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Pedri was taken off the pitch after Kroos pressed hard on him in the 8th minute
In the dramatic quarterfinal clash between Spain and Germany at Euro 2024, the match was overshadowed by a controversial incident that left Spanish midfielder Pedri sidelined for the remainder of the tournament.
The pivotal moment occurred early in the game when a challenge from German midfielder Toni Kroos resulted in a devastating injury to the young star.
Pedri, who had been a standout performer for Spain throughout the tournament, was forced to leave the field in tears just eight minutes into the match.
The challenge, which Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente argued should have warranted a red card, left Pedri with a grade two sprain in his left knee—a setback that typically requires weeks of recovery.
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Despite the injury, Pedri's commitment to the Spanish squad remains unwavering. The Spanish Football Federation confirmed that although he will not be able to participate further in the competition, Pedri will continue to support his teammates from the sidelines.
In a gesture of solidarity and respect, Spain ensured that Pedri was included in the celebrations following their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Germany.
A touching video circulated on social media captured the moment when Pedri, with his injured knee heavily strapped, was lifted to the forefront of the team photo.
Amidst the aftermath of the match, Toni Kroos, who had announced his retirement from international football following Germany's elimination, took to Instagram to express regret over the incident. In a heartfelt post directed at Pedri, Kroos emphasized that injuring him was never his intention.
"Sorry and get well soon to Pedri!" Kroos wrote. "It obviously wasn't my intention to injure you. A quick recovery and all the best. You're a great player."
Kroos, a 2014 World Cup winner with Germany, concluded his message by acknowledging the importance of extending his apology, underscoring his respect for Pedri's talent and sportsmanship.
As Spain prepares to face France in the semifinals, they will have to cope without Pedri's influential presence on the field. Despite the setback, the Spanish squad remains determined to continue their journey in Euro 2024, propelled by the resilience and unity that has defined their campaign thus far.
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