Before the start of the Euro, we highlighted ten Euro Stars who will need to make their selection to stay on the path to success for as long as possible. From Kroos to De Bruyne via Mbappé, Barella or Rodri. And most of these players shone when they entered the competition. A quick overview.
Toni Kroos: the time switcher
Group A: Germany – Scotland 5-1.
For those who hadn’t yet realized it, this opening match reminded us that Toni Kroos (34) was really going to be missed by football once the Euro was over. The future retiree has largely assumed his role as the hub of the Mannschaft’s game, with his flamboyant openings, his long, perfect diagonals and his sharp vertical passes. Against Scotland, he only missed one pass (101/102). The first goal comes from one of his offerings. “He has incredible experience and calmness. He is the source of calm for the team”noted his coach Julian Nagelsmann who can face Hungary with confidence this Wednesday.
Germany corrects Scotland: an enchanting entry
Nicolo Barella: on the right track
Group B: Italy – Albania 2-1.
He also immediately responded to expectations by taking the reins of the construction of the Italian game against Albania. “When he goes deep and gets out of congested areas, he’s even better. He is the one who keeps the machine running in front of the defense. And in terms of quality, he’s really the one who takes charge of the team,” greeted his coach Luciano Spalletti. “The guys made me feel important. I will give everything for my teammates and return the favor. And even if I was a little tired at the end, I would go so far as to spit blood for this jersey”reacted Barella (27 years old), vice-captain of the Nazionale, at the microphone of Rai.
What weaknesses can Italy rely on against Spain? “I would try to go after them to push them to make mistakes”
Rodri: without forcing
Group B: Spain – Croatia 3-0.
It was with his usual discretion but his essential impact that the Manchester City midfielder took part in the little opening walk at La Roja. And even if Morata, Yamal and Carvajal took the light more than him, Rodri (27 years old) played a key role in the direction of the game, in addition to his defensive self-sacrifice to silence Modric and Kovacic. The man who was playing his 59th match of the season, however, suffered physically in the final minutes. He was even forced out before the final whistle. “Rodri had cramps and was tired. We hope he is ready to face Italy”said Luis de la Fuente.
Luka Modric: first collision
Group B: Spain – Croatia 3-0.
If we have not seen Croatia as convincing as during the last major tournaments, it is partly because Luka Modric (38 years old) was not able to raise his level of play to compensate for the deficiencies of some of its partners. “We had chances but it was one of those games where nothing you try worksrailed the Croatian maestro who will have to get his act together this Wednesday against Albania.
Jude Bellingham: railway to heaven
Group C: Serbia – England 0-1.
England disappointed, despite the result. Not him. With a number nine (Harry Kane) in front of him, Bellingham (twenty years old) has already delighted Real Madrid fans with his ability to develop next season behind Kylian Mbappé. The English number 10 thus scored the only goal for his team in addition to having produced some high-class gestures and put in enormous defensive work. “I felt really confident going into this match. You could see I was enjoying playing the ball and trying to make things happen”reacted the one who took the first step in his distance duel with Vinicius Jr. for the Golden Ball.
Euro 2024: Jude Bellingham provides the essentials against Serbia, but England will have to step up their game
Xavi Simons: orange fire
Group D: Poland – Netherlands 1-2.
A disappointing start which would have been even more so without Weghorst’s saving goal. Is Xavi Simons (21) concerned about his uncertain future, between PSG, Leipzig or Bayern Munich? Probably a little. But his inability to impose himself in the offensive zone is worrying. Fortunately for him, Memphis Depay was even worse and the criticism from the Netherlands was more aimed at him.
Euro 2024: Wout Weghorst, the tree that hides the forest of Dutch inefficiency, “I told my girlfriend this morning that I was going to score”
Robert Lewandowski: remained at the dock
Group D: Poland – Netherlands 1-2.
Absent against the Oranjes, Robert Lewandowski (35) seems to have recovered from his injury. “He is recovering and he will probably play the next match against Austria”Polish coach Michal Probiertz has already announced.
Euro 2024 – Robert Lewandowski back in training with Poland
Kylian Mbappé: the frontal shock
Group D: Austria – France 0-1.
Even if he is still waiting for his first goal in a Euro and he wasted a golden opportunity an hour into the game, the neo-Madrilenian (25 years old) made the difference by constantly provoking the Austrian defense and above all by being at the origin of Wöber’s own goal. On the other hand, the rest of his tournament will be done with a protective mask on his face following the violent blow received in the nose at the end of the match. “There is no surgical intervention planned in the short termreassured Philippe Diallo, the president of the FFF this Tuesday, before the player withdrew from Friday’s match against the Netherlands.
France stifled against Austria
Kevin De Bruyne: the dirty engine
Group E: Belgium – Slovakia 0-1.
He was probably the least bad of the Red Devils on Monday night but he did not live up to the high expectations placed on him. “We were in difficulty with the Slovak pressing. In the second half, we did better, we had chances. We tried to push until the end but we couldn’t find the goal”, summed up the player who seemed to lack automatisms with his offensive partners. We are obviously expecting a real reaction on Saturday.
Beaten by Slovakia, the Red Devils plunged the Kingdom back into a nightmare we wanted to forget
Cristiano Ronaldo: accident avoided
Group F: Portugal – Czechia 2-1.
Smiling and visibly very happy to be able to play his sixth Euro (a record), CR7 (39 years old) almost ended the meeting this Tuesday evening grimacing. Because of Stanek’s interventions which prevented him from becoming the oldest scorer in the history of the competition, because of Provod’s sumptuous strike which made the Seleção doubt and above all because of his position as an outsider. game which canceled the 2-1 (88th). Fortunately, Francisco Conceição was there to save him (90th + 2). Very available and in good shape, the five-time Ballon d’Or will however have to do even better in the finish against Turkey on Saturday.
