Sorry Scotland suffer big defeat to Germany on opening night

Euro 2024 started in ideal fashion for the host nation as Germany secured a dominant 5-1 win over a Scotland side who played the entire second half with 10 men.

Germany made a lightning start in Munich as they dominated possession, and it took just 10 minutes to find the opener as Florian Wirtz fired in off the post to score the first goal of the tournament.

There was little let-up from the hosts, who just under 10 minutes later had their second as Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala, who troubled Scotland all night, smashed the ball past Angus Gunn.

The three-time winners of this competition continued to lord over Scotland, whose dismal first half was compounded just before the break as a last-ditch, two-footed Ryan Porteous challenge resulted in both a penalty and red card. Kai Havertz dispatched the penalty, giving the hosts a three-goal advantage at half-time.

The second half was a largely similar affair as Germany continued to press on, keeping Scotland camped on the edge of their 18-yard box.

Niclas Fullkrug came on to add a fourth for Germany before an Antonio Rudiger own goal gave Scotland something to celebrate.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Emre Can, however, added a fifth with almost the last kick of the game to put the icing on the cake for Germany as they secured the biggest win in any opening European Championship game.

You can never truly rule the Germans out of an international tournament but given their chaotic 2023 and performances at the previous two finals hope was low for Julian Nagelsmann’s side. Yet they played with a swagger and confidence that only potential winners could. 5-1 did not flatter the hosts and no doubt many will be sitting up and taking notice of Germany if they were not already.

A fantastic performance from the 21-year-old who produced magic from the first whistle. The Scottish defence could not handle his movement with and without the ball. He scored Germany’s second, was heavily involved in the third and if not for a yard would have won a penalty for the hosts.

The Bayern Munich man showed why he is one of the players to fear this tournament.

Germany: Neuer 6, Kimmich 7, Rudiger 7, Tah 6, Mittelslaedt 6, Andrich 5, Kroos 8, Musiala 9, Gundogan 8, Wirtz 7, Havertz 7. Subs: Gross 6, Sane 7, Fullkrug 7, Muller 6, Can 6.

Scotland: Gunn 5, Porteous 2, Hendry 3, Tierney 4, McTominay 5, Mcgregor 4, Robertson 5, McGinn 4, Christie 3, Adams 4. Subs: Hanley 4, Gilmour 4, Mclean 5, Mckenna 6, Shankland 5.

10’ GOAL! – GERMANY 1-0 SCOTLAND (WIRTZ) – Just ten minutes into EURO 2024 and we have our first goal! Florian Wirtz fires a wonderful strike which, via an Angus Gunn glove, goes in off the post to give the hosts a well-deserved lead!

19’ GOAL! – GERMANY 2-0 SCOTLAND (MUSIALA) – It’s another for the hosts! More great movement from the German forward line. Gundogan plays a defence splitting pass to Havertz who lays back to Musiala who smashes the ball into the roof of the net.

45’ RED CARD SCOTLAND! (PORTEOUS) – As if things couldn’t get any worse for Scotland they’re down to ten men as Porteous is rightly dismissed for the two footed challenge on Gundogen

45’ GOAL! – GERMANY 3-0 SCOTLAND (HAVERTZ) – After long wait Havertz cooly puts the penalty away. Its three for the hosts and a perfect first 45 minutes for Germany

68’ GOAL! – GERMANY 4-0 SCOTLAND (FUlKRUG) – What a strike from the striker! A fantastic first touch and then an emphatic finish which arrows into the top right corner. A sad day for the travelling Scottish fans gets worse

87’ GOAL! – GERMANY 4-1 SCOTLAND (RUDIGER OG) – A goal out of nothing and Scotland have something to celebrate. A deep free-kick is sent into the box McKenna connects and after a wicked deflection it finds its way in!

93’ GOAL! – GERMANY 5-1 SCOTLAND (CAN) – Another goal with possibly the last kick of the game! A lovely curling strike from the edge of the box which nestles in the bottom corner. The icing on the cake for Germany