Germany Humilate 10-man Scots in Opening Match
Scotland were taught a lesson by classy Germany in their Euro 2024 opener as Ryan Porteous was sent off in a 5-1 defeat in Munich.
Steve Clarke’s mantra was “respect everyone, fear no one” as they looked to make it past the group stages of a major tournament for the first time.
But they looked shellshocked as Angus Gunn failed to save Florian Wirtz’s effort inside the opening 10 minutes at the Allianz Arena.
Jamal Musiala rifled a powerful shot into the roof of the net with Kai Havertz making 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.
The Germans, who last won the European Championship in 1996, were not finished and
Niclas Fullkrug smashed a wonderful drive into the top corner to add to Scotland’s woes.
Antonio Rudiger headed into his own net to finally give the Scots something to celebrate before Emre Can made it 5-1 to earn Germany the biggest win in an opening match at the Euros.
The Tartan Army descended in their thousands believing they could upset the odds, but there was an early warning as Antonio Rudiger sent a ball through to Wirtz. He was just offside but Angus Gunn reacted to save his half-volley with his head.
The hosts were in control and after a brilliant clearance from Porteous to deny Musiala a chance, they did take the lead.
Kimmich sent a long pass to Wirtz and the Bundesliga’s player of the year took his chance, Gunn did get a touch but only pushed it in off the inside of the post.
And it got worse for Scotland as they went 2-0 down after just 20 minutes.
Musiala picked up a brilliant pass from Gundogan and rifled a powerful shot into the roof of the net.
Steve Clarke had his head in his hands as the hosts were awarded a penalty soon after for Ryan Christie’s clumsy challenge on Musiala, but it was outside the box and overturned after a VAR check.
Kai Havertz’s resultant free-kick deflected off the wall and spun into Gunn’s arms.