Toni Kroos retires as Germany’s Euro 2024 dream shattered

Toni Kroos said Spain had shattered Germany’s dream of winning Euro 2024 on home soil. The 34-year-old midfielder also confirmed his retirement from the national team after 119 appearances.

“Right now, sadness has enveloped everyone after this defeat. We wanted to achieve something big but that dream has now gone up in smoke,” midfielder Toni Kroos said after Germany’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals at Stuttgart Arena on the evening of July 5 (Vietnam time).

Toni Kroos (center) was disappointed after Germany were eliminated in extra time following Merino’s goal in the 119th minute (Photo: Getty).

After a goalless first half, Germany conceded a goal in the 51st minute after striker Dani Olmo scored. However, coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team still tried to score an important equalizer in the 89th minute thanks to Florian Wirtz’s finish and dragged the match into extra time.

It seemed like the match would continue to enter a penalty shootout, but in the 119th minute, Dani Olmo had an accurate pass for Merino to head the ball past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the penalty area, sealing a 2-1 victory for Spain.

“I don’t think it was the most brutal game, but it was a game we gave our all. We didn’t want to lose, we were so close to winning.

We realise that we played a good tournament, but it was difficult to get to the next round. We can all be proud that we have improved. I am happy to have given hope to Germany as a football nation.

I believe that in the future the team will be successful, but today we are sad because we want to stay in this tournament for a while longer,” midfielder Toni Kroos shared in disappointment.

Kroos was comforted by Real Madrid teammate Dani Carvajal after the match (Photo: AFP).

Toni Kroos previously announced the official end of his club career after helping Real Madrid win their 15th Champions League title last season.

Germany’s defeat to Spain also marked the 1990-born midfielder’s retirement after 119 appearances for the national team and his 19th appearance at Euro.

During his career, Toni Kroos has won countless titles, with the 2014 World Cup, 4 Bundesliga titles, 4 La Liga titles and 6 Champions League titles.