Euro 2024: Germany Dominates Scotland 5-1 in Opening Match Despite Scots Playing with Ten Players

In a thrilling Euro 2024 opener, Germany crushed Scotland 5-1. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala scored early for the hosts. Scotland’s Ryan Porteous was sent off, leading to a penalty goal by Kai Havertz. Niclas Fullkrug added a spectacular fourth, while an own goal by Antonio Rudiger gave Scotland a consolation. Emre Can sealed the victory with a fifth goal. Despite playing with ten men, Scotland fought hard but were overpowered by a dominant German side. Stay updated with Euro 2024 highlights and match reports on our site.

Germany Teaches Scotland a Lesson in Euro 2024 Opener

Scotland were taught a harsh lesson by a classy German side in their Euro 2024 opener, suffering a 5-1 defeat in Munich. Ryan Porteous was sent off, adding to Scotland’s woes at the Allianz Arena.

Early German Dominance

Steve Clarke’s mantra, “respect everyone, fear no one,” quickly crumbled as Scotland looked stunned. Angus Gunn failed to save Florian Wirtz’s effort in the 10th minute. Jamal Musiala followed with a powerful shot into the roof of the net at the 19th minute. Kai Havertz then made it 3-0 from the penalty spot after Porteous was shown a straight red for a crunching challenge on Ilkay Gundogan, following a VAR check.

Germany’s Continued Pressure

The Germans, who last won the European Championship in 1996, weren’t finished. Niclas Fullkrug smashed a stunning drive into the top corner to add to Scotland’s woes. An own goal by Antonio Rudiger gave the Scots a brief celebration before Emre Can made it 5-1 with the last kick of the game, securing Germany’s biggest win in an opening match at the Euros.

Scottish Hopes Dashed

The Tartan Army descended on the stadium in their thousands, believing they could upset the odds. Early on, there was a warning as Rudiger sent a ball through to Wirtz, who was just offside. Despite Gunn’s reactive save, the hosts were in control. A brilliant clearance from Porteous initially denied Musiala a chance, but Wirtz soon capitalized on a long pass from Joshua Kimmich, with Gunn only managing to push it in off the post.

Frustration and Red Cards

Scotland’s frustration grew as a VAR check overturned a penalty awarded for Ryan Christie’s challenge on Musiala. However, Porteous’s red card for a challenge on Gundogan led to Havertz scoring from the penalty spot, giving Germany a commanding 3-0 lead before halftime.

Second Half Struggles

Che Adams was substituted for Grant Hanley as Clarke aimed to limit the damage. Despite Scott McTominay’s efforts, Germany remained dominant. Rudiger’s 25-yard drive was turned around the post by Gunn, but Fullkrug soon found the net again in spectacular fashion. Although a second goal by Fullkrug was ruled out for offside, Scotland briefly celebrated as Scott McKenna’s ball came off Rudiger’s head and past Manuel Neuer for a consolation goal.

Final Blow

The celebrations were short-lived as Emre Can, a late addition to the squad, scored Germany’s fifth goal in stoppage-time, sealing the biggest win in an opening match of a European Championship.

Clarke’s Reaction

Steve Clarke had little to say post-match, urging fans to “keep the faith.” He admitted it was a difficult night and that the team did not play to their standard, emphasizing the need to focus on the next two games to secure four points.

Analysis: Drastic Improvement Needed from Scotland

The Tartan Army waited 26 years to travel abroad for a major tournament, only to see Scotland fall flat in their opening match. Despite their successful qualifiers, including a win over Spain, Scotland failed to compete with Julian Nagelsmann’s side. They must perform significantly better in their upcoming games against Hungary and Switzerland to advance past the group stage for the first time.

Star Performer: Jamal Musiala

At just 21, Jamal Musiala was too quick and clever for Scotland to handle. He scored a brilliant second goal and displayed magic footwork and great pace, earning a standing ovation when substituted in the second half.