Toni Kroos impresses in Germany’s 5-1 thrashing of Scotland in Euro 2024

Toni Kroos impresses in Germany’s 5-1 thrashing of Scotland in Euro 2024

Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos and Antonio Rudiger had an enjoyable opening night at the Euro 2024, helping Germany beat Scotland 4-1 to get them their first points.

Kroos, since coming back from retirement, has fit like a glove in this new-look Germany side, and it seems like they have needed him all this time with one good performance after another, and it showed against Scotland as well.

Kroos’ good run continued into the competition, and he was seen playing like a third centre-back when in possession, feasting on the space given to him by Scotland. It is also how Germany scored their first goal: A cross-field switch to Joshua Kimmich, who laid it on for Florian Wirtz to score from the edge of the box. Fun fact: he only misplaced his first and last pass of the game in the 50th minute.

Kroos went off in the 80th minute for Emre Can and got a huge ovation from the German fans. He finished with 107 touches, 102 passes with a ridiculous 99% accuracy, four key passes, eight completed long balls and one interception — easily one of Germany’s very best players.

Rudiger had a decent night until the 89th minute, where he unfortunately scored an own goal to give Scotland a mere consolation. He was decent otherwise, though, with four clearances, one tackle, one interception, as well as completing 93% of his 90 passes. The own goal, however, did knock his performance down a few numbers.

Germany will now face Hungary in their second game of the Euro 2024 in hopes of making it two wins in two games.