Julian Nagelsmann’s side ran riot on Friday as Kai Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can also got on the scoresheet
Getting off to a fast start in an international tournament doesn’t guarantee anything, but Germany certainly laid down a marker in the opening game of Euro 2024 as the hosts swept Scotland aside with a 5-1 victory in Munich.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side got off to a fast start, as Florian Wirtz swept home the opening goal from the edge of the penalty area, before Jamal Musiala doubled the lead inside the first 20 minutes as he powered an effort into the top corner after good play from Ilkay Gundogan and Kai Havertz.
The points in Group A were secure before half-time, as Gundogan was the victim of a foul by Ryan Porteous late in the first half that led to the Scotland defender seeing red and Havertz converting from the penalty spot.
Germany unsurprisingly eased up after the break, but they still managed to add to the scoreline as substitute Niclas Fullkrug smashed in a stunning strike after a flowing attack from just inside the penalty area.
The Borussia Dortmund striker thought he had a second, too, but his ricocheted effort was ruled out for offside before Antonio Rudiger headed into his own goal for a Scotland consolation. That didn’t dishearten the hosts, however, and Emre Can rounded out the scoring with a low effort from 20 yards in stoppage-time.
Footballblogzz rates Germany’s players from the Allianz Arena…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Manuel Neuer (6/10):
A spectator until Rudiger’s header flashed past him in. If he has an easier game in the tournament, it would be a shock.
Joshua Kimmich (7/10):
Laid on Wirtz’s opener and was a good outlet down the right, pushing Robertson back in the process.
Antonio Rudiger (6/10):
Commanding presence at the back, and made a couple of eye-catching long passes. Tested Gunn with an effort from distance in the second half, too, before his unfortunate header flew into his own net late on.
Jonathan Tah (6/10):
Barely troubled alongside Rudiger. Did pick up a booking, though.
Max Mittelstadt (6/10):
Little nervy to begin with, but soon grew into the game. Pushed forward well down the left-hand side.
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Midfield
Robert Andrich (6/10):
Broke up play well in front of the Germany defence. Booked, which likely led to his half-time substitution.
Toni Kroos (8/10):
Dropped deep and dictated the whole game, barely misplacing a pass. Incisive forward balls began the moves that led to each of the first two goals.
Ilkay Gundogan (9/10):
Absolutely elusive. Scotland had no idea where the Germany captain was as he took up positions between the line. Superb turn and pass led to Musiala’s goal, and he also won the penalty.
Attack
Jamal Musiala (10/10):
Absolutely sensational. Lashed an excellent strike into the top corner to make it 2-0 and was almost unstoppable from that point forward. Left countless defenders for dead with his quick feet and almost always picked the right ball.
Kai Havertz (8/10):
Nerveless penalty rounded out a solid showing from the Arsenal forward as his clever movement caused problems. Also laid on the assist for Musiala’s goal.
Florian Wirtz (9/10):
Scotland couldn’t get near him in the first half, as he constantly switched positions and found pockets of space. Opened the scoring with a good finish, though was a bit wasteful after the break.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Pascal Gross (6/10):
Kept things ticking over after replacing Andrich at the break.
Niclas Fullkrug (8/10):
Superb finish for the German fourth, and was unfortunate to have another chalked off for offside.
Leroy Sane (5/10):
Wasted a good chance immediately after coming on and ran down too many blind alleys.
Thomas Muller (6/10):
Put himself about after replacing Musiala.
Emre Can (7/10):
Only on for the final 10 minutes but that was enough time to get on the scoresheet.
Julian Nagelsmann (9/10):
Has fine-tuned this system over the course of 2024 and it paid off and then some on Friday. His team will take some stopping on this evidence.
