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 superb night time for him, however a much better one for Kai.
1-0 down early on with a shot the keeper ought to have performed 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 purple 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 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 anxious for Scotland. Even 11 v 11 you may 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 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 performed higher with. Scotland’s purpose got here by way of 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 all the time going to be robust for them on this opening recreation, however they now should discover a approach to carry spirits and go once more. I’m unsure Roy Keane’s post-game recommendation is especially useful:
“My goodness whenever you’re enjoying soccer at this stage you’ve acquired to hit individuals, hit them correctly, hit them aggressively, do it in the correct 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 type of get what he’s saying, however higher organisation and gamers doing their jobs relating to positioning, monitoring runners and so forth would most likely be extra helpful. Not an important night time 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 a degree, I perceive it 100%, however within the third minute? It stood out. Arsenal might be hoping a superb 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 studies 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 feel that is the correct 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 aspect, I feel if acquired half that we’d be doing properly, however let’s see the way it performs out.
Proper, let’s go away it there for now. When you 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 a superb one.
