Category: Football

Robertson admits Scotland didn’t turn up in Germany thrashing

Andrew Robertson admitted Scotland didn’t turn up as they lost 5-1 to Germany in their first game of Euro 2024.

The Tartan Army failed to lay a glove on the hosts throughout the encounter at the Allianz Arena, with Ryan Porteous’ first-half red card only adding to the misery.

Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz put Germany 3-0 up at half-time as Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can netted after the break, with Antonio Rudiger’s own goal the only consolation for Steve Clarke’s men.

Scotland’s captain told ITV Sport: “First half we just got it all wrong really.

We didn’t really show up, we weren’t aggressive enough, we allowed good players too much time on the ball.

“We obviously had a game plan and we did and their game plan worked and ours didn’t. But it wasn’t because of the [lack of] practice, we just didn’t put it together on the pitch.

It’s a reminder of how tough this tournament is. You’re playing against world-class teams and they showed that today.

“Their big players showed up and they were excellent all over the park and made it really difficult for us. They had an answer for pretty much everything we had.

“But I don’t think we’ve played to our maximum and you have to against the top teams.”

‘We have to sort it quick’

The Liverpool left-back could not hide his disappointment in Munich but insisted he and his team-mates must pick themselves up quickly ahead of facing Switzerland on Tuesday.

Robertson knows they will still be backed by supporters, who played their part generating a brilliant atmosphere in the German capital.

 

He added: “We’re well backed at this tournament, we know that. We’ve got so many good supporters and today was hugely disappointing.

“But you’re playing against the host nation and it’s the first game and it doesn’t get much tougher than that.

“We have to bounce back quickly because there was a lot that was wrong today and we have to sort it because we have a quick turnaround on Tuesday [vs Switzerland].”

‘I was surprised by Scotland’

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann said he did not expect his side to win so comfortably after talking up Scotland’s threat before the game.

He said: “I’m happy, I’m satfisifed, it’s not easy to have the first game in our own country.

“We were brilliant in the first 20 minutes, I was happy with the performance.

“We conceded but at the end it’s okay, it’s a good sign that our players complained about conceding.

“I was kind of surprised that Scotland weren’t that aggressive in first 20 minutes. I think they were surprised by our ball possession, it was very concentrated.

“They then defended deeper and didn’t high press as they have in the qualifying games at times.”



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Hosts blow away 10-man Tartan Army in Euro 2024 opener

Scotland were soundly beaten by Germany in the first game of Euro 2024 as the hosts claimed a dominant 5-1 win at the Allianz Arena.

Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz were all on target for the brilliant Germans during a first half which saw Scotland reduced to 10 men after Ryan Porteous was sent off.

Substitutes Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can got in on the act in the second half either side of an own goal by Antonio Rudiger, which gave Scotland something to cheer about on what was a poor start to their European Championship campaign.

Hosts run riot in tournament opener

You could have been forgiven for not knowing which side were the hosts before kick-off, with the Allianz Arena packed with Scottish fans generating a fantastic atsmosphere.

But less than 10 minutes in, Germany fans were the only ones singing as Wirtz got Die Mannschaft’s Euro 2024 off to the perfect start.

Joshua Kimmich drove forward on the right before laying into Wirtz’s path and the Bundesliga winner’s finish found the bottom left corner despite Angus Gunn getting a hand to it.

Scotland were 2-0 down minutes later Ilkay Gundogan found Havertz inside the box before teeing up Musiala. The Bayern Munich starlet jinked inside before firing a finish into the roof of the net.

As if it couldn’t get any worse for Steve Clarke’s men, the Germans were 3-0 and a man up just before half-time.

Havertz converted from the penalty spot after a hefty last-ditch challenge by Portueous on Ilkay Gundogan was adjudged to be a serious foul after a VAR check.

There was unsurprisingly a feeling of damage limitation after the break for Scotland, who battled to restrict the hosts to few chances early on in the second half.

Germany’s superiority quickly became clear though, with Wirtz unable to keep a shot down to make it four before a last-ditch Callum McGregor block prevented Gundogan from finding the net from close range.

Havertz and Wirtz were withdrawn on the hour mark but in their place came Fullkrug and Leroy Sane.

Bayrn Munich winger Sane immediately stretched the Scottish defence on the break but he could only muster a soft finish which Gunn easily saved.

But his fellow substitute did find the net moments later, with the Borussia Dortmund picking up a loose ball in the box before cutting in and smashing a fantastic finish into the top corner.

The Champions League finalist thought he had a second shortly later after bundling it past Gunn but the Scottish were spared after an offisde.

And they were finally given the reward their support deserved late on as Scott McKenna’s header deflected off Rudiger for an own goal.

But their joy was short-lived as Can, a late call up to Germany’s squad, found the corner from the edge of the box to cap off a brilliant performance by the hosts.

What’s next?

