Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has expressed concerns about the challenge Scotland could present when the two teams meet in the opening game of the 2024 European Championship.
Germany, playing on home soil and aiming for their fourth European trophy, are clear favourites to win on Friday evening against the Tartan Army.
However, Kroos, who will be participating in his final tournament before retiring from football, believes Scotland poses a significant threat that could trouble the four-time World Cup champions.
“We know what kind of performance are waiting for us, they are difficult to play against, hard to play against. I talked to a teammate at Real Madrid because they met with Scotland in the qualifying round and they said they’re a tough team to play against, physically strong, very compact, very good in defense but on the other hand very quick on the counter-attacks so we are definitely forewarned because Scotland definitely are the kind of opponents that the Germany national team has always had difficulty playing against,” he said.
Who is the better midfielder?
A. Toni Kroos
B. Xavi#3SportsGH #Kroos #Xavi pic.twitter.com/t0C9TpZuhU— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) May 21, 2024
Although coming up against Germany would be a tough task for Scotland, midfielder Billy Gilmour is delighted to face Toni Kroos.
“He’s unbelievable, what he’s done in the game, and just to watch him on TV, he’s unbelievable. He makes a hundred percent perfect and if I do get the opportunity to face him I’ll be delighted,” he said.
Toni Kroos in La Liga last season. ⏪
◎ Passes per 90 – 100.1 🥇
◎ Pass success rate – 94.7% 🥇Germany set to operate at Kroos Control against Scotland tonight. 🚢#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/d8P9BvKNZl
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) June 14, 2024
The former Real Madrid midfielder will be participating for the national team for the last time to official conclude a remarkable career which saw him clinch all there is to win for both club and country including the 2014 World Cup title.
Germany will also lock horns with Hungary and Switzerland in Group A.
