Run the game

At that point Kroos was running the game at a leisurely pace...(Guardian June 15 2024)

If a player is 'running the game' it means that they are the one in control and the one who makes things happen; the one with most influence in the game. Scotland could not get close to Tony Kroos and so he had time and space to control the rhythm of the game which allows his team to dominate possession and space.

• He ran the game (He was the best player on the pitch)