On Saturday evening, Real Madrid appeared set to succumb to Borussia Dortmund. Dominating the first 70 minutes of the Champions League final, Die Schwarzgelben could have easily found themselves three or four goals to the good.
With Niclas Füllkrug and Karim Adeyemi missing big chances for BvB, Los Blancos were alive but barely surviving. That was until Toni Kroos started finding more and more time on the ball.
Then, as the 34-year-old started to dictate proceedings and take the momentum away from Dortmund, Madrid pounced. Assisting the first goal from a corner, Kroos became Dortmund’s worst nightmare, creating chances at will.
As the final whistle blew, Madrid were once again crowned champions of Europe, and it would not have been possible without Kroos. This does, therefore, make it even more unbelievable that the midfielder will be retiring after EURO 2024, something that Carlo Ancelotti explained (via Sky Germany) he hopes Kroos ultimately decides against:
“We hope he changes his mind, and if he does, we’ll be there. He is a legend at this club, and we all thank him for what he has done. Not only through his play, but also through his attitude and professionalism. In ten years, he has not missed a single day.”
Nevertheless, Kroos would state after the game that his decision is final, and after the European championships, he will retire. In what has been a remarkable career, Germany winning EURO 2024 will be the cherry on top for the 34-year-old.
GGFN | Will Shopland
