Morning.
The Euros kicked off final evening 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 an excellent evening 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 finally wasn’t, however simply earlier than half-time, Ryan Porteous was rightly proven a pink card for a horrible problem on Ilkay Gundogan, and Scotland had 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 apprehensive for Scotland. Even 11 v 11 you might see a big gulf in high quality and efficiency ranges between the 2 sides, and Germany had 15 pictures within the second 45 – 10 greater than they did within the first half. It may have been worse. The fourth purpose 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 purpose got here through the pinnacle of Antonio Rudiger, an personal purpose of actual high quality.
So, an excellent begin for Germany, and a rotten one for Scotland who should lick their wounds earlier than they face Switzerland on Wednesday. It was at all times going to be powerful for them on this opening recreation, however they now should discover a approach to elevate spirits and go once more. I’m unsure Roy Keane’s post-game recommendation is especially useful:
“My goodness whenever you’re taking part in soccer at this degree you’ve received to hit folks, hit them correctly, hit them aggressively, do it in the fitting manner. You step off towards 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 relating to positioning, monitoring runners and many others would most likely be extra helpful. Not an amazing evening for Tierney both, I assumed the second early on when he celebrated successful a purpose kick was a bit unusual. Within the ninetieth minute whenever you’re hanging on for some extent, I perceive it 100%, however within the third minute? It stood out. Arsenal shall be hoping an excellent match 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 informed Arsenal he’s open to a departure this summer season:
🚨 Reiss Nelson informs Arsenal he desires to asses choices for potential switch this summer season. #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 fitting 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 repeatedly someplace. I’ve to confess I reckon Arsenal’s valuation is considerably on the optimistic facet, I believe if received half that we’d be doing effectively, however let’s see the way it performs out.
Proper, let’s depart it there for now. If you happen to want one thing to take heed 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 an excellent one.
