Julian Nagelsmann insists Germany do not deserve to be out of Euro 2024 after their heartbreaking quarter-final defeat to Spain.
Florian Wirtz salvaged an 89th-minute equaliser for the host nation in Stuttgart to send their last-eight tie to extra-time, after Dani Olmo had broken the deadlock six minutes after half-time.
Despite fashioning a host of chances, Germany were stung by a 119th-minute header by Mikel Merino.
Germany coach Nagelsmann – who only took over last September following the departure of Hansi Flick – told UEFA.com: “Every player, whether they started or were on the bench, gave everything they had to win the game. It’s a painful one. Congratulations to Spain for reaching the semi-finals.”
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Germany vs Spain: Result ‘not deserved’
Nagelsmann claimed: “The game was too open in the first half. We were better in the second half and from the 60th minute onwards, we were clearly the better team.
“Our late goal was well-deserved. We conceded the winner with the last chance. Unfortunately we weren’t able to apply enough pressure on the wing.”
Germany’s wait to lift a fourth European Championship will now pass 30 years, with their successes in 1972, 1980 and at Euro 96 in England now distant memories.
Some teary eyed German fans in Stuttgart tonight 🇩🇪😢#Euro2024 | #ESPGER pic.twitter.com/XOzzvplu31
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 5, 2024
“I told (my squad) that they don’t deserve to be out,” said Nagelsmann. “We’re all missing our families but none of us wanted to leave.
“From the beginning of these last six weeks… there’s been a very good atmosphere in the group. You could tell we gave everything to win this game.”
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Toni Kroos retirement
Nagelsmann tempted Toni Kroos out of international retirement in March, and the quarter-final match was the final match of the midfielder’s glittering career.
“It’s impossible to over-appreciate Toni’s career. It’s probably unique for a German player,” Nagelsmann said. “He’s certainly one of Germany’s biggest players.
“Everyone knows about his success but not everyone knows about his character. He spoke to the team in a very difficult moment for him, personally. He always sees himself as part of this group.”
