Euro 2024: Germany win opening game
Germany 5 - 1 Scotland
There were six goals in the first game of Euro 2024. Unfortunately for Scotland, they only managed one.
The atmosphere at Allianz Arena was electric right from the start. Just ten minutes in, Florian Wirtz effortlessly found the net to open the scoring.
Shortly after, Jamal Musiala unleashed a powerful shot that almost broke both Angus Gunn’s net and the hearts of the stunned Scottish fans behind the goal.
Before half-time, Kai Havertz made it three from the penalty spot, following Ryan Porteous’ red card which left Scotland facing an uphill battle.
Substitute Niclas Fullkrug added a fourth for Germany with a high shot into the net, though Antonio Rudiger’s late deflected own goal offered a glimmer of hope for Scotland. Their joy was short-lived, however, as Emre Can silenced the Scottish supporters deep into injury time.
This result marked the biggest win in the opening game of a European Championships.
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An amazing start for Germany
When Julian Nagelsmann took charge of the national team in September, Germany's performances were unconvincing, with a draw against Mexico and losses to Turkey and Austria. The public was sceptical.
However, victories over France and the Netherlands revived their hopes leading into this tournament.
Wirtz’s early goal resulted from patient play and territorial dominance, while Musiala and Fullkrug's strikes showcased a team full of confidence. Musiala, in particular, was sometimes unstoppable, and Toni Kroos expertly controlled the midfield.
What's next for Scotland?
For Scotland, warning signs were evident from the outset. The Germans’ relentless runs, intense pressing, and repeated exploitation of Scotland’s high line clearly indicate the challenge ahead.
Porteous’ reckless red card for a two-footed tackle on Ilkay Gundogan only confirmed the inevitable.
Scotland managed to score with their only shot on target, as Scott McKenna's effort deflected off Rudiger, wrong-footing Manuel Neuer.
Scotland's lack of sharpness in attack is a major concern, especially considering goal difference could be crucial in their remaining matches against Switzerland and Hungary.
Reaction
This is how the official Scotland Twitter/X account responded to their defeat.
A difficult evening in Munich, but your support tonight and over the last few weeks has been incredible - we don't take it for granted.
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 14, 2024
Thank you 💙#GERSCO | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/tMnl4E3GU1
Sean, a Scotland fan, told us: "Germany were outstanding, we couldn’t match them. Defensively, we weren’t very good. On the ball, we were poor. The first half ran away from us after only 20 minutes. The players just didn’t give themselves a foothold. Now we want to see a reaction, let’s see how they respond. Four points is the target. We didn’t get any tonight so it’s still the target from the next two matches in the group."
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Liam, a Manchester United fan, watched the match as a neutral: "Germany were brilliant in the first 20 minutes. They conceded but it’s a good sign from their perspective that their players complained about that. It's also strange that many were underestimating them at the start of the tournament. They were awesome and I think they can win the whole thing."
