Germany Runs Riot Against Scotland to Lift Curtain on Euro 2024

Germany national team

Euro 2024 hosts Germany kicked off the tournament with a commanding 5-1 win over Scotland on Friday, taking the top spot in Group A with three points.

First matches are crucial for boosting a team's morale, a concept Germany embraced wholeheartedly in their Euro 2024 opener. Goals from Wirtz, Musiala, and Havertz helped the hosts dominate the Scots, securing a decisive victory.

Julian Nagelsmann's side attacked relentlessly from the start, countering Steve Clarke's low block defensive strategy. The home team broke through early with a goal from Wirtz, who fired home from the edge of the box after an assist from Joshua Kimmich.

Germany's high pressing forced Scotland into constant ball losses, converting these into scoring opportunities. Minutes after Wirtz's opener, Gundogan split the defense with a pass to Havertz, who then set up Musiala to smash the ball into the net.

The situation worsened for Clarke's side when Porteous received a red card for a reckless tackle on Gundogan. Initially missed by referee Clement Turpin, the foul was penalized after a VAR review, resulting in a penalty. Havertz converted from the spot, sending Angus Gunn the wrong way to make it 3-0 before halftime.

Despite playing with ten men, Scotland managed to contain Germany's second-half attacks for a while. However, substitute Fullkrug added a fourth goal shortly after coming on. Although a fifth goal by Fullkrug was disallowed for offside, Scotland pulled one back when McKenna's header deflected off Rudiger into the net.

Emre Can sealed the victory with a classy finish, beating Gunn from the edge of the box. Germany's emphatic win marked the largest opening match victory in European Championship history.