Eko Hot Blog reports that Scotland endured a tough lesson from a classy Germany in their Euro 2024 opener, suffering a 5-1 defeat in Munich, with Ryan Porteous being sent off.
Steve Clarke’s mantra, “respect everyone, fear no one,” guided Scotland as they aimed to advance past the group stage of a major tournament for the first time.
However, they appeared stunned when Angus Gunn failed to save Florian Wirtz’s shot in the 10th minute at the Allianz Arena.
Jamal Musiala (19) then fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net, and Kai Havertz made it 3-0 from the penalty spot.
After Ryan Porteous received a straight red card in the 44th minute for a crunching challenge on Ilkay Gundogan, following a VAR check.
The Germans, last crowned European champions in 1996, were not finished, as Niclas Fullkrug smashed a brilliant shot into the top corner to further add to Scotland’s woes.
Antonio Rudiger headed into his own net, finally giving the Scots something to celebrate.
Writz celebrates the opening goal of the match
However, 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.
The Tartan Army filled the stadium in their thousands, believing they could defy the odds.
However, there was an early warning when Rudiger sent a ball through to Wirtz.
Although he was just offside, Gunn had to react quickly to save his half-volley with his head.
The hosts were in control, and despite a brilliant clearance from Porteous to deny Musiala a chance, they eventually took the lead.
Joshua Kimmich sent a long pass to Wirtz, and the Bundesliga’s player of the year seized the opportunity.
Although Gunn got a touch, he could only deflect it in off the inside of the post.
It soon got worse for Scotland as they fell 2-0 behind after just 19 minutes when Musiala received a brilliant pass from Gundogan and smashed a powerful shot into the roof of the net.
Clarke had his head in his hands when the hosts were awarded a penalty following Ryan Christie’s clumsy challenge on Musiala.
However, a VAR check revealed the foul occurred outside the box, and the decision was overturned.
Havertz’s resultant free-kick deflected off the wall and spun into Gunn’s arms.
Frustration began to show for Scotland, and after a VAR review, Porteous was shown a straight red card for a crunching challenge on Gundogan in the box.
This time, a penalty was awarded.
Ryan Porteous crunching challenge on Gundogan
Havertz confidently stepped up and fired the ball under Gunn from the spot, giving the Germans a commanding 3-0 lead before the break.
Soon after the restart, Scott McTominay won a free-kick, but Havertz managed to block his effort.
Germany regained control as Rudiger’s 25-yard drive was turned around the post by Gunn.
Nevertheless, they did find a fourth goal, and in spectacular fashion, as Fullkrug unleashed a stunning drive into the roof of the net.
He thought he had scored again shortly after, but it was ruled out for offside.
Scotland did find something to celebrate late on as Scott McKenna’s ball deflected off Rudiger’s head and past Manuel Neuer for a consolation goal.
However, the celebrations were short-lived as Can, who was only called into the squad two days ago, scored Germany’s fifth in stoppage time.
Hence, securing them the biggest win in the opening match of a European Championship game.
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