Germany Kicks Off Euro 2024 with a Dominant 5-1 Victory Over 10-Man Scotland
Host nation Germany began their Euro 2024 campaign with a resounding 5-1 win over Scotland, who played most of the match with 10 men at Allianz Arena on Friday. Goals from Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala set the stage for Germany’s biggest victory in Euros history, giving a significant boost to their confidence and raising excitement among home fans.
Germany captain Ilkay Gündogan expressed his delight with the start, emphasizing the importance of the euphoria created in the stadium. “That’s exactly what we need in order to go far,” Gündogan told German broadcaster ZDF.
Key Moments and Goals
10th Minute: Florian Wirtz opened the scoring, becoming Germany’s youngest Euros goal-scorer at 21, after a brilliant assist from Joshua Kimmich.
19th Minute: Jamal Musiala doubled the tally, combining well with Kai Havertz.
Halftime: Ryan Porteous of Scotland was sent off for a foul on Gündogan, leading to a penalty converted by Havertz.
Second Half: Niclas Füllkrug and Emre Can added to Scotland’s woes with late goals.
Consolation Goal: Scotland scored a late consolation when Kieran McKenna’s header deflected in off Germany’s Antonio Rüdiger.
Scotland’s Struggles and Future Matches
Scotland, which hadn’t registered a shot on goal until late in the match, struggled to meet their standard. Coach Steve Clarke acknowledged the team’s disappointment and emphasized the need to improve against Hungary and Switzerland to progress beyond Group A.
Player Highlights
Niclas Füllkrug: Scored a stunning goal just five minutes after being substituted in.
Emre Can: Added a late goal in stoppage time, having joined the squad only two days earlier as a replacement for the ill Aleksandar Pavlovic.
Spectators and Honorees
The match also honored late German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer, with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Scotland First Minister John Swinney, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in attendance.
Germany will next face Hungary on Wednesday, while Scotland prepares to take on Switzerland.
