Morning.
The Euros kicked off final night time and there was Arsenal curiosity as Kai Havertz began up entrance for Germany, with Kieran Tierney on the again for Scotland. It’s honest to say it was not a great night time for him, however a much better one for Kai.
1-0 down early on with a shot the keeper ought to have finished higher with, Havertz arrange the spectacular Jamal Musiala for the second. There was a reasonably prolonged VAR examine to resolve on a penalty which finally wasn’t, however simply earlier than half-time, Ryan Porteous was rightly proven a purple card for a horrible problem on Ilkay Gundogan, and Scotland have been all the way down to 10 males and going through a penalty. Havertz stepped as much as rating, he’s good from the spot, and that was at all times going to be that by way of the end result.
The query was actually about how the scoreline would find yourself after 90 minutes, and I’ve to say I used to be a bit fearful for Scotland. Even 11 v 11 you can see a major gulf in high quality and efficiency ranges between the 2 sides, and Germany had 15 photographs within the second 45 – 10 greater than they did within the first half. It may have been worse. The fourth aim from Niclas Fullkrug was a hell of a end, and Emre Can added the fifth with one other shot the keeper ought to most likely have finished higher with. Scotland’s aim got here by way of the pinnacle of Antonio Rudiger, an personal aim of actual high quality.
So, an excellent begin for Germany, and a rotten one for Scotland who need to lick their wounds earlier than they face Switzerland on Wednesday. It was at all times going to be robust for them on this opening recreation, however they now need to discover a method to carry spirits and go once more. I’m undecided Roy Keane’s post-game recommendation is especially useful:
“My goodness while you’re enjoying soccer at this stage you’ve bought to hit individuals, hit them correctly, hit them aggressively, do it in the best manner. You step off in opposition to them like Scotland did tonight… it’s no good speaking after the sport saying ‘we had a gameplan’. It’s all simply garbage popping out.”
I type of get what he’s saying, however higher organisation and gamers doing their jobs in terms of positioning, monitoring runners and so on would most likely be extra helpful. Not an amazing night time for Tierney both, I assumed the second early on when he celebrated successful a aim kick was a bit unusual. Within the ninetieth minute while you’re hanging on for some extent, I perceive it 100%, however within the third minute? It stood out. Arsenal shall be hoping a great event on the large stage will generate some switch curiosity within the left-back, so let’s hope issues enhance for him and Scotland within the subsequent couple of video games.
Immediately, the early recreation sees Hungary face Switzerland, Granit Xhaka previously of this parish concerned there. Within the afternoon there’s a tasty one between Spain and Croatia, with David Raya within the Spanish squad, whereas Jorginho’s Italy tackle Albania afterward tonight.
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Elsewhere, David Ornstein experiences that Reiss Nelson has instructed Arsenal he’s open to a departure this summer time:
Reiss Nelson informs Arsenal he desires to asses choices for potential switch this summer time. #AFC rejected approaches in January + would need ~£20m together with add-ons if resolve to promote. #CPFC, #FFC, #NFFC & #WHUFC amongst 24yo winger’s suitors @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/8tWdun34v0
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 14, 2024
I believe that is the best factor for him at this level in his profession. One Premier League begin in 4 years tells its personal story, and heading into his mid-20s, he must go and play often someplace. I’ve to confess I reckon Arsenal’s valuation is considerably on the optimistic facet, I believe if bought half that we’d be doing effectively, however let’s see the way it performs out.
Proper, let’s go away it there for now. In the event you want one thing to hearken to this Saturday, we’ll be beginning our Euros podcast protection over on Patreon – you’ll be able to join $6 a month at patreon.com/arseblog.
For now, have a great one.
