Foot Europe Hosts Germany smash 10-man Scotland to hit ground running in Munich

Germany hit the ground running in the opening game of EURO 2024 as Julian Nagelsmann’s side overpowered ten-man Scotland in Munich.

Florian Wirtz, Leverkusen’s talisman in their march to a maiden Bundesliga title last season, tested Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn inside the opening 60 seconds, only to be ruled offside from Antonio Rudiger’s pass.

Wirtz was on the scoresheet less than ten minutes later, however, his first-time shot from Joshua Kimmich’s ball finding the bottom corner via the inside of the post.

Spurred on by their vociferous supporters, Germany continued to pin Scotland pack and doubled their advantage midway through the first half. An incisive passing move ended with Kai Havertz picking out Musiala, who fashioned space inside a crowded penalty area before lashing the ball into the roof of the net.

Things went from bad to worse for Steve Clarke’s team shortly before the interval, when Ryan Porteous was dismissed for a foul on İlkay Gündoğan inside the area – and Havertz made no mistake from the resulting spot kick.

There was no let-up for Clarke’s charges after the break. Leroy Sané and Maximilian Mittelstädt both went close to adding to Germany’s lead, but substitute Niclas Füllkrug eventually made it 4-0 with a thumping strike after the ball fell kindly for the Dortmund striker on the edge of the box.

Rudiger inadvertently steered a header past Manuel Neuer to give Scotland a consolation, yet Emre Can put the icing on the cake for the hosts with a low finish in added time.


Dennis Mabuka

Dennis Mabuka is a seasoned Kenyan journalist with 18 years of experience covering sports events. He is currently a sport content creator with en.Africatopsports.com.

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