Report from Euro 2024 as Scotland lost 5-1 to Germany; Florian Wirtz & Jamal Musiala had the hosts two up early on; Ryan Porteous was sent off with Kai Havertz scoring from the spot; Niclas Fullkrug fired in a stunning fourth; Antonio Rudiger netted a late own goal; Emre Can made it five
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 shell-shocked 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.
Frustrations began to show and, after a VAR check, Porteous was shown a straight red for a crunching challenge on Gundogan in the box. This time a penalty was awarded.
Havertz stepped up and fired under Gunn from the spot to give the Germans a commanding 3-0 lead before the break.
Che Adams made way for Grant Hanley for the second half as Clarke looked to damage limitation and they did look brighter.
Scott McTominay won a free-kick soon after the restart, but Havertz managed to block his effort.
Germany were then back to form as Rudiger’s 25-yard drive was turned round the post by Gunn.
They did find a fourth and in some style as Fullkrug sent a stunning drive into the roof of the net. He had the ball in again soon after but it was ruled out for offside.
Scotland did have something late on as Scott McKenna’s ball came off Rudiger’s head and past Nauer for a consolation.
But the celebrations were short-lived as Emre Can – who was only called into their squad two days ago – scored Germany’s fifth in stoppage-time to earn them biggest win in the opening match of a European Championship game.
