Monday, December 23, 2024

Germany 5-1 Scotland: player ratings from the Euro 2024 opener

Must read

Germany (4-2-3-1)

Manuel Neuer Has the veteran ever experienced a quieter night? Only job was to retrieve the ball after late consolation. 6

Joshua Kimmich Clever pass to Wirtz set rout in motion. Able to enjoy himself on ball with little defending required. 8

Antonio Rüdiger Purred through his night’s work until McKenna’s header deflected off him for a freakish own goal. 7

Jonathan Tah Put under no pressure whatsoever, so may be disappointed to leave with booking hanging over him. 7

Maximilian Mittelstädt Good tournament debut from left-back, who used the ball intelligently to create space for his wingers. 7

Robert Andrich Steely presence in a lineup laced with silk. Withdrawn at break, presumably to avoid a second booking.7

Toni Kroos Ran proceedings with a majestic display, including sumptuous diagonal in move for Wirtz’s goal. His return could make the difference for Germany. 9

Toni Kroos controlled the game effortlessly. Photograph: Lars Baron/Getty Images

Jamal Musiala Smart footwork and thumping finish epitomised a mesmerising display. Almost impossible to dispossess in full flight. 9

Ilkay Gündogan Turn and slide-rule ball to Havertz before second goal were breathtaking. Deft, masterful night’s work from the Germany captain. 8

Florian Wirtz Wunderkind announced himself with snapshot that outfoxed Gunn. Clever, darting menace and could have scored again. 8

Kai Havertz Looked the part leading Germany’s line. Composed assist for Musiala and, never looked like fluffing the penalty. 8

Substitutes Gross (for Andrich ht) 7, Füllkrug (for Havertz 63), 8, Sané (for Wirtz 63) 7, Müller (for Musiala 74) 7, Can (for Kroos 80) 8

Scotland (3-4-2-1)

Angus Gunn Had to do better for the opener, which ruined any chance of a foothold. Avoided further calamities but the damage was already done. 5

Ryan Porteous Could have no complaints about red card for diabolical challenge on Gündogan. Largely tied in knots until then. 4

skip past newsletter promotion

Jack Hendry A few blocks but looked cumbersome against an attack that pulled the backline around at will. 4

Kieran Tierney Tried to build attacks from left centre-back berth but ball kept coming back at Scotland. Germany’s movement was too much. 5

Kieran Tierney, who had a challenging evening, tries to close down Jamal Musiala with Ryan Christie. Photograph: Hasan Bratic/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock

Anthony Ralston Looked out of his depth against Germany’s wide men. Beaten repeatedly and could not make any impact going forward. 4

Scott McTominay Never stood a chance of outplaying home schemers but failed to outmuscle them either in a game that passed him by. 5

Callum McGregor Could not get near the hosts’ midfield and struggled in particular against Gündogan’s speed of thought. 4

Andy Robertson Skipper delivered free-kick that brought consolation but was given torrid time by Musiala and Wirtz before break. 5

Ryan Christie Ran around gamely, and occupied nominally advanced role after break, but never a sniff of making something happen. 5

John McGinn Needed to justify star billing but too ponderous on rare occasions he had a chance to use ­the ball. 4

Ché Adams Most thankless of tasks for the striker, who barely had a kick. Replaced by defender Hanley at interval. 5

Substitutes Hanley (for Adams ht) 6, Gilmour (for McGregor 67) 5, McLean (for McGinn 67) 5, McKenna (for Tierney 77) 6, Shankland (for Christie 82) 5

Latest article