Euro 2024: Toni Kroos Told He’s ‘Better Than Xavi and Iniesta’ After Masterclass Display for Germany

• Veteran midfielder Toni Kroos starred for Germany against Scotland in the opening game of Euro 2024 on Friday night
• Kroos did not put a foot wrong with his performance as Die Mannschaft thrashed the Tartan Army 5-1 at Allianz Arena
• Goals from Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can gave the hosts the perfect start

Toni Kroos received rave reviews following his masterclass performance for Germany against Scotland in the opening match of Euro 2024 on Friday, June 14.

The Real Madrid midfielder, who came out of retirement for a last dance at the Euros, started the tournament with an almost flawless display.

Partnering with Robert Andrich at the base of Germany's midfield, Kroos controlled the game's tempo and orchestrated play with unerring precision.

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Unsurprisingly, he played a crucial role in the opening goal, delivering a precise pass to Joshua Kimmich, who then set up Florian Wirtz to score in the 10th minute.

Kroos' masterclass vs Scotland

Although Kroos wasn't directly involved in many scoring opportunities, his influence in midfield was undeniable. By halftime, he had completed all 55 of his attempted passes.

With 10 minutes remaining, Julian Nagelsmann substituted Kroos for Emre Can, who went on to score Germany's fifth goal.

According to MadridXtra, Kroos had 107 touches, completed 101 of 102 passes with a remarkable 99% accuracy, made four key passes, and executed eight accurate long balls.

Opta Statistics further adds that it is the highest completion rate on record (since 1980) by any player to attempt 100+ passes in a game at the Euros.

Fans praise Toni Kroos

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After the game, football fans took to social media to lavish praise on the 34-year-old, who earlier announced he would call time on his career at the end of the Euros.

While others rated him as the best midfielder in the world, others reckoned he was better than Barcelona greats Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez.

An excited Real Madrid fan, @Asensii20, wrote:

"Better than Xavi and Iniesta."

@JovanRMFC reckoned that the German deserved to be considered among the creme de la creme of midfielders:

"Top 3 midfielder of all time."

@heyy_ift exclaimed:

"What a player!"

Another user, @1big_R, eulogised Kroos:

"Best midfielder in the world."

@NestorCaddy concluded:

"He's a wizard."

Wirtz nets Euro 2024 opening goal

In a related report, Sports Brief noted that Florian Wirtz scored the first goal of Euro 2024.

Wirtz netted with a first-time shot from close range, finishing Joshua Kimmich's assist in the 10th minute.

His goal made him the youngest German to score in the European Championship at 21 years and 42 days.