Hosts Germany opened their Euro 2024 campaign in style after thrashing Scotland 5-1 in Munich, with a number of Julian Nagelsmann’s players performing well in the first half.
The athletes did not waste time setting a mark for the European stars, opening the goal ten minutes before the end of the game thanks to a good ball by Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen.
Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz put the game within Scotland’s reach before the break, and things got better thanks to Niklas Fullkrug’s magnificent half-volley. Not even Antonio Rudiger’s goal could dampen Germany’s spirits, and they put the cherry on the cake when Emre Can’s effort deflected into the bottom corner of Angus Gunn’s goal.
It was a show from Germany, but three stars stood head and shoulders above the rest…
The 21-year-old Wirtz became the youngest player ever to score in the European Championship when he swept past Gunn just ten minutes from time.
The attacking midfielder has recently enjoyed an incredible title-winning season with Leverkusen, putting himself on the map as one of the best young talents in world football.
He danced around Scotland’s defence, getting into pockets of space with ease, and his link-up play with Havertz and Musiala was a joy to watch.
Jamal Musiala’s form was superb against Scotland, as the 21-year-old ran into Steve Clarke’s side.
What surprised many is how good Musiala was with the ball at his feet. He burst forward time and time again with speed and power, yet never once looked like he might lose control of the ball, and showed an intelligence that belied his tender years.
Comparisons were made between Ronaldinho and Kaka after the game – some company Musiala will be in – but strangely it didn’t feel like an overreaction. Yes, Scotland were poor and not aggressive enough with their press, but it probably wouldn’t have mattered to a player who looked determined to rise to the top of the game.
England’s loss is Germany’s gain, and Bayern Munich’s squad can hardly believe how valuable their young talent is.
Most players who announce their retirement from all forms of football may have passed on in one way, shape or form. But that couldn’t be more true in the case of Toni Kroos, who has become a master of his art.
The 34-year-old is aiming to stop it all at the end of the tournament, but there will no doubt be calls for Kroos to make a U-turn after this display. Germany’s young players did admirably, but it was the veteran who scored against Scotland and commanded them to play.
Kroos failed to complete one of his 102 passes on the night, most of which saw him spread the game with great composure and precision. Scotland had no answers – they weren’t the first and won’t be the last – and they looked bewildered as they aimlessly chased Kroos’ shadow.
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