Retiring Germany midfielder Toni Kroos is not feeling nostalgic ahead of their Euro 2024 quarterfinal against Spain, which could be his last match if they lose. Kroos, who recently won the Champions League with Real Madrid and plans to retire after the Euros, returned to international play this year to pursue the one major trophy missing from his collection, which includes the 2014 World Cup. "It is the second most important title you can win and it would have a huge importance for me," the 34-year-old said on Wednesday. "If I did not see having the chance to do it with the team, I would not have done it (come back)." Kroos expressed no nostalgia and did not bring any treats for journalists, stating, "I do not expect tomorrow to be my last game so I assume we will see each other again." Germany aims to win their first major title in 10 years after a series of poor tournament performances, including consecutive World Cup first-round exits in 2018 and 2022. Kroos noted, "There were big doubts about the tournament before it started. That's normal after the previous tournaments we had. So we've now reached a minimal goal and whatever the result, we won't be speaking about a tournament catastrophe here." He added that the team's goal is to win the tournament, not just avoid another early exit. Germany has not beaten Spain at a tournament since the 1988 Euros. Spain's Joselu, Kroos's teammate at Real Madrid, expressed his desire to send Kroos into retirement by winning. Kroos responded, "We have a lot to offer against it and we have good chances. The Spaniards play good football, we have to give them that, and so do we. You can expect a relatively interesting game. It will not be boring, that's my own feeling. I will do everything so his (Joselu's) wish is not fulfilled."
Text: Lara Palmer
03.07.2024
German Midfielder Toni Kroos Seeks Missing Trophy in Potential Final Game Against Spain