‘Absolutely terrible’ Scotland slammed for Kroos tactic in Germany humiliation

Scotland have been branded ‘absolutely terrible’ by Rafael Van der Vaart, who didn’t hold back in his assessment of them in their thrashing at Germany.

Steve Clarke‘s side went into their Euro 2024 opener full of optimism, but were completely outplayed as they fell to a 5-1 defeat to the host nation.

It was 2-0 inside 19 minutes of the game thanks to goals by Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, while a straight red card issued to Ryan Porteous before half time, and Kai Havertz scoring the resulting penalty, meant that Scotland were tasked with clinging on against a rampant German outfit.

Losing to Germany is no disgrace, but that’s not what former Tottenham star Van der Vaart thought.

The Dutch legend, who is renowned for his no-nonsense opinions, was discussing the Euro 2024 opener on TV in the Netherlands and declared at half-time: “Scotland are absolutely terrible.

“And they thought you know what? Let’s not mark Toni Kroos.”

Kroos has announced his plans to retire from football after Euro 2024, but showed little sign of ageing in a dominant display against Scotland.

The 34-year-old dictated play with ease in Germany’s midfield and boasted 55 successful passes from 55 attempts during the first half in Munich.

That record went to 101 from 102 passes overall on the night.

He was then replaced after 80 minutes with Julian Nagelsmann‘s side 4-0 up against the Tartan Army, with their fourth coming from Niclas Fullkrug’s thunderbolt.

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Scotland did, however, grab a late consolation thanks to an own goal from Antonio Rudiger. The Germans had the last laugh with Emre Can scoring in stoppage time with shot from the edge of the penalty box.

While there’s still a long way for Germany to go in this tournament, Kroos will be hoping that he can bow out on an ultimate high.