Germany’s Football Stars Reflect on EUROs Defeat

As the dust settles on Germany’s disappointing loss to Spain in the 2024 European Championship, two of the country’s most iconic footballers, Manuel Neuer and Toni Kroos, have shared their thoughts on the tournament’s outcome. In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Neuer expressed his disappointment and gratitude to the fans, saying, “Unfortunately, the dream has been shattered. It is even more bitter because this team deserved more, even after this game. Thank you all for carrying us from the first minute and making this home European Championship even more special. THANK YOU!”

In a more detailed and emotional post, Kroos, who is retiring from international football, reflected on his decision to return to the national team and the team’s remarkable journey. He recalled receiving a call from coach Julian Nagelsmann on September 29, 2023, asking him to come back, and initially thinking, “I’m not stupid!” Kroos expressed his pride in the team’s achievements, saying, “I’ve always seen more in the team than they’ve shown in recent years. But I didn’t expect that it would be possible in such a short time to have a really realistic chance of winning the title and to be on par with the best again.” He thanked the fans for their support, saying, “A special thank you to all of you out there who made this home European Championship a special one. We saw you, experienced you and felt you!”

Kroos also extended his gratitude to the fans for their warmth and affection during the tournament, saying, “On a personal level, I would like to thank you for a really special warmth and affection over the last few weeks. That was very special.” He concluded by urging fans to continue supporting the team, saying, “Now that Germany has won back its favorite child, don’t let it go! This team’s journey continues. And it helps a lot if you stand by them even in the bad times! Because I can assure you of one thing: this is a group of great people who give everything to be successful!”

In a separate note, Kroos apologized to Spanish player Pedri, who was injured during the match, saying, “I apologize and hope you get well soon. Obviously it wasn’t my intention to hurt you. I hope you get better quickly and all the best. You’re a great player.”

For more analysis and insights on Germany’s loss, tune in to the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show, where experts discuss the team’s performance, coaching decisions, and what went wrong. The podcast is available on Spotify and below.

Historical Context:

The European Championship, also known as the Euros, is a quadrennial international football tournament contested by the men’s national teams of the member associations of UEFA (Union of European Football Associations). The tournament has a rich history, dating back to 1960, and has been won by some of the most iconic teams in European football, including Germany, Spain, and Italy. The 2024 European Championship is the 17th edition of the tournament, and it has been marked by exciting matches, dramatic upsets, and thrilling comebacks.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• German football stars Manuel Neuer and Toni Kroos have shared their thoughts on the country’s disappointing loss to Spain in the 2024 European Championship. • Neuer expressed his disappointment and gratitude to the fans, saying the team deserved more and thanking them for their support. • Kroos, who is retiring from international football, reflected on his decision to return to the national team and the team’s remarkable journey. • Kroos praised the team’s achievements, saying they had a realistic chance of winning the title and being on par with the best again. • He thanked fans for their support, warmth, and affection during the tournament and urged them to continue standing by the team. • Kroos apologized to Spanish player Pedri, who was injured during the match, and wished him a speedy recovery. • The Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show will provide analysis and insights on Germany’s loss, discussing the team’s performance, coaching decisions, and what went wrong.

Key Quotes:

• “Unfortunately, the dream has been shattered. It is even more bitter because this team deserved more, even after this game. Thank you all for carrying us from the first minute and making this home European Championship even more special. THANK YOU!” - Manuel Neuer
• “I’ve always seen more in the team than they’ve shown in recent years. But I didn’t expect that it would be possible in such a short time to have a really realistic chance of winning the title and to be on par with the best again.” - Toni Kroos
• “A special thank you to all of you out there who made this home European Championship a special one. We saw you, experienced you and felt you!” - Toni Kroos
• “Now that Germany has won back its favorite child, don’t let it go! This team’s journey continues. And it helps a lot if you stand by them even in the bad times! Because I can assure you of one thing: this is a group of great people who give everything to be successful!” - Toni Kroos