Spain v Germany: Kroos positive about team's future despite 'bitter' Euro 2024 exit

Germany midfielder Toni Kroos said he was optimistic about the national team's future despite their "bitter" Euro 2024 quarter-final loss to Spain in extra time on Friday.

Kroos came out of international retirement for the Euros after a personal request from boss Julian Nagelsmann, and the veteran played a crucial role as the home side impressed in their run to the last eight. He had earlier revealed he would retire from all football after the tournament.

After a goalless first half, Spain took the lead when Dani Olmo swept in a pass from teenage winger Lamine Yamal. Germany levelled in the 89th minute when Florian Wirtz sent the game into extra time.

Germany had a penalty appeal for handball turned down before Spain's Mikel Merino headed in the winner in the 119th minute.

"We threw everything in, to lose when we were so close, is bitter," said Kroos, who won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid.

"The elimination is the main focus right now [rather than retirement], because the goal that we had we were unable to achieve and the dream we had is over.

"We played a good tournament but when you're so close, to be eliminated like that, it's bitter."

The 34-year-old insisted better times lie ahead for German football and said the side had brought optimism back to the fans after numerous failures at major tournaments.

"We can all be proud because 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 future, but today we're extremely sad because we would have liked to stay a little longer."

Spain will now play France in Munich on Tuesday after Les Bleus edged past Portugal on penalties in Hamburg. "Well, I'm dead, really,"