- Macdara Ferris
- Fri, Jun 14 2024
The opening match of EURO 2024 held in Munich saw host nation Germany beat Scotland 5-1.
It was a tough night for Scotland who have yet to progress out of the group stage of any major senior men’s tournament they have played in – from World Cups and the four Euros they have qualified for. There are up against it once again after this four goal defeat.
There were 3-0 down and had only ten men on the pitch at the break so maybe Steve Clarke’s men might think themselves lucky to only lose 5-1.
They were a goal behind after just ten minutes when Florian Wirtz scored taking Joshua Kimmich’s pass and firing home by Angus Gunn from the edge of the area.
Die Mannschaft doubled their lead in the 19th minute through Jamal Musiala from a fine finish, when he spun on the ball and rifled home by Gunn.
Ryan Porteous was sent off a minute before the break for a two footed challenge on German skipper Ilkay Gundogan. Kai Havertz dispatched the peno with his left boot.
Substitute Niclas Fullkurg blasted home the fourth in the 68th minute before another German player got on the scoresheet three minutes from time – that was when Antonio Rudiger headed into his own net giving the sizeable Scottish travelling support something to cheer for.
However, the four goal margin was restored in injury time when Emre Can curled home one from the edge of the penalty area.
Germany: Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Maximilian Mittelstadt, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah; Robert Andrich (Pascal Groß 46), Ilkay Gundogan, Toni Kroos, Jamal Musiala (Thomas Muller 74), Florian Wirtz (Leroy Sané 63); Kai Havertz (Niclas Fullkrug 63).
Subs not used: Oliver Baumann, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, David Raum, Waldemar Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck, Emre Can, Robin Koch, Benjamin Henrichs, Chris Führich, Maximilian Beier, Deniz Undav.
Booked: Robert Andrich (31), Jonathan Tah (62).
Scotland: Angus Gunn; Jack Hendry, Ryan Porteous, Kieran Tierney (Scott Fraser McKenna 78); Callum McGregor (Billy Gilmour 67), Scott McTominay, Anthony Ralston, Andrew Robertson; Che Adams (Grant Hanley 46), Ryan Christie (Lawrence Shankland 82), John McGinn (Kenny McLean 67).
Subs not used: Zander Clark, Liam Kelly, Robby McCrorie, Greg Taylor, Liam Cooper, Ryan Jack, Lewis Morgan, Stuart Armstrong, James Forrest, Tommy Conway.
Booked: Anthony Ralston (48).
Sent off: Ryan Porteous (44).
Referee: Clément Turpin (France)
