Germany Thrashes 10-Man Scotland 5-1 in Euro 2024 Opener
Germany delivered a dominant performance, defeating 10-man Scotland 5-1 as they kicked off the Euro 2024 tournament with a decisive victory in Munich on Friday. This win marks the beginning of Germany’s quest for a record fourth continental title.
Early Dominance
Florian Wirtz opened the scoring for Germany just 10 minutes into the match, quickly followed by a powerful finish from Jamal Musiala to double the lead. Scotland’s night took a turn for the worse before halftime when Ryan Porteous was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Ilkay Gundogan. Kai Havertz converted the resulting penalty, putting Germany firmly in control.
Continued Pressure
Germany maintained their pressure in the second half, with Niclas Fuellkrug adding a fourth goal midway through after coming on as a substitute. Despite an own goal by Antonio Ruediger late in the game, Germany’s performance remained impeccable. Emre Can sealed the victory with a fifth goal in the dying moments of the match.
A Disastrous Start for Scotland
Scotland could not have imagined a worse start to their campaign. They must now regroup quickly for upcoming Group A matches against Switzerland and Hungary. After recent disappointments in major tournaments, Germany’s emphatic victory was a strong statement of intent from an experienced side.
Tactical Mastery
Germany, hosting their first major men’s tournament since the 2006 World Cup, looked to rekindle national passion under coach Julian Nagelsmann. He emphasized his players’ hunger to overcome past failures. Scotland’s coach, Steve Clarke, had urged his team to “fear no one,” but their hopes were dashed by Germany’s relentless attack.
Match Highlights
- Florian Wirtz’s Opener: Wirtz scored the first goal, assisted by Joshua Kimmich after a precise pass from Toni Kroos, who had come out of retirement for the tournament.
- Jamal Musiala’s Strike: Musiala created space and struck a powerful shot into the net, showcasing his talent.
- Porteous Red Card and Penalty: Porteous was sent off for a foul on Gundogan, leading to Havertz scoring from the penalty spot.
- Fuellkrug’s Goal: Fuellkrug’s powerful drive extended Germany’s lead to four.
- Ruediger’s Own Goal: Scotland managed a late consolation as Ruediger accidentally diverted the ball into his own net.
- Emre Can’s Finish: Can added the final goal with a long-range strike, capping off Germany’s dominant display.
Looking Ahead
Germany’s strong start sets a positive tone for their Euro 2024 campaign. They will next face Switzerland, while Scotland must bounce back against Hungary to keep their hopes alive.
Germany’s performance highlighted their potential to go far in the tournament, aiming to recapture the glory of past successes and restore their reputation on the international stage.