowledged that the referee made an error by not awarding a penalty. They stated that hand-to-ball contact that prevents a goal-scoring opportunity should be penalized more strictly, unless the defender's arm is close to the body. This admission has sparked further debate about the consistency and application of handball rules in football. Nagelsmann's emotional response highlighted the impact of the decision on his team's performance, as he believed they did not deserve to lose. He called for a revision of the handball rule, suggesting that technology could assist in determining the trajectory of the ball and whether it was heading towards the goal. Ultimately, Spain went on to win the tournament, defeating England in the final. The incident remains a point of contention among fans and analysts, raising questions about the fairness of officiating in high-stakes matches.