Toni Kroos Optimistic for Germany's Future Despite Euro 2024 Exit

Toni Kroos, the retiring German midfielder, expressed optimism for the team's future despite their heartbreaking Euro 2024 exit. Germany's hopes were dashed in a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Spain in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Kroos, who had previously announced his retirement from international football after the tournament, played a pivotal role in Germany's impressive performance at the Euros. The home side had shown signs of resurgence after a decade of disappointing performances at major tournaments.

After a goalless first half, Spain took the lead through Dani Olmo's strike in the 60th minute. Germany fought back in the 89th minute when Florian Wirtz equalized, sending the game into extra time.

However, Spain's Mikel Merino headed in the winning goal in the 119th minute, crushing Germany's hopes. "We gave it our all, so to lose when we were so close is bitter," Kroos said after the match. "The elimination is the main focus right now, because we couldn't achieve our goal and our dream is over."

Despite the disappointment, Kroos remained positive about the future of German football. "We played a good tournament, but when you're so close, to be eliminated like that, it's bitter," he said. "We can all be proud of what we did. I was happy to help out, I think we gave German football hope again and we got better as we went along."

"I think the team will do it in the future, but today we're extremely sad because we would have liked to stay a little longer," he added.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann praised Kroos's contribution to the team. "It's impossible to over-appreciate Toni's career. He's been a unique player for Germany. He's one of Germany's biggest players," said Nagelsmann.

Nagelsmann revealed that Kroos spoke to the players in the dressing room after the loss, saying "he will always see himself as part of this group." "Everyone knows about his successes but not everyone knows his character. He spoke to the team in what was a very difficult moment for him personally," Nagelsmann said.

Tags: #ToniKroos, #Euro2024, #Germany, #Spain, #Football