Clarke described the opener as a “side-act” before kick-off with the bigger games in the group to come, but he will face a task instilling confidence into a side who were well beaten.

Germany will feel they are in an excellent position to top the group now and will undoubtedly be one of the favourites to go all the way on home soil.

Both are next in action on Wednesday as Germany take on Hungary before Scotland face Switzerland.



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Line-ups announced for Euro 2024 opener

Germany and Scotland’s line-ups for their Euro 2024 opener have been revealed.

The majority of Scotland’s big names are fit to start, with Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn and Kieran Tierney all present in the XI selected by Steve Clarke.

Southampton striker Che Adams starts up front, with Lyndon Dykes missing the tournament due to injury.

Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie are selected as the Tartan Army’s deeper midfielders, with Billy Gilmour starting in the bench.

Jack Hendry and Ryan Porteuous partner Tierney at centre-back, with Angus Gunn in goal.

Hosts Germany’s XI is packed with stars, with an exciting front three of Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz kicking the tournament off.

Boss Julian Nagelsmann is not short of experience, however, with Toni Kroos in midfield at his final tournament while Ilkay Gundogan, Joshua Kimmich and Maunel Neuer also feature.

The game at the Allianz Arena kicks off in less than an hour’s time at 8pm BST.

‘Respect everyone, fear no one’

Ahead of the game, Clarke urged his Scotland side to ignore the noise while suggesting their bigger games will come later in the group stage.

He said:“It’s the opening game of a four-team section, three matches, we know what we have to do to qualify and that’s all we focus on.

“Everyone is fully fit, flying, desperate to be selected and ready to go.

“The enormity of the opener, however, is a bit of a sideshow and hopefully we don’t get too involved in that.

“It’s a difficult game. One of the mantras I’ve always had is respect everyone and fear no one.

“We have respect for the host nation, we know they’re a good team but hopefully we can show everyone we’re a good team as well.”

Germany ‘nervous’ of Scotland threat

Meanwhile, Germany boss Nagelsmann is under no illusions of the threat their underdog opponents pose.

“We’ve used the days well to train well. The boys seem in good form,” he said ahead of the game. “We are a bit nervous but that’s an important point. We have to have a certain nervousness.”

“Scotland are a very good team that have four or five important players in their group,” he said.

“They put in lots of crosses. They have made big progress in the way they play football. Their mentality is certainly extraordinary.

“We are under more pressure than the Scots. We want to win the opening game. I also demand that we believe in ourselves.

“We have good players and have shown mentality in recent games. We have everything we need and want to bring it onto the pitch.”



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Borussia Dortmund appoint Sahin as new coach

Borussia Dortmund have appointed Edin Terzic’s former assistant Nuri Sahin as their new head coach today.

Sahin moved back to Dortmund at the start of the year, having been boss at Antalyaspor, to work under Terzic and helped Dortmund reach the Champions League final only to lose to Real Madrid.

The 35-year-old made 274 appearances for the club as a player in a career that also included spells at Real Madrid and Liverpool.

He takes over from Terzic who resigned yesterday after two years in charge.

“It is a great honour for me to be the coach of Borussia Dortmund,” said Sahin, who has signed a three-year contract at Signal Iduna Park. 

“I would like to thank all those responsible at the club for the trust they have placed in me. I am very much looking forward to my job at BVB. We will do everything possible from day one with a lot of energy and great passion to have the maximum possible success.”

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl added: “Nuri Sahin helped last season to lead our team to the final of the Champions League. He knows from his own experience as a player and as an assistant coach how BVB works – and above all how success works. 

“Thanks to his natural authority and expertise, he has very good access to our team and knows what we have to work on together.

“Nuri enjoys our absolute trust, he has our full support.”

Sahin will inherit a squad short on experience with both Mats Hummels and Marco Reus leaving the club this summer.



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Manchester United eye £80m Branthwaite for defensive rebuild

Mitch Fretton

Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Everton captain Coleman signs new deal

Seamus Coleman has signed a new 12-month contract at Everton.

The right-back, who joined Everton in 2009 for a bargain £60,000 from Sligo Rovers, is now tied to the Merseyside club until June 2025.

Coleman has made a record 364 Premier League appearances for Everton and is delighted to be staying for the club’s final season at Goodison Park.

The Republic of Ireland defender told evertontv: “Everyone knows what Everton means to me, and I’m very proud and honoured to sign a new contract and to keep playing for this special club in the best league in the world.

“I give it my all for the football club and I’m just really happy to extend my time here. I’m going to cherish and enjoy every moment.

“It’s hard to believe it’s going to be our last season at Goodison, such a special place to me and every Evertonian. Of course, I want to be part of that.

“I still feel I can do a job for this football club on and off the pitch. This being our last season at Goodison is a nice way to go into the campaign but I wouldn’t have signed the contract if I didn’t feel capable of contributing to the team.

“I’ve just played two matches for my country. I feel good and I want to help the lads on the pitch. I’m still enjoying it so what better place to do that than at the club you love?

