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 truthful 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 test to determine on a penalty which in the end wasn’t, however simply earlier than half-time, Ryan Porteous was rightly proven a crimson card for a horrible problem on Ilkay Gundogan, and Scotland had been all the way down to 10 males and dealing with a penalty. Havertz stepped as much as rating, he’s good from the spot, and that was all the time going to be that by way of the outcome.
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 might 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 might 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 all the time going to be robust for them on this opening sport, however they now need to discover a method to raise spirits and go once more. I’m unsure Roy Keane’s post-game recommendation is especially useful:
“My goodness while you’re enjoying soccer at this degree you’ve acquired to hit folks, hit them correctly, hit them aggressively, do it in the appropriate approach. 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 kind of get what he’s saying, however higher organisation and gamers doing their jobs in terms of positioning, monitoring runners and many others would most likely be extra helpful. Not a fantastic night time for Tierney both, I believed the second early on when he celebrated profitable a aim kick was a bit unusual. Within the ninetieth minute while you’re hanging on for a degree, I perceive it 100%, however within the third minute? It stood out. Arsenal can be hoping a great match on the massive 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.
As we speak, the early sport 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 in a while tonight.
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Elsewhere, David Ornstein studies that Reiss Nelson has instructed Arsenal he’s open to a departure this summer time:
🚨 Reiss Nelson informs Arsenal he needs to asses choices for potential switch this summer time. #AFC rejected approaches in January + would need ~£20m together with add-ons if determine 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 appropriate 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 commonly someplace. I’ve to confess I reckon Arsenal’s valuation is considerably on the optimistic aspect, I believe if acquired half that we’d be doing nicely, however let’s see the way it performs out.
Proper, let’s depart 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 may join $6 a month at patreon.com/arseblog.
For now, have a great one.
