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The quarterfinal match between Spain and Germany in the UEFA Euro 2024 proceeded into extra time with a score that was tied. A shot from Jamal Musiala within the penalty area in front of goal appeared to have struck Marc Cucurella's hand during the second half of extra time. The VAR did not step in, nor did the referee declare a penalty.
Marc Cucurella hadn't glanced at the ball when the ball impacted his hand, which was far from his body, but the referee chose not to award a penalty since it appeared to be an inadvertent violation. The referee ruled that play should continue since Cucurella's hands were downwards and in an appropriate position.
Nearly ten minutes after this controversial handball claim, Mikel Merino scored the decisive second goal of the game. A lovely cross from Dani Olmo into the box was met well by the head of the Real Sociedad midfielder. In the end, Spain clinched the game 2-1 and sent the hosts out of the tournament in dramatic fashion.
UEFA presents: The Save of the Year 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ssdzb420Wz
— BayernTalente (@CampusVid2) July 5, 2024
When is a penalty awarded for handball?
When the ball deliberately touches the hand/arm of a player, for example moving the hand/arm towards the ball. Moreover, when the player’s touch with the ball using their hand/arm, has been made to make their body unnaturally bigger, it gets identified as a foul. A player is considered to have made their body unnaturally bigger when the position of their hand/arm is not a consequence of, or justifiable by, the player’s body movement for that specific situation.
By having their hand/arm in such a position, the player takes a risk of their hand/arm being hit by the ball and being penalised. Scores in the opponents’ goal: directly from their hand/arm, even if accidental, including by the goalkeeper; or immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm, even if accidental. Accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring a goal or having a goal-scoring opportunity will no longer be considered an offence.