“I think the manager steadied that ship massively last season with our performances. I just want to be part of that and to continue to be a part of this football club.” 

The 35-year-old played just 12 games last season due to injury but manager Sean Dyche was quick to highlight Coleman’s leadership qualities and what he brings off the field.

He said: “From the day I became Everton manager, Seamus has been a great example to his team-mates and staff on what it means to play for the club.

“He is a model professional and helps set standards, and his leadership is rightly admired by everyone.

“His vast experience and know-how on the pitch will continue to be valuable qualities for us in the season ahead.”



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Sky Bet Euro 2024 Free Bets – Get 50/1 Odds on England to wear white v Serbia

There will be plenty of Sky Bet Euro 2024 Free Bets offers over the next couple of weeks as the tournament is set to kick off this evening with the opening match between Germany and Scotland. Sky Bet already went in with this unusual enhanced odds offer where new customers can get odds of 50/1, […]

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Germany captain expects ‘tricky’ Scotland test

Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan expects Scotland to provide a tricky test for his side in the opening match of Euro 2024.

The Barcelona midfielder is seeking to end a decade of torment for Die Mannschaft by guiding the three-time European Champions to the latter stages of the tournament on home soil.

The 33-year-old moved to the Nou Camp after seven years at Man City last season and will come face to face with a number of familiar faces, not least Man United rival Scott McTominay and Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, the Scotland captain.

“I expect a difficult game,” he told a pre-match press conference. “I know a lot of players from the Premier League. They are very experienced.

“I do think they can be tricky but they are also good in terms of how they play. We must not underestimate them.

“I have respect for them, but if we play to our potential, I think we have a good chance of winning the game tomorrow.”

Gundogan has won 77 caps over a 13-year international career but missed Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph in Germany due to a back injury.

He revealed he went to support the national team in the fan festivals aged 15 when Germany hosted their last major tournament – the 2006 World Cup, in which they finished third under Jurgen Klinsmann.

“It’s a huge privilege not only to lead the team onto the pitch as captain, but also to play with my teammates in my country. You don’t get such a chance very often,” he said.

“I was at the fan festivals as a youngster in 2006. To now be part of this team and to represent the German people is an honour. We want to make them proud.”

Gundogan hailed the impact of head coach Julian Nagelsmann who took over the role in September after Gundogan’s new club boss Hansi Flick became the first German coach ever to be fired.

Having not won a knockout game since Euro 2016, German fans have been put through the mill over recent years, but Gundogan said: “It helped us that the coach assigned clear roles.

“After the negative experiences of the past tournaments, everyone knows what is at stake and what they have to do.

“That gives us a certain sense of security. The results in the practice matches speak for the good morale and atmosphere in the team.”



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Euro 2024: Germany nervous about Scotland encounter

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann admits his side will be nervous as they prepare to face Scotland in the Euro 2024 opener.

The hosts will seek to end an eight-year wait for a knockout win in a major tournament on home soil this month but know Scotland will not make it easy for them in the Group A opener in Munich on Friday night (8pm BST kick-off).

Speaking at the pre-match press conference Nagelsmann – who only took charge of the three-time European Champions nine months ago after Hansi Flick was sacked – said the camp were looking forward to tomorrow and  ‘I think we’re ready’

“We’ve used the days well to train well. The boys seem in good form,” he added. “We are a bit nervous but that’s an important point. We have to have a certain nervousness.”

He identified Steve Clarke’s side’s danger from set pieces and from out wide and said the Scots were under no pressure against Germany.

“Scotland are a very good team that have four or five important players in their group,” he said.

“They put in lots of crosses. They have made big progress in the way they play football. Their mentality is certainly extraordinary.

“We are under more pressure than the Scots. We want to win the opening game. I also demand that we believe in ourselves. We have good players and have shown mentality in recent games. We have everything we need and want to bring it onto the pitch.”

He urged the fans at his former stomping ground the Allianz Arena to get behind Die Mannschaft, adding: “I want us to do everything we can to have a great tournament. I want the country to push us forward as Germany. Please all be loud in the stadium tomorrow. I’m confident we’ll play a good game.”

Nagelsmann also lifted the lid on the process of getting Toni Kroos to end his international retirement after two years to finish his playing career with Germany this summer.

“Toni is important for us, you can give him the ball at any time. He is an important player for all of us, but especially for the young players,” he said.

“It took me a while to persuade him. He said that he would only be back if he felt that we could win something with the team. And then he said ‘Yes, let’s do it.’”

Kroos retired after Germany’s dismal Euro 2020 campaign ended in the Round of 16 against England, while they went on to go out in the group at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

“I don’t want to talk about the past,” said Nagelsmann. “It’s about the present. We want to be more successful than we were last time.

“It’s important to start well tomorrow. There’s no point in talking about past tournaments.”



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Exit mobile version