Germany had a great night at the box office, with the team picking up a 5-1 win to start their Euros campaign. Julian Nagelsmann‘s tactics were right on the money as all players played their role to a tee. German poster boys Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala hogged all the limelight, with the pair scoring in their debut Euros fixture. The pair played a crucial role throughout the contest and their efforts were awarded with a shared Player of the Match award. While most fans are on board with the decision, ex-Manchester United legend Patrice Evra had other thoughts.
Patrice talked about Germany’s performance after the game, claiming both Wirtz and Musiala had a great game. However, he felt that the Player of the Match award should have gone to Toni Kroos, with the veteran putting on a clinic in the midfield. Toni Kroos completed 99% of his passes against Scotland with the Real Madrid star accurately finding 101 out of his 102 passes.
99% – Toni Kroos completed 99% of his passes against Scotland (101/102); the highest completion rate on record (since 1980) by any player to attempt 100+ passes in a game at the EUROs. Cruise. #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/aiDlxSz0tS
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2024
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The stunning feat also saw the German superstar break the 44-year-old record for the highest completion rate in the Euros by any player over 100 passes. Toni Kroos seems to be in perfect shape and would love to end his career on a high. The German announced his retirement from football earlier this month, claiming the Euros would be his last official tournament.
Toni Kroos in contention for the Ballon d’Or
Over the years, some of the finest players in soccer have got their hands around the prestigious Ballon d’Or. But there have been a few players who have missed out on the accolade despite giving their all throughout their careers, and Toni Kroos is one of those names! The Real Madrid star has been a pillar for his club and country in the midfield, putting some of the best figures in the past decade. Yet, his achievements have gone under the radar.
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However, things could change if the German can lift the Euros with his national team. Toni Kroos is already 2/2 after winning the La Liga and Champions League titles with Real Madrid. A win in the Euros could provide the German the edge over his fellow teammates Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, who are the front runners for the award. If Kroos and Germany can lift the Euros this summer, only Brazil winning the Copa America can stop him from winning the Ballon d’Or.
Who do you think should win the Ballon d’Or 2024? Give us your pick in the comments below.