Germany is clamoring for Niclas Füllkrug. A survey conducted by Bild on number 9 ideal for the team gave rise to a plebiscite for the Borussia Dortmund striker (90% of the votes and more than 130,000 participants), whose profile naturally fits more with the tradition of Bombers Germans. Enough to tickle Kai Havertz’s ego. Julian Nagelsmann, however, persevered with his idea and maintained his faith in the GunnerThe scenario of the eighth final against Denmark rather proved him right, even if the debate remains open.
Kaiser-Kai
Number 7 played cat and mouse with Kasper Schmeichel throughout the evening. The game started with a good call behind Jannik Vestergaard’s back, which allowed him to volley with his left foot… deflected with a bit of success by the goalkeeper (10e). Havertz found himself in a dangerous position after the stormy break, but this time made the goalkeeper’s job easier by sending his head straight at him (37e). Which did not prevent him from calmly transforming his penalty in the second period, crossing his shot perfectly while Schmeichel had gone the right way (53e).
In the process, the scorer missed the double by placing his dive right next to the cage, at the end of an action where his sublime control made all the difference in failing the defense (59e). The summary of what he is applauded for, and what he can be criticized for. Even more so next to an insolent Füllkrug of efficiency in selection, especially in major competitions. With two goals at the World Cup and as many in this Euro, Drunk scores every 41 minutes when he plays a major tournament.
“It’s not just about scoring”
A final opportunity to equal Jürgen Klinsmann and Mario Gómez, best German directors at the Euro with five pawns each, presented itself to Kai Havertz this Saturday. Schmeichel, however, pushed back the deadline by diverting his cross shot (90e+5). According to Bild, Julian Nagelsmann had long considered propelling Füllkrug into the eleven against Switzerland last Sunday, impressed by the performances of his striker, both in matches and in training. Could the man bought for 75 million euros by Arsenal really lose his place to the man who was still playing in D2 two years ago?
“From the outside, it’s understandable to ask FulleNagelsmann acknowledged in an interview with RTL, while defending the Havertz option for his way of weighing on the opposing defense and opening breaches. He has a clear role in many matches, he doesn’t have many actions with the ball because he has to create space for others. He did it exceptionally well. In our internal rating, Kai is ranked much higher than he is in the public. For a striker, it’s not just about scoring. If the opponent is tired, you can have a little more space. Kai is an important player for us. » Having scored (from a penalty, already) and provided an assist against Scotland in the opening, Havertz seems to be keeping the advantage. The last half hour also showed that there was no need to choose: he came on in the 64th minutee minute, Füllkrug came to position himself at the forefront, while Havertz, himself, dropped back a notch to play in the heart of the game. Why oppose them when we can take advantage of them (at least from time to time) simultaneously.
Today’s recap: little Swiss grown up and love at first sight
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