The Euro 2024 has begun and the German team has put on the table a sample of its power by defeating Scotland with a 5-1 crush. The meeting took place at the iconic Allianz Arena in Munichwhere the hosts sought to shake off the pressure of previous tournaments and start on the right foot.
From the opening whistle, Germany played a dominant game that left Scotland with no options. Those led by Julian Nagelsmann imposed their rhythm, controlling possession of the ball and constantly putting pressure on the Scottish team. The solid performance of key players such as Toni Kroos, Florian Wirtz, Ilkay Gündogan, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz was crucial to clear local dominance.
Germany’s first big chance came just 10 minutes into the match. Florian Wirtz, who had previously shone in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, took advantage of a mistake by the Scottish defense to open the scoring. This first goal laid the foundation for what would be a goal festival by the German team.
The impact was immediate. Toni Kroos shifted play to the right flank, where Kimmich received the ball and sent it to Wirtz on the edge of the area. Without hesitation, Wirtz finished first, the ball brushed Gunn’s glove, hit the post and ended up in the back of the net.
Shortly after, Jamal Musiala, Bayern Munich’s young talent, extended the German lead with a brilliant play that left the Scottish goalkeeper with no options. Germany had managed to make the score 2-0, and the team’s confidence was reflected in every pass and movement on the field.
With a few seconds left before the break, Germany would strike again. Kai Havertz, another of the key figures in Nagelsmann’s scheme, was in charge of converting a penalty into a goal, taking the score to a resounding 3-0. From the penalty spot he doesn’t fail. With a pause in his run, he dislodges Gunn and sends the ball to the opposite side. The German team is about to decide the match.
In the second half, Germany continued to dominate the match. Niclas Füllkrug, another of the changes made by Nagelsmann, increased the lead with a powerful shot that made the score 4-0. A filtered pass reaches Gündogan in the area, who cannot control it and the ball escapes behind him. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the striker picks it up, adjusts it and shoots hard towards the corner. A true 110 km/h missile that leaves the Scottish fans blank.
Scotland, who suffered the expulsion of Porteous and were struggling with one less player, tried to regroup without success. Neither Andy Robertson, nor Scott McTominay, nor Ryan Christie managed to influence the game, becoming mere spectators as Germany continued their dominance. However, they make their debut on the scoreboard thanks to an own goal from Antonio Rüdiger, who gives Scotland a brief moment of relief.
Emre Canone of the surprises of the national team just one week before the game debuts, and closes the score with a 5 – 1 for Germany.
This impressive German debut at Euro 2024 sends a clear signal to their future rivals in Group A. Although will face Hungary and Switzerland In the next games, this devastating start at home puts on the table the desire of a team that wants to shine again in one of the things that the Germans do best.
For Scotland, the challenge will be to recover quickly from this blow and learn from the mistakes made. With more games ahead, they still have the opportunity to turn the tide and fight for a place in the knockout stages.
