Spain’s blatant handball allowed it to escape Germany in extra time at Euro 2024 and fans lost it

There are questionable calls on the biggest stages in every sport. This one, however, seemed quite obvious.

Spain is onto the semifinals of Euro 2024 after knocking out host country Germany and the 2-1 victory couldn’t have been more dramatic.

After Dani Olmo’s 51st minute goal opened the scoring, Spain was holding on for dear life near the end of regulation when Germany’s Florian Wirtz came up with an incredible equalizer in the 89th minute, just sneaking the ball off the post and in.

That sent the game to extra time where chaos awaited.

In the 106th minute, Germany’s Jamal Musiala had a perfect look on target from the top of the goal box only for Spain’s Marc Cucurella hand to completely change the trajectory of Musiala’s shot.

It sure looked like an obvious hand ball. The referees disagreed and the two sides played on.

The non-call itself is questionable enough on its own. Yet it looked much worse not long after as Mikel Merino scored the go-ahead goal in the 119th minute to stun the tournament hosts.

Germany, considered one of the favorites to win the Euros, will now have to watch another country lift the trophy on their home soil. And they may have a legitimate case against the referees for their exit.

In any case, it’s an absolute shame that such a thrilling match may ultimately be remembered for what didn’t occur than what did.

Fans certainly won’t be forgetting the officiating any time soon as Spain awaits the winner between Portugal and France in the semis.