The Euro 2024 quarterfinal clash between Spain and Germany has taken on added significance as it could potentially mark the end of Toni Kroos’ illustrious international career. Kroos, the 34-year-old German midfielder, has announced his intention to retire after the tournament. However, he remains confident that Friday’s match against Spain will not be his last, stating, ‘I don’t expect this to be my last match, we’ve set our goal to win the title’.Spanish forward Joselu, a former Real Madrid teammate of Kroos, has added fuel to the fire by expressing hope that Spain will ‘retire’ Kroos on Friday. ‘It’s a shame we have to send Toni into retirement like that, but hopefully we will win on Friday and it will be Toni’s last game, for our own good,’ Joselu remarked. Kroos responded to these comments with characteristic composure, saying, ‘He says that because he wants to win’.As both teams prepare for the crucial match, Spain is emphasizing their team spirit as a key strength. Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino highlighted this aspect, stating, ‘I think our main strength is the friendship, the camaraderie, the team spirit. Everyone is focused on the main objective and are not selfish’. Meanwhile, Germany is banking on Kroos’ vast experience and recent form, with the midfielder having played a crucial role in the team’s unbeaten run of eight games since his return to the national squad.The match carries historical weight as well. Spain has not lost to Germany in the European Championship since 1988, winning their last two knockout stage encounters in the 2008 European Championship final and the 2010 World Cup semi-final. However, Germany, as the host nation, will have strong home support at the Stuttgart stadium.Regardless of the outcome, this quarterfinal promises to be a thrilling encounter between two footballing powerhouses, with the added drama of potentially being Kroos’ last international match.
Key points
- Toni Kroos has announced his retirement after Euro 2024, but remains confident about Germany’s chances.
- Spanish forward Joselu hopes to ‘retire’ Kroos with a victory in the quarterfinal.
- Spain is emphasizing team spirit, while Germany relies on Kroos’ experience.
- The match has historical significance, with Spain unbeaten against Germany in European Championships since 1988.
Contradictions👾While Joselu hopes to end Kroos’ career with a Spanish victory, Kroos himself is confident that the match against Spain won’t be his last.
