Arsenal star Kai Havertz was the focus of attention as Germany began their Euro 2024 campaign on home soil in style as they thrashed Scotland 5-1.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side were outstanding as they put Scotland to the sword by going 3-0 up by half time. Goals from Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala helped fire Germany to a comfortable early lead.
Havertz was outstanding throughout, creating the second goal with a fine assist after running onto an Ilkay Gundogan through-ball, and he even got himself onto the scoresheet.
Gundogan won a penalty late in the first half, which saw Ryan Porteous sent off for a reckless challenge, and Havertz stepped up to dispatch his penalty with ease.
The Arsenal attacker has now been praised for his display and the manner in which he took his penalty, which has also seen him continue the excellent run of form in which he ended the season.
Kai Havertz praised for role in Germany victory over Scotland in Euro 2024 opener
The eyes of Europe were on Havertz in the first game of the tournament, and he did not disappoint. When he stepped up to take his penalty, he knew that whilst there was less pressure in the context of the game with his side cruising, he had to deliver to keep his place in the side ahead of Nicklas Fullkrug.
Havertz fired his penalty in with power, and former Scotland striker Steve Thompson praised his effort from the spot.
“There’s no question it was a penalty kick. It’s expertly taken by Havertz. Composed class from a top player,” he told BBC Sport.
Kai Havertz’s complete display for Germany showcased his best Arsenal ability
Whilst Havertz’s strike was not as impressive as Musiala’s or Fullkrug’s stunning efforts, his overall display was phenomenal and served its purpose of bringing others into play.
In 63 minutes of play, Havertz fired in two shots, registered an assist and won 100% of his three aerial duels.
His assist saw him display excellent timing with his attacking run to power into the box from Gundogan’s pass, before laying off to Musiala to smash the ball home.
Despite Fullkrug impressing off the bench, Havertz did enough to keep his place in the team for Germany’s next match against Hungary, and the Arsenal star will hope to continue his fine scoring form.
Arsenal players and transfer targets at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode of Cannon Fire – The Arsenal Insider Podcast, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discuss the European Championships. With 11 Arsenal players set to feature at the tournament, the pair debated which players could be fighting for their futures, and which are destined to succeed on the international stage.