LEROY SANE brutally knocked Marc Cucurella to the ground at the start of Spain’s win over Germany at Euro 2024.
The hosts were knocked out in Stuttgart on Friday night as Mikel Merino scored a 119th-minute winner to set up a semi-final clash with France.
But Germany had already left their mark on the Spanish less than two minutes into the game.
The incident was not caught on the main coverage.
But an alternative camera caught the moment Bayern Munich man Sane, 28, sent Chelsea defender Cucurella flying with an aggressive shove.
The main TV feed never showed the act and only cut to Cucurella when he was on the floor holding his face.
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The BBC assumed he was hurt in a tussle with Emre Can, but that did not seem to be the case as he was straight back to his feet before being flattened by Sane.
The footage, which emerged on Reddit after the match, seemed to explain the reason behind Cucurella being poleaxed on the turf.
Chelsea left-back Cucurella, 25, has been impressive for Spain at the Euros.
Luis de la Fuente’s men battled to an impressive win over Germany despite Florian Wirtz’s 89th-minute equaliser cancelling out Dani Olmo’s opener.
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Merino’s late strike sent his country into the semis as they prepare to take on World Cup finalists France in Munich.
But Cucurella could have cost his side in extra time when a Jamal Musiala strike hit his arm inside the penalty area.
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EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.
Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.
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Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.
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A spot kick was not awarded, before Merino went on to bag the winner.
And Spain will now be hoping to go at least one step further than three years ago when they lost to Italy in the last four.
Meet Germany’s Euro 2024 Wags
Germany’s Wags range from a glam architect to a leading equestrian and a fashion model.
Dani ter Stegen (Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s wife)
One of Germany’s most popular Wags with over 600,000 Instagram followers. Earned a degree in architecture after moving to Barcelona with her husband.
Sara Gundogan (Ilkay Gundogan’s wife)
Italian model was never shy to pop a dig at Manchester while Ilkay was at Man City, but has changed her tune and said she misses the city since his move to Barcelona.
Jessica Kroos (Toni Kroos’ wife)
Couple first met when Toni was 18 and she was 20. Jessica is credited with convincing the soon-to-retire Germany star to sign a new Real Madrid deal at a time when he was wavering.
Candice Brook (Leroy Sane’s girlfriend)
American model helped Harry Kane get used to Germany and overcome the language barrier following his move to Bayern Munich.
Sophia Weber (Kai Havertz’s fiancee)
Soon-to-be Mrs Havertz has struck up a close friendship with Martin Odegaard’s partner Helene Spilling. Sophia recently enjoyed a hen party in Ibiza.
Lisa Muller (Thomas Muller’s wife)
Lisa is a famous dressage rider in Germany and reportedly convinced her husband not to join Man Utd.
Find out more about the Germany Euro 2024 Wags here
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
