Toni Kroos Delivers Assist Straight From Kick Off in Germany Comeback

Toni Kroos Delivers Assist Straight From Kick Off in Germany Comeback

Isaac Darko
updated at March 24, 2024 at 7:12 AM
In this article:
Toni Kroos logo
T. Kroos
Real Madrid logoMGermany logo
Real Madrid logo
Real Madrid
Spain
38
Germany logo
Germany
Germany
39
France logo
France
France
25
Florian Wirtz logo
F. Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen logoMGermany logo
  • Florian Wirtz scored his first international goal after a Toni Kroos assist
  • The attacking midfielder netted after just 7 seconds against France
  • Germany thumped the 2018 World Champions 2-0 in Lyon

Real Madrid's Toni Kroos wasted no time in making an impact, providing an assist just seven seconds into his return to international football with Germany.

The 34-year-old retired from international football in 2021 following a disappointing Euro 2020 tournament.

However, earlier this month, the Real Madrid midfielder announced his availability once again for the Germany squad ahead of Euro 2024.

Toni Kroos has provided an assist just seven seconds into his return to international football with Germany
Toni Kroos has provided an assist just seven seconds into his return to international football with Germany. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein
Source: Getty Images

Kroos swiftly earned a call-up to Julian Nagelsmann's squad for their friendlies against France and Netherlands - and his impact was immediate.

Named in the starting lineup to face France by Nagelsmann, it took the midfielder just seven seconds to assist Florian Wirtz for Germany's opener.

Starting from the kick-off, Kroos first looked backwards before launching a high pass towards Bayer Leverkusen's star Wirtz, who controlled it flawlessly.

Wirtz then delivered a spectacular strike with his right foot from 25 yards, sending the ball fizzing into the left corner of the net.

Kroos' comeback to international duty provides a significant lift for Germany as they aim to clinch Euro 2024 in front of their home crowd.

The team hasn't claimed the European Championship title since their victory in 1996 in England, marking their third tournament win to date. As hosts of Euro 2024, Germany is set to kick off the tournament against Scotland on June 14.

They will subsequently face Hungary and Switzerland in other Group A fixtures, with up to three teams advancing to the round of 16 stage based on results.

Why fans booed Toni Kroos

Sports Brief previously reported on why Kroos was booed by fans during a game against Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa.

Real Madrid won the game 5-3, but the German midfielder was greeted with a chorus of boos whenever he had the ball.

The German was the subject of jeers and boos over his recent comments about how the Saudi League was ruining football.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)