Hosts Rout Scotland in 2024 Euro Opener

Within the first 10 minutes in the opening match of the European Championships, hosts Germany found themselves in cruise control against away side Scotland. In what was a dictated pace of play by the Germans, the early goal from Florian Wirtz was the beginning of the end for the opposing Scottish side. Germany would smell blood in the water with the home crowd on their side, as they took authority from kickoff. With no answer, Scotland would succumb to the star power the Germans possess. Germany would end this one with no question, 5-1, and look forward to the path in the competition. 

Hosts Rout Scotland in 2024 Euro Opener

In a first half that started with the Wirtz goal within the first 10-minute frame, lightning would strike again for the hosts soon after. The class that Germany was putting on display was far superior to Scotland, executing at a world-class level. Youngster Jamal Musiala would add his name to the score sheet nine minutes after the first strike, with a beautiful ball assisted by Kai Havertz. Roofing the ball into the back of the net, and the Germans would celebrate. The rout was on early for Germany, bathing in possession and having much of the ball in the attacking third for the portion of the half. Havertz would then tack on a goal for himself after 2023 Treble winner Ilkay Gundogan endured a harsh tackle in the box. After the referee went to the VAR, it was insisted that the stud’s up challenge from Ryan Porteous was deemed dangerous. The straight red card was given, and the dream start for Germany would continue. Havertz sent Scottish keeper Angus Gunn the wrong way, slotting the third goal of the first half past him. 

With Scotland not having a shot on target in the first 45, Manuel Neuer would have one of the easier halves of his career. While Scotland is down to 10 men for the remainder of the game, panic mode has settled in for the Scottish. While getting into the dressing room at halftime, the key is trying not to concede more goals for their hopes of sneaking in one of the potential four third-place spots. Unfortunately with the vast difference after the sending-off, the party continued for the ruthless Germans in this match. 

Germany Takes Control in the Second Frame

The halftime talk from Scotland was holding true for the most part, staying in the fight down a man. With substitute Niclas Fullkrug coming on in the 63rd minute, it took him no more than six minutes to make his mark in this contest. With a ball being bounced around the Scottish box, it fell on the volley to Fullkrug where he made no mistake. A laser roofed into the top corner would make the substitute known while putting this match to sleep. With the consistent attack from the Germans, Gunn was tested late but stood tall. Scotland would find themselves on the slight attack with a set piece, where they would find the back of the net finally in this contest. The clean sheet would be over for the Germans as a header redirected off Antonio Rudiger would put the consolation goal on the board. However, Germany was not done yet as a cross clipped in from Thomas Muller found Emre Can, who twirled the ball past Gunn once more. A game from Gunn that is one to forget, as they drop points in their opening match once again.

The mauling Scotland took is going to be tough to overcome in terms of goal differential in Group A. Scotland will look ahead to a matchup against Switzerland, where the tactics will have to change versus a lesser side. On the other hand, hosts Germany will look towards a battle with Hungary next week. Barring the other results of the Group tomorrow, Germany can clinch themselves the group with a win versus the Hungarians in a week's time.