Hosts Germany dominate 10-man Scotland in Euro 2024 opener

Germany crushed a 10-man Scotland 5-1 in the opening match of Euro 2024 in Munich on Friday, launching their campaign with high hopes of clinching a record fourth continental title.

Florian Wirtz opened the scoring just 10 minutes in, and Jamal Musiala quickly followed with a powerful finish to double Germany’s lead.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better start. The atmosphere in the country is fantastic, and we need to keep that momentum,” Musiala remarked about Germany’s explosive start.

Scotland’s night worsened before halftime when Ryan Porteous received a red card for a two-footed tackle on Ilkay Gundogan, resulting in a penalty that Kai Havertz converted.

Substitute Niclas Fuellkrug added a fourth goal midway through the second half, and despite a late own goal from Antonio Ruediger, Germany’s campaign began flawlessly. Emre Can sealed the victory with a fifth goal in the dying moments.

– Scotland’s Disastrous Start –
Scotland’s rough start means they need to regroup swiftly for their upcoming Group A matches against Switzerland and Hungary.

“Today was a major disappointment, but facing the host nation in the first game is incredibly tough,” said Scotland captain Andy Robertson.

For Germany, this performance marks a strong statement after three consecutive failures at major tournaments, including early exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

This is Germany’s first men’s major tournament as hosts since the 2006 World Cup, and they hope to reignite the nation’s passion for the national team.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann had emphasized his players’ desire to make amends for recent disappointments, with growing optimism since his appointment in September.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s coach Steve Clarke encouraged his team to “fear no one” as they entered their second consecutive Euros after two decades away from the international stage.

Germany immediately took control of the game against a Scotland side that arrived in Munich with just one win from their last nine matches—a modest 2-0 victory over Gibraltar last week.

– Germany’s Strong Start –
Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn made an early save against an offside Wirtz, but Germany quickly took command.

Toni Kroos, who returned from retirement earlier this year, sent a pass to Joshua Kimmich, who set up Wirtz to score from the edge of the area, with Gunn unable to keep the shot out.

Kroos, set to retire after this tournament, along with Gundogan, provided Germany with an experienced and effective midfield duo.

Gundogan then threaded a pass to Havertz, who set up Musiala for a strike into the roof of the net.

Germany initially won a penalty when Musiala was brought down by Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney, but a VAR review showed the foul occurred outside the box.

However, another VAR review soon awarded Germany a penalty for a foul on Gundogan by Porteous, who was sent off. Havertz calmly converted the penalty, deflating Scotland’s previously lively supporters.

Scotland attempted to limit the damage in the second half, but Fuellkrug’s powerful shot into the top corner added another goal shortly after he replaced Havertz.

Scotland’s only consolation came three minutes from the end when Ruediger accidentally diverted Scott McKenna’s header past Manuel Neuer.

Germany capped off their triumph with Can’s curling shot from 20 yards, completing a perfect night.

Reigning European champions Italy, who missed the last World Cup, begin their title defense against Albania in Dortmund on Saturday. Before that, Spain faces Croatia in Berlin, with Hungary taking on Switzerland in Cologne in the day’s first match.