The German national press have now shared their thoughts on Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz after his latest Euro 2024 display.
Arsenal star Kai Havertz once again led the line for Germany on Saturday night as the Euro 2024 host nation secured a quarter-final spot with a 2-0 win over Denmark.
It was fascinating, and somewhat strange, encounter between the two sides in Dortmund. There was a lengthy delay as the game was paused during the first half due to the outbreak of a violent storm.
Sheets of rain lashed down onto the pitch, and lightning bolts slashed through the sky around the stadium.
The game itself then exploded into life in the second half. The Danes had a goal ruled-out by VAR for an offside infringement, and then moments later and even more controversially, Germany were awarded a penalty after technology again intervened to judge that Joachim Andersen handled the ball in his own penalty area.
In the 53rd minute, Havertz stepped up and converted clinically from the spot, bagging his second goal of the tournament. His first strike also came via a penalty.
This was a match that showcased the best and worst of Havertz. The 25-year-old showed flashes of sheer brilliance, produced some wonderful skill, created opportunities for his teammates, and offered intelligent movement.
However, his finishing, the penalty aside, was wasteful. Had he been more clinical in front of goal, he may well have bagged a hat-trick. Havertz shone as a striker for Arsenal in the second half of the season, but fans of the club and Mikel Arteta will all feel familiar with his inconsistent finishing.
German media rate Arsenal forward Kai Havertz after beating Denmark at Euro 2024
The national media were quick to share their thoughts on Havertz’s performance after Germany beat Denmark.
Sky Sports Germany said: “The Arsenal star first fails to beat Schmeichel from a free position, then puts Germany in front from the penalty spot. Then he lets the 2-0 goal slip after a world-class solo effort – but still a strong second half.”
Sport noted that the Gunners’ target man: “Was often able to outwit the Danish central defenders with his movements. Opened up space for his colleagues and had several great chances himself. Remained ice-cold when it came to penalties. But he definitely should have scored more goals. He needs to improve his efficiency.”
Spox reviewed his performance, saying: “As a false nine, he was a constant source of danger. He tested Schmeichel with a demanding direct shot in the 10th minute. In the 37th minute, he headed the ball too centrally from a promising position.
“In the 53rd minute, Havertz scored from the penalty spot to make it 1-0 – his second goal of the tournament, his second from the spot. In the 59th minute and in injury time, he missed huge chances to score his second goal, and in between he brilliantly set up Sané.”
Ruhr24 stated: “Havertz failed to score a direct shot from a free position after 10 minutes against Schmeichel. He had a few more top opportunities before he kept his nerve from the penalty spot and scored with a precise low shot to make it 1-0 (54th minute).
“He then missed a 100% chance to make it 2-0 from a free position (60th minute) and failed again from a free position against Schmeichel’s strong reaction in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Good performance, important goal, but should really score more often than “just” once.”
Arteta has Arsenal stars in Marbella whilst Bukayo Saka struggles at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent poor performances at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka receiving mixed reviews for England so far, Gareth Southgate’s tactical decisions were questioned.
There was some talk about the members of the Arsenal squad currently on a surprise training camp with Mikel Arteta in Marbella, as well as a brief look at how Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are getting on at the Copa America with Brazil.
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