Scholl reserves praise for Gomez

Former Germany midfielder Mehmet Scholl has praised Mario Gomez, after the striker’s performance against the Netherlands at Euro 2012.

The 41-year-old had accused the Bayern Munich striker of not working hard enough for the team, and although Gomez responded nonchalantly, Bayern general manager Christian Nerlinger leapt to the 26-year-old’s defence.

Scholl has voiced his admiration of the former Stuttgart striker’s performance against the Dutch, who has scored all three of his country’s goals at the tournament thus far.

“He had a wonderful game,” Scholl told German television channel ARD.

“He played with so much passion. There’s a reason I travel to away games.

“I stand up and see how the attack is being run from above. The audience do not have this perspective. I’ve seen things in the first game that others cannot see.

“I saw a perfect game from him, not only because of his two goals. I noted that the whole team is welded together now, too.

“Gomez had a wonderful game. Not just in front of goal, but in terms of passion. I’ve seen the first game, and things weren’t as good. But (Wednesday’s) was perfect – from beginning to end.”

Gomez will have the chance to further his bid for the European Championship golden boot when Germany face Denmark on Sunday.